duty_n do_v not_o enjoin_v a_o duty_n but_o a_o sin_n obj._n 2._o if_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v &_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v receive_v from_o they_o for_o the_o ministerial_a power_n give_v to_o the_o person_n invest_v therewith_o not_o only_o a_o right_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n &_o dispense_v ordinance_n &_o make_v their_o act_n valide_fw-la but_o it_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o all_o relation_n &_o the_o mutual_a duty_n that_o the_o person_n under_o they_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o dispense_v its_o ordinance_n the_o people_n must_v likewise_o be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o they_o ans_fw-fr albeit_o we_o shall_v yield_v the_o prelate_n and_o curate_n to_o be_v minister_n to_o the_o deny_v of_o which_o they_o have_v give_v and_o do_v give_v to_o many_o too_o much_o ground_n by_o their_o open_a avow_a perjury_n enmity_n at_o and_o opposition_n to_o true_a godliness_n their_o renunce_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o immediate_a supreme_a head_n by_o subject_v themselves_o to_o another_o foreign_a supreme_a in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o wicked_a and_o flagitious_a life_n yet_o the_o consequence_n will_v not_o hold_v for_o 1._o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o shall_v receive_v &_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o the_o lawful_o call_v &_o appropriate_a pastor_n of_o this_o church_n which_o for_o the_o former_a and_o subsequent_a reason_n we_o deny_v and_o we_o will_v glad_o see_v how_o they_o will_v prove_v it_o for_o although_o intruder_n upon_o the_o church_n be_v minister_n yet_o their_o intrusion_n put_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n on_o people_n reception_n of_o and_o submission_n to_o they_o as_o we_o have_v make_v out_o both_o in_o thesi_fw-la &_o in_fw-la hypothesi_fw-la wherefore_o in_o so_o far_o as_o hear_v &_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o prelatical_a minister_n in_o our_o case_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o this_o we_o refuse_v it_o 2_o people_n obligation_n to_o submission_n to_o minister_n do_v not_o immediate_o flow_v from_o the_o be_v of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o those_o clothe_v therewith_o there_o aâ—e_v beside_o this_o other_o thing_n that_o must_v concur_v to_o the_o cause_v of_o this_o obligation_n which_o if_o they_o be_v want_v will_v make_v it_o void_a or_o at_o least_o suspend_v it_o as_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v in_o person_n pretend_v to_o the_o ministry_n the_o removal_n of_o just_a impediment_n the_o church_n call_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o there_o be_v something_n either_o physical_a or_o moral_a that_o if_o they_o fall_v out_o will_v suspend_v this_o obligation_n in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la while_o it_o remain_v in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la as_o inability_n of_o body_n just_a suspension_n for_o a_o time_n fundamental_a heresy_n intrusion_n etc._n etc._n now_o many_o of_o these_o be_v existent_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n in_o our_o present_a case_n we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o no_o divine_a obligation_n to_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o here_o urge_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n anent_o the_o romish_a priest_n jesuit_n and_o other_o in_o order_n among_o they_o who_o sustain_v the_o validity_n of_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o such_o and_o yet_o hold_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v hear_v nor_o ordinance_n receive_v from_o they_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o pharisy_n and_o the_o scribe_n matth._n 23._o will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o militat_fw-la against_o this_o till_o it_o be_v make_v out_o that_o they_o be_v intruder_n which_o yet_o none_o have_v do_v arg._n 8._o it_o be_v of_o no_o little_a weight_n to_o we_o when_o add_v to_o the_o former_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o violent_o thrust-in_a on_o congregation_n be_v either_o insufficient_a or_o scandalous_a creature_n we_o confess_v fit_v for_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o prelate_n design_n against_o this_o church_n and_o we_o by_o who_o the_o poor_a people_n be_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o hazard_n throw_v ignorance_n piophannes_n atheism_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n abound_v in_o all_o corner_n of_o this_o land_n who_o in_o stead_n of_o prevent_v and_o cure_v of_o the_o same_o do_v rather_o further_o and_o advance_v these_o church-destroying_a evil_n as_o we_o do_v not_o make_v personal_a scandal_n of_o itself_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o withdraw_v from_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o a_o minister_n guilty_a thereof_o yet_o when_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o carriage_n of_o those_o who_o entry_n be_v corrupt_a and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v justify_v we_o can_v but_o think_v ourselves_o under_o straight_a tie_n to_o be_v ware_n of_o and_o fly_v from_o such_o partly_o because_o of_o the_o little_a or_o no_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o expect_v any_o spiritual_a advantage_n from_o their_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o partly_o for_o the_o precept_n we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o avoid_v and_o shune_v of_o such_o philip._n 3._o with_o many_o other_o shall_v we_o give_v up_o ourselus_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o such_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n have_v nothing_o to_o engage_v we_o thereto_o but_o the_o mere_a pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n who_o we_o know_v be_v carry_v on_o corrupt_a design_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o purity_n &_o power_n what_o a_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o charge_n in_o this_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a but_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n in_o this_o church_n good_a and_o bad_a who_o have_v be_v &_o be_v witness_n to_o their_o deportment_n arg._n 9_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o state_v case_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o that_o withhold_v and_o yet_o withhold_v we_o from_o subject_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n which_o we_o wish_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v as_o 1._o for_o make_v way_n to_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n the_o very_a foundation_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v shake_v and_o unhinged_a by_o the_o disannullig_a and_o rescind_v of_o such_o a_o series_n of_o parliament_n for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o most_o of_o which_o there_o be_v according_a to_o ancient_a custom_n and_o law_n all_o that_o among_o we_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o parliament_n by_o this_o deed_n not_o only_o the_o constitution_n of_o former_a parliament_n be_v strike_v at_o but_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o in_o the_o act_n rescissory_a a_o preparative_n be_v make_v for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o government_n by_o any_o that_o in_o after_o age_n have_v a_o mind_n for_o and_o power_n to_o effect_v it_o although_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n at_o that_o time_n be_v as_o high_o prelatical_a and_o as_o much_o make_v for_o the_o king_n design_n as_o we_o yet_o they_o forbear_v such_o a_o deed_n anent_o the_o long-lived-parliament_n albeit_o they_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o we_o pretend_v 2_o this_o change_n make_v in_o the_o church_n be_v accompany_v and_o yet_o be_v with_o such_o a_o speat_v of_o enimity_n at_o and_o opposition_n to_o true_a godliness_n in_o its_o necessare_fw-la exercise_n that_o the_o person_n that_o savour_v any_o thing_n of_o religion_n sobriety_n and_o conscience_n come_v under_o a_o cloud_n and_o be_v discountenance_v even_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a as_o person_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v in_o any_o place_n of_o office_n or_o power_n while_o these_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o dissolute_a life_n and_o give_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n be_v muâ—h_o make_v of_o countenance_v and_o entrust_v as_o the_o only_a confident_n of_o the_o time_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o wickedness_n and_o profanity_n find_v itself_o encourage_v and_o reins_n loose_v to_o it_o abound_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n to_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o true_o godly_a and_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o too_o much_o prolixity_n this_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o a_o multitude_n of_o undeniable_a but_o lamentable_a instance_n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n we_o forbear_v not_o love_a to_o stir_n in_o this_o filthy_a puddle_n 3_o as_o to_o the_o government_n of_o
