power_n of_o natures_n enmity_n in_o professor_n over_o the_o life_n of_o true_a godliness_n and_o their_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o lust_n &_o sinful_a inclination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o thus_o set_v they_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o mean_n appoint_v for_o their_o delivery_n from_o the_o dominion_n &_o power_n of_o damn_v sin_n whither_o be_v we_o go_v and_o what_o may_v we_o expect_v will_v be_v the_o height_n of_o our_o defection_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o it_o if_o professor_n put_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o plain_a &_o open_a profess_a contradiction_n to_o their_o christian_a profession_n 2._o let_v not_o your_o lo._n think_v we_o say_v this_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o justify_v any_o fail_n in_o this_o matter_n commit_v by_o any_o of_o our_o persuasion_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o our_o profess_a principle_n and_o although_o we_o can_v condemn_v all_o the_o instance_n that_o be_v now_o disapprove_v by_o our_o antagonist_n yet_o we_o grant_v there_o be_v considerable_a escape_n in_o preach_v &_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o imprudence_n &_o passion_n in_o some_o and_o of_o worldly_a inclination_n &_o design_n in_o other_o of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o to_o raise_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o person_n of_o lead_a influence_n &_o power_n keep_v no_o measure_n but_o run_v to_o strange_a height_n of_o zeal_n against_o some_o sin_n while_o they_o connive_v at_o other_o but_o see_v by_o their_o compliance_n with_o the_o cryed-up_a cause_n of_o these_o time_n they_o do_v now_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v never_o of_o we_o how_o unjust_o be_v their_o wicked_a folly_n impute_v to_o our_o government_n and_o way_n but_o for_o all_o the_o instance_n give_v in_o against_o we_o and_o the_o hideous_a cry_n raise_v after_o they_o yet_o we_o must_v say_v the_o great_a and_o most_o common_a fail_n among_o minister_n be_v in_o the_o defect_n in_o that_o the_o most_o be_v not_o so_o diligent_a faithful_a &_o impartial_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n personal_a rebuke_n &_o censure_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v as_o alas_o be_v too_o visible_a &_o observe_v by_o many_o for_o which_o now_o they_o bear_v their_o rebuke_n in_o that_o many_o of_o those_o be_v now_o become_v their_o cruel_a persecutor_n to_o who_o they_o be_v sinful_o spare_v &_o indulgent_a moreover_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o of_o these_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o excess_n unjustifiable_a yet_o if_o the_o constitution_n and_o principle_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v not_o for_o but_o against_o they_o it_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o these_o they_o must_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o not_o of_o the_o government_n otherwise_o all_o government_n must_v be_v condemn_v as_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o mal-administrations_a commit_v by_o governor_n which_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v absurd_a but_o when_o any_o of_o the_o contrare_fw-la mind_v shall_v demonstrat_fw-la these_o to_o be_v the_o native_a product_n of_o our_o principle_n for_o doctrine_n and_o government_n they_o shall_v be_v consider_v &_o according_a to_o the_o conviction_n they_o give_v of_o the_o same_o they_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v but_o will_v your_o lo._n be_v please_v to_o consider_v the_o sad_a &_o deplorable_a extreme_a our_o antagonist_n be_v run_v into_o who_o meddle_v not_o with_o any_o sort_n of_o scandal_n except_o a_o few_o and_o these_o in_o the_o meanner_n &_o low_a degree_n of_o person_n over_o look_v all_o in_o the_o more_o opulent_a and_o great_a which_o have_v encourage_v wickedness_n to_o lift_v up_o its_o head_n and_o to_o diffuse_v its_o self_n through_o all_o rank_n without_o control_n to_o the_o infect_v of_o this_o church_n with_o all_o kind_n of_o scandal_n which_o no_o doubt_n will_v resolve_v either_o into_o the_o total_a ruin_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n or_o else_o in_o sad_a desolate_v judgement_n on_o this_o land_n and_o if_o it_o come_v this_o length_n which_o we_o earnest_o beg_v of_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v prevent_v by_o pour_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n on_o we_o where_o will_v be_v our_o advantage_n by_o prelacy_n that_o be_v now_o so_o much_o extol_v therefore_o not_o love_v to_o trouble_v your_o lo._n any_o further_a we_o shall_v add_v but_o this_o humble_a and_o earnest_a request_n that_o your_o lo._n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v some_o due_a and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o true_a state_n and_o low_a condition_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o his_o maj._n who_o we_o hope_v through_o your_o lo._n intercession_n will_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n find_v out_o some_o just_a expedient_a for_o relieve_v of_o this_o church_n of_o her_o oppress_a evil_n under_o which_o she_o groan_v and_o undo_v of_o these_o heavy_a burden_n that_o lie_v on_o we_o for_o which_o we_o be_v your_o lo._n humble_a petitioner_n and_o have_v be_v so_o alittle_o soon_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v discourage_v by_o law_n anent_o church_n matter_n that_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o close_v all_o door_n of_o access_n to_o his_o maj._n and_o your_o lo._n for_o represent_v our_o just_a greivance_n this_o way_n if_o we_o may_v not_o obtain_v this_o reasonable_a and_o just_a request_n as_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o another_o refuge_n leave_v we_o but_o to_o refer_v our_o cause_n to_o the_o righteous_a tribunal_n of_o the_o just_a and_o almighty_a god_n where_o your_o lo._n and_o we_o will_v stand_v on_o euâ—n_a ground_n and_o have_v judgement_n pass_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n a_o apology_n for_o or_o vindication_n of_o the_o oppress_a persecute_a minister_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n emit_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v the_o introduction_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a as_o we_o suppose_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o land_n of_o britan_n and_o ireland_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n what_o persecution_n upon_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o the_o party_n call_v presbyterian_a have_v suffer_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o yet_o lytth_v under_o throw_v the_o implacable_a and_o violent_a rage_n of_o their_o adversary_n the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o civil_a power_n on_o their_o side_n have_v prevail_v to_o the_o enacâ—â—â—_n of_o such_o law_n that_o these_o who_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o duty_n 〈◊〉_d ward_n god_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o covenaâ—â—â—_n