know_v of_o and_o if_o you_o have_v gather_v thus_o much_o from_o our_o paper_n as_o your_o mistake_n have_v be_v far_o the_o less_o so_o your_o charity_n have_v be_v the_o more_o then_o to_o have_v reckon_v we_o in_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n as_o the_o donatist_n be_v and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o we_o intend_v to_o take_v notice_n in_o order_n unto_o censure_n of_o such_o who_o be_v sound_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o godly_a in_o life_n though_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o point_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n have_v their_o distinct_a assembly_n from_o we_o they_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n they_o not_o be_v censurable_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o government_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o what_o we_o have_v declare_v before_o although_o we_o remember_v how_o all_o that_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o former_a government_n be_v count_v schismatical_a neither_o do_v we_o reckon_v these_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o lawless_a person_n we_o speak_v of_o who_o subject_v not_o themselves_o to_o our_o government_n and_o who_o we_o account_v to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n however_o they_o have_v also_o their_o public_a assembly_n distinct_a from_o we_o though_o sundry_a of_o they_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n resort_n to_o we_o also_o but_o how_o we_o shall_v hereupon_o make_v either_o these_o or_o the_o lawless_a person_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a triumphant_a church_n all_o which_o we_o have_v reckon_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a they_o must_v have_v eye_n quick_a than_o eagle_n that_o can_v discern_v how_o this_o follow_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n our_o charity_n shall_v so_o far_o overreach_v as_o you_o suppose_v it_o may_v but_o still_o you_o be_v unsatisfied_a for_o you_o know_v not_o it_o seem_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n public_a the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n by_o our_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o our_o own_n the_o public_a assembly_n where_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n be_v dispense_v which_o we_o ourselves_o do_v constant_o frequent_v and_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o frequent_v also_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o public_a assembly_n and_o we_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a that_o you_o understanding_n our_o meaning_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o what_o you_o say_v anon_o shall_v by_o this_o but_o make_v your_o way_n to_o give_v a_o lash_n at_o our_o private_a meeting_n which_o be_v none_o of_o they_o such_o as_o we_o need_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o which_o when_o we_o meet_v either_o for_o conference_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o to_o pray_v together_o and_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o time_n when_o there_o be_v not_o the_o opportunity_n of_o a_o public_a assemby_n or_o when_o personal_a or_o family_n occasion_n call_v for_o a_o private_a be_v sure_o as_o commendable_a at_o the_o least_o as_o a_o private_a meeting_n upon_o domestical_a civil_a or_o political_a occasion_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v secret_o gird_v at_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o censure_v of_o those_o who_o be_v godly_a and_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o relegion_n do_v yet_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o have_v their_o assembly_n for_o god_n public_a worship_n distinct_a from_o we_o as_o we_o be_v bar_v from_o it_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o government_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v before_o and_o therefore_o we_o leave_v room_n enough_o for_o conscience_n that_o be_v true_o tender_a though_o we_o can_v say_v so_o much_o for_o the_o prelatical_a government_n neither_o do_v we_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o have_v make_v no_o provision_n to_o except_v any_o person_n that_o we_o meddle_v with_o and_o be_v make_v censurable_a by_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o from_o of_o church_n government_n nor_o have_v we_o under_o colour_n of_o authority_n make_v any_o law_n and_o edict_n but_o according_a to_o that_o power_n that_o the_o civil_a authority_n have_v commit_v to_o we_o have_v only_o open_o give_v notice_n in_o our_o several_a congregation_n of_o what_o offence_n be_v censurable_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o government_n that_o the_o offender_n may_v take_v heed_n they_o incur_v not_o that_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n which_o authority_n have_v awarrant_v we_o to_o inflict_v upon_o the_o obstinate_a and_o otherwise_o incorrigible_a and_o therefore_o except_o to_o execute_v what_o we_o be_v appoint_v to_o do_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v to_o contemn_v it_o we_o can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n in_o contempt_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n as_o it_o be_v not_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n in_o force_n that_o we_o be_v confident_a be_v ground_v in_o reason_n fight_v not_o one_o against_o another_o and_o which_o be_v your_o more_o charitable_a and_o favourable_a construction_n that_o have_v lead_v we_o into_o any_o practice_n that_o be_v transgression_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o though_o you_o much_o question_n upon_o what_o account_n soever_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o what_o we_o have_v act_v and_o think_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o look_v to_o it_o whether_o we_o have_v not_o run_v ourselves_o into_o a_o praemunire_n yet_o we_o be_v assure_v we_o be_v as_o sufficient_o secure_v against_o that_o danger_n as_o all_o the_o justice_n in_o the_o land_n be_v that_o have_v act_v upon_o other_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n which_o they_o have_v judge_v to_o be_v in_o force_n as_o we_o do_v also_o those_o to_o be_v that_o have_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o proceed_n sect_n x._o but_o you_o have_v yet_o further_o to_o except_v for_o whereas_o we_o say_v that_o like_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o all_o scandalous_a person_n your_o next_o quaere_fw-la be_v whether_o those_o that_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o second_o order_n may_v not_o be_v take_v for_o scandalous_a person_n cemprehend_v in_o the_o three_o order_n here_o we_o perceive_v you_o understand_v who_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o that_o do_v forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n viz._n those_o who_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n where_o the_o public_a ordinance_n be_v dispense_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n real_o and_o indeed_o scandalous_a and_o so_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o latitude_n of_o that_o expression_n may_v just_o merit_v to_o be_v censure_v as_o scandalous_a person_n and_o thus_o conceive_v you_o be_v not_o mistake_v but_o yet_o we_o who_o be_v to_o express_v ourselves_o popular_o and_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v understand_v consider_v some_o of_o that_o stamp_n though_o they_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o coustant_o turn_v their_o back_n as_o on_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o on_o all_o other_o ordinance_n yet_o if_o not_o drunkard_n and_o swearer_n whoremaster_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v scandalous_a person_n do_v not_o think_v that_o in_o this_o we_o be_v any_o more_o to_o be_v blame_v by_o you_o we_o use_v variety_n of_o expression_n only_o for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v better_o understand_v than_o we_o blame_v lawyer_n and_o attorney_n and_o wherein_o we_o judge_v they_o not_o tolbe_n blame_v worthy_a for_o use_v variety_n of_o expression_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o synonymous_n word_n to_o make_v the_o matter_n more_o clear_a and_o out_o of_o doubt_n where_o yet_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v understand_v by_o all_o but_o now_o hereupon_o your_o complaint_n be_v that_o we_o burden_v you_o with_o tradition_n in_o multiply_v of_o order_n fine_a necessitate_v ad_fw-la arthritim_a usque_fw-la and_o you_o cry_v out_o quare_fw-la oneramini_fw-la ritibus_fw-la and_o tell_v we_o of_o lengthen_v out_o our_o paper_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o by_o these_o few_o word_n here_o use_v make_v very_o much_o long_o but_o if_o you_o have_v remember_v the_o multitude_n of_o canon_n and_o burdensome_a ceremony_n that_o be_v rigorous_o press_v even_o to_o the_o high_a censure_n in_o case_n of_o refusal_n and_o under_o the_o burden_n whereof_o sundry_a true_o conscientious_a person_n under_o the_o late_a prelacy_n do_v sigh_v and_o groan_v when_o those_o that_o be_v scandalous_a enough_o in_o their_o life_n escape_v censure_n and_o which_o some_o have_v cause_n not_o so_o soon_o to_o forget_v we_o think_v you_o will_v have_v see_v little_a reason_n to_o have_v complain_v of_o our_o burdened_a you_n with_o tradition_n in_o multiply_a order_n unnecessary_o sect_n xi_o and_o now_o we_o come_v
be_v it_o further_o declare_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o every_o person_n and_o person_n that_o shall_v not_o diligent_o perform_v the_o duty_n aforesaid_a according_a to_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o not_o have_v reasonable_a excuse_n to_o the_o cootrary_a shall_v be_v deem_v and_o take_v to_o be_v offender_n against_o this_o law_n and_o shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o according_o can_v you_o say_v now_o that_o you_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v such_o as_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n by_o any_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n or_o rule_n as_o you_o call_v they_o of_o your_o church_n government_n when_o not_o only_o the_o pious_a and_o peaceable_a mind_a people_n but_o the_o obstinate_a also_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o rigour_n of_o former_a law_n and_o only_o take_v to_o be_v offender_n against_o this_o law_n and_o no_o other_o and_o shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o according_o dare_v you_o yet_o proceed_v to_o censure_v notwithstanding_o this_o act_n if_o you_o do_v you_o be_v very_o bold_a and_o may_v run_v into_o a_o praemunire_n though_o you_o say_v you_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o any_o mistake_n be_v that_o may_v arise_v ab_fw-la ignorantia_fw-la juris_fw-la whether_o simple_a or_o effect_v a_o strange_a say_n we_o have_v hear_v it_o say_v ignorantia_fw-la facti_fw-la excusat_fw-la but_o ignorantia_fw-la juris_fw-la non_fw-la excusat_fw-la no_o not_o a_o simple_a ignorance_n much_o less_o a_o affect_a one_o the_o animadversion_n of_o the_o class_n upon_o it_o 1._o if_o you_o have_v weigh_v what_o we_o have_v answer_v you_o can_v not_o with_o any_o colour_n have_v say_v that_o we_o answer_v not_o your_o question_n you_o may_v have_v observe_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o assembly_n as_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o of_o the_o same_o constitution_n with_o she_o and_o who_o though_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n do_v un-church_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o mixture_n or_o the_o scandalous_a person_n in_o they_o deny_v our_o church_n in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v true_a or_o our_o assembly_n to_o be_v the_o assembly_n of_o saint_n yet_o we_o justify_v in_o our_o answer_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v as_o to_o saint_n and_o call_v church_n notwithstanding_o such_o corruption_n in_o they_o though_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o scandalous_a in_o our_o church_n and_o assembly_n be_v the_o spot_n thereof_o and_o see_v we_o acknowledge_v such_o assembly_n be_v true_a church_n notwithstanding_o those_o scandalous_a person_n that_o be_v find_v in_o they_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o none_o else_o beside_o ourselves_o be_v by_o we_o account_v saint_n none_o brethren_n and_o sister_n in_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o stand_v for_o our_o discipline_n which_o you_o can_v mention_v but_o you_o must_v brand_v in_o call_v it_o pretend_v you_o may_v from_o our_o answer_n have_v gather_v that_o all_o other_o assembly_n in_o our_o land_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sacrament_n be_v dispense_v be_v take_v into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o assembly_n we_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v part_n also_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o however_o they_o may_v some_o of_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o point_n of_o discipline_n we_o tell_v you_o in_o our_o answer_n particular_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n other_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n and_o sundry_a gross_o scandalous_a and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v conceive_v to_o have_v deny_v such_o assembly_n in_o our_o land_n that_o be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o of_o the_o same_o constitution_n with_o she_o for_o the_o substance_n not_o to_o be_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n if_o they_o stand_v not_o for_o our_o discipline_n yet_o you_o will_v make_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v we_o mean_v no_o further_o in_o that_o answer_n we_o give_v you_o than_o not_o to_o un-church_n or_o un-saint_n ourselves_o or_o assembly_n because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o they_o which_o yet_o we_o must_v tell_v you_o may_v have_v be_v the_o few_o if_o you_o and_o other_o who_o be_v member_n of_o these_o assembly_n have_v show_v yourselves_o more_o pliable_a to_o good_a order_n and_o discipline_n and_o to_o have_v be_v furtherer_n and_o not_o hinderer_n of_o their_o reformation_n 2._o we_o speak_v in_o our_o answer_n of_o some_o that_o have_v of_o late_a rent_n themselves_o from_o our_o church_n because_o of_o the_o scandalousness_n of_o the_o corrupt_a member_n and_o say_v that_o see_v our_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v manifest_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o against_o they_o as_o against_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o dovatist_n of_o old_a you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o apply_v that_o of_o augustine_n unto_o we_o when_o he_o cry_v out_o against_o they_o o_o impudentem_fw-la vocem_fw-la but_o now_o you_o will_v not_o have_v any_o to_o have_v rend_v themselves_o from_o our_o church_n except_v such_o who_o have_v admit_v themselves_o member_n or_o profess_v themselves_o of_o our_o association_n have_v rend_v themselves_o from_o we_o and_o who_o you_o say_v be_v but_o a_o few_o so_o far_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v