title_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n will_v be_v content_a to_o have_v their_o predecessor_n deed_n and_o grant_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v null_a and_o void_a and_o far_o less_o can_v this_o pretence_n conclude_v any_o thing_n to_o find_v the_o other_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n relate_v to_o their_o negative_a interest_n in_o the_o call_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n iii_o next_o it_o be_v but_o too_o evident_a that_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v this_o care_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n patrimony_n from_o dilapidation_n and_o misapplication_n be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o patron_n be_v business_n or_o concernment_n all_o the_o care_n he_o take_v in_o this_o affair_n be_v mere_o that_o no_o body_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o dilapidate_v or_o misapply_v the_o church_n rent_n and_o live_n but_o himself_o and_o certain_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o power_n of_o patronage_n may_v most_o just_o and_o deserve_o be_v term_v a_o jus_fw-la onerosum_fw-la a_o very_a grievous_a and_o burdensome_a power_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a office_n appoint_v for_o prevent_v the_o dilapidation_n and_o mismanagement_n or_o misapply_v of_o the_o church_n patrimony_n and_o for_o punish_v of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o nation_n that_o will_v feel_v the_o weight_n of_o justice_n more_o deserve_o upon_o that_o account_n than_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o patron_n themselves_o who_o as_o they_o be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la guilty_a with_o many_o other_o sacrilegious_a impropriator_n of_o the_o dilapidating_a and_o misapplication_n of_o the_o church_n live_n &_o patrimony_n without_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o material_a right_n so_o they_o do_v pretend_v as_o we_o may_v have_v far_a occasion_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o jure_fw-la they_o may_v lawful_o retain_v in_o their_o own_o hand_n whatever_o part_n of_o the_o benefice_n they_o can_v agree_v with_o the_o intrant_fw-la to_o allow_v and_o that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o vacancy_n the_o fruit_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o benefice_n must_v return_v to_o their_o own_o private_a use_n iu._n but_o three_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o right_n and_o patrimony_n and_o in_o her_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n also_o be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n very_o necessary_a and_o desirable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n not_o only_o on_o every_o christian_a in_o power_n in_o their_o several_a station_n but_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n upon_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o by_o his_o office_n be_v the_o church_n nurse_n father_n and_o not_o only_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o magistrate_n but_o their_o honour_n and_o profit_n also_o and_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v their_o comfort_n that_o they_o have_v employ_v all_o their_o power_n and_o interest_n and_o bring_v all_o their_o honour_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n for_o who_o good_a our_o bless_a lord_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o state_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o send_v forth_o his_o angel_n as_o minister_a spirit_n but_o any_o power_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v in_o these_o matter_n be_v only_o a_o power_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la and_o no_o power_n in_o sacris_fw-la with_o reference_n to_o a_o negative_a interest_n in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o full_a and_o better_a right_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o spiritual_a capacity_n and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n therein_o than_o all_o the_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v give_v they_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v only_o cumulative_a whereby_o he_o may_v confirm_v and_o maintain_v the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n but_o no_o way_n privative_a of_o they_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o interpose_v his_o interest_n and_o authority_n for_o her_o defence_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o her_o right_n but_o can_v neither_o deprive_v she_o of_o they_o not_o confer_v or_o confirm_v the_o same_o in_o favour_n of_o any_o other_o that_o usurp_v or_o invad_v they_o to_o her_o prejudice_n v._n four_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a opinion_n of_o divine_n that_o the_o church_n herself_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o symoniacal_a or_o sacrilegious_a dilapidation_n and_o misapplication_n of_o her_o patrimony_n and_o this_o they_o gather_v by_o due_a analogy_n from_o the_o apostle_n peter_n inflict_v 8._o act_n 5_o act_v 8._o of_o the_o punishment_n of_o death_n upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n for_o their_o sacrilegious_a concealment_n of_o what_o they_o have_v consecrate_v to_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o church_n and_o from_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o simon_n magus_n from_o who_o the_o crime_n of_o simony_n derive_v its_o name_n vi_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v complete_o perfect_a in_o every_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v noways_o deficient_a in_o settle_v institution_n proper_o ecclesiastical_a for_o the_o oversight_n of_o these_o matter_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a time_n we_o find_v that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o collect_v and_o distribute_v of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o deacon_n who_o be_v ordinar_a and_o stand_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v countable_a to_o she_o for_o their_o administration_n and_o censurable_a by_o she_o in_o case_n they_o be_v find_v to_o maleverse_v these_o office-bearer_n have_v true_o a_o kind_n of_o power_n in_o sacris_fw-la or_o a_o lawful_a warrant_n to_o meddle_v with_o a_o thing_n consecrate_a and_o devote_v to_o god_n for_o pious_a use_n and_o as_o this_o office_n be_v in_o itself_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n and_o found_v upon_o a_o lawful_a warrant_n so_o it_o be_v ordinary_o exerce_v by_o man_n of_o credit_n and_o interest_n 28._o acts._n 6_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 28._o and_o such_o as_o be_v eminent_a for_o piety_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o 1_o cor._n 12._o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v regret_v that_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o a_o maintenance_n to_o such_o officer_n stand_v deprive_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o patrociny_n and_o protection_n vii_o they_o be_v style_v in_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o word_n import_v the_o stand_n over_o against_o a_o man_n for_o help_v in_o the_o lift_n of_o a_o burden_n that_o be_v too_o weighty_a for_o he_o alone_o and_o be_v a_o term_n that_o very_o proper_o and_o more_o full_o and_o significant_o express_v the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o this_o office_n than_o any_o word_n in_o our_o language_n can_v for_o without_o such_o help_n so_o our_o translation_n render_v the_o word_n who_o may_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o care_n of_o collect_v and_o dispense_n what_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o pious_a use_n the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n can_v not_o but_o meet_v with_o many_o hindrance_n and_o obstruction_n for_o when_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n like_o the_o neglect_a levit_n 13._o nehem._n 13._o must_v flee_v every_o one_o to_o his_o field_n and_o be_v entangle_v in_o secular_a affair_n and_o law_n suit_n for_o recovery_n of_o their_o live_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o can_v wait_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o function_n as_o they_o ought_v the_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n be_v of_o itself_o without_o the_o unnecessar_n addition_n of_o other_o civil_a affair_n of_o so_o great_a a_o weight_n and_o require_v so_o much_o assiduity_n and_o application_n that_o it_o make_v even_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o eminent_a minister_n that_o ever_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v cry_v out_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n or_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a when_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n 16._o 2_o cor._n 2_o 16._o be_v so_o inveigle_v in_o civil_a business_n and_o debate_n but_o they_o must_v turn_v cold_a and_o faint_a in_o that_o edge_n and_o zeal_n that_o render_v they_o useful_a and_o profitable_a labourer_n in_o the_o lord_n vine-yard_n viii_o and_o though_o this_o office_n of_o deacon_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v among_o the_o low_a yet_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o be_v of_o no_o mean_a account_n man_n of_o the_o best_a note_n and_o consideration_n for_o piety_n and_o wealth_n be_v ordinary_o entrust_v with_o it_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o forecited_n place_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n the_o church_n have_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o diaconis_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la elegendis_fw-la curandum_fw-la ut_fw-la caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la lautioris_fw-la
