a_o absolute_a and_o autocratorick_n but_o a_o limit_a and_o hyperetic-power_n and_o that_o church_n decree_n and_o sentence_n be_v all_o of_o they_o regulae_fw-la regulatae_fw-la rule_n that_o be_v subordinate_v and_o do_v not_o bind_v but_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v conform_v to_o that_o first_o inflexible_a and_o unerring-rule_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o luke_n 22._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o gal._n 6._o 16._o 1_o peter_n 5._o 2_o 3._o â—…_z tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 12._o ephes._n 6._o 1._o calvin_n treat_v of_o church-power_n say_v well_o non_fw-la est_fw-la igitur_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la potestas_fw-la inâ—…inita_fw-la sed_fw-la subjecta_fw-la verbo_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o in_fw-la eo_fw-la quasi_fw-la inclusa_fw-la inst._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 8._o 4_o that_o all_o church-judicatory_n whether_o congregational-edership_n or_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n whether_o provincial_n or_o national_a or_o oecumenick_a be_v constitute_v of_o man_n that_o be_v weak_a frail_a and_o ignorant_a in_o part_n be_v in_o their_o detâ—…rminations_n fallible_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n isai._n 40_o 6_o 7_o 8._o rom._n 3._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o 5._o that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o these_o do_v actual_o err_v and_o decline_v from_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v in_o so_o far_o act_v without_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o they_o may_v do_v but_o not_o by_o his_o commission_n and_o warrant_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o the_o power_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o be_v to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 12._o 6._o sad_a experience_n almost_o in_o every_o generation_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o church-guide_n and_o church-judicatory_n do_v oftentimes_o decline_v from_o the_o streigâ—…t-wayes_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n and_o write_v grievous_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v isa._n 9_o 15_o 16._o ier._n 8._o 8_o 9_o mal._n 2._o 8_o 9_o ier._n 2._o 8._o and_o that_o while_o they_o be_v boast_v of_o the_o authority_n give_v to_o they_o of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o skill_n in_o the_o law_n and_o profess_v to_o walk_v according_a thereto_o they_o be_v pervert_v the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o persecuâ—…ing_v these_o who_o cleave_v thereunto_o ier_n 18._o 18._o isa._n 66._o 5._o ioh._n 7._o 48_o 49._o 7._o that_o the_o same_o lord_n who_o have_v command_v we_o not_o to_o despise_v prophesy_v 1_o thes._n 5._o 19_o have_v also_o command_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a ver._n 20._o and_o no_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o ioh._n 4._o 1._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14._o 15._o and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o that_o be_v to_o do_v thing_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o other_o warrant_n but_o the_o mear_z pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v live_v to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o not_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 2._o and_o that_o it_o be_v therefore_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o every_o church-member_n and_o of_o every_o inferior_a church-judicatory_n to_o examine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n every_o thing_n which_o the_o church-authority_n join_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o if_o after_o a_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n it_o be_v find_v repugnant_a they_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v their_o conscience_n in_o bondage_n thereto_o neither_o be_v the_o allow_v and_o exercise_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n by_o inferior_n the_o set_v they_o as_o judge_n over_o their_o superior_n or_o make_v they_o transgress_v the_o line_n or_o limit_n of_o that_o due_a subordination_n and_o submission_n appoint_v unto_o they_o of_o god_n protestant_n divine_v in_o their_o writing_n de_fw-la judice_fw-la controverstarum_fw-la have_v full_o answer_v this_o and_o show_v we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v a_o private_a man_n or_o a_o inferior_a judge_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o his_o superior_n but_o only_o of_o his_o own_o action_n have_v premise_v these_o thing_n we_o offer_v these_o reason_n against_o the_o submission_n so_o much_o plead_v for_o by_o our_o brethren_n first_o this_o submission_n we_o mean_v a_o absolute_a submission_n or_o such_o a_o submission_n as_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o subjection_n to_o such_o decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o church-judicatory_n as_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n say_v it_o have_v we_o desire_v he_o to_o bring_v it_o forth_o we_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v enjoin_v his_o people_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n under_o very_o severe_a punishment_n to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n which_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n in_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v deut._n 17._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o but_o calvin_n tell_v we_o well_o ubi_fw-la de_fw-la ijs_fw-la audiendis_fw-la agitur_fw-la ibi_fw-la nominatim_fw-la ponitur_fw-la ut_fw-la secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la dei_fw-la respondeant_fw-la that_o in_o the_o same_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v command_v to_o hear_v they_o that_o it_o be_v also_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v answer_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o also_o know_v that_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 12._o that_o which_o we_o call_v for_o be_v some_o precept_n or_o bind_a precedent_n in_o scripture_n that_o hold_v forth_o submission_n to_o aâ—…_n ecclesiastic_a determination_n or_o sentence_n that_o be_v unjust_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precept_n and_o scripture_n precedent_n to_o scripture_n precept_n such_o as_o these_o be_v not_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o stand_v fast_o therefore_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o be_v not_o entangle_v again_o with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n gal._n 5._o 1._o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n act._n 5._o 29._o preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 24._o to_o refrain_v from_o duty_n upon_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n unto_o man_n and_o to_o betray_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o to_o obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n and_o to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n nor_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n due_o qualify_v be_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o his_o press_n and_o hold_v forth_o some_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n which_o a_o kirk-judicatory_n condemn_v for_o a_o lie_n and_o pass_v such_o sentence_n and_o censure_n upon_o he_o because_o he_o do_v adhere_v thereunto_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o this_o man_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o communicate_v not_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n our_o brethren_n will_v haply_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v for_o peace_n sake_n so_o to_o do_v till_o his_o appeal_n be_v discuss_v but_o what_o shall_v the_o innocent_a man_n do_v when_o it_o be_v discuss_v against_o he_o and_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o the_o inferior_a judicatory_a confirm_v by_o the_o superior_a shall_v he_o go_v to_o a_o high_a and_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o the_o high_a and_o be_v condemn_v there_o too_o as_o christ_n be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n what_o will_v they_o now_o allow_v he_o will_v they_o have_v he_o still_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o man_n and_o still_o to_o be_v in_o bondage_n and_o though_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v command_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o woe_n unto_o thou_o if_o thou_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v command_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o his_o body_n and_o drink_v of_o his_o blood_n and_o
