christian_n who_o be_v design_v and_o ordain_v for_o diffuse_v the_o gospel_n through_o the_o city_n village_n and_o place_n adjacent_a and_o these_o presbyter_n be_v as_o the_o bishop_n child_n educate_v and_o form_v by_o he_o be_v in_o all_o they_o do_v direct_v by_o he_o and_o accountable_a to_o he_o and_o be_v as_o probationer_n for_o the_o bishopric_n one_o of_o they_o be_v always_o choose_v to_o succeed_v in_o the_o seat_n when_o vacant_a through_o the_o bishop_n death_n now_o all_o these_o live_v together_o as_o in_o a_o little_a college_n and_o be_v maintain_v out_o of_o the_o charitable_a oblation_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v deposit_v in_o the_o bishop_n hand_n and_o divide_v in_o four_o part_n one_o fall_v to_o the_o bishop_n another_o to_o the_o clergy_n a_o three_o to_o the_o widow_n and_o orphan_n and_o other_o poor_a person_n and_o a_o four_o to_o the_o build_n of_o edifice_n for_o worship_n thus_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v and_o the_o gospel_n be_v 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century_n the_o bishop_n be_v chief_o entrust_v with_o the_o cure_n of_o soul_n a_o share_n whereof_o be_v also_o commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o and_o particular_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v by_o he_o nor_o can_v any_o ordination_n be_v without_o the_o bishop_n who_o in_o ordain_v be_v to_o carry_v along_o with_o he_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o presbyter_n as_o in_o every_o other_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n but_o i_o run_v not_o out_o into_o more_o particular_n because_o of_o a_o account_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v draw_v with_o a_o unbiased_a ingenuity_n and_o as_o much_o diligence_n as_o be_v possible_a for_o i_o to_o bring_v along_o with_o i_o to_o so_o laborious_a a_o work_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v send_v you_o when_o our_o conference_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o seâ—ond_n century_n the_o church_n be_v frame_v in_o another_o mould_n from_o the_o division_n of_o the_o empire_n 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who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o bishop_n attendant_n and_o subdeacons_a be_v set_v up_o of_o who_o mention_n be_v make_v first_o by_o cyprian_a and_o these_o degree_n be_v so_o many_o step_n of_o probationership_n to_o the_o supreme_a order_n but_o all_o this_o be_v not_o able_a to_o keep_v out_o the_o corruption_n weâ—e_v break_v in_o upon_o church_n officer_n especial_o after_o the_o forth_o century_n that_o the_o empire_n become_v christian_n which_o as_o it_o bring_v much_o riches_n and_o splendour_n on_o church_n employment_n so_o it_o let_v in_o great_a swarm_n of_o corrupt_a man_n on_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o then_o the_o election_n to_o church_n office_n which_o be_v former_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n be_v take_v from_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n be_v in_o these_o election_n which_o sometime_o end_v in_o blood_n and_o occasion_v much_o faction_n and_o schism_n and_o ambitus_fw-la become_v now_o such_o a_o universal_a sin_n among_o churchman_n that_o in_o that_o century_n monastery_n be_v found_v in_o divers_a place_n by_o holy_a bishop_n as_o by_o basile_n augustine_n martin_n and_o other_o who_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o those_o in_o egypt_n and_o nitria_n who_o design_n be_v the_o purify_n of_o these_o who_o be_v to_o serve_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v true_a these_o seminary_n do_v also_o degenerate_a and_o become_v nest_n of_o superstition_n and_o idleness_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a constitution_n for_o right_o form_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o designer_n for_o holy_a order_n that_o be_v train_v up_o in_o a_o course_n of_o devotion_n fast_v solitude_n abstraction_n from_o the_o world_n and_o poverty_n they_o may_v be_v better_o qualify_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o holy_a function_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o general_a draught_n and_o perspective_n of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o church_n together_o with_o some_o step_n of_o their_o advanceâ—_n and_o declining_n but_o i_o despair_v not_o to_o give_v you_o a_o ample_a account_n and_o plan_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o form_n mean_a while_n let_v this_o suffice_v phil._n from_o what_o you_o have_v tell_v we_o i_o shall_v propose_v the_o notion_n i_o have_v of_o episcopacy_n that_o the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v chief_o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n so_o it_o