all_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a or_o agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v assert_v to_o be_v at_o all_o of_o kin_n or_o alliance_n to_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v far_o from_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n the_o man_n who_o in_o a_o rave_v fit_a of_o a_o notional_a spirit_n first_o preach_v and_o afterward_o print_v those_o shrewd_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o northern_a prâ—…sbyterie_n and_o the_o roman_a papacy_n may_v haply_o think_v himself_o now_o justify_v when_o he_o hear_v so_o great_a pretender_n to_o that_o government_n minister_n by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n of_o they_o such_o ground_n for_o some_o part_n of_o that_o comparison_n if_o presbyterial_a government_n have_v as_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v than_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o must_v derive_v itself_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o christ_n reveal_a will_n about_o the_o constitution_n and_o essential_n of_o that_o government_n but_o we_o know_v no_o tittle_n in_o his_o book_n that_o say_v as_o our_o brethren_n say_v or_o from_o which_o what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n can_v be_v deduce_v by_o good_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o government_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v his_o house_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o house_n shall_v submit_v unto_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n without_o any_o counteracting_n though_o their_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o till_o our_o brethren_n prove_v thiâ—…_n they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o deny_v it_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o subjection_n and_o submission_n be_v corelative_n and_o that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o superior_a can_v no_o more_o actual_o subsist_v without_o the_o subjection_n and_o submission_n of_o the_o inferior_a than_o one_o relative_a can_v subsist_v withouâ—…_n its_o correlative_a but_o all_o church-power_n and_o authority_n be_v bound_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o edification_n only_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o subjection_n that_o be_v due_a thereunto_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n only_o and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o subject_a the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v sufficient_o acknowledge_v and_o preserve_v but_o say_v our_o brethren_n without_o this_o submission_n which_o they_o plead_v for_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o this_o we_o also_o deny_v because_o what_o be_v resolve_v and_o determine_v by_o kirk-judicatory_n in_o a_o right_a way_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o intrinsical_a lawfulness_n thereof_o â—…t_o be_v for_o matter_n god_n word_n and_o by_o virtue_n oâ—…_n the_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o brethren_n and_o friend_n counsel_v right_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o church-governor_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v a_o ministerial_a and_o official_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o assemble_v in_o his_o name_n in_o the_o respective_a court_n appoint_v by_o himself_o for_o govern_v his_o house_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v authority_n or_o a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o no_o consultative_a meeting_n have_v so_o whosoever_o resist_v their_o power_n when_o put_v forth_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n do_v not_o only_o sin_n by_o despise_v that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o by_o despise_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o their_o brethren_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o hold_v forth_o light_a unto_o they_o but_o do_v also_o sin_n by_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o kirk-judicatory_a model_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o clothe_v with_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v their_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o without_o this_o submission_n and_o subordination_n they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o unity_n and_o order_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v of_o a_o remedy_n by_o superior_a judicatory_n without_o this_o the_o refuse_v thereof_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v all_o union_n void_a so_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n propound_v upon_o their_o overture_n novemb._n 16_o 1655._o and_o in_o their_o represent_v pag._n 39_o sect._n 4._o and_o pag._n 47._o sect._n 3._o answ._n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n and_o language_n of_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n whilst_o they_o plead_v the_o pope_n visible_a headship_n and_o irrefragable_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o church_n to_o which_o all_o aught_o to_o submit_v without_o gainsay_v or_o counteracting_n the_o very_a thing_n that_o have_v set_v up_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o sit_v aâ—…_n god_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o enslave_v both_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o require_v of_o they_o subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o his_o dictate_v without_o examine_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n if_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o submission_n in_o all_o case_n without_o counteracting_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v live_v before_o we_o in_o corrupt_a time_n must_v all_o their_o preach_n and_o other_o act_n though_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v 〈◊〉_d be_v indeed_o to_o set_v up_o a_o power_n over_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d god_n a_o power_n for_o destruction_n and_o not_o for_o 〈◊〉_d that_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o