they_o and_o do_v by_o the_o other_o take_v the_o matter_n simple_o and_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o number_n and_o we_o believe_v the_o protest_a brethren_n will_v be_v content_a to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o plurality_n of_o the_o number_n only_o we_o can_v account_v that_o â—…specially_o in_o a_o time_n of_o corruption_n a_o sufficient_a plea_n either_o for_o condemn_v the_o one_o or_o justify_v the_o other_o the_o three_o thing_n wherewith_o they_o labour_v to_o make_v out_o the_o design_n and_o endeavour_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o subvert_v the_o government_n be_v as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o in_o the_o four_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n that_o they_o have_v cast_v many_o and_o foul_a reproach_n upon_o they_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o both_o by_o word_n and_o writ_n that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v they_o hateful_a and_o purchase_v credit_n and_o power_n to_o their_o own_o party_n whereby_o also_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o render_v this_o national_a church_n odious_a in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v she_o to_o be_v a_o laughingstock_n to_o all_o her_o enemy_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o weapon_n if_o say_v they_o their_o foul_a slander_n deserve_v to_o have_v credit_n whereby_o to_o fight_v against_o she_o and_o justify_v their_o opposition_n to_o she_o when_o her_o own_o child_n bear_v such_o witness_n against_o she_o and_o as_o they_o express_v it_o in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o that_o paper_n their_o brand_a church-officer_n and_o inferior_a judicatory_n as_o general_o corrupt_a that_o so_o all_o of_o they_o may_v be_v cast_v loose_a or_o at_o least_o mould_v to_o their_o mind_n if_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o forewarn_v we_o herein_o we_o shall_v have_v wonder_v that_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v see_v a_o mote_n in_o their_o neighbour_n eye_n and_o not_o consider_v the_o beam_n in_o their_o own_o eye_n have_v it_o not_o be_v their_o work_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o in_o private_a and_o public_a in_o print_n and_o writ_n to_o cast_v foul_a reproach_n and_o slander_n upon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n that_o one_o scurril_a pamphlet_n publish_v under_o the_o name_n of_o uldericus_fw-la veridicus_fw-la which_o have_v be_v better_o style_v falsidicus_n may_v testify_v of_o what_o spirit_n some_o of_o our_o brethren_n be_v who_o know_v that_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o poor_a man_n the_o author_n thereof_o will_v be_v no_o slander_n at_o home_n so_o small_a be_v his_o credit_n in_o this_o church_n when_o he_o live_v that_o now_o after_o his_o death_n they_o have_v send_v his_o crazy_a discourse_n abroad_o in_o a_o latin_a dress_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o their_o cause_n among_o stranger_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v the_o protester_n be_v man_n fanatic_a and_o abominable_a like_o thomas_n munster_n or_o john_n of_o leyden_n but_o will_v any_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o turn_v it_o into_o the_o scotish_a tongue_n it_o shall_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o sufficient_a resutation_n of_o the_o manifold_a lie_n and_o calumny_n therein_o contain_v but_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v perceive_v by_o what_o pillar_n that_o cause_n be_v support_v but_o it_o do_v most_o grieve_v we_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o often_o take_v in_o vain_a by_o our_o brother_n fill_v their_o preach_n and_o prayer_n in_o the_o pulpit_n with_o such_o stuff_n as_o go_v abroad_o in_o other_o of_o their_o pamphlet_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o scarcity_n of_o other_o purpose_n or_o from_o the_o abundance_n of_o that_o humour_n predomine_v in_o their_o breast_n we_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o thereby_o not_o only_o many_o hungry_a soul_n be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o food_n but_o those_o ordinance_n be_v render_v irksome_a even_o to_o many_o hearer_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d sort_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o common_a theme_n for_o the_o tavern_n but_o to_o leave_v this_o and_o answer_v that_o which_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o protester_n our_o brethren_n as_o we_o conceive_v do_v by_o these_o reproach_n and_o slander_n and_o branding_n mean_v a_o paper_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n which_o hold_v forth_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o grow_a defection_n in_o the_o land_n with_o another_o paper_n that_o hold_v forth_o a_o corrupt_a party_n among_o the_o ministry_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prelate_n who_o by_o the_o late_a public_a resolution_n for_o bringing-in_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n have_v get_v up_o the_o head_n and_o carry_v the_o vote_n and_o sway_n in_o many_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n with_o some_o 〈◊〉_d paper_n and_o conference_n of_o that_o kind_n 〈◊〉_d these_o brethren_n have_v be_v necessary_o draw_v in_o 〈◊〉_d own_o defence_n concerning_o which_o we_o say_v 〈◊〉_d that_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v indeed_o slander_n and_o false_a 〈◊〉_d themselves_o and_o have_v be_v coin_v and_o vent_v 〈◊〉_d the_o protest_a brethren_n for_o the_o end_n allege_v 〈◊〉_d lie_v they_o be_v great_a transgressor_n and_o wretched_a 〈◊〉_d who_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n have_v at_o a_o 〈◊〉_d advantage_n and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o a_o little_a wait_n 〈◊〉_d possess_v their_o soul_n with_o patience_n god_n will_v 〈◊〉_d their_o innocency_n and_o discover_v the_o other_o malice_n against_o they_o and_o their_o treachery_n against_o his_o cause_n but_o second_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v no_o invention_n 〈◊〉_d they_o but_o have_v real_a and_o sad_a truth_n in_o the_o bottom_n and_o have_v be_v vent_v by_o they_o not_o out_o of_o malice_n against_o the_o person_n nor_o for_o render_v the_o church_n odious_a or_o subvert_v the_o government_n or_o any_o such_o sinistrous_a end_n as_o these_o but_o that_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n they_o may_v plead_v with_o their_o mother_n hos._n 2._o 2._o that_o free_a and_o faithful_a warning_n be_v give_v of_o her_o backslide_n revolt_a condition_n the_o sin_n may_v be_v repent_v of_o and_o reform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a and_o the_o danger_n avoid_v by_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o keep_v their_o garment_n pure_a and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o without_o just_a reason_n call_v and_o cry_v for_o purge_v of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a man_n be_v remove_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o government_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n the_o government_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o