maintain_v that_o the_o minister_n who_o of_o old_a take_v the_o canonical_a oath_n do_v not_o swear_v the_o contradictory_n thereto_o when_o they_o take_v the_o covenant_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v necessary_o that_o they_o who_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n do_v not_o contradict_v that_o oath_n if_o they_o shall_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v out_o a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o term_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n but_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o that_o second_o article_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o cease_v whereof_o afterward_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o other_o oath_n will_v be_v clear_a 3._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o reverened_a person_n entrust_v by_o law_n to_o call_v for_o that_o promise_n from_o minister_n do_v not_o search_v into_o man_n apprehension_n concern_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o power_n all_o they_o seek_v be_v obedience_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a as_o be_v present_o in_o power_n be_v by_o law_n ordinary_a overseer_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o chief_a ordainer_n of_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n but_o it_o be_v say_v where_o obedience_n be_v promise_v there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o power_n office_n and_o authority_n because_o obedience_n formal_o can_v be_v but_o to_o a_o lawful_a authority_n therefore_o he_o that_o in_o his_o conscience_n think_v a_o bishop_n office_n unlawful_a can_v so_o much_o as_o promise_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a lest_o by_o his_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n he_o make_v himself_o guilty_a of_o establish_v that_o which_o he_o account_v unlawful_a but_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o obedience_n under_o a_o reduplication_n and_o as_o formal_o obedience_n they_o call_v for_o if_o it_o be_v obedience_n material_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o thing_n real_o lawful_a they_o be_v satisfy_v 2._o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o that_o obedience_n as_o formal_o obedience_n be_v require_v yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v it_o can_v not_o be_v promise_v or_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v any_o lawful_a authority_n for_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n wherein_o they_o may_v pretend_v to_o be_v superior_a to_o other_o minister_n and_o give_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o as_o church-minister_n their_o office_n and_o superiority_n be_v unlawful_a yet_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o king_n majesty_n commissioner_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a for_o regulate_v the_o external_a order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n and_o empower_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o to_o do_v they_o be_v also_o presbyter_n and_o have_v power_n with_o other_o in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o their_o power_n be_v not_o lawful_a and_o that_o obedience_n be_v not_o due_a to_o they_o the_o strict_a presbyterian_o will_v not_o find_v ground_n to_o disow_v their_o office_n in_o that_o consideration_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n main_o which_o bear_v off_o brethren_n of_o both_o these_o sort_n and_o rank_n from_o submit_v to_o and_o concur_v in_o their_o duty_n under_o the_o present_a government_n 1._o their_o fear_n of_o future_a evil_n 2._o their_o present_a thought_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o their_o former_a engagement_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o conceive_v still_o bind_v they_o as_o to_o the_o first_o their_o fear_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n in_o these_o to_o bear_v they_o off_o from_o that_o which_o for_o the_o present_a be_v find_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n if_o evil_n fear_v shall_v come_v and_o brethren_n in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n not_o able_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o than_o suffering_n may_v be_v the_o more_o comfortable_a but_o the_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n watch_v over_o his_o church_n the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o of_o ruler_n under_o he_o consider_v the_o temper_n of_o this_o nation_n may_v make_v all_o these_o fear_n vain_a and_o disappoint_v they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o be_v too_o thoughtful_a or_o to_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o fear_n before_o the_o time_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o