gal._n 3.28_o col._n 3_o 11._o but_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o matter_n of_o common_a right_n there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n for_o in_o christ_n there_o be_v neither_o bond_n nor_o free_a sect._n xii_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o election_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n 1._o as_o we_o have_v assert_v that_o patronage_n be_v no_o divine_a institution_n and_o that_o the_o patron_n have_v not_o the_o right_a of_o elect_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n so_o we_o must_v also_o show_v to_o who_o this_o right_a of_o election_n do_v proper_o belong_v lest_o other_o that_o have_v as_o little_a right_n may_v lay_v claim_n to_o it_o as_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n patrimony_n which_o when_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o popish_a clergy_n who_o have_v no_o true_a right_o to_o it_o be_v not_o restore_v to_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o to_o private_a person_n who_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o i_o be_o sure_o have_v as_o little_a right_n as_o the_o former_a possessor_n ii_o and_o therefore_o the_o next_o ground_n that_o we_o shall_v insist_v upon_o against_o patronage_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o as_o this_o power_n be_v no_o divine_a institution_n but_o a_o manifest_a usurpation_n so_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o clear_o destroy_v and_o render_v useless_a the_o ordinance_n appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n only_a head_n for_o the_o election_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o church_n and_o thereby_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o guilt_n of_o reject_v our_o bless_a lord_n from_o be_v king_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o his_o own_o house_n and_o of_o establish_v strange_a lord_n and_o new_a lawgiver_n therein_o for_o the_o patron_n look_v out_o nomination_n of_o and_o pitch_v upon_o such_o a_o determinate_a person_n to_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o either_o presbitry_n or_o people_n do_v evident_o take_v away_o the_o ordinance_n of_o a_o free_a and_o unlimited_a election_n of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o such_o a_o charge_n and_o most_o acceptable_a to_o the_o congregation_n concern_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n judicatories_n and_o church_n of_o believer_n respective_o each_o of_o they_o act_v what_o be_v proper_a for_o their_o several_a place_n and_o station_n as_o be_v the_o only_a party_n entrust_v with_o it_o by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sole_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o his_o own_o church_n iii_o and_o though_o the_o patron_n may_v sometime_o pitch_v upon_o and_o present_v a_o person_n of_o true_a worth_n yet_o as_o this_o be_v but_o mere_o accidental_a and_o the_o case_n do_v general_o fall_v out_o quite_o otherwise_o so_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o hinder_v the_o election_n of_o one_o more_o worthy_a and_o a_o well_o qualify_v pastor_n may_v be_v one_o among_o a_o thousand_o as_o it_o be_v job_n 33._o be_v enim_fw-la eligendus_fw-la say_v origen_n ex_fw-la omnibus_fw-la qui_fw-la doctior_fw-la qui_fw-la sanctior_fw-la qui_fw-la omni_fw-la virtute_fw-la praestantior_fw-la that_o be_v he_o that_o among_o all_o be_v the_o holy_a in_o life_n the_o most_o learned_a and_o the_o most_o eminent_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o person_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v elect_v so_o likewise_o the_o free_a election_n of_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v entire_o leave_v to_o these_o entrust_v by_o jesus_n christ_n therewith_o iv_o the_o discern_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o know_v of_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o call_v &_o send_v servant_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o do_v fit_a and_o qualify_v the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o patron_n to_o make_v a_o due_a and_o suitable_a choice_n of_o her_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o patron_n as_o such_o have_v only_o right_a to_o meddle_v therein_o i_o say_v the_o patron_n as_o such_o have_v not_o the_o right_a of_o election_n for_o though_o the_o patron_n as_o a_o church-member_n or_o as_o a_o church-officer_n in_o the_o congregation_n where_o he_o live_v whether_o he_o be_v elder_a or_o deacon_n may_v have_v that_o voice_n and_o concourse_n in_o the_o election_n which_o the_o other_o member_n and_o office-bearer_n have_v yet_o as_o patron_n and_o under_o that_o reduplication_n he_o can_v have_v no_o such_o right_a as_o the_o privilege_n acclaim_v amount_n to_o v._o and_o what_o ever_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n may_v be_v find_v among_o divine_n as_o to_o the_o seat_n of_o this_o church_n power_n yet_o it_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o all_o that_o write_v on_o the_o subject_a and_o clear_o evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n that_o this_o power_n and_o right_n of_o election_n 4.14_o acts._n 14.23_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o consequent_o it_o can_v belong_v to_o the_o patron_n as_o a_o negative_a interest_n due_a to_o he_o in_o the_o extent_n acclaim_v and_o according_o it_o be_v clear_a beyond_o all_o debate_n that_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o this_o power_n and_o right_n of_o election_n for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n before_o such_o a_o device_n as_o patronage_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a world._n this_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o evident_a from_o antiquity_n as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v for_o in_o all_o the_o ancient_a council_n canon_n father_n and_o historian_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o such_o a_o privilege_n as_o this_o of_o patronage_n and_o when_o ever_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o form_n of_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n they_o still_o set_v down_o a_o method_n wherein_o the_o church_n itself_o do_v free_o elect_a in_o every_o thing_n absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n vi_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n in_o all_o these_o ancient_a writer_n that_o with_o any_o shadow_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n some_o thing_n there_o be_v indeed_o now_o and_o then_o mention_v for_o clear_v and_o instruct_v the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la but_o that_o be_v a_o interest_n quite_o different_a from_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n and_o which_o do_v not_o at_o present_a fall_n in_o our_o way_n to_o debate_v vii_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o offer_v to_o prove_v from_o antiquity_n etc._n see_v padri_n paulo_n hist_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n cyprian_n epist_n 33_o 34_o 37_o 55_o 63._o theodoret_n histor_n tripart_v lib._n 2._o cap._n 12._o lib._n 4._o cap._n 22._o lib_n 6._o cap._n 9_o socrat._v hist_o eccles_n cap._n 28._o etc._n etc._n decret_n do_v 63._o can_n quanto_fw-la can._n vota_fw-la civium_fw-la &_o can._n sacrorum_fw-la etc._n etc._n chemnit_fw-la examen_fw-la counc_fw-la trident._n part_n page_n 408._o &_o seq_fw-la editionis_fw-la francosurt_n in_o 80._o didoclar_a alt_z damascen_n etc._n etc._n the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o election_n of_o her_o pastor_n since_o it_o be_v a_o point_n that_o i_o have_v find_v very_o little_o controvert_v these_o who_o be_v curious_a may_v consult_v the_o debate_n even_o of_o those_o man_n who_o they_o call_v the_o father_n at_o trent_n whereof_o many_o as_o corrupt_a as_o they_o be_v will_v glad_o have_v have_v the_o church_n restore_v to_o her_o primitive_a right_n of_o election_n and_o many_o other_o both_o popish_a and_o protestant_n writer_n which_o it_o will_v be_v weariesome_a to_o cite_v viii_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v any_o far_a on_o these_o topic_n let_v we_o follow_v augustin_n rule_n mittamus_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la ab_fw-la utraque_fw-la parte_fw-la dicipossunt_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la scripturae_fw-la judicium_fw-la revocetur_fw-la controversia_fw-la jul._n agustin_n count_v jul._n the_o clear_a and_o fafe_a method_n in_o debate_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v to_o decide_v they_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o these_o it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 8.20_o isay_n 8.20_o thus_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n and_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n for_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o believer_n then_o term_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o election_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n viz._n a_o apostle_n and_o a_o listen_v make_v by_o they_o both_o to_o wit_n the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n of_o two_o joseph_n and_o mathias_n but_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o particular_a person_n for_o this_o extraordinary_a office_n they_o leave_v to_o the_o divine_a determination_n by_o lot._n ix_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v instruct_v by_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v his_o kingdom_n and_o
do_v according_o teach_v the_o church_n practical_o and_o by_o their_o own_o example_n 28.20_o matt._n 28.20_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o be_v command_v they_o conform_v to_o their_o lord_n farewell_n command_v do_v proceed_v with_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n to_o the_o election_n of_o so_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o officer_n as_o a_o apostle_n it_o strong_o import_v that_o it_o be_v their_o masteâ—â—â—_n mind_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v not_o only_o in_o the_o particular_a election_n of_o that_o apostle_n but_o also_o and_o much_o more_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o inferior_a and_o ordinary_a office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n x_o thus_o we_o also_o find_v that_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o deacon_n who_o office_n be_v one_o of_o the_o ordinary_a though_o inferior_a office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n or_o ordinary_a believer_n in_o which_o action_n these_o thing_n be_v clear_o evident_a 1._o that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n together_o and_o appoint_v deacon_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o also_o appoint_v their_o determinate_a number_n viz_o seven_o be_v so_o many_o as_o they_o judge_v will_v serve_v the_o church_n need_n at_o that_o time_n as_o also_o they_o ordain_v and_o lay_v hand_n on_o these_o deacon_n after_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o and_o so_o state_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o office._n 2._o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n or_o believer_n be_v leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o their_o own_o freedom_n and_o discretion_n in_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o those_o seven_o qualify_v as_o the_o apostle_n have_v direct_v 3_o that_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o those_o seven_o be_v according_o perform_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la without_o the_o prelimitation_n 〈◊〉_d a_o previous_a nomination_n or_o choice_n 4._o that_o the_o same_o multitude_n of_o beleiver_n present_a or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v set_v these_o seven_o before_o the_o apostle_n who_o ordain_v and_o lay_v hand_n upon_o they_o and_o so_o invest_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o office._n xi_o and_o as_o in_o all_o christ_n institution_n so_o particular_o in_o this_o of_o the_o election_n of_o the_o office-beater_n of_o his_o own_o house_n there_o appear_v a_o most_o beautiful_a and_o harmonious_a order_n for_o as_o the_o election_n of_o the_o first_o and_o extarordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_o perform_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o chief_a pastor_n &_o head_n of_o the_o church_n so_o the_o election_n of_o the_o succeed_a and_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o