but_o here_o you_o do_v not_o approve_v yourselves_o good_a disputant_n against_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n who_o be_v by_o their_o birth_n member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whereof_o our_o assembly_n be_v but_o part_n and_o of_o the_o same_o constitution_n with_o she_o as_o we_o say_v before_o and_o have_v rend_v themselves_o from_o it_o or_o from_o our_o assembly_n that_o be_v part_n of_o it_o be_v just_o chargeable_a with_o schism_n they_o have_v hereby_o rend_v themselves_o from_o a_o true_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n and_o who_o membership_n be_v argue_v from_o their_o be_v bear_v in_o gremio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la not_o from_o their_o admit_v themselves_o member_n of_o it_o afterward_o or_o their_o profess_v of_o themselves_o to_o be_v thereof_o member_n we_o have_v in_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o first_o paper_n hint_v to_o you_o this_o ground_n of_o their_o membership_n when_o in_o answer_n to_o what_o you_o have_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n there_o suggest_v as_o you_o do_v here_o we_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o several_a congregation_n rendâ—_n within_o this_o land_n that_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o several_a member_n of_o these_o congregation_n be_v by_o their_o birth_n member_n as_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n jew_n by_o nature_n gal._n 2._o that_o this_o their_o membership_n be_v seal_v to_o they_o in_o their_o baptism_n that_o do_v solemn_o admit_v they_o as_o into_o the_o universal_a church_n so_o into_o the_o particular_a wherein_o they_o be_v bear_v but_o as_o in_o this_o paper_n where_o you_o shall_v have_v reply_v to_o these_o proposition_n if_o you_o approve_v not_o of_o they_o you_o answer_v nothing_o to_o they_o though_o in_o your_o first_o paper_n you_o will_v have_v exempt_v yourselves_o from_o be_v subject_n to_o our_o government_n because_o you_o have_v not_o admit_v yourselves_o member_n of_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o our_o congregation_n or_o be_v any_o associate_n of_o we_o as_o you_o there_o express_v yourselves_o so_o here_o you_o come_v over_o again_o with_o the_o same_o unsound_a principle_n and_o yet_o say_v nothing_o to_o make_v it_o out_o intimate_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v account_v to_o have_v rend_v themselves_o from_o we_o but_o such_o as_o have_v admit_v themselves_o member_n or_o profess_v themselves_o of_o our_o association_n whereas_o if_o be_v member_n by_o their_o birth_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o after_o rend_v themselves_o from_o any_o of_o our_o assembly_n or_o other_o that_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o same_o constitution_n with_o it_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o which_o you_o must_v say_v or_o whatever_o you_o cry_v out_o against_o it_o you_o do_v not_o upon_o any_o sure_a principle_n oppose_v it_o 3._o but_o this_o blot_n of_o schism_n you_o will_v fasten_v upon_o we_o however_o though_o it_o be_v neither_o upon_o your_o own_o principle_n here_o lay_v down_o or_o any_o other_o whereby_o you_o can_v prove_v we_o guilty_a and_o to_o make_v this_o out_o you_o say_v that_o we_o or_o many_o of_o we_o have_v swear_v canonical_a obedience_n to_o the_o government_n by_o bishop_n and_o subscribe_v the_o 39_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o hereupon_o because_o we_o be_v not_o now_o for_o
every_o marsyas_n with_o a_o old_a pipe_n of_o minerva_n dare_v contend_v with_o apollo_n that_o man_n of_o low_a and_o cheap_a ability_n be_v too_o loud_a and_o too_o hard_o for_o man_n of_o the_o choice_a and_o best_a design_n certain_o inertia_fw-la pro_fw-la sapientia_fw-la erit_fw-la he_o be_v the_o best_a orator_n that_o dwell_v in_o silence_n and_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o keep_v the_o privacy_n and_o recluseness_n of_o his_o own_o ville_fw-fr hannibal_n once_o tell_v scipio_n that_o it_o have_v appion_n be_v better_a both_o for_o rome_n and_o carthage_n if_o both_o of_o they_o have_v be_v content_v within_o their_o own_o bound_n and_o possible_o it_o have_v be_v more_o honourable_a both_o for_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o ourselves_o have_v we_o make_v our_o list_n more_o private_a and_o play_v our_o prize_n only_o behind_o the_o curtain_n for_o so_o we_o have_v confine_v and_o determine_v our_o ignorance_n to_o our_o own_o sphere_n and_o our_o defect_n have_v be_v visible_a to_o no_o eye_n but_o our_o own_o but_o as_o antalcidas_n object_v to_o agesilaus_n the_o spartan_n have_v make_v the_o theban_n fight_v whether_o they_o plutarch_n will_v or_o no_o the_o exasperation_n and_o bitterness_n of_o our_o brethren_n have_v lend_v coward_n courage_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o combat_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n miserum_fw-la est_fw-la pati_fw-la nec_fw-la licere_fw-la queri_fw-la it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n to_o be_v hurt_v and_o to_o have_v our_o pliny_n mouth_n stop_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o be_v obleige_v not_o to_o complain_v qui_fw-la unam_fw-la patitur_fw-la injuriam_fw-la invitat_fw-la aliam_fw-la it_o be_v a_o certain_a seneca_n rule_n with_o the_o man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n if_o you_o take_v a_o blow_n from_o they_o on_o one_o cheek_n you_o can_v be_v christian_n in_o their_o calendar_n unless_o you_o turn_v the_o other_o also_o we_o have_v well_o hope_v that_o what_o tully_n note_v to_o be_v the_o eloquence_n of_o atticus_n respondere_fw-la sciat_fw-la i_o sibi_fw-la dum_fw-la taceo_fw-la our_o silence_n and_o our_o patience_n may_v have_v be_v good_a orator_n for_o we_o to_o have_v answer_v the_o pretension_n of_o their_o power_n the_o disguise_n of_o their_o popular_a discourse_n and_o their_o harsh_a proceed_n towards_o we_o but_o the_o more_o we_o suffer_v they_o triumph_v the_o more_o and_o because_o it_o be_v our_o judgement_n and_o choice_n to_o dwell_v in_o silence_n they_o think_v we_o either_o can_v not_o or_o dare_v not_o speak_v but_o nemo_fw-la nobis_fw-la amiciss_fw-la uti_fw-la potest_fw-la &_o adulatoribus_fw-la they_o shall_v find_v we_o be_v their_o friend_n but_o not_o their_o parafite_n we_o will_v speak_v that_o truth_n which_o we_o understand_v beseech_v the_o good_a spirit_n to_o lead_v they_o and_o we_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o in_o this_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a service_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o 1000_o witness_n within_o we_o that_o we_o speak_v nothing_o out_o of_o pride_n or_o envy_n or_o with_o unchristian_a reflection_n upon_o our_o suffering_n but_o with_o a_o hearty_a desire_n of_o peace_n that_o they_o or_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v and_o at_o last_o meet_v by_o a_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n we_o shall_v not_o present_v the_o room_n and_o model_n of_o the_o whole_a house_n in_o the_o porch_n yet_o we_o shall_v preface_n a_o recital_n of_o those_o grievance_n which_o make_v we_o open_v our_o mouth_n in_o this_o discourse_n ne_o extorqueretur_fw-la nobis_fw-la causa_fw-la lucii_n cottae_n patrocinio_fw-la lest_o we_o tacitus_n may_v seem_v to_o fear_v the_o giant_n of_o presbytery_n and_o to_o think_v it_o be_v only_o that_o palladium_n that_o will_v preserve_v the_o city_n of_o god_n about_o seavenmonth_n since_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o manchester_n publish_v their_o breviate_n or_o censure_n against_o all_o that_o come_v not_o in_o to_o they_o for_o trial_n and_o examination_n wherein_o they_o go_v to_o the_o high_a way_n and_o compel_v all_o to_o come_v in_o and_o give_v submission_n to_o their_o government_n by_o subject_v themselves_o to_o examination_n by_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n not_o only_o such_o as_o may_v be_v suspect_v to_o be_v ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a but_o all_o of_o all_o elevation_n of_o all_o judgement_n must_v come_v under_o the_o inquisition_n not_o so_o much_o we_o fear_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o sacrament_n as_o to_o teach_v they_o obedience_n that_o they_o may_v know_v themselves_o as_o tiberius_n say_v of_o the_o senate_n that_o they_o be_v homines_fw-la ad_fw-la servitutem_fw-la nati_fw-la to_o owe_v a_o obedience_n to_o their_o new_a master_n which_o they_o must_v pay_v under_o the_o grand_a penalty_n of_o suspension_n and_o excommunication_n in_o answer_n to_o these_o bruta_n fulmina_fw-la we_o with_o all_o meekness_n and_o humility_n send_v they_o one_o single_a sheet_n of_o paper_n desire_v satisfaction_n in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o our_o reason_n and_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a judgement_n from_o they_o this_o one_o sheet_n they_o return_v in_o seven_o a_o answer_n long_o enough_o if_o it_o be_v sound_a enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o our_o scruple_n and_o in_o their_o proceed_n they_o pretend_v for_o what_o they_o do_v both_o a_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a sanction_n a_o commission_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o state_n also_o but_o that_o maxim_n of_o the_o ancient_a will_v here_o be_v find_v true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o own_o law_n build_v upon_o passion_n and_o interest_n be_v common_o lawless_a it_o be_v apparent_a to_o we_o that_o their_o new_a light_n have_v no_o light_n from_o antiquity_n or_o primitive_a form_n that_o their_o new_a rule_n have_v no_o establishment_n either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o law_n of_o this_o land_n st._n i_o say_v of_o origen_n that_o ingenii_fw-la svi_fw-la acumina_fw-la putat_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la esse_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la a_o imagination_n sure_a of_o our_o presbyter_n that_o the_o placita_fw-la of_o their_o own_o will_n must_v pass_v for_o civil_a and_o divine_a constitution_n we_o wonder_v that_o man_n pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o religion_n shall_v not_o only_o call_v in_o the_o lord_n of_o truth_n to_o abett_v the_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n but_o shall_v also_o pretend_v to_o encouragement_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o state_n to_o second_v their_o prevarication_n it_o have_v please_v his_o highness_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n to_o secure_v all_o godly_a and_o peaceable_a man_n profess_v jesus_n christ_n from_o those_o ordinance_n which_o the_o rigour_n of_o presbytery_n have_v mount_v against_o they_o but_o where_o he_o give_v the_o least_o encouragement_n for_o this_o power_n usurp_v by_o they_o we_o find_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o be_v friendly_a advice_n that_o they_o take_v heed_n lest_o their_o unguided_a zeal_n or_o interest_n precipitate_v they_o into_o a_o praemunire_n since_o under_o colour_n of_o authority_n they_o have_v make_v law_n and_o canon_n and_o publish_v they_o open_o in_o the_o church_n for_o all_o to_o obey_v upon_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n not_o only_o against_o all_o the_o ancient_a know_a law_n of_o elder_a date_n but_o also_o contrary_a to_o the_o present_a establishment_n and_o the_o magistracy_n under_o which_o we_o now_o live_v it_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o we_o to_o hear_v they_o cry_v out_o against_o prelacy_n and_o episcopacy_n as_o only_o a_o artificial_a and_o political_a device_n to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n inheritance_n whereas_o indeed_o their_o little_a finger_n be_v heavy_a than_o the_o prelate_n loin_n though_o they_o tell_v we_o their_o way_n be_v friendly_a meek_a and_o a_o social_a way_n we_o find_v it_o not_o they_o make_v we_o only_o as_o publican_n and_o heathen_n it_o shall_v seem_v that_o all_o that_o they_o intend_v in_o the_o change_n of_o church_n government_n be_v only_o to_o slice_v the_o diocesan_n into_o parochial_a bishop_n and_o with_o he_o in_o lucian_n to_o cut_v out_o the_o old_a useless_a moon_n into_o fine_a new_a star_n every_o one_o of_o which_o claim_v the_o same_o influence_n and_o dominion_n over_o the_o people_n which_o the_o prelate_n do_v it_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o we_o to_o hear_v they_o inveigh_v against_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n against_o the_o novatian_a and_o donatist_n of_o old_a when_o they_o walk_v in_o their_o step_n maintain_v their_o principle_n and_o espouse_v their_o quarrel_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o church_n historian_n that_o the_o doctrine_n against_o mixt-communion_n be_v a_o brat_n get_v by_o novatus_n nurse_v up_o by_o lucifer_n and_o audius_n but_o it_o grow_v not_o till_o donatus_n become_v its_o foster_n father_n then_o indeed_o it_o flourish_v and_o spread_v amain_o till_o st._n austin_n by_o his_o judicious_a and_o clear_a opposition_n do_v banish_v it_o that_o and_o the_o subfequent_a age_n the_o anabaptist_n
