we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v why_o this_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o warn_v the_o member_n of_o our_o several_a congregation_n to_o make_v complaint_n to_o the_o eldership_n of_o those_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v further_o deal_v with_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o offence_n may_v deserve_v we_o be_v full_o assure_v from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o excommunication_n be_v god_n ordinance_n appoint_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o scandalous_a and_o as_o you_o yourselves_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o your_o paper_n and_o be_v a_o spiritual_a punishment_n for_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n may_v be_v more_o available_a for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o thorough_a humiliation_n of_o the_o offender_n than_o any_o corporal_a or_o pecuniary_a mulct_n that_o reach_v but_o the_o outward_a man_n can_v be_v and_o as_o it_o be_v 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present_a government_n in_o any_o church_n or_o assembly_n of_o saint_n but_o where_o our_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v erect_v entire_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o no_o more_o than_o we_o shall_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n in_o who_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o some_o integral_a part_n or_o in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o superfluous_a member_n but_o as_o when_o antichristianism_n so_o overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o dark_a time_n before_o the_o reformation_n god_n preserve_v a_o church_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n though_o not_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o many_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n even_o among_o the_o papist_n themselves_o so_o there_o be_v some_o of_o christ_n government_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o worst_a time_n though_o not_o entire_o nor_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o much_o corruption_n in_o that_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o yet_o if_o you_o consult_v antiquity_n you_o will_v
church_n lawful_a pastor_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o excommunicate_v such_o offender_n 3._o for_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n admonition_n private_a and_o public_a be_v to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n mat._n 18._o but_o if_o they_o still_o continue_v and_o will_v not_o reform_v the_o church_n lawful_a pastor_n have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v such_o thus_o far_o we_o accord_v in_o judgement_n touch_v the_o way_n of_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a and_o reform_v wicked_a person_n and_o schismatical_a which_o course_n be_v so_o full_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o waver_v and_o unsettle_a in_o our_o apprehension_n of_o the_o case_n as_o to_o submit_v either_o it_o or_o they_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n to_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o general_n council_n 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excommunication_n or_o other_o church_n censure_v your_o eldership_n can_v any_o way_n pretend_v unto_o there_o be_v other_o part_n of_o your_o paper_n do_v remain_v likewise_o dark_a which_o we_o desire_v may_v be_v make_v plain_a unto_o we_o for_o whereas_o you_o say_v there_o be_v many_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n etc._n etc._n that_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o live_v as_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n our_o quaeres_fw-la thereupon_o be_v 1._o why_o government_n in_o singulari_fw-la be_v there_o no_o ecclesiastical_a government_n but_o you_o may_v not_o another_o church_n have_v its_o government_n different_a from_o you_o yet_o not_o different_a from_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n calvin_n say_v yea_o scimus_fw-la enim_fw-la unicuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o according_o there_o be_v other_o church_n in_o england_n different_a in_o government_n from_o you_o and_o as_o good_a as_o you_o but_o if_o you_o say_v you_o be_v the_o government_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o christ_n own_o government_n more_o immediate_o and_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la which_o you_o so_o much_o defend_v then_o why_o the_o present_a be_v there_o no_o present_a government_n in_o any_o church_n or_o assembly_n of_o saint_n but_o where_o your_o discipline_n be_v erect_v be_v all_o the_o rest_n at_o present_a without_o government_n or_o where_o have_v you_o be_v this_o 1500._o year_n pass_v till_o this_o present_a have_v antichristianism_n so_o overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n own_o government_n can_v never_o get_v foot_v till_o this_o present_a but_o now_o subjection_n be_v require_v thereto_o of_o all_o yet_o many_o of_o all_o sort_n will_v not_o subject_a but_o live_v as_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n our_o next_o quaere_fw-la be_v what_o must_v all_o 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est_fw-la quia_fw-la