and_o oath_n lie_v on_o they_o and_o these_o church_n can_v comply_v with_o nor_o give_v obedience_n unto_o be_v not_o only_a exposeâ—_n to_o bitter_a and_o hard_a suffering_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n 〈…〉_o load_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o reproach_n and_o represent_v as_o 〈…〉_o ous_a and_o disloyal_a to_o authority_n contrary_a to_o their_o 〈…〉_o ciple_n and_o act_n it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o 〈…〉_o to_o descend_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_o fering_n nor_o yet_o to_o lay_v any_o odium_n on_o 〈…〉_o prejudice_n of_o their_o just_a authority_n as_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o worâ—â—â—_n know_v and_o we_o hope_v will_v make_v manifest_a in_o due_a 〈…〉_o â—o_o clear_a some_o necessary_a truth_n and_o duty_n and_o to_o vindicaâ—_n some_o of_o our_o practice_n from_o the_o unjust_a aspersion_n of_o adversary_n who_o by_o lie_v and_o unjust_a representation_n of_o our_o principle_n and_o carriage_n do_v public_o and_o private_o defame_v and_o misrepresent_v to_o authority_n and_o other_o our_o behaviour_n under_o the_o present_a course_n of_o affair_n a_o artifice_n they_o have_v use_v of_o old_a and_o late_a for_o ingratiate_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o interest_n into_o the_o favour_n of_o our_o ruler_n and_o sharpen_v of_o the_o â—dge_n of_o persecution_n against_o we_o in_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o small_a success_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n which_o through_o the_o hot_a contest_v and_o debate_v of_o their_o time_n actuate_v by_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n on_o the_o one_o â—and_n and_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o other_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o suffer_v shipwreck_n we_o incline_v rather_o to_o keep_v silence_n and_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n under_o the_o present_a violence_n use_v against_o we_o as_o our_o too_o much_o silence_n hitherto_o do_v sufficient_o witness_v but_o find_v that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n â—nd_v the_o concern_v of_o immortal_a soul_n be_v strike_v at_o and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o
they_o be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n exerâ—â—ed_v but_o this_o with_o other_o act_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o follow_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o new_a superstructure_n of_o church_n government_n be_v found_v and_o build_v the_o supremacy_n how_o visible_a be_v it_o from_o this_o act_n the_o 〈◊〉_d use_v for_o bring_v in_o 〈◊〉_d prelacy_n the_o frame_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o parliament_n anent_o it_o and_o the_o supremacy_n 〈◊〉_d procedure_n in_o execute_v of_o the_o same_o that_o the_o design_n be_v not_o only_o to_o subject_v the_o church_n whole_o to_o the_o state_n but_o to_o rob_v she_o of_o all_o power_n which_o the_o prelate_n perceive_v labour_v to_o help_v in_o their_o after_o out_v of_o minister_n not_o comprehend_v in_o this_o act_n some_o of_o they_o complain_v that_o minister_n shall_v be_v exautorate_v by_o the_o magistrate_n without_o any_o church_n sentence_n precede_v but_o more_o of_o this_o afterward_o but_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n yet_o how_o unproportionat_a be_v the_o penalty_n to_o the_o allege_v crime_n if_o there_o have_v be_v heresy_n in_o doctrine_n or_o scandal_n in_o life_n &_o conversation_n a_o justification_n may_v have_v be_v make_v of_o this_o sentence_n but_o for_o simple_a nonconformity_n to_o prelacy_n that_o have_v be_v by_o church_n &_o state_n explode_v from_o among_o we_o as_o a_o high_a corruption_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o reentry_n bar_v with_o the_o solemne_v covenant_n and_o oath_n that_o ever_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n come_v under_o we_o say_v for_o such_o a_o crime_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o take_v from_o minister_n as_o man_n their_o lively_a hood_n and_o as_o minister_n their_o ministry_n dear_a to_o they_o then_o their_o life_n be_v a_o punishment_n when_o weight_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n much_o beyond_o we_o be_v sure_a the_o demerit_n of_o the_o cause_n especial_o consider_v that_o the_o person_n impose_v conformity_n and_o punish_v other_o so_o severe_o for_o refuse_v it_o be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o have_v make_v and_o enact_v law_n severe_a enough_o against_o it_o what_o be_v prelacy_n a_o jewel_n of_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v be_v well_o without_o it_o have_v we_o not_o find_v the_o contrare_fw-la from_o the_o experience_n of_o past_a and_o present_a time_n although_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v uncharitable_a in_o this_o yet_o we_o mâ—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d it_o that_o they_o who_o see_v not_o this_o do_v either_o 〈…〉_o eye_n throw_v carnal_a interest_n or_o wilful_a 〈…〉_o â—â—â—inst_a all_o evidence_n that_o not_o only_a scripture_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o prelacy_n in_o this_o church_n afford_v to_o all_o man_n or_o else_o fight_v against_o their_o light_n if_o we_o take_v our_o measure_n by_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n or_o these_o thing_n wherein_o her_o true_a welfare_n do_v consist_v we_o shall_v undoubted_o and_o undeniable_o see_v that_o prelacy_n be_v not_o of_o that_o worth_n and_o use_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o to_o inflict_v such_o grievous_a punishment_n on_o non-compliers_a with_o it_o sure_o we_o be_v soundness_n of_o doctrine_n purity_n of_o worship_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n have_v flourish_v in_o this_o church_n without_o it_o and_o since_o its_o erection_n these_o have_v come_v under_o a_o sad_a decay_n obj._n but_o many_o place_n the_o demerit_n of_o these_o severe_a punishment_n in_o the_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n establish_v prelacy_n the_o now_o great_a cry_n of_o these_o engage_v in_o the_o present_a course_n for_o justify_v of_o all_o enormity_n commit_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o government_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o we_o say_v first_o that_o all_o divine_n and_o lawyer_n assert_v if_o nonobedience_n be_v separate_v from_o contempt_n of_o authority_n as_o in_o many_o case_n it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o demerit_n of_o disobedience_n be_v not_o rigorous_o to_o be_v pursue_v with_o punishment_n especial_o of_o so_o high_a a_o naâ—â—â—â—_n as_o these_o inflict_v on_o we_o for_o mere_a nonconformity_n and_o the_o reason_n they_o give_v be_v because_o there_o be_v and_o maâ—_n be_v such_o thing_n in_o nonobedience_n as_o will_v to_o â—â—â—â—teous_a judge_n not_o only_o alleviat_v the_o guilt_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d discharge_v it_o from_o disobedience_n let_v be_v contempt_n 〈◊〉_d authority_n as_o invincible_a ignorance_n inability_n 〈◊〉_d of_o passion_n