ministry_n as_o also_o with_o power_n to_o place_n and_o displace_v plant_v and_o transplant_v minister_n without_o regard_n have_v either_o to_o the_o previous_a call_n of_o the_o people_n or_o to_o the_o mission_n of_o any_o church_n judicatory_a and_o of_o subject_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n whole_o unto_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n not_o to_o mentione_n the_o severity_n breathe_v out_o in_o that_o letter_n against_o the_o assembling_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n 6._o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o what_o be_v already_o mark_v that_o the_o indulge_v brethren_n do_v own_o that_o letter_n of_o the_o king_n as_o the_o only_a rise_n and_o fountain_n of_o the_o favour_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o take_v the_o indulgence_n only_o from_o the_o council_n but_o from_o the_o king_n principal_o as_o the_o only_a spring_n thereof_o convey_v the_o same_o to_o they_o through_o the_o channel_n and_o medium_n of_o the_o council_n who_o do_v nothing_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o letter_n and_o in_o obedience_n thereunto_o whence_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o abstract_n the_o stream_n from_o the_o fountain_n or_o to_o think_v that_o these_o minister_n can_v imagine_v that_o they_o be_v only_o to_o notice_n what_o the_o council_n do_v and_o no_o more_o for_o as_o they_o neither_o do_v this_o so_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o think_v they_o can_v do_v so_o 7._o they_o acknowledge_v here_o that_o as_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v only_o behold_v unto_o this_o indulgence_n for_o for_o this_o cause_n they_o give_v thanks_o and_o thus_o do_v tacit_o grant_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o public_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o liberty_n grant_v from_o the_o magistrate_n whereby_o they_o not_o only_o condemn_v all_o these_o faithful_a minister_n who_o venture_v without_o that_o liberty_n grant_v to_o preach_v public_o where_o occasion_n offer_v in_o house_n or_o in_o the_o field_n but_o they_o likewise_o condemn_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o great_a of_o conventicle-keeper_n so_o likewise_o they_o do_v tacit_o here_o grant_v that_o when_o the_o magistrate_n prohibit_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o long_a or_o short_a time_n he_o must_v not_o be_v disobey_v whereby_o the_o magistrate_n have_v the_o power_n yield_v to_o he_o of_o suspending_a and_o depose_v minister_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o function_n it_o be_v true_a magistrate_n can_v hinder_v the_o peaceable_a public_a exercise_n or_o free_a public_a exercise_n by_o outward_a force_n and_o constraint_n but_o they_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o peaceable_a public_a exercise_n but_o simple_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o public_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n our_o own_o church-history_n tell_v we_o how_o famous_a mr._n bruce_n be_v cast_v in_o a_o fever_n through_o terror_n of_o conscience_n for_o promise_a silence_n but_o for_o ten_o day_n though_o in_o hope_n of_o great_a liberty_n 8._o it_o be_v observable_a here_o how_o thankful_a they_o be_v for_o partake_v alone_o as_o choose_v out_o from_o their_o brethren_n of_o this_o favour_n whileas_o this_o very_a act_n of_o separate_v they_o from_o their_o brethren_n shall_v have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o they_o to_o have_v reject_v the_o tender_v suppose_a favour_n see_v by_o the_o accept_n thereof_o in_o this_o separate_a way_n they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v divide_v from_o their_o brethren_n contrary_a to_o their_o swear_a covenant_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o stigma_fw-la they_o receive_v thereby_o 9_o they_o say_v that_o they_o receive_v their_o ministry_n from_o jesus_n christ._n but_o why_o be_v it_o not_o say_v as_o some_o of_o they_o if_o i_o be_v not_o misinform_v desire_v only_o from_o i._n c_o when_o this_o be_v design_o and_o deliberate_o leave_v out_o let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o in_o this_o they_o carry_v as_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o not_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v but_o judge_v that_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a betray_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o a_o give_v up_o of_o all_o to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o hereby_o they_o declare_v that_o in_o their_o judgement_n either_o they_o have_v their_o ministry_n from_o other_o as_o well_o as_o from_o christ_n that_o be_v from_o the_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o from_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o a_o co-equality_n and_o co-ordination_a or_o else_o that_o they_o have_v it_o not_o from_o christ_n immediate_o but_o from_o man_n from_o the_o magistrate_n in_o subordination_n to_o christ._n now_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v assort_v with_o truth_n and_o with_o our_o principle_n not_o the_o former_a for_o then_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v sole_a king_n but_o half_o and_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v have_v the_o half_a of_o christ_n throne_n crown_n sceptre_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o think_v not_o the_o latter_a for_o magistracy_n be_v not_o subordinat_a in_o a_o direct_a line_n unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n nor_o have_v christ_n substitute_n the_o magistrate_n as_o his_o vicar_n nor_o have_v he_o give_v to_o he_o as_o such_o a_o ministerial_a power_n under_o he_o to_o convey_v ministerial_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_n or_o with_o a_o ministerial_a authority_n as_o his_o servant_n what_o power_n of_o mission_n he_o give_v to_o his_o minister_n magistrate_n as_o such_o act_v not_o ministerial_o or_o with_o a_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o subject_n but_o with_o a_o coactive_a autocratorical_a and_o architectonick_a power_n and_o authority_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o reserve_v only_o to_o the_o magistrate_n hereby_o the_o power_n to_o grant_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o free_a exercise_n but_o they_o mean_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o ministry_n itself_o from_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o i_o answer_v have_v they_o speak_v so_o we_o may_v then_o have_v understand_v they_o so_o but_o though_o they_o have_v say_v so_o the_o cause_n have_v be_v betray_v for_o if_o they_o have_v their_o ministry_n from_o christ_n alone_o they_o must_v also_o have_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o the_o same_o from_o he_o if_o christ_n give_v the_o office_n he_o give_v the_o power_n to_o exercise_v the_o