county_n of_o lancaster_n into_o nine_o classical_a presbytery_n represent_v from_o the_o say_a county_n and_o it_o be_v further_o resolve_v that_o the_o say_a house_n do_v approve_v of_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o person_n represent_v from_o the_o county_n of_o lancaster_n as_o fit_a to_o be_v of_o the_o several_a and_o respective_a class_n into_o which_o the_o say_a county_n be_v divide_v which_o division_n of_o this_o county_n into_o nine_o classical_a presbytery_n and_o the_o approval_n thereof_o by_o the_o say_a lord_n and_o commons_o be_v forthwith_o print_v and_o publish_v in_o this_o division_n so_o make_v and_o approve_v the_o first_o classis_fw-la be_v to_o contain_v manchester_n parish_n prestwich_n parish_n oldham_n parish_n flixton_n parish_n eccles_n parish_n and_o ashton_n under-line_n parish_n as_o by_o what_o be_v then_o print_v and_o be_v yet_o extant_a be_v to_o be_v see_v further_o we_o wish_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o in_o your_o forementioned_a direction_n pag._n 3._o direction_n 6._o it_o be_v there_o thus_o ordain_v that_o all_o parish_n and_o place_n whatsoever_o as_o well_o privilege_v place_n and_o exempt_a jurisdiction_n as_o other_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o government_n of_o congregational_a classical_a and_o national_a assembly_n provide_v that_o the_o chapel_n or_o place_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o peer_n of_o this_o realm_n shall_v continue_v free_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o directory_n and_o also_o that_o it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n decemb._n 21._o 1646._o that_o the_o several_a class_n in_o lancashire_n shall_v be_v one_o province_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o order_n to_o that_o purpose_n as_o there_o be_v also_o another_o order_n of_o they_o of_o octob._n 16._o 1648._o enable_v the_o several_a class_n within_o this_o province_n to_o send_v their_o delegate_n to_o meet_v in_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n in_o preston_n and_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o their_o first_o meeting_n the_o number_n of_o the_o delegate_n that_o be_v to_o be_v send_v to_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o the_o quorum_fw-la of_o the_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o provision_n that_o have_v be_v make_v before_o by_o the_o parliament_n before_o any_o provincial_a assembly_n can_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o authority_n be_v enable_v to_o act_v provincial_o by_o which_o account_n thus_o give_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o set_n up_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o this_o county_n the_o division_n of_o it_o into_o several_a class_n the_o make_v of_o those_o class_n into_o a_o province_n and_o their_o act_v provincial_o as_o also_o the_o appoint_v this_o classis_fw-la to_o be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v the_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o number_n only_o the_o account_n beginning_n here_o be_v all_o do_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o when_o we_o call_v ourselves_o the_o first_o classis_fw-la within_o the_o province_n of_o lancaster_n we_o be_v awarrant_v thereto_o by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n and_o so_o your_o salute_v we_o in_o our_o own_o term_n which_o we_o give_v not_o to_o ourselves_o till_o the_o parliament_n have_v first_o give_v they_o to_o we_o will_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o they_o that_o then_o do_v or_o now_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o authority_n and_o power_n which_o the_o parliament_n exercise_v in_o those_o time_n especial_o consider_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v since_o either_o by_o that_o parliament_n or_o any_o other_o or_o by_o his_o highness_n and_o the_o last_o parliament_n that_o take_v from_o we_o what_o be_v then_o grant_v and_o as_o we_o shall_v clear_v further_o anon_o in_o your_o preface_n to_o what_o in_o your_o paper_n you_o have_v to_o say_v unto_o we_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o mistake_n of_o that_o title_n which_o be_v give_v by_o we_o unto_o we_o which_o you_o call_v a_o paper_n draught_n for_o it_o be_v not_o by_o we_o entitle_v a_o presentation_n as_o you_o call_v it_o but_o a_o draught_n that_o represent_v to_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n our_o apprehension_n in_o a_o case_n by_o they_o propound_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o provincial_n under_o the_o title_n of_o a_o representation_n but_o this_o perhaps_o be_v but_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o we_o insist_v not_o on_o it_o it_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o you_o publish_v as_o your_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o not_o rest_v in_o the_o judgement_n or_o determination_n of_o any_o general_a council_n contrary_a thereunto_o if_o any_o such_o shall_v be_v much_o less_o to_o one_o of_o our_o provincial_a