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power_n authority_n bishop_n presbyter_n 4,112 5 10.2023 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A51052 The case of the accommodation lately proposed by the Bishop of Dumblane to the non-conforming ministers examined wherein also the antient Prostasia, or, Episcopus Præses is considered, and the Solemne League and Covenant occasionally vindicat : together with a copy of the two letters herein reviewed : vvhereunto also is subjoined an appendix in ansvver to a narrative of the issue of the treaty anent accommodation. McWard, Robert, 1633?-1687. 1671 (1671) Wing M231; ESTC R5121 109,669 138

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obligation_n and_o in_o that_o seem_v invincible_o perswaded●_n it_o be_v very_o pertinent_a if_o true_a to_o declare_v the_o consistencie_n of_o the_o present_a government_n even_o with_o that_o obligation_n it_o be_v answer_v these_o insinuation_n of_o irregularity_n and_o violence_n be_v only_o general_a without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o condescendencie_n let_v be_v any_o verification_n i_o may_v very_o just_o neglect_v they_o but_o be_v make_v by_o a_o person_n who_o after_o be_v eye_n witness_n to_o the_o course_n which_o he_o reproach_v do_v both_o take_v the_o covenant_n himself_o and_o administrat_fw-la it_o to_o other_o and_o now_o notwithstanding_o that_o all_o the_o cavillation_n and_o objection_n of_o adversary_n have_v be_v answer_v without_o reply_n have_v under_o his_o hand_n renounce_v it_o i_o can_v not_o pas●e_n they_o without_o ●ome_o admiration_n of_o such_o inconscionable_a insolence_n of_o which_o ●_o do_v hereby_o defy_v the_o author_n to_o acquit_v himself_o by_o 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matter_n of_o god_n study_v his_o own_o way_n if_o we_o neglect_v this_o sure_a and_o excellent_a ordinance_n of_o a_o self-denied_n and_o lowly_a gospel_n ministry_n with_o these_o prescription_n of_o truth_n humility_n and_o love●_n give_v to_o we_o as_o the_o remedy_n against_o all_o disorder_n schism_n and_o heresy_n and_o indulge_v to_o our_o own_o device_n where_o will_v we_o subsist_v i_o need_v not_o represent_v the_o subtlety_n and_o presumption_n of_o man_n delusion_n special_o for_o promote_a that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o work_v in_o ecclesiastic_a aspire_n if_o our_o blind_a probability_n be_v sufficient_a to_o authorise_v the_o mean_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n there_o be_v no_o question_n carnal_a reason_n will_v again_o insinuat_fw-la according_a to_o the_o pretension_n that_o raise_v the_o papacy_n and_o the_o frequent_a suggestion_n of_o our_o time_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o the_o proper_a and_o assure_a way_n to_o a_o firm_a establishment_n be_v to_o resolve_v either_o man_n belief_n or_o his_o obedience_n into_o the_o uncontrollable_a determination_n either_o of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o prince_n but_o as_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o sovereign_n and_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fathom_v let_v be_v regulat_fw-la by_o our_o narrow_a and_o weak_a capacity_n so_o ought_v we_o always_o to_o revere_v these_o peremptory_a and_o severe_a restraint_n where_o with_o he_o have_v bound_v the_o darring_n of_o vain_a reason_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v in_o these_o thing_n above_o what_o be_v write_v special_o in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n when_o not_o only_o manifest_a disappointment_n as_o to_o the_o end_v pretend_v but_o the_o worst_a of_o consequence_n have_v by_o a_o very_a visible_a progress_n open_o discover_v both_o the_o folly_n and_o prejudice_n of_o this_o presidencie_n under_o question_n for_o evince_v whereof_o i_o observe_v .2_o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o unto_o this_o fix_a presidencie_n as_o such_o but_o unto_o the_o more_o abound_a grace_n of_o god_n under_o these_o frequent_a and_o grievous_a persecution_n wherewith_o the_o church_n be_v then_o exercise_v that_o the_o singular_a order_n unity_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v so_o the_o gradual_a advance_v of_o this_o prostasia_fw-la together_o with_o the_o joint_n and_o perpetual_a decline_v of_o true_a knowledge_n &_o piety_n &_o concur_v increase_n of_o pride_n contention_n irreligion_n &_o superstition_n be_v very_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o its_o vanity_n i_o need_v not_o note_v that_o the_o first_o time_n to_o which_o this_o presidencie_n can_v lay_v any_o claim_n be_v the_o pure_a its_o first_o set_v up_o as_o most_o acknowledge_v be_v in_o the_o second_o centurie_n in_o a_o simple_a protocathedria_n to_o the_o senior_a presbyter_n short_o thereafter_o it_o turn_v to_o a_o prostasia_fw-la give_v by_o election_n and_o then_o still_o ascend_v even_o under_o the_o discountenance_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathenish_a power_n and_o people_n it_o do_v notwithstanding_o what_o by_o wrest_v the_o election_n in_o many_o place_n from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o what_o by_o usurp_v the_o power_n of_o ordinantion_n and_o censure_n advance_v to_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n of_o prelacy_n as_o be_v abundant_o confirm_v by_o what_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n and_o especial_o by_o good_a cyprian_n his_o word_n to_o his_o presbyter_n epist._n 6._o a_o primordio_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la mei_fw-la statui_fw-la nihil_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la vestro_fw-la privata_fw-la sententia_fw-la gerere_fw-la whereby_o as_o it_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o then_o corrupt_a custom_n of_o other_o bishop_n he_o plain_o insinuate_v his_o contrary_a resolution_n now_o what_o under_o this_o progress_n