and_o all_o way_n take_v to_o crush_v we_o and_o our_o cause_n who_o own_v no_o other_o principle_n but_o these_o that_o be_v either_o implicit_o or_o explicit_o assert_v by_o all_o protestant_n which_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v corroborative_n of_o government_n and_o such_o as_o make_v way_n for_o all_o just_a obedience_n from_o the_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o full_a and_o sure_a execution_n of_o this_o law_n there_o be_v another_o enact_v parl._n caroli_n 2._o session_n 2._o act._n 2._o entitle_v a_o act_n against_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o depone_v against_o delinquent_n which_o be_v particular_o design_v for_o come_v at_o full_a information_n against_o conventicle_n and_o conventicle_n keeper_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o body_n of_o that_o act_n but_o so_o conceive_v and_o frame_v as_o it_o answer_v to_o that_o oath_n de_fw-fr super_fw-la inquirendis_fw-la use_v by_o the_o papist_n in_o their_o inquisition_n condemn_v by_o all_o protestant_a divine_n for_o its_o opposition_n to_o justice_n mercy_n and_o equity_n for_o first_o no_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v exeme_v the_o father_n against_o the_o son_n the_o husband_n against_o the_o wise_a etc._n etc._n be_v the_o relation_n never_o so_o near_o no_o exception_n of_o they_o be_v make_v in_o this_o act_n which_o use_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o all_o other_o crime_n except_o that_o of_o treason_n next_o by_o this_o act_n the_o deponent_a whoever_o he_o be_v be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v all_o interrogation_n and_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o although_o he_o have_v have_v no_o previous_a consideration_n of_o they_o which_o in_o all_o other_o crime_n use_v former_o to_o be_v allow_v that_o so_o the_o deponent_a may_v answer_v from_o mature_a and_o sure_a knowledge_n which_o here_o be_v not_o grant_v what_o aâ—_n foundation_n be_v hereby_o lay_v for_o the_o molestation_n of_o the_o subject_n shall_v we_o be_v that_o unmerciful_a and_o unjust_a to_o all_o man_n yea_o to_o our_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n as_o to_o reveal_v that_o of_o they_o which_o if_o keep_v secret_a bring_v no_o prejudice_n to_o church_n or_o state_n and_o if_o reveal_v will_v ruin_v they_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o that_o for_o a_o matter_n that_o antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n be_v no_o transgression_n before_o god_n but_o the_o do_v of_o a_o necessare_fw-la duty_n a_o invention_n we_o must_v say_v frame_v against_o the_o good_a and_o dousciencious_a who_o can_v escape_v by_o this_o law_n and_o for_o the_o encourage_n of_o the_o bad_a to_o the_o persecute_v of_o such_o who_o throw_v the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o say_v and_o do_v what_o they_o listen_v be_v these_o the_o fruit_n of_o prelacy_n that_o most_o endear_a it_o to_o we_o whither_o be_v we_o go_v shall_v we_o thus_o fight_v against_o heaven_n to_o reach_v a_o poor_a handful_n of_o person_n that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o but_o to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o sigh_v to_o he_o for_o these_o evil_n that_o no_o doubt_n be_v procure_v and_o bring_v dismal_a and_o sad_a day_n on_o this_o land_n we_o forebear_v to_o anatomiz_v these_o and_o other_o act_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o to_o give_v judgement_n to_o every_o clause_n and_o part_n of_o the_o same_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o all_o concern_v to_o who_o the_o effect_n thereof_o may_v afterward_o speak_v more_o than_o we_o love_v to_o utter_v at_o this_o time_n only_o in_o all_o humility_n we_o offer_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v which_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o not_o a_o few_o that_o these_o and_o other_o act_n do_v pave_v the_o way_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o cruel_a persecution_n if_o a_o further_a declension_n in_o religion_n shall_v happen_v to_o follow_v which_o we_o beg_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o rich_a mercy_n to_o this_o nation_n will_v prevent_v ruler_n be_v subject_a to_o â—erre_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o as_o the_o instance_n of_o all_o age_n leave_v beyond_o debat_fw-la and_o if_o other_o shall_v arise_v after_o we_o that_o incline_v to_o popery_n or_o any_o other_o false_a religion_n be_v there_o not_o law_n make_v to_o their_o hand_n by_o we_o that_o will_v facilitat_fw-la their_o work_n and_o make_v it_o most_o easy_a what_o have_v they_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o rescind_v some_o very_o few_o in_o regaird_a of_o these_o that_o once_o be_v and_o to_o execute_v those_o they_o find_v in_o force_n and_o on_o record_n for_o the_o persecute_v of_o all_o opponent_n to_o the_o height_n of_o cruelty_n next_o there_o need_v no_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o this_o change_n and_o introduction_n of_o another_o religion_n a_o act_n from_o the_o king_n record_v in_o the_o council_n book_n and_o sufficient_o publish_v which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o obligation_n about_o this_o matter_n be_v enable_v by_o law_n to_o do_v all_o a_o act_n without_o a_o precedent_n in_o this_o nation_n when_o consider_v in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n from_o what_o be_v say_v anent_o these_o act_n any_o may_v gather_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o our_o refuse_v the_o bond_n late_o frame_v by_o the_o council_n that_o take_v we_o engage_v against_o conventicle_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o be_v enforce_v by_o violence_n on_o we_o not_o pretend_v to_o much_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n we_o have_v always_o understand_v bond_n to_o be_v voluntare_fw-la and_o first_o to_o proceed_v from_o person_n find_v guilty_a and_o sentence_v by_o the_o judge_n conform_v to_o the_o law_n which_o the_o clemency_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v often_o suspend_v or_o remit_v upon_o the_o guilty_n offer_v and_o voluntare_fw-la engagement_n for_o better_a behaviour_n in_o time_n come_v and_o never_o require_v of_o nor_o impose_v on_o person_n not_o prove_v nor_o find_v guilty_a the_o truth_n be_v if_o this_o violent_a imposition_n of_o bond_n be_v thus_o allow_v and_o practise_v what_o ground_n will_v there_o be_v thereby_o lay_v down_o for_o the_o trouble_n and_o molestation_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o who_o can_v promise_v to_o himself_o security_n from_o the_o oppression_n of_o other_o that_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o covetous_a design_n may_v on_o any_o pretence_n give_v information_n against_o other_o although_o never_o so_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a sect_n iii_o the_o minister_n preach_v and_o people_n hear_v vindicate_v and_o four_o objection_n answer_v have_v thus_o far_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o touch_v at_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o grievous_a to_o we_o not_o so_o much_o for_o what_o we_o have_v suffer_v as_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o engine_n