the_o tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v 〈◊〉_d sâ—me_a case_n to_o the_o evert_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n â—â—â—â—ch_o in_o such_o case_n be_v presume_v not_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o 〈◊〉_d maker_n the_o disposition_n &_o profession_n of_o person_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—dieiâ—nce-manifested_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n &c._n &c._n if_o our_o know_a and_o profess_a principle_n extant_a in_o our_o public_a confession_n and_o treatise_n on_o this_o head_n with_o our_o action_n in_o all_o other_o matter_n relate_v to_o authority_n be_v admit_v and_o beleve_v we_o will_v have_v as_o much_o so_o say_v for_o free_v of_o our_o nonobedience_n to_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n from_o contempt_n of_o authority_n as_o any_o give_v we_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o prefer_v of_o god_n our_o absolute_a and_o supreme_a sovereign_n to_o all_o other_o and_o in_o yield_v to_o he_o that_o obedience_n he_o require_v of_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o none_o shall_v be_v find_v more_o obedient_a to_o authority_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o intrinch_n on_o this_o we_o do_v solemn_o profess_v and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o alseeing_a god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o that_o this_o and_o this_o only_a be_v the_o cause_n why_o we_o can_v give_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n establish_v prelacy_n for_o upon_o all_o the_o search_n we_o have_v make_v we_o can_v find_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o perfect_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n but_o find_v it_o contrary_n unto_o â—lagainst_a the_o precept_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n â—â—sus_n anent_o the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n this_o be_v our_o persuasion_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o evite_v the_o force_n of_o these_o obligation_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o oath_n make_v to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o against_o it_o to_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o which_o we_o be_v by_o command_n and_o threathing_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n most_o indispensible_o bind_v and_o from_o which_o tie_n no_o humane_a power_n can_v loose_v we_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a matter_n in_o this_o case_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o other_o thing_n from_o any_o for_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n and_o bring_v we_o the_o length_n of_o cheerful_a obedience_n in_o this_o thing_n but_o the_o cry_n law_n law_n which_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n can_v be_v no_o sure_a bottom_n to_o our_o conscience_n 〈◊〉_d see_v we_o as_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o law_n antecedent_n 〈◊〉_d superior_a to_o that_o of_o man_n second_o where_o the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n be_v true_o sound_a yet_o the_o sentence_n pass_v against_o it_o ought_v chief_o to_o respect_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o disobedience_n and_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o the_o punishment_n shall_v be_v proportionated_a there_o be_v no_o divine_n or_o lawyer_n that_o we_o know_v of_o but_o hold_v this_o and_o it_o be_v beyond_o disput_fw-la evident_a from_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n enact_v and_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o that_o commonwealth_n for_o the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o deed_n contrare_fw-la to_o law_n disobedience_n in_o small_a matter_n shall_v have_v as_o heavy_a punishment_n inflict_v on_o the_o contraveener_n as_o in_o great_a which_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o strange_a solecism_n in_o government_n contrare_fw-la to_o all_o natural_a equity_n and_o justice_n the_o basis_n and_o end_n of_o government_n three_o and_o that_o our_o nonobedience_n to_o law_n erect_v and_o establish_v prelacy_n be_v so_o high_a a_o crime_n in_o itself_o as_o to_o deserve_v such_o punishment_n as_o have_v be_v statute_n and_o execute_v upon_o we_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v especial_o while_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o little_a evidence_n as_o have_v be_v say_v for_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n some_o of_o that_o party_n â—â—â—e_z rack_v their_o wit_n for_o find_v out_o its_o divine_a right_n and_o institution_n as_o joseph_n hall_n and_o some_o other_o but_o wiâ—h_v so_o little_a success_n as_o have_v force_v many_o of_o they_o to_o â—â—â—te_v that_o plea_n and_o take_v they_o to_o argument_n of_o another_o â—â—ture_n 2._o the_o confession_n of_o some_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o
act_n nor_o lead_v our_o antagonist_n do_v not_o their_o opinion_n about_o prelacy_n their_o profession_n of_o all_o readiness_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o contrare_fw-la if_o on_o foot_n their_o frequent_a change_n into_o the_o interest_n and_o form_n of_o all_o precede_a time_n how_o contrare_fw-la soever_o to_o their_o once_o profess_a and_o swear_v principle_n while_o true_a presbyterian_o remain_v constant_a and_o immovable_a through_o the_o time_n that_o go_v over_o their_o head_n their_o covetous_a and_o licentious_a life_n discover_v their_o want_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o course_n they_o now_o so_o furious_o run_v let_v not_o your_o lo_n think_v that_o it_o be_v his_o maj._n interest_n as_o they_o pretend_v or_o any_o true_a conscientious_a regaird_v to_o these_o that_o move_v they_o to_o such_o obseqivous_a compliance_n with_o the_o present_a law_n let_v the_o out_o ward_v interest_n of_o this_o world_n be_v separate_v from_o their_o way_n and_o it_o shall_v soon_o appear_v how_o void_a they_o be_v of_o true_a zeal_n for_o his_o maj._n and_o his_o law_n as_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o denial_n from_o their_o carriage_n &_o behaviour_n in_o past_a &_o present_a time_n as_o we_o have_v no_o external_a benefit_n to_o expect_v to_o engage_v we_o against_o conformity_n to_o the_o present_a law_n about_o church_n government_n so_o we_o be_v to_o look_v from_o our_o principle_n and_o practice_n conform_v thereto_o no_o less_o than_o the_o ruin_n of_o ourselves_o &_o family_n in_o this_o world_n if_o conscience_n of_o duty_n towards_o god_n &_o this_o church_n according_a to_o the_o word_n do_v not_o determine_v and_o move_v we_o of_o all_o man_n we_o be_v the_o most_o foolish_a and_o miserable_a but_o see_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n &_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n in_o act_v conform_a to_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v we_o we_o have_v this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o as_o we_o be_v acquit_v &_o shall_v be_v justify_v before_o he_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v recompense_v