opposition_n in_o our_o capacity_n to_o all_o prelatic_a malignant_a enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o interest_n but_o how_o be_v it_o perform_v when_o we_o thus_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o their_o avow_a opposition_n thereunto_o 7._o how_o assist_v we_o and_o defend_v in_o this_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n such_o as_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n when_o we_o thus_o divide_v from_o our_o suffer_a brethren_n wound_n and_o offend_v they_o and_o shake_v off_o a_o faithful_a covenant-keeping_a ministry_n 8_o how_o maintain_v we_o our_o reform_a doctrine_n worship_n and_o union_n when_o thus_o own_v false_a prophet_n and_o the_o instruction_n that_o cause_v to_o err_v from_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n and_o such_o as_o cause_v division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v learnt_a prov._n 19_o 27._o rom._n 16._o 17_o 18._o 9_o how_o maintain_v we_o the_o privilege_n of_o our_o church_n and_o her_o reform_a government_n when_o own_v intrude_a prelate_n and_o their_o creature_n as_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n and_o disow_v her_o true_a minister_n now_o take_v she_o by_o the_o hand_n this_o practice_n be_v one_fw-mi approve_v of_o curate_n call_v and_o mission_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o presbyterian_a minister_n which_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n next_o own_v and_o adhere_v to_o curate_n in_o this_o our_o case_n and_o according_a to_o our_o principle_n have_v a_o accession_n to_o much_o guilt_n otherwise_o such_o as_o 1._o the_o own_n of_o a_o palpable_o blast_v and_o disow_v a_o palpable_o seal_v ministry_n 2_o a_o high_a reflection_n on_o the_o suffering_n of_o many_o godly_a upon_o this_o ground_n 3._o a_o shut_n of_o our_o eye_n against_o ministerial_a discovery_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o time_n 4._o a_o cast_v of_o ourselves_o on_o tentation_n of_o great_a compliance_n 5._o a_o break_n of_o fellowship_n with_o these_o that_o be_v contend_v for_o god_n work_n and_o deny_v a_o sympathy_n with_o they_o yea_o a_o trample_n on_o their_o blood_n which_o have_v be_v shed_v on_o this_o ground_n 6._o a_o disow_v the_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o tear_v the_o commission_n of_o christ_n faithful_a ambassador_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o their_o labour_n etc._n etc._n 5._o this_o practice_n of_o deny_v a_o subjection_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o conformist_n and_o of_o our_o ruler_n demand_v conformity_n therein_o unto_o the_o present_a course_n of_o defection_n will_v be_v find_v to_o fall_v under_o great_a scripture_n obligation_n such_o as_o 1._o the_o obligation_n of_o persevere_v in_o integrity_n and_o hold_v it_o fast_o colos._n 1._o 23._o heb._n 10_o 23._o psal._n 25._o 21._o suppose_v prelacy_n unlawful_a and_o the_o bind_a force_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o it_o stand_v establish_v this_o practice_n be_v clear_o cross_v to_o the_o premise_a obligation_n both_o as_o one_fw-mi acknowledgement_n of_o prelacy_n and_o erastiani_fw-la i_o and_o also_o as_o a_o disow_n of_o faithful_a minister_n 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o keep_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o sin_n express_v judas_n 23._o 1_o thess._n 5._o 22._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o will_v infer_v disow_v curate_n in_o this_o case_n 1._o all_o direct_v or_o interpretative_a consent_n to_o sin_n be_v here_o discharge_v 2._o a_o practice_n otherwise_o lawful_a will_v on_o this_o ground_n become_v inexpedient_a hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la we_o must_v not_o eat_v in_o the_o case_n of_o offence_n though_o we_o may_v free_o eat_v all_o meat_n rom._n 14._o 14._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 25._o now_o on_o the_o forementiond_v supposition_n the_o own_n of_o curate_n have_v a_o accession_n to_o their_o sin_n beyond_o that_o of_o one_fw-mi apearance_n or_o a_o touch_n it_o be_v both_o a_o desert_v the_o presbyterian_a ministry_n and_o a_o badge_n of_o conformity_n to_o erastian_n prelacy_n and_o all_o the_o corruption_n and_o defection_n of_o the_o time_n which_o be_v thereby_o advance_v &_o promote_v it_o be_v also_o in_o this_o case_n of_o competition_n a_o deliberate_a adherence_n to_o the_o prelatic_a rather_o than_o presbyterian_a interest_n 3._o the_o great_a obligation_n of_o a_o testimony_n to_o truth_n and_o duty_n express_v heb._n 10._o 23._o mat._n 10._o 32._o will_v plead_v for_o this_o practice_n all_o truth_n must_v be_v avow_v &_o practical_o avow_v we_o must_v walk_v circumspect_o or_o exact_o as_o the_o word_n import_v &_o we_o must_v avow_v truth_n &_o duty_n on_o the_o great_a hazard_n even_o the_o small_a mater_fw-la be_v great_a when_o a_o testimony_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o be_v it_o but_o the_o circumstance_n of_o a_o open_a window_n daniel_n dare_v not_o ommit_v it_o upon_o the_o great_a hazard_n and_o as_o this_o testimony_n must_v be_v full_a so_o must_v it_o also_o be_v constant_a demas_n shame_n be_v that_o the_o afliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v he_o forsake_v the_o apostle_n after_o great_a appearance_n for_o christ_n and_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n and_o beside_o whatever_o truth_n or_o duty_n be_v oppose_v that_o become_v the_o special_a object_n of_o this_o testimony_n hence_o minister_n and_o professor_n in_o their_o capacity_n be_v call_v to_o contend_v for_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o minister_n silence_v as_o to_o a_o ministerial_a testimony_n against_o this_o course_n of_o backslide_v and_o people_n disow_a they_o and_o adhere_v to_o conformist_n be_v so_o palpable_o cross_v thereunto_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o 4._o this_o practice_n be_v infer_v from_o the_o scripture_n obligation_n to_o guard_v against_o the_o slumble_a and_o offend_v our_o brethren_n express_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 3._o math._n 18._o 6._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o here_o be_v discharge_v any_o dictum_fw-la vel_fw-la factum_fw-la quo_fw-la alius_fw-la deterior_fw-la redditur_fw-la say_v polanus_fw-la whatever_o practice_n give_v occasion_n of_o our_o brother_n sin_v of_o call_v truth_n in_o question_n of_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o which_o weaken_v his_o plerophory_n or_o assurance_n be_v here_o discharge_v and_o neither_o the_o lawfulness_n nor_o indifferency_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o nor_o man_n authority_n command_v it_o nor_o the_o weakness_n yea_o or_o wickedness_n of_o those_o in_o hazard_n to_o be_v stumble_v will_v warrant_v the_o do_v of_o that_o out_o of_o which_o offence_n arise_v paul_n declare_v all_o meat_n lawful_a yet_o will_v not_o eat_v in_o case_n of_o offence_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 25._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o this_o declare_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o practice_n be_v equivalent_a to_o any_o civil_a declarator_n or_o law_n which_o alter_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n paul_n will_v not_o have_v the_o weak_a stumble_v rom._n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 11_o 12._o nor_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o malicious_a who_o desire_a occasion_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 12._o now_o own_v of_o curate_n as_o the_o case_n be_v now_o circumstantiat_fw-la do_v harden_v they_o in_o their_o apostasy_n and_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o wound_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o dare_v not_o own_v they_o or_o may_v provoke_v they_o to_o act_v against_o their_o light_n and_o therefore_o unless_o own_v they_o can_v be_v prove_v a_o necessary_a duty_n as_o matter_n now_o stand_v the_o premisd_a scripture_n obligation_n will_v infer_v it_o to_o be_v sinful_a 5._o disow_a conformist_n will_v clear_o follow_v from_o the_o scripture_n obligation_n to_o turn_v away_o from_o seducer_n and_o such_o as_o turn_v aside_o from_o god_n way_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 1._o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v a_o large_a