frame_v and_o set_v on_o foot_n for_o perpetuate_n we_o and_o the_o church_n oppression_n in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a generation_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_n and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n at_o and_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o eject_v minister_n the_o new_a cause_n of_o these_o heavy_a act_n sentence_n and_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o we_o for_o the_o same_o in_o do_v of_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o in_o all_o singlness_n of_o heart_n bring_v forth_o the_o true_a ground_n and_o reason_n bind_v our_o conscience_n to_o these_o practice_n and_o then_o shall_v take_v off_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v most_o use_v against_o we_o our_o practice_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o build_v on_o such_o foundation_n that_o all_o christian_n especial_o protestant_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o christ_n jesus_n our_o only_a king_n and_o law_n giver_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o own_o and_o adhere_v to_o and_o from_o which_o they_o can_v recede_v without_o contradict_v of_o the_o say_a profession_n and_o do_v manifest_a violence_n to_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n the_o holy_a scripture_n our_o only_a statute_n and_o law_n book_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n if_o on_o bring_v our_o case_n to_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o our_o condemn_a practice_n in_o these_o stand_v justify_v we_o hope_v with_o much_o assurance_n we_o shall_v be_v acquit_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o have_v any_o feeling_n and_o sense_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o censure_n and_o talk_n of_o other_o against_o we_o which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a afflict_v we_o for_o the_o sad_a consequence_n thereof_o to_o themselves_o shall_v not_o much_o move_v we_o therefore_o first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o positive_a institution_n and_o appointment_n from_o christ_n jesus_n as_o head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n
sake_n although_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n 5_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o this_o charge_n that_o some_o yea_o many_o of_o the_o person_n that_o come_v to_o and_o haunt_v our_o meeting_n be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v conscientious_a and_o christian_n in_o their_o walk_n but_o flagitious_a or_o in_o many_o of_o their_o practice_n scandalous_a we_o can_v think_v our_o adversary_n be_v serious_a in_o this_o &_o do_v believe_v as_o they_o speak_v see_v 1_o this_o do_v fall_v as_o heavy_a and_o will_v to_o onlooker_n reflect_v as_o much_o and_o more_o on_o the_o objector_n themselves_o as_o on_o we_o who_o meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o sink_n of_o all_o debauch_a and_o profaine_a person_n through_o the_o land_n can_v they_o refuse_v this_o it_o be_v like_a the_o foresight_n of_o this_o force_v they_o to_o say_v in_o their_o lybel_n of_o greivance_n against_o we_o that_o the_o abomination_n mention_v in_o one_o article_n be_v commit_v at_o our_o meeting_n and_o not_o by_o person_n present_a at_o they_o otherwise_o their_o assembly_n for_o worship_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o chargeabâ—â—_n therewith_o as_o we_o but_o in_o this_o our_o antagonist_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o prâ—â—mitive_a time_n who_o charge_v they_o for_o have_v these_o 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a abomination_n commit_v at_o their_o assembly_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o church_n history_n the_o lord_n deliver_v we_o from_o and_o rebuke_v the_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v enter_v into_o and_o possess_v many_o 2._o but_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a person_n at_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o perform_v of_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o charge_v the_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o such_o on_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n inductive_a to_o scandal_n will_v not_o the_o assembly_n that_o christ_n his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n keep_v in_o all_o age_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o this_o charge_n as_o we_o who_o exclude_v none_o but_o admit_v all_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o some_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n whatever_o our_o adversary_n will_v say_v for_o clear_v of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n will_v acquit_v we_o 3._o do_v not_o man_n know_v that_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n we_o shall_v design_n and_o labour_v their_o conversion_n as_o much_o as_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o convert_v be_v not_o the_o gospel_n with_o which_o minister_n be_v entrust_v the_o mean_a and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o see_v this_o be_v our_o design_n as_o it_o have_v be_v our_o practice_n so_o it_o be_v our_o resolution_n not_o to_o exclude_v any_o from_o our_o assembly_n how_o wicked_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v truth_n be_v to_o charge_v we_o and_o our_o meeting_n with_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o frequent_a the_o same_o be_v to_o reproach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o father_n all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o its_o hearer_n on_o it_o contrare_fw-la to_o its_o grand_a design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v sinner_n from_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o sect_n v._o some_o reason_n why_o the_o indulgence_n be_v not_o accept_v in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o indulgence_n the_o not_o allow_v of_o which_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o full_a evidence_n of_o our_o pivish_a wilful_a and_o stiff_a disposition_n to_o unpeacableness_n and_o distoyalty_n but_o we_o hope_v when_o our_o carriage_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v serious_o think_v upon_o and_o the_o reason_n that_o determine_v we_o to_o this_o refusal_n be_v weight_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n this_o charge_n will_v be_v find_v light_n and_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o upon_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v not_o against_o but_o with_o all_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n shall_v be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o receive_v any_o liberty_n for_o the_o gospel_n its_o true_a interest_n and_o ourselves_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o know_a principle_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v we_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o unjust_a state_n of_o the_o question_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o some_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la may_v or_o have_v it_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o serve_v and_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o his_o word_n this_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o cheerful_o grant_v that_o although_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n that_o be_v proper_o such_o be_v independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o the_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v true_o from_o he_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o no_o doubt_n to_o encourage_v countenance_n and_o protect_v the_o church_n against_o all_o enemy_n and_o to_o relieve_v she_o of_o oppression_n when_o under_o it_o to_o this_o he_o be_v impower_v and_o oblige_v both_o as_o a_o magistrate_n and_o as_o a_o christian_n neither_o be_v it_o with_o we_o a_o question_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n may_v command_v minister_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o then_o function_n nor_o whether_o he_o may_v exeem_v they_o from_o the_o hazard_n of_o suffering_n to_o which_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a by_o law_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n