office_n and_o if_o they_o depend_v upon_o other_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o exercise_n they_o in_o so_o far_o rob_v christ_n of_o what_o be_v his_o due_n &_o hold_v that_o of_o man_n which_o they_o shall_v hold_v of_o christ_n alone_o no_o man_n needs_o to_o say_v here_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o take_v away_o the_o power_n of_o church-judicatories_a by_o who_o minister_n receive_v both_o the_o office_n and_o the_o power_n of_o its_o exercise_n for_o what_o church-judicatories_a do_v herein_o they_o do_v ministerial_o under_o christ_n and_o christ_n by_o they_o convey_v the_o office_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o person_n and_o with_o the_o office_n a_o power_n to_o exercise_v it_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o these_o officer_n may_v and_o must_v say_v that_o they_o receive_v their_o ministry_n only_o from_o christ_n jesus_n but_o this_o can_v be_v say_v if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v substitute_n in_o the_o place_n of_o church-officer_n either_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o office_n itself_o or_o in_o reference_n to_o its_o free_a exercise_n because_o no_o magistrate_n as_o such_o as_o be_v say_v act_v with_o a_o ministerial_a power_n under_o christ_n in_o a_o right_a line_n of_o subordination_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o keep_v out_o the_o word_n only_o they_o do_v plain_o declare_v that_o they_o hold_v the_o ministry_n partly_o of_o the_o magistrate_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o will_v hereby_o only_o have_v reserve_v to_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o grant_v the_o peaceable_a public_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n i_o will_v answer_v that_o though_o they_o have_v mean_v thus_o yet_o they_o may_v safe_o and_o shall_v have_v say_v that_o they_o receive_v their_o ministry_n only_o from_o christ_n for_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o receive_v my_o ministry_n from_o every_o one_o who_o can_v hinder_v my_o peaceable_a public_a exercise_n thereof_o otherways_o i_o must_v be_v say_v to_o receive_v it_o in_o part_n from_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n who_o can_v hinder_v my_o peaceable_a public_a exercise_n thereof_o so_o that_o use_v what_o device_n man_n can_v to_o cover_v this_o matter_n a_o manifest_a betray_n of_o the_o cause_n will_v break_v through_o and_o a_o recede_a from_o receive_v and_o swear_v principle_n will_v be_v visible_a 10._o they_o say_v they_o have_v full_a prescription_n from_o jesus_n christ_n to_o regulat_fw-la they_o in_o their_o ministry_n who_o then_o can_v justify_v they_o in_o receive_v other_o prescription_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o such_o
they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o that_o 1_o cor._n 9_o v._n 16._o and_o they_o observe_v likewise_o that_o the_o necessity_n be_v now_o great_a yea_o great_a than_o ever_o upon_o many_o account_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o people_n be_v more_o and_o more_o alienate_v from_o the_o swarm_n of_o curate_n as_o be_v not_o only_o prodigious_o profane_a and_o lascivious_a vain_a and_o ignorant_a enough_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o be_v never_o the_o authorize_v messenger_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o high_o guilty_a of_o perjury_n and_o defection_n in_o their_o compliance_n with_o receive_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o act_v in_o subordination_n to_o and_o by_o a_o power_n derive_v from_o the_o abjure_a prelate_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o primitive_a pattern_n and_o our_o own_o reformation_n confirm_v by_o oath_n solemn_a vow_n and_o covenant_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o a_o obligation_n still_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o own_o the_o out_v minister_n as_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o under_o a_o necessity_n to_o hear_v they_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o dispense_v by_o they_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o see_v themselves_o call_v to_o some_o other_o exercise_n both_o to_o testify_v their_o adherence_n to_o their_o former_a avow_a profession_n their_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o abjure_a re-introduced_n prelacy_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o keep_v christ_n in_o his_o pure_a ordinance_n in_o the_o land_n wherefore_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o more_o serious_a minister_n bethink_v themselves_o and_o consider_v the_o many_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n and_o consider_v the_o urgent_a necessity_n and_o withal_o the_o cheerful_a readiness_n and_o willingness_n of_o the_o people_n to_o hear_v see_v themselves_o call_v of_o god_n to_o preach_v as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherever_o providence_n order_v their_o abode_n and_o thereupon_o as_o occasion_v offer_v preach_v unto_o all_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o hear_v but_o at_o first_o that_o they_o may_v as_o little_o displease_v the_o ruler_n as_o possible_a only_o in_o private_a house_n and_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o altogether_o at_o such_o time_n when_o there_o be_v no_o public_a worshipe_n in_o the_o public_a meeting_n place_n a_o superplus_n of_o caution_n but_o such_o be_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o new_a install_v prelate_n and_o such_o be_v their_o indignation_n at_o and_o enmity_n against_o those_o out_v minister_n and_o chief_o at_o and_o against_o the_o work_n they_o be_v about_o as_o know_v that_o if_o christ_n be_v keep_v in_o the_o land_n and_o a_o memory_n only_o of_o he_o be_v reserve_v they_o can_v enjoy_v no_o quiet_a in_o their_o usurpation_n that_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o all_o extravagancy_n of_o cruelty_n for_o suppress_v of_o the_o innocent_a peaceable_a and_o harmless_a assembling_n hence_o come_v severe_a prohibition_n discharge_v all_o such_o meeting_n under_o exorbitant_a penalty_n both_o upon_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n where_o these_o assembly_n be_v find_v and_o upon_o the_o minister_n find_v there_o exercise_v and_o upon_o all_o and_o every_o one_o present_a without_o exception_n hence_o be_v house_n force_v and_o search_v and_o many_o hail_v to_o prison_n and_o several_a necessitate_v to_o escape_v at_o window_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n officer_n and_o spy_n send_v unto_o and_o set_v in_o several_a suspect_a place_n to_o seize_v and_o fall_v upon_o such_o as_o they_o find_v at_o such_o meeting_n or_o but_o suspect_v to_o have_v be_v there_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n young_a and_o old_a have_v be_v drag_v to_o prison_n and_o there_o close_o keep_v