of_o the_o prostasia_fw-la still_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o remedy_n be_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o evil_n both_o of_o contention_n schism_n and_o heresy_n special_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n suffering_n wherewith_o these_o several_a degree_n be_v manifest_o attend_v need_v not_o to_o be_v enforce_v by_o many_o instance_n that_o of_o victor_n as_o to_o superstition_n contention_n and_o schism_n who_o for_o a_o different_a observation_n of_o pasch_fw-mi a_o weighty_a point_n forsooth_o do_v excommunicate_a the_o better_a half_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n may_v stand_v for_o a_o thousand_o and_o as_o for_o heresy_n their_o catalogue_n be_v almost_o endless_a but_o though_o its_o rise_n under_o so_o great_a pressure_n do_v very_o convince_o argue_v the_o strong_a and_o subtle_a spirit_n work_v in_o its_o elevation_n yet_o it_o be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o constantin_n empire_n and_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o prosperity_n upon_o the_o church_n that_o it_o do_v yet_o more_o evident_o begin_v to_o discover_v itself_o in_o its_o proper_a colour_n and_o from_o this_o period_n indeed_o it_o be_v that_o more_o and_o more_o exalt_v and_o explicate_v its_o power_n it_o cease_v not_o until_o through_o proud_a and_o fervid_v contention_n of_o the_o prelate_n among_o themselves_o for_o precedency_n more_o dangerous_a by_o far_o then_o all_o the_o petty_a contest_v that_o can_v arise_v among_o presbyter_n and_o these_o still_o varnish_v with_o he_o pretext_n of_o unity_n peace_n and_o apostolic_a example_n but_o real_o animat_fw-la by_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o accompany_v with_o covetousness_n luxury_n neglect_v of_o truth_n abound_v of_o error_n superstition_n and_o irreligion_n it_o at_o length_n arrive_v at_o the_o papacy_n which_o by_o its_o tyrannous_a infallibility_n and_o implicit_a faith_n do_v in_o the_o end_n indeed_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o destroy_n of_o true_a knowledge_n and_o conscience_n a_o apparent_a peace_n and_o unity_n most_o like_a to_o that_o indifferency_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o surrender_v and_o abjection_n of_o conscience_n which_o the_o abettor_n of_o our_o supremacy_n do_v under_o the_o same_o plausible_a name_n and_o pretence_n so_o much_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v this_o be_v then_o the_o growth_n progress_n and_o product_n of_o this_o prostasia_fw-la &_o its_o lie_a pretence_n of_o remedy_v &_o prevent_v schism_n in_o effect_n nothing_o else_o then_o the_o suitable_a revelation_n of_o that_o mystery_n which_o at_o first_o do_v more_o latent_o begin_v to_o work_v under_o its_o less_o discernible_a appearance_n what_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o i_o leave_v to_o every_o man_n ingenuity_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o although_o the_o ensue_a of_o prelacy_n and_o papacy_n and_o all_o their_o evil_n upon_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n may_v give_v a_o colour_n to_o the_o premise_a discourse_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a in_o such_o matter_n to_o strain_v observation_n and_o these_o consequence_n may_v be_v only_o its_o accidental_a and_o not_o its_o proper_a effect_n it_o be_v answer_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o natural_a and_o gradual_a connexion_n of_o the_o thing_n represent_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v discern_v by_o impartial_a reflection_n then_o persuade_v by_o superfluous_a argue_v it_o be_v very_o observable_a first_o that_o the_o great_a if_o not_o the_o sole_a reason_n that_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v be_v or_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o ●ixed_a presidencie_n viz._n the_o ear_n of_o division_n and_o prevention_n of_o schism_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o deceivablenesse_n of_o unrighteousness_n be_v still_o make_v use_n of_o for_o carry_v on_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n until_o that_o at_o length_n it_o appear_v in_o its_o own_o colour_n and_o discover_v its_o effect_n infinite_o more_o pernicious_a than_o the_o evil_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o obviate_v 2_o that_o in_o matter_n religious_a the_o want_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o lord_n promise_v and_o blessing_n together_o with_o the_o actual_a follow_v of_o bad_a fruit_n &_o effect_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o the_o thing_n question_v be_v thereof_o proper_o productive_a i_o need_v not_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o pope_n primacy_n and_o headship_n be_v very_o just_o charge_v with_o all_o rome_n superstition_n and_o abomination_n if_o of_o old_a i_o send_v they_o not_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o profit_v this_o people_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o sure_a and_o firm_a conclusion_n shall_v not_o then_o the_o visible_a accomplishment_n i_o appoint_v it_o not_o and_o it_o have_v not_o profit_v but_o be_v attend_v with_o many_o grievous_a mischief_n prove_v a_o evidence_n equal_o convince_a but_o it_o be_v say_v admit_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o course_n of_o its_o exaltation_n in_o these_o time_n yet_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o be_v now_o make_v with_o a_o manifest_o contrary_a design_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o low_a and_o reduce_v prelacy_n the_o precede_a representation_n be_v of_o