to_o the_o sacrament_n the_o course_n by_o you_o publish_v provide_v it_o be_v in_o public_a little_a differ_v from_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o reform_a church_n abroad_o before_o any_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 2._o for_o those_o who_o err_v so_o gross_o whether_o in_o doctrinal_n or_o point_n of_o discipline_n thereby_o rent_v from_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n though_o you_o speak_v nothing_o either_o of_o their_o sin_n or_o punishment_n yet_o we_o hope_v you_o with_o we_o do_v hold_n that_o the_o church_n lawful_a pastor_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o excommunicate_v such_o offender_n 3._o for_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n admonition_n private_a and_o public_a be_v to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n mat._n 18_o but_o if_o they_o still_o continue_v and_o will_v not_o reform_v the_o church_n lawful_a pastor_n have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v such_o thus_o far_o we_o accord_v in_o judgement_n touch_v the_o way_n of_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a and_o reform_v wicked_a person_n and_o schismatical_a which_o course_n be_v so_o full_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o waver_v and_o unsettle_a in_o our_o apprehension_n of_o the_o case_n as_o to_o submit_v either_o it_o or_o they_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n to_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o general_n council_n of_o the_o eastern_a or_o western_a church_n much_o less_o to_o a_o new_a term_v provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n wherein_o we_o not_o little_o differ_v from_o you_o other_o part_n of_o your_o paper_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n to_o which_o we_o can_v so_o full_o assent_v till_o further_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v by_o you_o for_o 1._o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n if_o not_o in_o all_o belong_v to_o this_o association_n there_o be_v many_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o be_v member_n of_o congregation_n etc._n etc._n you_o seem_v to_o hint_n that_o though_o your_o grief_n may_v be_v general_a as_o we_o for_o all_o offender_n yet_o your_o censure_n extend_v only_o to_o those_o who_o have_v admit_v themselves_o member_n of_o some_o congregation_n within_o your_o association_n and_o yet_o live_v inordinate_o and_o will_v not_o be_v admonish_v if_o so_o than_o we_o who_o never_o be_v any_o member_n or_o associate_n of_o you_o be_v not_o within_o the_o verge_n and_o compass_n of_o your_o presbyterian_a discipline_n for_o what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v without_o 2._o but_o whereas_o your_o complaint_n and_o offence_n take_v be_v that_o many_o there_o be_v of_o all_o sort_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o live_v like_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n if_o by_o the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n you_o mean_v your_o own_o as_o may_v strong_o be_v conjecture_v you_o do_v then_o be_v we_o also_o comprehend_v therein_o and_o must_v fall_v within_o your_o censure_n and_o not_o only_o we_o but_o all_o papist_n anabaptist_n and_o all_o other_o of_o what_o profession_n and_o religion_n soever_o who_o live_v within_o the_o parish_n must_v be_v take_v for_o member_n of_o some_o one_o congregation_n within_o your_o association_n and_o so_o drive_v into_o the_o common_a fold_n of_o presbytery_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o your_o government_n and_o this_o as_o we_o suppose_v be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o you_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o transaction_n of_o you_o to_o subject_v all_o to_o your_o government_n which_o you_o garnish_v over_o with_o the_o specious_a title_n of_o christ_n government_n throne_n and_o sceptre_n presbytery_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n drive_v at_o here_o and_o however_o she_o come_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o godly_a pretence_n of_o sorrow_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o you_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o you_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o waste_a paper_n wherein_o presbytery_n be_v wrap_v to_o make_v it_o look_v more_o handsome_o and_o pass_v more_o current_o but_o beware_v we_o must_v for_o latet_fw-la anguis_fw-la in_o herbâ_fw-la object_n but_o you_o say_v for_o want_v of_o the_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n ignorance_n atheism_n and_o licentiousness_n grow_v upon_o we_o and_o man_n live_v as_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n because_o not_o subject_a to_o your_o present_a government_n sol._n we_o pray_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o church_n government_n throughout_o his_o highness_n dominion_n as_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n and_o leave_v by_o he_o to_o be_v transfer_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v ready_o join_v with_o you_o in_o humble_a address_n to_o his_o highness_n and_o his_o great_a council_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o a_o church_n government_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n though_o there_o may_v be_v such_o who_o as_o you_o say_v live_v as_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n yet_o be_v they_o subject_a to_o law_n and_o therefore_o subject_a to_o punishment_n for_o though_o your_o ecclesiastical_a sword_n can_v take_v hold_n on_o they_o the_o civil_a sword_n do_v reach_v they_o your_o class_n may_v do_v well_o then_o not_o to_o contemn_v as_o in_o charity_n we_o hope_v you_o do_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o stead_n of_o warning_n all_o and_o every_o member_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o complain_v to_o the_o eldership_n of_o those_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v excommunicate_v they_o that_o they_o exhort_v they_o to_o complain_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o sword_n of_o justice_n be_v sharp_a and_o long_o and_o likely_a to_o work_v a_o great_a reformation_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n by_o a_o corporal_a and_o pecuniary_a mulct_n than_o any_o sword_n of_o excommunication_n or_o other_o church_n censure_v your_o eldership_n can_v any_o way_n pretend_v unto_o there_o be_v other_o part_n of_o your_o paper_n do_v remain_v likewise_o dark_a which_o we_o desire_v may_v be_v make_v plain_a unto_o we_o for_o whereas_o you_o say_v there_o be_v many_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n etc._n etc._n that_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o live_v as_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n our_o quaeres_fw-la there_o upon_o be_v 1._o why_o government_n in_o singulari_fw-la be_v there_o no_o ecclesiastical_a government_n but_o you_o may_v not_o another_o church_n have_v its_o government_n different_a from_o you_o yet_o not_o different_a from_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n calvin_n say_v yea_o scimus_fw-la enim_fw-la unicuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o according_o there_o be_v other_o church_n in_o england_n different_a in_o government_n from_o you_o and_o as_o good_a as_o you_o but_o if_o you_o say_v you_o be_v the_o government_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o christ_n own_o government_n more_o immediate_o and_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la which_o you_o so_o much_o defend_v then_o why_o the_o present_a be_v there_o no_o present_a government_n in_o any_o church_n or_o assembly_n of_o saint_n but_o where_o your_o discipline_n be_v erect_v be_v all_o the_o rest_n at_o present_a without_o government_n or_o where_o have_v you_o be_v this_o 1500._o year_n pass_v till_o this_o present_a have_v antichristianism_n so_o overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n own_o government_n can_v never_o get_v foot_v till_o this_o present_a but_o now_o subjection_n be_v require_v thereto_o of_o all_o yet_o many_o of_o all_o sort_n will_v not_o subject_a but_o live_v as_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n our_o next_o quaere_fw-la be_v what_o must_v all_o those_o that_o observe_v not_o your_o rank_n and_o order_n subject_n not_o themselves_o to_o your_o present_a government_n be_v take_v for_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n yea_o for_o so_o this_o close_a connexion_n of_o you_o seem_v to_o import_v viz._n many_o who_o do_v not_o subject_a but_o live_v etc._n etc._n in_o your_o paper_n you_o further_o proceed_v and_o
make_v it_o a_o order_n that_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o all_o person_n that_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o saint_n we_o will_v glad_o know_v how_o far_o you_o extend_v this_o saintship_n this_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o saint_n if_o to_o your_o own_o church_n only_o and_o such_o as_o subject_v themselves_o to_o your_o government_n then_o s._n augustine_n answer_n against_o the_o donatist_n who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o among_o themselves_o may_v also_o be_v you_o o_o impudentem_fw-la vocem_fw-la say_v he_o illa_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la tu_fw-la in_o illa_fw-la non_fw-la es_fw-la vide_fw-la ne_fw-la tu_fw-la ideo_fw-la non_fw-la sis_fw-la nam_fw-la illa_fw-la erit_fw-la etsi_fw-la tu_fw-la non_fw-la sis_fw-la but_o if_o your_o charity_n reach_v further_o than_o to_o your_o own_o assembly_n than_o you_o make_v lawless_a person_n such_o as_o will_v not_o subject_v themselves_o to_o your_o government_n saint_n and_o member_n at_o least_o of_o the_o invisible_a triumphant_a church_n though_o none_o of_o your_o present_a visible_a militant_a church_n and_o then_o your_o charity_n over-reacheth_a again_o we_o be_v unsatisfy_v in_o the_o word_n public_a the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n what_o do_v not_o private_a assembly_n please_v you_o we_o presume_v you_o be_v not_o against_o private_a meeting_n your_o own_o practice_n speak_v the_o contrary_a but_o you_o will_v bind_v all_o notwithstanding_o your_o private_a assembly_n to_o frequent_v your_o public_a also_o other_o way_n they_o shall_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o though_o they_o can_v submit_v to_o your_o government_n leave_v you_o no_o room_n for_o tender_a conscience_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v otherways_o provide_v and_o if_o you_o under_o colour_n of_o authority_n will_v make_v law_n and_o edict_n and_o publish_v they_o open_o in_o the_o church_n for_o all_o to_o obey_v upon_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n in_o force_n whether_o you_o do_v it_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n or_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n which_o late_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v suppose_v in_o a_o charitable_a and_o favourable_a construction_n yet_o in_o what_o sense_n soever_o it_o be_v take_v we_o much_o question_n and_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o look_v to_o it_o whether_o you_o have_v not_o run_v yourselves_o into_o a_o praemunire_n again_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o like_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o all_o scandalous_a person_n our_o next_o quaere_fw-la be_v whether_o those_o that_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o second_o order_n may_v not_o be_v take_v for_o scandalous_a and_o so_o comprehend_v in_o this_o three_o if_o so_o quare_fw-la oneramini_fw-la ritibus_fw-la why_o do_v you_o lengthen_v out_o your_o paper_n and_o burden_v we_o with_o tradition_n in_o multiply_v of_o order_n sine_fw-la necessitate_v ad_fw-la arthritim_a usque_fw-la after_o the_o second_o and_o three_o order_n against_o those_o that_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a come_v in_o a_o four_o touch_v the_o catechumenist_n in_o the_o first_o order_n mention_v viz._n that_o the_o minister_n when_o he_o cateobize_v the_o several_a family_n shall_v exhort_v such_o person_n in_o they_o as_o he_o find_v be_v of_o competent_a knowledge_n and_o be_v blameless_a in_o life_n that_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o the_o eldership_n that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o what_o if_o they_o will_v not_o present_v themselves_o before_o the_o eldership_n the_o minister_n must_v exhort_v and_o admonish_v they_o what_o if_o still_o they_o refuse_v their_o name_n shall_v be_v publish_v open_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o they_o warn_v before_o all_o to_o reform_v that_o be_v the_o five_o order_n mark_v man_n of_o blameless_a life_n and_o knowledge_n must_v be_v warn_v before_o all_o to_o reform_v but_o what_o if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o will_v not_o reform_v but_o continue_v obstinate_a then_o no_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o four_o order_n there_o be_v their_o excommunicatio_fw-la minor_fw-la but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o a_o high_a censure_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v so_o faith_n the_o six_o and_o last_o order_n the_o great_a excommunication_n which_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n also_o and_o judge_v they_o no_o better_o than_o heathen_n and_o publican_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o piety_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o in_o brief_a all_o wilful_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o not_o only_o they_o but_o the_o know_v and_o blameless_a of_o life_n if_o they_o present_v not_o themselves_o to_o the_o eldership_n these_o thing_n premise_v lie_v sad_o on_o our_o spirit_n and_o conscience_n as_o not_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n for_o which_o we_o can_v so_o ready_o join_v with_o you_o till_o further_a satisfaction_n be_v give_v we_o and_o which_o the_o publisher_n of_o your_o paper_n promise_v shall_v be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o do_v desire_v we_o therefore_o think_v fit_a to_o signify_v these_o our_o scruple_n to_o you_o and_o shall_v wait_v earnest_o for_o a_o speedy_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o particular_n remain_v january_n the_o 12._o 1657._o your_o brethren_n desirous_a of_o truth_n unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n joshuah_n cudworth_n john_n ogden_n sen._n john_n ogden_n junior_n capt._n james_n buckley_n israel_n taylor_n john_n buckley_n nicholas_n walker_n ralph_n hall_n edward_n newton_n abraham_n butterworth_n robert_n twyford_n william_n radclyffe_n jo._n hartley_n ra._n bradshaw_n edward_n richardson_n tho._n holland_n fra._n mosley_n john_n byrom_n alexand._n radclyffe_n robert_n hey_o robert_n ashton_n william_n heawood_n alexander_n greene._n james_n marler_n george_n booth_n richard_n symonds_n richard_n wait_v richard_n halliwell_n isaac_n allen._n jo._n pollett_n tho._n prestwich_n leonard_n egerton_n ferdinando_n stanley_n humphrey_n bulkly_n nichol._n moseley_n william_n hulme_n william_n holland_n thomas_n symonds_n john_n scholefield_n ja._n wolstenhulme_n jo._n crompton_n john_n grover_n tho._n scoles_n theo._n anderson_n abdie_a scholfield_n tho._n heap_v sen._n william_n read_v john_n buckley_n richard_n leach_n james_n stoale_n robert_n wilson_n at_o manchester_n feb._n 23._o 1657._o the_o answer_n of_o the_o first_o classis_fw-la within_o the_o province_n of_o lancaster_n unto_o the_o first_o paper_n present_v unto_o they_o at_o their_o classical_a meeting_n jan._n 12._o 1657._o by_o certain_a gentleman_n subscribe_v by_o they_o and_o sundry_a other_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o association_n sect_n i._o gentleman_n we_o have_v peruse_v your_o paper_n and_o do_v find_v in_o it_o sundry_a mistake_n and_o some_o manifest_a wrest_n of_o our_o plain_a meaning_n in_o that_o paper_n of_o we_o which_o be_v publish_v in_o our_o several_a congregation_n and_o we_o be_v also_o sensible_a of_o the_o sharp_a reflection_n in_o it_o upon_o the_o government_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o our_o mannagement_n and_o on_o ourselves_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o answer_v you_o in_o that_o kind_n and_o therefore_o lay_v aside_o animosity_n and_o put_v away_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n however_o in_o faithfulness_n and_o plainness_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o your_o error_n and_o rectify_v your_o mistake_n and_o we_o do_v thus_o far_o acknowledge_v your_o fair_a deal_n for_o which_o we_o give_v you_o hearty_a thanks_o that_o you_o address_v yourselves_o unto_o we_o give_v we_o thereby_o the_o opportunity_n both_o to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o and_o give_v you_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o matter_n wherein_o you_o be_v mistake_v our_o leisure_n will_v not_o permit_v we_o to_o spend_v time_n about_o impertinency_n but_o yet_o that_o you_o may_v not_o conceive_v we_o be_v destitute_a of_o civil_a authority_n which_o you_o in_o your_o paper_n mind_n we_o not_o to_o contemn_v and_o we_o ourselves_o do_v profess_o testify_v all_o due_a respect_n unto_o as_o in_o duty_n we_o be_v bind_v we_o entreat_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n have_v resolve_v to_o establish_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o dominion_n of_o wales_n do_v august_n 19_o 1645._o publish_v their_o direction_n after_o advice_n have_v with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n for_o the_o elect_n and_o choose_v of_o rule_v elder_n in_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o classical_a assembly_n for_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o westminster_n and_o the_o several_a county_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o speedy_a settle_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o these_o direction_n as_o may_v be_v see_v pag._n 8._o they_o do_v ordain_v that_o in_o the_o several_a county_n certain_a person_n