sinful_a unity_n aâ—…_n order_n and_o teach_v a_o way_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n a_o ready_o to_o obtain_v peace_n with_o man_n but_o with_o 〈◊〉_d loss_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o waâ—…_n to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o house_n of_o goâ—…_n be_v not_o to_o harken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n anâ—…_n blood_n by_o set_v up_o the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o a_o laâ—…_n and_o establish_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o tyrannicaâ—…_n power_n over_o conscience_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v bâ—…_n tie_v to_o submit_v to_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n for_o goâ—…_n have_v say_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o iniquity_n that_o frametâ—…_n mischief_n into_o a_o law_n shall_v have_v no_o fellowship_n witâ—…_n he_o and_o therefore_o that_o may_v destroy_v unity_n anâ—…_n order_n it_o will_v not_o preserve_v it_o but_o to_o let_v the_o worâ—…_n of_o god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o rule_n and_o bond_n of_o unitâ—…_n and_o order_n have_v place_n gal._n 6._o 16._o and_o judicatory_n proceed_v according_a to_o this_o be_v a_o effectua_fw-mi remedy_n actu_fw-la primo_fw-la and_o objective_n as_o in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n albeit_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la there_o be_v nâ—…_n efficacious_a remedy_n in_o either_o word_n sacrament_n admonition_n suspension_n deposition_n excommunication_n presbytery_n synod_n or_o any_o ordinance_n the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v or_o can_v exercise_v without_o the_o effectual_a blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o appointer_n oâ—…_n these_o and_o concur_v therewith_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n shall_v person_n sentence_v unjust_o submit_v yes_o say_v our_o brethren_n for_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n what_o remedy_n then_o say_v we_o for_o preserve_v the_o truth_n they_o may_v appeal_v say_v they_o but_o say_v we_o they_o have_v appeal_v and_o have_v therein_o succumb_v what_o remedy_n now_o no_o remedy_n but_o that_o at_o one_o stroke_n the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v bear_v down_o and_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bury_v under_o the_o rubbish_n thereof_o
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
class_n and_o synod_n and_o therefore_o we_o wonder_v that_o our_o brethren_n shall_v cite_v such_o testimony_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o new_a doctrine_n as_o do_v indeed_o make_v against_o it_o neither_o have_v our_o brethren_n be_v more_o happy_a in_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o in_o their_o representation_n that_o this_o practice_n of_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o church_n where_o the_o officer_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o in_o this_o church_n we_o have_v already_o tell_v they_o and_o for_o other_o church_n we_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o first_o four_o or_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o see_v whether_o many_o of_o the_o worthy_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o live_v of_o old_a such_o as_o athanasius_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o refuse_v submission_n to_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n and_o counteract_v thereunto_o not_o only_o by_o preach_v contrary_a to_o their_o determination_n but_o by_o preach_v and_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a function_n after_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n and_o excommunication_n pass_v against_o they_o and_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a shift_n for_o our_o brethren_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o synod_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o officer_n and_o of_o a_o constitution_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o these_o worthy_a man_n have_v no_o exception_n against_o the_o officer_n because_o of_o their_o office_n of_o bishop_n or_o such_o like_a they_o be_v such_o themselves_o nor_o against_o the_o constitution_n but_o their_o exception_n be_v against_o the_o heterodoxy_n and_o iniquity_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o sentence_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o do_v refuse_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n thereunto_o and_o do_v counteract_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n and_o though_o because_o of_o their_o so_o do_v they_o be_v then_o persecute_v and_o reproach_v by_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o of_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n of_o these_o time_n aâ—…_n the_o firebrand_n of_o the_o time_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o have_v their_o praise_n be_v among_o all_o sober_a and_o sound_a man_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o many_o generation_n and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o those_o who_o do_v persecute_v they_o for_o so_o do_v be_v and_o will_v be_v just_o condemn_v as_o man_n of_o a_o malignant_a spirit_n we_o remember_v to_o this_o purpose_n a_o observation_n of_o osiander_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o a_o council_n at_o antioch_n in_o which_o it_o be_v decide_v that_o if_o any_o ecclesiastical_a person_n shall_v without_o the_o advice_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n and_o chief_o of_o the_o metropolitan_a go_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o put_v up_o any_o grievance_n unto_o he_o he_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o not_o only_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n but_o from_o his_o proper_a dignity_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o church_n this_o canon_n say_v osiander_n be_v compose_v against_o holy_a athanasius_n for_o athanasius_n be_v expel_v by_o the_o arian_n have_v flee_v