improve_v to_o edification_n and_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n be_v purify_v and_o purge_v they_o may_v offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o offering_n in_o righteousness_n and_o â—…hat_o the_o offering_n of_o his_o people_n may_v be_v please_v â—…o_o he_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o as_o in_o former_a year_n if_o we_o say_v there_o be_v truth_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o in_o speak_v and_o write_v thereof_o they_o have_v these_o good_a end_n before_o they_o which_o they_o have_v profess_v then_o may_v the_o lord_n through_o grace_n therein_o accept_v and_o hear_v and_o have_v compassion_n upon_o they_o and_o his_o people_n by_o find_v out_o the_o mean_n to_o purge_v his_o house_n though_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v nor_o pity_o but_o account_v they_o foul_a slanderer_n and_o subtle_a subverter_n for_o discover_v and_o complain_v of_o these_o thing_n thâ—…rdly_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o they_o have_v frequent_o acknowledge_v and_o testify_v that_o there_o be_v a_o precious_a gospel-godly_a ministry_n in_o scotland_n which_o they_o do_v not_o confine_v to_o these_o of_o their_o own_o judgement_n only_o but_o extend_v also_o to_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o other_o judgement_n also_o though_o they_o dare_v not_o approve_v of_o their_o way_n as_o to_o these_o late_a revolution_n and_o be_v much_o grieve_v in_o spirit_n and_o judge_v it_o a_o matter_n to_o be_v lament_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o far_o mistake_v their_o old_a friend_n who_o strive_v though_o in_o much_o weakness_n to_o keep_v the_o good_a old_a way_n wherein_o both_o be_v wont_a to_o walk_v for_o carrying-on_n of_o the_o woâ—…k_n of_o reformation_n as_o to_o account_v they_o the_o waster_n and_o destroyer_n of_o the_o lord_n vine_n and_o become_v so_o kindly_a companion_n and_o patron_n to_o man_n of_o another_o stamp_n that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o wound_v if_o their_o sore_n be_v touch_v but_o fourthly_a be_v the_o protest_a brethren_n in_o fault_n if_o they_o have_v often_o bemoan_v it_o before_o god_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o unto_o man_n both_o to_o our_o brethren_n and_o other_o when_o call_v thereunto_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o ignorant_a insufficient_a and_o
from_o bear_v charge_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o how_o many_o such_o have_v be_v brought-in_v we_o do_v believe_v that_o it_o may_v be_v true_o assert_v that_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o one_o synod_n since_o that_o time_n have_v bring_v in_o more_o who_o be_v former_o public_o censure_v for_o their_o scandalous_a and_o malignant_a carriage_n than_o all_o the_o synod_n in_o scotland_n of_o that_o judgement_n have_v purge_v out_o there_o be_v in_o one_o synod_n nine_o or_o ten_o such_o bring_v into_o the_o ministry_n beside_o four_o or_o five_o other_o who_o mouth_n be_v open_v to_o preach_v public_o and_o likewise_o some_o other_o who_o be_v connive_v at_o to_o preach_v and_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o be_v twice_o depose_v former_o because_o of_o gross_a offence_n let_v they_o name_v we_o if_o they_o can_v so_o many_o purged-out_a by_o the_o resolution-party_n in_o all_o the_o synod_n of_o their_o way_n these_o seven_o year_n past_a why_o then_o do_v they_o speak_v such_o big_a word_n of_o their_o willingness_n to_o and_o activity_n in_o purge_v yea_o who_o know_v not_o that_o many_o of_o their_o party_n oppose_v union_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n and_o that_o even_o good_a man_n among_o they_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v of_o another_o spirit_n be_v too_o slow_a and_o backward_o in_o this_o duty_n by_o which_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o few_o process_n that_o have_v by_o importunity_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n against_o some_o naughty_a man_n in_o some_o synod_n have_v by_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n their_o exercise_v their_o wit_n and_o invention_n to_o find_v out_o and_o cast_v in_o legal_a show_n of_o defence_n such_o as_o variety_n of_o exception_n against_o witness_n and_o gloss_n upon_o their_o deposition_n and_o such_o like_a be_v render_v more_o tedious_a and_o involve_v in_o more_o notional_a debate_n than_o ready_o be_v to_o be_v find_v at_o the_o most_o litigious_a civil_a bar_n and_o after_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v come_v but_o to_o a_o poor_a issue_n in_o the_o end_n very_o few_o if_o any_o of_o these_o man_n be_v depose_v from_o the_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o of_o many_o and_o gross_a scandal_n which_o they_o do_v lie_v under_o it_o be_v the_o sad_a complaint_n of_o the_o godly_a that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a old_a way_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o try_n of_o insufficient_a and_o scandalouâ—…_n minister_n be_v forsake_v and_o such_o a_o way_n take_v as_o rather_o give_v they_o ground_n and_o encouragement_n to_o cover_v and_o hold_v fast_o their_o iniquity_n than_o do_v contribute_v to_o the_o convince_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o make_v they_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o poor_a soul_n who_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n be_v discourage_v to_o offer_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o grievance_n as_o much_o despair_v to_o find_v any_o remedy_n thereof_o but_o say_v the_o resolution_n brethren_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o foreslow_v or_o obstruct_v purge_a that_o to_o delare_fw-la their_o readiness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o that_o matter_n they_o be_v content_a if_o their_o brethren_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o procedure_n hitherto_o agree_v upon_o that_o they_o condescend_v upon_o the_o strict_a rule_n can_v be_v desire_v in_o justice_n for_o trial_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o observe_v they_o provide_v they_o be_v rule_n bind_v for_o all_o and_o to_o which_o all_o will_v submit_v both_o we_o and_o they_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o adhere_v unto_o nor_o put_v in_o practice_n the_o rule_n already_o agree_v upon_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o shall_v new_a rule_n be_v agree_v upon_o it_o be_v former_o agree_v upon_o that_o synod_n ought_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o negligence_n of_o presbytery_n to_o appoint_v visitation_n for_o trial_n and_o censure_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n but_o in_o very_o few_o of_o the_o synod_n of_o the_o resolution_n judgement_n have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o visitation_n appoint_v or_o keep_v since_o these_o resolution_n have_v a_o be_v albeit_o presbytery_n be_v negligent_a of_o their_o duty_n yea_o sundry_a brethren_n in_o sundry_a of_o these_o synod_n show_v themselves_o dissatisfy_v with_o and_o speak_v against_o such_o visitation_n and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o synod_n themselves_o do_v not_o practise_v they_o there_o be_v so_o much_o need_n of_o they_o how_o can_v we_o otherways_o judge_v but_o that_o they_o do_v dislike_v they_o second_o it_o be_v former_o agree_v upon_o that_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n may_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o minister_n proceed_v by_o way_n of_o inquisition_n but_o now_o this_o be_v dissent_v from_o and_o casten_z at_o by_o many_o of_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n who_o will_v have_v no_o trial_n some_o of_o they_o without_o a_o libel_n and_o other_o of_o they_o without_o a_o libel_n and_o a_o accuser_n too_o engage_v to_o prove_v his_o allegiance_n under_o pain_n of_o be_v censure_v as_o