assembly_n although_o you_o tell_v we_o we_o seem_v to_o submit_v to_o our_o provincial_n what_o we_o will_v hardly_o grant_v to_o a_o general_a council_n in_o which_o you_o profess_v to_o differ_v from_o we_o we_o know_v very_o well_o and_o have_v learn_v better_a from_o the_o scripture_n then_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o company_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n whatsoever_o or_o to_o build_v our_o faith_n on_o the_o judgement_n of_o synod_n provincial_a or_o national_a or_o of_o general_a council_n that_o have_v be_v heretofore_o or_o that_o may_v be_v hereafter_o we_o be_v sure_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o sure_a and_o certain_a grace_n must_v have_v a_o sure_a and_o certain_a foundation_n which_o be_v only_o the_o infallible_a and_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o this_o only_o be_v your_o meaning_n you_o have_v not_o we_o differ_v from_o you_o but_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o synod_n and_o council_n right_o constitute_v and_o regular_o call_v as_o they_o may_v be_v then_o of_o great_a use_n for_o light_n and_o guidance_n so_o also_o that_o they_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o by_o he_o invest_v with_o authority_n and_o so_o have_v a_o authoritative_a judgement_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o which_o be_v not_o in_o private_a person_n we_o dare_v not_o contemn_v they_o nor_o speak_v slight_o of_o they_o and_o see_v the_o high_a assembly_n have_v great_a authority_n than_o the_o low_a as_o there_o be_v more_o power_n in_o the_o whole_a then_o in_o the_o part_n in_o the_o whole_a body_n then_o in_o any_o one_o or_o some_o member_n and_o that_o however_o we_o be_v well_o enough_o satisfy_v that_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o class_n yet_o we_o be_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n we_o see_v not_o wherein_o we_o offend_v that_o we_o submit_v our_o apprehension_n in_o the_o case_n propound_v by_o that_o assembly_n unto_o we_o unto_o their_o judgement_n there_o be_v concern_v matter_n of_o religion_n judicium_fw-la privatum_fw-la or_o a_o private_a judgement_n and_o this_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v to_o fee_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o judge_n concern_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o judgement_n as_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o ourselves_o so_o we_o shall_v lord_n it_o over_o man_n conscience_n if_o we_o shall_v deny_v it_o to_o any_o there_o be_v also_o judicium_fw-la publicum_fw-la &_o authoritativum_fw-la a_o public_a and_o a_o authoritative_a judgement_n and_o this_o be_v either_o concional_a which_o belong_v to_o every_o lawful_a minister_n to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n be_v commit_v by_o himself_o single_o or_o else_o it_o be_v juridical_a and_o this_o belong_v to_o synod_n and_o council_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o discipline_n be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o inquire_v into_o try_v examine_v censure_n and_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n authoritative_o although_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o such_o proceed_n as_o judge_n to_o the_o law_n &_o likewise_o to_o censure_v offender_n according_a to_o their_o merit_n when_o such_o case_n be_v regular_o and_o orderly_o bring_v before_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o we_o submit_v our_o apprehension_n in_o the_o paper_n publish_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o we_o believe_v when_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1._o cor._n 14.32_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v mat._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v practise_v by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o who_o upon_o occasion_n of_o a_o contest_v that_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n about_o a_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n be_v send_v up_o from_o that_o church_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o that_o question_n from_o these_o and_o other_o scriptural_a ground_n we_o have_v
their_o office_n in_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o sides-man_n even_o to_o this_o day_n and_o so_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o premise_n consider_v and_o that_o we_o be_v command_v not_o to_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a though_o it_o be_v of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o example_n and_o practice_n though_o it_o be_v of_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v no_o far_o a_o rule_n for_o we_o than_o they_o follow_v christ_n and_o as_o their_o example_n be_v approve_v of_o in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o the_o universality_n and_o long_a continuedness_n of_o such_o practice_n whereas_o you_o say_v that_o you_o pray_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o church_n government_n as_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n we_o believe_v you_o may_v cut_v the_o matter_n a_o great_a deal_n short_a and_o say_v that_o you_o