brethren_n that_o bear_v off_o from_o concurrence_n if_o they_o do_v well_o in_o withdraw_v their_o counsel_n from_o their_o brethren_n and_o in_o do_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o and_o respect_n with_o person_n in_o present_a authority_n in_o regard_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v exceed_o instrumental_a to_o prevent_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v fear_v 2._o as_o to_o their_o thought_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n something_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o concurrence_n in_o unquestioned_a duty_n even_o upon_o that_o supposition_n something_a also_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o office_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o presbyter_n commissionated_a by_o the_o king_n for_o external_a order_n of_o church-affair_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n and_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o as_o in_o that_o capacity_n it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o paper_n to_o dispute_v much_o for_o their_o church-capacity_n or_o rule_n over_o presbyter_n or_o anent_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o a_o order_n of_o church-minister_n only_o as_o to_o this_o three_o thing_n will_v be_v serious_o ponder_v by_o brethren_n 1._o where_o they_o be_v able_a to_o find_v in_o all_o christ_n testament_n any_o precept_n for_o mere_a presbyter_n preach_v and_o unpreach_v in_o a_o full_a equality_n of_o power_n to_o rule_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v ordination_n to_o minister_n to_o judge_v in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n ministerial_o and_o do_v all_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o where_o they_o can_v find_v any_o example_n of_o such_o a_o presbytery_n do_v these_o act_n without_o some_o superior_a officer_n act_v with_o they_o or_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o act_n or_o where_o there_o be_v any_o inhibition_n either_o express_a or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o gospel-minist_a shall_v in_o any_o case_n have_v superiority_n in_o power_n over_o other_o in_o church-affair_n 2._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v if_o descend_v from_o the_o scripture_n time_n it_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o writer_n who_o live_v in_o the_o first_o two_o or_o three_o age_n after_o christ_n or_o in_o any_o history_n or_o record_n relate_v to_o these_o time_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o after-age_n it_o can_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o church-officer_n as_o a_o unpreach_a elder_n join_v in_o full_a equality_n of_o power_n with_o preaching-elders_a in_o act_n of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n from_o which_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n they_o can_v be_v exclude_v and_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o name_n or_o power_n of_o any_o such_o person_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v from_o these_o writer_n find_v that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o ordination_n of_o minister_n or_o exercise_v of_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a by_o minister_n i._n e._n by_o mere_a preaching-presbyters_a without_o some_o one_o state_v precedent_n over_o they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n who_o be_v to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o these_o action_n and_o without_o who_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o these_o shall_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o primitive_a church_n which_o follow_v the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o heel_n be_v most_o able_a to_o show_v we_o which_o way_n they_o go_v and_o what_o be_v their_o practice_n it_o be_v too_o horrid_a a_o thing_n to_o imagine_v and_o that_o which_o a_o modest_a christian_a can_v hardly_o down_o with_o that_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o châ—â—â—t_n shall_v agree_v to_o so_o substantial_a a_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v to_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o to_o exclude_v one_o sâ—â—t_n of_o officer_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o to_o take_v in_o another_o not_o appoint_v by_o he_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v so_o early_o statim_fw-la post_fw-la tempora_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la aut_fw-la eorum_fw-la etiam_fw-la tempore_fw-la say_v molinaeus_n epist_n 3._o ad_fw-la episcop_n winton_n bishop_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o time_n when_o some_o of_o they_o especial_o john_n be_v live_v viventibus_fw-la videntibus_fw-la &_o non_fw-la