be_v more_o particular_o to_o form_n educate_v and_o try_v these_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o church_n employment_n and_o to_o oversee_v direct_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v these_o who_o be_v already_o settle_v in_o church_n office_n so_o that_o as_o the_o chief_a trial_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v be_v his_o work_n the_o ordination_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o presbyter_n both_o in_o the_o previous_a trial_n and_o in_o the_o ordination_n itself_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n no_o ordination_n ought_v to_o be_v without_o the_o bishop_n and_o as_o for_o jurisdiction_n though_o the_o bishop_n have_v authority_n to_o oversee_v reprove_v and_o admonish_v the_o clergy_n yet_o in_o all_o act_n of_o public_a jurisdiction_n as_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o proceed_v without_o their_o concurrence_n so_o neither_o ought_v they_o without_o his_o knowledge_n and_o allowance_n determine_v about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o for_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o distinct_a office_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a to_o i_o and_o therefore_o since_o i_o look_v upon_o the_o sacramental_a action_n as_o the_o high_a of_o sacred_a performance_n i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v these_o who_o be_v empower_v â—or_a they_o must_v be_v of_o the_o high_a office_n in_o the_o châ—rch_n so_o i_o do_v not_o allege_v a_o bishop_n to_o be_v a_o disâ—inct_a office_n from_o a_o presbyter_n but_o a_o different_a degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n to_o who_o for_o order_n and_o unity_n sake_n the_o chief_a inspection_n and_o care_n of_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v and_o who_o shall_v have_v authority_n to_o curb_v the_o insolence_n of_o some_o factious_a and_o turbulent_a spirit_n his_o work_n shall_v be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n by_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n as_o well_o as_o other_o presbyter_n and_o especial_o to_o try_v and_o ordain_v entrant_n and_o to_o oversee_v direct_v and_o admonish_v such_o as_o bear_v office_n and_o i_o the_o more_o willing_o incline_v to_o believe_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v the_o several_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o office_n since_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v use_v for_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o scripture_n and_o be_v also_o use_v promiscuous_o by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o two_o first_o century_n now_o isotimus_n when_o you_o bring_v either_o clear_a scripture_n or_o
but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o all_o her_o power_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o follow_v that_o these_o who_o unite_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n must_v be_v warrant_v to_o associate_v in_o meeting_n to_o agree_v on_o general_n rule_n and_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o preserve_a purity_n and_o order_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o all_o inferior_n ought_v to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o rule_n but_o as_o for_o that_o brave_a distinction_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v derive_v from_o christ_n as_o mediator_n whereas_o the_o regal_a authority_n be_v from_o he_o as_o god_n well_o do_v it_o become_v its_o inventor_n and_o much_o good_a may_v it_o do_v they_o for_o i_o i_o think_v that_o christ_n assert_v that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o be_v call_v the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n make_v it_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o this_o world_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o as_o mediator_n and_o as_o they_o who_o die_v before_o he_o be_v save_v by_o he_o who_o be_v slam_n â—â—om_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n so_o all_o humane_a authority_n be_v give_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n by_o which_o mankind_n be_v preserve_v from_o infallible_a ruin_n which_o otherwise_o it_o have_v incur_v by_o adam_n fall_n but_o leave_v any_o further_a enquiry_n after_o such_o a_o foolish_a nicety_n i_o go_v now_o to_o examine_v what_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o i_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n or_o government_n be_v not_o of_o such_o importance_n as_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o peace_n wherein_o formal_o the_o image_n of_o god_n consist_v for_o christ_n come_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v the_o assimilation_n of_o we_o to_o god_n of_o which_o justice_n