induction_n of_o evil_n adhere_v to_o these_o in_o the_o last_o day_n put_v among_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o black_a theta_n covenant_n break_v conclude_v his_o discovery_n with_o this_o grand_a precept_n ver_fw-la 5._o from_o such_o turn_n away_o we_o must_v beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n the_o concision_n and_o of_o such_o as_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o receive_a ordinance_n math._n 7._o 15._o rom._n 16._o 17._o philip._n 3._o 2._o 2_o thess._n 3._o 6._o christ_n sheep_n do_v flee_v from_o the_o stranger_n and_o hear_v not_o his_o voice_n john_n 10_o 27._o 1._o all_o promoter_n of_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v here_o command_v to_o be_v eschew_v 2._o we_o must_v know_v and_o discover_v such_o by_o their_o fruit_n and_o practical_a unfaithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o false_a doctrine_n mat._n 7._o 16._o compare_v with_o 2_o tim._n 3._o these_o that_o practical_o act_v the_o fox_n cant._n 2._o 15._o be_v to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o consequent_o eschew_v the_o saint_n must_v be_v fortify_v against_o these_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v god_n disow_v these_o that_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o
themselves_o into_o which_o we_o hopâ—…_n will_v be_v abundant_o clear_a to_o the_o understand_a peruser_n of_o what_o i_o have_v offer_v upon_o that_o head_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n as_o it_o be_v exhibit_v how_o clear_a and_o full_a our_o confession_n and_o principle_n be_v in_o assert_v the_o due_a right_n of_o magistracy_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o true_a gospel_n ministry_n and_o how_o harmonious_o we_o join_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n herein_o be_v sufficient_o notour_n to_o the_o unbiased_a and_o judicious_a and_o consequent_o that_o no_o precipitation_n or_o straying_n from_o the_o scripture_n path_n upon_o these_o head_n can_v be_v charge_v upon_o our_o cause_n and_o principle_n great_a and_o manifold_a have_v be_v the_o assault_n of_o satan_n upon_o this_o poor_a church_n and_o reproach_n of_o that_o grand_a accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n upon_o our_o reformation_n and_o the_o faithful_a promoter_n thereof_o and_o the_o plower_n have_v long_o plough_v upon_o her_o back_n and_o enemy_n of_o all_o sort_n have_v many_o time_n afflict_v she_o from_o her_o youth_n o_o that_o our_o provoke_v jealous_a god_n will_v show_v we_o wherefore_o he_o contend_v and_o give_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n a_o heart-affecting_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o this_o controversy_n and_o show_v unto_o we_o our_o transgression_n wherein_o we_o have_v exceed_v and_o provoke_v he_o thus_o to_o lengthen_v out_o our_o desolation_n that_o he_o will_v excite_v minister_n to_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o open_v up_o to_o they_o a_o effectual_a door_n and_o engage_v his_o people_n to_o a_o due_a and_o suitable_a subjection_n to_o their_o ministry_n that_o this_o word_n may_v run_v swift_o and_o this_o sword_n of_o the_o lord_n eut_fw-fr the_o cord_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o we_o be_v all_o excite_a to_o encompase_v his_o throne_n with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n in_o order_n to_o the_o return_v of_o the_o eclipse_v depart_v glory_n that_o this_o great_a shepherd_n israel_n will_v show_v himself_o the_o only_a wise_a of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a potentate_n in_o dissappoint_v and_o crush_a the_o crafty_a cruel_a stratagem_n and_o design_n of_o satan_n now_o act_v both_o the_o roar_a lion_n and_o subtle_a old_a serpent_n and_o of_o his_o grand_a lieutenant_n antichrist_n and_o his_o artisan_n that_o this_o our_o isle_n upon_o which_o the_o â—…ay-spring_n from_o on_o high_a do_v early_a shinâ—…_n and_o which_o do_v early_o wait_v for_o his_o lawâ—…_n who_o be_v zions_n great_a lawgiver_n be_v recâ—…_n vere_v from_o popish_a darkness_n and_o froâ—…_n decay_v after_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n may_v have_v a_o restore_n heal_a visit_n and_o be_v make_v a_o marry_a land_n may_v be_v upon_o this_o ground_n a_o land_n of_o desire_n that_o christ_n tabernacle_n now_o fall_v down_o may_v be_v rear_v up_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n and_o plant_v among_o we_o until_o his_o glotious_a appearance_n to_o accomplish_v his_o church_n warfare_n and_o to_o make_v up_o his_o jewel_n this_o be_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o prisoner_n of_o hope_n and_o in_o this_o expectation_n let_v we_o turn_v in_o to_o the_o strong_a hold_n even_o to_o his_o name_n which_o be_v a_o strong_a tower_n and_o go_v on_o in_o his_o strentgh_a keep_v his_o good_a way_n which_o have_v always_o be_v strength_n unto_o the_o upright_a let_v we_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n since_o he_o come_v quick_o who_o be_v our_o head_n and_o judge_n and_o his_o reward_n be_v with_o he_o so_o that_o neither_o our_o labour_n nor_o suffering_n shall_v be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o content_n first_o part_n chap._n 1._o page_n 2._o that_o the_o prelate_n now_o establish_v in_o this_o church_n be_v both_o diocesian_n and_o erastian_n clear_v by_o the_o present_a stand_a act_n hereanent_a page_n 2_o 3._o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o the_o question_n propon_v according_o argument_n from_o scripture_n against_o the_o diocesian_a prelate_n as_o a_o pretend_a church_n officer_n such_o as_o 1._o appropriate_v the_o term_n episcopus_fw-la common_a to_o all_o pastor_n to_o a_o prelate_n the_o absu_fw-la diâ—…y_n of_o this_o discover_v calvine_v remarkable_a testimony_n on_o titus_n 1_o 7._o page_n 4._o 2_o make_v it_o relate_v to_o pastor_n which_o have_v the_o flock_n for_o its_o immediate_a object_n clear_v from_o 1_o pet._n 5_o 3._o invade_v and_o null_v the_o authority_n allow_v to_o presbyter_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n clear_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o prelatist_n and_o the_o absurdity_n hereof_o from_o several_a scripture_n ground_n page_n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o 4._o impeach_a christ_n kingly_a office_n as_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o word_n in_o obtrude_a a_o officer_n on_o his_o church_n of_o a_o different_a mould_n from_o those_o describe_v and_o allow_v by_o he_o clear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o prelate_n office_n and_o some_o scripture_n ground_n page_n 13_o 14_o 15._o chap._n 2._o page_n 16._o some_o more_o argument_n against_o the_o diocesian_a prelate_n that_o his_o office_n debase_v the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n clear_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o several_a scripture_n ground_n page_n 16_o 17_o 18._o it_o maim_n and_o diversify_v the_o pastoral_a office_n by_o antiscripturall_a new_a invent_a degree_n thereof_o clear_v at_o large_a page_n 19_o 〈◊〉_d his_o office_n many_o way_n contrare_fw-la to_o thevery_a nature_n 〈◊〉_d the_o gospel_n church_n government_n clear_v also_o at_o largâ—…_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o prelate_n office_n and_o several_a scripture_n ground_n page_n 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o cap._n 3_o page_z 25._o the_o diocesian_a bishop_n office_n debase_v extraordinary_a office_n in_o consound_v they_o with_o ordinary_a clear_v from_o the_o scripture-account_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a office_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o prelate_n office_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o plead_n of_o the_o episcopal_a party_n pag_n 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o 30._o the_o derivation_n of_o the_o prelate_n office_n from_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o the_o power_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n load_v with_o absurdity_n ibid._n chap._n 4._o page_n 30._o the_o diocesian_a prelate_n office_n take_v away_o the_o people_n right_a to_o call_v their_o pastor_n this_o right_n prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o divine_a reason_n page_n 31_o 32_o 33._o it_o exclude_v the_o office_n of_o the_o roll_a elder_n