all_o these_o thing_n or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_z without_o know_v they_o whether_o this_o be_v lawful_a &_o righteous_a &_o whether_o the_o common_a people_n be_v more_o know_v in_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o their_o representatives_n privilege_n or_o conform_v minister_n in_o his_o majesty_n sublime_a prerogative_n and_o extensive_a jurisdiction_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o impartial_a discerner_n but_o 3._o what_o strange_a hodge_fw-mi podge_fw-mi indeed_o do_v we_o find_v in_o this_o engagement_n all_o thing_n spiritual_a ecclesiastic_a and_o temporal_a confound_v in_o the_o supremacy_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o the_o poor_a intrant_fw-la mus_fw-la further_o abjure_v all_o foreign_a power_n and_o ●urisdictions_n swear_v to_o defend_v all_o his_o majesty_n authority_n and_o privilege_n acknowledge_v upon_o oath_n that_o he_o hold_v the_o church_n and_o his_o possession_n of_o it_o if_o of_o the_o king_n presentation_n under_o god_n of_o his_o majesty_n do_v homage_n unto_o the_o king_n and_o not_o unto_o god_n for_o the_o same_o if_o at_o the_o presentation_n of_o another_o under_o god_n by_o the_o king_n of_o the_o patron_n thereof_o and_o last_o swear_v obedience_n to_o his_o ordinary_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n even_o his_o majesty_n authority_n though_o just_a now_o so_o full_o recognosce_v not_o except_v be_v not_o this_o a_o odd_a medley_n to_o be_v huddle_v up_o in_o a_o sacred_a oath_n whereof_o whether_o every_o article_n therein_o be_v more_o impertinent_a for_o a_o intrant_fw-la minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o itself_o more_o obscure_a and_o indistinct_a real_o i_o can_v not_o define_v but_o the_o author_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v ingenuous_o do_v to_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o any_o point_n of_o moderation_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o commendable_a even_o in_o our_o enemy_n and_o not_o to_o take_v any_o party_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o absolute_a standart_n and_o unfailing_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o i_o free_o appeal_v to_o all_o ingenuous_a man_n if_o ever_o they_o hear_v ingenuity_n exhort_v to_o by_o two_o such_o disingenuous_a insinuation_n as_o first_o to_o recommend_v the_o moderation_n of_o a_o party_n who_o after_o that_o they_o themselves_o have_v perjurious_o break_v their_o covenant_n both_o to_o god_n and_o their_o brethren_n do_v in_o such_o manner_n instigat_fw-la the_o power_n to_o rigour_n exclusion_n and_o persecution_n against_o all_o who_o in_o conscience_n do_v only_o refuse_v to_o own_o and_o countenance_v their_o wicked_a apostasy_n as_o have_v almost_o ruin_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o do_v at_o length_n weary_a the_o very_a actor_n and_o next_o to_o give_v out_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o implicit_o wed_v to_o our_o party_n whereof_o the_o least_o argument_n or_o vestige_n have_v not_o be_v make_v appear_v no_o nor_o be_v so_o much_o as_o allege_v but_o but_o as_o all_o man_n do_v sufficient_o know_v these_o restraint_n of_o want_n of_o power_n in_o the_o clergy_n and_o of_o better_a consideration_n in_o our_o ruler_n that_o have_v produce_v the_o apparent_a quiet_n which_o be_v here_o pretend_a for_o moderation_n so_o we_o hope_v that_o by_o a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n of_o our_o way_n we_o have_v in_o such_o sort_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sigh_v of_o god_n as_o there_o to_o leave_v this_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n convict_v and_o confound_v bo●h_o ●or_a his_o open_a perjury_n and_o craft●_n calumny_n but_o the_o author_n as_o it_o seem_v fear_v such_o a_o reply●_n provide_v a_o retreat_n conclude_v but_o oh_o who_o will_v not_o long_o for_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n and_o ●o_o b●_n at_o rest_n from_o all_o these_o poor_a childish_a trifle_a conte_v i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o since_o he_o walk_v so_o much_o in_o darkness_n it_o be_v little_a wonder_n that_o he_o long_o for_o shadde_n but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a that_o if_o he_o have_v labour_v as_o serious_o upon_o his_o master_n mission_n to_o reconcile_v soul_n unto_o god_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v travel_v upon_o his_o majesty_n commission●_n ●_z to_o patch_v up_o a_o sinful_a accommodation_n his_o hope_n of_o rest_n have_v be_v both_o more_o sweet_a and_o more_o assure_v and_o in_o place_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o ●he_n evening_n he_o may_v have_v promise_v to_o himself_o the_o l●ght_n inaccessible_a for_o his_o everlasting_a refreshment_n but_o see_v these_o very_a poor_a childish_a trifle_n contest_v whereby_o he_o will_v cunning_o decry_v all_o the_o just_a opposition_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o his_o evil_a course_n be_v in_o effect_n his_o own_o device_n against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o day_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v his_o own_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n shall_v make_v his_o work_n manifest_a when_o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v it_o and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o burn_a thereof_o may_v be_v all_o his_o loss_n after_o the_o body_n of_o one_o of_o these_o letter_n we_o have_v a_o postscript_n that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o all_o the_o long_n for_o rest_n we_o just_a now_o hear_v of_o another_o whife_n as_o we_o know_v who_o once_o character_v the_o lord_n servant_n when_o with_o much_o travel_n labour_v in_o his_o work_n and_o herein_o the_o author_n complement_a wi●h_v a_o apology_n ot●er_v church_n join_v rome_n with_o england_n as_o be_v most_o supposible_a wherein_o episcopal-government_n be_v otherwise_o exercise_v wish_n that_o ●he_v argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la as_o he_o call_v it_o by_o he_o use_v may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o as_o know_v least_o