necessare_fw-la &_o righteous_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o their_o obligation_n can_v be_v admit_v &_o receive_v which_o we_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n and_o if_o from_o it_o our_o covenant_n and_o oath_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v just_a be_v we_o not_o assure_v that_o the_o corruption_n and_o sin_n engage_v against_o by_o such_o divine_a tie_n and_o relapse_v into_o contrare_fw-la to_o these_o engagement_n do_v provoke_v our_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n to_o the_o inflict_v of_o all_o those_o plague_n and_o judgement_n threaten_v in_o the_o word_n against_o the_o violator_n of_o such_o sacred_a bond_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o we_o hope_v none_o will_v deny_v what_o can_v we_o then_o expect_v to_o ourselves_o &_o posterity_n if_o reformation_n &_o repentance_n do_v not_o prevent_v but_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n according_a to_o every_o one_o accession_n to_o these_o evil_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n on_o this_o decline_a church_n next_o we_o pray_v your_o lo._n to_o consider_v that_o we_o build_v our_o conclusion_n on_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n in_o this_o church_n and_o other_o lay_v down_o in_o their_o argument_n and_o debate_n against_o popery_n which_o for_o its_o want_n of_o and_o opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v condemn_v for_o a_o antichristian_a defection_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n we_o hold_v to_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o god_n but_o these_o what_o they_o condemn_v we_o must_v renunce_v &_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n want_v their_o authority_n and_o approbation_n we_o can_v yea_o dar_fw-ge not_o admit_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o precede_a age_n show_v what_o mischief_n the_o open_n of_o this_o door_n have_v bring_v in_o upon_o she_o to_o the_o almost_o uter_fw-la ruin_n of_o all_o her_o concern_v the_o present_a growth_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o quick_a advance_v it_o make_v among_o all_o degree_n of_o professor_n in_o this_o and_o our_o nighbour_a church_n say_v to_o all_o &_o we_o suppose_v to_o your_o lo._n that_o the_o fasety_n &_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n do_v in_o all_o prudence_n require_v that_o its_o real_a and_o sincere_a friend_n shall_v be_v encourage_v and_o not_o thus_o persecute_v with_o violence_n which_o no_o doubt_n tend_v so_o to_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n &_o cause_n that_o in_o one_o of_o queen_n elizabeth_n parliament_n it_o be_v judge_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o only_o to_o restrain_v the_o rigid_a press_v of_o conformity_n but_o likewise_o to_o encourage_v all_o nonconformist_n who_o in_o those_o time_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o stout_a antagonist_n to_o popery_n and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v employ_v entrust_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o â—ope_n have_v his_o instrument_n and_o emissary_n among_o we_o for_o work_v out_o of_o his_o design_n on_o these_o church_n which_o all_o his_o former_a engine_n have_v not_o hitherto_o effect_v and_o find_v through_o our_o confusion_n and_o distemper_n the_o occasion_n fit_v for_o his_o purpose_n have_v no_o question_n a_o secret_a active_a hand_n in_o influence_v and_o increase_v of_o this_o violence_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o mercy_n to_o this_o many_o way_n afflict_v and_o ruin_a church_n do_v not_o prevent_v will_v facilitat_fw-la his_o long_v for_o &_o much_o endeavour_v design_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o these_o land_n and_o however_o we_o be_v represent_v to_o your_o lo._n as_o unfriend_v to_o religion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o state_n as_o if_o they_o must_v ruin_v if_o we_o stand_v yet_o the_o experience_n of_o past_a and_o present_a time_n beside_o our_o public_a confession_n do_v sufficient_o witness_v how_o malicious_a our_o adversary_n be_v in_o this_o unjust_a calumny_n we_o be_v no_o innovator_n nor_o pleader_n for_o innovation_n in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o do_v hold_v adhere_v to_o and_o resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sum_v up_o and_o brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n large_a &_o short_a catachisme_n of_o this_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o popish_a arminian_n socinian_n and_o sectarian_n error_n and_o innovation_n we_o hold_v for_o our_o main_a &_o root_a principle_n the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o absolute_a perfect_a and_o only_o rule_v of_o faith_n and_o manner_n not_o need_v any_o supplement_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v antiquity_n its_o due_a respect_n use_v &_o reverence_n and_o although_o we_o maintain_v that_o every_o christian_a of_o what_o rank_n &_o degree_n soever_o aught_o to_o study_v &_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o great_a use_n of_o a_o gospel_n stand_v ministry_n and_o receive_v the_o directive_n authority_n of_o the_o church_n not_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n we_o hold_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n necessare_fw-la to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o absolute_o deny_v that_o the_o spirit_n bring_v new_a revelation_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n &_o government_n but_o only_o that_o he_o open_v the_o eye_n and_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v perceive_v and_o right_o take_v up_o what_o be_v of_o old_a reveal_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n we_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o in_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n yet_o we_o constant_o affirm_v good_a work_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o equity_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n to_o be_v necessare_fw-la both_o necessitate_v precepti_fw-la &_o medii_fw-la our_o minister_n press_v on_o themselves_o &_o hearer_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n as_o the_o solid_a fundation_n of_o good_a work_n &_o the_o severe_a strict_a exercise_n not_o of_o a_o popish_a out_o side_n formal_a but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a real_a mortification_n and_o self_n denial_n we_o extol_v all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o reject_v all_o humane_a invention_n especial_o religious_a and_o significant_a not_o institute_v ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v no_o little_a weight_n with_o your_o lo._n that_o by_o use_v of_o such_o violence_n the_o most_o sober_a judicious_a universal_o religious_a and_o industrious_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o steadfast_a to_o his_o maj_n true_a interest_n and_o honour_n be_v expose_v to_o daily_a vexation_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n and_o prejudice_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n we_o suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o choice_n and_o better_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o government_n now_o introduce_v into_o this_o church_n and_o consequent_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n enact_v against_o non-conformists'_a and_o of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n this_o may_v prove_v to_o church_n and_o state_n we_o leave_v to_o your_o lo._n most_o serious_a consideration_n we_o know_v the_o certain_a issue_n of_o all_o matter_n be_v know_v to_o god_n only_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v our_o measure_n in_o conjecture_v at_o future_a event_n from_o the_o work_n of_o present_a cause_n there_o be_v all_o rational_a ground_n to_o fear_v that_o there_o be_v dismal_a and_o heavy_a time_n come_v on_o this_o nation_n which_o by_o take_v and_o fallow_v of_o right_a way_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n of_o affair_n your_o lo._n may_v prevent_v and_o if_o not_o do_v will_n no_o doubt_n afford_v matter_n of_o bitter_a sorrow_n &_o repentance_n to_o your_o lo_n or_o child_n afterward_o it_o be_v &_o shall_v be_v our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o your_o lo._n may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n pour_v out_o upon_o you_o to_o foresee_v the_o evil_n that_o be_v hasten_v towards_o we_o and_o in_o time_n to_o hide_v yourselves_o this_o church_n &_o kingdom_n from_o they_o be_v it_o not_o apparent_a to_o all_o that_o conscience_n do_v not_o