to_o complain_v of_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o sundry_a person_n of_o ripe_a year_n and_o some_o of_o they_o governor_n of_o family_n as_o now_o there_o be_v we_o do_v also_o understand_v you_o by_o what_o you_o do_v here_o express_v that_o you_o judge_v it_o not_o meet_v that_o the_o gross_o ignorant_a shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o that_o you_o seem_v to_o approve_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o as_o of_o our_o own_o at_o home_n in_o take_v course_n to_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v not_o how_o you_o can_v in_o reason_n deny_v but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o all_o person_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o so_o the_o gross_o ignorant_a may_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o they_o may_v be_v if_o all_o promiscuous_o be_v admit_v without_o any_o trial_n at_o all_o but_o whereas_o in_o this_o concession_n about_o catechise_n you_o have_v a_o proviso_n that_o it_o be_v in_o public_a we_o do_v not_o see_v why_o you_o shall_v so_o limit_v it_o if_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o ignorant_a shall_v be_v inform_v and_o that_o catechise_n be_v a_o useful_a mean_n to_o attain_v that_o end_n you_o know_v how_o it_o will_v dash_v sundry_a know_v person_n to_o be_v catechize_v public_o in_o the_o congregation_n but_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a if_o these_o shall_v be_v call_v forth_o to_o public_a catechise_v it_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o drive_v they_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o so_o from_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o their_o information_n then_o beavailable_a to_o this_o end_n as_o touch_v what_o be_v propound_v by_o we_o in_o our_o paper_n as_o the_o way_n for_o their_o information_n though_o it_o be_v not_o intend_v for_o any_o such_o a_o purpose_n as_o to_o exclude_v public_a catechise_v it_o be_v do_v in_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o to_o show_v our_o willingness_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o any_o course_n so_o we_o may_v be_v instrumental_a to_o bring_v poor_a dark_a and_o blind_a soul_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o which_o in_o our_o judgement_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v attain_v in_o many_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o they_o in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n of_o catechise_v in_o any_o of_o the_o way_n propound_v by_o we_o then_o if_o we_o shall_v catechise_v all_o the_o several_a family_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n 2._o touch_v those_o that_o err_v so_o gross_o whether_o in_o doctrinal_n or_o point_n of_o discipline_n thereby_o rent_v from_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n you_o say_v we_o speak_v nothing_o either_o of_o their_o sin_n or_o punishment_n yet_o you_o hope_v we_o with_o you_o do_v hold_v that_o the_o church_n lawful_a pastor_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o excommunicate_v such_o offender_n we_o have_v give_v you_o the_o reason_n already_o why_o we_o make_v not_o such_o express_a mention_n of_o these_o offender_n as_o of_o the_o former_a although_o as_o you_o will_v hereafter_o perceive_v we_o be_v not_o whole_o silent_a touch_v either_o the_o sin_n or_o punishment_n of_o these_o only_o at_o present_a because_o you_o profess_v to_o allow_v of_o that_o previous_a course_n of_o admonition_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o scandalous_a mat._n 18._o before_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o here_o say_v nothing_o of_o any_o such_o course_n to_o be_v take_v with_o the_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a though_o we_o hope_v also_o of_o you_o that_o you_o disallow_v it_o not_o we_o shall_v brief_o declare_v what_o course_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n before_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n pass_v against_o these_o offender_n and_o whereof_o our_o paper_n be_v not_o silent_a this_o government_n however_o it_o give_v no_o toleration_n to_o any_o such_o error_n as_o subvert_v the_o faith_n or_o any_o other_o error_n which_o overthrow_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n if_o the_o party_n who_o hold_v they_o spread_v they_o seek_v to_o draw_v other_o after_o he_o or_o to_o any_o such_o practice_n as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n manifest_o subvert_v that_o order_n unity_n and_o peace_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n these_o be_v offence_n censure_v by_o this_o government_n and_o of_o which_o further_o afterward_o yet_o this_o government_n prescribe_v the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a even_o towards_o those_o that_o do_v gross_o err_v in_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o the_o convince_a they_o of_o their_o error_n by_o reason_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o see_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o synod_n that_o be_v hold_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o as_o we_o see_v the_o father_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o reason_n and_o dispute_v with_o arrius_n though_o he_o deny_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n before_o they_o condemn_v he_o and_o as_o also_o other_o father_n do_v with_o other_o heretic_n in_o the_o synod_n although_o oftentimes_o in_o vain_a that_o so_o none_o may_v have_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o complain_v that_o they_o be_v condemn_v before_o they_o full_o hear_v and_o as_o touch_v such_o as_o run_v into_o such_o practice_n as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v manifest_o to_o the_o subvert_v of_o that_o order_n and_o unity_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n it_o labour_v with_o these_o also_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o gentle_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o back_o again_o to_o the_o church_n they_o have_v rend_v themselves_o from_o before_o it_o proceed_v to_o censure_v as_o it_o do_v also_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o seducer_n and_o ringleader_n of_o a_o sect_n and_o those_o that_o be_v mislead_v have_v respect_n not_o only_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n but_o also_o to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o exercise_v patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o all_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o reduce_v they_o by_o mild_a correction_n be_v ever_o more_o desirous_a to_o heal_v then_o cut_v off_o any_o member_n and_o thus_o have_v declare_v ourselves_o in_o this_o we_o go_v on_o with_o you_o 3._o for_o you_o say_v for_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n admonition_n private_a and_o public_a be_v to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n mat._n 18._o but_o if_o they_o still_o continue_v and_o will_v not_o reform_v the_o church_n lawful_a pastor_n have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v such_o in_o this_o you_o full_o come_v up_o to_o what_o we_o hold_v as_o to_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o these_o and_o we_o be_v glad_a there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o judgement_n betwixt_o you_o and_o we_o thus_o far_o neither_o can_v we_o see_v how_o upon_o this_o concession_n you_o can_v in_o reason_n find_v fault_n with_o our_o proceed_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n for_o our_o censure_v any_o such_o person_n as_o for_o their_o notorious_a offence_n and_o their_o obstinacy_n therein_o may_v just_o merit_v the_o high_a censure_n for_o however_o perhaps_o you_o may_v say_v you_o stumble_v chief_o at_o this_o that_o our_o roll_a elder_n that_o in_o your_o judgement_n may_v be_v but_o mere_a layman_n do_v join_v in_o the_o government_n with_o we_o yet_o we_o see_v not_o how_o this_o can_v be_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o scruple_n to_o any_o of_o you_o who_o if_o we_o mistake_v not_o be_v all_o of_o you_o satisfy_v in_o your_o conscience_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o late_a government_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o exercise_v at_o least_o as_o to_o submission_n to_o it_o and_o wherein_o high-commissioner_n chancellor_n and_o commissary_n that_o be_v as_o much_o layman_n then_o as_o rule_v elder_n can_v be_v in_o your_o judgement_n now_o have_v so_o great_a a_o share_n as_o to_o suspend_v minister_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n upon_o such_o complaint_n as_o according_a to_o the_o order_n that_o be_v appoint_v in_o those_o day_n they_o may_v take_v cognizance_n of_o and_o so_o far_o as_o to_o decree_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o they_o and_o other_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o it_o but_o here_o we_o must_v yet_o further_o profess_v we_o do_v not_o know_v who_o you_o mean_v by_o lawful_a pastor_n to_o who_o you_o here_o grant_v the_o
power_n of_o excommunication_n some_o we_o know_v there_o be_v that_o will_v make_v the_o diocesan_n bishop_n the_o only_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n hamm._n and_o that_o other_o minister_n do_v but_o officiate_v by_o deputation_n from_o they_o and_o under_o they_o we_o hope_v you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o these_o for_o then_o as_o the_o dissent_n in_o judgement_n betwixt_o you_o and_o we_o will_v be_v far_o great_a than_o as_o yet_o we_o apprehend_v it_o be_v so_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o till_o prelacy_n shall_v be_v restore_v there_o must_v not_o if_o you_o will_v provide_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o person_n and_o estate_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v manage_v the_o government_n be_v the_o dispense_n of_o any_o church_n censure_v at_o all_o for_o you_o may_v easy_o know_v that_o not_o only_o by_o act_n and_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n before_o make_v for_o the_o abolish_n of_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o late_a humble_a advice_n assent_v unto_o by_o his_o highness_n sect_n 12._o the_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v take_v away_o but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o further_a bar_n put_v in_o against_o prelacy_n in_o the_o 11._o sect_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a humble_a advice_n where_o it_o be_v express_o caution_v and_o we_o judge_v it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o conscientious_a mindfulness_n of_o what_o have_v be_v in_o those_o very_a term_n covenant_v against_o that_o the_o liberty_n that_o be_v grant_v to_o some_o be_v not_o extend_v to_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o diocesan_n bishop_n shall_v exercise_v his_o jurisdiction_n and_o excommunicate_v any_o person_n within_o this_o land_n wherein_o by_o authority_n as_o you_o may_v see_v afterward_o there_o be_v also_o a_o appointment_n of_o another_o government_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o those_o that_o be_v learn_v in_o the_o law_n to_o determine_v whether_o such_o diocesan_n bishop_n will_v not_o run_v themselves_o into_o a_o praemunire_n but_o if_o you_o do_v not_o restrain_v lawful_a pastor_n to_o these_o only_a out_o doubt_v yet_o be_v whether_o you_o mean_v not_o only_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v ordain_v by_o diocesan_n bishop_n exclude_v those_o out_o of_o the_o number_n that_o since_o their_o be_v take_v away_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o presbyter_n only_o if_o this_o be_v your_o sense_n we_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a mind_n you_o of_o what_o be_v publish_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o doctor_n usher_v late_a primate_n of_o ireland_n in_o a_o book_n late_o put_v forth_o by_o doctor_n bernard_n preacher_n to_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o grays-inn_n and_o who_o though_o a_o stranger_n to_o we_o and_o one_o of_o a_o different_a judgement_n from_o we_o in_o the_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n yet_o we_o reverence_v for_o his_o moderation_n and_o profession_n of_o his_o desire_n for_o peace_n wish_v that_o such_o as_o do_v consent_n in_o substantial_o for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n will_v consider_v of_o some_o conjunction_n in_o point_n of_o discipline_n that_o private_a interest_n and_o circumstantial_o may_v 〈◊〉_d keep_v they_o thus_o far_o asunder_o book_n in_o which_o wish_n as_o we_o do_v cordial_o join_v ourselves_o so_o we_o hearty_o desire_v that_o all_o godly_a and_o moderate_a spirit_a man_n throughout_o the_o land_n will_v also_o close_o but_o the_o book_n which_o the_o say_a doctor_n have_v late_o publish_v be_v entitle_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o late_a archbishop_n of_o armagh_n and_o primate_n of_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o book_n this_o doctor_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o late_a primate_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o send_v to_o he_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v for_o that_o purpose_n declare_v his_o judgement_n touch_v the_o ordination_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n and_o holland_n there_o he_o say_v that_o episcopus_fw-la &_o presbyter_n gradu_fw-la tantum_fw-la differunt_fw-la non_fw-la ordine_fw-la and_o consequent_o that_o in_o place_n where_o bishop_n can_v be_v have_v the_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n stand_v valid_a and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o answer_n about_o this_o point_n he_o say_v that_o for_o the_o testify_a of_o his_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o low-countrye_n of_o who_o he_o have_v speak_v immediate_o before_o and_o which_o he_o there_o profess_v he_o do_v love_n and_o bonour_n as_o true_a member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o they_o about_o the_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n he_o do_v profess_v that_o with_o like_a affection_n he_o shall_v receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o dutch_a minister_n if_o he_o be_v in_o holland_n as_o he_o shall_v do_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o french_a minister_n if_o he_o be_v in_o charenton_n see_v pag._n 125._o and_o 126._o hence_o you_o may_v perceive_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o