of_o it_o and_o need_v it_o most_o and_o one_o part_n of_o his_o wish_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v serve_v by_o a_o very_a candid_a representation_n if_o the_o event_n misgive_v he_o must_v blame_v himself_o his_o design_n be_v to_o allay_v man_n extreme_a fervour_n by_o the_o consideration_n that_o this_o very_a form_n which_o to_o we_o be_v hateful_a be_v to_o english_a presbyterian_o desirable_a and_o that_o upon_o inquiry_n the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o will_v be_v find_v ●o_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n but_o see_v i_o have_v already_o demonstrat_fw-la our_o present_a form_n as_o establish_v and_o exercise_v to_o be_v not_o only_o mere_a prelacy_n but_o the_o very_a absurd_a usurpation_n of_o t●e_v supremacy_n and_o have_v also_o at_o large_a except_v against_o ●he_n fix_v presidency_n of_o late_o propose_v and_o show_v both_o what_o the_o sound_a presbyterian_o in_o england_n do_v think_v and_o all_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v anent_o it_o why_o do_v our_o author_n by_o such_o weak_a repe●itions_n pretend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o ex●reme_a fervour_n to_o condemn_v a_o aversion_n which_o alas_o be_v in_o all_o to_o remiss_a one_o thing_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o thought_n of_o presbyterian_o in_o england●_n ●_z yet_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o their_o engagement_n in_o order_n to_o scotland_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o what_o these_o do_v import_n be_v already_o sufficient_o declare_v as_o for_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o neither_o decline_v nor_o use_v their_o testimony_n we_o be_v fix_v on_o sure_a foundation_n yet_o of_o this_o i_o be_o most_o persuade_v that_o as_o abstract_a general_a question_n be_v but_o lame_a and_o blind_a discussion_n of_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n so_o wherever_o our_o case_n shall_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o represent_v we_o shall_v report_v the_o assent_n of_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n ch●ist_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o incorruptness_n but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a that_o these_o who_o now_o govern_v in_o ●his_fw-la church_n shall_v in_o some_o ins●ances_n use_v a_o little_a mo●e_n authority_n than_o they_o do_v provide_v they_o apply_v their_o power_n ●o_o advance_v what_o be_v good_a and_o not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o tru●h_n but_o always_o for_o it_o and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o course_n the_o present_a condition_n of_o our_o church_n b●_n reason_n of_o the_o irreligion_n and_o profanitie_n that_o be_v go_v forth_o from_o its_o prophet_n unto_o the_o whole_a land_n do_v require_v a_o extraordinary_a remedy_n i_o wish_v the_o author_n be_v as_o sensible_a of_o ●he_n cause_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o symptom_n of_o the_o malady_n but_o to_o think_v that_o the_o present_a church-governors_n in_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o sober_a observer_n the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a author_n of_o this_o mischief_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o cure_n what_o more_o hopeless_a or_o what_o more_o
by_o proclamation_n cast_v out_o both_o of_o our_o place_n pulpit_n and_o parish_n and_o that_o our_o former_a church-assembly_n be_v all_o at_o once_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n suppress_v we_o never_o have_v any_o station_n in_o these_o present_a meeting_n pretend_v to_o the_o succession_n this_o pitiful_a quibble_v as_o if_o we_o have_v extirpate_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v in_o effect_n expulse_v i●_n but_o a_o poor_a and_o weak_a mint_n at_o wit●_n altogether_o insufficient_a to_o colour_v its_o obvious_a impertinency_n as_o to_o what_o do_v here_o ensue_v for_o prove_v that_o the_o pre●ent_a episcopal-government_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o by_o the_o covenant_n we_o abjure_v and_o concern_v the_o acceptation_n that_o it_o will_v find_v in_o england_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v consider_v it_o at_o that_o length_n and_o discuss_v it_o upon_o such_o evident_a and_o certain_a ground_n as_o neither_o the_o author_n reason_n nor_o his_o prejudice_n his_o impartiality_n nor_o partiality_n with_o all_o the_o patience_n he_o wish_v we_o and_o impatience_n which_o he_o himself_o often_o show_v will_v be_v able_a satisfy_o to_o remove●_n whether_o then_o the_o thing_n mention_v in_o this_o place_n by_o the_o author_n be_v indeed_o truth_n as_o he_o allege_v or_o gross_a error_n and_o mistake_n as_o i_o have_v evince_v and_o his_o discern_v in_o them●_n though_o the_o best_a he_o have_v sound_a or_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o palpable_a delusion_n i_o willing_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n ingenuity_n he_o say_v if_o they_o be_v truths●_n ●_z he_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v pertinent_a truth_n towards_o the_o heal_n of_o our_o sad_a division_n ●ut_v when_o he_o shall_v make_v as_o much_o serious_a search_n after_o the_o cause_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o effect_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o shall_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v not_o only_a untruth_n but_o most_o impertinent_a however_o if_o any_o list_n to_o be_v contention_n he_o wish_v he_o can_v say_v of_o this_o churchy_n we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n and_o this_o wish_v i_o confess_v be_v very_o consequent_a to_o both_o the_o author_n opinion_n and_o design_n for_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o undervalue_v the_o ordinance_n and_o oath_n of_o god_n though_o most_o convince_o seal_v among_o