sure_a way_n of_o religion_n education_n our_o chief_a reformer_n have_v indeed_o their_o education_n in_o other_o church_n which_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o we_o there_o do_v they_o see_v example_n of_o reformation_n and_o converse_v with_o other_o reformer_n by_o who_o they_o be_v teach_v from_o the_o word_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o thence_o do_v they_o bring_v as_o the_o roman_n their_o law_n of_o old_a from_o greece_n and_o other_o nation_n model_n of_o church-government_n that_o compare_v one_o with_o another_o they_o may_v fix_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n like_o as_o we_o account_v it_o no_o small_a happiness_n that_o we_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o church-government_n there_o which_o give_v we_o much_o light_n and_o confidence_n against_o such_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n as_o be_v powerful_a enough_o to_o suspend_v the_o assent_n of_o other_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o education_n in_o other_o church_n be_v stranger_n unto_o it_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o education_n in_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o true_a worship_n shall_v be_v account_v a_o matter_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o shall_v glory_v in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o by_o education_n engage_v in_o any_o one_o form_n of_o of_o discipline_n and_o church-government_n but_o leave_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v mould_v by_o our_o own_o private_a thought_n they_o intend_v and_o design_v from_o the_o beginning_n beginning_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o assembly_n and_o presbytery_n although_o they_o can_v not_o attain_v that_o perfection_n at_o first_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o reformation_n but_o give_v place_n to_o necessity_n which_o in_o such_o case_n be_v universal_a and_o in_o this_o they_o follow_v the_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o if_o not_o at_o first_o yet_o afterward_o be_v of_o great_a number_n in_o one_o city_n then_o do_v or_o can_v ordinary_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o plurality_n of_o pastor_n and_o officer_n which_o make_v up_o a_o common_a presbytery_n for_o govern_v the_o whole_a they_o set_v up_o such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o church_n pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n they_o do_v not_o permit_v such_o as_o be_v call_v layman_n and_o intend_v to_o continue_v such_o to_o preach_v or_o prophesy_v in_o the_o congregation_n nor_o do_v they_o admit_v of_o any_o other_o rule_v elder_n but_o such_o as_o be_v solemn_o elect_v and_o ordain_v although_o they_o do_v maintain_v themselves_o upon_o their_o own_o mean_n and_o attend_v their_o own_o particular_a calling_n which_o be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o their_o office_n especial_o they_o be_v appoint_v in_o a_o number_n competent_a and_o proportionable_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o people_n and_o quantity_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o their_o ecclesiastical_a charge_n not_o be_v pastoral_a nor_o require_v any_o great_a meditation_n or_o study_n apart_o but_o such_o as_o they_o may_v easy_o attend_v without_o neglect_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a affair_n what_o shall_v be_v render_v unto_o the_o magistrate_n by_o other_o magistrate_n who_o particular_a tenet_n be_v not_o yet_o know_v either_o to_o the_o church_n or_o magistrate_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o a_o hide_a and_o secret_a way_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v not_o privy_a we_o can_v determine_v but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n concerning_o the_o honour_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v open_o know_v by_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o long_o continue_a practice_n and_o this_o much_o we_o know_v that_o the_o principle_n both_o of_o civil_a and_o church-government_n be_v lay_v out_o in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o one_o can_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o or_o they_o inconsistent_a between_o themselves_o nor_o do_v we_o measure_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o both_o of_o they_o by_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o deny_v not_o unto_o the_o magistrate_n what_o god_n give_v they_o and_o more_o than_o this_o dare_v we_o not_o profess_v for_o any_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o the_o form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n profess_v by_o we_o how_o much_o and_o for_o what_o end_n the_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n of_o old_a the_o papist_n prelate_n and_o arminian_n of_o late_a have_v labour_v to_o make_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n hateful_a to_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v too_o well_o know_v and_o have_v be_v bitter_o feel_v yet_o god_n have_v curse_v this_o policy_n in_o the_o end_n there_o may_v be_v good_a reason_n to_o express_v our_o judgement_n of_o this_o or_o other_o point_n of_o duty_n from_o scripture_n but_o to_o avouch_v when_o we_o be_v not_o challenge_v and_o that_o only_o in_o the_o general_a by_o way_n of_o comparison_n that_o we_o ascribe_v more_o to_o the_o magistrate_n than_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v