be_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o that_o government_n that_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o on_o which_o only_a faith_n must_v be_v build_v and_o into_o which_o at_o last_o be_v resolve_v when_o other_o record_n of_o antiquity_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o ancient_a as_o it_o be_v have_v be_v search_v into_o never_o so_o much_o shall_v determine_v what_o that_o be_v and_o so_o those_o wearisome_a and_o endless_a dispute_n about_o what_o be_v the_o universal_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n and_o which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v find_v out_o in_o any_o good_a measure_n of_o probability_n for_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n after_o christ_n can_v never_o yet_o be_v so_o far_o issue_v as_o to_o be_v a_o sure_a bottom_n whereon_o our_o faith_n may_v safe_o rest_v may_v be_v cut_v off_o it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a rule_n and_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o factum_fw-la be_v not_o to_o prescribe_v against_o the_o jus_n the_o practice_n against_o the_o right_n or_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n the_o safe_a course_n for_o all_o to_o bring_v all_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o sure_a and_o infallible_a standard_n and_o touchstone_n the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o after_o you_o have_v more_o serious_o weigh_v the_o matter_n and_o remember_v how_o you_o profess_v that_o in_o the_o matter_n you_o propose_v in_o your_o paper_n you_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n or_o determination_n of_o any_o general_a council_n of_o the_o eastern_a or_o western_a church_n determine_v contrary_a to_o what_o you_o be_v persuade_v be_v so_o full_o warrant_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n although_o what_o that_o be_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v resolve_v by_o a_o general_a council_n then_o by_o yourselves_o the_o proposal_n of_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o controversy_n about_o church-government_n can_v we_o think_v in_o reason_n be_v deny_v by_o you_o and_o we_o with_o you_o shall_v hearty_o pray_v that_o the_o church-government_n which_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n may_v be_v establish_v in_o these_o land_n although_o we_o must_v also_o profess_v that_o we_o believe_v that_o that_o government_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o authority_n and_o which_o we_o exercise_v be_v for_o the_o substantial_o of_o it_o this_o government_n &_o which_o we_o judge_v also_o to_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v some_o entrance_n make_v by_o the_o late_a parliament_n in_o regard_n of_o establish_v this_o government_n by_o ordinance_n as_o the_o church-government_n of_o these_o nation_n and_o as_o to_o the_o put_v those_o ordinance_n in_o execution_n there_o have_v be_v some_o beginning_n in_o the_o province_n of_o london_n the_o province_n of_o this_o county_n and_o in_o some_o other_o place_n throughout_o the_o land_n so_o when_o there_o shall_v be_v the_o opportunity_n offer_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v want_v by_o petition_v or_o otherways_o to_o use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o settle_v throughout_o these_o land_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o as_o to_o government_n in_o the_o church_n any_o long_o continue_v as_o a_o city_n without_o wall_n and_o a_o vineyard_n without_o a_o hedge_n and_o so_o to_o the_o undo_n of_o our_o posterity_n endanger_v religion_n to_o be_v quite_o lose_v and_o upon_o which_o consideration_n we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v that_o all_o conscientious_a and_o moderate_a spirit_a man_n throughout_o the_o land_n though_o of_o different_a principle_n whether_o of_o the_o episcopal_a or_o congregational_a way_n will_v bend_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v to_o accommodate_v with_o we_o in_o point_n of_o practice_n in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o good_a a_o progress_n make_v by_o the_o late_a assembly_n as_o to_o those_o that_o be_v for_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o as_o we_o think_v also_o all_o those_o that_o be_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o late_a prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o exercise_v and_o that_o be_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lare_fw-la primate_n of_o ireland_n in_o his_o reduction_n of_o episcopacy_n unto_o the_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n mention_v before_o may_v do_v if_o they_o will_v come_v up_o towards_o we_o so_o far_o as_o we_o judge_v their_o principle_n will_v allow_v they_o as_o we_o do_v also_o profess_v that_o however_o we_o can_v consent_v to_o part_v with_o the_o rule_v elder_a unless_o we_o shall_v betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n rom._n 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o as_o we_o judge_v and_o dare_v not_o give_v any_o like_a consent_n to_o admit_v of_o a_o moderate_a episcopacy_n for_o fear_v of_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o pastor_n right_a