scripture_n for_o a_o pairt_n of_o the_o church_n canon_n and_o rule_n seem_v to_o draw_v a_o bar_n on_o much_o of_o the_o romish_a trash_n which_o be_v condemn_v thereby_o but_o do_v not_o the_o prelate_n boldness_n in_o violenting_a and_o force_v of_o they_o in_o answer_v of_o our_o argument_n and_o maintain_v of_o their_o concept_n remove_v this_o bar_n and_o lay_v the_o door_n open_a for_o what_o they_o will_v for_o howbeit_o the_o scripture_n speak_v against_o the_o worship_v of_o creature_n image_n angel_n and_o man_n and_o charge_v these_o practice_n with_o idolatry_n yet_o thorndike_n and_o most_o of_o the_o now_o prelatical_a gang_n purge_v the_o popish_a mass_n the_o worship_v of_o the_o host_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n image_n &_o saint_n from_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n how_o impudent_o bold_a be_v the_o erastians_n in_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n use_v by_o their_o antagonist_n in_o which_o they_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o the_o socinian_o and_o the_o most_o note_a heretic_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o must_v say_v with_o less_o show_n of_o reason_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o will_v compare_v they_o together_o in_o their_o comment_n what_o security_n can_v the_o church_n promise_v herself_o from_o these_o man_n principle_n and_o way_n who_o build_v their_o conclusion_n on_o such_o foundation_n which_o if_o once_o admit_v overturn_v all_o but_o alas_o when_o to_o enlarge_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o to_o give_v support_n to_o their_o wild_a assertion_n about_o it_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v bold_o contradict_v and_o all_o religion_n ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o magistrate_n conscience_n and_o law_n as_o hobbs_n leviathan_n parker_n &_o other_o undertake_v to_o make_v out_o against_o the_o foundation_n &_o superstructuâ—s_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v they_o not_o thus_o pull_v do_v to_o uphold_v the_o magistrate_n &_o to_o extend_v a_o immense_a power_n in_o he_o but_o we_o hope_v to_o the_o external_a shame_n confusion_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o contend_v how_o much_o do_v we_o find_v that_o say_n of_o paul_n 2._o timoth_n 3.13_o verify_v in_o these_o man_n evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n shall_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v but_o our_o confidence_n be_v that_o their_o folly_n be_v make_v manefe_a to_o all_o man_n they_o shall_v proceed_v no_o further_o for_o the_o cause_n which_o they_o oppose_v be_v god_n and_o that_o which_o he_o must_v own_v and_o plead_v see_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o supremacy_n be_v intrinched_a upon_o and_o strike_v at_o â—â—y_a his_o creature_n the_o worm_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o contrare_fw-la to_o their_o indebt_a and_o profess_a subjection_n to_o he_o assault_v his_o throan_n and_o invade_v the_o regality_n of_o his_o high_a and_o glorious_a crown_n which_o he_o will_v uphold_v oh_o that_o all_o engage_v in_o this_o war_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o anointed_n will_v read_v and_o consider_v the_o second_o psalm_n and_o yet_o hearken_v to_o what_o be_v there_o foretell_v anent_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v sad_a and_o heavy_a to_o they_o that_o obstinate_o set_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n let_v none_o that_o side_n with_o christ_n in_o this_o quarrel_n be_v afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o appear_v in_o its_o defence_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o opponent_n for_o as_o we_o have_v the_o full_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o justify_v its_o righteousness_n from_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n so_o we_o have_v the_o righteous_a and_o almighty_a god_n to_o take_v our_o part_n who_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o supreme_a dominion_n be_v engage_v to_o own_v they_o that_o own_o he_o in_o this_o cause_n in_o contend_v for_o these_o we_o contend_v not_o for_o honour_n dignity_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n but_o only_o for_o the_o law_n ordinance_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o in_o they_o that_o he_o require_v of_o all_o in_o his_o word_n yea_o for_o the_o royal_a dignity_n &_o supereminent_a prerogative_n of_o his_o righteous_a and_o glorious_a crown_n which_o the_o father_n have_v place_v on_o his_o head_n give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o this_o jesus_n all_o knee_n shall_v bow_v yea_o shall_v bow_v who_o need_v to_o be_v afraid_a who_o own_o such_o a_o king_n and_o have_v he_o on_o their_o side_n who_o in_o his_o own_o person_n overcome_v &_o triumph_v over_o all_o his_o enemy_n &_o yet_o again_o will_v do_v so_o in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o weak_a contemn_v and_o persecute_v servant_n &_o people_n the_o lord_n build_v up_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o make_v she_o a_o peaceable_a habitation_n amen_n
magistrate_n can_v yea_o may_v not_o exercise_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v disenable_v thereto_o by_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v lay_v the_o burden_n thereof_o on_o other_o and_o not_o on_o he_o the_o most_o grant_n the_o magistrate_n himself_o may_v not_o exercise_v some_o part_n of_o this_o government_n as_o ordain_v of_o person_n for_o the_o ministry_n excommunicate_v etc._n etc._n and_o why_o he_o may_v do_v other_o part_n and_o act_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o not_o these_o we_o desire_v proof_n all_o our_o antagonist_n argument_n in_o this_o conclude_v for_o the_o whole_a obj._n but_o some_o magistrate_n have_v exercise_v both_o power_n as_o moses_n samuel_n david_n solomon_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr these_o be_v both_o magistrate_n and_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n that_o what_o they_o do_v either_o in_o constitute_v or_o in_o exercise_v of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v it_o as_o prophet_n and_o not_o as_o magistrate_n we_o find_v magistrate_n that_o be_v not_o prophet_n attempt_v it_o &_o reprehend_v for_o so_o do_v as_o saul_n uzziah_n which_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o their_o