righteousness_n mercy_n and_o peace_n make_v a_o great_a part_n now_o what_o sacredness_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o outward_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n that_o these_o must_v not_o be_v meddle_v with_o by_o his_o hand_n and_o what_o unhallowedness_n be_v in_o the_o other_o that_o they_o may_v fall_v within_o his_o jurisdiction_n my_o weakness_n can_v reach_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o the_o magistrate_n allow_v ten_o per_n cent_n of_o inâ—â—rest_n it_o be_v just_a to_o exact_v it_o and_o when_o he_o bring_v iâ—_n down_o to_o six_o per_fw-la cent_n it_o be_v oppression_n to_o demand_v ten_o per_fw-la cent_n so_o that_o he_o can_v determine_v some_o matteâ—s_n to_o be_v just_a or_o unjust_a by_o his_o law_n now_o why_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v such_o a_o power_n about_o outward_a matter_n of_o worship_n or_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n judge_v you_o since_o the_o one_o both_o in_o itself_o and_o as_o it_o tend_v to_o commend_v we_o to_o god_n be_v much_o more_o important_a than_o the_o other_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v meddle_v with_o the_o holy_a thing_n himself_o for_o the_o scripture_n rule_n be_v express_v that_o man_n be_v separate_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o without_o that_o separation_n he_o invade_v the_o altar_n of_o god_n that_o take_v that_o honour_n upon_o he_o without_o he_o be_v call_v to_o it_o but_o as_o for_o give_v law_n in_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n i_o see_v not_o why_o he_o may_v not_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o in_o matter_n civil_a it_o be_v true_a if_o he_o contradict_v the_o divine_a law_n by_o his_o command_n god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v rather_o than_o man_n but_o this_o hold_v in_o thing_n civil_a as_o well_o as_o sacred_a for_o if_o he_o command_v murder_n or_o theft_n he_o be_v undoubted_o to_o be_v disobey_v as_o well_o as_o when_o he_o command_v amiss_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o word_n all_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o every_o lawful_a command_n except_o therefore_o you_o prove_v that_o churchman_n constitute_v in_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o subject_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o obedience_n as_o well_o as_o other_o neither_o do_v this_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n any_o way_n prejudge_v the_o power_n christ_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o church_n for_o a_o father_n have_v power_n over_o his_o child_n and_o that_o by_o a_o divine_a precept_n though_o the_o supreme_a authority_n have_v power_n over_o he_o and_o they_o both_o so_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o king_n supremacy_n as_o for_o their_o declarative_a power_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o subject_n to_o he_o only_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n may_v be_v suspend_v for_o since_o the_o magistrate_n can_v banish_v his_o subject_n he_o may_v well_o silence_v they_o yet_o i_o acknowledge_v if_o he_o do_v this_o out_o of_o a_o design_n to_o drive_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o his_o dominion_n they_o ought_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o duty_n notwithstanding_o such_o prohibition_n for_o god_n must_v be_v obey_v rather_o than_o man_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n who_o rather_o than_o give_v over_o the_o feed_n their_o flock_n lay_v themselves_o open_a to_o martyrdom_n but_o this_o will_v not_o hold_v for_o warrant_v turbulent_a person_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o magistrate_n continue_v all_o encouragement_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n choose_v rather_o than_o concur_v in_o it_o though_o not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o of_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o call_v that_o unlawful_a to_o gather_v separate_v congregation_n whereby_o the_o flock_n be_v scatter_v phil._n nay_o since_o you_o be_v on_o that_o subject_a let_v i_o free_o lie_v open_v the_o mischief_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o require_v our_o solemn_a assemble_v together_o which_o must_v ever_o bind_v all_o christian_n till_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o these_o assembly_n that_o render_v our_o meeting_n in_o they_o unlawful_a which_o few_o pretend_v in_o our_o case_n next_o the_o magistrate_n command_v these_o public_a assembly_n be_v certain_o a_o clear_a and_o superadded_a obligation_n which_o must_v bind_v all_o under_o sin_n till_o they_o can_v prove_v these_o our_o meeting_n for_o worship_n unlawful_a and_o as_o