dr._n usher_n be_v that_o the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n where_o bishop_n can_v be_v have_v stand_v valid_a and_o consequent_o if_o you_o be_v of_o his_o opinion_n and_o you_o must_v have_v strong_a reason_n than_o ever_o yet_o we_o have_v see_v to_o bear_v you_o out_o there_o in_o if_o you_o judge_v otherwise_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v lawful_a pastor_n to_o who_o you_o grant_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n bishop_n be_v now_o take_v away_o and_o may_v not_o therefore_o ordain_v according_a to_o the_o present_a law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o say_a doctor_n bernard_n have_v some_o animadvertisement_n upon_o this_o leteer_n in_o which_o doctor_n usher_n do_v deliver_v his_o judgement_n as_o abovesaid_a and_o there_o show_v that_o he_o be_v not_o in_o this_o judgement_n of_o his_o singular_a he_o allege_v doctor_n davenant_n that_o pious_a and_o learned_a bishop_n of_o sarisbury_n as_o consent_v with_o he_o in_o it_o in_o his_o determination_n quaest_n 42._o and_o produce_v the_o principal_a of_o the_o schoolman_n gulielmus_fw-la parisiensis_fw-la gerson_n durand_n etc._n etc._n and_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o general_n opinion_n of_o the_o schoolman_n episcopatum_fw-la ut_fw-la distinguitur_fw-la a_o simplieâ—_n sacerdotio_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la alium_fw-la ordinem_fw-la etc._n etc._n see_v pag._n 130._o of_o the_o aforenamed_a book_n as_o also_o pag._n 131_o 132._o where_o the_o concurrence_n of_o doctor_n davenant_n with_o doctor_n usher_n in_o his_o judgement_n about_o this_o matter_n be_v declare_v more_o full_o he_o add_v also_o other_o as_o in_o special_a doctor_n richard_n field_n in_o his_o learned_a book_n of_o the_o church_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 39_o and_o lib._n 5._o cap._n 27._o and_o also_o that_o book_n entitle_v a_o defence_n of_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n maintain_v by_o archdeacon_n mason_n against_o the_o romanist_n and_o further_o he_o say_v he_o have_v be_v assure_v it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o judgement_n of_o bishop_n overal_n but_o that_o he_o have_v a_o principal_a hand_n in_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o forementioned_a author_n produce_v many_o testimony_n the_o master_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o most_o of_o the_o schoolman_n bonaventure_n thomas_n aquinas_n durand_n dominicus_n soto_n richardus_fw-la armachanus_fw-la tostatus_n alphonsus_n a_o castro_n gerson_n petrus_n canisius_n to_o have_v affirm_v the_o same_o and_o at_o last_o quote_v medina_n a_o principal_a bishop_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n who_o affirm_v that_o jerome_n ambrose_n augustine_n sedulius_n primasius_n chrysostome_n theodoret_n theophylact_fw-mi be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n also_o but_o you_o may_v see_v these_o thing_n yourselves_o in_o doctor_n bernard_n pag._n 132_o 133_o 134._o we_o have_v be_v only_o at_o the_o pain_n to_o transcribe_v they_o we_o can_v allege_v many_o more_o testimony_n to_o prove_v this_o but_o we_o count_v these_o sufficient_a and_o do_v allege_v these_o the_o rather_o because_o bring_v by_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o you_o as_o we_o suppose_v but_o have_v declare_v how_o far_o you_o accord_n with_o we_o in_o judgement_n touch_v the_o way_n of_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a and_o reform_v the_o wicked_a person_n and_o schismatical_a etc._n etc._n you_o tell_v we_o that_o you_o be_v not_o therein_o so_o waver_v and_o unsettled_a in_o your_o apprehension_n of_o the_o case_n as_o to_o submit_v either_o it_o or_o they_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n to_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o general_a council_n of_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n much_o less_o to_o a_o new_a term_v provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n wherein_o you_o profess_v no_o little_a to_o differ_v from_o we_o that_o which_o we_o submit_v whole_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v not_o whether_o catechise_v be_v a_o way_n appoint_v by_o
receive_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n there_o be_v proposal_n of_o assembly_n of_o pastor_n within_o certain_a limit_a bound_n which_o save_v that_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o somewhat_o large_a than_o we_o which_o be_v but_o a_o circumstantial_a difference_n do_v hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n mention_v in_o the_o form_n of_o our_o church_n government_n as_o also_o the_o time_n propound_v there_o for_o their_o meeting_n the_o power_n of_o these_o assembly_n and_o what_o they_o be_v to_o have_v cognizance_n of_o and_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o lesser_a to_o the_o great_a with_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n if_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n as_o with_o we_o and_o all_o these_o be_v propound_v as_o the_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o in_o the_o year_n 1641._o after_o the_o trouble_n that_o have_v rise_v in_o scotland_n about_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o ceremony_n and_o before_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o this_o land_n have_v so_o much_o as_o fall_v under_o debate_n in_o the_o parliament_n so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o hear_v of_o as_o a_o expedient_a to_o prevent_v the_o trouble_n that_o do_v after_o arise_v in_o this_o land_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n be_v for_o the_o moderate_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o at_o that_o time_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o it_o have_v quite_o take_v away_o from_o the_o pastor_n that_o rule_v that_o of_o right_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o and_o for_o the_o reduction_n of_o it_o to_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o synodical_a government_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o learned_a and_o reverend_a antiquary_n our_o provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n where_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v member_n as_o he_o acknowledge_v of_o right_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o such_o assembly_n will_v not_o have_v be_v account_v a_o new_a term_v provincial_a assembly_n sect_n iv._o but_o you_o go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o other_o part_n of_o our_o paper_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n to_o which_o you_o say_v you_o can_v so_o full_o assent_v till_o further_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v by_o we_o we_o can_v apprehend_v any_o such_o darkness_n in_o our_o paper_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o but_o yet_o because_o in_o you_o you_o question_v what_o authority_n we_o have_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o what_o we_o do_v and_o likewise_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o your_o mistake_n of_o our_o meaning_n may_v perhaps_o some_o of_o they_o arise_v from_o your_o unacquaintednesse_n with_o the_o rule_n we_o walk_v by_o although_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o any_o mistake_n that_o may_v arise_v ab_fw-la ignorantia_fw-la juris_fw-la whether_o simple_a or_o affect_v that_o we_o determine_v not_o but_o leave_v you_o to_o examine_v before_o we_o come_v to_o make_v answer_n more_o particular_o to_o what_o follow_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v at_o some_o pain_n to_o give_v you_o some_o further_a account_n of_o the_o power_n we_o be_v awarrant_v by_o the_o civil_a authority_n for_o to_o exercise_v to_o what_o person_n within_o our_o bound_n it_o extend_v itself_o and_o what_o some_o of_o those_o rule_n be_v that_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o we_o by_o civil_a authority_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n we_o be_v betrust_v with_o it_o be_v a_o general_a and_o common_a mistake_n among_o many_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o parliament_n but_o for_o three_o year_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o expire_v and_o our_o of_o date_n but_o if_o you_o peruse_v all_o that_o pass_v in_o parliament_n touch_v it_o no_o such_o matter_n will_v appear_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n after_o advice_n have_v with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n for_o the_o elect_n and_o choose_v rule_v elder_n in_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o classical_a assembly_n for_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o westminster_n and_o the_o several_a county_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o speedy_a settle_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n bear_v date_n august_n 19_o 1645._o their_o ordinance_n together_o with_o rule_n and_o direction_n concern_v suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o case_n of_o ignorance_n and_o scandal_n date_v octob._n 20._o 1645_o the_o vote_n also_o of_o the_o say_a house_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o dominion_n of_o wales_n in_o the_o respective_a parish_n church_n and_o chapel_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n before_o mention_v and_o touch_v the_o power_n grant_v to_o the_o tryer_n of_o election_n of_o elder_n of_o the_o date_n of_o febr._n 20._o 1645._o and_o febr._n 26._o 1645_o their_o ordinance_n for_o keep_v scandalous_a person_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o enable_v of_o congregation_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n and_o supply_v of_o defect_n in_o former_a ordinance_n and_o direction_n of_o parliament_n concern_v church_n government_n bear_v date_n march_v 14._o 1645_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v by_o they_o for_o remove_v some_o obstruction_n in_o church_n government_n date_v april_n 22._o 1647_o and_o their_o ordinance_n for_o the_o speedy_a divide_v and_o settle_v the_o several_a county_n of_o this_o kingdom_n into_o distinct_a classical_a presbytery_n and_o congregationall_a eldership_n date_v jan._n 29._o 1647_o we_o say_v all_o these_o be_v pass_v absolute_o without_o any_o proviso_n at_o all_o limit_v the_o time_n of_o their_o continuance_n that_o be_v express_v in_o any_o of_o they_o indeed_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n give_v power_n to_o all_o the_o classical_a presbytery_n within_o their_o respective_a bound_n to_o examine_v approve_v and_o ordain_v minister_n for_o several_a congregation_n date_v nou._n 10._o 1645_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v stand_v in_o force_n for_o twelve_o month_n and_o no_o long_o as_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o another_o ordinance_n for_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n by_o the_o classical_a presbyter_n within_o their_o respective_a bound_n for_o the_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n bear_v date_n august_n 28._o 1646_o that_o it_o shall_v stand_v in_o force_n for_o three_o year_n and_o no_o long_o which_o latter_a may_v give_v to_o some_o that_o take_v but_o the_o matter_n upon_o report_n a_o occasion_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v settle_v but_o for_o three_o year_n although_o that_o be_v but_o ill_o apply_v to_o all_o the_o several_a ordinance_n that_o have_v pass_v before_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o one_o but_o the_o ordinance_n especial_o from_o which_o chief_o as_o we_o conceive_v the_o mistake_n arise_v about_o settle_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n for_o three_o year_n only_o be_v the_o ordinance_n that_o pass_v june_n 5._o 1646_o the_o title_n whereof_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o present_a settle_n without_o further_a delay_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o close_a whereof_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o this_o ordinance_n shall_v continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o no_o long_o unless_o both_o house_n think_v fit_a to_o continue_v it_o but_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v consult_v it_o be_v manifest_v it_o be_v but_o touch_v a_o committee_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o to_o adjudge_v and_o determine_v scandalous_a offence_n not_o former_o enumerate_v appoint_v by_o that_o ordinance_n in_o stead_n and_o place_n of_o commissioner_n mention_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o march_n 14._o 1645_o and_o also_o show_v how_o the_o eldership_n be_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o scandalous_a offence_n and_o touch_v what_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o say_a committee_n and_o in_o what_o sort_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v as_o be_v clear_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v that_o ordinance_n the_o ground_n whereof_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o it_o be_v make_v to_o be_v this_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o parliament_n hold_v their_o former_a resolution_n that_o all_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a offender_n shall_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v a_o further_a addition_n to_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n former_o enumerate_v for_o which_o man_n shall_v be_v keep_v back_o from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o lest_o the_o stay_n of_o the_o enumeration_n and_o the_o not_o name_v of_o commissioner_n to_o judge_v of_o case_n not_o enumerate_v shall_v hinder_v the_o put_n in_o execution_n the_o presbyterian_a government_n already_o establish_v they_o have_v