and_o whereof_o late_o sad_a experience_n lesson_n we_o to_o beware_v as_o we_o judge_v also_o that_o the_o superiority_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o presbyter_n in_o degree_n which_o some_o maintain_v be_v no_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o so_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n in_o that_o respect_n to_o caution_n against_o it_o yet_o we_o do_v here_o profess_v we_o shall_v so_o far_o as_o will_v consist_v with_o our_o principle_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n be_v ready_a to_o abate_v or_o tolerate_v much_o for_o peace_n sake_n that_o so_o at_o the_o length_n all_o party_n throughout_o the_o land_n that_o have_v any_o soundness_n in_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v sober_a and_o godly_a though_o of_o different_a judgement_n in_o lesser_a matter_n be_v weary_a of_o their_o division_n may_v fall_v in_o the_o neck_n one_o of_o another_o with_o mutual_a embrace_n and_o kiss_n and_o so_o at_o last_o through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n there_o may_v be_v a_o happy_a closure_n of_o breach_n and_o restore_v of_o peace_n and_o union_n in_o this_o poor_a unsettled_a rend_v and_o distract_a church_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n throughout_o all_o the_o church_n but_o now_o as_o to_o you_o and_o what_o follow_v in_o your_o paper_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n till_o this_o can_v be_v accomplish_v and_o for_o which_o we_o shall_v hearty_o pray_v we_o can_v but_o judge_n that_o such_o as_o be_v within_o our_o bound_n and_o live_v as_o lawless_a person_n contemn_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o so_o out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n and_o of_o which_o sort_n you_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o among_o we_o however_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o law_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o civil_a sword_n as_o needs_o they_o must_v be_v yet_o be_v such_o as_o be_v just_o censurable_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o government_n we_o do_v not_o think_v they_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o be_v reach_v by_o that_o ecclesiastical_a sword_n as_o you_o phrase_v it_o which_o both_o god_n and_o the_o civil_a authority_n have_v entrust_v we_o with_o and_o as_o we_o be_v far_o from_o contemn_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o shall_v therefore_o out_o of_o due_a respect_n unto_o it_o and_o that_o the_o lawless_a may_v be_v curb_v be_v ready_a not_o only_a ourselves_o as_o we_o have_v a_o call_v but_o also_o warn_v other_o as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n to_o make_v complaint_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n that_o so_o such_o offender_n be_v punish_v by_o corporal_a and_o pecuniary_a mulct_n to_o the_o suppression_n of_o wickedness_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o man_n life_n and_o manner_n yet_o
authority_n for_o regulate_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n for_o these_o cause_n shall_v not_o be_v denounce_v against_o they_o these_o thing_n this_o classis_fw-la take_v into_o consideration_n together_o with_o the_o power_n they_o be_v betrust_v with_o by_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o dispence_a the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o case_n censurable_a by_o the_o rule_v here_o lay_v down_o and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o provincial_n assembly_n several_a debate_n touch_v such_o person_n as_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a who_o offer_v not_o themselves_o to_o the_o sacrament_n not_o to_o the_o eldership_n in_o order_n to_o their_o admission_n to_o it_o and_o they_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o several_a classical_a presbytery_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o whether_o some_o further_a course_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o other_o then_o yet_o have_v be_v take_v notwithstanding_o their_o neglect_n and_o what_o they_o judge_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o attain_v those_o end_n and_o to_o represent_v their_o thought_n therein_o to_o the_o next_o assembly_n this_o classis_fw-la upon_o the_o whole_a conclude_v to_o represent_v their_o apprehension_n in_o the_o case_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o paper_n that_o be_v publish_v which_o be_v approve_v of_o before_o by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o which_o they_o judge_v be_v sufficient_o awarrant_v in_o regard_n of_o any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v by_o the_o rule_v express_v in_o the_o above_o mention_v form_n of_o church_n government_n we_o have_v thus_o far_o show_v what_o we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v awarrant_v to_o practice_n by_o the_o several_a ordinance_n above_o mention_v we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v further_a to_o declare_v that_o however_o we_o be_v no_o lawyer_n and_o therefore_o leave_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n to_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n