exercise_v her_o government_n in_o these_o time_n by_o confederation_n and_o mutual_a consent_n and_o not_o by_o institution_n and_o command_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n for_o this_o so_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o presume_v they_o continue_v in_o the_o constitution_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n they_o give_v they_o to_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n and_o church_n history_n their_o practice_n conform_v when_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n cease_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n turn_v christian_n we_o find_v she_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o former_a government_n but_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o some_o corruption_n which_o grow_v to_o a_o sad_a height_n afterward_o throw_v the_o excessive_a munificence_n &_o bounty_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n and_o exercise_v the_o sameâ—_n as_o former_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o history_n that_o speak_v of_o these_o time_n here_o our_o adversary_n speak_v of_o some_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n the_o magistrate_n do_v exerce_fw-la in_o the_o church_n as_o convocate_a of_o synod_n labour_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lore_o rend_v at_o sometime_o through_o lad_n heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o that_o say_v of_o constantine_n repeat_v by_o they_o ad_fw-la nauseam_fw-la vos_fw-la estis_fw-la episcopi_fw-la ad_fw-la intra_fw-la ego_fw-la ad_fw-la extra_fw-la but_o how_o be_v our_o antagonist_n conclusion_n make_v out_o by_o all_o these_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o magistrate_n do_v convocat_n synod_n its_o government_n be_v derive_v from_o &_o subordinat_a to_o he_o no_o way_n for_o 1._o albeit_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n to_o convocat_n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n anent_o matter_n relate_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o duty_n whether_o about_o church_n or_o state_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o privative_a of_o the_o church_n power_n to_o convocat_n she_o own_o assembly_n either_o for_o worship_n or_o government_n as_o we_o find_v she_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o his_o consent_n yea_o when_o the_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n she_o retain_v and_o exercise_v this_o power_n in_o assemble_v into_o several_a synod_n without_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o general_a synod_n assemble_v after_o this_o but_o by_o the_o magistrate_n till_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n claim_v this_o power_n and_o usurp_v therein_o on_o the_o church_n and_o magistrate_n as_o he_o do_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n which_o exceed_v its_o bound_n make_v this_o in_o point_n of_o prudence_n necessare_fw-la for_o without_o the_o magistrate_n it_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v do_v but_o 2._o convocate_a of_o other_o be_v not_o always_o in_o its_o self_n and_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o superior_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o judicatories_n convocate_v as_o in_o limit_a monarchy_n and_o not_o absolute_a where_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o king_n and_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n although_o the_o king_n have_v the_o power_n of_o conveâ—ning_v the_o state_n yet_o they_o share_v wiâ—h_v he_o in_o the_o leg_n stative_a and_o executive_a power_n while_o in_o be_v therefore_o the_o illation_n be_v bad_a and_o not_o concludent_fw-la 4_o what_o imaginable_a advantage-can_a accrue_v to_o our_o adversary_n assertion_n by_o that_o say_n of_o constantine_n former_o cite_v we_o grantâ—_n the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o overseer_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o church_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o thâ—_n government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o and_o from_o his_o hand_n and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o he_o they_o must_v first_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o good_a reason_n that_o never_o government_n be_v ad_fw-la extra_fw-la which_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v nor_o never_o will_v for_o although_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o its_o institution_n and_o exercise_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o intrinsinck_v to_o and_o within_o she_o as_o her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o by_o this_o sense_n will_v be_v as_o much_o derive_v from_o and_o subject_v to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o her_o government_n see_v the_o one_o be_v as_o visible_a in_o its_o dispensation_n as_o the_o other_o arg._n 5._o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o yea_o can_v jure_fw-la impede_fw-la and_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o church_n government_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o derive_v from_o nor_o subject_v to_o he_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o consequence_n be_v what_o ever_o power_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o subordinate_v direct_o to_o he_o he_o may_v suspend_v hinder_v its_o exercise_n yea_o he_o may_v total_o remove_v and_o annihilat_fw-la it_o this_o be_v yield_v by_o all_o and_o take_v for_o a_o sure_a maxim_n in_o politic_n but_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o do_v this_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o person_n entrust_v with_o and_o call_v to_o its_o exercise_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o divine_a precept_n and_o command_n for_o it_o which_o the_o magistrate_n can_v hinder_v nor_o by_o any_o deed_n or_o command_n of_o he_o make_v void_a these_o that_o deny_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o church_n government_n we_o refer_v to_o the_o forecited_a book_n where_o it_o be_v strong_o plead_v &_o make_v out_o from_o clear_a and_o express_v scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n likewise_o as_o he_o can_v impede_fw-la its_o exercise_n so_o he_o may_v not_o nullify_v its_o sentence_n by_o himself_o which_o he_o may_v do_v in_o the_o sentence_n pass_v by_o all_o power_n derive_v from_o and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o himself_o arg._n 6._o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o christian_a profession_n bind_v to_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o act_n &_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o be_v as_o much_o obleidge_v to_o yield_v thereto_o as_o any_o other_o therefore_o church_n power_n be_v not_o direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o the_o antecedent_n be_v clear_a for_o all_o be_v command_v submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n in_o watch_v overseeing_a and_o rule_a of_o the_o church_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o to_o which_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n we_o find_v magistrate_n in_o the_o word_n submit_v as_o uzzia_n who_o be_v by_o the_o priest_n confor_a i_o to_o the_o law_n separate_v and_o seclude_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o these_o yea_o it_o be_v give_v for_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n that_o come_v on_o zedekiah_n 2._o chron._n 36.12_o that_o he_o humble_v not_o himself_o before_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o he_o obj._n but_o this_o subjection_n in_o magistrate_n to_o church_n officer_n be_v proper_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o they_o ans_fw-fr we_o confess_v the_o subjection_n be_v primary_o and_o chief_o to_o christ_n jesus_n who_o such_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n do_v represent_v yet_o the_o subjection_n be_v to_o they_o too_o who_o all_o without_o exception_n of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n be_v command_v to_o receive_v hear_v and_o obey_v so_o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o holy_a thing_n they_o be_v superior_a to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n magistrate_n and_o other_o as_o their_z constitut_o ruler_n overseer_n governor_n and_o watch_v man_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v when_o act_v in_o their_o office_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o obedience_n be_v not_o catachrestical_a or_o abusive_a as_o videlius_n speak_v in_o the_o magistrate_n but_o proper_a and_o real_o a_o debt_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_n holy_a thing_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o obligation_n to_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n with_o the_o obligation_n of_o other_o if_o any_o think_v otherway_n let_v they_o produce_v their_o reason_n and_o scripture_n 2._o if_o the_o fiery_a and_o zealous_a promotter_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v consider_v the_o true_a and_o real_a prejudice_n they_o do_v to_o magistrate_n by_o exeem_v they_o from_o that_o subjection_n that_o they_o with_o all_o other_o owe_v to_o church_n officer_n they_o will_v if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o advantage_n remain_v with_o man_n hold_v their_o hand_n and_o shall_v have_v little_a thanks_o from_o magistrate_n for_o their_o preposterous_a zeal_n who_o by_o their_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v
a_o apology_n for_o or_o vindication_n of_o the_o oppress_a persecute_a minister_n &_o professor_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n emit_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v &_o that_o for_o the_o information_n of_o ignorant_a the_o satisfaction_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o doubtful_a the_o conviction_n if_o possible_a of_o the_o malicious_a the_o warning_n of_o our_o ruler_n the_o strengthen_n &_o comfort_v of_o the_o say_a sufferer_n under_o their_o present_a pressur_n &_o trial_n be_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o covenant_v work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o church_n and_o against_o the_o present_a prevail_a corruption_n and_o course_n of_o desection_n therefrom_o prov_n xxiii_o verse_n 23._o buy_v the_o truth_n &_o sell_v it_o not_o also_o wisdom_n instruction_n &_o understanding_n i._o pet._n iii_o verse_n 15._o but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n &_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n &_o fear_n jud_v verse_n 3._o it_o be_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o &_o to_o exhort_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n prestat_fw-la sero_fw-la quà m_fw-la nunquam_fw-la sapere_fw-la print_a in_o the_o year_n 1677._o to_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o honourable_a lord_n the_o lord_n temporal_a of_o his_o majesty_n secret_a council_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n most_o noble_a and_o honouralbe_n lord_n cast_v our_o eye_n about_o we_o to_o see_v under_o the_o wing_n of_o who_o patrociny_n &_o protection_n we_o shall_v shelter_v the_o ensue_a apology_n or_o vindication_n we_o can_v not_o in_o our_o apprehension_n fix_v upon_o any_o so_o fit_v for_o this_o as_o your_o lo._n who_o by_o the_o station_n &_o office_n you_o bear_v under_o his_o maj._n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v constitute_v the_o protector_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o releever_n of_o the_o oppress_a &_o the_o breaker_n of_o every_o unjust_a yoke_n the_o serious_a thought_n of_o which_o do_v aflord_v we_o this_o confidence_n that_o as_o our_o unjust_a oppression_n make_v we_o object_n fit_v for_o your_o lo._n compassion_n and_o justice_n so_o your_o lo._n office_n and_o what_o it_o bind_v unto_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o oppress_a before_o god_n and_o man_n will_n on_o the_o ingenuous_a &_o plain_a production_n of_o our_o reason_n for_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n at_o length_n prevail_v for_o break_v of_o these_o yoke_n of_o oppression_n now_o on_o we_o and_o remove_v of_o their_o real_a cause_n we_o therefore_o can_v but_o in_o charity_n and_o reason_n expect_v that_o much_o humanity_n &_o justice_n from_o your_o lo._n that_o be_v grant_v by_o heathen_a ruler_n to_o minister_n &_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n &_o history_n memorable_a instance_n be_v not_o paul_n act._n 26_o 1_o permit_v by_o king_n agrippa_n to_o speak_v for_o himself_o who_o in_o vindication_n of_o his_o righteous_a cause_n deduce_v the_o ground_n thereof_o and_o clear_v the_o so_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o hearer_n that_o they_o judge_v he_o neither_o worthy_a of_o death_n nor_o of_o bond_n do_v not_o some_o of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n upon_o the_o read_n of_o the_o apology_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o of_o justin_n martyr_n apollinaris_n mileto_n origen_n tertullian_n and_o other_o declare_v their_o innocency_n and_o mitigat_fw-la the_o rage_n of_o persecution_n that_o then_o prevail_v against_o they_o may_v not_o we_o then_o who_o profess_v the_o same_o protestant_a religion_n with_o your_o lo._n entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o same_o favour_n &_o justice_n that_o be_v show_v by_o ruler_n to_o the_o lord_n people_n before_o we_o as_o our_o adversary_n calumny_n &_o bitter_a reproach_n with_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o render_v we_o odious_a to_o all_o especial_o to_o your_o lo._n be_v unjust_a and_o malicious_a be_v partly_o their_o evil_a and_o uncharitable_a deduction_n from_o our_o principle_n and_o action_n and_o partly_o gross_a &_o notorious_a lie_n such_o as_o the_o heathen_n