think_v fit_a etc._n etc._n and_o do_v therefore-ordain_a a_o committee_n therein_o particular_o nominate_v in_o stead_n and_o place_n of_o commissioner_n the_o groundlessness_n of_o the_o mistake_n about_o settle_v the_o presbyterial_a government_n for_o three_o year_n only_o that_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o proviso_n in_o this_o ordinance_n be_v so_o clear_a to_o any_o common_a understanding_n that_o the_o bare_a recital_n of_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o make_v it_o do_v make_v it_o so_o full_o to_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v but_o lose_v labour_n to_o use_v any_o more_o word_n about_o it_o but_o we_o have_v particular_o mention_v all_o that_o ever_o pass_v the_o parliament_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v either_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o that_o hitherto_o concern_v church_n government_n until_o the_o year_n 1648_o when_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n after_o advice_n have_v with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o to_o be_v print_v august_n 19_o of_o the_o say_a year_n 1648._o and_o this_o ordinance_n wherein_o all_o that_o have_v pass_v the_o parliament_n before_o in_o part_n and_o at_o several_a time_n and_o what_o ever_o be_v but_o temporary_a by_o virtue_n of_o other_o ordinance_n so_o far_o as_o be_v intend_v for_o continuance_n be_v mould_v up_o into_o a_o complete_a body_n with_o a_o supply_n of_o sundry_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v never_o mention_v nor_o publish_v before_o in_o other_o ordinance_n be_v without_o any_o limitation_n of_o time_n for_o its_o continuance_n and_o remain_v unrepealed_a to_o this_o day_n for_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v see_v or_o hear_v to_o the_o contrary_n nay_o we_o think_v as_o we_o shall_v touch_v upon_o anon_o that_o by_o the_o humble_a advice_n assent_v to_o by_o his_o highness_n this_o ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o other_o receive_v strength_n but_o by_o this_o full_a account_n give_v we_o think_v we_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o to_o appear_v that_o we_o have_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o what_o we_o have_v act_v since_o the_o first_o set_v up_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n until_o this_o present_a except_o there_o be_v any_o that_o can_v come_v forth_o and_o charge_v we_o to_o have_v transgress_v the_o rule_n appoint_v by_o the_o parliament_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v in_o our_o act_n against_o which_o our_o own_o innocency_n only_o shall_v be_v our_o defence_n it_o now_o remain_v for_o your_o further_a satisfaction_n and_o our_o own_o vindication_n that_o we_o recite_v some_o thing_n particular_o out_o of_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n which_o we_o conceive_v be_v thereunto_o subservient_fw-fr in_o the_o very_a first_o word_n of_o the_o ordinance_n according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v before_o recite_v in_o the_o direction_n for_o the_o elect_n and_o choose_v of_o rule_v elder_n and_o be_v there_o also_o to_o be_v find_v you_o may_v find_v it_o thus_o be_v it_o order_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o parliament_n assemble_v and_o by_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o all_o parish_n and_o place_n whatsoever_o within_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o dominion_n of_o wales_n as_o well_o privilege_v place_n and_o exempt_v jurisdiction_n as_o other_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o government_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n whence_o it_o be_v to_o we_o unquestionable_a that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o appointment_n such_o as_o live_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o several_a congregation_n and_o parish_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o congregational_a eldership_n constitute_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n within_o our_o several_a parish_n and_o that_o all_o those_o that_o live_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o classis_fw-la mention_v before_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o our_o classical_a assembly_n constitute_v in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o say_a authority_n what_o power_n be_v give_v particular_o to_o the_o congregational_a eldership_n you_o may_v find_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o unto_o which_o we_o refer_v you_o only_o we_o shall_v mind_v you_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o they_o have_v power_n as_o they_o shall_v see_v just_a occasion_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o any_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v to_o suspend_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n those_o who_o be_v find_v by_o they_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a and_o to_o excommunicate_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n after_o follow_v and_o it_o be_v thereby_o ordain_v that_o the_o examination_n and_o judgement_n of_o such_o person_n as_o shall_v for_o their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n mention_v in_o that_o ordinance_n not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eldership_n of_o every_o congregation_n all_o which_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o the_o say_a ordinance_n to_o any_o that_o will_v consult_v it_o and_o which_o not_o only_o justify_v all_o that_o be_v practise_v in_o that_o case_n by_o the_o several_a eldership_n but_o also_o show_v what_o ground_n this_o classis_fw-la have_v for_o that_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o our_o paper_n touch_v both_o what_o be_v therein_o appoint_v to_o the_o minister_n about_o catechise_v family_n and_o also_o concern_v the_o minister_n exhort_v such_o as_o in_o the_o several_a family_n he_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v of_o competent_a knowledge_n and_o know_v to_o be_v of_o blameless_a life_n that_o they_o shall_v present_v themselves_o to_o the_o eldership_n the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n not_o belong_v to_o any_o one_o minister_n alone_o but_o to_o the_o eldership_n there_o be_v also_o rule_v and_o direction_n give_v in_o this_o ordinance_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o several_a eldership_n concern_v suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o may_v be_v see_v there_o particular_o but_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n give_v that_o will_v allow_v either_o the_o eldership_n or_o classis_fw-la according_a to_o the_o several_a power_n to_o they_o therein_o grant_v either_o to_o warn_v before_o all_o or_o to_o excommunicate_v know_v and_o blameless_a man_n for_o their_o mere_a not_o present_v themselves_o before_o the_o eldership_n the_o rule_n of_o this_o government_n prescribe_v otherwise_o as_o we_o ourselves_o must_v also_o needs_o profess_v that_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v give_v any_o just_a occasion_n by_o our_o management_n thereof_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a rule_n appoint_v therein_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o and_o to_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o expression_n use_v in_o our_o paper_n of_o which_o afterward_o any_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o much_o as_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v intend_v from_o any_o thing_n there_o express_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o order_n that_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o above_o mention_v form_n of_o church_n government_n touch_v the_o order_n of_o proceed_v to_o excommunication_n which_o as_o it_o will_v awarrant_v the_o publish_n of_o man_n name_n open_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o warn_v they_o before_o all_o to_o reform_v be_v such_o as_o be_v just_o censurable_a by_o the_o rule_v thereof_o and_o particular_o where_o it_o prescribe_v that_o several_a public_a admonition_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o offender_n etc._n etc._n so_o it_o will_v awarrant_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v censurable_n by_o that_o paper_n of_o we_o that_o be_v publish_v to_o make_v this_o to_o appear_v as_o also_o to_o show_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o make_v know_v to_o the_o several_a congregation_n within_o our_o bound_n what_o our_o paper_n hold_v forth_o we_o shall_v here_o declare_v what_o offence_n be_v censurable_a with_o this_o great_a and_o last_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n according_a to_o the_o order_n that_o be_v there_o prescribe_v and_o which_o as_o it_o require_v that_o it_o be_v inflict_v with_o great_a and_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o after_o all_o other_o good_a mean_n have_v be_v assay_v so_o it_o appoint_v in_o these_o express_a word_n that_o such_o error_n in_o practice_n as_o subvert_v the_o faith_n or_o any_o other_o error_n which_o overthrow_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n if_o the_o party_n who_o hold_v they_o spread_v they_o seek_v to_o draw_v other_o after_o he_o and_o such_o sin_n in_o practice_n as_o
brethren_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o fellowship_n and_o we_o know_v not_o what_o other_o church_n you_o mean_v but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o of_o you_o that_o be_v the_o subscriber_n of_o this_o paper_n not_o be_v member_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n at_o manchester_n nor_o any_o of_o you_o acknowledge_v or_o own_v our_o presbyterian_a classical_a church_n or_o association_n and_o therefore_o you_o here_o take_v we_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o church_n of_o england_n with_o yourselves_o and_o confess_v that_o we_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o it_o notwithstanding_o episcopacy_n be_v take_v away_o and_o which_o be_v that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o do_v constant_o profess_v 2._o that_o that_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v submit_v to_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o land_n of_o late_a time_n be_v burdensome_a and_o grievous_a it_o spoil_v the_o pastor_n of_o that_o power_n which_o of_o right_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o and_o which_o they_o do_v not_o only_o ancient_o exercise_v as_o doctor_n usher_n show_v in_o his_o reduction_n of_o episcopacy_n to_o the_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n receive_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n pag._n 3_o 4_o 5._o but_o which_o also_o by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o the_o same_o author_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n show_v do_v belong_v unto_o they_o for_o he_o there_o say_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n all_o presbyter_n be_v charge_v to_o administer_v the_o 1._o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v and_o as_o this_o realm_n have_v receive_v and_o that_o they_o may_v better_o understand_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v they_o 28._o the_o exhortation_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v unto_o they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ordination_n take_v heed_n 15._o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n among_o who_o the_o holyghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o rule_v the_o congregation_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n all_o which_o power_n the_o pastor_n be_v deprive_v of_o during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o episcopacy_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v take_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o have_v neither_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o vile_a of_o offender_n that_o be_v often_o keep_v in_o against_o their_o mind_n nor_o any_o power_n to_o restore_v into_o the_o church_n communion_n such_o as_o have_v be_v never_o so_o unjust_o excommunicate_v though_o of_o the_o best_a of_o their_o flock_n and_o so_o that_o episcopacy_n that_o former_o be_v submit_v unto_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o manifest_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o pastor_n office_n and_o authority_n be_v very_o oppressive_a and_o grievous_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o injurious_a to_o her_o communion_n and_o whereupon_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o that_o union_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v in_o the_o church_n by_o not_o admit_v of_o it_o again_o but_o rather_o the_o church_n peace_n the_o power_n that_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o member_n be_v all_o better_a secure_v in_o the_o absence_n then_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o however_o both_o godly_a conformist_n as_o well_o as_o nonconformist_n do_v groan_n under_o the_o burthensomness_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o licitis_fw-la &_o honest_a be_v they_o submit_v and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o whilst_o it_o continue_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o that_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o do_v not_o thereby_o take_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o any_o lawful_a mean_n for_o their_o deliverance_n from_o that_o bondage_n as_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v and_o hereupon_o they_o petition_v the_o parliament_n of_o late_a for_o a_o abolition_n of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v former_o desire_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n as_o when_o other_o law_n have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v inconvenient_a and_o mischievous_a it_o be_v never_o account_v any_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a peace_n to_o remonstrate_v the_o grievousness_n of_o such_o law_n to_o the_o parliament_n that_o they_o may_v be_v abolish_v 4._o let_v it_o also_o be_v further_o weigh_v that_o that_o episcopacy_n to_o which_o you_o will_v persuade_v we_o by_o this_o argument_n to_o return_v be_v now_o abolish_v and_o take_v away_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o act_n and_o ordinance_n for_o that_o purpose_n see_v they_o cite_v in_o our_o animadversion_n on_o your_o next_o paper_n sect._n 4._o and_o therefore_o both_o the_o bishop_n as_o such_o and_o that_o superiority_n which_o they_o challenge_v and_o exercise_v over_o the_o minister_n in_o this_o land_n be_v dead_a in_o law_n and_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o guilt_n of_o schism_n lie_v on_o the_o minister_n in_o this_o land_n for_o not_o return_v to_o that_o canonical_a obedience_n that_o be_v not_o hereupon_o any_o long_a due_a or_o for_o not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o that_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v extinct_a there_o be_v the_o great_a strength_n in_o this_o consideration_n if_o it_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o whatever_o jurisdiction_n the_o diocesan_n bishop_n do_v exercise_v over_o presbyter_n they_o do_v obtain_v only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o the_o parliament_n do_v lawful_o take_v away_o that_o jurisdiction_n from_o they_o and_o have_v therein_o the_o concurrence_n of_o a_o reverend_a and_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n the_o first_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v clear_a upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n all_o one_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o titus_n 1._o ver._n 5._o compare_v with_o the_o seven_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n have_v call_v elder_n or_o presbyter_n ver._n 5._o he_o call_v bishop_n ver._n 7._o and_o indeed_o otherwise_o he_o have_v reason_v very_o inconsequent_o when_o lay_v down_o the_o qualification_n of_o elder_n ver._n 6._o he_o say_v ver._n 7._o for_o a_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a whereunto_o may_v be_v add_v that_o other_o know_a place_n act._n 20._o 17._o compare_v with_o ver._n 28._o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o those_o elder_n that_o the_o holyghost_n have_v make_v they_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o what_o office_n the_o bishop_n have_v that_o the_o elder_n have_v both_o be_v charge_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n act._n 20._o 28._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 12._o and_o which_o be_v both_o by_o doctrine_n and_o government_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o mat._n 16._o 19_o both_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o key_n of_o discipline_n the_o former_a be_v not_o deny_v and_o for_o the_o other_o it_o be_v prove_v from_o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o heb._n 13._o 7_o 17_o 24._o where_o we_o see_v they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o rule_v well_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o rule_n and_o for_o power_n to_o ordain_v we_o may_v see_v its_o plain_a from_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o where_o timothy_n be_v charge_v not_o to_o neglect_v the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o he_o which_o be_v give_v he_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n this_o text_n you_o yourselves_o tell_v we_o in_o your_o next_o paper_n sect._n 5._o be_v understand_v by_o the_o greek_a father_n as_o ignatius_n chrysostome_n theodoret_n theophylact_fw-mi oecumenius_n and_o other_o and_o some_o few_o of_o the_o latin_n also_o of_o the_o company_n of_o presbyter_n i._n e._n bishop_n who_o lay_v hand_n on_o the_o new_a make_v bishop_n or_o priest_n but_o from_o these_o several_a text_n thus_o urge_v it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n both_o one_o or_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n of_o ministry_n and_o hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o whatever_o jurisdiction_n the_o diocesan_n bishop_n exercise_v over_o presbyter_n they_o have_v it_o not_o by_o divine_a right_n but_o obtain_v it_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o the_o first_o proposition_n be_v clear_a we_o now_o come_v to_o make_v good_a the_o second_o and_o that_o the_o parliament_n do_v lawful_o take_v away_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o whole_a office_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n