prove_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o prelatist_n as_o likeways_o the_o precede_a charge_n the_o divine_a right_n of_o this_o office_n prove_v from_o several_a scripture_n ground_n especial_o 1_v tim._n 5_o 17._o and_o some_o chief_a exception_n of_o the_o prelatic_a party_n examine_v page_n 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o chap._n 5._o page_n 39_o that_o the_o present_a prelacy_n be_v gross_a erastianisme_n prove_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n some_o argument_n against_o it_o under_o that_o notion_n it_o exclude_v and_o deny_v all_o church_n government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a contrary_a to_o the_o church_n privilege_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v demonstrat_fw-la at_o large_a page_n 41_o 42_o 43_o 44_o be_v in_o many_o point_n one_fw-mi encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o upon_o christ_n mediatory_a authority_n over_o the_o same_o which_o be_v clear_v page_n 45_o 46._o chap._n 6_o page_n 47._o erastianisme_n deny_v the_o complete_a constitution_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n in_o point_n of_o government_n remove_v the_o scripture_n land_n mark_n set_v to_o distinguish_v the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a power_n which_o be_v clear_v in_o several_a point_n page_n 47_o 48_o 49_o 50._o it_o be_v liable_a to_o great_a absurdity_n ibid._n chap._n 7._o pag._n 51._o the_o informer_n shift_v and_o obscure_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n anent_o episcopacy_n and_o flinch_v from_o the_o point_n debateable_a discover_v several_a way_n page_n 52_o 53_o he_o decline_v a_o direct_a plead_n for_o the_o prelate_n civil_a office_n yet_o offer_v some_o argument_n in_o defence_n thereof_o wherein_o his_o prevarication_n and_o contradiction_n to_o himself_o be_v make_v appear_v his_o pretend_a scripture_n argument_n from_o the_o instance_n of_o eli_n and_o samuel_n and_o the_o priest_n concurrence_n in_o that_o court_n 11_o numb_a to_o fortify_v the_o prelate_n civil_a state_n office_n ad_fw-la examine_v page_n 54_o 55_o 56_o 57_o 58_o 59_o he_o be_v contradict_v by_o interpreter_n in_o this_o point_n antiquity_n full_a and_o clear_a against_o he_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1638_o sess._n 25._o against_o the_o
be_v find_v in_o scripture_n this_o officer_n patch_v up_o thereof_o must_v either_o be_v unwarrantable_a or_o christ_n the_o church_n head_n and_o lawgiver_n his_o law_n and_o rule_n in_o point_n of_o church_n government_n and_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n gift_n ordination_n and_o work_v of_o church_n officer_n be_v not_o full_a and_o perfect_a but_o mank_v and_o deficient_a as_o to_o such_o one_fw-mi eminent_a church_n officer_n and_o where_o be_v then_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o word_n and_o testament_n to_o make_v not_o only_o the_o ordinary_a christian_n but_o even_o the_o mà n_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n that_o none_o of_o all_o the_o formention_v particular_n as_o to_o this_o officer_n distinct_a from_o and_o superior_a to_o a_o presbyter_n can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n but_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o i_o prove_v thus_o 1._o the_o scripture_n mention_n no_o name_n qualification_n work_n duty_n or_o ordination_n of_o any_o or_o dinary_a church_n officer_n superior_a to_o presbyter_n and_o which_o be_v not_o likeways_o appropriate_a to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v ruler_n governor_n bishop_n and_o both_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v apropriat_a to_o they_o in_o a_o perfect_a parity_n 1_o thess._n 5_o 12._o with_o 17._o v_o and_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 17._o hebr._n 13._o v_o 7_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 5_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 4_o 14._o 3_o epist._n joh._n 9_o v_o 2._o in_o all_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o purpose_a recitall_n of_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n and_o purpose_a declaration_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o duty_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n of_o the_o premise_a ingredient_n of_o the_o office_n of_o this_o suppose_a diocesian_n bishop_n as_o thus_o distinct_a from_o and_o superior_a to_o presbyter_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 28._o eph._n 4_o 11_o 12._o rom._n 12._o 7_o 8._o in_o these_o place_n we_o have_v besyd_n the_o apostle_n prophet_n &_o evangelist_n who_o office_n as_o extraordinaire_fw-fr be_v cease_v pastor_n elder_n deacon_n but_o no_o hint_n of_o the_o office_n name_n qualification_n or_o mission_n of_o one_fw-mi ordinary_a church_n officer_n superior_a to_o the_o pastor_n be_v either_o heir_n or_o in_o any_o scripture_n else_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v express_v as_o to_o the_o office_n and_o qualification_n even_o of_o the_o deacon_n the_o low_a officer_n strange_a the_o server_n of_o table_n his_o office_n and_o ordination_n clear_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n and_o yet_o altum_fw-la silentium_fw-la as_o to_o either_o name_n office_n or_o ordination_n of_o the_o diocesian_a bishop_n if_o the_o argument_n of_o our_o divine_n be_v good_a from_o hence_o against_o the_o pope_n because_o not_o mention_v in_o these_o catalogue_n of_o church_n officer_n ergo_fw-la a_o pari_fw-la it_o must_v hold_v good_a against_o the_o prelate_n and_o as_o to_o that_o that_o the_o prelate_n have_v the_o actus_fw-la signatus_fw-la of_o a_o state_n ruler_n how_o cross_a this_o be_v to_o scripture_n we_o may_v after_o show_v sure_o since_o christ_n set_v all_o these_o his_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o command_v they_o diligent_o to_o wait_v upon_o and_o attend_v their_o work_n and_o ministry_n therein_o he_o never_o make_v or_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v state_n ruler_n chap._n ii_o some_o more_o argument_n against_o the_o diecesian_a prelate_n that_o his_o office_n debase_v the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n clear_v it_o maim_n and_o diversisy_n the_o pastoral_a office_n by_o anti-scriptural_a now_o invent_v degree_n thereof_o his_o office_n many_o way_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel-church-government_n the_o diocesian_a bishop_n his_o office_n be_v in_o this_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n v._o in_o that_o it_o debases_n the_o high_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n in_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n for_o all_o do_v grant_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v such_o so_o that_o he_o who_o can_v do_v thes_n act_n have_v the_o badge_n of_o the_o high_a ministerial_a authority_n as_o one_fw-mi ordinary_a church_n officer_n these_o be_v among_o the_o most_o emnient_a act_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o office_n and_o authority_n go_v teach_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n they_o must_v have_v some_o to_o serve_v table_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n timothy_n our_o prelatical_a man_n supposed-bishop_n must_v preach_v the_o word_n and_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long_a suffering_n and_o doctrine_n 2_o tim._n 4_o 1_o 2._o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n come_v upon_o he_o and_o therein_o a_o great_a rule_a work_n yet_o pronunce_v a_o woe_n upon_o himself_o if_o he_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 28._o and_o he_o tell_v we_o this_o be_v a_o special_a trust_n commit_v to_o he_o in_o this_o he_o admire_v the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v put_v into_o the_o ministry_n and_o honour_v to_o preach_v the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ._n peter_n that_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n when_o by_o the_o lord_n restore_v to_o his_o office_n and_o encourage_v to_o its_o exercise_n by_o a_o threefold_a renovation_n of_o his_o mission_n be_v thrice_o enjoin_v as_o the_o great_a badge_n of_o his_o love_n to_o his_o master_n to_o feed_v his_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n according_o the_o scripture_n bishop_n must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apt_a