nor_o yet_o whether_o he_o may_v confine_v minister_n simple_o and_o abstract_o consider_v from_o our_o present_a case_n which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o not_o all_o to_o the_o church_n all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o we_o yield_v to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o person_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n to_o we_o be_v whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la magistratico_n may_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o without_o the_o church_n &_o the_o previous_a election_n of_o the_o people_n assign_v and_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a church_n to_o take_v the_o fix_a and_o pastoral_a over_o sight_n of_o they_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o they_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o confine_v they_o to_o the_o say_a congregation_n the_o question_n thus_o state_v being_n complex_fw-la and_o consist_v of_o several_a branch_n conform_v to_o the_o act_n of_o council_n anent_o the_o indulgence_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n for_o give_v a_o just_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n therewith_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o some_o assertion_n with_o the_o reason_n subjoin_v assertion_n first_o the_o magistrate_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n can_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o assign_v or_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a congregation_n to_o take_v the_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o find_v not_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n any_o such_o power_n give_v to_o or_o exercise_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o church_n none_o have_v yet_o give_v any_o instance_n of_o this_o if_o there_o be_v let_v they_o be_v produce_v and_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v all_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o on_o positive_a institution_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o way_n and_o method_n of_o man_n invention_n but_o in_o these_o that_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n so_o that_o she_o own_v she_o be_v constitution_n and_o all_o to_o they_o there_o must_v be_v some_o evident_a proof_n produce_v from_o these_o before_o we_o can_v yield_v to_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n how_o long_o shall_v we_o expect_v this_o 2._o also_o we_o find_v the_o church_n in_o the_o possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o reformation_n by_o luther_n and_o other_o in_o germany_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n we_o grant_v there_o be_v for_o some_o time_n a_o considerable_a debate_n betwixt_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o emperor_n of_o germany_n about_o the_o investiture_n of_o bishop_n which_o give_v the_o rise_n to_o other_o prince_n clame_v of_o the_o same_o &_o seize_v upon_o it_o but_o what_o say_v this_o to_o the_o mission_n of_o minister_n &_o application_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o as_o prelacy_n be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o horrid_a contention_n in_o church_n and_o state_n so_o
but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a for_o in_o this_o act_n not_o only_o preach_v and_o expound_v of_o scripture_n by_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n although_o in_o a_o family_n beside_o their_o own_o be_v judge_v to_o make_v a_o conventicle_n and_o a_o unlawful_a meeting_n but_o prayer_n also_o a_o common_a duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o the_o fame_n force_n so_o that_o no_o nonconform_a minister_n or_o any_o other_o may_v pray_v together_o on_o any_o occasion_n or_o for_o any_o cause_n what_o so_o ever_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v repute_v keeper_n of_o conventicle_n and_o able_a to_o the_o penalty_n adjudge_v by_o this_o law_n to_o such_o be_v prelacy_n come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o opposition_n to_o godliness_n that_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o be_v secure_v except_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christian_a society_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o its_o exercise_n discourage_v to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o such_o incitment_n in_o these_o time_n the_o generality_n of_o professor_n be_v prone_a enough_o of_o themselves_o to_o prove_v negligent_a and_o stack_n in_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o conventicle_n and_o by_o such_o penalty_n against_o they_o be_v we_o such_o odious_a abominable_a creature_n that_o none_o must_v join_v in_o christian_a communion_n with_o we_o in_o these_o mean_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v of_o common_a obligation_n on_o all_o christian_n but_o it_o must_v be_v forbear_v and_o lay_v aside_o or_o if_o we_o once_o open_v a_o mouth_n to_o and_o for_o god_n in_o any_o society_n we_o shall_v bring_v ourselves_o and_o other_o under_o the_o hazard_n of_o so_o severe_a penalty_n which_o in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o this_o law_n have_v be_v inflict_v on_o some_o to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o its_o hearer_n but_o moreover_o all_o such_o meeting_n beside_o the_o imputation_n of_o sedition_n and_o other_o â—orrid_a evil_n with_o which_o they_o be_v brand_v be_v represent_v as_o the_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n a_o charge_n if_o true_a that_o make_v they_o meritoâ—us_o of_o far_o heavy_a punishment_n than_o some_o of_o these_o decree_v against_o they_o but_o from_o whence_o can_v this_o come_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o exercise_n consider_v in_o themselves_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o necessary_a command_v duty_n of_o religion_n which_o all_o know_v to_o be_v the_o great_a mean_n to_o and_o cement_v of_o union_n and_o obedience_n in_o church_n and_o state_n not_o from_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v preach_v and_o pray_v our_o principle_n for_o worship_n doctrine_n &_o government_n be_v know_v be_v extant_a in_o our_o public_a confession_n which_o be_v of_o a_o contrare_fw-la tendency_n if_o any_o say_v we_o preach_v principle_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n they_o who_o assert_v this_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v it_o out_o of_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v nothing_o as_o yet_o and_o shall_v have_v be_v condescend_v on_o and_o give_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o act_n and_o not_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o true_o religious_a exercise_n do_v by_o person_n authorize_v and_o enable_v thereto_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n we_o require_v of_o all_o engage_v against_o we_o to_o do_v we_o that_o piece_n of_o common_a justice_n they_o owe_v to_o all_o man_n in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o they_o will_v instance_n in_o the_o doctrine_n we_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la we_o pray_v wherein_o our_o meeting_n be_v become_v the_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n if_o they_o can_v when_o this_o be_v do_v we_o shall_v either_o give_v a_o satisfy_a answer_n to_o the_o charge_n or_o else_o succumb_v to_o this_o act_n it_o be_v like_a some_o place_n this_o charge_n in_o our_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n then_o it_o come_v from_o the_o law_n and_o the_o law_n maker_n and_o not_o from_o these_o meeting_n and_o the_o person_n that_o keep_v they_o for_o antecedent_n to_o this_o law_n they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n according_a to_o this_o objection_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o law_n it_o have_v be_v more_o safe_a to_o have_v forbear_v it_o who_o work_n shall_v be_v rather_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v the_o seed_n of_o rebellion_n than_o thus_o to_o sow_v they_o but_o this_o law_n in_o its_o narrative_a suppon_n these_o meeting_n to_o be_v such_o antecedent_n to_o its_o enact_v but_o give_v no_o hint_n at_o any_o reason_n for_o this_o heavy_a charge_n other_o again_o