be_v prove_v from_o the_o ground_n already_o lay_v for_o this_o jurisdiction_n of_o they_o above_o presbyter_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o by_o divine_a right_n we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n to_o be_v both_o one_o and_o therefore_o the_o parliament_n that_o by_o law_n give_v they_o their_o power_n might_n see_v just_a cause_n for_o it_o by_o law_n take_v it_o away_o they_o have_v also_o just_a reason_n for_o to_o take_v it_o away_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o oppressiveness_n and_o burthensomness_n of_o it_o both_o to_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o this_o whole_a church_n and_o nation_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o and_o therefore_o what_o they_o herein_o do_v be_v just_o yea_o pious_o and_o prudent_o do_v and_o for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n do_v for_o the_o present_a and_o will_v for_o the_o future_a see_v great_a cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o many_o generation_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o concurrence_n herein_o of_o a_o reverend_a and_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n be_v clear_a from_o their_o exhortation_n annex_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n with_o instruction_n for_o take_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o dominion_n of_o wales_n in_o this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o answer_n to_o some_o objection_n they_o apprehend_v may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o thus_o express_v themselves_o if_o it_o be_v say_v for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o prelacy_n to_o wit_n the_o whole_a hierarchiall_a government_n stand_v as_o yet_o by_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v new_a and_o unwarrantable_a this_o will_v appear_v to_o all_o impartial_a understanding_n though_o new_a to_o be_v not_o only_o warrantable_a but_o necessary_a if_o they_o consider_v to_o omit_v what_o some_o say_v that_o this_o government_n be_v never_o formal_o establish_v by_o any_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n at_o all_o that_o the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n thereof_o be_v already_o take_v from_o it_o by_o a_o act_n pass_v this_o present_a parliament_n so_o as_o like_o jezabels_n carcase_n of_o which_o no_o more_o be_v leave_v but_o the_o skull_n the_o foot_n and_o the_o palm_n of_o her_o hand_n nothing_o of_o jurisdiction_n remain_v but_o what_o be_v precarious_a in_o they_o and_o voluntary_a in_o those_o who_o submit_v unto_o they_o that_o their_o whole_a government_n be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o humane_a constitution_n and_o such_o as_o be_v find_v and_o adjudge_v by_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n in_o which_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v involve_v and_o declare_v not_o only_o very_o perjudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o a_o great_a hindrance_n also_o to_o the_o perfect_a reformation_n of_o religion_n yea_o who_o know_v it_o not_o to_o be_v too_o much_o a_o enemy_n thereunto_o and_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o pure_a administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o move_v the_o well-affected_a almost_o throughout_o this_o kingdom_n long_o since_o to_o petition_v this_o parliament_n as_o have_v be_v desire_v before_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n for_o a_o total_a abolition_n of_o the_o same_o and_o then_o a_o little_a after_o and_o as_o for_o these_o clergyman_n who_o pretend_v that_o they_o above_o all_o other_o can_v covenant_v to_o extirpate_v that_o government_n because_o they_o have_v as_o they_o say_v take_v a_o solemn_a oath_n to_o obey_v the_o bishop_n in_o licitis_fw-la &_o honestis_fw-la they_o can_v tell_v if_o they_o please_v that_o they_o that_o have_v swear_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o thereby_o prohibit_v from_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_v the_o abolition_n of_o those_o law_n when_o they_o prove_v inconvenient_a or_o mischievous_a and_o yet_o if_o there_o shall_v any_o oath_n be_v find_v into_o which_o any_o minister_n or_o other_o have_v enter_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o land_n in_o this_o case_n they_o must_v teach_v themselves_o and_o other_o that_o such_o oath_n call_v for_o repentance_n not_o pertinacy_n in_o they_o thus_o far_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o exhortation_n for_o the_o take_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o which_o we_o have_v think_v requisite_a to_o transcribe_v that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o full_o they_o concur_v with_o the_o parliament_n in_o what_o they_o do_v touch_v the_o abolition_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o it_o do_v also_o confirm_v by_o their_o testimony_n several_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v mention_v by_o we_o wherein_o the_o reader_n may_v perceive_v their_o concurrence_n in_o judgement_n with_o we_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o see_v diocesan_n bishop_n do_v but_o obtain_v that_o jurisdiction_n they_o exercise_v over_o presbyter_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n find_v this_o government_n of_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v very_o oppressive_a to_o this_o church_n a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o perfect_a reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n they_o may_v both_o lawsully_n and_o laudable_o be_v therein_o also_o back_v with_o the_o advice_n of_o a_o reverend_a and_o learned_a synod_n take_v it_o away_o and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o land_n for_o sever_a themselves_o from_o the_o bishop_n and_o withdraw_a their_o canonical_a obedience_n from_o they_o as_o some_o speak_v the_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o reverend_a synod_n have_v before_o take_v away_o from_o they_o all_o that_o jurisdiction_n over_o presbyter_n that_o do_v belong_v unto_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n it_o be_v a_o good_a schism_n yea_o a_o bless_a schism_n to_o use_v the_o word_n that_o gerhard_n do_v defend_v the_o protestant_n withdraw_a from_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blot_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v much_o regard_v so_o it_o be_v easy_o wipe_v off_o and_o as_o we_o think_v it_o be_v already_o do_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o impartial_a and_o unbiased_a reader_n by_o these_o consideration_n which_o we_o have_v lay_v down_o we_o have_v only_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o add_v which_o be_v the_o three_o general_a head_n we_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n here_o before_o we_o leave_v this_o first_o argument_n with_o which_o you_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o return_v again_o to_o our_o former_a yoke_n of_o bondag_n 3._o for_o we_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o impartial_a man_n whether_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v speak_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o general_a and_o how_o lawful_o and_o laudable_o the_o parliament_n do_v abolish_v episcopacy_n and_o how_o they_o pass_v by_o ordinance_n the_o form_n of_o church-government_n anno_fw-la 1648._o establish_v the_o presbyterian_a in_o room_n of_o the_o episcopal_a and_o that_o how_o it_o be_v set_v up_o in_o this_o county_n by_o their_o authority_n if_o they_o but_o observe_v what_o your_o act_n have_v be_v and_o what_o your_o expression_n be_v in_o your_o paper_n they_o will_v not_o thereupon_o see_v just_a cause_n to_o impute_v schism_n take_v in_o the_o worst_a part_n and_o as_o it_o be_v take_v most_o usual_o unto_o you_o who_o have_v be_v so_o forward_o though_o without_o reason_n to_o fasten_v this_o blot_n upon_o we_o but_o we_o be_v sure_a during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o episcopacy_n those_o that_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o such_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o any_o such_o boisterous_a venting_n of_o the_o distemper_n of_o their_o spirit_n as_o you_o be_v be_v count_v and_o call_v by_o the_o prelate_n schismatic_n and_o from_o which_o aspersion_n though_o sundry_a of_o those_o be_v peaceable_a and_o godly_a however_o nonconformist_n be_v free_a yet_o you_o be_v very_o unlike_o they_o be_v not_o thereby_o quit_v but_o we_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o of_o those_o argument_n we_o promise_v to_o speak_v to_o particular_o whereby_o you_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o admit_v again_o of_o episcopacy_n and_o hope_v we_o have_v say_v to_o it_o that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a 2._o we_o therefore_o now_o come_v to_o the_o second_o wherein_o episcopacy_n you_o still_o rise_v high_o for_o therein_o you_o insinuate_v a_o thing_n of_o a_o far_o great_a and_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n if_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o restore_v for_o you_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v be_v continue_v among_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n to_o the_o
we_o believe_v any_o indifferent_a reader_n will_v discern_v be_v distinct_a thing_n as_o the_o parliament_n also_o in_o pass_v they_o distinguish_v they_o and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o have_v deal_v so_o disingenious_o with_o we_o as_o to_o have_v account_v the_o discourse_n impertinent_a which_o be_v necessary_a for_o your_o information_n if_o you_o be_v ignorant_a if_o you_o know_v these_o order_n and_o ordinance_n will_v yet_o have_v this_o discourse_n impertinent_a notwithstanding_o your_o jerk_v we_o for_o call_v ourselves_o the_o first_o classis_fw-la within_o the_o province_n of_o lancaster_n which_o term_n we_o tell_v you_o we_o give_v not_o to_o ourselves_o till_o the_o parliament_n have_v first_o give_v they_o we_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n what_o to_o judge_v of_o it_o nine_o here_o be_v also_o another_o strange_a assertion_n when_o you_o say_v it_o be_v no_o question_n of_o you_o whether_o our_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n when_o as_o in_o your_o first_o paper_n in_o the_o word_n thereof_o recite_v even_o now_o you_o tell_v we_o of_o our_o make_a law_n and_o edict_n and_o publish_v they_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n in_o force_n and_o question_v whether_o we_o have_v not_o run_v ourselves_o into_o a_o praemunire_n doubtless_o if_o our_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o ordinance_n awarrant_v we_o for_o whatever_o be_v publish_v by_o we_o in_o the_o paper_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v assert_v by_o you_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n in_o force_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o question_n of_o you_o whether_o our_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n as_o it_o be_v that_o which_o afterward_o you_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o want_v the_o establishment_n of_o authority_n and_o so_o however_o you_o dare_v not_o tell_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n that_o have_v act_v on_o other_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n that_o yet_o be_v also_o null_a and_o void_a if_o that_o we_o have_v act_v on_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thereby_o sufficient_o secure_v against_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o praemunire_n yet_o you_o dare_v tell_v we_o of_o this_o once_o and_o again_o and_o yet_o also_o it_o be_v no_o question_n of_o you_o whether_o our_o church-government_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o how_o contradictory_n these_o thing_n be_v one_o unto_o another_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o as_o touch_v our_o start_v more_o doubt_n than_o as_o you_o say_v we_o can_v assoyl_v we_o shall_v have_v leisure_n hereafter_o to_o examine_v in_o the_o place_n where_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o encounter_v we_o and_o now_o shall_v follow_v you_o in_o the_o way_n you_o have_v choose_v to_o go_v in_o and_o so_o we_o come_v unto_o the_o next_o the_o gentleman_n paper_n sect._n ii_o to_o that_o mistake_v you_o charge_v we_o withal_o in_o the_o preface_n of_o our_o paper_n concern_v the_o title_n of_o you_o we_o answer_v we_o find_v in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o your_o â—aper_n these_o word_n this_o presentation_n be_v approve_v by_o this_o provincial_a assembly_n tho._n johnson_n moderator_n edw._n gee_o scribe_n so_o it_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n under_o that_o title_n of_o a_o presentation_n as_o we_o call_v it_o cop_z in_o all_o the_o copy_n we_o have_v see_v but_o this_o as_o you_o say_v may_v be_v the_o mistake_n of_o your_o scribe_n and_o not_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o it_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n you_o say_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o we_o publish_v as_o our_o sense_n scribe_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o matter_n contain_v in_o your_o paper_n not_o rest_v in_o the_o judgement_n or_o determination_n of_o any_o general_a council_n contrary_a thereto_o if_o any_o such_o shall_v be_v much_o less_o to_o