magistratical_a office_n arg._n 4._o that_o government_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o and_o regulate_v by_o another_o rule_n and_o instrument_n than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v distinct_a from_o his_o government_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o rule_v by_o another_o law_n or_o rule_n than_o the_o magistrate_n the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v clear_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v flow_v from_o and_o be_v regulate_v by_o his_o own_o law_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a fountain_n the_o second_o we_o suppose_v be_v undeniable_a among_o christian_n who_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n obj_fw-la but_o there_o be_v something_n necessare_fw-la to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr this_o we_o deny_v for_o 1._o what_o the_o scripture_n contain_v anent_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n if_o reduce_v to_o practice_n be_v able_a to_o attain_v its_o end_n and_o more_o be_v not_o necessary_a let_v the_o church_n have_v these_o and_o the_o work_n will_v be_v do_v we_o make_v &_o feign_v necessitle_n but_o no_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n government_n than_o what_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o scripture_n anent_o it_o 2._o the_o ability_n of_o the_o church_n government_n for_o reach_v its_o end_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o innate_a sufficiency_n of_o its_o institute_v mean_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v with_o in_o and_o by_o they_o by_o which_o low_a weak_a and_o despicable_a way_n christ_n carry_v on_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o he_o and_o not_o of_o we_o 3._o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a rule_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n what_o it_o contain_v of_o and_o anent_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v perfect_a and_o sufficient_a sure_o we_o be_v the_o church_n government_n be_v a_o good_a work_n and_o its_o exercise_n act_n of_o obedience_n to_o christ_n jesus_n anent_o which_o it_o be_v say_v i._n tim._n 3._o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n 4._o we_o inquire_v when_o the_o church_n be_v without_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o under_o the_o foot_n of_o a_o heathenish_a persecute_v one_o in_o which_o case_n our_o opposite_n grant_v she_o a_o government_n distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n whether_o the_o government_n exercise_v in_o she_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v its_o end_n if_o it_o be_v as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n put_v beyond_o doubt_n why_o may_v it_o not_o do_v the_o same_o under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n arg._n 5._o that_o goverement_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o another_o distinct_a supreme_a head_n beside_o the_o magistrate_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exerce_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o another_o supreme_a head_n not_o subordinat_a to_o the_o magistrate_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o proposition_n we_o understand_v not_o for_o all_o government_n one_o with_o and_o subordinat_a to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v exercise_v in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n but_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exercise_v in_o she_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n by_o his_o officer_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n arg._n 6._o the_o designation_n denomination_n and_o relation_n in_o and_o with_o which_o the_o church_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v also_o confirm_v this_o truth_n she_o be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n as_o all_o these_o do_v necessary_o import_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o they_o insinuat_fw-la the_o same_o to_o be_v different_a from_o all_o other_o government_n which_o we_o may_v mould_v into_o this_o argument_n that_o society_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n must_v have_v a_o government_n distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o the_o church_n be_v that_o society_n that_o be_v only_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o etc._n etc._n obj._n but_o all_o these_o be_v say_v only_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n ans_fw-fr but_o the_o contrare_fw-la be_v clear_a from_o those_o scripture_n where_o these_o epithet_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 12.1_o tim._n 3.15_o arg._n 7._o that_o government_n who_o immediate_a and_o essential_a end_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o the_o immediate_a and_o essential_a end_n of_o the_o magistrate_n government_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o here_o it_o be_v so_o the_o essential_a &_o immediate_a end_n of_o church_n government_n be_v different_a from_o the_o essential_a &_o immediate_a end_n of_o magistracy_n as_o will_v be_v clear_a to_o any_o that_o compare_v they_o together_o the_o end_n of_o church_n government_n be_v the_o save_a of_o the_o foul_a the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n the_o endâ—_n of_o magistracy_n be_v the_o outward_a public_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n the_o execution_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o maintain_n and_o preserve_v of_o propriety_n etc._n etc._n with_o these_o the_o church_n government_n do_v not_o meddle_v nor_o intend_v they_o of_o itself_o obj._n the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o intend_v and_o endeavour_v the_o spiritual_a happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o his_o subject_n ans_fw-fr we_o grant_v this_o but_o as_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o for_o every_o one_o in_o their_o station_n be_v bind_v to_o design_n and_o labour_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o these_o under_o their_o charge_n this_o be_v a_o common_a end_n that_o all_o christian_n in_o their_o several_a capacity_n shall_v seek_v after_o in_o their_o love_n to_o one_o another_o the_o first_o proposition_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o specifical_a distinction_n betwixt_o power_n habit_n and_o act_n be_v take_v from_o their_o object_n and_o immediate_a proper_a end_n where_o these_o differ_v they_o be_v by_o all_o philosopher_n constitute_v into_o different_a species_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o assert_v that_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v specifical_o differ_v from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o it_o be_v independent_a thereon_o and_o not_o direct_o subordinat_a thereto_o a_o truth_n how_o much_o soever_o it_o be_v decry_v we_o be_v not_o shame_v of_o nor_o afraid_a to_o profess_v &_o maintain_v and_o whosoever_o will_v lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o earthly_a interest_n and_o consider_v these_o reason_n with_o we_o will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o arg._n 1._o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n it_o have_v not_o its_o derivation_n from_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o the_o consequence_n be_v found_v on_o this_o truth_n grant_v by_o all_o lawyer_n and_o divine_n that_o all_o power_n direct_o subordinat_a to_o and_o dependent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o the_o antecedent_n we_o prove_v thus_o 1._o the_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o