fix_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o charge_n on_o our_o meeting_n for_o our_o withdraw_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o allow_v public_a worship_n and_o the_o person_n authorize_v by_o law_n to_o dispense_v the_o same_o if_o the_o act_n have_v only_o circumstantiate_v and_o describe_v such_o meeting_n as_o have_v this_o effect_n and_o not_o take_v in_o all_o religious_a christian_a fellowship_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n something_o may_v have_v be_v say_v for_o justify_v of_o this_o act_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o church_n government_n now_o settle_v by_o law_n without_o a_o wound_n to_o true_a piety_n but_o to_o make_v all_o meeting_n of_o christian_n wherein_o any_o part_n of_o worship_n be_v exercise_v without_o a_o express_a licence_n from_o the_o prelate_n seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o condemn_v christ_n his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n who_o in_o opposition_n to_o heathenism_n heresy_n profainness_n and_o shisme_n have_v under_o severe_a law_n make_v against_o they_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o for_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o assembly_n have_v be_v account_v unlawful_a conventicle_n and_o load_v with_o many_o of_o these_o evil_n that_o be_v now_o charge_v on_o we_o there_fw-mi any_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n say_v that_o the_o meeting_n of_o christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o house_n and_o field_n who_o have_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o synagogue_n the_o ordinare_fw-la allow_v place_n for_o meet_v in_o worship_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n although_o charge_v with_o these_o or_o do_v sow_v the_o seed_n of_o these_o evil_n although_o none_o will_v affirm_v this_o yet_o we_o undertake_v to_o make_v it_o out_o from_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o act_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v oh_o that_o such_o a_o law_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o the_o record_n of_o this_o nation_n which_o will_v speak_v if_o ever_o we_o return_v to_o ourselves_o to_o the_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n of_o these_o time_n but_o as_o to_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o authorize_v public_a worship_n with_o which_o some_o with_o great_a confidence_n brand_v we_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o afterward_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o or_o we_o be_v the_o separatist_n we_o forbear_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o penalty_n statute_n in_o this_o act_n against_o the_o contraveener_n of_o it_o which_o on_o many_o account_n may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v to_o be_v far_o beyond_o the_o demerit_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o popish_a cruelty_n who_o punish_v the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n with_o punishment_n equal_a to_o those_o inflict_v for_o treason_n in_o which_o this_o act_n be_v not_o short_a that_o adjudge_v the_o keeper_n of_o field_n conventicle_n to_o death_n and_o confiscation_n of_o good_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o add_v not_o alittle_o to_o our_o grief_n under_o our_o present_a suffering_n that_o although_o there_o be_v penal_a law_n against_o papist_n and_o other_o heterodox_n person_n yet_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o they_o nor_o any_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o they_o yea_o in_o one_o act_n of_o parl._n caroli_n 2._o session_n 2._o act._n 7._o they_o be_v exeme_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o severity_n decree_v against_o we_o which_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o when_o they_o and_o our_o principle_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v compare_v they_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o protestant_n be_v find_v to_o be_v incompatible_a with_o and_o subversive_a of_o that_o obedience_n and_o allegiance_n that_o be_v due_a from_o subject_n to_o magistrate_n suppose_v by_o they_o heretical_a which_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n make_v against_o they_o that_o for_o some_o time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v put_v to_o some_o execution_n but_o as_o to_o any_o execution_n now_o slacken_v and_o and_z lay_v by_o as_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n be_v their_o principle_n and_o design_n change_v or_o their_o number_n any_o few_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o increase_v beyond_o what_o they_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n but_o poor_a we_o be_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o lash_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n enact_v against_o we_o
and_o the_o person_n qualify_v for_o and_o call_v thereto_o in_o his_o own_o way_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v thereby_o constitute_v his_o ambassador_n and_o messenger_n and_o in_o special_a delegation_n send_v from_o he_o as_o such_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o treat_v with_o sinner_n for_o reconciliation_n and_o obedience_n they_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o institution_n and_o their_o special_a delegation_n or_o mission_n from_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n &c_n &c_n office_n they_o be_v invest_v with_o till_o it_o be_v take_v from_o they_o in_o the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o covey_v and_o confer_v the_o same_o upon_o they_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o no_o christian_a that_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o its_o light_n and_o direction_n will_v get_v refuse_v will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o minister_n in_o their_o ministerial_a capacity_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o man_n in_o their_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o as_o his_o ambassador_n have_v and_o derive_a all_o their_o power_n from_o he_o be_v oblige_v on_o high_a pain_n be_v reason_n of_o their_o special_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o their_o commission_n from_o he_o which_o contain_v all_o their_o instruction_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n &_o can_v be_v supersede_v therein_o by_o any_o far_o less_o by_o they_o that_o acknowledge_v christ_n authority_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n to_o be_v superior_a to_o and_o above_o all_o other_o authority_n whatsoever_o if_o they_o have_v their_o power_n and_o mission_n from_o man_n well_o may_v they_o submit_v to_o these_o in_o take_v it_o from_o they_o but_o it_o not_o be_v so_o they_o can_v think_v themselves_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n but_o in_o the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o confer_v the_o same_o upon_o they_o believe_v we_o in_o this_o lie_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o difficulty_n we_o be_v sure_a minister_n be_v christ_n messenger_n send_v by_o he_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o dispense_n of_o ordinance_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n from_o which_o obligation_n none_o can_v loose_v they_o but_o christ_n jesus_n their_o only_a master_n and_o head_n in_o this_o work_n 2._o it_o do_v also_o native_o flow_v from_o the_o former_a truth_n that_o all_o especial_o those_o in_o and_o of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n supereminent_a supreme_a and_o absolute_a authority_n and_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o he_o indispensible_o bind_v to_o subject_a to_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o its_o exercise_n in_o the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o he_o send_v and_o that_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o ministerial_a power_n &_o office_n which_o be_v true_o christ_n and_n not_o they_o they_o act_v according_o to_o the_o instruction_n contain_v iâ—_n their_o commission_n for_o they_o be_v christ_n servant_n serve_v he_o by_o special_a delegation_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o they_o be_v impower_v commissionated_a and_o