to_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n the_o young_a and_o bad_a from_o he_o obtain_v regress_n to_o his_o own_o church_n now_o this_o canon_n say_v he_o be_v very_o unjust_a which_o forbid_v that_o a_o bishop_n or_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v unjust_o oppress_v fly_v to_o his_o godly_a civil_a magistrate_n since_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o appeal_v to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n wicked_a nero_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n witness_n but_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o this_o place_n that_o bishop_n be_v very_o soon_o seek_v dominion_n say_v he_o yea_o tyranny_n over_o the_o church_n and_o over_o their_o colleague_n hist._n eccl._n cent._n 4._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 48._o pag._n 242._o the_o last_o part_n of_o their_o allegiance_n that_o both_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o they_o be_v solemn_o engage_v to_o this_o submission_n at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v by_o and_o give_v engagement_n to_o the_o prelate_n it_o have_v indeed_o too_o much_o truth_n in_o it_o that_o many_o of_o their_o number_n and_o haply_o some_o of_o the_o other_o also_o do_v at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n give_v these_o engagement_n for_o absolute_a and_o implicit_a submission_n to_o their_o ordinary_a the_o lord-prelate_n to_o which_o the_o submission_n require_v by_o our_o brethren_n as_o we_o shall_v afterwards_o show_v be_v too_o near_o a_o kin_n but_o that_o ever_o such_o a_o absolute_a unlimited_a submission_n be_v either_o require_v by_o presbytery_n or_o engage_v into_o by_o entrant_n since_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o prelate_n we_o do_v deny_v and_o be_v confident_a that_o our_o brethren_n can_v bring_v no_o relevant_a proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o the_o elect_n of_o minister_n condescend_v upon_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n march_n 9_o 1560._o where_o john_n knox_n be_v moderator_n sundry_a question_n be_v order_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o the_o intrant_fw-la to_o the_o ministry_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v and_o no_o other_o for_o substance_n the_o same_o that_o have_v be_v propound_v since_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638_o among_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v demand_v of_o he_o if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o he_o do_v most_o willing_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o wholesome_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o same_o church_n by_o which_o he_o be_v now_o call_v to_o this_o office_n and_o charge_n and_o that_o he_o do_v in_o god_n presence_n and_o they_o promise_v obedience_n to_o all_o admonition_n etc._n etc._n now_o what_o do_v this_o amount_v unto_o will_v our_o brethren_n say_v to_o such_o a_o subjection_n as_o they_o contend_v for_o the_o subjection_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v upon_o express_a supposal_n of_o slide_v and_o offend_v upon_o his_o part_n who_o promise_v the_o subjection_n upon_o which_o case_n the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v as_o much_o for_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n as_o the_o resolution_n brother_n be_v but_o if_o they_o will_v extend_v it_o further_o and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o brethren_n whether_o he_o have_v osfend_v or_o not_o they_o may_v as_o well_o and_o with_o more_o colour_n of_o reason_n say_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o oath_n not_o only_o to_o give_v subjection_n but_o also_o obedience_n to_o all_o their_o admonition_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a because_o there_o be_v no_o express_a limitation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n these_o qualification_n be_v as_o we_o say_v before_o among_o the_o praecognita_fw-la and_o praesupposita_fw-la of_o all_o such_o question_n and_o answer_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o express_v they_o except_o where_o there_o be_v ground_n of_o jealousy_n as_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o do_v plead_v against_o this_o submission_n so_o much_o contend_v for_o by_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n we_o shall_v set_v they_o down_o when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o these_o brethren_n their_o demand_n in_o order_n to_o union_n and_o peace_n the_o six_o thing_n that_o our_o brethren_n bring_v in_o for_o attest_v the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o project_n to_o subvert_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o enervate_a the_o power_n of_o church-judicatory_n by_o procure_v a_o order_n put_v the_o power_n of_o give_v testimony_n to_o entrant_n which_o be_v due_a to_o presbytery_n only_o who_o be_v authorize_v to_o judge_v of_o their_o call_n and_o to_o try_v and_o to_o ordain_v they_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o select_a person_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n declar._n pag._n 6._o we_o do_v somewhat_o wonder_v at_o our_o brethren_n mention_v of_o this_o and_o that_o in_o a_o paper_n pretend_v to_o earnest_a desire_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n 1._o because_o the_o whole_a land_n and_o their_o conscience_n know_v that_o that_o order_n be_v not_o embrace_v nor_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o protest_a party_n in_o scotland_n and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o name_n be_v in_o it_o give_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a in_o their_o conscience_n to_o close_v with_o it_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o themselves_o that_o