a_o slanderer_n three_o sundry_a thing_n such_o as_o drunkenness_n swear_v etc._n etc._n which_o be_v former_o proceed_v against_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n be_v now_o so_o extâ—…nuated_v by_o many_o of_o these_o brethren_n that_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o censure_v they_o with_o these_o censure_n unless_o the_o habit_n or_o many_o continue_a reiterate_a act_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v prove_v and_o yet_o the_o author_n of_o this_o declaration_n do_v so_o talk_v as_o if_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o judgement_n do_v strict_o adhere_v unto_o and_o be_v unanimous_a about_o the_o former_a way_n of_o procedure_n in_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o minister_n but_o beside_o this_o departure_n from_o former_a rule_n they_o do_v but_o trifle_v when_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v content_a that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n condescend_v upon_o the_o strict_a rule_n can_v be_v desire_v in_o justice_n for_o trial_n and_o censure_n because_o it_o be_v always_o with_o the_o supposal_n of_o this_o foundation_n which_o they_o have_v already_o lay_v to_o wit_n that_o these_o rule_n shall_v be_v apply_v or_o execute_v by_o man_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n who_o be_v the_o plurality_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o what_o purge_v we_o may_v expect_v from_o they_o these_o seven_o year_n practice_n do_v now_o sufficient_o manifest_a three_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o these_o proposal_n do_v appear_v from_o this_o that_o they_o do_v offer_v and_o hold_v forth_o no_o remedy_n for_o the_o grievance_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o of_o the_o godly_a throughout_o the_o land_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o plant_v congregation_n upon_o the_o call_n of_o the_o plurality_n in_o parish_n many_o of_o which_o be_v ignorant_a and_o disaffect_v and_o malignant_a by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n get_v into_o the_o ministry_n that_o can_v speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o a_o weary_a soul_n and_o who_o discountenance_n piety_n and_o godliness_n which_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o effectual_a remedy_n provide_v against_o it_o can_v but_o prove_v a_o evil_a very_o destructive_a to_o the_o church_n and_o afflict_v to_o all_o who_o do_v unfeigned_o desire_v and_o seek_v the_o advancement_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n four_o these_o proposal_n do_v not_o mention_v any_o remedy_n against_o such_o minister_n expectant_n and_o schoolmaster_n who_o be_v depose_v or_o silence_v or_o remove_v from_o their_o charge_n by_o general_a assembly_n or_o synod_n or_o their_o commissioner_n or_o by_o presbytery_n before_o these_o difference_n do_v arise_v and_o have_v again_o intrude_v themselves_o or_o be_v repone_v into_o public_a station_n in_o the_o ministry_n or_o school_n or_o have_v their_o mouth_n open_v by_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n without_o confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o and_o repentance_n for_o all_o the_o particular_n contain_v in_o their_o sentence_n and_o otherwise_o than_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a general_n assembly_n nor_o do_v they_o hold_v forth_o any_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o call_v of_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o the_o elect_n of_o commissioner_n thereunto_o and_o handle_v of_o matter_n therein_o all_o which_o as_o also_o the_o give_n of_o mutual_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n in_o matter_n concerning_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n for_o adhere_v unto_o these_o article_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n unto_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n relate_v
not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v himself_o with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o man_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la et_fw-la imperio_fw-la yea_o because_o of_o his_o adhere_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v reject_v and_o condemn_v have_v forbid_v he_o so_o to_o do_v that_o be_v shall_v not_o obey_v god_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precedent_n jeremiah_n be_v often_o command_v by_o the_o authority_n both_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a to_o forbear_v speak_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o do_v he_o give_v no_o subjection_n to_o the_o sentence_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o inhibition_n and_o censure_n past_a against_o he_o chap._n 26._o ch._n 32._o ch._n 37._o and_o ch._n 38._o amos_n be_v command_v by_o amaziah_n the_o priest_n to_o prophesy_v no_o more_o at_o bethel_n because_o it_o be_v the_o king_n chapel_n and_o the_o king_n court_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o submit_v but_o do_v counteract_v that_o commandment_n and_o do_v continue_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n amos_n 5._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o daniel_n be_v command_v to_o make_v no_o petition_n to_o any_o god_n or_o man_n for_o thirty_o day_n save_v to_o king_n darius_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o counteract_v by_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o open_v his_o chamber-window_n towards_o jerusalem_n and_o kneel_v on_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v aforetime_o dan._n 6_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o jew_n do_v agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yet_o do_v the_o poor_a man_n who_o eye_n he_o have_v open_v confess_v he_o open_o and_o though_o he_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o for_o do_v of_o it_o yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o go_v on_o to_o confess_v he_o still_o joh._n 9_o 22_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v once_o and_o again_o by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n not_o to_o speak_v nor_o teach_v any_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v first_o threaten_v and_o afterwards_o imprison_v and_o three_o beat_v by_o they_o for_o so_o do_v yet_o do_v they_o not_o submit_v nor_o forbear_v but_o daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n act._n 4._o 19_o 20_o 21._o act._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 29_o 40_o 42._o paul_n be_v accuse_v first_o before_o festus_n and_o afterwards_o before_o felix_n the_o roman_a deputy_n that_o he_o be_v a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazaren_n who_o also_o have_v go_v about_o to_o profane_v the_o temple_n do_v not_o only_o appeal_v to_o cesar_n but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o course_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v that_o the_o jew_n kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o their_o own_o prophet_n and_o persecute_v the_o apostle_n and_o please_v not_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o man_n act._n 24._o 5_o 6._o act._n 25._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o 3._o this_o submission_n dethron_v jesus_n christ_n who_o only_o have_v power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o bind_v they_o by_o his_o authority_n by_o attribute_v such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o church-judicatoric_n as_o do_v bind_v man_n conscience_n upon_o their_o mere_a arbitrement_n and_o pleasure_n for_o we_o must_v be_v subject_a because_o they_o will_v have_v it_o so_o though_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o command_v this_o subjection_n to_o wit_n our_o suppose_a delinquency_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la ens_fw-la and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o truth_n and_o equity_n if_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o