and_o reward_v to_o the_o abundant_a compensation_n of_o all_o outward_a lose_v even_o for_o these_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o be_v condemn_v of_o man_n so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v esteem_v our_o folly_n sin_n and_o misery_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v repute_v our_o righteousness_n wisdom_n and_o glory_n albeit_o we_o have_v not_o the_o external_a advantage_n of_o power_n riches_n and_o worldly_a policy_n but_o the_o contrare_fw-la to_o contend_v with_o and_o endure_v yet_o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o our_o hand_n do_v prosper_v and_o prevail_v to_o the_o gain_n of_o immortal_a soul_n the_o restrain_v of_o impiety_n and_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o savour_n of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o all_o place_n where_o it_o come_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o opposition_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o work_n it_o will_v on_o many_o account_n be_v your_o lo._n wisdom_n not_o to_o stand_v in_o contradictory_n term_n thereto_o lest_o your_o lo._n be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o people_n for_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o work_n and_o cause_n be_v of_o god_n partly_o for_o its_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a word_n &_o partly_o for_o its_o undeniable_a fruit_n and_o success_n in_o convert_v &_o save_v of_o soul_n from_o sin_n preserve_v and_o maintain_v of_o its_o self_n against_o the_o opposition_n it_o meet_v with_o on_o all_o hand_n which_o we_o take_v for_o a_o sign_n of_o its_o be_v of_o god_n as_o the_o christian_n do_v of_o old_a in_o their_o debate_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o its_o adversary_n which_o under_o great_a opposition_n grow_v and_o prevail_v exceed_o although_o strip_v of_o all_o the_o outward_a advantage_n of_o worldly_a power_n and_o policy_n if_o this_o cause_n be_v of_o god_n and_o approven_v by_o he_o as_o we_o nothing_o doubt_n it_o will_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o may_v to_o crush_v it_o man_n may_v afflict_v and_o put_v we_o to_o great_a suffering_n which_o to_o they_o will_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o we_o of_o salvation_n but_o while_o this_o church_n continue_v protestant_n and_o have_v god_n abide_v in_o she_o their_o contradiction_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a as_o be_v hitherto_o manifest_a and_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o it_o resolve_v in_o their_o own_o ruin_n here_o &_o here_o after_o the_o matter_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n be_v in_o their_o own_o confession_n a_o popular_a argument_n they_o much_o use_v with_o the_o people_n not_o foundamental_a but_o indifferent_a we_o humble_o beg_v of_o your_o lo_n that_o for_o prevent_v of_o further_a confusion_n in_o this_o church_n &_o attain_v of_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o same_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v better_a and_o safe_a for_o this_o church_n that_o the_o chistian_a reform_a religion_n be_v total_o ruin_v among_o we_o for_o satisfy_v of_o a_o few_o or_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a &_o far_o remove_v from_o the_o vital_n of_o religion_n be_v take_v away_o and_o not_o thus_o enforce_v by_o violence_n on_o so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o subject_n who_o for_o conscience_n sake_n can_v receive_v nor_o subject_n thereto_o and_o know_v that_o a_o serious_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o this_o one_o question_n if_o diligent_o pursue_v will_v quick_o determine_v your_o lo_n to_o course_n quite_o opposite_a to_o these_o now_o prosecute_v with_o so_o much_o heat_n against_o we_o we_o entreat_v your_o lo_n not_o to_o give_v ear_n to_o these_o calumny_n and_o undue_a representation_n of_o the_o present_a case_n of_o affair_n in_o this_o church_n make_v by_o our_o enemy_n the_o prelate_n by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o instigat_fw-la to_o all_o this_o unjust_a and_o unseasonable_a violence_n that_o will_v produce_v bitter_a and_o lamentable_a effect_n to_o this_o &_o the_o succeed_a generation_n if_o not_o prevent_v in_o time_n most_o noble_a &_o honourable_a lord_n we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o too_o common_a prejudice_n entertain_v against_o presbyterian_a government_n &_o instill_v with_o so_o much_o artifice_n by_o our_o opposite_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o on_o which_o they_o have_v alas_o too_o much_o advantag_n through_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n &_o natural_a enmity_n at_o the_o wholesome_a severity_n and_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v predominant_a in_o all_o unregenerat_a person_n to_o wit_n the_o strictness_n &_o impartiality_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o its_o exercise_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o scandal_n in_o all_o degree_n of_o professor_n the_o great_a as_o well_o as_o the_o mean_a for_o we_o know_v that_o while_o presbytery_n be_v up_o and_o in_o vigour_n among_o we_o the_o zeal_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o minister_n in_o reprehend_v all_o sort_n of_o sin_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n impartial_o conform_v to_o the_o command_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n without_o exception_n of_o person_n be_v that_o which_o have_v cause_v all_o this_o dislike_n of_o and_o rigour_n against_o presbytery_n and_o conciliat_fw-la that_o much_o respect_n to_o and_o love_n for_o prelacy_n as_o to_o eject_v the_o one_o &_o bring_v in_o the_o other_o we_o will_v not_o now_o enter_v on_o the_o debait_n whether_o this_o strictness_n against_o sin_n be_v the_o native_a product_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n when_o exercise_v conform_a to_o its_o principle_n or_o the_o contrare_fw-la the_o genuine_a consequence_n of_o prelacy_n that_o necessary_o result_v from_o its_o constituent_a &_o preserve_a cause_n which_o be_v no_o great_a labour_n to_o make_v out_o but_o leave_v this_o we_o humble_o entreat_v your_o lo._n to_o have_v that_o patience_n towards_o we_o as_o to_o suffer_v we_o to_o say_v 1._o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o christian_n matter_n of_o sad_a regrait_n &_o lamentation_n that_o in_o place_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v own_v zealous_a faithfulness_n against_o soul_n destroy_v sin_n shall_v be_v admit_v &_o receive_v as_o a_o prejudice_n against_o minister_n &_o their_o government_n which_o shall_v commend_v &_o cry_v it_o up_o yea_o that_o do_v endear_v it_o to_o all_o conscientious_a christian_n that_o right_o understand_v their_o own_o profession_n must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o terrible_a length_n this_o generation_n be_v go_v in_o decline_v from_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n when_o that_o which_o be_v its_o excellency_n &_o glory_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n &_o good_a man_n be_v become_v the_o occasion_n &_o matter_n of_o its_o dislike_n &_o reproach_n can_v there_o be_v a_o full_a evidence_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o predomine_n &_o prevail_a