be_v good_a that_o these_o former_a principle_n be_v better_o remember_v and_o use_v in_o the_o present_a case_n further_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o their_o paper_n print_v octob._n 5._o 1659._o pag._n 8._o of_o that_o paper_n speak_v very_o sober_o disclaim_v it_o as_o none_o of_o their_o principle_n that_o no_o difference_n of_o opinion_n can_v be_v suffer_v by_o they_o we_o be_v say_v they_o clear_a that_o in_o many_o thing_n of_o common_a practice_n in_o a_o church_n there_o may_v be_v agreement_n by_o accommodation_n though_o difference_n of_o judgement_n remain_v etc._n etc._n again_o say_v they_o we_o ready_o yield_v that_o as_o we_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n man_n in_o a_o church_n may_v compose_v debate_n by_o put_v end_n to_o contention_n though_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o judgement_n and_o therein_o we_o judge_v the_o apostle_n have_v set_v the_o rule_n before_o we_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o a_o golden_a rule_n indeed_o the_o practice_n whereof_o in_o its_o just_a sense_n may_v bring_v we_o much_o sweet_a peace_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a man_n concern_v the_o case_n of_o submission_n to_o and_o act_v in_o duty_n with_o meeting_n anent_o the_o constitution_n whereof_o or_o member_n there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n in_o judgement_n if_o we_o will_v hearken_v to_o a_o man_n great_o learn_v and_o know_v to_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o bishop_n we_o shall_v hear_v he_o persuade_v to_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n lawful_a theodore_n beza_n be_v write_v to_o by_o some_o minister_n in_o england_n who_o except_v against_o some_o custom_n in_o the_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o that_o church_n their_o controversy_n have_v not_o then_o rise_v so_o high_a as_o to_o strike_v at_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n only_o some_o custom_n in_o discipline_n and_o ceremony_n in_o external_a order_n be_v most_o stand_v upon_o he_o beza_n epist_n 12._o though_o dislike_a these_o thing_n yet_o plain_o aver_v to_o they_o that_o these_o custom_n be_v not_o tanti_fw-la momenti_fw-la as_o that_o for_o these_o they_o shall_v leave_v their_o ministry_n and_o by_o desert_v their_o church_n give_v advantage_n to_o satan_n who_o seek_v occasion_n to_o bring_v in_o great_a and_o more_o dangerous_a evil_n he_o wish_v they_o there_o to_o bear_v what_o they_o can_v amend_v to_o beware_v of_o all_o bitterness_n and_o albeit_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o other_o yet_o with_o a_o godly_a concord_n to_o resist_v satan_n who_o seek_v all_o occasion_n of_o tumult_n and_o infinite_a calamity_n and_o he_o do_v most_o grave_o obtest_v the_o minister_n with_o tear_n as_o he_o say_v ut_fw-la regiae_n majestati_fw-la &_o omnibus_fw-la praesulibus_fw-la suis_fw-la ex_fw-la animo_fw-la obsequantur_fw-la beza_n plead_v for_o hearty_a obedience_n in_o thing_n lawful_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v honourable_o in_o that_o epistle_n not_o hint_v at_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o their_o office_n nor_o offer_v to_o persuade_v the_o minister_n to_o do_v against_o their_o office_n sunt_fw-la maximi_fw-la viri_fw-la say_v he_o qui_fw-la singulari_fw-la dei_fw-la opt._n max._n beneficio_fw-la papisticis_fw-la episcopis_fw-la successere_fw-la he_o account_v not_o they_o nor_o their_o office_n popish_a but_o say_v by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o the_o most_o great_a and_o good_a god_n they_o have_v succeed_v the_o popish_a bishop_n or_o come_v in_o their_o place_n even_o as_o by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n protestant_n minister_n have_v come_v in_o the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o popish_a priest_n and_o how_o well_o he_o esteem_v of_o the_o office_n and_o of_o the_o man_n in_o the_o office_n likely_o abate_v somewhat_o of_o his_o peremptoriness_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n with_o some_o as_o he_o have_v cause_n may_v appear_v not_o only_o by_o what_o he_o say_v in_o that_o epistle_n exhorrescimus_fw-la ut_fw-la contra_fw-la regiae_n majestatis_fw-la &_o episcoporum_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la ministri_fw-la suô_o ministeriô_o fungantur_fw-la but_o from_o his_o epistle_n to_o grindal_n bishop_n of_o london_n epist_n 23._o commend_v grindal_n christian_n patience_n and_o lenity_n add_v majori_fw-la posthac_fw-la paena_fw-la digni_fw-la erunt_fw-la qui_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la ivam_fw-la aspernabuntur_fw-la close_v his_o epistle_n deus_fw-la te_fw-la custodiat_fw-la &_o intanâ—â—_n commisso_fw-la tibi_fw-la munere_fw-la sancto_fw-la svo_fw-la spiritu_fw-la regat_fw-la &_o magis_fw-la aâ—_n magis_fw-la