to_o judge_v of_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v yet_o if_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o judge_v of_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o that_o the_o above_o mention_v ordinance_n about_o church_n government_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o humble_a advice_n assent_v unto_o by_o his_o highness_n in_o the_o 16._o section_n thereof_o where_o we_o find_v these_o word_n and_o that_o nothing_o contain_v in_o this_o petition_n and_o advice_n nor_o your_o highness_n consent_n thereunto_o shall_v be_v construe_v to_o extend_v to_o the_o repeal_n or_o make_v void_a of_o any_o act_n or_o ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a hereunto_o or_o to_o the_o matter_n herein_o contain_v but_o that_o the_o say_v act_n and_o ordinance_n not_o contrary_a hereunto_o shall_v continue_v and_o remain_v in_o force_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o if_o this_o present_a petition_n and_o advice_n have_v not_o at_o all_o be_v have_v or_o make_v or_o your_o highness_n consent_n thereunto_o give_v whence_o we_o gather_v that_o if_o in_o the_o several_a ordinance_n for_o church_n government_n there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o humble_a advice_n or_o to_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v they_o be_v not_o thereby_o any_o more_o than_o any_o other_o act_n or_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n repeal_v but_o left_a to_o remain_v in_o force_n at_o least_o there_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o plain_a intimation_n that_o they_o have_v a_o force_n in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o by_o this_o humble_a advice_n repeal_v and_o make_v void_a for_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n about_o that_o matter_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o humble_a advice_n or_o matter_n therein_o contain_v and_o whereas_o in_o the_o 11_o section_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o some_o that_o differ_v in_o worship_n and_o discipline_n from_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o these_o nation_n hold_v forth_o to_o who_o some_o indulgence_n be_v grant_v it_o seem_v to_o we_o there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n and_o own_n of_o what_o the_o late_a parliament_n hold_v forth_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o the_o directory_n for_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n which_o they_o pass_v as_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o these_o nation_n in_o regard_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o in_o which_o apprehension_n we_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v because_o here_o in_o this_o section_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v agree_v on_o by_o his_o highness_n and_o the_o parliament_n there_o have_v nothing_o in_o that_o kind_n pass_v the_o late_a parliament_n that_o establish_v the_o directory_n for_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n however_o there_o have_v be_v a_o confession_n of_o faith_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n whence_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o clear_a that_o they_o own_o the_o directory_n for_o worship_n and_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v that_o which_o they_o hold_v forth_o as_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o worship_n and_o government_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v public_o declare_v at_o westminster_n decemb._n 16._o 1653._o pag._n 43._o sect._n 37._o where_o also_o they_o express_v a_o worship_n and_o discipline_n public_o hold_v forth_o which_o must_v needs_o refer_v to_o the_o directory_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n by_o we_o recite_v there_o be_v no_o other_o worship_n or_o discipline_n that_o then_o have_v or_o now_o have_v the_o civil_a sanction_n in_o this_o nation_n we_o have_v be_v large_a in_o what_o we_o have_v here_o represent_v in_o the_o general_a before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o rest_n that_o now_o follow_v in_o your_o paper_n but_o our_o pain_n be_v great_a to_o make_v this_o full_a representation_n unto_o you_o than_o it_o will_v be_v for_o you_o to_o read_v it_o we_o must_v entreat_v you_o to_o excuse_v we_o consider_v it_o tend_v as_o well_o to_o rectify_v your_o mistake_n as_o to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o be_v also_o desirous_a not_o to_o be_v mistake_v any_o more_o as_o also_o because_o it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o our_o brief_a and_o more_o particular_a answer_n unto_o what_o follow_v and_o to_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v we_o now_o come_v in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o dissent_v till_o further_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v by_o we_o 1_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o here_o be_v that_o by_o the_o many_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o be_v member_n of_o congregation_n and_o mention_v in_o our_o paper_n in_o your_o sense_n thereof_o we_o seem_v to_o hint_n that_o thereby_o we_o mean_v only_o such_o