we_o by_o the_o lord_n power_n and_o presence_n unto_o mode_n and_o trifle_n to_o the_o effect_n he_o may_v gain_v to_o a_o compliance_n where_o he_o can_v not_o prevail_v by_o his_o simulat_fw-la condescendency_n so_o at_o present_a suppose_v they_o to_o be_v as_o little_a material_a as_o the_o length_n or_o shortness_n of_o the_o excrementitious_a hair_n he_o endeavour_v to_o enervat_fw-la all_o the_o just_a opposition_n of_o the_o faithful_a with_o the_o reproach_n of_o strange_a contention_n but_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o contend_v for_o do_v real_o merit_v that_o immovable_a steadfastness_n and_o constant_a perseverance_n so_o much_o commend_v by_o our_o lord_n command_v and_o the_o example_n of_o all_o his_o follower_n we_o hope_v the_o custom_n of_o perfidious_a time-serving_a which_o the_o prelate_n have_v so_o much_o practise_v in_o this_o distract_a church_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o counterbalance_v it_o and_o therefore_o as_o these_o man_n have_v by_o their_o vain_a carnal_a and_o violent_a contention_n at_o best_a for_o their_o formality_n but●_n in_o effect_n for_o fulfil_v their_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n not_o only_o dis-edified●_a but_o destroy_v and_o subvert_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n and_o disobey_v and_o disgrace_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o follow_v so_o let_v we_o as_o the_o fearer_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o also_o our_o peace_n consider_v his_o example_n so_o much_o the_o more_o endure_v contradiction_n despise_v shame_n and_o reproach_n fight_n ●he_v good_a fight_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o hold_v fast_o our_o integrity_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v at_o that_o day_n unto_o all_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v and_o now_o remain_v the_o author_n one_o word_n which_o he_o be_v sure_o be_v undeniable_a and_o he_o think_v very_o considerable_a and_o it_o be_v that_o he_o that_o can_v join_v with_o the_o present_a frame_n of_o this_o church_n and_o if_o you_o please_v to_o bring_v the_o matter_n near_o with_o the_o term_n of_o the_o present_a accommodation_n can_v not_o have_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o most_o famous_a general_a assembly_n of_o it_o the_o conncil_n of_o nice_a yea_o to_o go_v no_o high_o though_o safe_o i_o may_v say_v he_o he_o must_v as_o certain_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o holy_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n cyprian_n upon_o this_o very_a scruple_n of_o the_o government_n as_o novatus_n do_v upon_o another_o occasion_n whence_o the_o author_n do_v draw_v his_o assurance_n and_o whereon_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o bestow_v our_o consideration_n i_o wish_v he_o have_v be_v more_o explicit_a that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o which_o he_o refer_v there_o be_v a_o episcopacy_n well_o advance_v in_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o a_o corruption_n contract_v in_o its_o government_n and_o yet_o by_o all_o quiet_o comport_v with_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o to_o this_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v replied●_n that_o there_o be_v a_o huge_a disparity_n betwixt_o a_o corruption_n contract_v in_o lawful_a government_n still_o hold_v the_o head_n and_o substance_n by_o our_o lord_n authority_n give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v of_o these_o primitive_a time_n and_o a_o government_n fundamental_o corrupt_a derive_v all_o its_o power_n from_o he_o to_o who_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v and_o found_v in_o a_o antichristian_a supremacy_n the_o certain_a character_n of_o the_o present_a constitution_n i_o be_o confident_a the_o author_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o satisfy_a re●urn_n but_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o in_o these_o ancient_a time_n this_o prostasia_fw-la have_v creep_v in_o and_o from_o small_a begining_n and_o under_o very_o specious_a pretence_n grow_v up_o insensible_o in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mystery_n therein_o secret_o work_v not_o have_v open_o disclose_v itself_o it_o be_v little_a wonder_n that_o though_o by_o the_o more_o discern_v the_o evil_n may_v be_v fear_v yet_o never_o the_o less_o no_o remedy_n offer_v it_o be_v not_o direct_o oppose_v whereas_o in_o our_o day_n this_o latent_fw-la corruption_n with_o its_o most_o pernicious_a tendency_n and_o bitterfruit_n be_v full_o discover_v and_o thereupon_o by_o we_o solemn_o eject_v and_o abjure_v and_o now_o on●●_n re-obtruded_n under_o the_o guild_v of_o some_o apparent_a condescendency_n the_o better_a to_o suppress_v the_o true_a government_n of_o god_n house_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v and_o for_o establish_v the_o supremacy_n the_o very_a consummation_n of_o this_o iniquity_n certain_o these_o thing_n do_v import_v a_o most_o manifest_a difference_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o clear_v how_o that_o a_o oath_n though_o take_v upon_o a_o matter_n antecedent_o bind_v do_v nevertheless_o in_o such_o manner_n superinduce_v a_o ●urther_a obligation_n as_o do_v not_o only_o more_o strict_o bind_v to_o vigilance_n and_o circumspection_n but_o also_o to_o a_o measure_n of_o zeal_n against_o defection_n beyond_o the_o opposition_n to_o that_o same_o material_a transgression_n former_o require_v nor_o need_v i_o to_o put_v any_o in_o mind_n how_o that_o the_o sacrifice_a to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o high_a place_n permit_v without_o reproof_n to_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n before_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n do_v afterward_o make_v a_o exception_n from_o the_o integrity_n of_o succeed_a prince_n