charge_v on_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o find_v no_o just_a matter_n for_o their_o accusation_n from_o their_o profession_n and_o behaviour_n give_v it_o out_o to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o worship_v the_o sun_n a_o ass_n head_n and_o use_v promiscuous_a copulation_n at_o their_o assembly_n so_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o as_o a_o brazen_a wall_n do_v shield_n &_o uphold_v our_o spirit_n from_o sink_v under_o those_o burden_n with_o which_o they_o have_v aim_v to_o keep_v we_o at_o under_o with_o your_o lo._n we_o know_v there_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o we_o but_o what_o have_v be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o eminent_a saint_n yea_o of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o master_n if_o they_o deal_v so_o with_o he_o no_o marvel_n they_o deal_v so_o with_o we_o so_o great_a be_v the_o testimony_n &_o witness_n of_o our_o conscience_n as_o to_o all_o the_o grievous_a thing_n they_o have_v and_o do_v charge_n upon_o we_o that_o we_o have_v hitherto_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n and_o not_o open_v our_o just_a and_o true_a greivance_n as_o we_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v do_v for_o fear_v of_o offend_v your_o lo._n but_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o the_o welfair_n of_o immortal_a soul_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v through_o our_o too_o long_a silence_n we_o have_v adventure_v to_o disclose_v our_o thought_n and_o to_o give_v so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v a_o satisfie_v account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o which_o we_o suffer_v the_o god_n of_o god_n know_v &_o israel_n shall_v know_v we_o use_v this_o freedom_n and_o plainness_n of_o speech_n towards_o your_o lo._n and_o all_o other_o not_o from_o any_o contentious_a and_o ill_a affect_a humour_n but_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n lay_v on_o we_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o relief_n for_o these_o from_o your_o lo._n which_o we_o most_o humble_o beg_v and_o expect_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o the_o street_n and_o flee_v into_o corner_n if_o on_o a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o of_o ourselves_o for_o its_o sake_n against_o the_o reproache_n of_o our_o enemy_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o just_a but_o iniquous_a we_o ask_v no_o benefit_n from_o your_o lo._n clemency_n and_o justice_n let_v all_o severity_n be_v use_v but_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o former_a and_o present_a suffering_n be_v righteous_a in_o the_o confidence_n of_o which_o we_o have_v be_v bold_a to_o give_v to_o your_o lo._n and_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o sober_a ensue_a account_n we_o humble_o entreat_v that_o protection_n and_o relief_n in_o its_o defence_n which_o your_o power_n and_o station_n in_o this_o kingdom_n do_v enable_v and_o oblige_v your_o lo._n to_o wherefore_o cast_v ourselves_o at_o your_o lo._n foot_n we_o do_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o pure_a religion_n &_o undefiled_a &_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o concern_v therein_o beseech_v your_o lorenzo_n first_o that_o our_o just_a &_o well_o ground_v exception_n against_o prelacy_n &_o erastianisme_n may_v be_v take_v into_o consideration_n &_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a will_v not_o the_o future_a consequence_n of_o these_o evil_n to_o this_o land_n your_o lo._n family_n &_o posterity_n be_v dreadful_a who_o thereby_o be_v lay_v pento_n the_o judgement_n denunce_v in_o the_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o perjury_n and_o covenant_n break_v we_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o our_o cause_n on_o the_o covenant_n &_o oath_n take_v by_o this_o nation_n against_o the_o foresay_a evil_n or_o corruption_n as_o the_o primary_n and_o chief_a argument_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o all_o on_o the_o perusal_n of_o our_o subsequent_a apology_n but_o on_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o true_a god_n for_o we_o grant_v covenant_n and_o oath_n that_o be_v obligatory_a and_o bind_v to_o a_o observance_n suppone_v their_o matter_n to_o be_v antecedent_o just_a and_o do_v bring_v their_o primary_n obligation_n from_o it_o hence_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o &_o engage_v to_o by_o covenant_n and_o oath_n must_v be_v prove_v and_o make_v out_o to_o be_v
necessare_fw-la &_o righteous_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o their_o obligation_n can_v be_v admit_v &_o receive_v which_o we_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n and_o if_o from_o it_o our_o covenant_n and_o oath_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v just_a be_v we_o not_o assure_v that_o the_o corruption_n and_o sin_n engage_v against_o by_o such_o divine_a tie_n and_o relapse_v into_o contrare_fw-la to_o these_o engagement_n do_v provoke_v our_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n to_o the_o inflict_v of_o all_o those_o plague_n and_o judgement_n threaten_v in_o the_o word_n against_o the_o violator_n of_o such_o sacred_a bond_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o we_o hope_v none_o will_v deny_v what_o can_v we_o then_o expect_v to_o ourselves_o &_o posterity_n if_o reformation_n &_o repentance_n do_v not_o prevent_v but_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n according_a to_o every_o one_o accession_n to_o these_o evil_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n on_o this_o decline_a church_n next_o we_o pray_v your_o lo._n to_o consider_v that_o we_o build_v our_o conclusion_n on_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n in_o this_o church_n and_o other_o lay_v down_o in_o their_o argument_n and_o debate_n against_o popery_n which_o for_o its_o want_n of_o and_o opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v condemn_v for_o a_o antichristian_a defection_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n we_o hold_v to_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o god_n but_o these_o what_o they_o condemn_v we_o must_v renunce_v &_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n want_v their_o authority_n and_o approbation_n we_o can_v yea_o dar_fw-ge not_o admit_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o precede_a age_n show_v what_o mischief_n the_o open_n of_o this_o door_n have_v bring_v in_o upon_o she_o to_o the_o almost_o uter_fw-la ruin_n of_o all_o her_o concern_v the_o present_a growth_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o quick_a advance_v it_o make_v among_o all_o degree_n of_o professor_n in_o this_o and_o our_o nighbour_a church_n say_v to_o all_o &_o we_o suppose_v to_o your_o lo._n that_o the_o fasety_n &_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n