as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o worst_a of_o malefactor_n beside_o several_a other_o outrageous_a and_o illegal_a act_n of_o violence_n and_o oppression_n commit_v against_o they_o contrary_a to_o all_o law_n equity_n and_o conscience_n the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o people_n desire_v still_o to_o follow_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o find_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a difficulty_n in_o their_o assemble_v in_o house_n where_o they_o be_v so_o easy_o attrape_v and_o can_v with_o so_o great_a hazard_n meet_v and_o with_o difficulty_n escape_v the_o hand_n of_o these_o burrioes_n be_v constrain_v at_o last_o to_o keep_v their_o meeting_n in_o the_o field_n though_o without_o all_o shelter_n from_o cold_a winde_n snow_n and_o rain_v whereupon_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o ruler_n instigate_v by_o the_o prelate_n do_v break_v forth_o into_o more_o excessive_a and_o boundless_a flame_n whence_o come_v severe_a act_n of_o council_n and_o parliament_n against_o the_o same_o and_o all_o way_n of_o cruelty_n imaginable_a take_v to_o suppress_v these_o house_n and_o field_n meeting_n field_n meeting_n be_v discharge_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n unto_o the_o minister_n and_o convocater_v and_o other_o grievous_a penalty_n unto_o such_o as_o do_v meet_v which_o course_n of_o severity_n and_o rigour_n have_v continue_v unto_o this_o day_n but_o to_o mention_v the_o several_a step_n method_n mean_n consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o tragedy_n will_v make_v too_o long_o a_o digression_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o notice_n that_o the_o suppress_v of_o these_o meeting_n have_v be_v the_o butt_n aâ—_n which_o a_o great_a part_n if_o not_o the_o far_o great_a of_o the_o act_n and_o act_n of_o the_o ruler_n have_v be_v level_v ever_o since_o they_o begin_v to_o appear_v and_o the_o only_a occasion_n of_o so_o many_o act_n of_o cruelty_n and_o of_o enormity_n in_o point_n of_o justice_n and_o legality_n they_o be_v the_o only_a eyesore_n of_o these_o enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o interest_n and_o that_o which_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o both_o with_o cruelty_n and_o craft_n seek_v to_o destroy_v by_o tyrannical_a act_n and_o law_n and_o by_o more_o tyrannical_a and_o illegal_a execution_n as_o if_o these_o assembler_n have_v be_v no_o more_o lawful_a subject_n but_o open_a traitor_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o rebel_n hence_o come_v the_o fill_n of_o pâ—isons_n with_o such_o as_o be_v apprehend_v the_o send_n of_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v take_v into_o the_o basse_fw-fr the_o set_n of_o a_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o some_o liberty_n grant_v to_o soldier_n to_o wound_n and_o kill_v in_o seek_v to_o apprehend_v minister_n and_o to_o apprehend_v and_o trouble_v any_o person_n they_o find_v on_o the_o highway_n the_o sell_v of_o honest_a people_n as_o slave_n unto_o the_o french_a captain_n and_o unto_o person_n go_v to_o america_n the_o banish_n of_o the_o wife_n and_o child_n of_o the_o out_v minister_n that_o be_v come_v to_o edinburgh_n for_o shelter_n command_v they_o to_o dislodge_v within_o the_o short_a day_n prefix_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o be_v forcible_o shut_v up_o or_o drag_v out_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o major_a in_o edinburgh_n with_o command_n over_o the_o town_n guard_n and_o a_o good_a salary_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o apprehend_v at_o all_o time_n all_o such_o minister_n or_o people_n as_o he_o can_v find_v assemble_v together_o the_o out-lawing_a of_o several_a minister_n and_o many_o hundered_n of_o professor_n discharge_v all_o supply_n be_v it_o but_o of_o bread_n or_o water_n or_o of_o a_o night_n lodging_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o and_o what_o not_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o this_o fury_n and_o after_o the_o quash_a by_o blood_n illegal_a &_o most_o false_o patch_v up_o for_o salture_n of_o several_a estate_n escheat_v and_o confiscate_v of_o good_n of_o that_o trouble_n anno_fw-la 1666._o occasion_v through_o the_o barbarous_a execution_n of_o illegal_a command_n against_o simple_a non-complyers_a with_o the_o course_n of_o prelacy_n the_o king_n at_o who_o instigation_n or_o in_o compliance_n with_o who_o desire_n and_o request_n i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n nor_o of_o christ_n nor_o of_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o know_v essay_v other_o mean_n and_o take_v other_o measure_n but_o all_o tend_v unto_o the_o same_o destructive_a end_n design_v to_o wit_n the_o suppress_n and_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o land_n all_o these_o memorial_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_v interest_n and_o of_o his_o presence_n in_o the_o land_n the_o assembly_n i_o mean_v of_o his_o servant_n to_o serve_v and_o worshipe_n he_o according_a to_o the_o pure_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n &_o those_o primitive_a christian_n which_o willing_o follow_v and_o hear_v they_o when_o by_o cruelty_n the_o ruler_n see_v they_o
of_o those_o duty_n which_o tend_v to_o our_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o edification_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v much_o aggravate_v by_o the_o intrusion_n of_o other_o who_o they_o can_v acknowledge_v as_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n they_o look_v on_o the_o former_a relation_n as_o yet_o in_o force_n 4._o though_o we_o be_v far_o from_o question_v the_o magistrate_n just_a power_n to_o confine_v any_o of_o his_o subject_n within_o his_o dominion_n yet_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o present_a complex_fw-la case_n which_o we_o do_v humble_o desire_v to_o present_v to_o your_o l_o l._n as_o burdensome_a to_o our_o conscience_n as_o 1._o that_o this_o confinement_n be_v not_o simple_o of_o our_o person_n but_o of_o the_o ministry_n itself_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o which_o shall_v be_v sad_a to_o we_o than_o any_o personal_a suffering_n whatsoever_o while_o first_o it_o be_v not_o of_o one_o or_o two_o but_o of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o 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our_o family_n while_o there_o be_v thousand_o leave_v to_o the_o oversight_n of_o other_o both_o in_o sufficient_a and_o scandalous_a 5._o by_o the_o last_o act_n of_o this_o indulgence_n all_o minister_n not_o indulge_v be_v prohibit_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n even_o as_o to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n except_o in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o respective_a confinement_n and_o that_o upon_o a_o call_n from_o the_o incumbent_n allannerly_a