real_o exclude_v magistrate_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o church_n government_n which_o in_o its_o design_n and_o effect_n be_v for_o save_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o ordinance_n other_o argument_n may_v be_v adduce_v as_o the_o want_n of_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o alter_v and_o change_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o nullify_v its_o just_a sentence_n pass_v etc._n etc._n sect_n vii_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a supreamacy_n manifest_v but_o judge_v these_o sufficient_a to_o the_o conviction_n oâ—_n the_o unprejudged_a we_o come_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o ouâ—_n task_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o visible_a intrinsic_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v assume_v by_o and_o give_v to_o our_o ruler_n in_o the_o present_a stand_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v out_o from_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n particular_o act_n of_o restitution_n parl._n 1_o sess_n 2._o act._n 1._o act_n anent_o the_o national_a synod_n parl._n 1_o sess_n 3._o act._n 4._o act_n against_o conventicle_n parl._n 2._o sess_n 5._o act_n against_o keeper_n of_o conventicle_n and_o withdrawer_n etc._n etc._n parl._n 2._o sess_n 3._o act._n 17._o act_n against_o unlawful_a ordination_n parl._n 2._o sess_n 3._o with_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v on_o the_o probation_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v necessare_fw-la for_o clear_v our_o way_n to_o it_o to_o consider_v alittle_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n repeat_v in_o several_a act_n where_o first_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o same_o the_o term_n external_n be_v notour_o ambiguous_a shall_v have_v be_v explain_v &_o all_o not_o leave_v to_o guess_v at_o its_o meaning_n external_n be_v by_o some_o oppose_v to_o the_o internal_a invisible_a government_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o so_o by_o it_o they_o understand_v the_o visible_a intrinsic_a government_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o term_n external_n government_n in_o this_o and_o other_o act_n the_o follow_a argument_n undertake_v to_o make_v out_o but_o some_o other_o oppose_v the_o term_n external_n government_n to_o this_o intrinsic_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n former_o describe_v and_o assert_v to_o be_v distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a on_o the_o mastrat_n and_o by_o it_o they_o do_v understand_v these_o humane_a adjunct_n and_o accident_n that_o be_v civil_a in_o themselves_o and_o not_o make_v sacred_a by_o divine_a institution_n some_o plead_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o term_n in_o the_o act_n of_o parlt_n but_o how_o groundless_o let_v our_o subsequent_a reason_n determine_v second_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o the_o crown_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v hard_o to_o sense_n this_o for_o order_v and_o dispose_v when_o do_v by_o person_n in_o authority_n be_v a_o part_n of_o government_n in_o itself_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o phrase_n be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o speech_n as_o if_o a_o government_n need_v a_o government_n to_o govern_v it_o what_o if_o this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n will_v it_o not_o be_v repute_v non_fw-la sense_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o government_n do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n to_o dispose_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o &_o without_o which_o it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o it_o be_v without_o disput_fw-la evident_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n under_o heathenish_a magistrate_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v this_o which_o by_o this_o act_n be_v take_v from_o she_o next_o we_o ask_v whether_o this_o order_n and_o dipose_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a or_o civil_a government_n if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a it_o be_v again_o nonsense_n at_o the_o best_a and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v the_o ecclesiastical_a govern_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n a_o perfect_a tautology_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n how_o come_v it_o that_o in_o this_o and_o other_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o civil_a obj._n it_o be_v only_o objective_o so_o call_v ans_fw-fr then_o it_o be_v proper_o and_o formal_o civil_a the_o phrase_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a be_v catachrestical_a and_o abusive_a a_o very_a improper_a speech_n yea_o as_o improper_a as_o if_o we_o shall_v call_v church_n power_n or_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n objective_o civil_a or_o civil_a three_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o this_o order_n or_o dispose_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a why_o be_v the_o church_n trouble_v with_o it_o if_o it_o be_v we_o ask_v again_o when_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o civil_a or_o church_n government_n it_o can_v not_o be_v of_o the_o civil_a for_o the_o church_n have_v none_o under_o persecute_v magistrate_n if_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n government_n than_o it_o be_v pure_o and_o formal_o such_o and_o not_o true_o civil_a although_o exercise_v about_o thing_n civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v the_o magistrate_n now_o to_o any_o considerate_a and_o unbyaffed_a reader_n it_o will_v be_v manifest_a that_o these_o word_n or_o expression_n come_v from_o mind_n design_v the_o enhanse_a of_o the_o intrinsic_a visâ—â—le_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o labour_v to_o cover_v it_o but_o all_o in_o vain_a now_o that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n formal_o and_o intrinsical_o such_o be_v assume_v by_o and_o give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o present_a stand_a law_n will_v be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o consider_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o forecited_a act_n of_o parliament_n 1._o that_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o church_n assembly_n or_o judicatories_n be_v put_v in_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordinate_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a to_o they_o therein_o this_o make_v the_o king_n the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n &_o the_o church_n officer_n to_o derive_v and_o hold_v their_o power_n of_o he_o which_o make_v our_o king_n the_o proper_a head_n of_o the_o church_n &_o substitute_n he_o in_o christ_n room_n to_o she_o 2._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o subject_v to_o &_o dependent_a on_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n extend_v to_o and_o make_v to_o take_v in_o ordination_n act_n of_o discipline_n inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n yea_o to_o all_o cause_n and_o matter_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a to_o all_o about_o which_o church_n power_n be_v exerce_v he_o be_v make_v the_o supreme_a 3._o all_o church_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o it_o be_v exercise_v in_o this_o church_n