instruct_v by_o he_o they_o bear_v his_o name_n stand_v in_o his_o stead_n and_o represent_v he_o to_o his_o people_n as_o his_o ambassador_n be_v send_v by_o he_o to_o all_o finner_n for_o attain_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n thâ—â—r_v conversion_n edification_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o we_o must_v first_o renunce_n christ_n authority_n and_o dominon_n over_o his_o church_n before_o we_o can_v refuse_v and_o reject_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v thus_o send_v by_o he_o to_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v thâ—_n not_o receive_v of_o they_o be_v a_o reject_v of_o he_o a_o matter_n that_o shall_v be_v tender_o &_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o for_o it_o draw_v exceed_o deep_a upon_o all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n high_a and_o low_a so_o that_o they_o not_o depend_v on_o any_o other_o inferior_a authority_n and_o power_n except_o that_o by_o which_o they_o be_v send_v their_o obligation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v annul_v by_o man_n let_v we_o say_v it_o in_o this_o we_o contend_v not_o mere_o for_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n that_o for_o the_o fountain_n and_o end_n thereof_o shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o but_o for_o the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o right_a it_o be_v as_o king_n of_o his_o church_n to_o constitute_v &_o send_v ambassador_n in_o his_o own_o name_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n this_o be_v one_o which_o be_v the_o native_a consequent_a of_o it_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v shall_v we_o allow_v this_o in_o point_n of_o right_a to_o earthly_a sovereign_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o only_a head_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n second_o moreover_o minister_n in_o this_o relation_n they_o stand_v under_o to_o christ_n jesus_n have_v the_o gospel_n &_o its_o ordinance_n commit_v &_o entrust_v to_o they_o to_o be_v dispense_v in_o his_o name_n for_o the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o sinner_n for_o which_o they_o be_v call_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4_o 1._o this_o be_v a_o talon_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n of_o which_o they_o must_v short_o give_v a_o account_n and_o which_o while_o they_o have_v it_o they_o be_v command_v in_o all_o high_a pain_n to_o use_v for_o the_o gain_n of_o sinner_n to_o he_o in_o the_o way_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o in_o his_o word_n now_o let_v all_o judge_n what_o a_o strait_a minister_n be_v cast_v into_o in_o these_o time_n if_o they_o forbear_v on_o the_o inhibition_n of_o man_n to_o dispense_v the_o gospel_n and_o its_o ordinance_n to_o sinner_n thus_o commit_v to_o they_o they_o prove_v unfaithful_a to_o their_o master_n betray_v their_o trust_n and_o incur_v his_o heavy_a displeasure_n and_o wrath_n if_o they_o answer_v their_o trust_n and_o aim_v at_o faithfulness_n therein_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o labour_v in_o the_o work_n thereof_o to_o gain_v sinner_n they_o provock_n man_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o suffering_n but_o they_o know_v the_o love_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v on_o mature_a consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n choose_v and_o purpose_v in_o their_o master_n strength_n to_o venture_v on_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n see_v they_o can_v in_o this_o juncture_n both_o please_v their_o master_n &_o they_o resolve_a to_o prefer_v the_o necessity_n of_o suffering_n to_o that_o of_o sin_n the_o much_o commend_v and_o cryed-up_a choice_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o like_a â—ase_n propose_v to_o all_o in_o the_o word_n for_o their_o imitation_n three_o beside_o this_o trust_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v likewise_o the_o heavy_a trust_n of_o immortal_a soul_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v commit_v to_o they_o of_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o for_o who_o blood_n they_o must_v answer_v when_o they_o resign_v and_o give_v up_o their_o stewardship_n and_o lay_v down_o their_o office_n and_o trust_n aâ—_n his_o foot_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v it_o do_v any_o think_v the_o threat_n and_o inhibition_n of_o man_n will_v discharge_v they_o of_o this_o trust_n at_o their_o master_n hand_n if_o they_o think_v so_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o produce_v something_o from_o he_o that_o will_v signify_v so_o much_o to_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v judge_v themselves_o exeem_v from_o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o soul_n who_o blood_n will_v cry_v aloud_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o their_o master_n if_o they_o do_v not_o their_o part_n in_o what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o for_o save_a of_o such_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o nothing_o yet_o from_o our_o ruler_n to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o peremptory_a law_n and_o act_n command_v they_o to_o obey_v the_o same_o under_o great_a penalty_n if_o we_o be_v assure_v upon_o clear_a rational_a ground_n that_o their_o voice_n and_o command_n be_v the_o voice_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n jesus_n relieve_v we_o of_o this_o press_a burden_n of_o immortal_a soul_n once_o lay_v on_o we_o how_o quick_o and_o cheerful_o shall_v we_o obey_v their_o present_a law_n but_o nothing_o can_v we_o learn_v from_o they_o or_o any_o other_o to_o ascertane_v we_o of_o this_o let_v any_o that_o have_v any_o true_a feel_n of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o soul_n judge_n what_o a_o cruelty_n it_o must_v be_v in_o we_o to_o behold_v soul_n perish_v throw_v ignorance_n wickedness_n hypocrisy_n &_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n
cavalier_n party_n then_o in_o the_o presbyterian_a find_v they_o more_o true_o averse_a from_o and_o contrare_fw-la to_o their_o design_n and_o way_n than_o the_o other_o but_o some_o allege_v that_o we_o do_v raise_v &_o put_v they_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v o_o how_o weak_a be_v this_o argue_n if_o it_o hold_v the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n will_v not_o escape_v the_o censure_n and_o imputation_n of_o thiâ—_n man_n all_o the_o wickedness_n and_o mischief_n do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v by_o this_o medium_n come_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o it_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v all_o that_o power_n strength_n and_o capacity_n that_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v wicked_o shall_v those_o that_o do_v good_a to_o other_o in_o educate_v supply_v &_o afford_v they_o all_o necessary_n abuse_v by_o they_o to_o sin_n and_o riotous_a live_n be_v judge_v the_o author_n of_o their_o wickedness_n o_o folly_n if_o our_o intend_a brevity_n can_v suffer_v it_o we_o will_v make_v it_o out_o from_o undeniable_a instance_n that_o the_o government_n have_v not_o such_o sure_a &_o steadfast_a friend_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o who_o be_v true_o such_o and_o act_v according_a to_o their_o profess_a principle_n who_o stand_v to_o it_o when_o other_o who_o be_v now_o the_o only_a favourite_n turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o in_o go_v all_o the_o length_n of_o compliance_n with_o the_o usurper_n that_o be_v require_v while_o the_o generality_n of_o true_a presbyterian_o refuse_v for_o which_o they_o be_v discountenance_v and_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o party_n that_o be_v to_o be_v suppress_v if_o person_n that_o speak_v thus_o at_o random_n against_o we_o can_v by_o clear_a medium_n knit_v the_o practice_n they_o charge_v upon_o we_o to_o our_o profess_a design_n â—nd_v principle_n how_o will_v they_o triumph_v but_o none_o 〈◊〉_d these_o have_v we_o yet_o see_v and_o hear_v we_o know_v the_o late_a war_n be_v father_v on_o our_o party_n as_o the_o first_o causer_n and_o beginner_n of_o it_o but_o groundless_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v