these_o separate_a conventicle_n be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n evil_a so_o their_o effect_n be_v yet_o worse_o and_o such_o as_o indeed_o all_o the_o ignorance_n and_o profanity_n in_o the_o land_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o for_o as_o they_o dissolve_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n which_o must_v needs_o draw_v mischief_n after_o it_o so_o the_o vulgar_a be_v teach_v to_o despise_v their_o minister_n and_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o thus_o get_v loose_a from_o the_o yoke_n and_o their_o dependence_n on_o these_o separate_a meeting_n be_v but_o precarious_a as_o they_o break_v away_o from_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o their_o own_o order_n and_o thus_o betwixt_o hand_n the_o vulgar_a lose_v all_o sense_n of_o piety_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god._n next_o in_o these_o separate_a meeting_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o a_o long_a preachment_n so_o that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n not_o be_v look_v after_o and_o they_o teach_v to_o revolt_v from_o the_o settle_a discipline_n and_o to_o disdain_v to_o be_v catechise_v by_o their_o pastor_n ignorance_n and_o profanity_n must_v be_v the_o sure_a effect_n of_o these_o divide_a meeting_n and_o in_o fine_a the_o disuse_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o guilt_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n for_o the_o vulgar_a be_v teach_v to_o loath_a the_o sacrament_n from_o their_o minister_n hand_n as_o much_o as_o the_o mass_n and_o preach_v be_v all_o they_o get_v in_o their_o meeting_n so_o that_o what_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o great_a cherish_n of_o devotion_n and_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o chief_a preserver_n of_o peace_n among_o câ—â—â—tiâ—ns_n be_v wear_v out_o of_o practice_n with_o our_o new_a model_v christian_n these_o be_v the_o visible_a effect_n of_o separate_a practice_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o play_v the_o uncharitable_a divine_a to_o guess_v at_o the_o secret_a mischief_n such_o course_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o basil._n true_o what_o you_o have_v lay_v out_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o we_o all_o that_o i_o be_o confident_a isotimus_n himself_o must_v with_o much_o sorrow_n acknowledge_v what_o wicked_a art_n these_o be_v that_o some_o use_n to_o dislocate_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o sacrifice_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n
privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o preserve_v the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n and_o when_o his_o majesty_n be_v murder_v what_o attempt_n make_v they_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o person_n or_o for_o the_o resent_v it_o after_o it_o be_v do_v this_o be_v the_o loyalty_n of_o that_o party_n and_o this_o be_v what_o all_o prince_n may_v expect_v from_o you_o unless_o they_o be_v absolute_o at_o your_o devotion_n let_v these_o thing_n declare_v whether_o these_o war_n go_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o pure_a defence_n but_o if_o next_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v reckon_v up_o the_o instance_n of_o cruelty_n that_o appear_v in_o your_o judicatories_n for_o several_a year_n i_o shall_v have_v too_o large_a a_o theme_n to_o run_v through_o in_o a_o short_a discourse_n what_o cruel_a act_n be_v make_v against_o all_o who_o will_v not_o sign_v the_o covenant_n they_o be_v declare_v enemy_n to_o god_n the_o king_n and_o the_o country_n their_o person_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v 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they_o defend_v the_o king_n authority_n which_o other_o be_v violate_v but_o add_v withal_o that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o war_n be_v reason_n of_o state_n and_o a_o faction_n betwixt_o the_o house_n of_o bourbon_n and_o guise_n and_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_n be_v pretend_v to_o draw_v they_o into_o it_o and_o for_o the_o late_a war_n he_o charge_v the_o blame_n of_o they_o on_o the_o ambition_n of_o some_o of_o their_o grandee_n and_o the_o factious_a inclination_n of_o the_o town_n of_o rochel_n and_o vindicate_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o church_n from_o accession_n to_o they_o whatever_o good_a wish_n the_o common_a interest_n of_o their_o religion_n may_v have_v draw_v from_o they_o for_o these_o who_o danger_n they_o so_o much_o apprehend_v and_o for_o the_o affaus_fw-la of_o our_o britain_n which_o be_v then_o in_o a_o great_a combustion_n for_o which_o the_o protestant_n be_v general_o blame_v as_o