confirmet_fw-la and_o in_o his_o 58._o epistle_n to_o that_o same_o bishop_n he_o say_v dominus_fw-la te_fw-la istic_fw-la at_o london_n speculatorem_fw-la &_o judicem_fw-la constituit_fw-la by_o all_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v far_o from_o beza_n mind_n that_o minister_n shall_v give_v no_o obedience_n to_o bishop_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o a_o kingdom_n not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o thing_n undoubted_o lawful_a or_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v refuse_v concurrence_n with_o bishop_n in_o order_v the_o church_n and_o act_v in_o unquestionable_a duty_n 2._o the_o present_a question_n concern_v the_o case_n and_o carriage_n of_o two_o kind_n of_o minister_n 1._o some_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o synod_n although_o call_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n command_n signify_v by_o his_o most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n where_o bishop_n do_v preside_v they_o refuse_v also_o to_o come_v to_o presbytery_n where_o a_o moderator_n pretend_v no_o more_o power_n than_o any_o of_o themselves_o preside_v be_v nominate_v by_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o synod_n to_o continue_v till_o the_o next_o meet_v of_o the_o synod_n such_o meeting_n they_o withdraw_v from_o albeit_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o to_o act_v in_o unquestionable_a duty_n for_o regulate_v the_o church_n and_o suppress_v according_a to_o their_o power_n of_o sinful_a disorder_n albeit_o there_o be_v no_o imposition_n upon_o their_o judgement_n nor_o subscription_n require_v nor_o declaration_n that_o they_o allow_v any_o thing_n they_o count_v amiss_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o meeting_n or_o any_o constituent_a member_n thereof_o yea_o where_o it_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o they_o if_o they_o entreat_v for_o this_o to_o case_v their_o conscience_n by_o signify_v their_o scruple_n which_o they_o can_v overcome_v anent_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o meeting_n or_o anent_o the_o member_n thereof_o so_o be_v they_o will_v do_v this_o with_o that_o inoffensive_a modesty_n humility_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o to_o such_o meeting_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o that_o become_v and_o after_o that_o to_o concur_v in_o their_o undoubted_a duty_n concern_v such_o minister_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o concur_v with_o such_o meeting_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o carry_v on_o their_o undoubted_a duty_n or_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a so_o to_o do_v 2._o the_o other_o rank_n of_o minister_n be_v these_o who_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o act_n of_o council_n at_o glasgow_n and_o of_o parliament_n whereto_o it_o relate_v do_v rather_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o their_o ministry_n then_o to_o seek_v a_o presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n and_o collation_n thereupon_o from_o the_o bishop_n yea_o who_o will_v quit_v their_o ministry_n rather_o than_o that_o they_o will_v once_o come_v in_o term_n of_o treat_v with_o a_o bishop_n to_o try_v upon_o what_o condition_n they_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v their_o ministry_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n therein_o for_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o brethren_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n several_a thing_n be_v worthy_a their_o most_o serious_a consideration_n which_o may_v render_v they_o somewhat_o jealous_a of_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o their_o present_a way_n 1._o have_v not_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n even_o according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n a_o undoubted_a power_n to_o convocate_v synod_n when_o he_o see_v it_o needful_a never_o be_v there_o any_o protestant_n minister_n no_o nor_o christian_n minister_n before_o this_o time_n who_o be_v convocate_v to_o a_o synod_n or_o church-meeting_n by_o the_o sovereign_a christian_a magistrate_n do_v refuse_v to_o come_v at_o his_o command_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o rank_n or_o degree_n of_o subject_n that_o can_v without_o the_o stain_n of_o sinful_a disobedience_n refuse_v to_o meet_v upon_o his_o majesty_n command_n and_o minister_n can_v plead_v exemption_n from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o subject_n 2._o brethren_n will_v consider_v whether_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o justify_v their_o not-coming_a to_o the_o synod_n upon_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o his_o council_n because_o that_o command_n to_o come_v to_o the_o synod_n be_v join_v with_o another_o command_v to_o concur_v dutiful_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o