and_o all_o way_n take_v to_o crush_v we_o and_o our_o cause_n who_o own_v no_o other_o principle_n but_o these_o that_o be_v either_o implicit_o or_o explicit_o assert_v by_o all_o protestant_n which_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v corroborative_n of_o government_n and_o such_o as_o make_v way_n for_o all_o just_a obedience_n from_o the_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o full_a and_o sure_a execution_n of_o this_o law_n there_o be_v another_o enact_v parl._n caroli_n 2._o session_n 2._o act._n 2._o entitle_v a_o act_n against_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o depone_v against_o delinquent_n which_o be_v particular_o design_v for_o come_v at_o full_a information_n against_o conventicle_n and_o conventicle_n keeper_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o body_n of_o that_o act_n but_o so_o conceive_v and_o frame_v as_o it_o answer_v to_o that_o oath_n de_fw-fr super_fw-la inquirendis_fw-la use_v by_o the_o papist_n in_o their_o inquisition_n condemn_v by_o all_o protestant_a divine_n for_o its_o opposition_n to_o justice_n mercy_n and_o equity_n for_o first_o no_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v exeme_v the_o father_n against_o the_o son_n the_o husband_n against_o the_o wise_a etc._n etc._n be_v the_o relation_n never_o so_o near_o no_o exception_n of_o they_o be_v make_v in_o this_o act_n which_o use_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o all_o other_o crime_n except_o that_o of_o treason_n next_o by_o this_o act_n the_o deponent_a whoever_o he_o be_v be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v all_o interrogation_n and_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o although_o he_o have_v have_v no_o previous_a consideration_n of_o they_o which_o in_o all_o other_o crime_n use_v former_o to_o be_v allow_v that_o so_o the_o deponent_a may_v answer_v from_o mature_a and_o sure_a knowledge_n which_o here_o be_v not_o grant_v what_o aâ—_n foundation_n be_v hereby_o lay_v for_o the_o molestation_n of_o the_o subject_n shall_v we_o be_v that_o unmerciful_a and_o unjust_a to_o all_o man_n yea_o to_o our_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n as_o to_o reveal_v that_o of_o they_o which_o if_o keep_v secret_a bring_v no_o prejudice_n to_o church_n or_o state_n and_o if_o reveal_v will_v ruin_v they_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o that_o for_o a_o matter_n that_o antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n be_v no_o transgression_n before_o god_n but_o the_o do_v of_o a_o necessare_fw-la duty_n a_o invention_n we_o must_v say_v frame_v against_o the_o good_a and_o dousciencious_a who_o can_v escape_v by_o this_o law_n and_o for_o the_o encourage_n of_o the_o bad_a to_o the_o persecute_v of_o such_o who_o throw_v the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o say_v and_o do_v what_o they_o listen_v be_v these_o the_o fruit_n of_o prelacy_n that_o most_o endear_a it_o to_o we_o whither_o be_v we_o go_v shall_v we_o thus_o fight_v against_o heaven_n to_o reach_v a_o poor_a handful_n of_o person_n that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o but_o to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o sigh_v to_o he_o for_o these_o evil_n that_o no_o doubt_n be_v procure_v and_o bring_v dismal_a and_o sad_a day_n on_o this_o land_n we_o forebear_v to_o anatomiz_v these_o and_o other_o act_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o to_o give_v judgement_n to_o every_o clause_n and_o part_n of_o the_o same_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o all_o concern_v to_o who_o the_o effect_n thereof_o may_v afterward_o speak_v more_o than_o we_o love_v to_o utter_v at_o this_o time_n only_o in_o all_o humility_n we_o offer_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v which_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o not_o a_o few_o that_o these_o and_o other_o act_n do_v pave_v the_o way_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o cruel_a persecution_n if_o a_o further_a declension_n in_o religion_n shall_v happen_v to_o follow_v which_o we_o beg_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o rich_a mercy_n to_o this_o nation_n will_v prevent_v ruler_n be_v subject_a to_o â—erre_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o as_o the_o instance_n of_o all_o age_n leave_v beyond_o debat_fw-la and_o if_o other_o shall_v arise_v after_o we_o that_o incline_v to_o popery_n or_o any_o other_o false_a religion_n be_v there_o not_o law_n make_v to_o their_o hand_n by_o we_o that_o will_v facilitat_fw-la their_o work_n and_o make_v it_o most_o easy_a what_o have_v they_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o rescind_v some_o very_o few_o in_o regaird_a of_o these_o that_o once_o be_v and_o to_o execute_v those_o they_o find_v in_o force_n and_o on_o record_n for_o the_o persecute_v of_o all_o opponent_n to_o the_o height_n of_o cruelty_n next_o there_o need_v no_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o this_o change_n and_o introduction_n of_o another_o religion_n a_o act_n from_o the_o king_n record_v in_o the_o council_n book_n and_o sufficient_o publish_v which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o obligation_n about_o this_o matter_n be_v enable_v by_o law_n to_o do_v all_o a_o act_n without_o a_o precedent_n in_o this_o nation_n when_o consider_v in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n from_o what_o be_v say_v anent_o these_o act_n any_o may_v gather_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o our_o refuse_v the_o bond_n late_o frame_v by_o the_o council_n that_o take_v we_o engage_v against_o conventicle_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o be_v enforce_v by_o violence_n on_o we_o not_o pretend_v to_o much_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n we_o have_v always_o understand_v bond_n to_o be_v voluntare_fw-la and_o first_o to_o proceed_v from_o person_n find_v guilty_a and_o sentence_v by_o the_o judge_n conform_v to_o the_o law_n which_o the_o clemency_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v often_o suspend_v or_o remit_v upon_o the_o guilty_n offer_v and_o voluntare_fw-la engagement_n for_o better_a behaviour_n in_o time_n come_v and_o never_o require_v of_o nor_o impose_v on_o person_n not_o prove_v nor_o find_v guilty_a the_o truth_n be_v if_o this_o violent_a imposition_n of_o bond_n be_v thus_o allow_v and_o practise_v what_o ground_n will_v there_o be_v thereby_o lay_v down_o for_o the_o trouble_n and_o molestation_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o who_o can_v promise_v to_o himself_o security_n from_o the_o oppression_n of_o other_o that_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o covetous_a design_n may_v on_o any_o pretence_n give_v information_n against_o other_o although_o never_o so_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a sect_n iii_o the_o minister_n preach_v and_o people_n hear_v vindicate_v