and_o in_o their_o summons_n be_v require_v to_o engage_v to_o the_o same_o which_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o the_o scripture_n command_v and_o the_o commission_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o feed_v of_o his_o people_n by_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n do_v cast_v we_o upon_o a_o sad_a dilemma_n either_o of_o disobey_v god_n or_o your_o l_o l._n so_o that_o we_o must_v say_v whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n judge_v you_o and_o now_o my_o lord_n have_v in_o the_o singleness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o hope_v without_o any_o just_a ground_n of_o offence_n give_v this_o short_a and_o serious_a representation_n of_o our_o thought_n in_o this_o affair_n we_o humble_o entreat_v your_o l_o l._n to_o give_v a_o favourable_a hear_n to_o these_o our_o subsequent_a just_a and_o necessary_a desire_n viz._n 1._o that_o you_o l_o l._n will_v not_o construe_v our_o noncompliance_n with_o the_o indulgence_n as_o tender_v in_o the_o forementioned_a act_n to_o proceed_v from_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n but_o from_o conscience_n which_o make_v we_o that_o we_o there_fw-mi not_o be_v silent_a in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o who_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o owe_v fidelity_n upon_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o that_o our_o heart_n may_v not_o condemn_v we_o in_o withhold_v from_o caesar_n what_o be_v caesar_n nor_o in_o give_v to_o he_o what_o be_v the_o lord_n 2._o that_o we_o be_v not_o press_v to_o go_v to_o our_o confinement_n nor_o proceed_v against_o as_o disloyal_a and_o contemner_n of_o authority_n on_o that_o account_n and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o our_o own_o respective_a flock_n and_o to_o other_o as_o we_o have_v access_n in_o providence_n 3._o that_o you_o l_o l._n will_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o his_o maj._n to_o take_v off_o the_o legal_a restraint_n on_o our_o ministry_n and_o person_n that_o we_o may_v peacable_o give_v ourselves_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n 4._o &_o last_o that_o you_o l_o l._n woo_a serious_o consider_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n before_o who_o tribunal_n we_o be_v all_o short_o to_o appear_v and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o action_n the_o heavy_a pressure_n and_o burden_n lie_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o mere_a preach_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n which_o pressure_n have_v main_o flow_v from_o the_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o prelacy_n a_o plant_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n never_o plant_v under_o which_o this_o church_n have_v groan_v those_o many_o year_n and_o also_o we_o most_o humble_o beseech_v your_o l_o l._n that_o what_o favour_n it_o shall_v please_v his_o maj._n in_o his_o royal_a clemency_n to_o grant_v may_v not_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o know_a principle_n to_o which_o we_o stand_v engage_v by_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o oath_n in_o grant_v of_o which_o desire_n as_o your_o l_o l._n will_v undoubted_o make_v glade_n the_o heart_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o his_o maj._n loyal_a subject_n so_o you_o will_v much_o encourage_v we_o your_o humble_a petitioner_n to_o continue_v serious_a supplicant_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o establish_v his_o maj._n throne_n in_o righteousness_n and_o for_o pour_v out_o a_o spirit_n of_o righteous_a judgement_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n by_o these_o testimony_n and_o paper_n howbeit_o not_o all_o present_v either_o to_o the_o chancellor_n or_o council_n as_o be_v in_o singleness_n intend_v by_o some_o we_o may_v see_v that_o there_o want_v not_o weighty_a reason_n to_o have_v move_v such_o as_o love_v to_o walk_v tender_o and_o circumspect_o in_o such_o a_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o snare_n to_o have_v peremptory_o refuse_v this_o so_o dangerous_a so_o ensnare_a so_o scandalous_a and_o so_o destructive_a a_o indulgence_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o our_o history_n and_o hasten_v to_o a_o end_n thereof_o the_o follow_a year_n to_o wit_n 1673._o some_o minister_n who_o have_v be_v indulge_v be_v now_o cite_v before_o the_o council_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o 29._o of_o may._n and_o other_o instruction_n give_v unto_o they_o of_o which_o and_o of_o the_o carriage_n of_o these_o minister_n at_o that_o time_n we_o shall_v take_v occasion_n hereafter_o to_o speak_v more_o full_o and_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o now_o with_o the_o simple_a relation_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o register_n upon_o the_o 8._o day_n of_o july_n 1673._o the_o minister_n underwritten_a who_o be_v indulge_v to_o preach_v at_o the_o kirk_n specify_v in_o the_o counsel_n act_n of_o the_o 3._o of_o septemb_n 1672._o and_o former_o be_v convene_v before_o the_o council_n viz._n mr_n john_n crawfurd_n mr_n anthony_n murray_n mr_n john_n hammiltoun_n mr_n john_n oliphant_n mr_n james_n currie_n mr_n john_n lauder_n mr_n john_n stirling_n mr_n james_n hutcheson_n mr_n john_n bairdy_n mr_n john_n eccles_n mr_n andrew_n dalrymple_n mr_n john_n gemmil_n mr_n hugh_n camphel_n mr_n alexander_n blair_n mr_n james_n veitch_n mr_n william_n fullertoun_n mr_n john_n hutcheson_n mr_n robert_n miller_n mr_n george_n ramsay_n mr_n john_n bell_n mr_n ralph_n rodger_n mr_n william_n dillidaff_n
condemn_v heretic_n debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o admit_v thereto_o by_o their_o sentence_n judge_v of_o church-member_n or_o determine_v who_o shall_v be_v admit_v as_o such_o and_o who_o not_o in_o a_o word_n do_v all_o which_o church-judicatories_a do_v this_o distinction_n will_v make_v all_o go_v down_o 4._o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n if_o these_o brethren_n be_v before_o a_o church-judicatory_a meddle_v with_o all_o civil_a affair_n determine_v civil_a plea_n giving-out_n civil_a injunction_n law_n and_o rule_n etc._n etc._n they_o may_v and_o ought_v as_o willing_o submit_v and_o salve_n all_o with_o this_o distinction_n say_v we_o can_v receive_v civil_a law_n from_o you_o but_o as_o for_o ecclesiastical_a significaâ—ions_n of_o your_o pleasure_n under_o hazard_n of_o church-censure_n we_o can_v say_v nothing_o to_o that_o and_o thus_o they_o will_v sweet_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o invasion_n make_v upon_o and_o usurpation_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n whereof_o the_o pope_n conclave_n and_o other_o popish_a and_o prelatical_a court_n be_v just_o account_v guilty_a without_o scruple_n now_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o mr_n h_n turn_n who_o as_o