to_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v by_o office_n scilicet_fw-la must_v wait_v upon_o teach_v and_o the_o wise_a and_o faithful_a steward_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v the_o child_n their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n must_v be_v find_v so_o do_v when_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o reckon_v with_o he_o and_o not_o lay_v up_o this_o noble_a talon_n in_o a_o napkine_n to_o this_o the_o key_n of_o diseiplin_n be_v inferior_a and_o subordinat_a as_o themean_v to_o its_o end_n the_o high_a honour_n above_o rule_a only_a being_n allow_v to_o the_o labourer_n in_o the_o word_n &_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5_o 17._o this_o be_v clear_a i_o say_v the_o office_n of_o the_o diocesian_a bishop_n debase_v and_o trample_v upon_o these_o high_a and_o noble_a act_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o consequent_o upon_o the_o premise_a scripture_n assert_v the_o same_o and_o that_o in_o these_o way_n i._o in_o that_o the_o quondam_a presbyter_n only_o when_o make_v a_o prelate_n leave_v off_o the_o feed_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o lay_v by_o the_o preach_a talon_n the_o church_n where_o he_o do_v preach_v or_o officiat_fw-la it_o may_v be_v shall_v never_o see_v or_o hear_v he_o again_o but_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la void_a to_o be_v poss_v by_o another_o nor_o by_o his_o now-office_n be_v he_o oblige_v to_o preach_v or_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n any_o more_o at_o all_o these_o petty_a piece_n of_o work_n be_v below_o his_o new_a lordship_n trew_n he_o may_v preach_v if_o he_o please_v and_o at_o the_o church_n where_o he_o reseed_n but_o that_o be_v per_fw-la accidens_fw-la ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la and_o out_o of_o courtesy_n but_o by_o his_o office_n qua_fw-la prelat_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o preach_v no_o more_o to_o any_o frock_n nor_o be_v he_o in_o the_o least_o judge_v faulty_a or_o deficient_a in_o his_o episcopal_a office_n if_o he_o be_v whole_o silent_a nay_o in_o england_n preach_v prelate_n have_v be_v highe_o upbraid_v and_o reproach_v by_o their_o fellow_n and_o call_v preach_v cox_n comb_n we_o all_o know_v wat_fw-mi one_fw-mi odd_a piece_n of_o work_n mr_n lightoun's_o preach_n be_v esteem_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o prelatic_a party_n when_o he_o turn_v prelate_n now_o let_v any_o of_o common_a reason_n or_o ingenuity_n judge_n what_o one_fw-mi office_n that_o must_v be_v which_o putt_v a_o minister_n entrust_v with_o the_o lord_n great_a commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n under_o pretence_n of_o advancement_n to_o a_o high_a sphere_n in_o the_o ministry_n to_o lay_v by_o this_o work_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o high_a of_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o main_o labour_v and_o glory_v as_o the_o most_o noble_a mean_v of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sonles_z and_o consequent_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n therein_o nay_o to_o lay_v by_o this_o noble_a work_n under_o pretence_n of_o new_a burdene_a of_o government_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o plant_v and_o govern_v most_o enixe_o ply_v this_o work_n still_o if_o this_o man_n become_v not_o a_o dumb_a dog_n and_o a_o slothful_a unprofiteable_a servant_n let_v
be_v not_o one_o with_o himself_o in_o it_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n discharge_v all_o inequality_n and_o especial_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o primate_n among_o the_o apole_n and_o therefore_o why_o his_o scoler_n john_n censure_v not_o likeways_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o primacy_n affect_v minister_n seek_v the_o same_o principality_n over_o his_o brethren_n or_o fellow_n minister_n which_o our_o lord_n discharge_v among_o the_o disciple_n will_v puzell_n he_o to_o show_v the_o disparity_n sure_o when_o our_o lord_n say_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o and_o when_o he_o discharge_v a_o protos_fw-la or_o chief_a among_o the_o disciple_n recomend_v to_o the_o desirer_n of_o this_o to_o be_v their_o servant_n over_o who_o this_o be_v affect_v he_o speak_v to_o they_o as_o minister_n and_o in_o that_o capacity_n and_o therefore_o discharge_v this_o among_o all_o minister_n for_o aquatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la i_o wonder_v if_o this_o man_n will_v say_v that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n have_v affect_v to_o be_v a_o protos_fw-la over_o the_o rest_n our_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v give_v they_o the_o same_o injunction_n or_o if_o he_o will_v say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v themselves_o concern_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o the_o prohibition_n which_o the_o disciple_n here_o get_v sure_o he_o can_v deny_v this_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certan_a that_o john_n discharhe_n the_o very_a protos_fw-la or_o prostacy_n self_n for_o what_o reason_n will_v it_o he_o invent_v wherefore_o a_o preeminence_n or_o primacy_n shall_v be_v disgarge_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o allow_v among_o the_o seventy_o who_o he_o think_v represent_v the_o pastor_n or_o any_o inferior_a order_n of_o church_n officer_n beside_o what_o be_v it_o which_o peter_n discharge_v to_o these_o bishop_n 1_o pet._n 5._o be_v it_o not_o a_o preeminence_n or_o masterly_a primacy_n and_o to_o be_v a_o protos_fw-la learned_a he_o not_o this_o prohibition_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o critical_a distinction_n to_o distinguish_v lordship_n from_o preeminence_n now_o the_o first_o we_o find_v universal_o discharge_v to_o pastor_n even_o over_o the_o flockâ—…_n as_o this_o man_n acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o why_o this_o preeminence_n be_v not_o likewise_o in_o itself_o and_o simple_o strike_v against_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o show_v the_o disparity_n i_o must_v presume_v that_o the_o apostle_n understand_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o prohibition_n of_o his_o lord_n much_o better_a than_o our_o informer_n and_o we_o see_v he_o apply_v to_o inferior_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n that_o which_o be_v discharge_v to_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o fellow_n disciple_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o none_o of_o these_o scripture-bishop_n be_v to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o flock_n far_o less_o over_o their_o fellow_n so_o that_o to_o be_v a_o protos_fw-la or_o chief_a over_o they_o be_v inhibit_v as_o by_o the_o lord_n before_o so_o by_o the_o apostle_n here_o and_o consequent_o this_o lover_n of_o preeminence_n be_v simple_o condemn_v the_o inglish_n annot_n make_v the_o two_o place_n of_o peter_n &_o john_n parallel_n &_o the_o same_o evil_a to_o be_v discharge_v in_o both_o so_o do_v the_o dutch_a annot_n express_v that_o which_o diotrephe_v seek_v in_o the_o apostle_n peter_n term_n of_o lord_v it_o over_o his_o brethren_n now_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o when_o peter_n discharge_v minister_n to_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n he_o discharge_v only_o one_fw-mi ambitious_a affectation_n and_o suppose_a a_o laâ—…ll_a lordship_n over_o the_o flockâ—…_n abstract_v from_o this_o ambitious_a affectation_n sure_o then_o this_o prohibition_n of_o the_o apostle_n john_n where_o diotrephes_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v practise_v what_o be_v by_o peter_n discharge_v can_v admit_v of_o no_o such_o evasion_n either_o unless_o he_o will_v make_v these_o apostle_n to_o interfere_v together_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o it_o be_v strange_a clash_n of_o weapone_n and_o contradiction_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o these_o apostle_n if_o peter_n shall_v discharge_v all_o lording_n even_o over_o the_o flock_n in_o any_o pastor_n and_o yet_o john_n shall_v allow_v unto_o a_o pastor_n a_o preeminence_n and_o primacy_n both_o over_o the_o flock_n and_o his_o fellow_n minister_n and_o labourer_n with_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n infine_v