certain_o to_o judge_v that_o the_o continuance_n of_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o relapse_n into_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o that_o at_o this_o time_n we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o compliance_n with_o this_o episcopal_a presidency_n which_o once_o it_o find_v in_o the_o church_n under_o quite_o different_a circumstance_n be_v gross_o to_o confound_v time_n despise_v warning_n trample_v upon_o deliverance_n and_o violate_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n nay_o further_o to_o contradict_v even_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o time_n mention_v and_o that_o to_o that_o height_n that_o i_o be_o assure_v be_v the_o same_o ancient_a christian_n boast_v of_o on_z li●e_z to_o see_v the_o sad_a effect_n that_o have_v ensue_v upon_o their_o well-meaning_a practice_n and_o the_o patrociny_n which_o be_v thence_o take_v for_o the_o
backslide_n and_o overturn_v of_o our_o dayes●_n their_o godly_a sorrow_n will_v work_v in_o they_o a_o carefulness_n a_o clear_n of_o themselves_o a_o indignation_n a_o fear_n a_o vehement_a desire_n a_o zeal_n yea_o and_o a_o revenge_n above_o all_o the_o detestation_n that_o our_o author_n and_o his_o follower_n do_v common_o calumniat_fw-la as_o fury_n among_o we_o and_o cyprian_a in_o place_n of_o his_o particular_a above_n cite_v constitute_v &c._n &c._n oppose_v to_o the_o then_o aspire_a prela●y_n will_v become_v a_o presbyterian_a of_o the_o strict_a form_n and_o therefore_o though_o i_o do_v not_o own_o these_o accusation_n of_o schism_n &_o total_a breach_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o state_n and_o phrase_n the_o difference_n of_o present_a practice_n from_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o have_v often_o and_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o sin_n attend_v the_o compliance_n urge_v be_v the_o plain_a cause_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o withdraw_n yet_o that_o our_o abstain_v from_o the_o present_a church-meeting_n so_o wide_o differ_v from_o these_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o environ_v with_o circumstance_n no_o less_o variant_n do_v not_o give_v ground_n to_o so_o much_o as_o that_o seem_a opposition_n in_o practice_n which_o the_o author_n object_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o all_o the_o faithful_a therein_o will_v have_v choose_v upon_o the_o like_a exigence_n i_o be_o confident_a all_o true_a and_o serious_a observer_n will_v very_o ready_o acknowledge_v and_o consequent_o that_o this_o the_o author_n one_o and_o last_o word_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o enforce_v epithet_n of_o undeniable_a and_o very_a considerable_a wherewith_o he_o second_v it_o be_v nevertheless_o nothing_o singular_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n premise_v have_v thus_o large_o digress_v in_o the_o review_n of_o these_o paper_n and_o therein_o discuss_v most_o of_o the_o argument_n use_v for_o this_o accommodation_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o follow_v forth_o the_o second_o article_n where_o i_o leave_v and_o though_o for_o the_o better_a reach_v of_o the_o outmost_a of_o our_o adversary_n pretension_n i_o have_v suppose_v prelacy_n to_o be_v thereby_o reduce_v to_o a_o simple_a presidency_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n argue_v against_o it_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la who_o when_o present_a be_v to_o preside_v and_o when_o absent_a do_v at_o best_a only_o permit_v a_o precarious_a suffection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbytery_n suffrage_n but_o absolute_o reserve_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o next_o that_o the_o general_a of_o all_o church-affaire_n and_o what_o may_v be_v mean_v by_o management_n whether_o the_o decision_n only_o when_o propose_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o both_o the_o propose_v and_o decide_v do_v seem_v to_o require_v a_o further_a explication_n i_o think_v the_o article_n be_v further_a liable_a to_o these_o exception_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v against_o the_o unwarrantableness_n and_o inevitable_a prejudice_n of_o the_o abridgement_n of_o t●e_v church_n just_a liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o its_o moderator_n in_o its_o several_a assembly_n and_o his_o majesty_n usurpation_n in_o this_o point_n the_o thing_n which_o i_o at_o present_a note_n as_o defective_a and_o which_o be_v also_o much_o desiderat_fw-la be_v a_o clear_a explanation_n whether_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o propose_v be_v aswell_o offer_v in_o this_o article_n to_o the_o free_a vote_n of_o the_o meeting_n as_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v seem_v thereby_o to_o be_v concede_v or_o whither_o according_a to_o the_o scheme_n of_o our_o national_a synod_n as_o now_o settle_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n the_o power_n of_o propose_v be_v not_o still_o to_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o constant_a moderator●_n or_o rather_o his_o majesty_n prerogative_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o mere_a intervention_n of_o the_o fix_v praeses_fw-la as_o his_o instrument_n i_o shall_v not_o criticise_v nor_o ask_v how_o the_o proposal_n come_v to_o be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o term_n that_o all_o church-affaire_n shall_v he_o manage_v in_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n by_o their_o free_a vote_n rather_o than_o thus_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v manage_v by_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n &_o their_o free_a vote_n only_o this_o i_o may_v affirm_v that_o the_o second_o member_n of_o my_o doubt_n be_v no_o less_o probable_a &_o consonant_n to_o the_o tenor_n and_o prescript_n of_o the_o act_n