and_o four_o objection_n answer_v have_v thus_o far_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o touch_v at_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o grievous_a to_o we_o not_o so_o much_o for_o what_o we_o have_v suffer_v as_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o engine_n frame_v and_o set_v on_o foot_n for_o perpetuate_n we_o and_o the_o church_n oppression_n in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a generation_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_n and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n at_o and_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o eject_v minister_n the_o new_a cause_n of_o these_o heavy_a act_n sentence_n and_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o we_o for_o the_o same_o in_o do_v of_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o in_o all_o singlness_n of_o heart_n bring_v forth_o the_o true_a ground_n and_o reason_n bind_v our_o conscience_n to_o these_o practice_n and_o then_o shall_v take_v off_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v most_o use_v against_o we_o our_o practice_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o build_v on_o such_o foundation_n that_o all_o christian_n especial_o protestant_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o christ_n jesus_n our_o only_a king_n and_o law_n giver_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o own_o and_o adhere_v to_o and_o from_o which_o they_o can_v recede_v without_o contradict_v of_o the_o say_a profession_n and_o do_v manifest_a violence_n to_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n the_o holy_a scripture_n our_o only_a statute_n and_o law_n book_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n if_o on_o bring_v our_o case_n to_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o our_o condemn_a practice_n in_o these_o stand_v justify_v we_o hope_v with_o much_o assurance_n we_o shall_v be_v acquit_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o have_v any_o feeling_n and_o sense_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o censure_n and_o talk_n of_o other_o against_o we_o which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a afflict_v we_o for_o the_o sad_a consequence_n thereof_o to_o themselves_o shall_v not_o much_o move_v we_o therefore_o first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o positive_a institution_n and_o appointment_n from_o christ_n jesus_n as_o head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n
in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n while_o we_o have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n commit_v to_o we_o the_o mean_a that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o house_n and_o use_v to_o bless_v with_o power_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n will_v not_o our_o neglect_n in_o slight_v of_o this_o make_v we_o guilty_a of_o their_o blood_n and_o accessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a perdition_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n while_o we_o reflect_v and_o think_v on_o this_o we_o there_fw-mi not_o for_o fear_v of_o man_n and_o the_o suffering_n that_o threaten_v we_o from_o â—â—â—m_n stand_v by_o and_o look_v on_o but_o labour_n as_o we_o can_v in_o our_o ministerial_a capacity_n to_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n we_o see_v come_v on_o immortal_a soul_n come_v of_o we_o what_o will_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o we_o that_o our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o he_o have_v command_v we_o in_o hâ—s_n word_n be_v antecedent_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o tie_n on_o we_o for_o obedience_n to_o man_n and_o that_o the_o command_n of_o man_n shall_v and_o ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n as_o we_o expect_v will_v not_o be_v deem_v by_o any_o that_o entertain_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n head_n much_o less_o by_o they_o that_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n than_o our_o practice_n can_v be_v condemn_v but_o must_v be_v justify_v which_o be_v but_o a_o necessare_fw-la consequence_n of_o this_o truth_n so_o universal_o receive_v and_o close_v with_o by_o all_o man_n except_o those_o who_o have_v debauch_v their_o conscience_n throw_v the_o predominant_a love_n of_o temporal_a thing_n to_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o sinful_a command_n of_o other_o for_o be_v not_o minister_n command_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o people_n to_o hear_v it_o to_o assemble_v and_o gather_v themselves_o together_o for_o that_o end_n how_o many_o be_v the_o command_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n about_o this_o matter_n in_o a_o thing_n so_o clear_a and_o evident_a through_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v astonish_v to_o we_o to_o think_v that_o man_n profess_v themselves_o christian_n dare_v issue_n out_o command_v so_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o christian_n to_o obey_v he_o before_o all_o other_o we_o grant_v when_o there_o be_v another_o duty_n on_o foot_n and_o call_v to_o hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la the_o magistrate_n may_v yea_o ought_v to_o super_fw-la cede_fw-la the_o practice_n of_o that_o that_o will_v hinder_v the_o duty_n necessare_fw-la and_o call_v to_o for_o the_o time_n to_o which_o in_o the_o circumstantiat_fw-la case_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n and_o call_v antecedent_n to_o the_o magistrate_n commandâ—_n buâ—_n 〈◊〉_d lie_v on_o and_o fix_v a_o state_v cessation_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o command_v duty_n on_o those_o that_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o matter_n forbid_v by_o man_n be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o any_o to_o do_v so_o be_v to_o frame_v and_o state_n a_o war_n with_o god_n and_o to_o fix_v ourselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o be_v not_o minister_n and_o professor_n then_o in_o a_o puss_n straight_o who_o must_v either_o disobey_v god_n or_o man_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v we_o why_o do_v we_o preach_v and_o hear_v to_o the_o offend_n of_o our_o ruler_n and_o the_o cause_v of_o so_o much_o trouble_n to_o the_o country_n our_o answer_n be_v god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v they_o that_o susâ—ean_v the_o relevancy_n of_o this_o reason_n but_o yet_o deny_v the_o consequence_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v we_o something_o that_o take_v off_o our_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n in_o our_o case_n sure_a we_o be_v they_o be_v command_v but_o nothing_o can_v we_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o answer_v our_o argument_n and_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n but_o the_o cry_n of_o hazard_n from_o some_o and_o sharp_a severity_n from_o other_o five_o we_o hold_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o as_o the_o magistrate_n can_v jure_v magistraâ—ico_n exautorat_fw-la the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o