consequential_o perform_v by_o the_o inferior_a pastor_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n respective_o each_o of_o they_o act_v and_o keep_v within_o the_o limit_n prescribe_v by_o the_o chief_a pastor_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n xii_o suitable_a to_o these_o excellent_a pattern_n and_o example_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o general_n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n 40_o gen_n assemb_v 1649_o sess_n 40_o in_o the_o directory_n for_o elect_v of_o minister_n appoint_v the_o order_n thereof_o in_o this_o manner_n 1._o the_o presbitry_n send_v one_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o the_o congregation_n for_o which_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v elect_v and_o he_o have_v preach_v before_o they_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o well_o qualify_v pastor_n and_o the_o great_a need_n that_o the_o people_n have_v to_o be_v diligent_a and_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n to_o the_o lord_n for_o such_o he_o be_v to_o signify_v to_o they_o that_o the_o presbitry_n out_o of_o their_o care_n for_o that_o people_n will_v send_v they_o preacher_n who_o they_o may_v hear_v but_o withal_o he_o advertise_v they_o that_o if_o they_o desire_v to_o hear_v any_o other_o the_o presbitry_n will_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v they_o upon_o the_o suit_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o coagregation_n for_o that_o effect_n 2._o within_o some_o competent_a time_n thereafter_o the_o presbitry_n be_v again_o to_o send_v a_o minister_n to_o that_o congregation_n on_o a_o certain_a day_n before_o appoint_v for_o that_o end_n who_o have_v then_o preach_v and_o intimate_fw-la to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o be_v to_o go_v about_o the_o election_n of_o a_o pastor_n the_o session_n be_v to_o proceed_v to_o it_o the_o minister_n that_o preach_v moderate_v therein_o and_o the_o election_n be_v make_v be_v to_o be_v intimate_a to_o the_o people_n and_o if_o upon_o intimation_n they_o acquiesce_v and_o consent_v to_o the_o person_n choose_v than_o the_o presbitry_n be_v to_o proceed_v to_o his_o trial_n but_o if_o the_o people_n dissent_v from_o the_o person_n elect_v by_o the_o session_n the_o presbitry_n be_v to_o take_v cognition_n thereof_o and_o after_o they_o have_v full_o hear_v and_o consider_v the_o whole_a affair_n they_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o decide_v in_o it_o and_o where_o congregation_n be_v unfit_a as_o in_o some_o case_n they_o may_v be_v to_o make_v any_o election_n the_o presbitry_n be_v to_o provide_v they_o with_o a_o fit_a pastor_n xiii_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o province_n of_o london_n incline_v to_o think_v that_o the_o power_n of_o election_n do_v ordinary_o belong_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o people_n 7._o jus_fw-la divin_n regim_v eccles_n pag._n 98.99_o in_o margin_n and_o jus_n divine_a minist_n evang_v pag_n 12_o 7._o but_o rather_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o office_n when_o judicial_o convene_v as_o for_o extraordinary_a case_n i_o speak_v nothing_o of_o they_o for_o these_o must_v have_v extraordinary_a remedy_n but_o certain_o dum_fw-la suppetit_fw-la remedium_fw-la or_o dinarium_fw-la nunquam_fw-la recurrendum_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la remedium_fw-la extraordinarium_fw-la fourteen_o master_n rutherfoord_n and_o other_o do_v unanimous_o agree_v that_o what_o ever_o be_v the_o people_n share_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o pastor_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o deliberative_a and_o approbative_a but_o not_o a_o authoritative_a action_n yet_o as_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o action_n true_o ecclesiastical_a proper_o and_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v indeed_o very_o near_o concern_v in_o the_o right_a choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n as_o be_v the_o most_o special_a ordinary_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n xv._o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v abundant_o evident_a that_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v proper_o and_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o no_o way_n to_o any_o single_a person_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o privilege_n or_o otherways_o call_v he_o patron_n or_o what_o you_o please_v and_o that_o the_o negative_a interest_n of_o patronage_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a of_o that_o unlimited_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o election_n grant_v to_o and_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o church_n for_o provide_v herself_o with_o such_o as_o may_v be_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o bear_v office_n therein_o xvi_o i_o need_v not_o add_v after_o this_o that_o the_o method_n of_o enter_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o patron_n mar_v that_o beautiful_a constant_a and_o uniform_a order_n that_o appear_v in_o all_o these_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o which_o our_o blesed_a lord_n who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n be_v the_o author_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v very_o just_o conclude_v it_o can_v be_v none_o of_o he_o for_o by_o this_o method_n of_o patronage_n some_o pastor_n be_v oblige_v to_o enter_v by_o patron_n and_o some_o without_o they_o as_o in_o case_n where_o it_o be_v doubtful_a who_o have_v right_a to_o present_v or_o where_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o last_o patron_n be_v not_o enter_v as_o we_o term_v it_o or_o as_o the_o civilian_n term_v it_o nondum_fw-la adierunt_fw-la haereditatem_fw-la and_o in_o many_o other_o case_n which_o oft_o time_n put_v both_o presbitry_n and_o people_n to_o a_o stand_n not_o know_v how_o to_o behave_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o congregation_n must_v unavoidable_o lie_v desolate_a at_o lest_o for_o half_a a_o year_n for_o during_o that_o time_n the_o patron_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o present_v again_o some_o must_v enter_v by_o those_o they_o call_v ecclesiastical_a patron_n as_o bishop_n &c_n &c_n other_o by_o laic_a patron_n whereof_o some_o be_v courtier_n other_o soldier_n or_o mean_v and_o ignorant_a mechanic_n etc._n etc._n some_o must_v enter_v by_o patron_n reside_v at_o a_o distance_n in_o the_o country_n
other_o by_o those_o that_o reside_v neither_o in_o the_o country_n nor_o nation_n yea_o and_o some_o by_o woman_n as_o have_v be_v former_o observe_v some_o by_o one_o patron_n other_o by_o many_o etc._n etc._n ministri_fw-la say_v doctor_n ames_n dati_fw-la sunt_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la a_o christo_fw-la ut_fw-la eadem_fw-la or_o dinaria_fw-la et_fw-la certa_fw-la ratione_fw-la possint_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la procurari_fw-la sed_fw-la si_fw-la ab_fw-la alijs_fw-la penderet_fw-la vocatio_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la saepe_fw-la destitueretur_fw-la certa_fw-la ratione_fw-la sibi_fw-la ministros_fw-la procurandi_fw-la et_fw-la proinde_fw-la talis_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la esset_fw-la a_o christo_fw-la jnstituta_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la esset_fw-la sibimet_fw-la sufficiens_fw-la in_o seipsa_fw-la 25_o de_fw-fr case_z conscien_fw-fr l_o 4_o c_z 25_o 25_o that_o be_v minister_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n that_o by_o the_o same_o certain_a and_o ordinary_a method_n they_o may_v be_v procure_v by_o every_o church_n but_o if_o the_o call_v of_o the_o ministry_n must_v depend_v upon_o other_o the_o church_n may_v ofttimes_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o certain_a method_n of_o procure_v she_o own_o pastor_n so_o that_o in_o that_o case_n such_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v institute_n by_o christ_n as_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o itself_o to_o provide_v for_o her_o ordinary_a necessity_n which_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o fidelity_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o this_o author_n it_o may_v be_v understand_v the_o church_n otherways_o than_o we_o do_v yet_o that_o make_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o argumentis_fw-la very_o cogent_a in_o what_o ever_o sense_n the_o term_n be_v take_v xvii_o nay_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o this_o method_n of_o patronage_n destroy_v or_o at_o least_o weaken_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v for_o the_o call_v of_o a_o minister_n must_v be_v divine_a and_o not_o humane_a it_o must_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o men._n the_o call_v of_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o be_v neither_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n their_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v extraordinary_a &_o long_o since_o determine_v they_o be_v call_v immediate_o by_o the_o lord_n himself_o to_o be_v ear_n and_o eye_n witness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n that_o they_o may_v afterward_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o world._n as_o be_v clear_a from_o act_n 1.23_o in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v any_o successor_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v himself_o a_o apostle_n bear_v out_o of_o time_n though_o his_o call_n to_o the_o office_n be_v immediate_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o he_o reckon_v himself_o in_o other_o respect_n to_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n but_o the_o call_n of_o the_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n 15._o 1_o cor_n 15.89_o 10_o 2_o cor_n ij_o 15._o such_o as_o preach_v and_o rule_v elder_n doctor_n and_o deacon_n though_o it_o be_v by_o man_n that_o be_v by_o the_o intervention_n of_o such_o man_n as_o have_v divine_a warrant_n and_o commission_n to_o act_n therein_o yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v of_o man_n that_o be_v it_o neither_o have_v its_o authority_n from_o man_n nor_o must_v it_o come_v through_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o man_n as_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n only_a head_n and_o law._n giver_n to_o meddle_v in_o it_o for_o this_o be_v true_o to_o make_v they_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o god._n xvii_o and_o that_o this_o method_n of_o call_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o patron_n make_v their_o call_n to_o be_v partly_o humane_a and_o of_o man_n i_o think_v will_v need_v but_o little_a to_o clear_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o rise_v of_o the_o external_a call_n at_o least_o flow_v from_o such_o man_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o breathe_v the_o call_n of_o his_o send_v servant_n by_o and_o to_o who_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o present_v they_o to_o the_o church_n judicatories_n for_o trial_n and_o admission_n