do_v in_o all_o prudence_n require_v that_o its_o real_a and_o sincere_a friend_n shall_v be_v encourage_v and_o not_o thus_o persecute_v with_o violence_n which_o no_o doubt_n tend_v so_o to_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n &_o cause_n that_o in_o one_o of_o queen_n elizabeth_n parliament_n it_o be_v judge_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o only_o to_o restrain_v the_o rigid_a press_v of_o conformity_n but_o likewise_o to_o encourage_v all_o nonconformist_n who_o in_o those_o time_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o stout_a antagonist_n to_o popery_n and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v employ_v entrust_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o â—ope_n have_v his_o instrument_n and_o emissary_n among_o we_o for_o work_v out_o of_o his_o design_n on_o these_o church_n which_o all_o his_o former_a engine_n have_v not_o hitherto_o effect_v and_o find_v through_o our_o confusion_n and_o distemper_n the_o occasion_n fit_v for_o his_o purpose_n have_v no_o question_n a_o secret_a active_a hand_n in_o influence_v and_o increase_v of_o this_o violence_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o mercy_n to_o this_o many_o way_n afflict_v and_o ruin_a church_n do_v not_o prevent_v will_v facilitat_fw-la his_o long_v for_o &_o much_o endeavour_v design_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o these_o land_n and_o however_o we_o be_v represent_v to_o your_o lo._n as_o unfriend_v to_o religion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o state_n as_o if_o they_o must_v ruin_v if_o we_o stand_v yet_o the_o experience_n of_o past_a and_o present_a time_n beside_o our_o public_a confession_n do_v sufficient_o witness_v how_o malicious_a our_o adversary_n be_v in_o this_o unjust_a calumny_n we_o be_v no_o innovator_n nor_o pleader_n for_o innovation_n in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o do_v hold_v adhere_v to_o and_o resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sum_v up_o and_o brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n large_a &_o short_a catachisme_n of_o this_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o popish_a arminian_n socinian_n and_o sectarian_n error_n and_o innovation_n we_o hold_v for_o our_o main_a &_o root_a principle_n the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o absolute_a perfect_a and_o only_o rule_v of_o faith_n and_o manner_n not_o need_v any_o supplement_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v antiquity_n its_o due_a respect_n use_v &_o reverence_n and_o although_o we_o maintain_v that_o every_o christian_a of_o what_o rank_n &_o degree_n soever_o aught_o to_o study_v &_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o great_a use_n of_o a_o gospel_n stand_v ministry_n and_o receive_v the_o directive_n authority_n of_o the_o church_n not_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n we_o hold_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n necessare_fw-la to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o absolute_o deny_v that_o the_o spirit_n bring_v new_a revelation_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n &_o government_n but_o only_o that_o he_o open_v the_o eye_n and_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v perceive_v and_o right_o take_v up_o what_o be_v of_o old_a reveal_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n we_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o in_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n yet_o we_o constant_o affirm_v good_a work_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o equity_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n to_o be_v necessare_fw-la both_o necessitate_v precepti_fw-la &_o medii_fw-la our_o minister_n press_v on_o themselves_o &_o hearer_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n as_o the_o solid_a fundation_n of_o good_a work_n &_o the_o severe_a strict_a exercise_n not_o of_o a_o popish_a out_o side_n formal_a but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a real_a mortification_n and_o self_n denial_n we_o extol_v all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o reject_v all_o humane_a invention_n especial_o religious_a and_o significant_a not_o institute_v ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v no_o little_a weight_n with_o your_o lo._n that_o by_o use_v of_o such_o violence_n the_o most_o sober_a judicious_a universal_o religious_a and_o industrious_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o steadfast_a to_o his_o maj_n true_a interest_n and_o honour_n be_v expose_v to_o daily_a vexation_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n and_o prejudice_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n we_o suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o choice_n and_o better_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o government_n now_o introduce_v into_o this_o church_n and_o consequent_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n enact_v against_o non-conformists'_a and_o of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n this_o may_v prove_v to_o church_n and_o state_n we_o leave_v to_o your_o lo._n most_o serious_a consideration_n we_o know_v the_o certain_a issue_n of_o all_o matter_n be_v know_v to_o god_n only_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v our_o measure_n in_o conjecture_v at_o future_a event_n from_o the_o work_n of_o present_a cause_n there_o be_v all_o rational_a ground_n to_o fear_v that_o there_o be_v dismal_a and_o heavy_a time_n come_v on_o this_o nation_n which_o by_o take_v and_o fallow_v of_o right_a way_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n of_o affair_n your_o lo._n may_v prevent_v and_o if_o not_o do_v will_n no_o doubt_n afford_v matter_n of_o bitter_a sorrow_n &_o repentance_n to_o your_o lo_n or_o child_n afterward_o it_o be_v &_o shall_v be_v our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o your_o lo._n may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n pour_v out_o upon_o you_o to_o foresee_v the_o evil_n that_o be_v hasten_v towards_o we_o and_o in_o time_n to_o hide_v yourselves_o this_o church_n &_o kingdom_n from_o they_o be_v it_o not_o apparent_a to_o all_o that_o conscience_n do_v not_o