they_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n may_v suffer_v a_o hard_a construction_n than_o we_o ourselves_o will_v willing_o undergo_v or_o put_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o man_n who_o seek_v not_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o bless_a instrument_n of_o reformation_n proceed_v by_o no_o other_o rule_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o so_o do_v they_o with_o great_a judgement_n and_o learning_n which_o they_o have_v in_o a_o measure_n above_o other_o examine_v and_o frame_v all_o thing_n diligent_o and_o exact_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o although_o the_o reformer_n in_o england_n be_v either_o altogether_o or_o for_o the_o great_a part_n take_v up_o with_o the_o doctrine_n yet_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n it_o be_v otherwise_o after_o the_o doctrine_n be_v establish_v which_o be_v speedy_o do_v they_o be_v exercise_v in_o conference_n and_o assembly_n with_o debate_v the_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n above_o the_o space_n of_o 20_o year_n which_o endure_v much_o opposition_n from_o authority_n from_o worldly_a man_n and_o from_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n both_o prelatical_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n separatist_n of_o which_o sort_n some_o come_v into_o scotland_n from_o england_n which_o be_v unto_o they_o a_o whetstone_n to_o quicken_v they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o circumspect_a and_o exact_a in_o their_o way_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o episcopacy_n upon_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o popular_a confusion_n on_o the_o other_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n who_o presence_n and_o blessing_n they_o seek_v after_o in_o these_o day_n with_o frequent_a prayer_n and_o humiliation_n both_o in_o private_a and_o in_o the_o public_a national_a assembly_n so_o to_o assist_v and_o lead_v they_o in_o all_o truth_n that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v honour_v from_o abroad_o both_o from_o england_n and_o other_o nation_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o other_o church_n account_v to_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n upon_o earth_n and_o when_o they_o be_v wish_v after_o a_o reformation_n they_o make_v it_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o wish_n we_o will_v willing_o shun_v comparison_n be_v we_o not_o bring_v upon_o this_o strain_n we_o do_v upon_o very_o good_a reason_n judge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o ceremony_n to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o blemish_n and_o corruption_n cleave_v unto_o it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a ministry_n and_o shall_v never_o deny_v unto_o they_o that_o praise_n whether_o in_o debate_v controversy_n with_o papist_n or_o in_o practical_a divinity_n for_o private_a christian_n which_o they_o do_v most_o just_o deserve_v upon_o the_o other_o part_n we_o be_v neither_o so_o ignorant_a nor_o so_o arrogant_a as_o to_o ascribe_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n such_o absolute_a purity_n and_o perfection_n as_o have_v not_o need_v or_o can_v admit_v of_o further_a reformation_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o acknowledge_v also_o in_o the_o common_a covenant_n we_o bring_v two_o famous_a witness_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o prove_v the_o one_o be_v brightman_n loath_a will_v i_o be_v say_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o provoke_v any_o man_n to_o envy_v or_o to_o grieve_v he_o with_o my_o word_n yet_o this_o i_o must_v say_v there_o be_v no_o place_n where_o the_o doctrine_n sound_v more_o pure_o the_o worship_n
join_v in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n much_o as_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n have_v use_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o church-censure_n of_o all_o sort_n especial_o the_o grave_a of_o excommunication_n with_o such_o sharpness_n and_o severity_n and_o yet_o with_o such_o caution_n and_o moderation_n as_o it_o have_v be_v very_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o preserve_v the_o name_n of_o god_n from_o be_v blaspheme_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n from_o contagion_n and_o the_o delinquent_n bring_v under_o censure_n from_o destruction_n which_o be_v the_o end_n propose_v by_o they_o in_o execute_v the_o censure_n or_o the_o church_n and_o where_o such_o scandal_n arise_v whether_o in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o practice_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v be_v dangerous_a for_o the_o church_n and_o waste_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n themselves_o be_v accompany_v with_o obstinacy_n and_o contempt_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n they_o do_v apply_v this_o last_o remedy_n according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n against_o scandalous_a transgressor_n to_o limit_v the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n to_o the_o common_a and_o uncontroverted_a principle_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o manner_n to_o the_o common_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o both_o to_o the_o party_n know_a light_n be_v the_o dangerous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o arminian_n and_o socinian_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n