our_o informer_n say_v receive_v not_o these_o instruction_n public_o as_o have_v see_v they_o before_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o resume_v what_o he_o have_v say_v former_o concern_v a_o formal_a ecclesiastical_a power_n which_o can_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o a_o power_n objectiu_o ecclesiastical_a which_o be_v allow_v to_o he_o intimate_v with_o all_o that_o the_o brethren_n will_v either_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v their_o direction_n according_a as_o they_o judge_v of_o they_o in_o their_o conscience_n upon_o their_o peril_n on_o what_o be_v here_o resume_v i_o have_v give_v my_o observation_n before_o and_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o formal_a ecclesiastic_a power_n must_v point_n forth_o a_o power_n in_o itself_o such_o and_o therefore_o so_o call_v and_o not_o so_o denominate_v mere_o because_o it_o be_v exert_v by_o churchman_n as_o the_o two_o brethren_n fore_o mention_v hint_v in_o their_o answer_n and_o distinction_n otherwise_o his_o distinction_n shall_v have_v run_v thus_o betwixt_o a_o power_n subjectiu_o ecclesiastical_a and_o objectiu_o ecclesiastical_a but_o this_o will_v confound_v all_o cause_n and_o all_o power_n and_o will_v bring_v all_o civil_a cause_n objectiu_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o church-cause_n objectiu_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n yea_o and_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o action_n do_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n though_o otherwise_o but_o objectiu_o ecclesiastical_a to_o be_v formal_o civil_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n make_v all_o action_n do_v by_o churchman_n though_o otherwise_o but_o objectiu_o civil_a to_o be_v formal_o ecclesiastic_a as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o speech_n i_o judge_v the_o same_o may_v have_v be_v say_v have_v be_v before_o the_o church-judicatory_a receive_v the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a instruction_n and_o be_v this_o all_o be_v there_o no_o more_o requisite_a in_o this_o case_n be_v it_o all_o one_o thing_n at_o who_o hand_n minister_n receive_v direction_n rule_n restriction_n and_o injunction_n or_o the_o like_a to_o regulate_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n whether_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o a_o prelate_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o of_o a_o church-judicatorie_a provide_v they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v or_o otherwise_o to_o take_v their_o hazard_n i_o suppose_v our_o forefather_n will_v have_v say_v something_o else_o and_o i_o trow_v civil_a magistrate_n if_o call_v before_o the_o prelate_n court_n to_o receive_v injunction_n or_o rule_n to_o regulate_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n will_v say_v some_o other_o thing_n than_o that_o they_o will_v observe_v or_o not_o observe_v these_o direction_n according_a as_o they_o judge_v of_o they_o in_o their_o conscience_n upon_o their_o peril_n and_o if_o they_o will_v have_v stand_v to_o their_o right_n as_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v the_o great_a fault_n it_o be_v for_o minister_n to_o quite_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n so_o easy_o wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o master_n do_v so_o much_o consist_v yea_o moreover_o this_o superadded_a insinuation_n make_v i_o suspect_v the_o forementioned_a distinction_n the_o more_o for_o have_v that_o distinction_n be_v honest_o propose_v and_o intend_v this_o superadded_a clause_n have_v be_v utter_o needless_a upon_o this_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o our_o informer_n follow_v my_o l._n chanc._n answer_v which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o king_n give_v they_o these_o instruction_n by_o his_o council_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v they_o the_o council_n will_v punish_v they_o by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o these_o instruction_n be_v giâ—â—â—_n by_o a_o autocratorick_n power_n by_o the_o magistrate_n as_o such_o and_o consequent_o be_v in_o church-matter_n intrinsical_o and_o formal_o such_o by_o a_o usurp_v power_n we_o see_v next_o that_o the_o command_a of_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o instruction_n come_v from_o the_o magistrate_n in_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la and_o so_o be_v not_o civil_a sanction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o injunction_n ministerial_o propose_v by_o church-officer_n upon_o both_o which_o ground_n i_o conceive_v mr_n h._n have_v a_o fair_a occasion_n to_o have_v vindicate_v both_o the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n the_o sole_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n bestow_v on_o she_o by_o christ_n her_o king_n and_o lord_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o reply_n which_o he_o make_v be_v this_o that_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o civil_a punishment_n they_o have_v never_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n right_a in_o they_o and_o that_o he_o take_v notice_n from_o that_o answer_n that_o their_o l_o l._n act_v in_o a_o civil_a way_n only_o competent_a to_o they_o in_o their_o deal_n with_o minister_n which_o they_o can_v not_o decline_v hope_v their_o l_o l._n design_v not_o to_o stretch_v their_o power_n beyond_o their_o civil_a line_n which_o reply_n in_o my_o judgement_n be_v neither_o pertinent_a nor_o sufficient_a not_o pertinent_a because_o the_o question_n be_v never_o move_v concern_v magistrate_n execute_v civil_a punishment_n but_o concern_v their_o power_n of_o impose_v injunction_n and_o rule_n to_o regulate_v minister_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o the_o l._n chanc._n own_v and_o avouch_v in_o his_o answer_n little_o regard_v mr_n h_n distinction_n betwixt_o a_o formal_o ecclesiastic_a power_n and_o power_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a not_o sufficient_a because_o the_o main_a business_n be_v unhandsome_o wave_v nay_o moreover_o this_o reply_n be_v a_o yield_a of_o the_o whole_a cause_n and_o a_o grant_v that_o magistrate_n may_v meddle_v with_o any_o church_n power_n and_o enjoin_v what_o they_o please_v provide_v they_o punish_v only_o civil_o such_o as_o transgress_v hence_o they_o may_v ordain_v a_o minister_n and_o command_v he_o to_o preach_v to_o such_o a_o people_n that_o will_v not_o call_v he_o and_o depose_v another_o and_o discharge_v he_o to_o preach_v any_o more_o as_o a_o minister_n or_o administer_v sacrament_n under_o a_o civil_a penalty_n so_o under_o a_o civil_a penalty_n they_o may_v prescribe_v the_o matter_n of_o preach_n decide_v controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o appeal_v in_o church-maters_a etc._n etc._n yea_o in_o a_o word_n meddle_v with_o the_o most_o intrinsic_a