for_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n comply_v with_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o nor_o desist_v from_o serve_v of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n for_o 1._o if_o the_o former_a reason_n for_o our_o nonobedience_n do_v hold_n and_o prove_v concludent_fw-la will_v not_o our_o obedience_n to_o what_o be_v enjoin_v we_o confirm_v the_o unjust_a usurpation_n make_v on_o the_o church_n and_o wreathe_v the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n about_o her_o neck_n to_o the_o enslave_a of_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o and_o the_o loss_n of_o her_o just_a right_n and_o privilege_n purchase_v for_o and_o grant_v to_o she_o by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o our_o compliance_n will_v have_v make_v we_o accessory_n to_o the_o magistrate_n sin_n and_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n and_o wickeduesse_v that_o have_v ensue_v on_o the_o same_o so_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v be_v cruel_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o professor_n therein_o but_o we_o shall_v have_v bring_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n on_o our_o own_o head_n for_o not_o only_o he_o that_o be_v active_a in_o and_o concurre_v with_o the_o cause_n of_o evil_n be_v accessory_a to_o all_o the_o bad_a and_o evil_a consequence_n of_o they_o but_o also_o he_o that_o labour_v not_o in_o his_o capacity_n and_o station_n to_o hinder_v they_o when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v have_v therefore_o nothing_o leave_v we_o and_o within_o our_o reach_n to_o with_o stand_v these_o usurpation_n and_o corruption_n under_o which_o the_o church_n now_o groan_v and_o by_o which_o she_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o be_v destroy_v but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o find_v yet_o commit_v to_o we_o we_o there_fw-mi not_o give_v over_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o same_o which_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v find_v to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o her_o preservation_n and_o recovery_n in_o evil_a time_n 2._o while_o we_o think_v on_o the_o follow_a age_n and_o the_o obligation_n that_o be_v on_o we_o for_o transmit_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o in_o its_o purity_n and_o power_n as_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n do_v before_o we_o &_o what_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o way_n prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n for_o effect_v of_o this_o great_a good_a and_o with_o what_o success_n these_o have_v be_v assay_v in_o the_o former_a generation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o succeed_a time_n we_o find_v ourself_o strait_o tie_v both_o against_o positive_a compliance_n with_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o the_o omission_n of_o that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v and_o put_v within_o our_o power_n for_o resist_v of_o these_o evil_n which_o if_o yield_v to_o and_o not_o withstand_v will_v bring_v our_o child_n and_o they_o after_o they_o into_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n idolatry_n superstition_n and_o profaneness_n from_o which_o â—od_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n deliver_v we_o we_o there_fw-mi have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o child_n or_o those_o that_o be_v come_v after_o we_o which_o we_o know_v the_o neglect_n of_o these_o mean_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n will_v bring_v upon_o we_o and_o make_v we_o accessory_a to_o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a what_o advance_v and_o progress_n these_o time_n have_v make_v in_o the_o foresay_a evil_n since_o prelacy_n reenter_v among_o we_o and_o what_o further_a length_n they_o will_v have_v go_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o the_o obstruction_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o from_o the_o gospel_n preach_v by_o 2_o persecute_a and_o despise_a hand_n full_a in_o who_o the_o foo_o lishnes_n of_o preach_v have_v be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o this_o church_n 3._o although_o the_o solemn_a tie_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o which_o these_o nation_n once_o come_v be_v decry_v and_o all_o endeavour_n use_v that_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o these_o land_n to_o disannul_v disgrace_n and_o make_v they_o void_a yet_o find_v on_o the_o exact_a search_n we_o have_v make_v that_o they_o remain_v in_o â—orce_n on_o we_o and_o this_o church_n either_o to_o the_o duty_n contain_v in_o they_o or_o else_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o plague_n denunce_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o covenant_n breaker_n we_o can_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o will_v bring_v we_o under_o so_o heinous_a and_o land-destroying_a sin_n as_o covenant_n break_v and_o perjury_n which_o we_o can_v evite_v if_o either_o we_o comply_v with_o the_o corruption_n eject_v by_o these_o covenant_n out_o of_o this_o church_n on_o do_v not_o in_o our_o station_n and_o capacity_n according_a 〈◊〉_d our_o power_n active_o withstand_v and_o oppose_v the_o same_o and_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o preservation_n and_o advancement_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n as_o it_o be_v at_o our_o take_n on_o of_o these_o obligation_n which_o bind_v we_o not_o only_o to_o negative_n or_o non-complyances_a with_o the_o eject_v corruption_n but_o to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o these_o concern_v in_o our_o capacity_n according_a to_o our_o power_n albeit_o this_o seem_v light_a to_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o to_o we_o for_o till_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o covenant_n be_v disprove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v to_o appear_v to_o be_v unrighteous_a antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n of_o man_n which_o none_o have_v yet_o do_v we_o must_v judge_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o they_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o they_o contain_v in_o this_o present_a case_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v not_o so_o far_o as_o our_o knowledge_n lead_v we_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o furder_v and_o advance_v of_o the_o eject_v corruption_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n set_v ourselves_o in_o our_o station_n against_o they_o lest_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o plague_n that_o god_n have_v threaten_v 〈◊〉_d word_n against_o they_o we_o shall_v to_o â—onider_v next_o some_o of_o these_o exception_n most_o condign_o use_v against_o we_o with_o which_o we_o be_v public_o and_o private_o brand_v and_o stigmatise_v 〈◊〉_d render_v we_o odious_a and_o hateful_a to_o all_o excepâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n i_o that_o we_o refuse_v to_o give_v that_o obedience_n to_o 〈◊〉_d magistrate_n his_o law_n and_o command_n that_o unâ—â—â—_n the_o â—â—ine_n of_o damnation_n be_v enjoin_v to_o all_o subâ—â—â—_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answer_n because_o this_o 〈◊〉_d the_o constant_a cry_n of_o our_o opposer_n and_o give_v for_o the_o â—â—ounâ—_n of_o thes_n reproache_n of_o dissoyalty_n rebellion_n 〈◊〉_d â—edition_n so_o unjust_o cast_v upon_o we_o we_o therefore_o most_o earnest_o beg_v of_o all_o