if_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o religion_n lead_v to_o a_o opposition_n of_o monarchy_n he_o say_v stranger_n can_v not_o well_o judge_v of_o matter_n so_o remore_n from_o they_o but_o if_o the_o king_n of_o england_n be_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o kingdom_n a_o sovereign_a prince_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o can_v well_o offer_v a_o dicision_n than_o he_o simple_o condemn_v their_o raise_v a_o war_n against_o he_o even_o though_o that_o report_n which_o be_v so_o much_o spread_v of_o his_o design_n to_o change_v the_o reform_a religion_n settle_v there_o be_v true_a neither_o be_v these_o opinion_n of_o amirald_n to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o his_o private_a thought_n but_o that_o apology_n be_v publish_v by_o the_o approbation_n of_o these_o appoint_v to_o license_v the_o book_n of_o the_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o more_o common_a and_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n and_o what_o ever_o approbation_n or_o assistance_n the_o neighbour_a prince_n may_v have_v give_v the_o protestant_n in_o the_o latter_a or_o former_a war_n it_o will_v not_o infer_v their_o allow_v the_o precedent_n of_o subject_n resist_v their_o sovereign_n though_o persecute_v by_o he_o since_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v many_o prince_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o but_o the_o maxim_n of_o prince_n run_v too_o common_o upon_o ground_n very_o different_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o tend_v chief_o to_o strengthen_v themselves_o and_o weaken_v their_o neighbour_n we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v any_o great_a account_n of_o their_o approve_v or_o abet_v of_o these_o war_n and_o thus_o far_o you_o have_v draw_v from_o i_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o discourse_n for_o justify_v the_o confâ—rmists_n design_n of_o vindicate_v the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o subject_n resist_v their_o sovereign_n upon_o pretext_n of_o religion_n isot._n a_o little_a time_n may_v produce_v a_o answer_n to_o all_o this_o which_o i_o will_v not_o now_o attempt_v but_o study_v these_o account_n more_o accurate_o but_o let_v we_o now_o come_v home_o to_o scotland_n and_o examine_v whether_o the_o king_n be_v a_o accountable_a prince_n or_o not_o you_o know_v well_o enough_o how_o fergus_n be_v first_o call_v over_o by_o the_o scot_n how_o many_o instance_n there_o be_v of_o the_o state_n their_o coerce_v the_o king_n how_o the_o king_n must_v swear_v at_o his_o coronation_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n upon_o which_o allegiance_n be_v swear_v to_o he_o so_o that_o if_o he_o break_v his_o part_n why_o be_v not_o the_o subject_n also_o free_a since_o the_o compact_n seem_v mutual_a i_o need_v not_o add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o king_n can_v neither_o make_v nor_o abrogate_v law_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n that_o he_o can_v impose_v no_o tax_n without_o they_o and_o from_o
mind_n from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n great_a caution_n must_v be_v have_v by_o all_o subject_n on_o what_o ground_n they_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n that_o so_o they_o be_v not_o find_v follow_v their_o own_o design_n and_o interest_n under_o a_o colour_n of_o adhere_v firm_o to_o their_o conscience_n they_o must_v deliver_v themselves_o from_o all_o prepossession_n and_o narrow_o examine_v all_o thing_n ere_o they_o adventure_v on_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n but_o now_o consider_v if_o a_o unjust_a motive_n or_o narrative_a in_o a_o law_n deliver_v tender_a conscience_n from_o a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o basil._n if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v couple_n his_o motive_n and_o narrative_a with_o our_o obedience_n so_o that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o one_o without_o a_o seem_a consent_n to_o the_o other_o then_o certain_o we_o be_v not_o to_o obey_v for_o action_n be_v often_o sign_n of_o the_o thought_n a_o action_n how_o indifferent_a soever_o if_o declare_v a_o sign_n of_o concur_v in_o a_o sinful_a design_n make_v we_o guilty_a in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o express_v our_o concurrence_n by_o a_o sign_n enjoin_v for_o that_o end_n but_o if_o the_o motive_n or_o narrative_a be_v simple_o a_o account_n of_o the_o magistrate_n own_o thought_n without_o express_v that_o obedience_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o a_o concurrence_n in_o such_o intention_n than_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v a_o lawful_a command_n though_o enact_v upon_o a_o bad_a design_n