if_o to_o be_v a_o primate_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o lawful_a office_n to_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o lover_n of_o it_o which_o be_v all_o that_o the_o word_n will_v import_n can_v deserve_v no_o censure_n the_o informer_n know_v who_o say_v he_o that_o desire_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n desire_v a_o good_a work_n but_o our_o lord_n who_o speak_v this_o by_o the_o pen_n of_o paul_n say_v also_o himself_o immediate_o to_o the_o apostle_n &_o by_o the_o apostle_n john_n in_o this_o place_n he_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o protos_fw-la or_o chief_a must_v quite_o that_o desire_n hence_o these_o be_v different_a object_n of_o desire_n to_o be_v a_o scripture_n bishop_n and_o a_o protos_fw-la or_o primate_n to_o affect_v the_o office_n of_o a_o scripture_n bishop_n and_o a_o primacy_n be_v antipod_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o lawful_a nor_o consequent_o preaexistent_a office_n in_o the_o church_n allow_v by_o john_n which_o this_o man_n desire_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v simple_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n both_o as_o to_o the_o desire_n itself_o and_o the_o object_n of_o it_o he_o who_o thus_o affect_v to_o be_v first_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o who_o thus_o exalt_v themselves_o shall_v be_v abase_v to_o all_o which_o i_o may_v add_v that_o diotrephe_v imperious_a lordly_a carriage_n in_o cast_v out_o and_o censure_v and_o not_o admit_v into_o this_o church_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v to_o be_v therein_o receive_v be_v a_o lively_a effigy_n of_o anâ—…_n episcopal_n primacy_n or_o preeminence_n and_o of_o that_o arbitrary_a prelacy_n that_o sole_a power_n in_o ordination_n and_o censure_n which_o this_o informer_n plead_v for_o against_o which_o disorderline_v of_o this_o early_a primate_n the_o apostle_n threaten_v of_o his_o holy_a censure_n be_v a_o thunder-clapp_a which_o may_v terrify_v all_o who_o carry_v this_o usurp_a office_n and_o may_v make_v his_o suppose_a angel_n or_o prelate_n for_o this_o their_o aspyre_a fear_v the_o stroke_n and_o punishment_n of_o those_o angel_n who_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o estate_n but_o leave_v their_o own_o habitation_n i_o shall_v dimiss_v the_o informer_n last_o argument_n with_o one_o remark_n further_o which_o be_v this_o if_o the_o affect_v to_o be_v a_o protos_fw-la or_o chief_a taint_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o while_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o its_o first_o infancy_n if_o in_o paul_n time_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o of_o propry_a be_v work_v the_o monstrous_a embryo_n of_o a_o papacy_n and_o consequent_o of_o a_o prelacy_n if_o peter_n find_v it_o needful_a to_o disscharge_v covetousness_n and_o lordship_n to_o minister_n if_o the_o holy_a apostle_n john_n be_v contradict_v and_o counteracted_a by_o one_fw-mi aspire_a primate_n sure_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v at_o that_o universal_a change_n of_o the_o apostolic_a holy_a humble_a church_n discipline_n and_o parity_n among_o minister_n which_o overspread_v the_o christian_a church_n not_o long_o thereafter_o and_o to_o our_o prelatist_n ordinary_a question_n when_o begin_v the_o change_n of_o preshyterian_a parity_n among_o ministe_n we_o may_v answer_v that_o the_o bitter_a â—…ootes_n of_o a_o primacy_n or_o prelacy_n be_v sprout_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o this_o destroy_a weed_n grow_v up_o so_o quick_o thereafter_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o evil_a one_o do_v quick_o sow_v his_o cocle_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o blow_v up_o this_o fire_n of_o ambition_n primacy_n pride_n and_o his_o own_o proper_a sin_n till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o flame_n first_o of_o a_o human_a proftasie_n then_o of_o a_o hierarchy_n and_o unto_o the_o culmen_fw-la or_o tope_o of_o a_o chief_a universal_a primacy_n at_o last_o for_o that_o which_o he_o add_v of_o blondel_n his_o grant_v that_o diotrephe_v seek_v to_o be_v first_o presbyter_n &_o such_o a_o precedent_n as_o have_v authority_n over_o the_o rest_n sure_o none_o who_o haâ—…e_n read_v blondel_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o distinguish_v all_o along_o the_o presbyter_n set_v over_o other_o from_o the_o episcopus_fw-la divine_a jure_fw-la institutus_fw-la so_o in_o his_o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o 4t_n argument_n page_n 190_o 191_o 192_o 193_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o he_o make_v the_o very_a constant_a fix_a precedent_n much_o more_o
eye_v so_o when_o a_o faithful_a minister_n be_v thus_o due_o call_v and_o settle_v people_n be_v oblige_v to_o own_o his_o ministry_n by_o a_o due_a attendance_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n administer_v by_o he_o which_o be_v all_o that_o decency_n union_n and_o order_n and_o that_o act_n of_o our_o church_n after_o mention_v do_v call_v for_o which_o notwithstanding_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o exclude_v all_o occasional_a usemaking_n of_o other_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o faithful_a minister_n which_o be_v as_o i_o say_v cross_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o believer_n interest_n in_o one_o another_o gift_n and_o grace_n but_o 4._o our_o question_n here_o be_v state_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o national_a church_n their_o apostasy_n &_o defection_n from_o our_o swear_a reformation_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o minister_n and_o professor_n adhere_v to_o their_o principle_n viz._n to_o which_o of_o the_o two_o party_n on_o this_o supposition_n people_n be_v to_o adhere_v in_o worship_n sure_o the_o lord_n palpable_a blast_v the_o backslide_a party_n their_o gift_n as_o to_o any_o save_a success_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a his_o as_o palpable_a own_n and_o seal_v with_o his_o blessing_n the_o ministry_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n be_v a_o loud_o call_v in_o this_o break_a state_n of_o our_o church_n and_o case_n of_o defection_n and_o persecution_n to_o come_v out_o from_o the_o one_o party_n and_o way_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o other_o so_o his_o doubter_n in_o this_o and_o the_o next_o objection_n shall_v have_v argue_v thus_o in_o this_o case_n of_o defection_n and_o overturning_a of_o our_o reformation_n god_n be_v please_v to_o seal_v with_o a_o palpable_a blessing_n on_o our_o soul_n the_o word_n from_o minister_n adhere_v to_o their_o principle_n we_o may_v safe_o look_v on_o this_o as_o a_o call_v from_o god_n to_o hear_v they_o rather_o than_o the_o prelate_n perjure_v hireling_n who_o ministry_n we_o have_v find_v palpable_o blast_v since_o they_o comply_v with_o â—…his_n course_n of_o perjurious_a back_n side_v and_o opposition_n to_o god_n work_n in_o this_o case_n certain_o its_o a_o argument_n very_o pungent_a and_o found_v on_o that_o of_o jer._n 3._o 31_o 32._o where_o the_o lord_n threaten_v the_o prophet_n who_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o err_v by_o their_o lie_n and_o lightness_n and_o who_o he_o have_v not_o send_v nor_o command_v though_o they_o prophesy_v with_o this_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o profit_v the_o people_n at_o all_o so_o the_o argument_n go_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o our_o church_n break_v and_o persecute_v state_n and_o a_o competition_n betwixt_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n and_o a_o party_n of_o schismatic_a innovator_n and_o overturner_n of_o our_o reformation_n will_v infer_v nothing_o against_o our_o church_n settle_a order_n under_o presbyterian_a government_n nor_o the_o assembly_n act_n 1647._o presuppose_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o gift_n but_o god_n save_v blessing_n attend_v the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o that_o practice_n plead_v for_o thereby_o now_o as_o to_o his_o answer_n it_o be_v palpable_a that_o it_o meet_v not_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o least_o and_o beside_o his_o exclusive_a gloss_n be_v very_o impertinent_a viz._n