and_o formal_a church-matter_n final_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o ground_n my_o l._n chanc._n give_v yea_o or_o occasion_n to_o make_v this_o reply_n for_o though_o his_o l._n say_v the_o council_n will_v punish_v yet_o the_o say_v not_o the_o council_n will_v punish_v civil_o only_a no_o his_o expression_n may_v comprehend_v ecclesiastical_a punishment_n also_o conform_v to_o the_o power_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o the_o king_n letter_n after_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o discourse_n spend_v upon_o personal_a reflection_n and_o vindication_n with_o which_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v and_o therefore_o the_o less_o to_o be_v notice_v by_o i_o our_o informer_n come_v in_o end_n to_o vindicat_fw-la master_n h_n speech_n which_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v have_v give_v no_o small_a offence_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o it_o we_o may_v perceive_v a_o assertion_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o make_v rule_n for_o regulate_a minister_n which_o be_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o magistrate_n with_o a_o concession_n of_o his_o power_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a and_o a_o declaration_n of_o their_o receive_a paper_n of_o they_o under_o that_o notion_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o observe_v these_o direction_n but_o they_o be_v to_o act_v therein_o upon_o their_o peril_n we_o hear_v indeed_o of_o rule_n intrinsical_o and_o afterward_o formal_o
authority_n of_o presbyter_n turn_v the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o prelate_n jurney_n man_n make_v curate_n of_o they_o only_o for_o preach_v and_o intimate_v the_o bishop_n mandate_n and_o what_o else_o do_v i_o in_o this_o case_n but_o make_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o my_o person_n immediate_o dependent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n 5._o as_o for_o the_o permission_n and_o allowance_n i_o have_v to_o preach_v when_o confine_a this_o permission_n seem_v very_o fair_a while_o i_o look_v on_o it_o abstract_o without_o relation_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o the_o act_n for_o this_o will_v look_v like_o open_v the_o door_n in_o part_n which_o the_o magistrate_n himself_o have_v shut_v but_o while_o i_o take_v it_o complex_o with_o what_o else_o be_v join_v with_o it_o it_o do_v present_o carry_v another_o â—ace_n like_o some_o picture_n or_o medal_n that_o have_v two_o or_o three_o different_a aspect_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o beholder_n for_o permission_n to_o preach_v in_o any_o vacant_a church_n within_o the_o kingdom_n be_v so_o very_o great_a a_o favour_n as_o for_o which_o i_o will_v desire_v to_o bless_v god_n and_o thank_v hiâ—_n maj._n most_o hearty_o but_o take_v it_o without_o the_o praevious_a call_n of_o the_o people_n the_o authority_n and_o assistance_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o it_o may_v be_v have_v and_o take_v it_o without_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n but_o what_o be_v congregational_a and_o so_o it_o be_v â—ame_n again_o take_v it_o with_o the_o confinment_n and_o other_o clagg_n and_o caveat_n contain_v in_o the_o 2._o act_n or_o take_v it_o with_o the_o burden_n of_o be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v all_o matter_n former_o referable_a to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n before_o these_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n which_o be_v now_o constitute_v by_o bishop_n and_o their_o delegate_n and_o so_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o that_o same_o accommodation_n which_o we_o former_o have_v in_o our_o offer_n from_o the_o bishop_n and_o do_v refuse_v and_o take_v it_o yet_o with_o the_o rob_n of_o our_o own_o congregation_n and_o with_o the_o deprive_v of_o three_o part_n of_o four_o of_o the_o whole_a rest_n of_o the_o land_n and_o then_o i_o have_v it_o to_o consider_v whether_o this_o my_o permission_n to_o preach_v be_v not_o the_o put_n of_o my_o neck_n under_o a_o heavy_a yoke_n than_o it_o can_v be_v under_o before_o 6._o the_o last_o reason_n for_o brevity_n be_v from_o the_o affinity_n with_o and_o dependence_n this_o act_n of_o his_o maj._n royal_a indulgence_n have_v upon_o the_o late_a explanatorie_n act_n of_o his_o maj._n supremacy_n which_o i_o desire_v with_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n to_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a encroachment_n can_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o crown_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n upon_o earth_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o compare_v the_o two_o act_n together_o for_o the_o act_n of_o his_o maj._n supremacy_n beside_o the_o narrative_a contain_v two_o principal_a part_n viz._n 1_o the_o assertorie_n of_o his_o maj._n supremacy_n which_o be_v the_o main_a theme_n propose_v to_o be_v explain_v in_o these_o word_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n do_v hereby_o enact_v assert_v and_o declare_v that_o his_o majest_n have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o supremacy_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastic_a within_o this_o kingdom_n 2._o the_o explanatorie_a part_n follow_v in_o so_o many_o most_o comprehensive_a and_o extensive_a branch_n and_o article_n thus_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o the_o order_v and_o disposal_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v proper_o belong_v to_o his_o maj._n and_o his_o successor_n as_o a_o inherent_a righâ—_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o that_o his_o maj._n and_o successor_n may_v settle_v enact_v &_o emit_v such_o constitution_n act_n &_o order_n concern_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o the_o same_o and_o concern_v all_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n and_o matter_n to_o be_v propose_v and_o determine_v therein_o as_o they_o in_o their_o royal_a wisdom_n shall_v â—hink_v fit_a again_o the_o act_n of_o his_o maj_n royal_a indulgence_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n and_o actual_a application_n of_o his_o supremacy_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastic_a may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o these_o particular_n comprehensive_o 1_o the_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o such_o and_o such_o minister_n to_o such_o and_o such_o respective_a place_n 2_o a_o power_n to_o plant_v and_o transplant_v put_v out_o and_o put_v in_o minister_n to_o the_o church_n 3_o the_o frame_n and_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o instruction_n for_o limit_v minister_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n 4_o the_o ordain_v inferior_a magistrate_n as_o sheriff_n justice_n etc._n etc._n to_o inform_v