out_o the_o true_a cause_n and_o ground_n of_o they_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o as_o any_o who_o be_v true_o unbiased_a come_v to_o the_o through_o knowledge_n of_o these_o they_o will_v find_v our_o adversary_n in_o the_o blame_n and_o not_o our_o party_n who_o for_o religion_n liberty_n and_o self_n preservation_n for_o all_o be_v at_o the_o stake_n be_v then_o force_v to_o arm_n throw_v the_o insatiable_a pride_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o then_o prelate_n but_o too_o much_o of_o this_o only_o we_o must_v say_v if_o thing_n now_o hold_v on_o in_o their_o present_a channel_n in_o which_o they_o have_v run_v these_o few_o year_n past_a we_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o will_v justify_v and_o allow_v what_o once_o they_o condemn_v exception_n 3._o it_o be_v with_o no_o little_a confidence_n assert_v by_o some_o that_o although_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o divine_a institution_n yet_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v from_o the_o magistrate_n so_o that_o minister_n may_v not_o convocat_n the_o subject_n preach_v and_o dispense_v ordinance_n without_o liberty_n from_o he_o ans_fw-fr 1._o we_o desire_v to_o know_v whence_o our_o adversary_n have_v learn_v this_o distinction_n suâ—e_n not_o from_o the_o word_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footing_n for_o it_o there_o if_o it_o be_v let_v it_o be_v produce_v we_o know_v its_o original_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n from_o who_o arsenal_n the_o all_o of_o the_o hierarchy_n have_v be_v bring_v and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o for_o gain_n and_o fix_v of_o a_o universal_a absolute_a dependence_n of_o all_o upon_o hâ—m_n invent_v this_o distinction_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o christian_a world_n before_o he_o arise_v but_o 2._o we_o assert_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v as_o much_o immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o power_n itself_o first_o because_o we_o find_v this_o power_n be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o afterward_o without_o any_o dependence_n on_o and_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o magistrate_n anent_o the_o same_o this_o none_o will_v get_v refuse_v we_o desire_v then_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o now_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n on_o the_o magistrate_n that_o be_v not_o then_o christianity_n add_v no_o new_a power_n or_o right_v to_o the_o magistrate_n it_o only_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v he_o to_o use_v his_o power_n aright_o but_o give_v none_o that_o he_o have_v not_o before_o for_o if_o a_o heathenish_a magistrate_n shall_v exercise_v all_o that_o power_n about_o the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n that_o be_v by_o scripture_n allow_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n he_o shall_v not_o exceed_v nor_o go_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o magistratical_a power_n as_o we_o find_v several_a heathenish_a magistrate_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o work_n ascribe_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o cyrus_n darius_n artaxerxes_n etc._n etc._n so_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o it_o be_v to_o we_o ridiculous_a to_o say_v that_o the_o heathenish_a magistrate_n power_n be_v not_o intensive_a &_o habitualiter_fw-la as_o great_a as_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n 2._o all_o moral_a power_n do_v necessary_o include_v and_o have_v flow_v from_o it_o a_o obligation_n to_o its_o exercise_n if_o moral_a and_o physical_a impediment_n hinder_v not_o it_o not_o only_o give_v right_a to_o such_o and_o such_o act_n and_o make_v they_o valide_fw-la but_o it_o bind_v the_o person_n clothe_v therewith_o to_o such_o act_n so_o that_o the_o omission_n of_o they_o in_o their_o season_n be_v their_o sin_n for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o power_n tie_v the_o person_n that_o have_v it_o to_o intend_v and_o seek_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o such_o and_o such_o way_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o â—he_n power_n as_o may_v be_v instance_a but_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o â—â—â—ar_o we_o forbear_v three_o how_o come_v this_o distinction_n to_o be_v give_v and_o make_v use_n of_o anent_o the_o ministerial_a power_n and_o not_o anent_o other_o about_o which_o the_o magistrate_n may_v exercise_v his_o power_n also_o may_v not_o father_n husband_n etc._n etc._n do_v the_o duty_n proper_a to_o their_o relation_n without_o leave_n from_o the_o magistrate_n if_o they_o may_v give_v we_o a_o reason_n why_o minister_n may_v not_o do_v the_o duty_n proper_a and_o specific_a to_o their_o function_n without_o the_o magistrate_n their_o power_n be_v as_o immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o be_v as_o little_a dependent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n yea_o and_o less_o than_o they_o never_o one_o have_v undertake_v this_o task_n but_o they_o who_o make_v the_o magistrate_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n which_o be_v most_o absurd_a see_v the_o magistrate_n do_v find_v other_o power_n exist_v and_o in_o be_v before_o he_o be_v four_o as_o the_o power_n of_o minister_n be_v from_o christ_n by_o divine_a institution_n so_o they_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n for_o its_o exercise_n by_o divine_a command_n which_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o imp_a as_o have_v be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o ministerial_a office_n be_v command_v to_o exercise_v it_o who_o in_o no_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o his_o licence_n if_o they_o be_v let_v we_o see_v it_o no_o doubt_n we_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o ere_o this_o time_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v exception_n 4._o there_o be_v one_o exeption_n use_v against_o we_o among_o other_o and_o urge_v with_o no_o little_a vehemency_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n to_o authority_n to_o wit_n our_o non-appearance_n before_o the_o council_n on_o summons_n give_v out_o against_o some_o of_o our_o number_n at_o several_a occasion_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v and_o strong_o aggravate_v for_o a_o high_a evidence_n of_o our_o contempt_n of_o our_o ruler_n and_o the_o authority_n wherewith_o they_o be_v clothe_v for_o which_o up_o ward_v of_o 80._o of_o gentleman_n lady_n minister_n and_o yeoman_n be_v intercommune_v and_o the_o subject_n under_o the_o same_o penalty_n due_a to_o such_o inhibit_v all_o manner_n of_o assistance_n to_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o ans_fw-fr not_o like_v to_o dip_v into_o and_o discuss_v the_o severity_n of_o this_o sentence_n of_o intercommune_v pass_v with_o such_o solemnity_n against_o we_o nor_o yet_o to_o canvasse_v the_o legality_n or_o illegalitie_n of_o it_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o better_o verse_v in_o and_o acquaint_v with_o