because_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v the_o best_a and_o edify_a gift_n fâ—…r_v ourselves_o in_o our_o siation_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v the_o best_a in_o other_o also_o what_o consequence_n be_v this_o sure_o the_o informer_n will_v not_o deny_v simpliciter_fw-la that_o people_n be_v to_o seek_v after_o the_o most_o edify_a minister_n and_o this_o will_v follow_v on_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o our_o edification_n which_o we_o be_v to_o design_n in_o seek_v the_o best_a gift_n in_o and_o for_o ourselves_o nay_o the_o one_o be_v the_o great_a mean_a subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o other_o a_o faithful_a edify_a ministry_n be_v god_n method_n for_o win_v to_o the_o best_a gift_n for_o myself_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o mean_a lead_n to_o this_o end_n fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o command_n to_o seek_v and_o covet_v the_o best_a gift_n so_o a_o great_a than_o he_o voetius_fw-la conclude_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o seek_v the_o best_a edify_a ministry_n on_o this_o ground_n de_fw-fr politeia_fw-la eccles._n pag._n 52._o and_o likewise_o on_o these_o scripture_n luk._n 8_o 18_o 1_o thess._n 5._o 22._o and_o remove_v objection_n to_o the_o cotraire_fw-fr his_o second_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o press_a unity_n and_o not_o to_o despise_v the_o mean_a gift_n more_o than_o the_o mean_a member_n and_o to_o avoid_v schism_n verse_n 25._o ans._n then_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o precept_n which_o we_o have_v explain_v seek_v the_o best_a gift_n be_v consistent_a with_o unity_n and_o avoid_v schism_n and_o consequent_o in_o this_o our_o case_n it_o be_v no_o way_n inductive_a to_o schism_n but_o consistent_a with_o a_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o mean_a gift_a minister_n who_o be_v faithful_a to_o withdraw_v from_o scandalous_a innovator_n who_o have_v already_o fix_v a_o schism_n in_o this_o church_n by_o oppose_v her_o swear_a reformation_n order_n and_o unity_n nay_o as_o matter_n now_o stand_v this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o keep_v our_o church_n union_n and_o integrity_n since_o this_o their_o course_n have_v such_o a_o clear_a tendency_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o her_o reformation_n and_o pure_a constitution_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n as_o be_v above_o clear_v his_o 3d_o answer_n be_v that_o edification_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n not_o in_o a_o way_n that_o mar_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o that_o though_o our_o sense_n of_o this_o general_a direction_n be_v grant_v it_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v ans._n let_v our_o swear_a establish_a reformation_n its_o principle_n rule_n and_o design_n sit_v in_o judgement_n and_o determine_v who_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o this_o church_n peace_n and_o order_n they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o this_o church_n privilege_v with_o a_o beautiful_a order_n of_o government_n pure_a gospel-worship_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n before_o prelacy_n be_v introduce_v well_o then_o the_o way_n to_o this_o church_n true_a peace_n union_n and_o order_n must_v be_v in_o oppose_v their_o pretend_a order_n who_o be_v let_v in_o the_o enemy_n and_o have_v break_v her_o wall_n and_o hedge_n many_o of_o they_o say_v and_o swear_v that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n of_o this_o church_n be_v a_o beautiful_a order_n unto_o which_o since_o they_o stand_v in_o opposition_n they_o be_v the_o most_o orderly_o who_o disowne_v they_o as_o for_o that_o which_o he_o add_v of_o people_n neglect_v minister_n set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n he_o must_v prove_v that_o conformist_n be_v such_o minister_n who_o be_v both_o scandalous_a for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n in_o their_o carriage_n have_v no_o visible_a badge_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v and_o do_v own_o principle_n and_o carry_v on_o a_o design_n point_fw-fr blank_n contraire_fw-fr to_o our_o reformation_n have_v leave_v the_o people_n conduct_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n give_v up_o all_o their_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o abjure_a prelacy_n and_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o destroy_v and_o waste_v the_o lord_n vineyard_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o set_v over_o people_n yet_o since_o they_o be_v trace_v way_n of_o schism_n and_o innovation_n condemn_v by_o our_o church_n christ_n flock_n can_v own_v or_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o as_o their_o soul_n spiritual_a guide_n they_o be_v man_n that_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n and_o make_v many_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o beside_o since_o that_o compliance_n in_o subjection_n to_o conformist_n and_o disow_v of_o presbyterian_a minister_n which_o he_o do_v here_o plead_v for_o be_v in_o very_a deed_n a_o despise_v faithful_a minister_n set_v over_o their_o flock_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o stand_v in_o a_o ministerial_a relation_n to_o they_o and_o who_o consequent_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v call_v to_o honour_n and_o obey_v this_o same_o reason_n whereby_o he_o will_v persuade_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o conform_v party_n plead_v more_o strong_o against_o they_o and_o his_o rule_n aftermention_v not_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o will_v conclude_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o under_o pretence_n of_o keep_v parochial_a order_n or_o for_o evit_v confusion_n deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n faithful_a ambassador_n to_o adhere_v unto_o who_o in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v under_o so_o many_o obligation_n as_o for_o the_o canon_n after'cit_v by_o he_o against_o minister_n
so_o far_o from_o tie_v congregation_n to_o conformist_n as_o this_o man_n alleage_n that_o they_o tie_v they_o to_o their_o own_o faithful_a presbyterian_a pastor_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o disowne_v prelate_n and_o their_o intrude_a hireling_n as_o none_o of_o the_o lawful_a pastor_n of_o this_o church_n i_o may_v here_o add_v that_o the_o account_n of_o the_o pastors_n duty_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o people_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n exhibit_v to_o we_o in_o these_o scripture_n which_o he_o mention_n do_v sufficient_o exclude_v their_o party_n from_o any_o claim_n thereunto_o what_o do_v they_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o warn_v the_o people_n from_o he_o who_o be_v general_o so_o ignorant_a of_o his_o word_n walk_v contrary_a to_o it_o themselves_o and_o harden_v other_o in_o rebellion_n against_o he_o be_v they_o watch_v for_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n who_o be_v love_v to_o sleep_n and_o slumber_n and_o dare_v not_o say_v most_o of_o they_o that_o ever_o they_o inquire_v at_o any_o soul_n how_o it_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o do_v their_o lip_n keep_v knowledge_n who_o have_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o cause_v many_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n be_v they_o labour_v and_o admonish_v as_o to_o sin_n and_o duty_n who_o be_v ringleader_n in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n sure_o if_o the_o duty_n of_o subjection_n reverence_n and_o obedience_n suppose_v such_o character_n of_o minister_n and_o such_o qualification_n as_o be_v here_o express_v people_n be_v hereby_o abundant_o discharge_v from_o such_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n as_o to_o conformist_n who_o be_v so_o palpable_o destitute_a of_o these_o qualification_n so_o that_o the_o informer_n fall_v utter_o short_a of_o his_o intend_a advantage_n by_o this_o citation_n of_o mr_n durham_n and_o the_o scripture_n therein_o mention_v do_v wound_v his_o cause_n tâ—…_n death_n and_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o his_o reason_n this_o man_n be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o fall_v still_o by_o