before_o the_o late_a introduction_n of_o prelacy_n without_o this_o derivation_n from_o and_o subordination_n to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v rescind_v and_o annul_v certain_o in_o these_o time_n the_o magistrate_n have_v and_o do_v exercise_v a_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o law_n then_o make_v in_o their_o behalf_n but_o this_o do_v not_o now_o content_a without_o this_o supremacy_n which_o import_v another_o power_n acclame_v by_o the_o magistrate_n now_o that_o be_v not_o then_o 4._o this_o supremacy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n be_v give_v for_o the_o main_a reason_n of_o the_o change_n make_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o overturning_a and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o true_a government_n that_o then_o be_v and_o bring_v in_o another_o in_o its_o stead_n without_o the_o authority_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n a_o fair_a open_a door_n for_o bring_v in_o the_o like_a alteration_n and_o change_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n when_o there_o be_v access_n to_o it_o 5._o prelacy_n by_o this_o act_n be_v restore_v not_o only_o to_o the_o former_a height_n it_o be_v at_o and_o have_v attain_v by_o law_n and_o practice_n before_o its_o last_o ejection_n out_o of_o this_o church_n
out_o of_o envy_n and_o malice_n for_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v the_o executer_n of_o her_o own_o act_n and_o sentence_n and_o not_o the_o magistrate_n who_o only_o put_v to_o execution_n his_o own_o law_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enact_v on_o her_o behalf_n 2._o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o we_o grant_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n a_o discretive_a judgement_n to_o cognosce_fw-la on_o the_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n and_o if_o he_o find_v they_o not_o to_o be_v just_a he_o have_v a_o definitive_a judgement_n anent_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o own_o law_n make_v about_o they_o for_o the_o obligation_n that_o arise_v from_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n on_o all_o in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o obey_v and_o further_a of_o they_o be_v only_o conditional_a and_o not_o absolute_a that_o be_v none_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o advance_v the_o church_n sentence_n except_o their_o matter_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a which_o must_v be_v first_o know_v before_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o this_o but_o here_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o exercise_n about_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n be_v proper_o civil_a and_o not_o ecclesiastical_a to_o wit_n whether_o he_o will_v execute_v his_o own_o law_n or_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v easy_a and_o plain_a and_o if_o ambition_n and_o worldly_a interest_n have_v not_o determine_v many_o to_o the_o contrare_fw-la there_o will_v be_v little_a controversy_n about_o they_o obj_fw-la 8._o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o exercise_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n be_v independent_a on_o the_o church_n what_o he_o do_v in_o relation_n to_o church_n concern_v determination_n and_o sentence_n he_o may_v do_v it_o antecedent_n to_o these_o without_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n to_o be_v universal_o true_a for_o some_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sentence_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n do_v necessary_o suppone_v the_o church_n sentence_n and_o act_n for_o their_o object_n as_o these_o of_o ordination_n excommunication_n act_n of_o regulation_n etc._n etc._n must_v necessary_o pass_v before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v reach_v the_o person_n and_o thing_n to_o which_o they_o be_v apply_v for_o instance_n before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v justice_n to_o a_o minister_n in_o his_o maintenance_n he_o must_v first_o be_v ordain_v &_o by_o it_o have_v right_a thereto_o on_o the_o church_n act_n of_o ordination_n which_o must_v first_o be_v know_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o by_o he_o give_v as_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o his_o sentence_n for_o the_o minister_n legal_a right_n to_o enjoy_v and_o use_v the_o provide_v and_o allow_v maintenance_n and_o so_o of_o many_o other_o we_o grant_v in_o some_o case_n and_o thing_n a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n which_o he_o may_v exercise_v antecedent_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n he_o may_v yea_o no_o doubt_n he_o ought_v to_o command_v minister_n when_o negligent_a to_o their_o work_n or_o duty_n without_o a_o church_n sentence_n yea_o contrare_fw-la to_o it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o case_n be_v not_o necessary_o subsequent_a to_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n be_v most_o absurd_a &_o abhorrent_n to_o all_o right_a reason_n see_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o do_v to_o and_o for_o the_o church_n that_o necessary_o suppone_v not_o only_o the_o be_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n without_o which_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v how_o shall_v he_o punish_v contumacious_a heretical_a and_o excommunicate_a person_n till_o they_o be_v first_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o church_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v such_o etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v weak_a for_o all_o create_a power_n suppones_fw-la its_o object_n and_o in_o its_o exercise_n must_v be_v subsequent_a and_o posteriour_a to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o independency_n of_o any_o power_n on_o another_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o marital_a power_n and_o other_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n about_o it_o presuppon_v the_o conjugal_a relation_n &_o its_o act_n before_o it_o can_v put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n anent_o it_o in_o application_n to_o the_o person_n under_o that_o relation_n the_o design_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v obvious_a which_o be_v to_o evert_v all_o church_n government_n the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o it_o but_o before_o it_o have_v its_o full_a intend_a force_n it_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v that_o church_n power_n and_o its_o act_n be_v competent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o may_v be_v do_v by_o he_o as_o that_o he_o may_v ordain_v depose_v receive_v into_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n preach_v the_o word_n dispense_v all_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n which_o not_o erastian_n have_v yet_o do_v for_o if_o these_o be_v incompetent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o other_o the_o former_a conclusion_n will_v hold_v conclus_fw-la have_v thus_o with_o all_o christian_a ingenuity_n and_o plainness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n &_o soberness_n discover_v our_o heart_n anent_o the_o foregoe_v particular_n we_o expect_v that_o much_o charity_n and_o justice_n from_o all_o even_o our_o antagonist_n that_o before_o they_o give_v out_o their_o censor_n they_o will_v serious_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v and_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o