bind_v because_o the_o judgement_n be_v still_o leave_v free_a and_o the_o outward_a act_n only_o restrain_v we_o will_v have_v our_o brethren_n to_o remember_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o do_v oppose_v conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n do_v tell_v the_o prelate_n and_o their_o party_n when_o they_o use_v this_o defence_n against_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o wit_n that_o if_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n then_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o restrain_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a then_o be_v christian_a liberty_n take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o in_o thing_n necessary_a such_o as_o keep_v fellowship_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n etc._o etc._o the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v thing_n command_v of_o god_n unto_o person_n due_o qualify_v and_o instruct_v thereunto_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n cease_v to_o be_v oblige_v duty_n to_o such_o a_o person_n hic_fw-la et_fw-la nunc_fw-la and_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n command_v he_o to_o abstain_v lose_v he_o from_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o do_v otherwise_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n we_o desire_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o such_o doctrine_n as_o that_o which_o prefer_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v man_n than_o god_n shall_v the_o sole_a will_n and_o mere_a pleasure_n of_o man_n lose_v a_o man_n from_o the_o obligation_n he_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n if_o so_o let_v we_o no_o more_o blame_v the_o pope_n for_o dispense_v with_o divine_a law_n i_o can_v abstain_v from_o take_v christ_n body_n and_o blood_n or_o from_o preach_v the_o gospel_n say_v the_o innocent_a man_n unjust_o sentence_v because_o i_o be_o thereunto_o call_v and_o command_v of_o god_n but_o say_v the_o synod_n or_o kirk-judicatory_n we_o have_v command_v you_o to_o abstain_v and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v abstain_v and_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o your_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v because_o our_o command_n lose_v you_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n hence_o a_o four_o argument_n 4._o this_o submission_n conclude_v a_o man_n under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n by_o omit_v those_o necessary_a duty_n that_o be_v command_v he_o of_o god_n upon_o a_o non-relevant_a reason_n to_o wit_n the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v no_o power_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n no_o power_n to_o destruction_n but_o to_o edification_n 5._o if_o such_o a_o submission_n be_v due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o be_v not_o also_o due_a unto_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o authoritative_a and_o juridical_a power_n belong_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n be_v threefold_a dogmatic_a diatactick_a and_o critic_n dogmatic_a in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v down_o and_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o heresy_n error_n and_o corruption_n therewith_o diatactick_n in_o reference_n to_o external_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o matter_n circumstantial_a relate_v to_o time_n place_n and_o person_n the_o conveniency_n whereof_o be_v determinable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n such_o as_o these_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o order_n and_o decency_n etc._n etc._n critic_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o repress_n of_o scandal_n error_n heresy_n schism_n obstinacy_n and_o contempt_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n and_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o exercise_v the_o spiritual_a
censure_n of_o admonition_n suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n excommunication_n and_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n from_o the_o ministry_n now_o all_o these_o power_n be_v authoritative_a and_o in_o their_o determination_n and_o exercise_v confine_v unto_o and_o circumscribe_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n we_o will_v desire_v from_o our_o brethren_n a_o reason_n why_o the_o critic-power_n shall_v be_v more_o bind_v than_o the_o other_o or_o why_o submission_n be_v due_a to_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n proceed_v from_o the_o critic-power_n while_o it_o be_v not_o due_a to_o any_o erroneous_a or_o corrupt_a decree_n proceed_v from_o the_o dogmatic_a or_o diatactick_a power_n have_v god_n put_v more_o honour_n and_o respect_n upon_o the_o last_o than_o upon_o the_o two_o first_o or_o have_v he_o give_v great_a latitude_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o last_o nor_o of_o the_o two_o first_o or_o be_v the_o last_o bind_v by_o thâ—…_z mere_a will_n and_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n whilâ—…st_v the_o two_o fiâ—…st_v bind_v only_o when_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o our_o brethren_n do_v so_o judge_v we_o desire_v to_o know_v where_o these_o foundation_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o power_n be_v write_v or_o what_o they_o do_v bring_v for_o they_o from_o the_o book_n of_o god_n or_o how_o in_o reason_n they_o can_v consist_v when_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o two_o first_o and_o if_o this_o submission_n be_v equal_o due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o all_o the_o three_o then_o if_o they_o shall_v determine_v that_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o be_v a_o error_n that_o communion_n under_o both_o kind_n be_v not_o necessary_a that_o kneel_v be_v a_o necessary_a gesture_n at_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o forbear_v work_v on_o yuleday_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o holy_a and_o such_o like_a we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o profess_v nor_o preach_v nor_o act_v conâ—…rary_a to_o these_o their_o determination_n which_o be_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o word_n before_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v upon_o our_o soul_n the_o dreadful_a gospel-curse_n of_o his_o deny_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o before_o his_o father_n and_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 10._o 33._o mark_n 8._o 38._o luke_n 26._o 6._o but_o upon_o supposal_n that_o this_o submission_n be_v not_o due_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o external_a order_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o dogmatic_a and_o diatactick_a power_n in_o themselves_o yet_o the_o assert_n of_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n shall_v also_o necessary_o infer_v the_o assert_n of_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o external_a order_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n 1650._o do_v declare_v that_o a_o great_a company_n and_o faction_n of_o wicked_a man_n son_n of_o belial_n be_v subject_n may_v and_o aught_o in_o the_o case_n of_o necessity_n be_v employ_v in_o a_o christian_a army_n and_o covenant_v nation_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o country_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1651._o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o dogmatic-power_n approve_v of_o and_o ratify_v this_o doctrine_n and_o declaration_n and_o do_v withal_o by_o their_o critic-power_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o determination_n but_o shall_v oppose_v by_o profess_v or_o preach_v otherwise_o shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n we_o ask_v whether_o these_o censure_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n against_o these_o who_o profess_v otherwise_o or_o