take_v their_o power_n and_o office_n from_o they_o so_o he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o untie_v the_o obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o professor_n for_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o the_o least_o of_o his_o command_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o politic_n hold_v by_o all_o that_o no_o inferior_a power_n can_v disannul_v a_o power_n or_o hinder_v its_o exercise_n that_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o and_o dependent_a on_o a_o power_n superior_a except_o they_o show_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o same_o but_o in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v so_o we_o know_v all_o will_v grant_v that_o god_n supreme_a authority_n and_o dominion_n be_v superior_a to_o and_o above_o all_o authority_n and_o â—owers_n see_v they_o derive_v the_o same_o from_o and_o hold_v they_o of_o he_o who_o be_v true_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o see_v the_o ministerial_a power_n as_o to_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—ing_n and_o exercise_n in_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_o â—â—om_n god_n throw_v his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n by_o positive_a institution_n and_o appointment_n in_o his_o word_n no_o other_o power_n can_v exautorat_a these_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o it_o but_o they_o must_v show_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o from_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n by_o which_o god_n make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v let_v it_o be_v show_v and_o this_o will_v end_v the_o debait_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o quiet_a and_o cheirful_a subjection_n to_o the_o present_a law_n about_o the_o matter_n controvert_v we_o meet_v with_o confident_a assertion_n but_o no_o proof_n without_o which_o we_o can_v look_v on_o ourselves_o as_o loose_v from_o the_o obligation_n lie_v on_o we_o to_o use_v and_o exercise_v the_o ministerial_a power_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o god_n give_v anent_o it_o in_o the_o word_n we_o know_v the_o ministry_n be_v institute_v without_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n and_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o his_o will_n and_o command_v and_o god_n be_v obey_v while_o the_o magistrate_n do_v countermand_v &_o oppose_v himself_o thereto_o to_o his_o outmost_a which_o say_v that_o minister_n and_o professor_n do_v not_o then_o dream_v of_o a_o dependence_n on_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o give_v the_o magistrate_n a_o power_n to_o dissolve_v power_n institute_v by_o god_n and_o to_o supercede_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v command_v be_v to_o make_v he_o equal_a with_o if_o not_o to_o exalt_v he_o above_o the_o almighty_a god_n the_o only_a absolute_a and_o universal_a sovereign_n of_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v not_o this_o to_o substitute_v the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o put_v he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o pope_n that_o anti-christ_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n who_o in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o this_o now_o under_o debat_fw-la exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o be_v worship_v as_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o 2_o thess_n 2.4_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o usurp_a power_n now_o give_v to_o and_o assume_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o &_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v such_o that_o we_o tremble_v to_o think_v on_o that_o which_o will_v if_o thing_n continue_v in_o this_o present_a course_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n that_o luther_n do_v prophecy_n in_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o civil_a pope_n in_o the_o church_n who_o shall_v extend_v his_o power_n over_o the_o same_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pope_n have_v do_v so_o we_o fear_v that_o the_o trouble_n trial_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v come_v near_o to_o that_o hieght_n they_o be_v at_o under_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n this_o strange_a enhance_a of_o thing_n divine_a and_o humane_a speak_v some_o thing_n to_o fall_v out_o that_o will_v make_v the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n to_o tremble_v for_o god_n will_v not_o always_o be_v mock_v nor_o suffer_v his_o glory_n to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o six_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o sinful_a and_o evil_a consequence_n that_o will_v of_o themselves_o follow_v upon_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o mater_fw-la now_o controvert_v we_o there_fw-mi not_o
the_o church_n in_o particular_a the_o case_n be_v whole_o alter_v from_o that_o of_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n in_o the_o former_a prelate_n time_n foâ—_n as_o prelacy_n be_v then_o subtle_o bring_v in_o upon_o they_o by_o degree_n and_o not_o all_o at_o once_o so_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v be_v seâ—led_v by_o law_n and_o never_o legal_o or_o actual_o disenable_v to_o meet_v and_o exercise_v the_o same_o in_o their_o fix_a and_o ordinare_fw-la judicatory_n but_o continue_v as_o former_o in_o presbyterated_a meeting_n have_v the_o prelate_n thrust_v in_o upon_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o history_n even_o of_o spotiswood_n but_o in_o our_o case_n prelacy_n be_v at_o the_o first_o raise_v by_o law_n to_o its_o great_a height_n presbytery_n discharge_v cashier_v and_o eject_v out_o of_o this_o church_n all_o law_n for_o it_o either_o in_o late_a or_o former_a time_n be_v disanule_v and_o abrogate_a the_o meeting_n of_o minister_n in_o their_o fix_a presbyterial_a and_o synodical_a assembly_n inhibit_v under_o severe_a penalty_n by_o act_n of_o council_n which_o become_v so_o universal_o obey_v that_o presbytery_n have_v neither_o a_o legal_a nor_o actual_a be_v in_o the_o time_n that_o prelacy_n be_v erect_v &_o bring_v in_o upon_o this_o church_n so_o that_o at_o its_o actual_a introduction_n we_o be_v conform_v to_o law_n require_v to_o come_v in_o submit_v to_o and_o concur_v with_o the_o government_n settle_v by_o they_o which_o be_v pure_o prelatical_a and_o erdstiuml_n a_o they_o that_o deny_v this_o must_v contradict_v the_o law_n and_o make_v the_o law_n maker_n liar_n if_o the_o law_n and_o act_n conform_v thereto_o have_v any_o sense_n that_o may_v be_v rationallie_o deduce_v therefrom_o hence_o what_o be_v require_v be_v direct_o contrare_fw-la to_o our_o principle_n &_o know_a judgement_n which_o to_o this_o day_n we_o never_o see_v any_o convince_a reason_n to_o make_v we_o relinquish_v here_o we_o can_v but_o complean_o of_o the_o palpable_a injustice_n do_v we_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o seasonable_a case_n false_o so_o call_v who_o contrare_fw-la to_o all_o evidence_n make_v the_o case_n now_o and_o