be_v never_o entrust_v or_o commit_v and_o therefore_o a_o minister_n call_v in_o that_o method_n must_v at_o lest_o in_o part_n be_v humane_a and_o not_o divine_a and_o consequent_o must_v be_v of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o god_n malum_fw-la enim_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la defectu_fw-la bonum_fw-la non_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la integracausa_fw-la and_o as_o such_o a_o unwarantable_a mixture_n can_v but_o pro_fw-la tanto_fw-la very_o much_o weaken_v i_o shall_v not_o say_v nullify_v a_o mininister_n call_v so_o certain_o it_o can_v but_o very_o much_o mar_v his_o confidence_n and_o obstruct_v his_o comfort_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o to_o this_o purpose_n zanchius_n tell_v we_o after_o he_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n exit_fw-la his_fw-la autem_fw-la omnibus_fw-la apparet_fw-la quam_fw-la nulla_fw-la sit_fw-la vel_fw-la non_fw-la legitima_fw-la eorum_fw-la dei_fw-la ministrorum_fw-la vel_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pastorum_fw-la vocatio_fw-la qui_fw-la solius_fw-la regis_fw-la vel_fw-la reginae_fw-la vel_fw-la patroni_fw-la vel_fw-la episcopi_fw-la aut_fw-la archiepiscopi_fw-la diplomate_n bullis_n jussu_fw-la &_o judicio_fw-la fiunt_fw-la vel_fw-la eliguntur_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la dolendum_fw-la est_fw-la adhuâ—_n fieri_fw-la in_o ijs_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la qui_fw-la tamen_fw-la purum_fw-la dei_fw-la verbum_fw-la habent_fw-la &_o sequuntur_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la anglicana_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a how_o much_o either_o null_a or_o at_o lest_o not_o lawful_a the_o call_v of_o those_o minister_n of_o god_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v who_o take_v their_o election_n only_o from_o the_o patent_n bull_n warrant_n or_o appointment_n of_o a_o king_n queen_n patron_n or_o bishop_n &c_n &c_n which_o yet_o to_o our_o grief_n be_v do_v even_o in_o these_o church_n who_o have_v and_o follow_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n as_o in_o england_n etc._n etc._n xviii_o and_o last_o the_o assertor_n of_o this_o pretend_a power_n of_o patronage_n can_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o any_o single_a person_n how_o pious_a and_o judicious_a soever_o to_o assume_v and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o all_o the_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n of_o a_o congregation_n and_o to_o oblige_v the_o church_n to_o accept_v and_o receive_v such_o as_o he_o shall_v so_o nominat_fw-la and_o elect_n though_o those_o viz._n the_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n be_v but_o the_o inferior_a officebearer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n no_o way_n so_o near_o concern_v in_o the_o right_a choice_n of_o they_o as_o in_o that_o of_o their_o pastor_n who_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n as_o the_o most_o special_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o for_o any_o man_n without_o christ_n warrant_n to_o assume_v the_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o principal_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o right_n and_o due_a choice_n of_o who_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v must_v be_v much_o more_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n that_o can_v be_v urge_v for_o allow_v the_o patron_n a_o privilege_n of_o elect_v the_o principal_a office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n that_o may_v not_o with_o much_o more_o force_n and_o advantage_n be_v press_v for_o give_v he_o a_o power_n to_o elect_a the_o inferior_a office_n bearer_n also_o i_o grant_v the_o case_n be_v different_a but_o still_o i_o see_v no_o difference_n that_o with_o any_o appearance_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v to_o determine_v the_o point_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n as_o to_o the_o principal_a office_n bearer_n and_o not_o as_o to_o other_o save_o this_o that_o the_o patron_n settle_v of_o a_o maintenance_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o pastor_n must_v give_v he_o a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o than_o he_o can_v have_v in_o that_o of_o the_o other_o on_o who_o he_o have_v confer_v no_o benefice_n and_o of_o how_o much_o weight_n this_o pretence_n be_v we_o have_v already_o see_v and_o shall_v not_o repeat_v what_o we_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o head._n sect_n xiii_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n be_v against_o the_o freedom_n and_o interest_n of_o common_a society_n i._o as_o this_o power_n of_o patronage_n be_v no_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o clear_o inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a of_o his_o institution_n so_o it_o be_v against_o the_o freedom_n &_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o a_o common_a society_n
patronage_n must_v be_v laic_a and_o if_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n the_o patronage_n must_v be_v ecclesiastic_a iii_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o topic_n this_o pretence_n be_v absolute_o groundless_a 1._o because_o the_o argument_n adduce_v strike_v equal_o against_o all_o for_o of_o patronage_n and_o against_o all_o such_o negative_a interest_n in_o the_o election_n or_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o institution_n iu._n next_o bishop_n have_v no_o more_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n for_o such_o a_o interest_n and_o privilege_n than_o other_o have_v and_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v as_o gross_o abuse_v if_o not_o more_o and_o as_o scandalous_o offensive_a and_o i_o be_o sure_o more_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o thrive_a of_o religion_n when_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n than_o when_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o person_n and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o scripture_n either_o by_o precept_n promise_n or_o example_n that_o any_o one_o church_n officer_n shall_v ordinary_o be_v entrust_v with_o such_o a_o interest_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n and_o in_o the_o maintenance_n or_o live_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._n but_o to_o cut_v of_o all_o far_a debate_n we_o utter_o disclaim_v any_o such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o bishop_n in_o a_o sense_n superior_a to_o or_o distinct_a from_o a_o ordinary_a preach_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n these_o term_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o signification_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v the_o text_n where_o ever_o the_o word_n bishop_n be_v mention_v and_o i_o know_v no_o man_n or_o angel_n that_o have_v power_n to_o separate_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v join_v and_o make_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o consequent_o a_o bishop_n can_v have_v no_o such_o privilege_n non_fw-la entis_fw-la nulla_fw-la sunt_fw-la accidentia_fw-la nullae_fw-la affectiones_fw-la nullae_fw-la proprietates_fw-la vi_o and_o though_o prelacy_n be_v a_o lawful_a office_n as_o it_o be_v not_o and_o though_o the_o prelate_n be_v successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o most_o ridiculous_o pretend_v since_o as_o we_o already_o clear_v it_o be_v impossible_a the_o design_n of_o their_o office_n can_v admit_v of_o any_o succession_n yet_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o this_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n they_o never_o do_v nor_o do_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o the_o election_n of_o mathias_n to_o be_v one_o of_o their_o number_n make_v use_v of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o concurrence_n both_o of_o the_o presbitry_n and_o people_n and_o if_o they_o join_v the_o presbitry_n and_o people_n and_o admit_v they_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o high_a act_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n they_o questionless_a also_o leave_v they_o a_o share_n 4.14_o 1_o tim_n 4.14_o in_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n nam_fw-la qui_fw-la vult_fw-la majus_fw-la vult_fw-la etiam_fw-la minus_fw-la 28_o act_n 15.2_o 25.27_o act_n 13.1_o 2.3_o act._n 14_o 27_o 28_o nay_o which_o be_v more_o the_o ordinary_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o other_o do_v concur_v in_o send_v out_o of_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o to_o some_o special_a piece_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n think_v it_o not_o below_o their_o dignity_n to_o give_v they_o a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v behave_v in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o let_v the_o prelate_n pretend_v succession_n to_o who_o they_o will_v they_o can_v never_o pretend_v to_o be_v successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o a_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o ordination_n be_v as_o much_o a_o stranger_n as_o to_o any_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o but_o last_o if_o by_o ecclesiastic_a patronage_n the_o lawful_a church_n judicatory_n be_v mean_v though_o in_o that_o case_n both_o the_o title_n of_o patronage_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o power_n thereby_o understand_v must_v be_v reject_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o very_a special_a hand_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v a_o power_n ministerial_o to_o authorise_v they_o for_o their_o office_n and_o to_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o lord_n vine_n yard_n and_o by_o consequence_n do_v also_o ministerial_o invest_v they_o with_o a_o right_a to_o meddle_v with_o their_o maintenance_n a_o minister_n only_o right_o thereto_o be_v a_o lawful_a call_n to_o the_o office_n and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o it_o as_o we_o have_v former_o mark_v sect_n xix_o a_o pretence_n from_o the_o fail_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o church_n judicatories_n etc._n etc._n i._o the_o last_o pretence_n that_o i_o shall_v notice_n be_v this_o that_o presbitry_n and_o people_n be_v not_o infallible_a but_o be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v and_o err_v in_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o pastor_n as_o well_o as_o the_o patron_n and_o therefore_o the_o patron_n be_v power_n of_o election_n be_v no_o more_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n than_o she_o be_v to_o herself_o ii_o for_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v first_o that_o the_o lawful_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o elect_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n on_o the_o contrary_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o useless_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o a_o most_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o clear_o inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n