command_n to_o come_v be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o require_a concurrence_n which_o they_o can_v give_v as_o they_o say_v be_v this_o rational_a that_o where_o two_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v join_v the_o one_o undoubted_o lawful_a to_o be_v obey_v the_o other_o doubt_v of_o that_o subject_n shall_v disobey_v the_o magistrate_n in_o that_o which_o be_v clear_o lawful_a because_o they_o have_v a_o doubt_n or_o unclearness_n anent_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o other_o command_n do_v it_o not_o become_v subject_n to_o go_v as_o far_o on_o in_o obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n as_o they_o see_v they_o may_v without_o sin_n against_o god_n then_o it_o be_v time_n to_o stop_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v put_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o king_n command_n which_o they_o clear_o see_v they_o can_v do_v without_o sin_n have_v they_o come_v to_o the_o place_n it_o will_v pro_fw-la tanto_fw-la have_v show_v their_o respect_n to_o authority_n albeit_o they_o have_v humble_o declare_v themselves_o bind_v up_o from_o act_v by_o their_o doubt_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v in_o end_n find_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o have_v concur_v in_o unquestionable_a duty_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o refuse_v this_o and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v sufficient_o salve_v their_o conscience_n by_o a_o humble_a signification_n of_o their_o scruple_n as_o be_v say_v and_o yet_o not_o refuse_v to_o concur_v in_o undoubted_a duty_n for_o the_o personal_a fault_n as_o they_o apprehend_v of_o any_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n 3._o what_o ground_n can_v they_o have_v for_o separation_n from_o the_o synod_n be_v it_o the_o want_n of_o liberty_n to_o choose_v a_o moderator_n or_o be_v it_o that_o he_o that_o preside_v be_v a_o bishop_n and_o claim_v more_o power_n than_o they_o can_v allow_v more_o than_o they_o think_v be_v due_a as_o of_o a_o negative_a voice_n or_o be_v it_o the_o want_n of_o unpreach_v elder_n in_o the_o meeting_n as_o to_o the_o 1._o be_v they_o able_a to_o show_v that_o every_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n or_o judicatory_a have_v by_o a_o dvine_a scriptural_a right_n a_o privilege_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o moderator_n where_o be_v there_o any_o precept_n for_o this_o or_o any_o example_n of_o such_o election_n in_o scripture_n if_o all_o meeting_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n have_v this_o privilege_n than_o also_o their_o session_n where_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v constant_a moderator_n have_v this_o also_o which_o belike_o will_v not_o please_v they_o well_o that_o any_o of_o the_o meeting_n but_o themselves_o shall_v be_v choose_v there_o to_o preside_v or_o can_v they_o say_v that_o every_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n or_o judicatory_a have_v this_o privilege_n by_o a_o divine_a natural_a right_n if_o so_o no_o civil_a society_n or_o judicatory_a shall_v want_v it_o but_o all_o claim_n power_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o precedent_n which_o be_v evil_a doctrine_n under_o a_o monarchy_n where_o power_n be_v in_o the_o prince_n to_o elect_v and_o name_v precedent_n for_o council_n session_n etc._n etc._n or_o be_v they_o able_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n upon_o who_o the_o external_a order_n of_o all_o the_o judicatories_n in_o he_o his_o dominion_n depend_v to_o nominate_v out_o of_o a_o meeting_n of_o minister_n conveen_v by_o he_o one_o grave_n and_o godly_a minister_n of_o the_o number_n to_o order_v the_o action_n of_o the_o meeting_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n to_o control_v the_o unruly_a can_v it_o be_v make_v evident_a that_o the_o ancient_a christian_a council_n general_a or_o provincial_a though_o they_o have_v ecclesiastic_a precedent_n do_v always_o former_o choose_v their_o own_o precedent_n presides_n ecclesiastici_fw-la in_o vetustis_fw-la conciliis_fw-la nonnunquam_fw-la nominati_fw-la ab_fw-la imperatore_n say_v zepperus_n eccles_n pol._n p._n 742_o as_o to_o the_o second_o the_o great_a exception_n be_v at_o the_o power_n of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o synod_n they_o be_v bishop_n claim_v in_o undue_a power_n as_o if_o authority_n sole_o reside_v in_o they_o at_o least_o they_o claim_v a_o negative_a voice_n ans_fw-fr 1._o be_v it_o so_o and_o be_v this_o a_o fault_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o their_o fault_n who_o concur_v