for_o we_o must_v obey_v these_o in_o authority_n ever_o till_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o god._n if_o then_o their_o law_n contradict_v not_o god_n precept_n neither_o in_o their_o natural_a nor_o intend_a signification_n they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v whatever_o the_o ground_n be_v for_o enact_v they_o which_o be_v only_o the_o magistrate_n deed_n for_o which_o he_o shall_v answer_v to_o god._n poly._n this_o call_v i_o to_o mind_n of_o two_o story_n not_o impertinent_a to_o this_o purpose_n the_o one_o be_v of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n who_o to_o entangle_v the_o christian_n that_o never_o scruple_v the_o bow_n to_o the_o emperor_n statue_n as_o a_o thing_n lawful_a cause_v to_o set_v up_o he_o with_o the_o image_n of_o some_o of_o the_o god_n about_o it_o that_o such_o as_o bow_v to_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v as_o likewise_o bow_v to_o the_o image_n which_o abuse_v some_o of_o the_o simple_a but_o the_o more_o discern_v refuse_v to_o bow_v at_o all_o to_o those_o statue_n because_o he_o intend_v to_o expound_v that_o innocent_a bow_v to_o his_o statue_n as_o a_o adoration_n of_o the_o god_n about_o it_o a_o christian_a likewise_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n bow_v before_o he_o but_o when_o he_o understand_v that_o to_o be_v exact_v as_o a_o divine_a honour_n to_o the_o king_n he_o refuse_v it_o eud._n this_o be_v clear_a enough_o that_o all_o action_n be_v as_o they_o be_v understand_v and_o according_o to_o be_v perform_v or_o surcease_v from_o but_o it_o seem_v more_o difficult_a to_o determine_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o case_n a_o magistrate_n enact_v wicked_a law_n be_v not_o both_o his_o subject_n bind_v to_o refuse_v obedience_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o watchman_n of_o soul_n likewise_o to_o witness_v against_o it_o and_o may_v they_o not_o declare_v open_o their_o dislike_n of_o such_o law_n or_o practice_n and_o proceed_v against_o he_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n since_o as_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n we_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v dispense_v with_o respect_n of_o person_n which_o s._n james_n condemn_v in_o all_o church_n judicatories_n basil._n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v so_o often_o say_v that_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n if_o then_o the_o magistrate_n enjoin_v what_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n all_o be_v to_o refuse_v obedience_n and_o watchman_n ought_v to_o warn_v their_o flock_n against_o such_o hazard_n and_o such_o as_o can_v have_v admittance_n to_o their_o prince_n or_o who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o their_o conscience_n aught_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sincere_a freedom_n as_o well_o as_o humble_a duty_n represent_v the_o evil_a and_o sinfulness_n of_o such_o law_n but_o for_o any_o synodical_a convention_n or_o any_o declaration_n against_o they_o no_o warrant_n for_o that_o do_v appear_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v simple_o discharge_v all_o synod_n i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v meet_v without_o sin_n but_o for_o parochial_a meeting_n of_o christian_n for_o a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n such_o assembling_n for_o divine_a worship_n be_v enjoin_v both_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n and_o particular_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n no_o consideration_n can_v free_a christian_n from_o their_o obligation_n thus_o to_o assemble_v for_o worship_n if_o then_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v discharge_v these_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o such_o as_o prayer_n praise_n and_o read_v of_o scripture_n preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o but_o for_o the_o consultative_a or_o directive_n government_n of_o the_o church_n till_o a_o divine_a command_n be_v produce_v for_o synod_n or_o discipline_n it_o can_v lawful_o be_v go_v about_o without_o or_o against_o his_o authority_n crit._n for_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o a_o unjust_a command_n of_o surcease_n visible_a worship_n the_o instance_n of_o daniel_n be_v signal_n who_o not_o only_o continue_v his_o adoration_n to_o god_n for_o all_o darius_n his_o law_n but_o do_v it_o open_o and_o avowed_o that_o so_o he_o may_v own_v his_o subjection_n to_o god._n but_o for_o reprove_v king_n we_o see_v what_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o it_o since_o god_n send_v prophet_n with_o express_a commission_n for_o it_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o samuel_n