may_v very_o safe_o and_o confident_o rely_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o blessing_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o right_a choice_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o they_o act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n which_o they_o who_o act_n in_o so_o unjust_a and_o unwarrantable_a a_o method_n as_o this_o of_o patronage_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v and_o though_o the_o lord_n for_o wise_a and_o holy_a end_n may_v some_o time_n leave_v his_o church_n and_o people_n to_o themselves_o and_o let_v they_o fall_v in_o error_n and_o mistake_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o case_n yet_o duty_n must_v not_o be_v forsake_v for_o fear_v of_o fail_n in_o the_o performance_n we_o must_v both_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o discovery_n of_o what_o be_v duty_n when_o it_o be_v unclear_a to_o we_o and_o when_o it_o be_v discover_v we_o must_v pray_v for_o strength_n and_o assistance_n to_o perform_v it_o a_o right_n and_o then_o set_v about_o it_o in_o the_o lord_n strength_n with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o for_o his_o blessing_n and_o direction_n who_o have_v never_o say_v to_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n in_o vain_a iii_o next_o though_o as_o be_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o institution_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o what_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o lay_v aside_o a_o institution_n that_o be_v either_o moral_o necessary_a or_o positive_o enjoin_v by_o god_n the_o only_a rule_n and_o remedy_n in_o this_o case_n be_v tollatur_fw-la abusus_fw-la et_fw-la maneat_fw-la usus_fw-la let_v the_o matter_n be_v regulate_v by_o act_v in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o full_o and_o clear_o discover_v what_o both_o church-judicatories_a and_o people_n may_v or_o may_v not_o do_v in_o the_o case_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o abuse_n and_o offensiveness_n of_o unnecessary_a &_o unwarrantable_a institution_n do_v strong_o militate_v against_o their_o far_a use_n if_o the_o presbitry_n do_v at_o any_o time_n miscarry_v in_o a_o way_n that_o they_o be_v warrant_v by_o god_n to_o follow_v we_o must_v pray_v that_o god_n may_v purge_v his_o own_o house_n and_o purify_v the_o son_n of_o levi_n and_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o superior_a church-judicatories_a must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o in_o case_n of_o general_a and_o public_a defection_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v employ_v his_o power_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la but_o those_o mistake_n can_v never_o warrant_v we_o to_o leave_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o our_o own_o weak_a and_o witless_a invention_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god._n christ_n promise_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o his_o people_n to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n whereas_o those_o who_o go_v astray_o and_o follow_v crooked_a path_n ingyre_v themselves_o as_o officious_a and_o busy_a body_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o lawful_a call_n can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o that_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n shall_v leave_v they_o to_o be_v a_o snare_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o certain_o be_v these_o thing_n real_o believe_v as_o all_o prosess_v they_o do_v people_v practice_n will_v be_v very_o far_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v but_o such_o be_v the_o atheism_n of_o man_n heart_n that_o while_o we_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n our_o heart_n be_v too_o oft_o far_o from_o he_o iv_o i_o begin_v now_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o notice_v such_o trifle_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o may_v be_v amaze_a to_o hear_v man_n otherways_o rational_a offer_v such_o empty_a pretence_n instead_o of_o solid_a and_o convince_v reason_n if_o the_o cause_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o better_a but_o it_o be_v vitium_fw-la causae_fw-la and_o so_o we_o need_v no_o more_o admire_v to_o see_v a_o weakness_n inevitable_o cleave_v to_o the_o able_a wit_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o what_o be_v unjustifiable_a than_o to_o see_v the_o strong_a of_o man_n succumb_v in_o raise_v a_o weight_n that_o be_v above_o his_o natural_a strength_n to_o undergo_v the_o strength_n of_o man_n spirit_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o body_n have_v their_o limit_n and_o be_v not_o infinite_a and_o since_o i_o mind_v nothing_o far_o that_o can_v be_v object_v but_o what_o with_o very_a much_o ease_n may_v receive_v a_o full_a solution_n from_o the_o ground_n already_o represent_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o give_v either_o the_o reader_n or_o myself_o any_o far_a trouble_n on_o this_o subject_a v._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o god_n people_n in_o this_o land_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n that_o he_o may_v incline_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o capacity_n to_o return_v to_o a_o hearty_a and_o cordial_a compliance_n with_o and_o a_o cheerful_a acquiescence_n in_o the_o just_a and_o rational_a determination_n that_o be_v once_o make_v by_o public_a authority_n in_o this_o nation_n both_o in_o this_o and_o other_o step_n of_o a_o true_a reformation_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v not_o be_v provoke_v by_o a_o too_o open_a contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n the_o cry_v sin_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o our_o sinful_a slight_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o suffer_v his_o church_n after_o so_o much_o wrestle_v to_o sink_v under_o her_o present_a bondage_n and_o captivity_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o and_o other_o unjust_a and_o grievous_a usurpation_n into_o which_o after_o so_o many_o and_o great_a deliverance_n we_o be_v again_o for_o our_o sin_n bring_v into_o subjection_n finis_fw-la
in_o some_o respect_n the_o foundation_n of_o these_o patronage_n we_o be_v in_o search_n of_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o as_o at_o the_o first_o appearance_n this_o be_v a_o trust_n in_o itself_o not_o discommendable_a but_o rather_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a and_o useful_a so_o in_o after_o time_n it_o do_v by_o little_a and_o little_a degenerate_a into_o this_o pretend_a right_n of_o patronage_n we_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o who_o defence_n in_o the_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o her_o patrimony_n it_o be_v at_o first_o introduce_v and_o it_o may_v likewise_o be_v observe_v that_o those_o person_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n cite_v be_v not_o call_v patron_n but_o only_o ecclesiarum_fw-la defensores_fw-la 146._o vide_fw-la caranz_n sum_n council_n folio_fw-la 126._o &_o folio_n 146._o &_o ecclesiarum_fw-la executores_fw-la vel_fw-la advocati_fw-la which_o clear_o show_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o trust_n to_o have_v be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n as_o it_o be_v afterward_o practise_v ix_o but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n justinian_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o six_o century_n there_o appear_v some_o clear_a lineament_n of_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n as_o in_o the_o novel_a 57_o 123._o novel_a 57_o &_o novel_a 123._o and_o novel_a 123_o yet_o even_o at_o this_o time_n it_o be_v vast_o short_a of_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o afterward_o come_v to_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o many_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o at_o this_o time_n this_o power_n do_v not_o extend_v any_o far_a than_o to_o the_o presentation_n of_o the_o minores_fw-la clerici_fw-la as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o that_o it_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d term_v episcopi_fw-la as_o they_o think_v be_v clear_a from_o the_o 123_o novel_a where_o it_o be_v appoint_v ut_fw-la ad_fw-la electionem_fw-la episcopi_fw-la convenirent_fw-la omnes_fw-la clerici_fw-la &_o primores_fw-la civitatis_fw-la so_o that_o if_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o analogy_n we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o draw_v this_o power_n of_o presentation_n or_o commendation_n as_o it_o be_v call_v but_o not_o a_o jus_o etigendi_fw-la and_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o time_n it_o will_v have_v place_n in_o the_o election_n of_o none_o of_o the_o office_n bearer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o in_o that_o of_o reader_n precentor_n schoolmaster_n beddel_n and_o the_o like_a for_o these_o be_v the_o officer_n thâ—t_v correspond_v to_o the_o minores_fw-la clerici_fw-la of_o that_o time_n and_o thence_o they_o conclude_v that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o before_o the_o year_n dc_o patronage_n have_v any_o interest_n in_o the_o call_v of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n x._o but_o be_v this_o as_o it_o will_v it_o be_v pretty_a clear_a that_o before_o these_o novel_n there_o be_v nothing_o like_o the_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n in_o use_n that_o right_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o name_v in_o all_o the_o former_a law_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o be_v reduce_v and_o compile_v into_o a_o body_n by_o the_o same_o emperor_n and_o all_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v make_v of_o it_o in_o the_o novel_n be_v but_o in_o some_o few_o to_o wit_n in_o the_o 1.57.67.123_o and_o 131._o this_o may_v yet_o far_o appear_v from_o the_o very_a term_n of_o praesentatio_fw-la advocatio_fw-la guardias_fw-la habere_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o scent_n of_o the_o saecula_fw-la purior_fw-la be_v latinitatis_fw-la xi_o and_o as_o the_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n be_v late_o of_o enter_v into_o the_o empire_n so_o certain_o they_o have_v be_v some_o considerable_a time_n in_o use_n in_o the_o empire_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v thence_o and_o settle_v in_o scotland_n xii_o but_o be_v the_o time_n of_o the_o entry_n of_o patronage_n what_o it_o will_v that_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v give_v the_o first_o rise_v and_o occasion_n to_o it_o be_v the_o build_n of_o kirk_n and_o meeting-place_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o the_o allocate_a and_o give_v ground_n to_o build_v they_o on_o or_o last_o the_o mortification_n or_o settlement_n of_o a_o benefice_n or_o constant_a maintenance_n on_o such_o as_o shall_v serve_v the_o cure_n thereat_o for_o upon_o such_o act_v the_o founder_n of_o kirk_n and_o benefice_n do_v assume_v or_o as_o other_o pretend_v do_v