the_o reverend_a brother_n upon_o who_o they_o will_v cast_v the_o blame_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o other_o of_o both_o judgement_n be_v require_v by_o the_o lord_n protector_n to_o go_v to_o london_n where_o be_v demand_v he_o give_v his_o opinion_n that_o see_v there_o be_v a_o court_n establish_v in_o scotland_n for_o dispose_v of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n to_o such_o entrant_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o upon_o certificate_n shall_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o judge_n of_o that_o court_n whereby_o the_o judge_n be_v leave_v to_o a_o uncertainty_n who_o certificate_n to_o receive_v it_o be_v therefore_o fit_a in_o the_o present_a distraction_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o certificate_n shall_v be_v grant_v by_o a_o select_a number_n of_o both_o judgement_n which_o be_v embrace_v by_o my_o lord_n protector_n and_o his_o council_n and_o a_o ordinance_n pass_v for_o that_o effect_n and_o send_v to_o scotland_n when_o the_o reverend_a brother_n do_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v he_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o do_v not_o prosecute_v iâ—…_z any_o further_o and_o we_o wish_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n will_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o condescendency_n in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o may_v iâ—…_z not_o be_v true_o say_v that_o our_o brethren_n have_v do_v much_o more_o themselves_o for_o enervate_v the_o power_n of_o church-judicatory_n and_o bring_v the_o ministry_n into_o bondage_n by_o clandestine_a capitulation_n of_o they_o about_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o we_o need_v not_o to_o mention_v they_o but_o say_v they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o break_v that_o snare_n their_o lead_a man_n have_v again_o of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o these_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o seek_v a_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o church_n they_o project_v to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n puâ—…_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission_n though_o they_o know_v such_o a_o power_n be_v never_o give_v nor_o assume_v by_o such_o a_o judicatory_n but_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o great_a design_n thereof_o be_v not_o only_o to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n as_o they_o express_v in_o their_o desire_n but_o to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n who_o be_v the_o proposer_n of_o the_o overture_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o who_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o from_o the_o ministry_n what_o poor_a and_o weak_a premise_n be_v heâ—…r_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n or_o their_o lead_a man_n have_v of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o when_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v please_v to_o put_v in_o the_o hand_n first_o of_o a_o peculiar_a court_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n and_o afterwards_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o council_n the_o dispose_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n to_o such_o entrant_n as_o upon_o certificate_n shall_v be_v approve_v by_o they_o the_o protest_a brethren_n have_v represent_v the_o inconveniency_n of_o this_o thing_n unto_o his_o highness_n council_n in_o scotland_n and_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o impower_v to_o change_v that_o way_n do_v afterward_o by_o some_o of_o their_o number_n supplicate_v his_o highness_n that_o as_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o own_o law_n the_o like_a freedom_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o own_o uncontroverted_a act_n and_o constitution_n and_o that_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n may_v have_v full_a access_n to_o their_o stipend_n and_o maintenance_n conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n without_o any_o bond_n or_o engagement_n of_o a_o civil_a nature_n direct_o or_o indirect_o and_o that_o all_o the_o act_n of_o parliamenâ—…_n which_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n may_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o commission_n of_o able_a and_o godly_a man_n who_o know_v and_o understand_v our_o church_n affair_n nominate_v by_o his_o highness_n which_o may_v exercise_v the_o power_n which_o be_v former_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o plantation_n of_o church_n in_o scotland_n and_o also_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n anent_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n and_o law_n of_o the_o land_n precede_v the_o year_n 1651._o be_v there_o herein_o any_o thing_n faulty_a much_o less_o so_o heinous_o faulty_a as_o a_o attempt_n for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n yes_o say_v they_o there_o be_v a_o project_n in_o it_o to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission_n though_o such_o a_o power_n be_v never_o give_v nor_o assume_v by_o such_o a_o judicatory_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o desire_n which_o we_o have_v already_o set_v down_o do_v express_o bear_v that_o minister_n may_v have_v access_n to_o their_o stipend_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o iâ—…_z conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o do_v the_o last_o part_n express_o qualify_v the_o power_n which_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o plantation_n of_o kirk_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v according_a to_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n it_o be_v neither_o falsehood_n nor_o vanity_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n when_o they_o be_v charge_v as_o underminer_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o thiâ—…_n kirk_n to_o say_v that_o in_o their_o essay_n for_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v of_o these_o they_o have_v be_v nothing_o short_a if_o not_o somewhat_o beyond_o these_o man_n who_o challenge_v they_o and_o what_o though_o upon_o supposal_n of_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o ciuâ—…_n power_v not_o to_o alter_v the_o former_a way_n of_o disposinâ—…_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n