the_o rebound_n of_o his_o own_o argument_n and_o the_o scripture-weapon_n which_o in_o plead_v for_o this_o cause_n will_v never_o be_v find_v the_o weapon_n of_o his_o warfare_n wound_v he_o every_o time_n he_o handle_v they_o which_o as_o it_o have_v before_o so_o it_o shall_v present_o appear_v further_o in_o some_o more_o of_o his_o argument_n and_o answer_n upon_o this_o point_n which_o we_o now_o present_a chap._n iii_o the_o doubter_n argument_n from_o curate_n not_o enter_v by_o a_o call_n from_o the_o people_n and_o that_o passage_n act_v 14._o 23._o clear_v and_o improven_v the_o informer_n exception_n upon_o the_o term_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d full_o examine_v and_o the_o people_n right_a in_o the_o call_n of_o pastor_n clear_v therfrom_o his_o reason_n about_o patronage_n and_o the_o prelatic_a ordination_n and_o people_n disow_v of_o scandalous_a minister_n not_o censure_v as_o also_o his_o great_a argument_n from_o math._n 23._o 1._o and_o the_o own_n of_o the_o temple-worship_n scan_v and_o retort_v upon_o he_o mr_n durham_n in_o this_o point_n plead_v nothing_o for_o the_o informer_n his_o answer_n and_o reason_n anent_o the_o charge_n of_o introsion_n examine_v our_o informer_n upon_o this_o point_n of_o separation_n which_o he_o hold_v to_o be_v his_o fortroyal_a in_o the_o present_a difference_n have_v ply_v his_o doubter_n with_o offensive_a weapon_n will_v needs_o show_v his_o skill_n and_o just_a deal_n in_o act_v the_o defendant_n for_o some_o time_n but_o i_o doubt_v that_o his_o defensive_a armour_n and_o answer_n shall_v be_v find_v as_o thin_a and_o penetrable_a in_o this_o debate_n as_o his_o impugn_a weapon_n be_v bluntand_fw-mi pointless_a well_o this_o fair_a disputant_n will_v hear_v some_o of_o our_o argument_n against_o the_o own_n of_o conformist_n but_o be_v sure_a they_o must_v be_v of_o his_o own_o mould_n and_o digest_v for_o these_o can_v best_o suit_v the_o design_n of_o that_o pretty_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n which_o he_o be_v act_v in_o this_o pamphlet_n the_o first_o argument_n which_o his_o doubter_n offer_v be_v their_o not_o enter_v by_o a_o call_n from_o the_o people_n as_o all_o minister_n shall_v cite_v act._n 14._o 23._o but_o by_o a_o presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o he_o spend_v some_o discourse_n upon_o that_o text_n which_o we_o shall_v examine_v but_o to_o clear_v this_o point_n the_o more_o full_o i_o will_v premise_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o people_n have_v a_o divine_a right_a to_o call_v their_o pastouâ—…_n we_o prove_v before_o in_o the_o 9th_o argument_n against_o episcopacy_n and_o from_o other_o scripture-ground_n beside_o this_o although_o it_o be_v a_o weighty_a ground_n also_o unto_o this_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n 2._o that_o upon_o supposal_n of_o this_o divine_a rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o a_o minister_n lawful_a call_n it_o do_v clear_o follow_v that_o the_o patronage_n be_v a_o corruption_n render_v the_o minister_n call_v in_o this_o respect_n maim_v and_o not_o so_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v 3._o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o minister_n present_v by_o the_o patron_n and_o not_o call_v by_o the_o people_n have_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v own_v as_o a_o minister_n yet_o this_o will_v plead_v nothing_o for_o the_o own_n of_o curate_n as_o the_o case_n be_v now_o circumstantiat_fw-la because_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o reformation_n of_o this_o church_n as_o establish_v before_o these_o innovation_n a_o minister_n entry_n by_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n without_o the_o usurp_a prelate_n and_o by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o people_n without_o the_o patron_n be_v the_o more_o pure_a and_o scriptural_a way_n of_o entry_n into_o the_o ministry_n and_o moreover_o the_o only_a way_n of_o entry_n own_a and_o authorize_v by_o her_o supreme_a indicatory_n and_o by_o consequence_n its_o most_o suitable_a to_o presbyterian_a principle_n when_o there_o be_v a_o competition_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o minister_n thus_o lawful_o call_v be_v violent_o eject_v by_o man_n reestablish_v prelacy_n and_o patronage_n former_o cast_v out_o and_o vow_v against_o that_o people_n do_v adhere_v to_o their_o faithful_a pastor_n rather_o than_o these_o innovator_n and_o intruder_n which_o will_v be_v convince_o clear_a if_o it_o be_v also_o consider_v particular_o that_o as_o prelacy_n &_o allit_n corruption_n &_o usurpation_n now_o existent_a and_o introduce_v be_v full_o remove_v and_o abjure_v by_o this_o church_n so_o laic_a patronage_n in_o special_a be_v upon_o most_o weighty_a ground_n remove_v by_o the_o parliament_n 1649._o in_o correspondence_n to_o our_o church_n declarator_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o narrative_a of_o their_o 39_o act_n viz._n the_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o both_o by_o the_o national_a and_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n by_o many_o deliverance_n and_o mercy_n from_o god_n &_o by_o the_o latesolemn_a engadgement_n to_o duty_n to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n and_o to_o maintain_v and_o vindicat_fw-la the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o consider_v that_o patronage_n &_o persentation_n of_o kirkes_n be_v a_o evil_a and_o bondage_n under_o which_o the_o lord_n people_n &_o minister_n of_o this_o land_n have_v long_o groan_v that_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n but_o be_v found_v only_o on_o the_o canon_n law_n that_o it_o be_v a_o popish_a custom_n bring_v into_o this_o church_n in_o time_n of_o ignorance_n &_o superstition_n that_o its_o contrary_a to_o the_o 2d_o book_n of_o discipline_n wherein_o upon_o solid_a ground_n it_o be_v reckon_v among_o abuse_n that_o be_v desire_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o contrary_a to_o several_a act_n of_o general_a assembly_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o plant_v of_o church_n to_o the_o free_a call_n and_o entry_n of_o minister_n to_o their_o charge_n etc._n etc._n this_o act_n the_o parliament_n 1662._o do_v ranverse_v among_o other_o piece_n of_o our_o reformation_n ordain_v all_o minister_n that_o enter_v since_o 49._o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o benefice_n till_o they_o obtain_v a_o presentation_n from_o the_o lawful_a patron_n and_o collation_n from_o the_o bishop_n now_o upon_o supposal_n of_o the_o covenant_n obligation_n and_o our_o engadgement_n therein_o to_o separat_fw-la from_o any_o corruption_n contrary_a to_o our_o reformation_n to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o that_o work_n to_o withdraw_v from_o backslider_n be_v there_o any_o doubt_n but_o that_o people_n be_v oblige_v upon_o these_o ground_n to_o adhere_v to_o that_o body_n of_o faithful_a minister_n who_o be_v stand_v to_o our_o principle_n and_o swear_a
pure_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n in_o compliance_n with_o persecuter_n sure_o they_o and_o they_o only_o be_v the_o schismatics_n have_v not_o this_o invasion_n be_v make_v upon_o our_o church_n and_o her_o privilege_n what_o will_v have_v be_v her_o judgement_n of_o the_o present_a principle_n and_o practice_n of_o conformist_n in_o any_o of_o her_o lawful_a court_n will_v they_o not_o have_v be_v judge_v censurable_a as_o the_o worst_a of_o schismatic_n now_o what_o be_v the_o difference_n here_o except_z that_o this_o party_n make_v the_o great_a number_n but_o will_v this_o take_v away_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n suppose_v a_o party_n of_o notorious_a schismatics_n shall_v cry_v ouâ—…_n upon_o such_o as_o withdraw_v from_o they_o as_o schismatics_n be_v not_o this_o a_o ridiculous_a charge_n and_o just_o so_o be_v that_o of_o conformist_n in_o this_o case_n 2._o every_o schism_n suppose_v one_fw-mi obligation_n of_o adherence_n to_o that_o church_n from_o which_o the_o separation_n be_v make_v now_o then_o let_v he_o prove_v minister_n obligation_n to_o join_v into_o this_o prelatic_a course_n without_o which_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v they_o to_o officiat_fw-la and_o disprove_v our_o prior_n obligation_n to_o opposeit_v or_o else_o