by_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n from_o the_o ministry_n against_o those_o who_o preach_v otherwise_o if_o this_o submission_n which_o be_v require_v be_v give_v to_o these_o censure_n will_v not_o necessary_o infer_v that_o they_o must_v not_o continue_v to_o profess_v or_o preach_v any_o more_o so_o and_o if_o this_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o dogmatic-power_n aswell_o as_o to_o the_o critic_n or_o let_v we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n who_o be_v depose_v and_o excommunicate_v for_o profess_v and_o preach_v and_o plead_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o consubstantial_a son_n of_o god_n or_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o person_n suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o depose_v from_o the_o ministry_n because_o of_o their_o profess_v and_o preach_v against_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n will_v not_o such_o submission_n to_o these_o sentence_n as_o exclude_v all_o counteracting_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o appeal_v necessary_o infer_v submission_n to_o the_o decree_n themselves_o so_o as_o the_o person_n censure_v must_v be_v silence_v and_o not_o profess_v nor_o preach_v nor_o plead_v any_o more_o for_o the_o one_o truth_n nor_o against_o the_o other_o error_n 7._o to_o wave_v a_o little_a that_o which_o concern_v private_a and_o particular_a person_n we_o offer_v it_o to_o consideration_n whether_o inferior_a kirk-judicatory_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o great_a and_o superior_a simple_o and_o absolute_o because_o they_o be_v great_a and_o superior_a or_o because_o the_o inferior_a have_v no_o intrinsical_a power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o in_o and_o wiâ—…h_a subordination_n to_o the_o great_a because_o great_a if_o so_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o all_o the_o inferior_a judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n congregational-eldership_n presbytery_n and_o provincial_a synod_n must_v befenced_a and_o act_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o all_o those_o civil_a court_n that_o have_v no_o intrinsic_a power_n in_o themselves_o but_o in_o and_o with_o subordination_n to_o the_o supreme_a civil_a magistrate_n be_v fence_v in_o his_o name_n and_o act_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n inferior_a kirk-judicatory_n be_v ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o they_o when_o they_o meet_v in_o his_o name_n and_o do_v adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n mat._n 18_o 18_o 19_o and_o if_o so_o shall_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n when_o wrong_a upon_o the_o matter_n oblige_v they_o to_o submission_n if_o a_o presbytery_n or_o a_o synod_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n do_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o procedure_n cast-out_a a_o heterodox_a and_o scandalous_a minister_n must_v they_o because_o the_o synod_n or_o general_a assembly_n do_v sustain_v his_o unjust_a appeal_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n again_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o lawful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o have_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o procedure_n admit_v a_o able_a orthodox_a godly_a man_n to_o the_o ministry_n must_v they_o because_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v cease_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o or_o own_v he_o for_o one_o of_o their_o number_n or_o as_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o ill-grounded_a truth_n that_o be_v common_o deliver_v by_o some_o divine_n write_v of_o synod_n that_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n be_v not_o corruptive_a privative_a or_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o single_a congregation_n but_o perfective_a acumulative_a and_o conservative_a thereunto_o 8._o what_o be_v deny_v jure_fw-la to_o oecomenick_a counsel_n and_o so_o lawful_o call_v prophet_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o nathan_n to_o david_n to_o paul_n to_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o 8._o can_v warrantable_o be_v give_v to_o general_a assembly_n if_o oecomenick_a counsel_n lawful_o call_v minister_n if_o nathan_n if_o samuel_n if_o paul_n if_o a_o angel_n teach_v or_o decree_v but_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v to_o counteract_v and_o to_o contradict_v gal._n 1._o 8._o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v to_o you_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o beside_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1._o 8._o therefore_o etc._n etc._n 9_o what_o be_v proprium_fw-la quarto_fw-la modo_fw-la to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n it_o can_v warrantable_o be_v give_v to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o not_o to_o be_v counteract_v nor_o contradict_v be_v proprium_fw-la quarto_fw-la modo_fw-la to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n these_o be_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n isa._n 8._o
20._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o give_v it_o infer_v their_o infallibility_n and_o expose_v our_o government_n to_o the_o calumny_n of_o sectary_n who_o say_v we_o make_v synod_n as_o infallible_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 10._o this_o argue_v the_o scripture_n of_o imperfection_n and_o set_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o human_a tradition_n because_o every_o warrantable_a subordination_n and_o submission_n due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n must_v be_v give_v of_o christ_n but_o nowhere_o be_v it_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o a_o general_n assembly_n have_v power_n give_v of_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o enact_v such_o point_n and_o doctrine_n and_o inflict_v such_o censure_n as_o no_o man_n may_v or_o ought_v lawful_o to_o counteract_v or_o contradict_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n 11._o this_o submission_n do_v infer_v that_o if_o a_o general_n assembly_n lawful_o convene_v shall_v enact_v the_o mass_n and_o all_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n we_o may_v not_o preach_v nor_o write_v the_o contrary_a for_o that_o be_v to_o counteract_v and_o contradict_v but_o this_o be_v absurd_a therefore_o etc._n etc._n 12._o sentence_n of_o kirk_n judicatory_n that_o be_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o themselves_o null_a because_o all_o church-power_n and_o authority_n be_v include_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v regulate_v according_a thereto_o isa._n 8._o 20._o 2_o corinth_n 13._o 8_o 10._o and_o what_o be_v null_a in_o it_o â—…elf_a can_v bind_v unto_o submission_n and_o subjection_n therefore_o when_o kirk-judicatory_n act_v not_o in_o subordination_n to_o jesus_n christ_n from_o and_o under_o who_o they_o have_v all_o their_o power_n they_o may_v lawful_o be_v contradict_v and_o counteract_v 13_o this_o submission_n be_v prelatical_a and_o introduce_v a_o lordly_a and_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n over_o the_o flock_n and_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o very_a image_n and_o likeness_n of_o that_o subjection_n and_o submission_n that_o be_v require_v by_o prelate_n of_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n bishop_n spotswood_n in_o his_o sâ—…rmon_n at_o perth_n assembly_n tell_v his_o hearer_n that_o the_o sentence_n of_o superior_n as_o long_o as_o it_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o constitution_n though_o haply_o otherwise_o establish_v than_o it_o can_v set_v forward_a godliness_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o right_a nor_o well_o appoint_v yet_o ought_v to_o diâ—…ect_v we_o and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o our_o conscience_n for_o obey_v narrat_fw-la