the_o personal_a fault_n of_o another_o can_v be_v any_o good_a ground_n for_o brethren_n withdraw_v from_o their_o necessary_a duty_n especial_o it_o be_v consider_v what_o may_v be_v allow_v they_o for_o ease_v the_o scruple_n of_o their_o conscience_n as_o be_v above_o say_v if_o i_o be_v only_o admit_v to_o consult_v in_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o meeting_n where_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v have_v equal_a authority_n with_o any_o that_o sit_v there_o can_v it_o be_v sin_n in_o i_o to_o go_v so_o far_o in_o my_o duty_n as_o i_o be_o permit_v to_o do_v to_o testify_v against_o sin_n to_o give_v my_o best_a counsel_n for_o suppress_v thereof_o and_o for_o advancement_n of_o holiness_n if_o i_o be_v abridge_v and_o restrain_v as_o to_o that_o authority_n which_o i_o think_v be_v due_a to_o i_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n if_o there_o be_v any_o of_o these_o who_o do_v restrain_v i_o and_o not_o i_o shall_v i_o do_v no_o part_n of_o my_o duty_n because_o i_o can_v do_v all_o that_o i_o think_v i_o ought_v to_o do_v be_v as_o to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o restrain_v by_o another_o but_o second_o be_v it_o not_o grant_v by_o most_o judicious_a divine_n that_o presbyter_n have_v a_o power_n in_o several_a case_n to_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o just_a authority_n when_o the_o suspension_n of_o it_o tenderh_n to_o a_o public_a good_a may_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n resolve_v to_o give_v to_o one_o person_n of_o their_o number_n a_o negative_a voice_n in_o government_n so_o as_o to_o do_v nothing_o without_o he_o baxt._n church_n gover_n pag._n 18._o and_o excellent_a mr._n vines_n when_o at_o the_o isle_n of_o wight_n the_o king_n can_v not_o be_v bring_v off_o that_o that_o in_o meeting_n of_o presbyter_n there_o shall_v be_v one_o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n with_o a_o negative_a voice_n do_v counsel_v both_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o concession_n as_o they_o will_v not_o have_v all_o the_o blood_n misery_n and_o confusion_n that_o after_o may_v ensue_v lay_v at_o their_o door_n see_v his_o consideration_n on_o the_o king_n concession_n whatever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o negative_a voice_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n put_v bishop_n into_o a_o state_v presidency_n and_o yet_o presbyter_n be_v admit_v to_o rule_v with_o bishop_n judicious_a and_o sober_a man_n will_v not_o lay_v so_o great_a weight_n on_o it_o as_o to_o refuse_v their_o concurrence_n in_o common_a and_o uncontroverted_a duty_n upon_o that_o account_n but_o yet_o one_o thing_n will_v be_v remember_v that_o brethren_n be_v at_o a_o very_a clear_a disadvantage_n in_o withdraw_v from_o presbyterial_a meeting_n where_o they_o know_v the_o moderator_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v claim_v more_o power_n than_o any_o of_o themselves_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o not_o concur_v with_o these_o meeting_n must_v be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o moderator_n in_o their_o particular_a presbytery_n but_o he_o be_v nominate_v by_o the_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d the_o synod_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o reason_n the_o authority_n and_o consent_n of_o bishop_n and_o synod_n shall_v conclude_v any_o particular_a presbytery_n do_v not_o brethren_n remember_v that_o in_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n rule_v there_o be_v restraint_n lay_v upon_o presbytery_n in_o matter_n far_o high_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n than_o that_o and_o little_a din_n about_o the_o same_o but_o three_o if_o the_o brethren_n refuse_v to_o concur_v with_o the_o synod_n for_o want_n of_o unpreach_v elder_n there_o who_o office_n they_o account_v of_o divine_a institution_n they_o will_v remember_v that_o great_a divine_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n blondel_n vines_n baxter_n and_o many_o other_o look_v upon_o these_o as_o a_o humane_a device_n and_o their_o reason_n move_v they_o be_v weighty_a but_o let_v they_o be_v as_o they_o be_v imagine_v by_o the_o brethren_n yet_o can_v the_o removal_n of_o these_o without_o out_o their_o fault_n render_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o concur_v in_o a_o synod_n of_o minister_n where_o these_o be_v not_o can_v the_o absence_n or_o removal_n of_o these_o suppose_v church-officer_n render_v a_o synod_n of_o minister_n with_o their_o precedent_n unlawful_a and_o not_o to_o be_v join_v with_o because_o other_o man_n be_v debar_v from_o their_o duty_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v right_a to_o shall_v we_o run_v from_o our_o duty_n especial_o this_o be_v do_v without_o our_o fault_n a_o