who_o have_v admit_v themselves_o member_n of_o some_o congregation_n within_o our_o association_n and_o yet_o live_v inordinate_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o therefore_o you_o who_o never_o be_v any_o member_n or_o associate_n of_o we_o be_v not_o within_o the_o verge_n and_o compass_n of_o our_o presbyterian_a discipline_n etc._n etc._n unto_o which_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v constant_o profess_v against_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o the_o several_a assembly_n of_o congregation_n within_o this_o land_n that_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o several_a member_n of_o these_o congregation_n be_v by_o their_o birth_n member_n as_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n jew_n by_o nature_n gal._n 2._o that_o this_o their_o membership_n be_v seal_v to_o they_o in_o their_o baptism_n that_o do_v solemn_o admit_v they_o as_o into_o the_o universal_a church_n so_o into_o the_o particular_a wherein_o they_o be_v bear_v we_o have_v also_o constant_o maintain_v against_o the_o afore_o mention_v person_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o these_o church_n be_v true_a minister_n notwithstanding_o that_o exception_n of_o they_o against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o bishop_n who_o also_o themselves_o be_v true_a minister_n in_o our_o judgement_n though_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v that_o by_o divine_a right_n they_o be_v superior_a to_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o profess_a
judgement_n of_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n on_o the_o other_o dispense_v by_o these_o minister_n be_v and_o be_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o hereupon_o our_o work_n be_v not_o when_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v appoint_v to_o constitute_v church_n but_o to_o reform_v they_o only_o and_o that_o therefore_o none_o within_o our_o bound_n except_o they_o shall_v renounce_v christianity_n and_o their_o baptism_n can_v be_v deem_v by_o we_o to_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n and_o so_o therefore_o not_o within_o the_o compass_n and_o verge_n of_o our_o presbyterian_a government_n neither_o be_v it_o their_o not_o associate_a with_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o government_n that_o do_v exempt_v they_o from_o censure_n by_o it_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o offender_n as_o by_o the_o rule_v thereof_o be_v just_o censurable_a it_o not_o be_v a_o matter_n arbitrary_a for_o private_a person_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o under_o that_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o be_v settle_v by_o authority_n and_o as_o you_o know_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v allow_v of_o under_o the_o former_a government_n 2_o and_o therefore_o whether_o you_o and_o all_o other_o within_o our_o bound_n be_v not_o comprehend_v within_o our_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n above_o mention_v appoint_v the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n and_o therein_o ordain_v as_o have_v be_v recite_v before_o in_o the_o first_o page_n thereof_o and_o to_o which_o we_o refer_v you_o especial_o consider_v that_o all_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o several_a parish_n that_o be_v no_o other_o now_o they_o former_o even_o papist_n and_o anabaptist_n and_o other_o sectary_n be_v under_o the_o late_a prelatical_a government_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o you_o to_o judge_v only_o if_o so_o we_o wish_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o then_o you_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o government_n of_o presbytery_n not_o so_o much_o by_o we_o as_o by_o the_o parliament_n appoint_v this_o government_n and_o then_o we_o think_v you_o who_o warn_v we_o not_o to_o contemn_v civil_a power_n may_v well_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o authority_n ordain_v it_o but_o especial_o consider_v the_o word_n presbytery_n be_v a_o know_a scripture_n expression_n 1_o tim._n 4._o and_o interpret_v by_o sundry_a of_o the_o father_n as_o we_o do_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v before_o have_v use_v a_o more_o civil_a expression_n then_o to_o have_v call_v it_o a_o common_a fold_n into_o which_o it_o shall_v seem_v your_o complaint_n be_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v drive_v although_o presbytery_n lay_v restraint_n on_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n and_o so_o contemn_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o true_o and_o indeed_o the_o lawless_a person_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o but_o whereas_o as_o you_o suppose_v this_o be_v our_o chief_a design_n in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o transaction_n of_o we_o to_o subject_v all_o to_o our_o government_n we_o do_v refer_v ourselves_o to_o our_o course_n of_o life_n past_a and_o hope_v it_o will_v witness_v with_o we_o to_o all_o that_o will_v judge_v impartial_o what_o our_o design_n have_v be_v in_o our_o other_o transaction_n and_o as_o touch_v our_o design_n