they_o will_v weigh_v impartial_o the_o follow_a answer_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n first_o as_o we_o chearfullie_o grant_v magistracy_n to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o by_o divine_a institution_n to_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o all_o especial_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o those_o clothe_v therewith_o and_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o their_o lawful_a and_o just_a command_n so_o we_o complean_o of_o no_o little_a injustice_n do_v to_o we_o by_o our_o adversary_n who_o for_o our_o nonobedience_n to_o the_o present_a law_n about_o prelacy_n do_v charge_v we_o with_o be_v enemy_n to_o magistracy_n and_o disloyal_a to_o they_o that_o be_v now_o invest_v there_o with_o contrare_fw-la to_o our_o know_a doctrine_n anent_o this_o matter_n present_v to_o the_o world_n in_o our_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n yet_o extant_a among_o we_o and_o our_o constant_a practice_n conform_v thereto_o if_o simple_a nonobedience_n in_o some_o particular_n that_o grieve_v the_o conscience_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o this_o charge_n will_v not_o the_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hold_v guilty_a of_o disloyalty_n and_o sedition_n who_o for_o not_o obey_v of_o magistrate_n in_o their_o sinful_a command_n have_v suffer_v grievous_a and_o hard_a thing_n none_o can_v on_o this_o ground_n condemn_v we_o but_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o justify_v the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o condemn_v they_o if_o our_o reason_n for_o nonobedience_n in_o our_o case_n be_v take_v from_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o authority_n and_o our_o ruler_n claim_v thereto_o the_o charge_n be_v most_o just_a but_o see_v they_o be_v bring_v from_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o matter_n command_v while_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n and_o grant_v obedience_n thereto_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n how_o malicious_a and_o unjust_a
etc._n etc._n therefore_o minister_n may_v not_o do_v it_o for_o although_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o imperative_fw-it power_n over_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o privative_a of_o any_o power_n in_o other_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o their_o station_n and_o office_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o determine_n of_o the_o circumstance_n in_o government_n we_o reply_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o these_o first_o some_o extrinsic_a and_o not_o in_o themselves_o simple_o necessare_fw-la although_o convenient_a as_o church_n of_o such_o and_o such_o form_n pulpit_n ornament_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a use_n civil_a belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v direct_o under_o his_o power_n to_o order_n and_o dispose_v next_o 2._o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n intrinsic_a to_o the_o action_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n and_o so_o connect_v therewith_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o necessity_n that_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o and_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o divine_a command_n on_o which_o the_o morality_n of_o individual_a action_n as_o to_o their_o goodness_n and_o evil_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la do_v depend_v as_o such_o and_o such_o person_n doctrine_n time_n place_n help_n etc._n etc._n which_o all_o moralist_n and_o divine_n make_v to_o specify_v all_o humane_a action_n as_o to_o their_o morality_n in_o individuo_fw-la of_o these_o we_o assert_v that_o the_o determination_n of_o they_o as_o they_o respect_v worship_n and_o government_n and_o be_v connect_v with_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n we_o have_v give_v some_o reason_n for_o this_o before_o as_o 1._o we_o see_v command_v give_v to_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n 1._o cor._n 14.2_o if_o the_o determination_n of_o these_o be_v in_o the_o magistrate_n power_n it_o shall_v be_v likewise_o in_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v impede_fw-la and_o obstruct_v all_o right_a worship_n and_o government_n in_o its_o exercise_n at_o his_o pleasure_n for_o whoever_o have_v these_o thing_n in_o his_o power_n without_o which_o the_o action_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n can_v be_v perform_v have_v the_o action_n in_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v or_o not_o 3_o the_o consequence_n of_o grant_v this_o to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v mischievous_a for_o by_o this_o if_o he_o do_v not_o whole_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n yet_o he_o may_v restrict_n and_o limit_v it_o so_o as_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o dreadful_a unfaithfulness_n in_o their_o ministry_n or_o office_n he_o may_v bind_v they_o up_o from_o preach_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n that_o at_o such_o and_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o case_n god_n call_v they_o to_o preach_v as_o for_o the_o 3._o instance_n for_o indict_v of_o day_n for_o solemn_a fast_n and_o humiliation_n or_o of_o thanksgiving_n we_o say_v that_o we_o reckon_v it_o among_o these_o common_a duty_n of_o religion_n that_o every_o chirstian_a in_o his_o station_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o observe_v and_o according_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n to_o see_v they_o observe_v by_o other_o under_o they_o when_o the_o dispensation_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n call_v they_o to_o these_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o word_n so_o that_o all_o christian_n in_o their_o several_a capacity_n office_n power_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o same_o have_v the_o power_n of_o indict_v and_o keep_v of_o such_o time_n and_o day_n as_o master_n in_o family_n pastor_n in_o congregation_n or_o in_o their_o association_n and_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o magistrate_n master_n of_o family_n etc._n etc._n their_o indict_v of_o such_o day_n for_o divine_a exercise_n be_v a_o act_n of_o church_n power_n although_o it_o be_v such_o in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o it_o come_v from_o they_o no_o more_o than_o other_o rebuke_v exhort_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o act_n of_o church_n authority_n and_o power_n although_o it_o be_v so_o from_o they_o 2._o that_o it_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o indict_v day_n of_o public_a fasting_n or_o of_o thanksgiving_n &_o not_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n where_o have_v our_o antagonist_n learn_v this_o we_o grant_v the_o magistrate_n participat_v