they_o haâ—…_n desire_v that_o the_o dispose_n of_o minister_n maintenance_n may_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commissionâ—…_n be_v it_o a_o fault_n when_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v to_o bring_v it_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o desiâ—…_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o translation_n of_o the_o power_n in_o its_o exercise_n from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o who_o be_v not_o necessary_o divert_v with_o multiplicity_n of_o affair_n as_o the_o council_n be_v may_v more_o convenient_o attend_v it_o but_o say_v they_o the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n be_v not_o only_o call_v in_o question_n but_o pronounce_v null_a will_v that_o bring_v utter_a ruin_n to_o this_o church_n and_o to_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o they_o do_v our_o brethren_n think_v that_o the_o church_n and_o themselves_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o late_a assembly_n we_o wish_v the_o church_n and_o they_o too_o better_a foundation_n than_o such_o bow_v wall_n and_o totter_a fence_n but_o can_v not_o the_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o kirk_n have_v exercise_v that_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n have_v also_o stand_v we_o see_v no_o inconsistency_n between_o they_o next_o say_v they_o the_o design_n be_v to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o from_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v opposite_a to_o themselves_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v such_o discouragement_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n why_o have_v they_o so_o much_o practise_v it_o and_o frame_v the_o mischief_n thereof_o into_o a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v a_o burser_n in_o a_o divinitycollege_n or_o to_o wait_v upon_o a_o family_n much_o less_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n of_o these_o two_o late_a assembly_n but_o as_o concerning_o the_o man_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o protest_a brethren_n will_v have_v have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o maintenance_n put_v
because_o one_o assembly_n will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o say_v our_o brethren_n how_o shall_v unity_n and_o order_n otherways_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v very_o well_o because_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v unjust_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v recognize_v and_o repeal_v if_o it_o be_v just_a and_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n if_o the_o person_n will_v not_o submit_v they_o be_v after_o due_a procedure_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o as_o those_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o so_o both_o unity_n and_o purity_n both_o order_n and_o truth_n be_v preserve_v will_v our_o brethren_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o order_n destroy_v christian-liberty_n and_o bring-in_n popish-tyranny_n it_o be_v christ_n order_n and_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n peace_n that_o every_o believer_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whether_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o whether_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v or_o submit_v or_o gainsay_v or_o counteract_v and_o what_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o no_o man_n can_v take_v from_o they_o their_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o and_o other_o church_n which_o as_o they_o affirm_v plead_v for_o this_o subordination_n and_o submission_n require_v by_o they_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n of_o the_o 16._o of_o november_n 1655._o they_o say_v that_o this_o submission_n have_v be_v establish_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n especial_o by_o the_o assembly_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o and_o practise_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1646._o in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n james_n morison_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkwall_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o judicatory_n and_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n ever_o since_o the_o late_a reformation_n until_o our_o present_a difference_n do_v arise_v and_o in_o their_o paper_n of_o the_o 24._o of_o novemb._n 1655._o they_o do_v cite_v for_o prove_v of_o this_o submission_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1647._o concerning_o the_o hundred_o and_o eleven_o proposition_n and_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrinâ—…_n therein_o contain_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o page_n and_o 43._o section_n of_o their_o representation_n they_o be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o tell_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n that_o their_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o this_o church_n nor_o we_o believe_v say_v they_o in_o any_o church_n where_o thâ—…_z officer_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o whatever_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n may_v do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a notwithstanding_o a_o appeal_n yet_o the_o appealer_n and_o inferior_a do_v always_o submit_v and_o sist_z their_o proceed_n till_o their_o cause_n waâ—…_n hear_v and_o try_v and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o both_o themselves_o and_o the_o prâ—…testing_a brethren_n be_v solemn_o engage_v to_o this_o submission_n at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o of_o her_o general_a assembly_n we_o do_v deny_v that_o ever_o they_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n or_o have_v declare_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a let_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n present_v unto_o the_o parliament_n and_o ratify_v by_o they_o in_o the_o year_n 1567._o bear_v witness_n artic._n 