in_o the_o paper_n publish_v whether_o it_o have_v be_v aught_o but_o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o reformation_n of_o the_o scandalous_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o salvation_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o those_o that_o will_v judge_v of_o man_n intention_n by_o what_o be_v express_v in_o their_o word_n and_o action_n we_o know_v very_o well_o we_o be_v charge_v by_o some_o that_o we_o affect_v dominion_n to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o people_n and_o to_o have_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n of_o what_o rank_n soever_o to_o stoop_v to_o we_o but_o we_o do_v open_o profess_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v commit_v unto_o man_n be_v not_o despotical_a but_o ministerial_a that_o it_o be_v no_o dominion_n but_o a_o ministry_n only_o and_o that_o the_o officer_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o be_v themselves_o to_o be_v subject_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o body_n and_o estate_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n that_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v under_o and_o that_o in_o their_o government_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o body_n and_o estate_n of_o any_o person_n but_o with_o their_o soul_n only_o although_o here_o we_o desire_v to_o inquire_v of_o you_o whether_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n as_o you_o profess_v to_o be_v you_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o it_o we_o can_v judge_v you_o to_o be_v so_o irrational_a as_o to_o be_v for_o a_o government_n and_o that_o yet_o subjection_n to_o it_o must_v be_v deny_v and_o if_o the_o late_a government_n of_o the_o prelacy_n be_v not_o blame_v by_o you_o because_o it_o require_v subjection_n to_o it_o we_o wish_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o upon_o this_o account_n you_o have_v reason_n to_o censure_v we_o but_o further_a whereas_o you_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o garnish_v our_o government_n with_o the_o specious_a title_n of_o christ_n government_n throne_n and_o sceptre_n we_o wish_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o in_o your_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n that_o you_o frame_v out_o of_o our_o paper_n yourselves_o do_o say_v you_o there_o tell_v we_o you_o pray_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o church_n government_n as_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n and_o leave_v by_o he_o to_o be_v transfer_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o expression_n you_o here_o use_v be_v as_o high_a touch_v that_o government_n you_o will_v have_v establish_v as_o any_o have_v be_v that_o ever_o we_o have_v use_v of_o we_o for_o your_o prayer_n be_v that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n and_o leave_v by_o he_o to_o be_v transfer_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o government_n then_o that_o you_o be_v for_o must_v be_v with_o you_o christ_n government_n throne_n and_o sceptre_n and_o why_o do_v you_o then_o condemn_v we_o if_o we_o have_v use_v such_o expression_n concern_v our_o government_n till_o you_o have_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o when_o yet_o you_o take_v to_o yourselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o use_v the_o like_a language_n concern_v the_o government_n you_o pray_v may_v be_v establish_v but_o whereas_o you_o say_v presbytery_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n drive_v at_o here_o and_o that_o however_o she_o come_v usher_v in_o with_o godly_a pretence_n of_o sorrow_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n and_o that_o these_o be_v but_o so_o many_o waste_a paper_n wherein_o presbytery_n be_v wrap_v up_o to_o make_v it_o look_v more_o handsome_o and_o pass_v more_o current_o we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v that_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o your_o conscience_n you_o will_v serious_o consider_v whether_o you_o have_v not_o both_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o charity_n in_o pass_v such_o hard_a censure_n upon_o we_o and_o also_o usurp_v that_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o in_o make_v yourselves_o judge_n of_o what_o fall_v not_o under_o your_o cognizance_n the_o thing_n you_o mention_v belong_v only_o to_o be_v try_v by_o your_o and_o our_o master_n to_o who_o we_o must_v all_o stand_v or_o fall_v but_o we_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a that_o presbytery_n which_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o any_o paint_n or_o cover_v to_o make_v it_o look_v more_o handsome_o and_o pass_v more_o current_o shall_v be_v account_v by_o you_o the_o anguis_fw-la in_o herba_fw-la whereof_o you_o have_v need_v to_o beware_v it_o have_v never_o give_v that_o offence_n to_o any_o as_o to_o merit_v such_o language_n but_o now_o you_o frame_v a_o objection_n out_o of_o our_o paper_n and_o return_v your_o answer_n profess_v that_o you_o pray_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o church_n government_n throughout_o his_o highness_n dominion_n