and_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o all_o other_o practice_n and_o error_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_a and_o universal_o abhor_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o wish_v all_o sound_n and_o sober_a spirit_n to_o abstain_v from_o lest_o it_o render_v they_o and_o their_o profession_n suspect_v of_o some_o such_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o in_o charity_n we_o judge_v to_o be_v far_o from_o their_o mind_n and_o way_n two_o main_a objection_n be_v make_v against_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n together_o for_o which_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o of_o old_a and_o of_o late_a one_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o that_o the_o exhortation_n of_o particular_a church_n one_o to_o another_o the_o protestation_n of_o one_o against_o another_o and_o the_o withdraw_n of_o communion_n one_o from_o another_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n and_o no_o less_o effectual_a against_o all_o offence_n than_o excommunication_n itself_o especial_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v vouchsafe_v his_o assistance_n and_o interpose_v his_o authority_n for_o strengthen_v the_o sentence_n of_o noncommunion_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o objection_n suppose_v a_o case_n which_o have_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o the_o space_n of_o above_o fourscore_o year_n and_o which_o we_o believe_v be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n except_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n the_o pronounce_n of_o non-communion_n or_o excommunication_n against_o a_o whole_a church_n our_o excommunication_n have_v be_v execute_v and_o but_o seldom_o against_o particular_a member_n never_o against_o a_o whole_a church_n and_o we_o think_v never_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o this_o imaginary_a fear_n of_o that_o which_o never_o fall_v forth_o be_v not_o considerable_a rule_n be_v make_v for_o ordinary_a and_o usual_a case_n 2._o what_o shall_v be_v the_o remedy_n where_o the_o censure_n be_v mutual_a and_o two_o or_o more_o church_n mutual_o protest_v and_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n one_o against_o other_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o common_a presbytery_n or_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o the_o whole_a which_o may_v decide_v the_o controversy_n and_o give_v order_n unto_o the_o several_a church_n this_o non-communion_n may_v prove_v a_o mean_a of_o division_n rather_o than_o union_n 3._o in_o this_o exhortation_n protestation_n and_o non-communion_n there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v find_v then_o one_o particular_a member_n may_v do_v against_o another_o which_o yet_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v unsufficient_a for_o remove_v of_o offence_n unless_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o both_o of_o they_o be_v member_n shall_v interveine_v be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a member_n to_o submit_v or_o not_o submit_v as_o they_o please_v there_o will_v be_v as_o great_a difference_n and_o division_n among_o member_n as_o now_o there_o be_v among_o church_n 4._o what_o shall_v be_v do_v if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v negligent_a or_o care_n for_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n or_o if_o his_o authority_n can_v be_v obtain_v or_o if_o he_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n and_o foment_n the_o difference_n for_o his_o own_o politic_a end_n have_v not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n provide_v remedy_n in_o the_o church_n for_o all_o the_o internal_a necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o constitute_v it_o a_o perfect_a body_n within_o itself_o 5._o by_o what_o probability_n can_v it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o indifferent_a mind_n that_o no_o authority_n shall_v be_v as_o valide_fw-la as_o authority_n against_o the_o obstinate_a that_o via_fw-la admonitionis_fw-la and_o requisitionis_fw-la be_v equal_a with_o via_fw-la citationis_fw-la and_o publicae_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la there_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o offence_n without_o authority_n unless_o the_o party_n be_v willing_a to_o appear_v that_o persuasion_n and_o jurisdiction_n that_o the_o deliver_n over_o to_o satan_n and_o thereby_o strike_v the_o conscience_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o special_a and_o strong_a ratification_n in_o heaven_n and_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a way_n whatsoever_o which_o must_v be_v inferior_a to_o this_o and_o depend_v only_o upon_o persuasion_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o free_a will_n on_o the_o other_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o like_a efficacious_a no_o man_n will_v say_v but_o in_o civil_a matter_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v ado_n with_o our_o neighbour_n who_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n over_o we_o than_o we_o have_v over_o he_o and_o another_o thing_n to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o civil_a power_n which_o have_v authority_n over_o both_o the_o other_o objection_n be_v church_n that_o by_o this_o authority_n and_o order_n of_o government_n one_o church_n have_v power_n over_o another_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o