of_o the_o proceed_n of_o perth_n assembly_n by_o doctor_n lindsay_n page_n 29._o and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o judgement_n except_o this_o be_v say_v he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n and_o all_o must_v be_v fill_v with_o strife_n and_o contention_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o our_o brethren_n now_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o without_o this_o submission_n unity_n and_o and_o order_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o kirk_n doctor_n lindsay_n also_o himself_o afterwards_o bishop_n of_o edinb_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n prefix_v to_o his_o book_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o perth_n tell_v we_o that_o where_o a_o man_n have_v not_o a_o law_n his_o judgement_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o law_n the_o law_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o oath_n which_o be_v minister_v to_o the_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o church_n by_o the_o prelate_n they_o make_v the_o entrant_n to_o swear_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v peaceable_a minister_n in_o thiâ—…_n church_n subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n that_o therein_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v establish_v and_o that_o by_o all_o mean_n that_o they_o can_v use_v they_o shall_v procure_v other_o to_o the_o due_a reverence_n of_o the_o same_o which_o thing_n say_v the_o intrant_fw-la in_o that_o oath_n if_o we_o shall_v contraveen_v as_o god_n forbid_v we_o be_v content_a upon_o trial_n and_o cognition_n take_v by_o our_o ordinary_a without_o all_o reclamation_n or_o gainsay_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o our_o ministry_n and_o be_v repute_v infamous_a and_o perjure_a person_n for_o ever_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n there_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o constitution_n ecclesiastical_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n ratify_v and_o publish_v by_o authority_n 1636._o a_o canon_n appoint_v that_o if_o any_o person_n in_o holy_a order_n lawful_o suspend_v or_o depose_v that_o be_v in_o their_o sense_n suspend_v or_o depose_v by_o his_o ordinary_a for_o transgress_v any_o of_o these_o prelatical_a cannon_n shall_v presume_v to_o exercise_v any_o ecclesiastical_a function_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suspension_n or_o after_o he_o be_v degrade_v let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o â—…y-power_n as_o incorrigible_a just_o so_o our_o brethren_n will_v have_v the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o engage_v and_o promise_v absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a and_o because_o they_o do_v refuse_v it_o charge_v they_o with_o breach_n of_o their_o engagement_n at_o their_o entrance_n to_o â—…he_v ministry_n and_o as_o subverter_n of_o the_o very_a be_v â—…f_o the_o government_n and_o what_o they_o will_v do_v if_o â—…hey_n have_v the_o civil-power_n to_o concur_v be_v but_o too_o apparent_a from_o these_o hard_a representation_n they_o give_v of_o they_o to_o the_o civil-power_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o and_o â—…rewd_a hint_n and_o insinuation_n which_o they_o make_v â—…ereupon_o 14._o this_o submission_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o part_n of_o catholic_n truth_n much_o less_o of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o tenet_n pure_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a and_o plâ—…ades_v for_o a_o government_n that_o be_v not_o presbyterian_a but_o popish_a and_o anâ—…ichristian_a who_o know_v not_o that_o the_o favourite_n and_o emissary_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n do_v with_o might_n and_o main_a plead_v for_o this_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o pope_n wherein_o they_o be_v oppose_v by_o protestant_a divine_n debeâ—…_n excommunicatus_fw-la and_o si_fw-la innocens_fw-la say_v a_o popish_a author_n aliorum_fw-la consortia_fw-la fugere_fw-la et_fw-la a_fw-la sacris_fw-la abstinere_fw-la igitur_fw-la unproprte_fw-la christi_fw-la instrumentum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la papa_fw-la cum_fw-la aliquae_fw-la illius_fw-la actiones_fw-la a_fw-la christo_fw-la non_fw-la impellantur_fw-la nec_fw-la acceptantur_fw-la andr._n dâ—…valius_n in_o 22._o part_n quest_n 8._o he_o that_o be_v excommunicate_a say_v hâ—…_n albeit_o innocent_a yet_o aught_o to_o shâ—…n_n the_o fellowship_n of_o other_o and_o to_o abstain_v from_o holy_a thing_n therefore_o the_o pope_n be_v say_v he_o improper_o call_v christ_n instrument_n because_o some_o of_o his_o aâ—…tions_n be_v neither_o impel_v by_o he_o nor_o accept_v of_o he_o so_o our_o bâ—…ethren_n will_v have_v a_o man_n that_o be_v suspend_v froâ—…â—…he_a sacrament_n or_o depose_v from_o the_o ministry_n or_o excommunicate_v though_o unjust_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacraâ—…ent_n and_o from_o preach_v and_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o other_o and_o from_o holy_a thing_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v in_o the_o dispense_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o it_o bâ—…_n not_o indeed_o to_o play_v the_o pope_n and_o to_o set_v up_o minister_n and_o servant_n above_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o sober_a and_o unbiased_a man_n to_o judge_v 15._o this_o unlimited_a submission_n leave_v the_o church_n destitute_a of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a remedy_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o general_a defection_n and_o do_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n for_o make_v the_o government_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n degenerate_a into_o tyranny_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v a_o mean_a of_o purge_v and_o preserve_v of_o religion_n to_o be_v a_o mean_a of_o pollute_v and_o destroy_v the_o same_o and_o persecute_v and_o bear_v down_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o keep_v their_o garment_n pure_a whether_o minister_n or_o professor_n what_o be_v tyranny_n but_o when_o these_o that_o be_v in_o power_n will_v have_v inferior_n without_o gainsay_v or_o counâ—…eracting_n to_o yield_v subjection_n to_o their_o dictate_v and_o command_v though_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o sic_fw-la volo_fw-la sic_fw-la jubeo_fw-la
no_o reason_n of_o â—…quity_n in_o they_o but_o their_o own_o mere_a arbitrament_n and_o pleasure_n or_o though_o there_o be_v iniquity_n and_o injustice_n in_o they_o dan._n 11._o 36._o and_o when_o subjection_n without_o gainsay_v be_v not_o only_o require_v of_o private_a and_o particular_a man_n but_o also_o oâ—…_n all_o inferior_a judicatory_n and_o even_o of_o these_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o lawful_a power_n and_o authority_n be_v not_o this_o the_o state-tyranny_n that_o be_v former_o exercise_v and_o 〈◊〉_d for_o by_o the_o malignant-party_n to_o which_o there_o be_v public_a opposition_n make_v by_o defensive_a arm_n that_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a man_n both_o politician_n and_o divine_n to_o be_v a_o lawful_a mean_n of_o a_o people_n preservation_n from_o the_o mine_n that_o be_v threaten_v by_o tyranny_n and_o shall_v we_o now_o set_v up_o a_o church-tyranny_n the_o mere_a will_n and_o abitrement_n yea_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o church-judicatory_n for_o law_n and_o require_v absolute_a submission_n thereunto_o not_o only_o of_o private_a and_o single_a person_n but_o of_o all_o inâ—…iour_a judicatory_n not_o allow_v the_o congrâ—…gational-eldership_n once_o to_o whisper_v against_o what_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o presbytery_n against_o what_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o synod_n or_o the_o synod_n against_o what_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n