with_o other_o in_o this_o power_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o duty_n the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o the_o word_n empower_n other_o in_o their_o capacity_n as_o much_o as_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v this_o out_o we_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o more_o harmony_n in_o this_o public_a work_n and_o convenient_a follow_v of_o it_o with_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n do_v previous_o consult_v and_o agree_v about_o public_a fast_n and_o thanksgiving_n but_o to_o affirm_v this_o to_o the_o privation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o obligation_n lay_v on_o other_o anent_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o encroachment_n on_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o other_o but_o a_o lose_n of_o these_o bond_n with_o which_o god_n have_v tie_v they_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o creature_n obj._n 4._o see_v minister_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o magistrate_n when_o require_v of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n will_v it_o not_o follow_v they_o be_v subordinat_a to_o he_o in_o so_o far_o in_o its_o exercise_n ans_fw-fr no_o way_n for_o 1._o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o do_v the_o like_a to_o all_o other_o over_o who_o they_o be_v set_v and_o do_v rule_v when_o their_o carriage_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v stumble_v and_o offensive_a to_o they_o to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v both_o by_o general_n and_o particular_a precept_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v subordinat_a to_o such_o 2._o the_o magistrate_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o profess_a subjection_n to_o christ_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o act_n in_o his_o government_n to_o minister_n and_o other_o when_o he_o prove_v scandalous_a and_o offensive_a which_o many_o of_o they_o have_v do_v to_o this_o they_o be_v obliedge_v both_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o promise_a subjection_n to_o the_o word_n its_o ordinance_n and_o christ_n servant_n dispense_n the_o same_o and_o likewise_o on_o the_o account_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n that_o bind_v all_o not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v the_o prevent_n but_o remove_v of_o offence_n when_o give_v to_o which_o the_o magistrate_n be_v as_o incident_a in_o his_o capacity_n as_o other_o as_o alas_o sad_a experience_n put_v beyond_o debate_n obj._n 5._o but_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o exercise_n be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o act_n do_v he_o not_o act_v about_o those_o imperial_o and_o architectonice_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v he_o not_o supreme_a to_o &_o above_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o subordinat_a to_o he_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o great_a seem_a strength_n but_o on_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o its_o weakness_n will_v soon_o appear_v we_o yield_v without_o any_o advantage_n to_o our_o enemy_n cause_n that_o what_o the_o magistrate_n do_v as_o such_o about_o church_n matter_n and_o officer_n he_o do_v it_o imperial_o and_o with_o dominion_n and_o as_o they_o use_v to_o speak_v architectonice_n but_o what_o then_o it_o prove_v the_o person_n to_o be_v subordinat_a to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o these_o his_o act_n but_o not_o the_o power_n in_o its_o exercise_n nor_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v for_o 1._o the_o magistrate_n when_o he_o by_o his_o irreligious_a and_o unjust_a carriage_n in_o his_o office_n or_o other_o way_n become_v notorious_o scandalous_a to_o the_o church_n be_v liable_a to_o ministerial_a admonition_n rebuke_n seclusion_n from_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v thereby_o subordinat_a to_o church_n power_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o exerce_v it_o about_o he_o and_o yet_o the_o magistratical_a power_n and_o its_o exercise_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o they_o whatever_o resistance_n our_o opposite_n make_v to_o this_o mutual_a subordination_n of_o the_o person_n of_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n yet_o they_o must_v either_o deny_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o its_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o minister_n or_o else_o yield_v this_o truth_n be_v it_o not_o clear_a in_o other_o power_n or_o relation_n as_o suppone_v one_o be_v both_o a_o magistrate_n and_o a_o son_n
be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o reciprocal_a subordination_n and_o superiority_n of_o person_n with_o a_o coordination_n of_o power_n as_o be_v hint_v above_o we_o plead_v no_o more_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o we_o grant_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o other_o respect_n betwixt_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n they_o act_n as_o mere_a servant_n without_o all_o dominion_n in_o they_o he_o with_o dominion_n and_o magistratical_a authority_n over_o the_o person_n of_o minister_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o power_n be_v coordinat_fw-la and_o in_o their_o exercise_n not_o direct_o subject_a to_o one_o another_o 2._o these_o power_n their_o exercise_n and_o respective_a object_n become_v reciprocal_o the_o object_n of_o one_o another_o as_o the_o ministry_n and_o its_o object_n be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o object_n of_o his_o power_n be_v likewise_o a_o part_n of_o the_o object_n about_o which_o minister_n exercise_v their_o power_n under_o different_a formality_n and_o specification_n there_o arise_v or_o result_v not_o only_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o a_o mutual_a subserviency_n to_o one_o another_o in_o advancing_z of_o their_o respective_a end_n but_o likewise_o a_o indirect_a subordination_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n without_o any_o dependence_n of_o these_o power_n upon_o one_o another_o but_o this_o subordination_n be_v only_o of_o the_o person_n and_o not_o of_o the_o power_n which_o by_o be_v the_o mutual_a object_n of_o one_o another_o power_n do_v not_o subject_a the_o power_n and_o its_o exercise_n but_o only_o the_o person_n for_o any_o thing_n or_o power_n become_v the_o object_n of_o another_o do_v not_o subordinat_a it_o to_o that_o power_n the_o word_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o by_o be_v the_o object_n either_o of_o the_o ministerial_a or_o the_o magistratical_a power_n subordinate_v or_o subject_a thereto_o so_o that_o the_o ministerial_a power_n its_o exercise_n and_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o converse_v be_v not_o by_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n