liberty_n and_o equality_n christ_n have_v endue_v his_o church_n with_o and_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o new_a prelatical_a dominion_n set_v over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v very_o far_o from_o impose_v or_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o collateral_a power_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n over_o another_o nay_o not_o of_o the_o great_a in_o all_o respect_n whatsoever_o over_o the_o small_a for_o god_n have_v make_v they_o equal_a one_o to_o another_o the_o power_n which_o we_o maintain_v be_v aggregative_a of_o the_o officer_n of_o many_o congregation_n over_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o their_o corporation_n even_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o another_o but_o each_o one_o of_o they_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n consist_v of_o they_o all_o and_o as_o one_o member_n of_o parliament_n one_o counsellor_n or_o to_o go_v low_a one_o member_n of_o a_o company_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o another_o but_o every_o one_o to_o the_o whole_a college_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o town_n and_o city_n so_o be_v it_o with_o particular_a congregation_n combine_v in_o one_o presbytery_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n acknowledge_v the_o independency_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n upon_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v as_o miserable_a a_o mistake_n to_o compare_v presbytery_n and_o prelate_n together_o for_o the_o court_n of_o prelate_n be_v altogether_o foreign_a and_o extrinsical_a to_o the_o congregation_n over_o which_o they_o rule_v and_o then_o indeed_o the_o metropolitan_a church_n usurp_v and_o tyrannize_v over_o other_o church_n but_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n in_o intrinsical_a and_o natural_a they_o be_v constitute_v of_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a congregation_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v so_o that_o another_o without_o themselves_o do_v not_o bear_v rule_n over_o they_o but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o by_o common_a consent_n do_v rule_n over_o every_o one_o which_o be_v a_o most_o mild_a and_o free_a form_n of_o church-government_n it_o be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o a_o common_a collegiate_a presbytery_n or_o ecclesiastic_a senate_n than_o it_o be_v for_o a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o his_o own_o particular_a eldership_n 3._o be_v this_o way_n of_o government_n as_o well_o know_v by_o experience_n unto_o other_o as_o it_o be_v unto_o we_o it_o will_v be_v account_v rather_o subsidium_fw-la then_o dominium_fw-la and_o will_v be_v look_v at_o rather_o as_o auxiliary_a to_o particular_a minister_n and_o eldership_n then_o authoratative_a over_o they_o especial_o since_o they_o neither_o ordain_v nor_o depose_v minister_n they_o discern_v no_o censure_n nor_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n of_o any_o member_n without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v particular_o concern_v therein_o whatsoever_o their_o authority_n be_v the_o minister_n and_o particular_a eldership_n be_v advise_v assist_v and_o strengthen_v rather_o than_o command_v enjoin_v or_o force_v which_o the_o particular_a church_n shall_v much_o rather_o choose_v then_o through_o want_n of_o counsel_n and_o assistance_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o run_v rash_o upon_o deposition_n or_o excommunication_n and_o afterward_o either_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o neighbour_a church_n to_o the_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o error_n which_o lessen_v their_o authority_n afterward_o or_o to_o have_v the_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n pronounce_v against_o they_o which_o must_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n or_o scandal_n so_o much_o for_o the_o present_a have_v we_o say_v person_n not_o for_o confutation_n but_o mere_o for_o justify_v our_o own_o and_o other_o reform_a church_n against_o such_o misrepresent_n and_o mistake_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v too_o frequent_a in_o this_o place_n at_o this_o time_n to_o the_o pervert_n and_o abuse_v of_o simple_a and_o unstable_a mind_n which_o will_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o consistence_n and_o unity_n without_o this_o true_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n upon_o his_o own_o ordinance_n be_v magistrate_n and_o civil_a power_n acquaint_v with_o the_o power_n thereof_o they_o will_v find_v their_o authority_n increase_v their_o work_n more_o easy_a and_o their_o place_n more_o comfortable_a thereby_o such_o as_o be_v most_o adverse_a to_o this_o order_n and_o government_n if_o they_o allow_v no_o material_a difference_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o practice_n may_v enjoy_v their_o peace_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o profession_n under_o it_o without_o controlment_n from_o that_o authoritative_a power_n which_o they_o so_o much_o apprehend_v the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o so_o much_o learning_n and_o piety_n by_o this_o reformation_n and_o uniformity_n with_o other_o reform_a church_n which_o all_o of_o we_o have_v solemn_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o endeavour_v in_o our_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n