scripture_n and_o true_a reason_n impartial_o ponderat_fw-la the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lest_o in_o stead_n of_o fight_v against_o we_o they_o happy_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n for_o see_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o build_v be_v of_o common_a obligation_n on_o all_o christian_n and_o on_o which_o our_o christian_a profession_n lean_v none_o can_v refuse_v our_o conclusion_n but_o they_o must_v either_o contradict_v and_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o say_a profession_n or_o else_o show_v their_o inconsequence_n and_o inconsistancy_n with_o these_o we_o have_v not_o insist_v on_o nor_o much_o make_v use_n of_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n nor_o wrangle_v as_o many_o in_o their_o debait_n do_v about_o the_o sense_n and_o application_n of_o these_o nor_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o our_o argument_n from_o antiquity_n on_o citation_n from_o particular_a father_n and_o historian_n but_o on_o the_o series_n and_o thread_n of_o these_o ancient_a record_n to_o which_o we_o appeal_v anent_o the_o matter_n debate_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n as_o any_o that_o deal_v candid_o and_o impartial_o will_n on_o trial_n find_v the_o issue_n of_o our_o adversary_n argument_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o antithesis_n resolve_v in_o these_o three_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o manifest_a and_o violent_a pervert_n and_o wrest_v of_o they_o the_o profess_a and_o open_a contradict_v of_o their_o authority_n by_o hobbs_n leviathan_n and_o other_o more_o gross_a if_o grosser_n can_v be_v do_v sufficient_o declare_v what_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o contrare_fw-la opinion_n be_v and_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v will_v be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o same_o if_o thing_n continue_v for_o sometime_o in_o their_o present_a channel_n all_o protestant_n before_o these_o debat_n enter_v on_o the_o field_n esteem_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o chief_a and_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n and_o build_v thereon_o their_o doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n which_o the_o patroness_n of_o prelacy_n do_v now_o strict_a at_o and_o labour_n to_o shake_v in_o deny_v their_o sufficiency_n or_o perfection_n in_o matter_n of_o obedience_n or_o practice_n whereby_o they_o break_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o the_o protestant_n use_v against_o the_o papist_n for_o the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v prelacy_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o this_o assertion_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o most_o eminent_a assertor_n of_o it_o for_o if_o we_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o full_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o not_o to_o be_v recede_v from_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n the_o prelacy_n controvert_v have_v so_o little_a evidence_n from_o they_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o this_o sufficient_a regulation_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v refuse_v what_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v open_v to_o humane_a invention_n and_o what_o may_v not_o man_n bring_v in_o at_o it_o to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o pollute_v of_o all_o the_o church_n concern_v we_o grant_v the_o admit_v of_o the_o
the_o godly_a of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n be_v exceed_o more_a numerous_a than_o the_o other_o 2_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o be_v very_o small_a which_o may_v be_v incident_a to_o person_n true_o godly_a and_o consistent_a with_o their_o growth_n and_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o heal_a condescend_v temper_n may_v be_v heal_v and_o remove_v their_o difference_n lie_v main_o in_o the_o authoritative_a subordination_n of_o church_n judicatory_n use_v conâ—stitution_n of_o church_n as_o to_o the_o quality_n and_o engagement_n of_o their_o constituent_a member_n which_o when_o their_o one_o ness_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n about_o government_n and_o their_o concession_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o little_a they_o differ_v about_o be_v consider_v may_v be_v quick_o accommodate_v and_o take_v up_o but_o it_o be_v other_o way_n with_o prelacy_n in_o its_o constitution_n and_o exercise_n with_o we_o which_o in_o its_o effect_n attendant_n and_o the_o basis_n it_o be_v settle_v upon_o be_v find_v to_o be_v such_o a_o corruption_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o inlett_n to_o other_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n that_o it_o become_v true_o hateful_a to_o all_o the_o godly_a that_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n and_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o their_o rule_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o prelatical_a gang_n true_o godly_a or_o pious_a we_o know_v there_o have_v be_v and_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v some_o such_o among_o they_o but_o o_o how_o few_o and_o how_o much_o have_v these_o few_o be_v look_v upon_o and_o persecute_v by_o the_o rest_n with_o a_o evil_a or_o jealous_a eye_n so_o as_o they_o have_v be_v judge_v more_o we_o than_o they_o we_o have_v not_o forget_v the_o distinction_n that_o on_o this_o head_n be_v make_v in_o former_a time_n among_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o and_o how_o they_o be_v distinguish_v into_o puritan_n and_o court_n bishop_n will_v not_o one_o of_o these_o two_o follow_v either_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o christian_n walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n must_v esteem_v to_o be_v such_o be_v under_o a_o strong_a delusion_n in_o their_o opinion_n about_o and_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n orâ—els_n which_o be_v most_o likely_a for_o the_o reason_n former_o give_v that_o prelacy_n savour_v not_o of_o godliness_n but_o in_o its_o native_a tendency_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o it_o which_o say_v it_o can_v be_v of_o god_n but_o for_o trial_n and_o correction_n 5._o as_o the_o main_a and_o chief_a qualification_n the_o prelate_n require_v in_o their_o intrant_n into_o the_o ministry_n and_o in_o the_o people_n they_o admit_v to_o ordinance_n be_v submission_n to_o and_o own_v of_o theâ—_n conform_v to_o the_o present_a law_n how_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a soever_o they_o be_v which_o be_v overlook_v and_o dispense_v with_o in_o they_o so_o their_o bitter_a opposition_n to_o and_o uncessant_a persecution_n of_o pious_a able_a and_o faithful_a minister_n that_o comply_v not_o with_o prelacy_n declare_v to_o all_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n that_o consist_v in_o true_a knowledge_n and_o godliness_n they_o seek_v but_o the_o extend_v and_o establish_v of_o their_o tyrannous_a dominion_n over_o all_o by_o minister_n and_o professor_n submit_v thereto_o without_o gainsay_v of_o their_o imposition_n and_o command_n how_o contrare_fw-la in_o this_o be_v their_o way_n to_o the_o rule_v give_v in_o the_o word_n for_o call_v &_o ordain_v of_o minister_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n tit._n 1_o 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n phil._n 1_o 15._o who_o