one_o of_o your_o provincial_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o you_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o public_a and_o authoritative_a judgement_n that_o be_v in_o council_n concern_v matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n though_o tie_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o such_o proceed_n as_o judge_n to_o the_o law_n to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a and_o how_o far_o be_v that_o viz._n they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o expound_v and_o explain_v the_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o judge_n have_v of_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o ought_v to_o subject_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o general_a council_n and_o therefore_o you_o say_v questionless_a if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o s._n augustine_n who_o be_v no_o conâ—emner_n of_o synod_n and_o council_n any_o in_o this_o sense_n have_v declare_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v submit_v their_o apprehension_n to_o their_o judgement_n he_o will_v have_v cry_v out_o against_o they_o as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o donatist_n o_o impudentem_fw-la vocem_fw-la and_o you_o hope_v when_o we_o have_v weigh_v the_o matter_n better_o we_o will_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n see_v any_o reason_n to_o refuse_v to_o submit_v either_o our_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o your_o paper_n or_o what_o we_o may_v publish_v as_o our_o own_o private_a judgement_n in_o other_o matter_n about_o religion_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_a council_n suppose_v it_o may_v be_v have_v god_n forbid_v but_o we_o shall_v submit_v neither_o need_v we_o for_o this_o to_o weigh_v the_o matter_n better_o for_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o shall_v submit_v to_o any_o shall_v come_v hereafter_o neither_o have_v you_o any_o reason_n so_o to_o judge_v yourselves_o or_o induce_v other_o to_o that_o persuasion_n of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o this_o sense_n refuse_v to_o submit_v our_o judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o general_a council_n our_o word_n be_v plain_a we_o publish_v this_o our_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o we_o which_o word_n you_o omit_v deal_v not_o fair_o with_o we_o and_o which_o word_n carry_v another_o sense_n with_o they_o for_o so_o far_o as_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o your_o paper_n be_v plain_a to_o we_o we_o close_v and_o join_v with_o you_o be_v as_o we_o explain_v ourselves_o afterward_o so_o full_o warrant_v thereto_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o therein_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v make_v thus_o plain_a unto_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o submit_v our_o apprehension_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_a council_n but_o by_o this_o aposiopesis_fw-la of_o you_o you_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v we_o refuse_v to_o submit_v our_o judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_a council_n not_o only_o touch_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o such_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o warrant_v by_o god_n word_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o also_o touch_v matter_n which_o be_v not_o so_o plain_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n touch_v which_o last_o we_o prosess_v our_o willing_a submission_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_a council_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v you_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n though_o we_o fear_v as_o we_o shall_v hear_v you_o declare_v anon_o you_o will_v hardly_o grant_v that_o to_o a_o general_a council_n which_o you_o seem_v to_o grant_v to_o your_o provincial_n in_o which_o we_o dissent_v from_o you_o as_o we_o have_v say_v the_o animadversion_n of_o the_o class_n upon_o it_o first_o we_o perceive_v you_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o what_o you_o have_v once_o say_v though_o it_o be_v only_o the_o take_a advantage_n of_o some_o literal_a mistake_n and_o which_o in_o our_o answer_n we_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v none_o of_o we_o when_o you_o call_v our_o paper_n by_o the_o title_n of_o a_o presentation_n but_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o scribe_n speak_v indefinite_o which_o may_v be_v you_o as_o well_o as_o we_o though_o in_o your_o print_a copy_n you_o will_v have_v we_o to_o say_v what_o we_o do_v not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mistake_n of_o our_o scribe_n and_o however_o you_o say_v now_o that_o in_o all_o the_o copy_n which_o you_o have_v see_v which_o imply_v many_o you_o find_v in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o our_o paper_n these_o word_n this_o presentation_n be_v approve_v by_o this_o provincial_a assembly_n thomas_n johnson_n moderator_n edward_n gee_o scribe_n yet_o we_o believe_v that_o if_o you_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o proof_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o you_o to_o produce_v one_o copy_n that_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o class_n and_o write_v by_o our_o scribe_n where_o you_o find_v our_o paper_n approve_v by_o the_o provincial_a
well_o remember_v how_o under_o the_o episcopal_a government_n there_o be_v a_o general_a admission_n and_o that_o sundry_a gross_o ignorant_a do_v crowd_n in_o among_o the_o rest_n unto_o this_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o that_o these_o may_v be_v discover_v and_o keep_v off_o from_o this_o sacrament_n till_o fit_a for_o it_o we_o judge_v it_o requisite_a that_o according_a to_o that_o power_n that_o be_v glven_v to_o the_o eldership_n in_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n for_o this_o purpose_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o trial_n take_v of_o all_o the_o communicant_n that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v some_o distinction_n make_v and_o not_o be_v a_o promiscuous_a admit_v of_o all_o as_o heretofore_o and_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o such_o among_o we_o who_o have_v be_v ancient_o catechise_v and_o a_o long_a while_n commoner_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o use_v your_o own_o expression_n have_v witness_v the_o best_a confession_n for_o their_o part_n and_o piety_n have_v be_v the_o most_o forward_o to_o draw_v on_o other_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v re-examined_a by_o their_o own_o good_a example_n therein_o and_o that_o the_o great_a opposer_n of_o this_o course_n however_o they_o may_v be_v some_o of_o they_o person_n of_o part_n yet_o have_v be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v either_o scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n or_o not_o so_o forward_o for_o piety_n as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v we_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o be_v our_o practice_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o this_o examination_n of_o communicants_a de_fw-fr novo_fw-la be_v not_o the_o thing_n we_o here_o speak_v of_o as_o why_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n of_o they_o at_o the_o first_o be_v here_o mention_v we_o have_v delare_v before_o but_o we_o see_v you_o be_v willing_a to_o lay_v hold_n on_o any_o thing_n wherein_o you_o apprehend_v you_o have_v any_o advantage_n against_o we_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o small_a five_o you_o charge_v we_o again_o with_o another_o non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la when_o we_o infer_v that_o if_o the_o church_n lawful_a pastor_n have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o scandalous_a we_o see_v not_o in_o reason_n how_o you_o can_v find_v fault_n with_o our_o proceed_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n for_o our_o censure_v any_o such_o person_n but_o this_o inference_n yet_o stand_v good_a against_o any_o thing_n by_o you_o allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o in_o itself_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a be_v there_o be_v no_o excommunication_n that_o pass_v with_o we_o against_o any_o but_o by_o the_o juridical_a act_n of_o the_o lawful_a pastor_n of_o our_o several_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o who_o power_n by_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v question_v or_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o censure_n because_o of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o roll_a elder_n as_o by_o way_n of_o prevent_v a_o objection_n we_o hint_v to_o you_o in_o our_o answer_n consider_v what_o power_n be_v exercise_v in_o the_o time_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o the_o high_a commissioner_n chancellor_n and_o commissary_n as_o much_o layman_n then_o in_o your_o judgement_n as_o rule_v elder_n can_v be_v now_o to_o who_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o submission_n by_o you_o this_o reason_n you_o say_v be_v weak_a but_o you_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o nay_o here_o you_o fall_v short_a in_o two_o main_a point_n for_o 1._o you_o misrepresent_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o in_o two_o particular_n 1._o when_o you_o will_v intimate_v that_o the_o high-commissioner_n chancellor_n and_o commissary_n do_v all_o of_o they_o officiate_v by_o deputation_n from_o and_o under_o a_o lawful_a pastor_n when_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o high-commissioner_n have_v no_o deputation_n from_o the_o bishop_n but_o receive_v their_o commission_n from_o the_o king_n if_o not_o the_o chancellor_n also_o and_o do_v act_n in_o those_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n that_o be_v by_o they_o pass_v in_o joint_n and_o equal_a power_n with_o the_o bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o commission_n 2._o the_o parliament_n that_o do_v appoint_v the_o ruling-elders_a in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n do_v not_o oblige_v any_o that_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o jus_o divinum_fw-la of_o their_o office_n neither_o do_v we_o impose_v this_o opinion_n of_o they_o upon_o any_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o our_o own_o judgement_n concern_v they_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o comparison_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o other_o as_o to_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o your_o satisfaction_n do_v still_o hold_v good_a and_o be_v neither_o weak_a nor_o frivolous_a as_o you_o say_v 2._o but_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o have_v be_v according_a to_o your_o representation_n sc_n that_o high-commissioner_n chancellor_n etc._n etc._n do_v all_o of_o they_o officiate_v by_o deputation_n from_o or_o under_o a_o lawful_a pastor_n how_o do_v this_o help_n the_o matter_n to_o make_v your_o submission_n to_o these_o lawful_a and_o yet_o your_o submission_n to_o the_o roll_a elder_n unlawful_a for_o 1._o we_o be_v as_o yet_o to_o learn_v and_o we_o think_v you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o a_o trust_v commit_v to_o one_o by_o man_n bacon_n much_o less_o repose_v by_o god_n in_o a_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o pastor_n may_v be_v delegated_a if_o this_o be_v so_o he_o may_v sufficient_o discharge_v his_o duty_n by_o another_o preach_v by_o another_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n by_o another_o as_o well_o as_o dispense_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n by_o another_o who_o yet_o himself_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o god_n which_o he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o make_v in_o the_o omission_n of_o those_o duty_n in_o his_o own_o person_n though_o he_o appoint_v another_o unto_o they_o but_o be_v the_o high_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o himself_o act_v out_o of_o plenitude_n of_o power_n for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v he_o a_o pope_n and_o antichrist_n that_o belong_v only_o to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o 18._o lord_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o have_v no_o more_o but_o a_o ministry_n commit_v to_o he_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o christ_n as_o his_o servant_n who_o have_v require_v he_o to_o fulfil_v it_o he_o may_v not_o 17._o depute_v any_o other_o as_o under_o he_o or_o as_o his_o servant_n to_o do_v that_o which_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v entrust_v he_o with_o and_o appoint_v he_o to_o do_v himself_o 2._o but_o further_o we_o do_v here_o inquire_v of_o you_o whether_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o deputation_n which_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o receive_v from_o a_o lawful_a pastor_n according_a to_o your_o allegation_n you_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v ecclesiastical_a officer_n or_o but_o mere_a lay-man_n still_o if_o notwithstanding_o that_o deputation_n they_o be_v but_o mere_a lay-man_n how_o will_v you_o awarrant_v they_o to_o meddle_v with_o eccelesiastical_a censure_n because_o depute_a thereunto_o by_o the_o bishop_n when_o god_n have_v exclude_v all_o those_o that_o be_v but_o mere_a lay-man_n from_o meddle_v authoritative_o with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n if_o the_o highpriest_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n have_v give_v to_o vzziah_n a_o commission_n to_o have_v go_v into_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o burn_v incense_n upon_o the_o altar_n of_o incense_n and_o he_o have_v so_o officiate_v by_o deputation_n from_o and_o under_o he_o will_v that_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v bear_v he_o out_o in_o so_o do_v whenas_o that_o work_n pertain_v not_o unto_o he_o but_o unto_o the_o priest_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n that_o be_v 18._o consecrate_v to_o burn_v incense_n if_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o deputation_n they_o have_v from_o the_o bishop_n they_o be_v ecclesiastical_a officer_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o exercise_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o dispense_v church-censure_n and_o so_o not_o mere_a lay-man_n we_o may_v say_v much_o more_o for_o the_o outward_a call_n unto_o that_o office_n that_o our_o roll_a elder_n do_v execute_v they_o have_v be_v elect_v by_o the_o people_n that_o ancient_o have_v a_o vote_n in_o the_o choice_n even_o of_o the_o very_a bishop_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n and_o examine_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o they_o approve_v as_o fit_v and_o set_v apart_o solemn_o to_o rule_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n by_o exhortation_n and_o prayer_n as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o 6._o but_o you_o now_o go_v on_o and_o declare_v who_o you_o mean_v by_o lawful_a pastor_n sc_n such_o person_n as_o have_v receive_v their_o ordination_n from_o man_n lawful_o and_o