21._o concerning_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o council_n lawful_o gather_v the_o word_n be_v these_o so_o far_o as_o the_o council_n prove_v the_o determination_n and_o commandment_n that_o it_o give_v by_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n so_o sooâ—…_n do_v we_o reverence_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o but_o if_o man_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o council_n pretend_v to_o forge_v unto_o we_o new_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o to_o make_v constitution_n repugnâ—…ng_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o utter_o we_o must_v refuse_v the_o same_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o draw_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o only_a god_n to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n 1562._o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a ministry_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v that_o year_n sess._n 2._o that_o minister_n shall_v be_v subject_a in_o all_o lawful_a admonition_n as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n likewise_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o article_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o gen._n assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o march_n 1570._o sess._n 2._o concerning_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o the_o suspension_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o admit_v to_o function_n in_o the_o kirk_n charge_v of_o soul_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v for_o lawful_a cause_n in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n agree_v upon_o in_o divers_a precede_a general_n assembly_n and_o record_v in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o order_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n sess._n 9_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o which_o discipline_n the_o king_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o rank_n do_v then_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v which_o be_v also_o renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o it_o be_v express_o declare_v chap._n 7._o concerning_o eldership_n assembly_n and_o discipline_n that_o office-bearer_n be_v to_o be_v depose_v for_o good_a and_o just_a cause_n deserve_v deprivation_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o can_v cite_v more_o of_o this_o kind_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v other_o two_o testimony_n from_o very_o late_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o s._n andrews_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1642._o â—…ess_n 8._o in_o the_o overture_n for_o transplantation_n of_o minister_n do_v declare_v that_o no_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n shall_v pass_v a_o sentence_n for_o transportation_n of_o any_o minister_n till_o they_o give_v reason_n for_o the_o expediency_n of_o the_o same_o both_o tâ—…_n he_o and_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o the_o presbytery_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n that_o if_o they_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o reason_n give_v it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a if_o they_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v yet_o the_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n by_o give_v such_o reason_n before_o the_o pass_n of_o their_o sentence_n shall_v make_v it_o manifest_a that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la imperio_fw-la only_a but_o upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o edinburgh_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1647._o in_o their_o brotherly_a exhortation_n to_o their_o brethren_n of_o england_n do_v declare_v as_o follow_v we_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v our_o zeal_n for_o presbyterial_a government_n misunderstand_v as_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o any_o rigour_n or_o domineer_a over_o the_o flock_n or_o to_o hinder_v and_o exclude_v that_o instruct_n in_o meekness_n they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o which_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n hold_v forth_o or_o as_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o such_o to_o be_v entrust_v with_o that_o government_n as_o be_v find_v not_o yet_o purge_v either_o from_o their_o old_a profaneness_n or_o from_o the_o prelatical_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v to_o put_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a cloth_n into_o a_o old_a garment_n and_o so_o to_o make_v the_o rent_n worse_o or_o to_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n and_o so_o to_o lose_v both_o wine_n and_o bottle_n from_o these_o passage_n impartial_o consider_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v judge_v that_o as_o it_o be_v rigor_n and_o a_o domineer_n over_o the_o lord_n flock_n for_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o determine_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la â—…mperio_fw-la or_o without_o give_v a_o reason_n thereof_o from_o the_o word_n so_o when_o they_o do_v thus_o determine_v and_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o submit_v thereunto_o or_o acquiesce_v therein_o as_o to_o what_o be_v cite_v by_o our_o brethren_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n just_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o be_v among_o the_o praecognita_fw-la or_o praesupposita_fw-la of_o all_o those_o that_o do_v make_v or_o require_v obedience_n to_o law_n that_o they_o make_v and_o mean_v of_o just_a law_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o speak_v of_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v just_o suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n or_o intromet_v with_o the_o stipend_n belong_v to_o those_o kirk_n they_o serve_v at_o as_o do_v
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 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
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