mention_v then_o evident_o elusory_a of_o all_o the_o other_o liberty_n propose_v but_o wherefore_o do_v i_o hesitat_fw-la in_o these_o small_a matters●_n the_o thing_n here_o principal_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o as_o by_o the_o present_a establishment_n annex_v church_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o king_n crown_n and_o prerogative_n and_o thereby_o subvert_v all_o true_a church-government_n and_o make_v the_o pretend_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n only_o the_o ●ing_n and_o the_o prelate_n their_o pitiful_a conventicle_n the_o first_o article_n invite_v to_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n be_v render_v vain_a and_o void_a &_o all_o its_o caution_n impertinent_a so_o the_o supremacy_n now_o more_o than_o ever_o prevalent●_n be_v with_o this_o second_o article_n and_o all_o the_o offer_n of_o liberty_n therein_o hold_v out_o plain_o inconsistent_a for_o proof_n whereof_o i_o only_o desire_v that_o the_o two_o may_v be_v impartial_o compare_v the_o article_n say_v that_o all_o church-affaire_n shall_v be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n by_o their_o free_a vote_n and_o the_o act_n of_o supremacy_n statute_n that_o his_o magesty_n may_v enact_v concern_v all_o meeting_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastic_a what_o in_o his_o royal_a misdome_n he_o shall_v think_v fit_a how_o then_o can_v these_o two_o consist_v or_o in_o what_o manner_n can_v they_o be_v reconcile_v if_o these_o meeting_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supremacy_n be_v both_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o do_v stand_v in_o the_o same_o line_n i_o know_v the_o subordination_n of_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n to_o general_n assembly_n may_v easy_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n but_o see_v a_o subordination_n of_o this_o ●ort_n betwixt_o these_o court_n and_o this_o high_a prerogative_n will_v in_o effect_n destroy_v their_o true_a be_v and_o essence_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o imagine_v that_o by_o this_o accommodation_n there_o be_v any_o derogation_n of_o the_o supremacy_n intend_v so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v connive_v at_o be_v foolish_a and_o presumptuous_a it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o supremacy_n and_o the_o liberty_n here_o pretend_v can_v rational_o be_v compose_v if_o therefore_o the_o accommodator_n will_v deal_v upright_o in_o this_o affair_n let_v they_o first_o show_v we_o where_o these_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v to_o which_o they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o come_v and_o next_o cause_n we_o to_o understand_v the_o tru●h_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n they_o seem_v to_o offer_v and_o then_o boast_v of_o their_o condescendency_n but_o while_o they_o suppose_v thing_n for_o uncontroverted_a ground_n which_o be_v warrantable_o and_o plain_o by_o we_o deny_v and_o then_o will_v engage_v we_o by_o a_o form_n of_o specious_a concession_n want_v all_o real_a foundation_n they_o only_o discover_v their_o own_o palpable_a weakness_n or_o more_o unpardonnable_a disingenuity_n the_o three_o article_n bear_v if_o any_o difference_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o diocesian_a synod_n betwixt_o any_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o appeal_v to_o a_o provincial_n or_o their_o committee_n that_o this_o provincial_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o oversway_v by_o the_o supremacy_n and_o thereby_o manifest_o disprovable_a as_o neither_o a_o true_a ecclesiastick-court_n nor_o enjoy_v any_o competent_a measure_n of_o power_n &_o liberty_n be_v abundant_o confirm_v by_o the_o argument_n above_o adduce_v against_o the_o precede_a article_n the_o singularite_n that_o here_o occur_v be_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v a_o court_n not_o in_o use_n among_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v express_o declare_v 2._o that_o if_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o this_o by_o usher_n reduction_n and_o according_a to_o the_o present_a establishment_n it_o must_v consist_v of_o member_n viz._n the_o bishop_n and_o dean_n or_o constant_a moderator_n of_o the_o province_n both_o more_o unwarrantable_a as_o to_o their_o office_n and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o practice_n then_o the_o ordinary_a constituent_n of_o inferior_a meeting_n 3._o that_o this_o provincial_a be_v to_o have_v a_o committie_n which_o be_v yet_o very_o unlawful_o establish_v for_o a_o perpetual_a court_n can_v only_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a strengthen_n of_o the_o archbishops_n primacy_n and_o the_o oversway_n of_o
contrivance_n we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o second_o article_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a that_o chnrch-matter_n be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o plurality_n a_o fair_a insinuation_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n transact_v and_o in_o this_o article_n he_o leave_v the_o trial_n to_o the_o presbytery_n consent_v that_o if_o possible_a the_o ordination_n be_v at_o the_o parish_n church_n where_o one_o shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o preach_v and_o last_o be_v content_a difference_n fall_v in_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o superior_a court_n all_o fair_a general_n but_o wherefore_o no_o mention_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o actual_a ordainer_n whether_o the_o bishop_n and_o whole_a presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o in_o behalf_n and_o as_o mederator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o as_o indeed_o something_o great_a whether_o as_o in_o a_o superior_a order_n or_o