notwithstanding_o this_o severe_a message_n to_o saul_n yet_o honour_v he_o before_o his_o people_n it_o be_v true_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n in_o christian_a judicatory_n but_o that_o be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o these_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o how_o it_o can_v agree_v to_o the_o king_n who_o be_v supreme_a to_o be_v a_o subject_a be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v comprehend_v since_o than_o honour_n and_o obedience_n be_v by_o divine_a precept_n due_a to_o magistrate_n nothing_o that_o invade_v that_o honour_n or_o detract_v from_o that_o obedience_n can_v be_v lawful_o attempt_v against_o they_o such_o as_o be_v any_o church-censure_n or_o excommunication_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v see_v how_o that_o practice_n of_o ambrose_n upon_o theodosius_n or_o other_o late_a instance_n of_o some_o bishop_n of_o 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covenant_n bring_v upon_o we_o to_o oppose_v episcopacy_n i_o shall_v discuss_v it_o with_o all_o the_o clearness_n i_o be_o master_n of_o i_o shall_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o much_o many_o who_o take_v that_o covenant_n and_o do_v still_o plead_v its_o obligation_n have_v say_v from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o second_o article_n and_o the_o explication_n give_v in_o it_o to_o prelacy_n for_o reconcile_n as_o much_o of_o episcopacy_n as_o be_v settle_v among_o we_o to_o it_o according_a to_o the_o declare_a meaning_n of_o its_o first_o imposer_n when_o they_o take_v it_o and_o authorize_v it_o but_o leave_v you_o and_o they_o to_o contend_v about_o this_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n consider_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v either_o necessary_a unlawful_a or_o indifferent_a if_o the_o first_o be_v true_a than_o you_o will_v without_o much_o ado_n confess_v that_o no_o oath_n in_o prejudice_n of_o a_o necessary_a duty_n can_v bind_v any_o tie_n upon_o our_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v 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end_n of_o government_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v a_o voluntary_a engagement_n he_o have_v take_v on_o himself_o and_o can_v never_o be_v equal_a to_o that_o which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o it_o much_o less_o justle_v it_o out_o but_o if_o it_o contradict_v the_o other_o the_o magistrate_n be_v indeed_o bind_v to_o repent_v for_o his_o rash_a swear_n but_o can_v be_v imagine_v from_o that_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o go_v against_o the_o good_a of_o the_o society_n for_o the_o procure_n whereof_o he_o have_v the_o sword_n and_o power_n put_v in_o his_o hand_n by_o god._n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o tie_n can_v lie_v upon_o a_o magistrate_n by_o his_o oath_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o order_v or_o govern_v the_o state_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o which_o he_o must_v proceed_v as_o he_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o account_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v censure_v or_o judge_v for_o what_o he_o do_v by_o his_o subject_n but_o he_o enact_v law_n in_o matter_n indifferent_a they_o become_v necessary_a obligation_n on_o his_o subject_n which_o no_o private_a oath_n of_o they_o can_v make_v void_a indeed_o the_o late_a writer_n his_o argue_v against_o this_o be_v so_o subtle_a that_o i_o can_v comprehend_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o find_v sense_n in_o it_o for_o he_o confess_v pag._n 232._o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v vest_v with_o a_o power_n proportional_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n so_o that_o no_o subject_n may_v decline_v his_o lawful_a command_n or_o bind_v himself_o by_o any_o such_o oath_n as_o may_v interfere_v with_o a_o supervenient_a rational_a command_n all_o this_o be_v sound_a and_o indeed_o all_o i_o plead_v only_o his_o explication_n of_o rational_a i_o can_v allow_v of_o for_o though_o a_o magistrate_n may_v proceed_v to_o unreasonable_a command_n yet_o i_o see_v no_o limit_n set_v to_o our_o obedience_n but_o from_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o but_o in_o the_o next_o page_n he_o eat_v all_o this_o up_o by_o tell_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n still_o leave_v to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o free_a disposal_n wherein_o we_o may_v free_o vow_v and_o have_v vow_v must_v not_o break_v our_o word_n and_o for_o instance_n he_o adduce_v a_o man_n devote_v the_o ten_o of_o his_o substance_n to_o the_o lord_n from_o which_o no_o countermand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n