rejoice_v verse_n 18._o that_o christ_n be_v preach_v although_o out_o of_o envy_n and_o opposition_n to_o he_o can_v that_o course_n be_v of_o god_n which_o must_v be_v support_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o across_o the_o direction_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n anent_o minister_n and_o disappoint_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o ministry_n believe_v this_o who_o will_v we_o can_v sect_n ii_o what_o move_a minister_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n &_o some_o remark_n upon_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n and_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o depone_v against_o delinquent_n it_o have_v be_v often_o object_v to_o we_o both_o by_o friend_n and_o enemy_n why_o do_v minister_n and_o congregatition_n obey_v so_o quick_o that_o act_n of_o the_o council_n at_o glasgow_n in_o leave_v and_o desert_v of_o one_o another_o see_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o divine_a mutual_a relation_n to_o one_o another_o as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o cleave_v together_o in_o perform_v and_o do_v of_o all_o mutual_a duty_n which_o by_o divine_a precept_n and_o engagement_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v ans_fw-fr as_o we_o will_v not_o altogether_o justify_v our_o carriage_n in_o that_o and_o several_a other_o particular_n in_o our_o way_n through_o these_o sad_a time_n be_v willing_a to_o take_v with_o and_o humble_a our_o soul_n for_o all_o our_o imperfection_n and_o fail_n that_o shall_v be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o any_o so_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o circumstanâ—â—at_a case_n that_o may_v plead_v for_o we_o and_o alleviat_v the_o offence_n take_v at_o our_o too_o general_a practice_n in_o that_o matter_n as._n 1._o the_o suddenness_n of_o that_o act_n which_o allow_v very_o little_a or_o no_o time_n for_o deliberation_n and_o come_v to_o any_o solid_a resolution_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o weight_n and_o un_fw-fr usual_a practice_n anent_o which_o we_o have_v so_o few_o precedent_n in_o former_a time_n all_o know_v how_o puzzle_v surprisal_n use_v to_o be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o present_a divine_a hand_n to_o guide_v and_o support_v under_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n with_o which_o surprisal_n be_v ordinary_o attend_v all_o be_v in_o hazard_n through_o the_o bias_n of_o corruption_n to_o miscarry_v and_o in_o their_o resolution_n to_o turn_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n minister_n and_o professor_n be_v man_n of_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o passion_n with_o other_o and_o whatever_o obligation_n be_v on_o they_o for_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o the_o lead_n of_o other_o in_o the_o same_o yet_o throw_v darkâ—ness_n the_o influence_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o tempâ—tations_n concur_v therewith_o to_o which_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o then_z other_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o slip_v in_o which_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n they_o shall_v be_v pity_v and_o pray_v for_o 2._o it_o have_v no_o little_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o determine_v our_o resolution_n to_o this_o that_o our_o party_n in_o our_o nighbour_a church_n in_o england_n and_o ireland_n upon_o the_o emission_n of_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n disenable_v all_o minister_n that_o do_v not_o conform_v to_o prelacy_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n have_v quit_v their_o charge_n and_o remove_v themselves_o to_o other_o part_n not_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o themselves_o their_o people_n the_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o then_o stand_v to_o justle_v with_o authority_n in_o continue_v their_o ministry_n with_o and_o among_o the_o people_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o new_a law_n make_v against_o they_o while_o we_o consider_v this_o lead_a example_n with_o the_o reason_n move_a they_o to_o it_o we_o think_v ourselves_o as_o much_o press_v therewith_o as_o they_o and_o no_o doubt_n if_o we_o have_v follow_v the_o contrare_fw-la course_n our_o loyalty_n have_v be_v sad_o reproach_v and_o their_o practice_n make_v use_v of_o to_o aggravat_fw-la our_o disloyal_a disposition_n with_o which_o we_o have_v be_v often_o brand_v although_o faisly_a to_o a_o great_a height_n of_o contempt_n which_o have_v we_o grant_v too_o much_o weight_n with_o we_o 3._o the_o main_a design_n we_o have_v under_o consideration_n at_o that_o time_n that_o do_v most_o exercise_v our_o thought_n and_o take_v they_o up_o be_v how_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o grand_a corruption_n prelacy_n that_o do_v then_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n many_o question_n in_o order_n to_o iâ—_n be_v debate_v among_o we_o for_o our_o mutual_a strengthen_n against_o the_o assault_n of_o our_o common_a adversary_n which_o we_o in_o rational_a before_o sight_n do_v apprehend_v will_v come_v upon_o we_o never_o dream_v of_o this_o course_n that_o be_v follow_v with_o we_o which_o with_o one_o stroke_n cut_v the_o gordian_a knot_n of_o many_o difficulty_n with_o which_o we_o have_v often_o grapple_v in_o our_o exercise_n and_o debar_v in_o this_o unexpected_a course_n of_o providence_n clear_v our_o way_n under_o many_o
our_o law_n we_o offer_v the_o follow_a consideration_n to_o all_o which_o we_o hope_v will_v to_o the_o unbiased_a not_o only_o alleviat_v but_o justify_v our_o non-appearance_n 1._o beside_o what_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v provide_v and_o teach_v all_o man_n anent_o self_n preservation_n we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o grant_v to_o we_o by_o all_o that_o if_o many_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v allow_v flight_n to_o minister_n and_o christian_n from_o the_o unjust_a violence_n and_o oppression_n of_o ruler_n when_o it_o be_v within_o their_o power_n to_o decline_v it_o then_o our_o non-apperance_n before_o the_o council_n will_v not_o necessary_o infer_v a_o contempt_n of_o their_o authority_n or_o any_o true_a disloyalty_n and_o disobedience_n to_o they_o otherwise_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a head_n his_o apostle_n and_o other_o will_v be_v find_v as_o chargeable_a with_o this_o crime_n as_o we_o from_o which_o all_o christian_n do_v free_a they_o while_o we_o think_v on_o these_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o christian_n who_o live_v in_o scripture_n time_n we_o can_v avoid_v these_o two_o conclusion_n which_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o contradiction_n do_v make_v out_o the_o former_a inference_n as_o 1._o that_o passive_a obedience_n to_o the_o unrighteous_a decree_n and_o punishment_n of_o ruler_n be_v as_o undue_a as_o active_a obedience_n to_o their_o unjust_a command_n injustice_n in_o sentence_n and_o punishment_n bind_v no_o more_o to_o submission_n to_o these_o than_o unrighteousness_n in_o command_n â—yes_n to_o obedience_n where_o the_o infliction_n of_o such_o punishment_n be_v evitable_a for_o ruler_n be_v not_o enable_v by_o their_o authority_n to_o injustice_n more_o in_o the_o one_o than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n on_o their_o subject_n from_o their_o authority_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o