reserve_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o heir_n in_o all_o time_n thereafter_o a_o privilege_n and_o power_n to_o nominat_fw-la and_o present_v those_o who_o shall_v serve_v as_o pastor_n at_o such_o a_o kirk_n and_o a_o sole_a power_n of_o give_v they_o a_o legal_a right_n &_o title_n to_o the_o rent_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o live_n during_o their_o incumbency_n and_o that_o even_o albeit_o such_o founder_n have_v not_o build_v the_o whole_a kirk_n or_o settle_v the_o whole_a benefice_n but_o only_o a_o part_n of_o they_o for_o the_o canonist_n maintain_v that_o he_o who_o build_v but_o one_o corner_n of_o a_o kirk_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o patronage_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o build_v the_o other_o three_o xiii_o many_o of_o the_o canonist_n do_v grant_v and_o it_o be_v very_o clear_a from_o the_o canon_n law_n itself_o that_o the_o patron_n do_v at_o first_o assume_v this_o privilege_n 3._o decretal_a l._n 3._o tit._n 38._o ca._n 3._o rather_o by_o the_o connivance_n of_o the_o church_n than_o by_o she_o express_v and_o deliberate_a consent_n and_o far_o less_o by_o her_o positive_a appointment_n and_o institution_n and_o even_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o many_o case_n jus_fw-la patronatus_fw-la ex_fw-la usurpatione_fw-la quaesitume_v the_o patron_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n count_v this_o privilege_n to_o be_v his_o due_a 9_o council_n trident._n sess_v 25._o decret_a de_fw-fr reform_v cap._n 9_o in_o point_n of_o merit_n and_o desert_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o no_o small_a degree_n of_o unthankfulness_n in_o the_o church_n to_o gain_v say_v or_o oppose_v his_o claim_n to_o it_o and_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v also_o think_v it_o hard_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n to_o refuse_v it_o since_o the_o design_n of_o this_o privilege_n primo_fw-la intuitu_fw-la may_v appear_v to_o reach_v no_o far_o but_o to_o preserve_v some_o memory_n of_o such_o good_a and_o pious_a deed_n that_o the_o benefactor_n may_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v utter_o lose_v what_o they_o devote_v for_o pious_a use_n it_o be_v indeed_o hard_o enough_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o plausible_a corruption_n and_o true_o useful_a institution_n inter_fw-la triticum_fw-la &_o lolium_fw-la say_v jerom_n quamdiu_fw-la in_fw-la herbaest_n &_o nondum_fw-la culmus_fw-la venit_fw-la ad_fw-la spicam_fw-la grandis_fw-la similitudo_fw-la &_o in_o discernendo_fw-la aut_fw-la nulla_fw-la aut_fw-la perdifficilis_fw-la distantia_fw-la so_o that_o by_o such_o concur_v circumstance_n of_o ambition_n on_o the_o patron_n part_n and_o of_o indeliberate_a favour_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n have_v already_o wrought_v to_o some_o sort_n of_o perfection_n for_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n it_o have_v begin_v to_o work_v and_o when_o superstition_n and_o corruption_n as_o well_o in_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n 2.7_o 2._o thes_n 2.7_o as_o in_o moral_n be_v much_o advance_v and_o humane_a invention_n be_v creep_v in_o apace_o into_o the_o room_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n be_v by_o degree_n rob_v of_o her_o spiritual_a privilege_n that_o the_o aspire_a humour_n of_o the_o great_a one_o may_v be_v gratify_v with_o her_o spoil_n and_o that_o their_o greatness_n may_v under_o the_o specious_a and_o plausible_a title_n of_o the_o church_n patron_n and_o defender_n appear_v with_o the_o more_o lustre_n and_o splendour_n before_o man_n it_o be_v esteem_v no_o small_a addition_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o to_o the_o interest_n they_o have_v over_o people_n as_o to_o their_o body_n and_o temporal_a concern_v to_o be_v likewise_o invest_v with_o a_o privilege_n that_o in_o a_o manner_n give_v they_o a_o pre-eminence_n over_o peopl_n soul_n and_o spiritual_a interest_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o no_o minister_n without_o the_o patron_n express_v and_o positive_a wartand_n and_o appointment_n may_v have_v access_n to_o serve_v in_o sacris_fw-la at_o such_o a_o kirk_n or_o have_v a_o legal_a right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o rent_n and_o profit_n of_o a_o benefice_n though_o all_o other_o interest_v be_v satisfy_v to_o the_o full_a with_o his_o sufficiency_n good_a behaviour_n and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o
his_o wrath_n upon_o they_o and_o their_o family_n for_o keep_v up_o humane_a invention_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n so_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o true_a privilege_n and_o interest_n of_o his_o church_n but_o this_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o clear_v far_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n iii_o next_o if_o these_o be_v the_o only_a term_n and_o condition_n on_o which_o man_n will_v gratify_v the_o church_n that_o she_o subject_n herself_o and_o her_o spiritual_a liberty_n to_o such_o a_o yoke_n of_o slavery_n as_o this_o privilege_n import_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o church_n will_v be_v better_o without_o such_o favour_n than_o with_o they_o iv_o if_o there_o be_v once_o a_o reasonable_a competency_n settle_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o her_o pastor_n and_o other_o pious_a and_o necessary_a use_n or_o if_o what_o be_v once_o settle_v and_o sacrilegious_o take_v from_o she_o be_v again_o restore_v and_o that_o faithful_o administrat_fw-la without_o dilapidation_n and_o misapplication_n there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a need_n of_o encouragement_n for_o any_o far_a addition_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o age_n that_o excess_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v more_o fatal_a to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n than_o any_o defect_n can_v be_v too_o much_o tend_v to_o introduce_v a_o depravation_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n in_o churchman_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n also_o a_o corruption_n in_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n if_o worldly_a riches_n have_v be_v proper_a for_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o have_v never_o be_v so_o scant_o in_o his_o allowance_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o old_a observation_n that_o when_o the_o church_n have_v but_o lignei_fw-la calices_fw-la she_o have_v aurei_fw-la episcopi_fw-la and_o when_o she_o get_v golden_a chalice_n she_o get_v wooden_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n the_o sense_n be_v easy_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v not_o exact_o literal_a so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o religio_fw-la pepper_v it_o divitias_fw-la &_o filia_fw-la matrem_fw-la devoravit_fw-la religion_n bring_v forth_o riches_n and_o the_o daughter_n devour_v the_o mother_n v._o last_o to_o say_v that_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o discouragement_n be_v but_o the_o fallacia_fw-la non_fw-la causae_fw-la pro_fw-la causa_fw-la for_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o people_n discouragement_n in_o the_o bestow_n of_o their_o good_n for_o pious_a use_n be_v the_o scandalous_a and_o sacrilegious_a mismanagment_n of_o the_o uncontraverted_a patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n by_o misapply_v it_o contrary_a to_o its_o design_n and_o nature_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n under_o heaven_n so_o guilty_a as_o many_o of_o the_o patron_n be_v the_o lord_n himself_o tell_v his_o servant_n moses_n no_o devouted_a thing_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v devout_a unto_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o that_o be_v have_v both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n 28._o levit._fw-la 27_o 28._o and_o of_o the_o field_n of_o his_o possession_n shall_v be_v sell_v and_o redeem_v and_o much_o less_o sacrilegious_o rob_v every_o devouted_a thing_n be_v most_o holy_a unto_o the_o lord_n deo_fw-la dicata_fw-la say_v amandus_n polanus_fw-la ei_o sacra_fw-la maneant_fw-la 2._o polanus_fw-la in_o danel_n cap._n 1._o v._n 2._o nam_fw-la si_fw-la be_v zelus_fw-la in_o rege_fw-la idololatrico_fw-la scilicet_fw-la nebuchadnezare_n fuit_fw-la ut_fw-la censuerit_fw-la vasa_fw-la deo_fw-la israelis_fw-la sancta_fw-la non_fw-la alio_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o svi_fw-la dei_fw-la seu_fw-la potius_fw-la idoli_fw-la fanum_fw-la infereuda_fw-la multo_fw-la magis_fw-la christiani_n magistratus_fw-la bona_fw-la illa_fw-la quae_fw-la tempore_fw-la papatus_fw-la deo_fw-la dicata_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la usibus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la relinquere_fw-la debent_fw-la imo_fw-la quanto_fw-la magis_fw-la episcopos_fw-la id_fw-la facere_fw-la decet_fw-la i_o e._n that_o which_o be_v once_o devout_v to_o god_n aught_o to_o remain_v holy_a to_o he_o for_o if_o the_o zeal_n of_o a_o idolatrous_a prince_n to_o wit_n nebuchadnezar_n oblige_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a vessel_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v otherways_o dispose_v of_o but_o for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o own_o god_n or_o rather_o his_o idol_n temple_n much_o more_o ought_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o leave_v these_o good_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n be_v consecrat_v for_o pious_a use_n etc._n etc._n see_v and_o compare_v this_o with_o ezra_n 1.7.8_o where_o all_o these_o vessel_n be_v return_v to_o their_o right_n and_o proper_a use_n our_o own_o rollock_n inveigh_v very_o sharp_o against_o the_o sacrilege_n of_o this_o nation_n in_o his_o time_n in_o misapply_v to_o the_o use_n of_o private_a person_n what_o be_v take_v from_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o cit_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a to_o answer_v it_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o sovereign_n and_o impartial_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n dan._n rollock_n in_o dan._n and_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o though_o they_o slight_a and_o neglect_v his_o warning_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o stand_a witness_n against_o they_o to_o render_v they_o inexcusable_a etc._n etc._n and_o our_o famous_a and_o worthy_a reformer_n mr._n knox_n who_o testimony_n i_o value_v above_o a_o thousand_o other_o in_o a_o letter_n date_v in_o august_n 1571._o direct_a to_o the_o general_a assembly_n at_o stirling_n speak_v his_o mind_n very_o free_o on_o this_o subject_n with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n &_o sincerity_n of_o a_o person_n that_o be_v look_v very_o short_o to_o step_v over_o the_o threshold_n of_o time_n into_o eternity_n take_v his_o own_o word_n because_o say_v he_o the_o daily_a decay_n of_o my_o natural_a strength_n threaten_v i_o with_o a_o sudden_a departure_n from_o this_o valley_n of_o misery_n therefore_o of_o