four_o thing_n the_o brethren_n will_v consider_v anent_o their_o refusal_n to_o concur_v in_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n before_o it_o be_v hint_v at_o and_o it_o be_v this_o they_o have_v for_o many_o year_n concur_v in_o do_v common_a duty_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n with_o these_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o fix_v a_o sinful_a schism_n as_o the_o other_o they_o charge_v they_o with_o apostasic_a from_o former_a principle_n yet_o with_o these_o they_o concur_v in_o common_a duty_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v get_v their_o concurrence_n and_o complain_v of_o their_o separate_a way_n when_o they_o refuse_v and_o be_v they_o not_o bind_v against_o schism_n and_o the_o maker_n of_o it_o by_o the_o covenant_n and_o word_n of_o god_n too_o as_o against_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v now_o make_v the_o pretence_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o judicatories_n five_o brethren_n will_v consider_v if_o in_o this_o their_o present_a practice_n they_o do_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o moderation_n and_o wisdom_n of_o their_o worthy_a ancestor_n with_o who_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n who_o choose_v rather_o to_o concur_v with_o such_o meeting_n as_o these_o though_o not_o satisfy_v with_o their_o constitution_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o do_v unquestionable_a duty_n than_o altogether_o to_o desert_v they_o or_o make_v a_o schime_n and_o ruin_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n some_o say_v to_o this_o they_o be_v but_o man_n and_o err_v in_o so_o do_v but_o they_o be_v not_o angel_n that_o say_v so_o nor_o without_o danger_n of_o err_a they_o be_v man_n of_o conscience_n and_o learning_n and_o more_o unlike_a to_o have_v err_v in_o this_o their_o way_n than_o these_o who_o say_v they_o err_v and_o prove_v it_o not_o some_o allege_v a_o disparity_n between_o the_o case_n of_o minister_n then_o and_o now_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o clear_a engagement_n against_o episcopacy_n by_o minister_n now_o then_o by_o they_o who_o live_v in_o these_o time_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o stand_n of_o synod_n at_o the_o time_n when_o bishop_n be_v bring_v in_o upon_o they_o in_o our_o ancestor_n day_n whereas_o now_o they_o be_v not_o stand_v when_o bishop_n be_v bring_v in_o but_o raise_v and_o sit_v now_o as_o hold_v and_o depend_v upon_o episcopacy_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v deny_v there_o be_v some_o disparity_n and_o difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o minister_n now_o and_o then_o simile_n non_fw-la est_fw-la idem_fw-la but_o any_o difference_n that_o be_v observe_v be_v impertinent_a and_o not_o material_a to_o this_o purpose_n to_o make_v the_o concurrence_n in_o these_o synod_n now_o to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v to_o our_o ancestor_n lawful_a for_o as_o to_o the_o former_a ground_n of_o disparity_n it_o be_v certain_a minister_n then_o account_v themselves_o as_o real_o bind_v against_o the_o allowance_n of_o episcopal_a government_n both_o by_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o any_o do_v judge_v themselves_o engage_v against_o it_o by_o late_a bond_n whether_o they_o do_v mistake_v in_o this_o or_o nor_o we_o say_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o do_v so_o judge_n it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n and_o yet_o they_o think_v their_o practice_n in_o concur_v in_o all_o lawful_a matter_n in_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n consistent_a enough_o with_o their_o judgement_n touch_v episcopacy_n and_o their_o bond_n against_o it_o and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o difference_n it_o can_v be_v nothing_o material_a as_o the_o render_v concurrence_n with_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n now_o unlawful_a which_o then_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o meeting_n now_o and_o then_o be_v of_o the_o same_o constitution_n nothing_o alter_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o these_o meeting_n to_o affright_v from_o concurrence_n in_o they_o now_o more_o than_o at_o that_o time_n nor_o any_o more_o hold_v of_o or_o dependency_n on_o bishop_n now_o when_o the_o king_n majesty_n have_v take_v off_o the_o restraint_n which_o for_o a_o time_n he_o put_v on_o then_o if_o he_o have_v not_o at_o all_o restrain_v they_o neither_o any_o more_o than_o be_v of_o these_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n which_o of_o old_a do_v sit_v when_o bishop_n be_v bring_v in_o upon_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o minister_n who_o now_o