shall_v be_v a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n finis_fw-la the_o occasion_n our_o intention_n the_o government_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v know_v the_o reformer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o their_o reformation_n their_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n their_o consent_n with_o other_o reform_a church_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v calvinian_o their_o reformation_n be_v not_o frame_v to_o state_n end_v the_o reformer_n not_o bias_v but_o benefit_v by_o education_n they_o intend_v presbyterial_a government_n from_o the_o beginning_n what_o they_o give_v unto_o the_o magistrate_n their_o diligent_a search_n for_o true_a church-government_n and_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o the_o defence_n thereof_o against_o adversary_n on_o both_o hand_n their_o suffering_n for_o the_o true_a church_n government_n their_o exercise_n of_o that_o true_a church_n government_n for_o which_o they_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o this_o government_n necessary_a for_o church_n live_v together_o this_o government_n agree_v with_o the_o liberty_n and_o equality_n of_o particular_a church_n this_o government_n useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n
reason_n to_o make_v a_o change_n without_o reason_n because_o when_o the_o change_n be_v make_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v but_o as_o good_a the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o reason_n be_v equal_a against_o reason_n because_o the_o change_n itself_o in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o edification_n savour_v of_o the_o love_n of_o innovation_n and_o derogate_v to_o the_o authority_n which_o make_v the_o constitution_n what_o they_o have_v once_o receive_v religion_n not_o upon_o probable_a ground_n in_o way_n of_o conjecture_n but_o upon_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n and_o by_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o certainty_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o resolve_v to_o hold_v fast_o and_o do_v hate_v every_o false_a way_n contrary_a unto_o it_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n rest_n upon_o a_o sceptical_a or_o pyrrhonian_n uncertainty_n the_o charge_n of_o the_o orthodox_a divine_n against_o the_o tenet_n of_o arminian_n and_o socinian_o which_o keep_v the_o mind_n uncertain_a unstable_a be_v a_o fountain_n of_o perpetual_a alteration_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o open_a door_n to_o all_o heresy_n and_o schism_n to_o enter_v by_o and_o a_o ground_n of_o despair_v to_o bring_v question_n and_o controversy_n to_o a_o final_a issue_n and_o determination_n and_o for_o we_o as_o upon_o the_o one_o part_n we_o not_o only_o conceive_v that_o no_o man_n attain_v so_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o may_v receive_v increase_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o therefore_o shall_v always_o have_v his_o mind_n open_a and_o ready_a to_o receive_v more_o light_n from_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o also_o do_v ingenuous_o acknowledge_v as_o we_o have_v former_o profess_v that_o we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o need_v further_a to_o be_v reform_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n yet_o god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o any_o certainty_n of_o persuasion_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v ever_o be_v learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v resolute_a and_o unmovable_a in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v and_o this_o we_o take_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n as_o of_o other_o practice_n so_o also_o of_o covenant_n and_o oath_n both_o assertory_a and_o promissory_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o hold_v it_o not_o sufficient_a church_n to_o receive_v or_o retain_v some_o such_o practice_n as_o other_o reform_a church_n judge_v warrantable_a for_o thus_o they_o shall_v have_v rest_v upon_o some_o few_o principle_n and_o beginning_n of_o reformation_n and_o may_v have_v differ_v as_o much_o in_o other_o thing_n from_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o they_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o they_o so_o can_v it_o not_o be_v satisfactory_a that_o any_o church_n shall_v only_o practise_v some_o thing_n universal_o receive_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n 1_o all_o christian_a church_n although_o very_o different_a in_o ordinance_n and_o practice_n yet_o do_v agree_v in_o some_o thing_n 2_o if_o our_o desire_n of_o uniformity_n with_o other_o reform_a church_n and_o the_o reverend_a esteem_n we_o have_v of_o they_o draw_v we_o to_o conform_v to_o they_o in_o some_o thing_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o join_v in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v all_o agree_v among_o themselves_o 3_o difference_n about_o negative_n and_o the_o deny_n of_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o other_o matter_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o unanimous_a and_o uniform_a may_v prove_v no_o less_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a than_o difference_n about_o affirmative_n the_o arrian_n socinian_o and_o many_o other_o do_v err_v dangerous_o in_o deny_v some_o positive_a point_n and_o receive_a principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n