subordinate_v to_o it_o this_o break_v the_o force_n of_o our_o adversary_n argument_n which_o lie_v main_o in_o this_o obj._n 6._o it_o be_v only_o this_o sort_n of_o supremacy_n and_o subordination_n that_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n do_v mean_a ans_fw-fr it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o act_n for_o it_o be_v the_o church_n assembly_n their_o proper_a matter_n their_o constitution_n the_o intrinsic_a obligation_n of_o their_o conclusion_n that_o be_v subordinate_v to_o the_o magistrate_n so_o that_o all_o be_v nothing_o without_o he_o obj._n 7._o all_o divine_v even_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n grant_v the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v supreme_a in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n ecclesiastical_a none_o of_o they_o scruple_n to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o that_o kingdom_n ans_fw-fr all_o divine_n do_v not_o grant_v this_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o many_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v it_o be_v not_o yield_v by_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_n in_o the_o sense_n controvert_v among_o we_o neither_o can_v it_o see_v it_o quyt_v overthrow_n all_o church_n government_n in_o its_o distinction_n from_o and_o independency_n on_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o the_o know_a principle_n both_o of_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_n and_o if_o the_o prelate_n themselves_o dare_v speak_v their_o mind_n conform_v to_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o will_v not_o in_o this_o differ_v from_o we_o as_o thorndike_n more_o free_a and_o engenuous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o party_n do_v declaim_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n as_o the_o great_a cry_a sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o to_o a_o excess_n will_v assert_v all_o and_o much_o more_o than_o we_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o offend_v the_o magistrate_n on_o who_o now_o they_o whole_o depend_v and_o who_o creature_n they_o only_o areâ—_n which_o have_v in_o our_o time_n reconcile_v the_o prelatical_a and_o erastian_n principle_n at_o least_o in_o appearance_n that_o be_v most_o contrare_fw-la to_o and_z distant_a from_o one_o another_o yea_o more_o than_o they_o and_o we_o and_o although_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n yet_o it_o be_v with_o such_o explication_n allow_v &_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o magistrate_n that_o give_v it_o a_o sound_a sense_n which_o be_v stumble_v and_o scruple_v at_o both_o in_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n time_n till_o its_o sense_n be_v explicat_fw-la and_o allow_v as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o instruction_n give_v to_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n by_o queen_n elizabeth_n for_o administrate_v the_o say_a oath_n &_o bishop_n usher_v explanation_n of_o it_o approven_v by_o king_n james_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v understand_v &_o take_v to_o this_o day_n among_o they_o but_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n aright_o and_o to_o avoid_v the_o labyrinth_n of_o generality_n &_o ambiguity_n with_o which_o some_o divine_n perplex_v &_o intricat_v it_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_v proper_a supremacy_n one_o civil_a and_o another_o ecclesiastical_a about_o church_n power_n meeting_n and_o matter_n 2_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o cause_n of_o those_o they_o call_v ecclesiastical_a some_o that_o be_v only_o extrinsical_o such_o but_o in_o their_o nature_n immediate_a end_n and_o use_n civil_a that_o for_o their_o more_o remote_a end_n and_o respect_n to_o thing_n true_o and_o proper_o sacred_a be_v call_v ecclesiastical_a as_o law_n make_v for_o the_o church_n &_o she_o concern_v outward_a liberty_n and_o peace_n external_a reward_n and_o punishment_n etc._n etc._n again_o some_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a be_v intrinsical_o and_o formal_o such_o as_o who_o shall_v preach_v the_o gospel_n &_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o ministry_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v depose_v from_o it_o who_o shall_v be_v rebuke_v admonish_v and_o excommunicate_v or_o receive_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n &_o c._n 3_o the_o term_n cause_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o physical_a but_o moral_a and_o juridical_a sense_n that_o be_v for_o question_n to_o be_v decide_v by_o those_o who_o be_v impower_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n to_o this_o work_n 4_o cause_n or_o question_n as_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o power_n &_o its_o exercise_n be_v either_o proper_a and_o immediate_a or_o else_o improper_a and_o remote_a hence_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o thing_n or_o cause_n proper_o civil_a relate_v to_o cause_n and_o person_n ecclesiastical_a the_o judicial_a cognition_n and_o definitive_a judgement_n of_o these_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o admit_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n &_o declare_v ourselves_o willing_a to_o take_v it_o which_o be_v refuse_v we_o 2_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o supreme_a governor_n in_o cause_n and_o over_o person_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a this_o we_o assert_v belong_v to_o christ_n jesus_n only_o and_o not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v above_o this_o be_v the_o supremacy_n we_o deny_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o for_o which_o we_o have_v decline_v to_o take_v the_o oath_n anent_o it_o that_o be_v now_o establish_a law_n be_v persuade_v for_o the_o reason_n former_o give_v that_o this_o be_v the_o supremacy_n grant_v by_o law_n and_o understand_v in_o this_o oath_n but3_n that_o cause_n and_o person_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a be_v not_o the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n but_o only_o improper_a and_o remote_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o christ_n law_n give_v to_o the_o church_n the_o judicial_a cognition_n and_o definitive_a judgement_n about_o these_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n part_v to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o determine_v who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o who_o not_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o of_o other_o cause_n and_o question_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n obj._n then_o the_o magistrate_n in_o protect_v countenance_v and_o further_a of_o the_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n by_o the_o sword_n must_v be_v a_o blind_a executer_n of_o they_o ans_fw-fr this_o must_v be_v say_v