the_o council_n every_o six_o month_n under_o high_a pain_n anent_o the_o carriage_n of_o indulge_v minister_n and_o how_o they_o observe_v the_o foresay_a rule_n 5_o the_o confine_n of_o license_a minister_n to_o one_o small_a corner_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o declare_v all_o other_o place_n and_o congregation_n whatsoever_o within_o this_o nation_n to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o share_n of_o this_o royal_a favour_n except_o such_o place_n only_o as_o be_v exptes_o contain_v in_o the_o act_n itself_o now_o that_o these_o particular_n of_o the_o act_n of_o indulgence_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o kind_n with_o the_o article_n explanatorie_n of_o his_o maj._n supremacy_n will_v demonstrative_o appear_v by_o this_o plain_a argument_n viz._n to_o settle_v enact_v emit_v constitution_n act_n and_o order_n concern_v matter_n meeting_n and_o person_n ecclesiastic_a according_a to_o their_o royal_a pleasure_n be_v the_o very_a substance_n and_o definition_n of_o his_o majest_n supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v by_o his_o estate_n of_o parliament_n but_o the_o act_n of_o his_o majest_n indulgence_n in_o the_o whole_a five_o forname_v particular_n thereof_o be_v only_o to_o settle_v enact_v and_o emit_v such_o constitution_n act_n and_o order_n concern_v matter_n and_o meeting_n and_o person_n ecclesiastical_a according_a to_o royal_a pleasure_n therefore_o the_o act_n of_o his_o maj._n indulgence_n be_v the_o substance_n and_o definition_n of_o his_o maj._n supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v by_o his_o estate_n of_o parliament_n the_o rule_n and_o instruction_n for_o limit_v minister_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n as_o also_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o two_o forename_a particular_n of_o the_o indulgence_n be_v such_o as_o i_o declare_v i_o can_v accept_v of_o they_o or_o any_o other_o favour_n whatsoever_o upon_o such_o term_n and_o condition_n because_o they_o contain_v the_o downright_a exercise_n of_o erastianisme_n as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v and_o a_o discretive_a judgement_n of_o such_o act_n as_o a_o man_n resolve_v to_o practice_n can_v not_o be_v deny_v he_o unless_o man_n be_v turn_v into_o bruit_n and_o so_o be_v rule_v no_o more_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n namely_o the_o magistrate_n by_o his_o proper_a and_o elicit_a act_n do_v that_o which_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastic_a as_o a_o nomothetick_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n frame_v such_o law_n and_o constitution_n ecclesiastic_a as_o be_v not_o competent_a for_o any_o ministerial_a or_o declarative_a power_n to_o enact_v or_o impose_v but_o of_o that_o power_n only_o which_o be_v absolute_o sovereign_a and_o whatsoever_o will_n militat_fw-la against_o a_o ecclesiastic_a person_n to_o arrogat_fw-la to_o himself_o to_o be_v christ_n vicar_n on_o earth_n and_o a_o visible_a head_n to_o give_v and_o make_v law_n for_o the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o same_o also_o will_v make_v much_o against_o any_o other_o though_o the_o great_a in_o the_o world_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o this_o prerogative_n so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v produce_v no_o divine_a warrant_n for_o this_o claim_n a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o these_o rule_n and_o other_o particular_n i_o must_v needs_o for_o brevity_n forbear_v my_o noble_a lord_n have_v in_o the_o singleness_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o i_o trust_v without_o any_o just_a ground_n of_o offence_n give_v this_o short_a and_o sober_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o majest_n royal_a favour_n and_o indulgence_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o my_o conscience_n that_o both_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n be_v god_n ordinance_n &_o no_o way_n destructive_a but_o mutual_o helpful_a one_o to_o another_o so_o that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o earnest_o long_a that_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n and_o ruler_n in_o his_o hand_n will_v put_v
it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o great_a sovereign_n and_o in_o your_o gr_n heart_n to_o be_v instrumental_a therein_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o minister_n liberty_n to_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o that_o ministry_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o government_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n do_v well_o consist_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o magistrate_n civil_a government_n in_o the_o state_n that_o so_o i_o and_o all_o other_o my_o outted_a brethren_n may_v have_v access_n to_o our_o former_a charge_n or_o other_o congregation_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v opportunity_n of_o a_o cordial_a invitation_n from_o the_o people_n with_o the_o assistance_n and_o help_n authoritative_o of_o lawful_a church_n â—udicatories_n until_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v grant_v a_o patent_n way_n to_o return_v to_o our_o own_o charge_n 2._o and_o that_o presbyterian_a minister_n may_v have_v access_n to_o his_o maj._n for_o represent_v just_a grievance_n which_o press_v heavy_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n his_o maj._n loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n in_o the_o land_n in_o grant_v of_o which_o necessary_a and_o just_a desire_n i_o your_o gr_n servant_z shall_v be_v a_o humble_a supplicant_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o maj._n person_n the_o establish_n of_o his_o throne_n in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v pour_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o righteous_a judgement_n on_o your_o grace_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v blessed_v and_o your_o grace_n may_v find_v mercy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n j._n burnet_n by_o this_o free_a and_o faithful_a testimony_n we_o see_v what_o reason_n move_v he_o not_o to_o accept_v of_o this_o suppose_a favour_n and_o particular_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o one_o main_a reason_n be_v the_o relation_n and_o affinity_n that_o be_v betwixt_o the_o act_n of_o indulgence_n and_o the_o explicatory_a act_n of_o supremacy_n so_o that_o who_o ever_o accept_v of_o this_o indulgence_n can_v not_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o virtual_o and_o material_o at_o least_o approve_v and_o consent_v to_o the_o supremacy_n &_o what_o iniquity_n lie_v wrapped-up_a in_o this_o a_o few_o word_n can_v not_o express_v but_o moreover_o there_o be_v ten_o minister_n i_o suppose_v worthy_a mr_n john_n burnet_n foremention_v be_v one_o of_o they_o who_o do_v meet_v