then_o alike_o but_o notorious_a lie_n and_o untruth_n must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o room_n of_o truth_n so_o shameful_o desert_v by_o that_o party_n 4_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o then_o be_v be_v by_o law_n total_o subvert_v and_o prelacy_n bring_v in_o its_o place_n at_z and_z by_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o the_o king_n the_o government_n thereof_o by_o a_o precede_a law_n or_o act_n be_v whole_o put_v into_o his_o hand_n the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n interpose_v afterward_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o prelacy_n be_v by_o this_o only_a corrobovative_a and_o precarious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v only_o of_o his_o frame_a and_o make_v and_o have_v no_o high_a derivation_n but_o that_o of_o humane_a authority_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o high_a derogation_n of_o the_o regal_a and_o supreme_a authority_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o alone_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o a_o dreadful_a presumption_n in_o change_v the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n enact_v and_o institute_v by_o he_o in_o his_o house_n which_o all_o christian_n especial_o protestant_n esteem_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a can_v we_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v receive_v and_o drink_v in_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n allow_v of_o this_o form_n of_o government_n this_o way_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n those_o that_o love_v ease_n and_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n may_v think_v light_n of_o all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o to_o we_o who_o be_v through_o grace_n resolve_v to_o own_o no_o other_o head_n of_o that_o body_n than_o christ_n jesus_n of_o who_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n the_o recent_a and_o fresh_a memory_n of_o the_o national_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n under_o the_o tie_n of_o which_o this_o nation_n and_o church_n come_v often_o than_o once_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o person_n noble_a and_o ignoble_a from_o the_o king_n majesty_n to_o the_o low_a subject_n be_v solemn_o engage_v thereby_o against_o the_o evil_n and_o corruption_n eject_v by_o they_o the_o obligation_n of_o which_o have_v be_v enforce_v and_o legal_o secure_v by_o a_o continue_a series_n of_o law_n and_o practice_n for_o a_o long_a time_n that_o seem_v to_o promise_v all_o imaginable_a security_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n against_o the_o out_o most_o assault_n of_o its_o adversary_n nothing_o be_v leave_v undo_v that_o can_v be_v attempt_v by_o rational_a man_n in_o this_o case_n while_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o be_v and_o recent_a in_o the_o memory_n of_o all_o at_o home_o and_o abroad_o at_o one_o dash_n in_o so_o little_a a_o time_n to_o raze_v to_o the_o foundation_n all_o the_o former_a superstructure_n and_o build_v up_o the_o contrare_fw-la and_o that_o by_o person_n who_o for_o their_o generality_n have_v be_v so_o active_a for_o and_o so_o deep_o engage_v in_o former_a proceed_n be_v strange_a to_o think_v on_o especial_o consider_v the_o verbal_a security_n and_o engagment_n make_v unto_o we_o immediate_o before_o this_o change_n we_o say_v in_o this_o case_n to_o give_v the_o concurrence_n and_o compliance_n require_v in_o join_v with_o and_o receive_v the_o prelate_n and_o their_o creator_n be_v beyond_o all_o question_n a_o approve_v of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v contrare_fw-la to_o our_o fix_a judgement_n &_o these_o obligation_n we_o with_o thâ—â—est_n of_o this_o church_n come_v under_o let_v any_o man_n of_o conscience_n put_v himself_o in_o our_o case_n &_o suppone_v our_o judgement_n &_o principle_n to_o be_v his_o own_o and_o then_o 〈◊〉_d he_o judge_n if_o he_o will_v not_o find_v himself_o necessitate_v to_o carry_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o we_o have_v do_v obj._n some_o assert_v that_o they_o never_o have_v take_v on_o the_o personal_a obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o they_o for_o which_o they_o offer_v irrefragable_a argument_n but_o yet_o see_v it_o fit_a to_o hold_v they_o in_o ans_fw-fr however_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n we_o be_v sure_a of_o first_o all_o minister_n that_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o presbytery_n be_v take_v engage_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o then_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n and_o in_o or_o near_o the_o time_n that_o prelacy_n be_v a_o bring_n in_o into_o this_o church_n minister_n in_o many_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n declare_v their_o resolution_n for_o adhere_v to_o presbytery_n that_o then_o be_v in_o be_v &_o have_v be_v exercise_v in_o this_o church_n for_o many_o year_n precede_v that_o time_n but_o it_o be_v like_a as_o their_o after_o carriage_n do_v make_v out_o that_o these_o be_v knot_n they_o can_v easy_o loose_v see_v they_o be_v able_a to_o master_n &_o overcome_v far_o great_a next_o that_o church_n goyenant_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a command_n &_o institution_n do_v antecedent_o bind_v do_v oblige_v all_o in_o the_o church_n both_o in_o the_o time_n or_o afterward_o and_o that_o with_o this_o adventitious_a and_o supervenient_a obligation_n of_o a_o covenant_n beside_o the_o former_a he_o have_v a_o stout_a conscience_n that_o will_v get_v this_o deny_v it_o be_v so_o evident_o manifest_a from_o deut._n 29_o 10._o etc._n etc._n they_o must_v be_v argument_n of_o iron_n &_o steell_a that_o will_v break_v this_o scripture_n in_o piece_n these_o who_o assert_v the_o contrary_a shall_v do_v well_o to_o try_v their_o strength_n on_o what_o the_o answerer_n of_o mr._n gilbert_n burnet_n first_o dialogue_n have_v on_o this_o subject_a that_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v a_o reply_n but_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a policy_n to_o make_v up_o the_o weakness_n of_o argument_n with_o big_a swell_a word_n we_o may_v here_o consider_v a_o little_a if_o our_o purpose_a brevity_n can_v permit_v it_o what_o one_o in_o a_o certain_a manuscript_n have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v in_o several_a proposition_n but_o his_o mistake_n of_o the_o question_n in_o the_o second_o proposition_n make_v we_o easy_a work_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o in_o which_o we_o close_o with_o our_o predecessor_n so_o that_o all_o his_o citation_n of_o we_o be_v to_o no_o effect_n for_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow_n worshipper_n be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o withdraw_v from_o public_a ordinance_n where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n beside_o will_v it_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v submit_v to_o and_o hear_v the_o curate_n in_o our_o present_a case_n we_o must_v hauâ—_n other_o argument_n