can_v excuse_v but_o still_o he_o conclude_v page_n 334._o that_o the_o magistrate_n power_n may_v make_v void_a such_o vow_n as_o be_v direct_o or_o design_o make_v to_o frustrate_v its_o right_n or_o to_o suspend_v the_o execution_n of_o other_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v eventual_o cross_v its_o lawful_a exercise_n this_o last_o yield_v to_o i_o all_o i_o pretend_v in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o exclude_v episcopacy_n though_o at_o that_o time_n settle_v by_o law_n if_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o lawful_a which_o i_o now_o suppose_v than_o the_o king_n authority_n enjoin_v it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n likewise_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o notwithstanding_o the_o oath_n make_v against_o it_o so_o that_o your_o friend_n yield_v without_o consideration_n that_o which_o he_o think_v he_o deny_v and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o dialogue_n hold_v good_a that_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o subject_a in_o a_o matter_n indifferent_a can_v free_v he_o from_o the_o obedience_n he_o owe_v the_o law_n it_o be_v true_a his_o private_a vow_n in_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o concern_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o so_o not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o debate_n which_o be_v only_o about_o the_o obedience_n we_o owe_v the_o law_n suppose_v their_o matter_n lawful_a notwithstanding_o our_o compact_n make_v in_o opposition_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o discourse_v of_o they_o but_o stick_v close_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n but_o my_o next_o undertake_v must_v be_v to_o free_a child_n from_o any_o tie_n may_v be_v imagine_v to_o lie_v on_o they_o from_o the_o father_n oath_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n so_o clear_a to_o my_o think_n that_o i_o wonder_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o isot._n indeed_o here_o your_o friend_n the_o conformist_n bewray_v his_o ignorance_n notable_o not_o consider_v the_o authority_n parent_n have_v over_o their_o child_n by_o divine_a command_n which_o die_v not_o with_o they_o their_o command_n be_v obligatory_a even_o after_o their_o death_n for_o god_n commend_v the_o rechabite_v for_o obey_v jonadabs_n command_n some_o age_n after_o his_o death_n therefore_o parent_n adjure_v child_n they_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n by_o saul_n adjure_v they_o not_o to_o eat_v food_n till_o the_o evening_n
all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n shall_v follow_v it_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n shall_v study_v to_o bless_v when_o you_o curse_v and_o pray_v for_o you_o who_o do_v thus_o despiteful_o use_v we_o we_o trust_v our_o witness_n be_v on_o high_a that_o whatever_o defect_n cleave_v to_o we_o and_o though_o may_v be_v we_o have_v not_o want_v a_o corrupt_a mixture_n as_o you_o know_v among_o who_o there_o be_v a_o son_n of_o perdition_n yet_o we_o be_v free_a of_o these_o thing_n you_o charge_v on_o we_o promiscuous_o and_o that_o these_o imputation_n you_o charge_v we_o with_o be_v as_o false_a as_o they_o be_v base_a but_o all_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o many_o of_o your_o divider_n who_o minister_n continue_v with_o they_o as_o former_o and_o mere_o because_o they_o hold_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n they_o be_v separate_v from_o true_o if_o you_o can_v clear_v this_o of_o separation_n you_o be_v a_o master_n at_o subtle_a 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prejudices_fw-la read_v but_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o you_o will_v confess_v a_o churchman_n not_o be_v profitable_a to_o his_o people_n will_v be_v no_o good_a argument_n to_o prove_v he_o not_o send_v of_o god_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o even_o the_o apostle_n call_v for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n prayer_n that_o utterance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o they_o yea_o and_o desire_v they_o to_o strive_v together_o in_o their_o prayer_n for_o they_o i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o utterance_n and_o power_n in_o preach_v you_o charge_v on_o the_o present_a preacher_n may_v be_v well_o impute_v to_o the_o want_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n prayer_n who_o prepossession_n have_v keep_v from_o strive_v together_o with_o they_o in_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v come_v among_o they_o with_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o of_o such_o tender_a 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