refuse_v concurrence_n will_v have_v give_v it_o have_v their_o judicatory_n not_o be_v restrain_v from_o meeting_n this_o seem_v a_o very_a bare_a pretext_n six_o brethren_n will_v consider_v well_o if_o in_o refuse_v to_o concur_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o undoubted_a duty_n where_o they_o may_v salve_v their_o conscience_n by_o humble_a modest_a express_v what_o they_o judge_v amiss_o they_o do_v not_o run_v themselves_o either_o upon_o the_o rock_n of_o ecclesiastical_a independency_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n in_o administration_n of_o discipline_n if_o they_o mind_v to_o have_v any_o discipline_n at_o all_o or_o to_o combine_v in_o clandestine_v presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o which_o they_o may_v consider_v how_o either_o it_o shall_v be_v take_v by_o the_o christian_n magistrate_n or_o how_o it_o shall_v relish_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o unity_n and_o love_n that_o shall_v be_v among_o christ_n minister_n and_o whereaway_n in_o end_n this_o principle_n of_o division_n from_o their_o brethren_n in_o unquestioned_a duty_n may_v lead_v they_o whether_o to_o divide_v also_o from_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o teach_v people_n so_o to_o do_v somewhat_o of_o this_o be_v already_o see_v and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o fix_v of_o a_o perpetual_a schism_n the_o seed_n whereof_o be_v sow_v with_o too_o much_o animosity_n 4._o now_o come_v to_o be_v consider_v the_o case_n of_o such_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o choose_v rather_o to_o quit_v their_o ministry_n then_o once_o come_v in_o term_n with_o these_o upon_o who_o the_o law_n have_v settle_v a_o power_n to_o order_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o it_o will_v be_v most_o serious_o think_v of_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a that_o any_o minister_n of_o christ_n shall_v set_v their_o ministry_n the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o benefit_n which_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v have_v by_o their_o good_a gift_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o family_n at_o so_o low_a a_o rate_n as_o not_o to_o have_v use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n try_v at_o least_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o ministry_n before_o they_o have_v fall_v upon_o that_o extremity_n to_o desert_n it_o if_o any_o man_n will_v say_v it_o be_v no_o lawful_a mean_n to_o speak_v with_o a_o bishop_n in_o that_o matter_n though_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o his_o continuance_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o perhaps_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n disappoint_v in_o his_o fear_n he_o have_v need_n to_o examine_v well_o whether_o conceit_n or_o conscience_n rule_v most_o there_o and_o to_o think_v of_o it_o how_o he_o can_v justify_v the_o desert_v of_o his_o ministry_n without_o the_o utmost_a essay_n to_o hold_v it_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o new_a and_o rare_a case_n that_o man_n will_v rather_o embrace_v suffer_v then_o once_o speak_v one_o word_n to_o person_n entrust_v with_o power_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n whatever_o they_o be_v to_o try_v at_o they_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o comfort_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v of_o suffer_v upon_o such_o a_o account_n will_v not_o run_v very_o clear_a but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v stick_v at_o be_v the_o canonical_a oath_n enjoin_v by_o law_n and_o which_o the_o bishop_n will_v require_v this_o some_o say_v they_o can_v take_v conceive_v it_o contradictory_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o 1._o such_o as_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o come_v in_o term_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o of_o who_o that_o oath_n or_o promise_v have_v not_o be_v particular_o require_v seem_v to_o leap_v too_o soon_o to_o suffering_n before_o it_o come_v to_o they_o and_o before_o they_o have_v try_v if_o possible_o there_o may_v have_v be_v relevant_a ground_n for_o dispense_n with_o the_o law_n towards_o they_o have_v they_o be_v personal_o put_v to_o take_v that_o oath_n and_o if_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispense_n with_o they_o nor_o they_o able_a to_o digest_v that_o oath_n than_o they_o have_v more_o clearness_n in_o their_o undergo_a suffering_n 2._o as_o to_o contradiction_n to_o the_o covenant_n if_o timorcus_n pag._n 37._o may_v be_v believe_v and_o he_o seem_v tender_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o other_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o the_o canonical_a oath_n and_o the_o covenant_n he_o