concerning_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o office_n the_o antinomian_n also_o if_o we_o shall_v mention_v they_o do_v also_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n but_o in_o their_o superstructure_n and_o conclusion_n run_v in_o a_o way_n destructive_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o deduction_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o reform_a church_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n receive_v by_o themselves_o 4_o such_o church_n as_o make_v profession_n of_o difference_n only_o in_o negative_n or_o in_o deny_v some_o practice_n receive_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v receive_v and_o do_v hold_v some_o positive_a practice_n of_o their_o own_o which_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v not_o allow_v and_o which_o to_o they_o be_v negative_a of_o this_o will_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o descend_v into_o particular_n we_o may_v give_v divers_a know_a instance_n now_o if_o they_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v not_o admit_v of_o these_o their_o positive_a practice_n how_o shall_v they_o think_v that_o the_o reform_a church_n can_v allow_v they_o in_o the_o like_a for_o the_o rule_n be_v wherein_o thou_o judge_v another_o thou_o condemn_v thyself_o for_o thou_o that_o judge_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n they_o do_v honour_n luther_n calvin_n and_o many_o other_o calvinian_o whether_o their_o predecessor_n or_o contemporary_n who_o have_v heart_n or_o hand_n especial_o in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n in_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o reformation_n for_o their_o direction_n they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o light_n which_o such_o notable_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v hold_v forth_o in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o in_o all_o thankfulness_n they_o do_v desire_n and_o wish_v that_o their_o name_n may_v be_v have_v in_o eternal_a remembrance_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o so_o great_a a_o alteration_n as_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n require_v can_v be_v effect_v and_o not_o carry_v some_o remembrance_n of_o the_o instrument_n but_o for_o this_o to_o call_v we_o calvinian_o and_o the_o reform_a church_n calvinian_n reform_v church_n be_v to_o disgrace_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o symbolize_v with_o the_o papist_n who_o call_v themselves_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o hold_v the_o rule_n deliver_v by_o hierome_n against_o the_o luciferian_n if_o anywhere_o we_o find_v man_n profess_v christianity_n call_v by_o the_o particular_a name_n of_o man_n know_v they_o to_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o antichrist_n and_o not_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o separation_n may_v be_v well_o allow_v to_o be_v call_v brownist_n and_o other_o from_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o err_v and_o part_n from_o all_o not_o only_o the_o reform_a but_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o monothelite_n of_o old_a and_o the_o anabapist_o now_o may_v bear_v their_o own_o name_n they_o who_o apprehend_v any_o danger_n in_o name_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o danger_n in_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o appropriate_v unto_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n nor_o to_o join_v with_o papist_n in_o give_v name_n of_o sect_n unto_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o they_o who_o conceive_v no_o evil_a in_o so_o do_v ought_v not_o to_o offend_v that_o name_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o especial_o since_o their_o difference_n from_o the_o reform_a church_n must_v be_v design_v under_o some_o name_n and_o notion_n and_o in_o this_o case_n charity_n command_v the_o mild_a name_n such_o as_o hint_n most_o clear_o at_o the_o difference_n and_o be_v far_v from_o reproach_n to_o be_v attribute_v unto_o they_o as_o most_o discriminative_a and_o tolerable_a nothing_o be_v far_a from_o their_o thought_n and_o intention_n end_v then_o to_o frame_v in_o their_o own_o forge_n a_o lesbian_a rule_n answerable_a to_o any_o particular_a form_n of_o civil_a policy_n or_o compliable_a with_o state_n end_n that_o they_o look_v with_o singleness_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n we_o give_v these_o three_o evidence_n 1_o the_o great_a pain_n they_o take_v in_o search_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o after_o they_o have_v find_v it_o their_o grievous_a suffering_n from_o the_o civil_a authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o of_o both_o which_o afterward_o in_o the_o own_o place_n 2_o the_o restless_a objection_n and_o continual_a opposition_n of_o politic_a man_n and_o court_n sycophant_n against_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o incompatible_a with_o monarchy_n and_o their_o manner_n 3_o and_o the_o necessary_a assertion_n of_o the_o true_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_n in_o both_o kingdom_n between_o who_o there_o be_v no_o notable_a difference_n demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o unalterable_a because_o divine_a and_o yet_o compliable_a with_o every_o lawful_a kind_n of_o human_a policy_n and_o civil_a government_n and_o able_a to_o keep_v a_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o state_n in_o a_o right_a and_o