minister_n obligation_n to_o preach_v and_o people_n consequent_o to_o hear_v in_o opposition_n to_o this_o course_n of_o defection_n will_v stand_v good_a on_o the_o old_a ground_n and_o all_o the_o scripture_n command_v found_v on_o pastor_n of_o this_o church_n their_o ministerial_a relation_n to_o set_v the_o trumpet_n to_o their_o mouth_n and_o give_v a_o ministerial_a testimony_n against_o this_o defection_n and_o people_n obligation_n to_o hear_v and_o take_v warning_n will_v press_v and_o plead_v for_o that_o which_o he_o call_v schism_n and_o a_o sinful_a separation_n 3._o hence_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o professor_n be_v in_o this_o their_o practice_n never_o toch_v by_o all_o his_o argument_n and_o defence_n but_o these_o be_v weapon_n in_o their_o hand_n against_o he_o and_o the_o conform_v party_n 1._o whereas_o he_o plead_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n which_o conformist_n lay_v claim_v unto_o presbyterian_a minister_n answer_v that_o nonconform_v minister_n have_v this_o that_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o this_o church_n and_o have_v a_o better_a right_n to_o officiat_fw-la as_o her_o true_a pastor_n than_o prelatist_n and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o plead_v for_o hear_v nonconformist_n why_o shall_v this_o argument_n be_v think_v valide_fw-la for_o hear_v curate_n be_v not_o the_o same_o way_n from_o athens_n to_o thebes_n and_o from_o thebes_n to_o athens_n if_o his_o concession_n touch_v the_o essence_n of_o their_o ministerial_a call_n will_v not_o with_o he_o infer_v hear_v nonconformist_n because_o of_o their_o suppose_a schism_n ergo_fw-la a_o fortiori_fw-la it_o will_v not_o infer_v the_o hear_n of_o curate_n who_o real_o be_v such_o 2._o he_o plead_v that_o corruption_n and_o fail_n in_o administrator_n or_o even_o some_o corruption_n in_o ordinance_n will_v not_o infer_v disow_v of_o minister_n why_o then_o plead_v he_o for_o disow_v presbyterian_a minister_n and_o ordinance_n adminis_fw-la read_v by_o they_o to_o who_o this_o be_v so_o clar_o applicable_a 3_o he_o plead_v union_n but_o let_v he_o say_v what_o be_v the_o order_n and_o union_n of_o this_o church_n before_o these_o innovation_n be_v it_o one_fw-mi union_n under_o prelacy_n erastianism_n and_o persurious_a breach_n of_o covenant_n be_v not_o our_o church_n reformation_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n a_o beautiful_a order_n and_o union_n now_o who_o break_v this_o supppose_v we_o shall_v plead_v union_n against_o his_o withdraw_a presbyterian_a professor_n from_o presbyterian_a minister_n will_v he_o own_v this_o plead_n or_o not_o rather_o disowne_v it_o because_o he_o think_v our_o union_n be_v schismatical_a well_o so_o we_o hold_v and_o do_v prove_v the_o prelatic_a union_n to_o be_v &_o therefore_o until_o he_o disprove_v our_o charge_n against_o his_o party_n this_o plead_n be_v null_a 4._o divine_n do_v tell_v we_o particular_o timorcus_n chap._n 7._o page_n 32._o that_o a_o sinful_a separation_n which_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o schism_n be_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a rule_n otherwise_o if_o the_o church_n deviation_n special_o be_v great_a there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o any_o guilt_n by_o schism_n in_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o hence_o infer_v that_o unless_o absolver_n can_v instruct_v that_o prelacy_n be_v juris_fw-la divini_fw-la disow_v and_o abjure_v it_o can_v be_v schismatical_a moreover_o this_o man_n himself_o grant_v that_o schism_n in_o its_o ordinary_a acceptation_n be_v take_v for_o a_o causeless_a separate_n and_o that_o where_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n can_v be_v hold_v without_o sin_n in_o that_o case_n separation_n be_v necessary_a now_o than_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o our_o non_fw-fr union_n be_v not_o causeless_a and_o that_o communion_n can_v be_v hold_v with_o conformist_n in_o our_o case_n and_o circumstance_n without_o sin_n we_o be_v not_o schismatic_n by_o his_o owned_a confession_n to_o clear_v then_o this_o great_a point_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o own_v they_o in_o their_o demand_v conformity_n we_o offer_v these_o consideration_n 1._o own_v they_o and_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o their_o ministry_n as_o the_o pastor_n of_o this_o church_n have_v a_o palpable_a breach_n of_o covenant_n in_o it_o as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v for_o all_o along_o we_o must_v suppose_v its_o bind_a force_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a body_n of_o minister_n &_o professor_n contend_v for_o it_o and_o that_o the_o question_n be_v to_o which_o of_o the_o party_n contend_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o adhere_v and_o that_o according_a to_o our_o principle_n anent_o its_o bind_a force_n and_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o prelacy_n which_o this_o man_n can_v disprove_v the_o own_n of_o they_o in_o the_o manner_n above_o express_v be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n many_o way_n special_o as_o this_o man_n plead_v for_o it_o with_o a_o total_a disow_n of_o presbyterian_a minister_n in_o their_o ministry_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v a_o resil_n from_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v in_o point_n of_o reformation_n contrary_a to_o the_o first_o article_n wherein_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v purity_n of_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n as_o then_o establish_v now_o their_o preach_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n consist_v of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n contrary_a to_o our_o reformation_n and_o their_o prayer_n have_v several_a petition_n with_o which_o we_o can_v join_v such_o as_o for_o prosper_a prelate_n and_o their_o course_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o abrogate_a the_o lecture_n repeat_v of_o the_o creed_n at_o baptism_n sing_v a_o set_a form_n of_o conclusion_n or_o what_o innovation_n in_o worship_n be_v introduce_v again_o this_o be_v a_o concurience_n with_o promoter_n of_o this_o course_n of_o backslide_v and_o a_o suffering_n ourselves_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o our_o union_n engage_v unto_o and_o a_o denial_n of_o suitable_a assistance_n to_o faithful_a minister_n contend_v for_o the_o covenant_n against_o backslider_n all_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o article_n thereof_o this_o will_v be_v special_o clear_a if_o it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o 1._o the_o body_n of_o presbyterian_a minister_n be_v eject_v if_o disow_v in_o the_o manner_n and_o extent_n plead_v for_o by_o this_o informer_n the_o presbyterian_a interest_n and_o our_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n will_v be_v extinct_a sell_v and_o betray_v 2._o hear_v curate_n and_o people_n subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o ministry_n as_o the_o pastor_n of_o this_o church_n be_v by_o the_o ruler_n require_v as_o a_o direct_a badge_n and_o test_n of_o own_v erastianism_n and_o prelacy_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o covenant_n &_o work_n of_o reformation_n so_o that_o its_o a_o case_n of_o confession_n now_o to_o adhere_v to_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n contend_v for_o it_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o exoner_n our_o conscience_n before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n and_o declare_v our_o nonconformitie_n to_o this_o course_n of_o backslide_v but_o by_o this_o practice_n there_o be_v no_o get_n of_o wrong_n redress_v or_o corruption_n in_o the_o ministry_n remove_v thus_o the_o apology_n pag._n 272._o 4._o we_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n engage_v against_o indifferency_n in_o this_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o way_n to_o fall_v into_o it_o more_o and_o more_o 5._o we_o engage_v that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v that_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n shall_v remain_v inviolable_a to_o posterity_n but_o what_o memory_n shall_v the_o posterity_n have_v of_o this_o work_n if_o prelate_n and_o curate_n be_v thus_o submit_v unto_o 6._o we_o engage_v