if_o then_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n will_v tyrannize_v what_o remedy_n be_v there_o or_o if_o they_o become_v corrupt_a how_o shall_v the_o ruin_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o persecution_n and_o oppression_n of_o these_o who_o desire_v to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v avoid_v have_v the_o minister_n and_o saint_n and_o court_n of_o jesus_n christ_n receive_v religion_n and_o his_o ordinance_n upon_o these_o term_n that_o if_o a_o superior_a court_n will_v have_v it_o so_o they_o shall_v all_o crouch_v down_o as_o ass_n under_o the_o burden_n and_o let_v they_o without_o gainsay_v they_o be_v now_o cudgel_v into_o silence_n by_o a_o sentence_n of_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o deposition_n or_o excommunication_n ruin_n church_n and_o minister_n and_o ordinance_n and_o professor_n and_o all_o the_o precious_a interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o such_o a_o submission_n be_v require_v in_o this_o case_n as_o though_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v nothing_o but_o weep_v and_o pray_v in_o secret_a how_o great_a tyranny_n be_v this_o and_o how_o remediless_a a_o way_n to_o ruin_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o our_o brother_n opinion_n if_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n of_o these_o thing_n because_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n only_o that_o they_o challenge_v this_o submission_n as_o due_a unto_o they_o we_o desire_v 1._o to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o such_o a_o submission_n as_o they_o do_v now_o plead_v for_o may_v be_v deny_v to_o church-judicatory_n that_o be_v unsound_a and_o what_o degree_n of_o unsoundness_n they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o before_o this_o submission_n can_v be_v warrantable_o deny_v unto_o they_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o by_o our_o brethren_n judgement_n as_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o be_v and_o authority_n of_o kirk-judicatory_n though_o they_o be_v corrupt_a not_o only_o in_o the_o particular_a determination_n to_o which_o submission_n be_v require_v but_o in_o many_o thing_n beside_o both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n this_o submission_n must_v be_v grant_v they_o because_o to_o deny_v it_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v and_o essence_n of_o the_o government_n how_o this_o shall_v be_v avoid_v we_o do_v not_o see_v unless_o they_o say_v that_o a_o church-judicatory_a that_o be_v unsound_a in_o any_o point_n of_o truth_n do_v lose_v its_o be_v and_o authority_n which_o we_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o say_v have_v in_o some_o of_o their_o paper_n charge_v it_o as_o heterodoxy_n upon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n 2._o as_o we_o shall_v be_v glad_a that_o they_o will_v confine_v this_o submission_n to_o sound_v judicatory_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o soundness_n only_o so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o so_o do_v we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o this_o import_v more_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o submission_n than_o the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v willing_a to_o yield_v to_o wit_v a_o submission_n to_o all_o sound_a determination_n and_o just_a sentence_n of_o the_o respective_a judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n without_o any_o counteracting_n because_o if_o it_o be_v give_v to_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n only_o that_o they_o be_v sound_a than_o be_v it_o only_o to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o when_o they_o be_v sound_a and_o right_a in_o their_o resolution_n and_o act_n which_o the_o protest_a brethren_n willing_o yield_v and_o be_v like_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n somewhat_o more_o we_o find_v they_o in_o their_o last_o paper_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n november_n 25._o 1655._o profess_v that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v only_o of_o particular_a person_n in_o thing_n of_o more_o private_a interest_n and_o personal_a concernment_n and_o of_o judicatory_n employ_v their_o power_n to_o ediâ—…ication_n in_o the_o current_n of_o their_o act_n they_o will_v not_o much_o contend_v about_o it_o but_o 3._o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v deny_v thaâ—…_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v now_o sound_a it_o be_v their_o sad_a complaint_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o pluâ—…ality_n of_o her_o judicaâ—…ories_n very_o much_o practicalâ—…_n unsoundness_n not_o only_o because_o of_o their_o not_o improve_n the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o bear_v down_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o also_o because_o of_o their_o abuse_n of_o they_o in_o many_o thing_n for_o a_o carry_n on_o of_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n from_o former_a integrity_n and_o purity_n and_o a_o course_n of_o persecution_n against_o godly_a minister_n and_o elder_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o land_n who_o can_v be_v consent_v to_o their_o backslide_n course_n therefore_o do_v these_o brethren_n conceive_v that_o they_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o refuse_v to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n judicatory_n whilst_o the_o power_n be_v in_o such_o hand_n because_o it_o be_v to_o betray_v themselves_o and_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o will_v of_o man_n we_o conclude_v this_o debate_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o submission_n that_o be_v due_a to_o church-judicatory_n with_o two_o testimony_n of_o man_n who_o be_v deserve_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v great_a and_o worthy_a asserter_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o divine-right_a of_o church-government_n who_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o that_o book_n treat_v of_o the_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o great_a assembly_n for_o their_o authoritative_a judge_v and_o determine_v of_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a and_o the_o divine_a right_n thereof_o do_v write_v thus_o it_o be_v grant_v say_v they_o that_o the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n in_o the_o world_n can_v require_v from_o the_o low_a a_o subordination_n absolute_a and_o pro_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la i_o e._n at_o their_o own_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o only_o in_o some_o respect_n subordination_n absolute_a be_v only_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o detest_v popish_a tyranny_n which_o claim_v a_o power_n of_o give_v their_o will_n for_o a_o law_n it_o be_v subjection_n in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v pleaded-for_a the_o straight_a rule_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o the_o holy_a scricpture_n we_o affirm_v to_o be_v regulam_fw-la regulatam_fw-la i_o e._n a_o rule_n to_o be_v regulate_v peace_n be_v only_o in_o walk_v according_a to_o scripture_n canon_n gal._n 6._o ver._n 16._o the_o other_o be_v of_o our_o countryman_n mr._n george_n gillespie_n in_o his_o assertion_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o sec._n part_n ch._n 2._o page_n 127._o we_o must_v distinguish_v say_v he_o betwixt_o a_o dependence_n absolute_a and_o in_o some_o respect_n a_o congregation_n do_v absolute_o depend_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n alone_o as_o the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n and_o of_o church-government_n for_o we_o accurse_v the_o tyranny_n of_o prelate_n who_o claim_v to_o themselves_o autocratorick_n power_n over_o congregation_n to_o who_o they_o give_v their_o naked-will_n for_o a_o law_n one_o of_o