love_n and_o conscience_n i_o exhort_v you_o yea_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n i_o charge_v and_o command_v you_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n and_o that_o with_o the_o like_a uprightness_n and_o strength_n in_o god_n you_o gainstand_v the_o merciless_a devourer_n of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n if_o man_n will_v spoil_v let_v they_o do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o peril_n and_o condemnation_n but_o communicate_v you_o not_o with_o their_o sin_n of_o whatsoever_o state_n they_o be_v neither_o by_o consent_n nor_o by_o silence_n but_o with_o public_a protestation_n make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o you_o be_v innocent_a of_o such_o robbery_n which_o will_v ere_o it_o be_v long_o provock_n god_n vengeance_n on_o the_o committer_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o experience_n of_o many_o family_n in_o scotland_n may_v confirm_v this_o religione_fw-la mutatâ_fw-la say_v a_o learned_a lawyer_n &_o sic_fw-la statu_fw-la priori_fw-la inverso_fw-la hoc.t._n finkel_n hoc.t._n patronus_fw-la curabit_fw-la ut_fw-la bona_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la &_o piis_fw-la usibus_fw-la legata_fw-la non_fw-la tantum_fw-la preserventur_fw-la &_o augeantur_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la usum_fw-la alium_fw-la aeque_fw-la pium_fw-la convertantur_fw-la puta_fw-la ad_fw-la cultum_fw-la alium_fw-la divinum_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la rei_fw-la publicae_fw-la ad_fw-la conservandum_fw-la ministerium_fw-la ad_fw-la sum_fw-la scholarum_fw-la pauperes_fw-la juvandos_fw-mi nosocomia_n condenda_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n when_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o inversion_n of_o the_o former_a state_n of_o affair_n a_o patron_n ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v leave_v for_o pious_a use_n be_v not_o only_o preserve_v and_o augment_v but_o that_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o other_o as_o pious_a use_n as_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o lawful_a manner_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o use_n of_o school_n the_o help_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o build_n of_o hospital_n etc._n etc._n vi_o i_o may_v add_v the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o our_o own_o church_n in_o her_o book_n of_o discipline_n etc._n etc._n &_o many_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o head_n that_o i_o have_v but_o accidental_o fall_v upon_o and_o a_o subject_a that_o will_v lead_v i_o our_o a_o great_a length_n and_o much_o far_a than_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v leave_v it_o such_o as_o desire_v far_a information_n may_v find_v enough_o and_o too_o much_o to_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n in_o the_o public_a record_n of_o the_o nation_n they_o may_v also_o consult_v the_o learned_a sir_n henry_n spelman_n tractat_fw-la de_fw-la non_fw-la temerandis_fw-la ecclesit_n and_o his_o large_a work_n of_o teith_n they_o may_v also_o see_v d._n forbes's_fw-fr gemitus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la
sect_n viii_o the_o ground_n of_o patronage_n from_o a_o grant_n or_o concession_n of_o the_o church_n examine_v i._o the_o next_o ground_n that_o be_v urge_v for_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n be_v that_o the_o patron_n of_o kirk_n and_o benefice_n enjoy_v the_o privilege_n acclaim_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o call_v and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n by_o a_o grant_n and_o concession_n from_o the_o church_n and_o that_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a institution_n and_o no_o usurpation_n volenti_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a injuria_fw-la in_o explication_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o great_a and_o concession_n some_o take_v one_o course_n and_o some_o another_o for_o some_o by_o this_o grant_n do_v understand_v that_o the_o church_n have_v alienat_fw-la and_o transfer_v she_o right_n of_o election_n and_o divest_v herself_o of_o it_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o patron_n other_o again_o do_v understand_v by_o this_o concession_n that_o the_o patron_n act_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o commission_n from_o and_z as_o impower_v by_o the_o church_n without_o sound_v on_o any_o high_a ground_n of_o property_n in_o the_o privilege_n by_o virtue_n of_o one_fw-mi alienation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o election_n make_v by_o the_o church_n to_o he_o i_o shall_v examine_v this_o concession_n distinct_o in_o both_o sense_n the_o first_o in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o next_o section_n two_o before_o we_o pass_v any_o far_a it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o this_o ground_n adduce_v for_o a_o foundation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n do_v evident_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n acclaim_v be_v primar_o and_o original_o a_o church_n power_n which_o be_v enough_o without_o any_o far_a to_o take_v off_o this_o pretence_n iii_o but_o to_o come_v particular_o to_o the_o first_o sense_n in_o which_o this_o pretend_a concession_n may_v be_v understand_v viz._n that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o lienat_n her_o right_a of_o election_n and_o divest_v herself_o of_o it_o in_o the_o patron_n favour_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v utter_o incapable_a to_o alienat_fw-la or_o transfer_v her_o spiritual_a right_n and_o privilege_n or_o to_o divest_v herself_o of_o they_o these_o be_v interest_n that_o be_v not_o at_o her_o desposal_n she_o be_v only_o entrust_v by_o jesus_n christ_n her_o sole_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n with_o the_o custody_n and_o administration_n of_o they_o for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n these_o right_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o high_a title_n than_o that_o they_o can_v be_v alter_v and_o transmit_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o paction_n or_o promise_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man._n in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n she_o be_v not_o therein_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la 23._o 1_o cor._n 6_o 20_o and_o 7_o 23._o you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n be_v not_o you_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n do_v not_o enslave_v yourselves_o by_o lose_v your_o right_n and_o liberties_n the_o church_n can_v no_o more_o make_v over_o her_o spiritual_a right_n and_o privilege_n or_o subject_v herself_o to_o strange_a lord_n &_o new_a lawgiver_n therein_o than_o a_o woman_n can_v make_v over_o the_o right_n of_o her_o body_n which_o only_o belong_v to_o her_o lawful_a husband_n or_o a_o innocent_a person_n the_o right_a of_o his_o life_n to_o a_o murderer_n nemo_fw-la est_fw-la dominus_fw-la suae_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la aut_fw-la suorum_fw-la membrorum_fw-la or_o than_o a_o prince_n the_o right_n of_o his_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o people_n to_o a_o foreign_a power_n or_o a_o person_n in_o nonage_n the_o right_a of_o his_o estate_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o heir_n differ_v nothing_o here_o from_o a_o servant_n or_o in_o a_o word_n than_o the_o administrator_n and_o governor_n of_o a_o city_n and_o community_n can_v alienat_fw-la the_o right_n of_o their_o constituent_n all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o act_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n as_o to_o the_o translation_n of_o property_n be_v but_o frustraneous_a &_o ineffectual_a endeavour_n like_o a_o man_n attempt_n to_o raise_v a_o weight_n that_o be_v without_o and_o above_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o natural_a strength_n grave_a saxum_fw-la sysyphon_n urget_fw-la iu._n and_o though_o the_o facto_fw-la such_o attempt_n may_v oft_o be_v make_v yet_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la they_o be_v void_a and_o without_o effect_n and_o let_v the_o conveyance_n be_v express_v under_o what_o term_n and_o carry_v under_o what_o cover_n or_o disguise_v you_o will_v the_o right_n stand_v still_o immovable_a and_o remain_v where_o it_o be_v at_o first_o nemo_fw-la potest_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la de_fw-la jure_fw-la potest_fw-la we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n v._o it_o be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o alone_o who_o be_v the_o church_n only_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o have_v power_n to_o settle_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n in_o such_o hand_n and_o such_o order_n as_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o wisdom_n think_v fit_a all_o the_o right_a and_o power_n the_o church_n have_v in_o these_o be_v only_o a_o naked_a trust_n to_o keep_v and_o manage_v they_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n and_o instruction_n of_o her_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o when_o she_o exceed_v that_o she_o debord_n and_o go_v beyond_o her_o commission_n so_o that_o all_o the_o transmission_n she_o can_v make_v be_v but_o jus_n a_o non_fw-la habente_fw-la potestatem_fw-la like_o a_o grant_n of_o the_o property_n of_o a_o estate_n by_o a_o person_n that_o have_v no_o other_o right_n to_o it_o but_o a_o naked_a commission_n to_o uplift_v and_o collect_v the_o rent_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o true_a proprietar_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n without_o her_o lord_n and_o head_n consent_n can_v alienate_v or_o divest_v herself_o of_o none_o of_o her_o right_n and_o privilege_n that_o have_v be_v purchase_v to_o she_o at_o no_o less_o rate_n than_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god._n and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o pretend_v that_o ever_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v such_o a_o consent_n so_o there_o be_v far_o less_o ground_n to_o expect_v that_o ever_o he_o will_v give_v it_o now_o after_o he_o have_v seal_v his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o his_o own_o death_n and_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v it_o stand_v firm_a and_o unalterable_a by_o man_n or_o angel_n till_o he_o come_v again_o the_o church_n can_v no_o more_o divest_v herself_o of_o the_o right_n she_o have_v to_o elect_v she_o own_o office-bearer_n than_o she_o can_v transfert_fw-la the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o that_o liberty_n be_v annex_v and_o happy_a be_v it_o for_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n that_o their_o stock_n and_o inheritance_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o at_o their_o own_o disposal_n 33._o math_v 6.13.20_o luk_n 12_o 33._o it_o be_v far_o better_a secure_v their_o treasure_n be_v lodge_v where_o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a nor_o theive_v break_v through_o and_o steal_v vi_o and_o as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o only_a right_n of_o property_n and_o power_n of_o disposal_n of_o the_o church_n right_n and_o privilege_n so_o he_o be_v the_o only_a just_a and_o true_a proprietar_n of_o her_o rent_n and_o patrimony_n and_o when_o a_o office_n vaik_v the_o rent_n return_v to_o the_o church_n herself_o as_o proprietar_n under_o christ_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o for_o other_o pious_a use_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o ancient_a canon_n have_v not_o only_o discharge_v the_o alienation_n of_o the_o church_n good_n or_o temporal_a patrimony_n but_o have_v express_o declare_v all_o contract_n relative_a to_o such_o alienation_n utter_o void_a and_o null_a and_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o good_n so_o alienat_fw-la be_v still_o the_o church_n own_o etc._n council_n ancyrom_o can_v 15_o etc._n etc._n notwithstanding_o of_o such_o bargain_n and_o transaction_n how_o much_o more_o must_v the_o church_n be_v incapable_a to_o alienat_fw-la or_o divest_v herself_o of_o these_o spiritual_a right_n and_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o she_o by_o her_o head_n and_o king_n and_o by_o he_o purchase_v at_o no_o less_o rate_n than_o the_o price_n of_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n vii_o and_o as_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o such_o alienation_n of_o her_o right_n and_o liberty_n so_o it_o be_v positive_o deny_v that_o ever_o she_o have_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la make_v the_o same_o but_o on_o