their_o unjust_a punishment_n more_o than_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o iniquous_a command_n &_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sin_v in_o not_o give_v this_o obedience_n which_o be_v most_o absurd_a obj_fw-la 1._o but_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o many_o protestant_n who_o teach_v that_o passive_a obedience_n be_v due_a and_o shall_v be_v give_v where_o active_a obedience_n be_v not_o ans_fw-fr 1._o we_o know_v of_o no_o protestant_n that_o teach_v so_o except_o those_o who_o be_v prosy_n lit_v into_o court_n parasite_n it_o be_v neither_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o practice_n of_o most_o protestant_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o their_o writing_n and_o history_n 2_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o they_o that_o think_v otherwise_o what_o this_o allow_a flight_n be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o remove_n of_o ourselves_o when_o the_o circumstance_n of_o case_n permit_v from_o the_o decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o ruler_n appoint_v we_o to_o unjust_a punishment_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o deny_v of_o passive_a obedience_n to_o such_o sentence_n who_o can_v evite_v this_o some_o there_o be_v who_o grant_v this_o in_o sentence_n that_o reach_v the_o life_n but_o not_o in_o sentence_n that_o only_o touch_v the_o body_n and_o estate_n as_o imprisonment_n fine_n exile_n etc._n etc._n but_o give_v not_o any_o just_a instance_n or_o sound_a reason_n for_o what_o they_o assert_v concl._n 2._o hence_o also_o we_o gather_v from_o the_o foresay_a precept_n and_o example_n that_o non-submission_n to_o unjust_a sentence_n when_o within_o our_o power_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o respect_n esteem_v love_n honour_n and_o obedience_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n command_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v to_o ruler_n and_o consequent_o be_v no_o contempt_n of_o their_o authority_n nor_o any_o true_a disloyalty_n else_o christ_n in_o allow_v himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n in_o practise_v this_o flight_n have_v be_v contemner_n of_o authority_n and_o disloyal_a to_o it_o which_o all_o christian_n assert_v to_o be_v false_a hence_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o unprejudged_a that_o if_o our_o opposite_n fasten_v not_o this_o charge_n on_o the_o matter_n they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o from_o our_o non-appearance_n simple_o and_o abstract_o consider_v obj._n 2._o our_o ruler_n summons_n be_v proper_o their_o command_n to_o we_o for_o our_o appearance_n before_o they_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o its_o self_n just_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v appear_v both_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o the_o thing_n command_v ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o objection_n of_o great_a seem_a strength_n and_o most_o use_v to_o our_o reproach_n we_o shall_v consider_v it_o a_o little_a and_o 1._o wave_a the_o debate_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o summons_n and_o leave_v their_o native_a import_n use_v and_o consequence_n to_o lawyer_n we_o assert_v that_o when_o the_o command_n of_o superior_n although_o lawful_a in_o their_o immediate_a object_n or_o matter_n be_v in_o their_o state_v design_n so_o connect_v with_o irreligion_n injustice_n oppression_n and_o unrighteousness_n that_o they_o become_v the_o engine_n and_o mean_n of_o oppression_n and_o violence_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n true_o sinful_a in_o its_o self_n we_o say_v such_o command_n participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o end_n and_o become_v unjust_a as_o for_o instance_n when_o ruler_n in_o order_n to_o oppression_n and_o persecution_n command_v any_o subject_n to_o witness_v his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o orthodox_n opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o and_o such_o person_n the_o subject_n in_o this_o case_n ought_v not_o to_o obey_v such_o command_n which_o our_o of_o this_o case_n and_o the_o like_a that_o be_v abstract_n from_o such_o sinful_a end_n he_o not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o obey_v or_o if_o a_o master_n or_o father_n shall_v require_v his_o servant_n or_o son_n to_o bring_v to_o he_o such_o a_o woman_n to_o such_o a_o place_n they_o know_v it_o be_v for_o commit_v of_o uncleanness_n with_o she_o they_o shall_v not_o obey_v which_o when_o without_o respect_n to_o this_o wicked_a end_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o truth_n the_o officer_n and_o soldier_n that_o apprehend_v christ_n and_o crucify_a he_o be_v innocent_a and_o blameless_a which_o all_o grant_n to_o be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v the_o injustice_n of_o the_o end_n of_o their_o lawful_a ruler_n command_v in_o this_o thing_n that_o make_v their_o obedience_n to_o they_o undue_a and_o unjust_a so_o that_o they_o be_v true_o culpable_a and_o guilty_a of_o christ_n blood_n as_o well_o as_o their_o ruler_n 2._o suppose_v but_o not_o grant_v the_o summone_n to_o be_v good_a &_o just_a in_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n agree_v to_o by_o all_o divine_n that_o where_o two_o thing_n moral_o good_a do_v tryst_a in_o christian_n practice_n the_o one_o of_o one_o or_o two_o degree_n of_o goodness_n the_o other_o of_o three_o or_o four_o that_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v choose_v and_o prefer_v to_o the_o first_o but_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v in_o our_o case_n to_o our_o thought_n on_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v beyond_o question_n that_o our_o non-appearance_n at_o these_o time_n to_o which_o we_o be_v cite_v be_v a_o great_a good_n suppon_v the_o other_o to_o be_v good_a which_o we_o do_v not_o yield_v both_o to_o the_o magistrate_n ourselves_o and_o other_o than_o our_o appearance_n can_v have_v be_v for_o thereby_o the_o magistrate_n be_v withhold_v from_o unjust_a oppression_n he_o shall_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o gospel_n preserve_v with_o the_o people_n in_o its_o purity_n much_o suffering_n to_o other_o prevent_v &c._n &c._n while_o we_o have_v no_o good_a to_o expect_v from_o our_o appearance_n but_o a_o mere_a act_n of_o obedience_n 3._o that_o nonobedience_n in_o some_o case_n and_o thing_n to_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n be_v no_o true_a disobedience_n as_o 1._o in_o thing_n without_o the_o magistrate_n line_n and_o reach_v although_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v just_a and_o good_a in_o themselves_o suppone_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v a_o person_n unordain_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n dispense_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v beyond_o the_o magistrate_n line_n it_o be_v no_o disobedience_n in_o any_o subject_n not_o to_o obey_v such_o command_n 2._o in_o thing_n contraire_fw-fr to_o mercy_n and_o justice_n that_o one_o subject_n owe_v to_o another_o if_o the_o magistrate_n command_v either_o the_o not_o do_v of_o these_o or_o the_o do_n of_o the_o contrare_fw-la not_o obey_v here_o be_v no_o disobedience_n the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o matter_n command_v be_v not_o just_a and_o antecedent_n to_o the_o magistrate_n command_n not_o necessare_fw-la not_o obey_v be_v no_o