together_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n to_o draw_v up_o reason_n of_o their_o refuse_v the_o indulgence_n to_o be_v present_v unto_o the_o council_n but_o though_o the_o paper_n be_v draw_v up_o and_o subscribe_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o it_o be_v present_v however_o because_o it_o may_v also_o contribute_v some_o light_n and_o confirmation_n i_o shall_v set_v it_o down_o here_o as_o i_o have_v it_o all_o of_o we_o be_v concern_v and_o reach_v by_o the_o late_a act_n of_o indulgence_n and_o confinement_n &_o some_o of_o we_o be_v already_o cite_v to_o give_v a_o account_n why_o we_o have_v not_o accept_v the_o same_o do_v humble_o desire_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o stand_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o mighty_a and_o judge_v among_o the_o god_n to_o give_v this_o true_a sober_a and_o ingenious_a relation_n of_o the_o reason_n which_o lie_v weighty_a on_o our_o conscience_n and_o bind_v we_o up_o from_o compliance_n with_o your_o ll._n command_v in_o this_o matter_n brief_o premit_v first_o that_o our_o non-compearance_a have_v not_o flow_v from_o any_o contempt_n of_o or_o disrespect_n unto_o authority_n which_o we_o always_o high_o esteem_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o our_o conscience_n bear_v we_o witness_v resolve_v through_o grace_n to_o submit_v thereto_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a but_o from_o the_o apprehension_n we_o have_v conceive_v of_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o ministry_n and_o person_n thereby_o lest_o by_o our_o personal_a appearance_n and_o signify_v our_o reason_n coram_fw-la we_o may_v have_v probable_o irritate_v your_o ll._n second_o that_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v as_o deny_v to_o his_o maj._n his_o just_a power_n in_o reference_n to_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n we_o do_v hearty_o and_o with_o great_a alacrity_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la objective_o ecclesiastic_a so_o as_o he_o by_o his_o royal_a authority_n may_v enjoin_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v command_v by_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v diligent_o do_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n which_o power_n be_v only_o cumulative_a and_o auxiliary_a to_o the_o church_n not_o privative_a nor_o destructive_a and_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v always_o modo_fw-la civili_fw-la as_o to_o the_o reason_n among_o many_o which_o may_v be_v adduce_v not_o willing_a to_o trouble_v your_o l_o l._n with_o prolixity_n we_o humble_o propose_v these_o few_o 1._o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n mediator_n the_o only_a head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o own_o church_n have_v commit_v all_o ministerial_a power_n and_o authority_n for_o government_n of_o his_o house_n to_o his_o own_o church-officer_n as_o the_o first_o proper_a subject_n and_o receptacle_n thereof_o joh._n 20_o 21._o matth._n 16_o 19_o and_o 18_o 18_o 20._o and_o 28_o v._n 18_o 19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 10_o 8._o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o act_n explanatory_n of_o his_o maj._n supremacy_n in_o the_o church_n whereupon_o this_o act_n of_o indulgence_n be_v found_v do_v ascribe_v this_o power_n to_o his_o maj._n and_o his_o successor_n as_o a_o inherent_a right_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o actual_o invest_v he_o with_o the_o formal_a exercise_n thereof_o in_o his_o own_o person_n derive_v and_o convey_v the_o same_o to_o other_o as_o he_o in_o his_o royal_a wisdom_n shall_v think_v fit_a and_o that_o the_o act_n of_o indulgence_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o exercise_n and_o actual_a application_n of_o the_o supremacy_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastic_a be_v obvious_a by_o compare_v the_o two_o act_n together_o namely_o in_o these_o 3._o particular_n 1._o the_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o such_o and_o such_o minister_n to_o such_o and_o such_o respective_a congregation_n and_o that_o without_o the_o previous_a call_n of_o the_o people_n and_o power_n of_o lawful_a church-judicatories_a which_o suppose_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o have_v authority_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o sutableness_n of_o minister_n gift_n and_o qualification_n to_o labour_v among_o such_o and_o such_o people_n 2._o a_o power_n to_o plant_v and_o transplant_v to_o putout_a and_o to_o put-in_a minister_n in_o the_o church_n and_o actual_o clothe_v person_n mere_o civil_a with_o power_n for_o that_o effect_n 3._o the_o frame_n and_o prescribe_v ecclesiastic_a canon_n and_o instruction_n for_o regulate_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n all_o which_o be_v proper_a intrinsic_a and_o formal_a act_n of_o church-power_n belong_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n institution_n to_o church-officer_n 2._o although_o we_o do_v free_o disallow_v and_o condemn_v all_o tumultuary_a and_o seditious_a meeting_n among_o which_o it_o be_v sad_a and_o grievous_a that_o the_o peaceable_a meeting_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o worship_n and_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n sound_o preach_v shall_v be_v reckon_v yet_o be_v we_o so_o convince_v and_o persuade_v in_o our_o heart_n of_o the_o lord_n blessing_n attend_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o not_o in_o a_o public_a paroch-church_n as_o that_o we_o judge_v the_o narrative_a of_o the_o first_o act_n go_v near_o to_o involve_v the_o accepter_n of_o this_o indulgence_n in_o a_o interpretative_a condemn_v of_o the_o say_n meeting_n which_o we_o in_o conscience_n daâ—_n not_o do_v be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a 1_o thes._n 5_o 22._o 3._o there_o be_v a_o stand_a relation_n betwixt_o we_o and_o those_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v we_o overseer_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n in_o his_o word_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o tie_n engage_v we_o to_o have_v special_a regard_n to_o these_o flock_n until_o that_o be_v dissolve_v by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o make_v it_o up_o and_o give_v it_o a_o be_v beside_o that_o by_o keep_v we_o from_o our_o charge_n a_o wide_a door_n be_v open_v to_o error_n atheism_n and_o profanity_n and_o we_o disable_v to_o discharge_v the_o trust_n commit_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n for_o which_o we_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o he_o in_o that_o great_a day_n of_o account_n what_o a_o grief_n must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o people_n to_o have_v their_o own_o lawful_a pastor_n shutup_a in_o a_o corner_n whereby_o both_o we_o and_o they_o be_v put_v out_o of_o a_o capacity_n for_o perform_v