it_o may_v also_o be_v remember_v from_o former_a and_o latter_a time_n how_o that_o many_o of_o the_o nobility_n and_o other_o who_o reside_v ordinary_o at_o court_n or_o go_v abroad_o upon_o foreign_a employment_n and_o have_v the_o patronage_n of_o many_o kirk_n and_o benefice_n in_o their_o hand_n be_v wont_v upon_o the_o solistation_n of_o friend_n and_o servant_n and_o many_o time_n from_o motive_n and_o to_o end_n of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o send_v presentation_n in_o favour_n of_o such_o as_o they_o never_o see_v in_o the_o face_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o ever_o hear_v of_o either_o before_o or_o after_o that_o time_n without_o make_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o previous_a inquiry_n into_o the_o qualification_n and_o condition_n of_o either_o preacher_n or_o people_n they_o be_v as_o unfit_a and_o incapable_a to_o discern_v in_o either_o as_o they_o be_v unable_a and_o inconcerned_a to_o improve_v any_o discovery_n they_o shall_v make_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n by_o look_v out_o and_o present_v a_o pastor_n that_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o proper_a for_o they_o vbi_fw-la ille_fw-la canon_n say_v athanasius_n ut_fw-la a_fw-la palatio_fw-la mittatur_fw-la be_v qui_fw-la futurus_fw-la est_fw-la episcopus_fw-la agentes_fw-la in_o epist_n ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la solit._n agentes_fw-la neither_o need_v we_o forget_v how_o many_o that_o enter_v to_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o method_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o no_o small_a trouble_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o nation_n sect_n fourteen_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v gross_o abuse_v and_o seandalous_o offensive_a without_o any_o necessity_n or_o use_n i._o the_o next_o ground_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o against_o the_o pretend_a right_n of_o patronage_n be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v no_o divine_a institution_n but_o clear_o destructive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o natural_a freedom_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o a_o society_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o useless_a and_o unnecessary_a invention_n and_o have_v be_v the_o fountain_n and_o occasion_n of_o many_o gross_a abuse_n and_o most_o scandalous_o offensive_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god._n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerat_a and_o allow_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n or_o state._n ii_o as_o for_o its_o usefulness_n or_o necessity_n i_o can_v understand_v neither_o have_v i_o ever_o hear_v any_o thing_n pretend_v in_o its_o defence_n from_o this_o head._n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o end_n or_o use_v of_o it_o can_v be_v think_v on_o but_o what_o may_v very_o well_o and_o far_o better_a be_v attain_v by_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a method_n of_o election_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o and_o much_o better_o provide_v for_o in_o that_o method_n by_o she_o infinite_o wise_a and_o love_a king_n and_o head_n so_o there_o need_v no_o other_o right_n to_o give_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o lawful_a title_n to_o his_o maintenance_n and_o live_v but_o his_o spiritual_a capacity_n and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o function_n the_o workman_n say_v our_o lord_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n so_o that_o unless_o the_o patron_n will_v pretend_v that_o he_o can_v state_n a_o minister_n in_o a_o spiritual_a capacity_n and_o so_o assume_v a_o power_n of_o ordination_n as_o well_o as_o of_o election_n and_o true_o he_o have_v as_o good_a ground_n to_o claim_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o he_o can_v give_v he_o no_o right_n to_o his_o maintenance_n as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v and_o therefore_o such_o a_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n by_o any_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o ought_v to_o use_v all_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o people_n by_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a doer_n and_o remove_v of_o such_o corrupt_a and_o useless_a institution_n as_o put_v a_o obstruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o call_v of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o ministerial_a charge_n as_o be_v the_o most_o special_a ordinary_a mean_n both_o of_o his_o own_o and_o his_o people_n eternal_a happiness_n iii_o and_o the_o church_n have_v in_o her_o pure_a time_n enjoy_v she_o lawful_o call_v pastor_n ere_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o patronage_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o she_o have_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v she_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v wonderful_a quorsum_fw-la or_o for_o what_o end_n such_o a_o invention_n shall_v now_o be_v maintain_v in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v christian_a magistrate_n who_o virtute_fw-la officij_fw-la be_v bind_v to_o plead_v for_o and_o defend_v she_o in_o her_o right_n and_o liberty_n see_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o call_v of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o to_o their_o true_a right_n and_o maintenance_n be_v far_o better_a provide_v for_o by_o method_n of_o divine_a appointment_n the_o right_a of_o patronage_n be_v as_o little_a and_o less_o useful_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a far_a more_o prejudicial_a in_o this_o case_n than_o in_o the_o call_n and_o maintenance_n of_o man_n of_o other_o profession_n such_o as_o lawyer_n physician_n and_o common_a mechanic_n only_a man_n have_v still_o a_o great_a itch_n to_o be_v meddle_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n without_o a_o lawful_a call_n than_o in_o other_o thing_n that_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v subject_n and_o by_o divine_a appointment_n be_v leave_v to_o a_o humane_a regulation_n nitimur_fw-la in_o vetitum_fw-la and_o therefore_o as_o we_o have_v once_o good_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o year_n 1649._o have_v abolish_v this_o corrupt_a custom_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v to_o be_v regret_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v that_o same_o sense_n of_o justice_n since_o with_o a_o suitable_a acquiescence_n to_o their_o so_o just_a and_o rational_a determination_n especial_o consider_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o prejudice_n or_o loss_n of_o patrimony_n sustain_v it_o be_v on_o the_o church_n part_n and_o not_o on_o the_o patron_n be_v as_o the_o act_n 1649._o will_v easy_o clear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v it_o iv_o in_o this_o manner_n do_v all_o protestant_n divine_n and_o our_o own_o writer_n in_o particular_a argue_v against_o the_o superstitious_a corruption_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o romish_a and_o english_a church_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v but_o allow_v ourselves_o calm_o and_o without_o heat_n and_o prejudice_n to_o consider_v the_o matter_n it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o surpryse_v to_o see_v that_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o act_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v yet_o hazard_v her_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o scandalize_a and_o offend_v or_o the_o mar_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o their_o poor_a brethren_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n by_o force_v and_o violent_o impose_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o only_a term_n of_o communion_n under_o the_o pain_n both_o of_o church_n censure_n and_o legal_a punishment_n the_o practice_n of_o what_o themselves_o confess_v to_o be_v at_o best_a but_o indifferent_a and_o no_o way_n necessary_a either_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n or_o moral_a use_n and_o which_o their_o brethren_n upon_o solid_a and_o undeniable_a ground_n take_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n believe_v to_o be_v superstitious_a and_o sinful_a especial_o since_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o institution_n in_o which_o they_o both_o agree_v be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o do_v likewise_o abundant_o satisfy_v all_o the_o necessary_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v there_o be_v nothing_o allege_v in_o favour_n of_o these_o superstitious_a and_o unnecessary_a addition_n but_o a_o pityful_a and_o empty_a shadow_n of_o worldly_a decency_n and_o fashionablness_n so_o much_o decry_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o you_o conform_v to_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o which_o in_o no_o equity_n can_v ever_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o least_o hazard_n of_o lose_v the_o church_n unity_n or_o offend_v the_o mean_a of_o christ_n follower_n these_o practice_n must_v certain_o render_v such_o man_n just_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o heavy_a charge_n of_o schism_n and_o to_o that_o woe_n denounce_v by_o our_o bless_a lord_n against_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v instrumental_a 18.7_o see_v matth._n 18.7_o in_o bring_v division_n and_o offence_n into_o the_o church_n v._n but_o to_o