who_o give_v it_o out_o to_o the_o world_n that_o we_o contemn_v a_o ministry_n &_o ordinance_n and_o be_v against_o hear_v while_o our_o practice_n declare_v the_o contrare_fw-la to_o all_o and_o for_o which_o we_o be_v daily_o suffer_v we_o hold_v that_o as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v from_o and_o not_o to_o subject_v to_o the_o prelaâ—â—â—s_n and_o their_o creature_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o our_o duty_n to_o cleave_v to_o our_o former_a minister_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o as_o we_o can_v &_o have_v access_n we_o have_v give_v reason_n for_o the_o affirmative_a &_o shall_v the_o lord_n willing_a do_v the_o like_a for_o the_o negative_a 6_o it_o will_v also_o be_v advert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o church_n bring_v in_o and_o carry_v on_o of_o a_o defection_n willing_o in_o a_o church_n way_n and_o the_o magistrate_n do_v this_o of_o himself_o without_o the_o church_n yea_o forcible_o ecclesia_fw-la renitente_fw-la ac_fw-la reclamante_fw-la although_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n yet_o there_o be_v much_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n to_o influence_n regular_a and_o diversify_v minister_n and_o christian_n carriage_n under_o they_o all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o she_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v to_o other_o usurp_v this_o power_n and_o take_v it_o out_o of_o her_o hand_n 7_o in_o this_o matter_n a_o difference_n or_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v make_v betwixt_o the_o personal_a scandal_n and_o corruption_n in_o minister_n walk_v and_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o these_o that_o may_v be_v or_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o entry_n which_o may_v be_v such_o that_o although_o they_o do_v not_o invalidate_v their_o ministry_n in_o their_o dispense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o its_o ordinance_n to_o the_o render_n of_o these_o nullity_n yet_o may_v give_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o people_n withdraw_a from_o and_o not_o subject_v to_o they_o as_o their_o lawful_a and_o send_v pastor_n 8_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o church_n regular_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o her_o ministerial_a political_a be_v enjoy_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o purity_n that_o come_v afterward_o while_o under_o that_o constitution_n to_o be_v intrude_v upon_o by_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o persecute_v in_o officer_n and_o member_n for_o adhere_v to_o her_o constitution_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o intruder_n and_o the_o corruption_n bring_v in_o upon_o she_o by_o they_o against_o her_o consent_n and_o a_o church_n decline_v from_o her_o former_a purity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n abuse_v her_o power_n to_o the_o bring_n in_o and_o further_a of_o the_o say_a defection_n and_o universal_o concur_v with_o and_o submit_v to_o in_o the_o same_o the_o first_o be_v our_o casâ—_n &_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o opposite_n in_o the_o charge_n of_o separation_n thâ—y_v lay_v on_o we_o the_o question_n then_o betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o separat_fw-la from_o public_a ordinance_n for_o the_o corruption_n and_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n whether_o minister_n or_o other_o as_o one_o in_o a_o little_a manuscript_n do_v malicious_o or_o ignorant_o state_n it_o we_o be_v still_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n in_o their_o debat_n against_o the_o brownist_n and_o separatist_n as_o our_o practice_n this_o day_n do_v confirm_v in_o our_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n for_o worship_n differ_v in_o nothing_o as_o to_o this_o from_o what_o it_o be_v before_o neither_o be_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v simple_o or_o in_o itself_o sinful_a to_o hear_v &_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o these_o who_o have_v enter_v by_o &_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n abstract_a from_o our_o present_a case_n for_o we_o grant_v the_o case_n may_v be_v in_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o duty_n to_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o such_o yea_o and_o have_v be_v but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o church_n or_o church_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n provide_v and_o settle_v with_o minister_n regular_o call_v and_o submit_v to_o shall_v yield_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o prelate_n violent_o eject_v their_o minister_n and_o thrust_v in_o other_o minister_n upon_o she_o not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o her_o consent_n in_o subject_v to_o such_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o while_o the_o magistrate_n do_v all_o this_o for_o further_a and_o perfect_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrare_fw-la to_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o oath_n by_o which_o they_o be_v often_o than_o once_o eject_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o church_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v negative_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o subject_v to_o such_o in_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o but_o aught_o to_o disowne_v and_o withdraw_v from_o these_o thus_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o introduce_v corruption_n this_o conclusion_n we_o prove_v thus_o first_o they_o who_o have_v no_o just_a authority_n nor_o right_a to_o officiat_fw-la fix_o in_o this_o church_n as_o the_o proper_a pastor_n of_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o withdraw_v from_o but_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n the_o curate_n have_v no_o just_a authority_n nor_o right_a to_o officiat_fw-la in_o this_o church_n as_o her_o proper_a pastor_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o withdraw_v from_o it_o be_v expect_v they_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o first_o proposition_n all_o the_o debate_n will_v be_v about_o the_o second_o which_o we_o make_v out_o thus_o they_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o do_v officiat_fw-la fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n and_o consent_n have_v no_o just_a authority_n and_o right_a so_o to_o do_v but_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n have_v enter_v into_o this_o church_n and_o do_v officiat_fw-la therein_o without_o her_o authority_n and_o consent_n therefore_o they_o have_v not_o just_a authority_n etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v clear_a and_o we_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v gainsay_v by_o our_o antagonist_n see_v the_o power_n of_o mission_n of_o call_v and_o send_v of_o ordinare_fw-la fix_a pastor_n be_v only_o in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o any_o other_o as_o all_o divine_n do_v assert_v the_o second_o be_v evident_a from_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o there_o be_v no_o church_n judicatory_a call_v or_o convocate_v for_o bring_v of_o the_o prelate_n into_o this_o church_n all_o be_v do_v immediate_o by_o the_o king_n &_o act_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o church_n she_o be_v by_o violence_n disenable_v to_o meet_v in_o her_o officer_n for_o fear_n of_o opposition_n from_o they_o a_o practice_n want_v a_o precedent_n in_o this_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v in_o all_o other_o church_n object_n 1._o but_o our_o prelate_n be_v consecrat_v by_o the_o prelate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ans_fw-fr what_o signify_v that_o to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o their_o just_a right_n to_o officiat_fw-la in_o she_o suppone_v the_o office_n of_o prelacy_n be_v right_a and_o institute_v do_v any_o think_v the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o prelate_n consecrat_fw-mi here_o and_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o if_o all_o be_v do_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o her_o consent_n we_o suppose_v not_o either_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o power_n of_o mission_n or_o else_o she_o have_v if_o she_o have_v none_o want_v prelacy_n than_o our_o minister_n be_v no_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o she_o for_o many_o year_n be_v nullity_n which_o some_o of_o our_o adversaty_n we_o hope_v will_v not_o say_v if_o she_o have_v the_o power_n of_o mission_n how_o come_v she_o to_o be_v neglect_v and_o usurp_v upon_o by_o another_o church_n to_o who_o she_o be_v not_o subordinat_a object_n 2._o but_o presbyter_n can_v consecrat_v bishop_n they_o be_v a_o inferior_a order_n ans_fw-fr if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v from_o scripture_n that_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o a_o order_n and_o office_n different_a from_o presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o have_v a_o different_a ordination_n to_o their_o office_n from_o that_o of_o presbyter_n it_o will_v say_v much_o but_o nothing_o of_o this_o can_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but._n 2._o we_o ask_v whether_o consecration_n be_v different_a from_o ordination_n if_o