only_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n be_v but_o a_o school_n nicety_n then_o either_o a_o presbyter_n or_o the_o presbytery_n &_o to_o who_o office_n this_o part_n do_v proper_o belong_v and_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n though_o we_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o dark_a yet_o many_o palpable_a indication_n lead_v we_o to_o feel_v this_o last_o to_o be_v the_o thing_n design_v against_o which_o if_o i_o may_v now_o stand_v to_o debate_v i_o can_v show_v this_o not_o only_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o evangelic_n parity_n and_o simplicity_n and_o apostolic_a practice_n and_o destitute_a even_o of_o these_o pretend_a testimony_n of_o the_o next_o age_n for_o a_o fix_a prostasia_fw-la but_o that_o it_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a imposture_n of_o the_o prelatic_a spirit_n first_o injurious_o to_o usurp_v and_o then_o mysterious_o to_o involve_v the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n that_o the_o bishop_n may_v have_v the_o dignity_n to_o be_v its_o proper_a dispensator_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v the_o more_o thereby_o advance_v but_o the_o point_n here_o most_o remarkable_a be_v that_o apprehend_v his_o condescendency_n may_v render_v he_o as_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n of_o less_o power_n and_o influence_n in_o this_o affair_n behold_v how_o crafty_o he_o go_v about_o to_o salve_v his_o negative_a which_o he_o may_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o a_o discovery_n plain_o own_o and_o that_o be_v by_o make_v the_o appointment_n of_o the_o day_n for_o ordain_v to_o depend_v on_o his_o and_o the_o presbytery_n joint_a agreement_n wherein_o if_o he_o please_v to_o be_v a_o dissenter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o his_o not_o assent_v to_o this_o circumstance_n will_v be_v of_o no_o less_o consequence_n for_o his_o purpose_n then_o if_o he_o have_v reserve_v unto_o himself_o a_o inhibit_v veto_fw-la upon_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n now_o that_o this_o power_n in_o what_o sort_n soever_o by_o he_o couch_v and_o cover_v be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v his_o want_n of_o any_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o do_v abundant_o evince_v and_o further_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o apostolic_a rule_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v these_o few_o consideration_n may_v in_o this_o place_n satisfy_v 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordinantion_n be_v certain_o annex_v to_o &_o dependent_a upon_o the_o pastoral_a charge_n for_o see_v that_o the_o cure_v commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o succeed_a pastor_n can_v not_o be_v perpetuat_fw-la without_o a_o succession_n the_o evident_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o with_o the_o import_n of_o that_o command_n the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o do_v plain_o persuade_v the_o assertion_n 2._o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o upon_o occasion_n by_o themselves_o alone_o ordain_v so_o wherever_o a_o concurrence_n do_v offer_v we_o may_v observe_v the_o act_n to_o be_v always_o joint_o do_v and_o administrat_fw-la so_o we_o find_v the_o twelve_o joint_o ordain_v and_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o seven_o deacon_n without_o any_o prerogative_n acclaim_v by_o peter_n who_o yet_o if_o falsehood_n may_v be_v compare_v have_v more_o apparent_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o his_o primacy_n then_o can_v be_v show_v for_o the_o presidency_n of_o any_o bishop_n next_o we_o have_v the_o fraternity_n of_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n at_o antioch_n send_v forth_o and_o impose_v hand_n upou_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n by_o a_o like_a equal_a conjunction_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o in_o a_o plural_a union_n do_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o 4._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o paul_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o concurrence_n with_o other_o presbyter_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o timothy_n do_v attribute_v the_o same_o act_n indifferent_o to_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n which_o scripture-ground_n be_v join_v to_o the_o want_n of_o any_o probable_a reason_n for_o this_o singularity_n and_o the_o manifest_o woeful_a and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o episcopal_a imparity_n with_o the_o present_a unquestionable_a design_n of_o bear_v down_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n minister_n in_o a_o convenient_a subserviency_n to_o man_n lust_n and_o wickedness_n by_o the_o stiff_a and_o inflexible_a retain_v of_o this_o privilege_n do_v i_o be_o confident_a make_v out_o the_o eccentrick_a pre-eminence_n acclaim_v to_o be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o by_o our_o solemn_a oath_n to_o maintain_v presbytery_n and_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n perpetual_o abjure_v see_v therefore_o that_o this_o article_n do_v certain_o imply_v this_o corruption_n as_o i_o have_v above_o declare_v that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o better_a acceptance_n from_o we_o than_o the_o precede_a need_v no_o further_a reason_n as_o for_o the_o other_o trifle_a circumstance_n whereby_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v palliate_v they_o do_v not_o merit_v any_o more_o special_a inquiry_n the_o five_o article_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v ●oub●ed_v but_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o we_o trust_v his_o grace_n will_v procure_v such_o security_n to_o the_o brethren_n for_o declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o hazard_n in_o counterveen_v any_o law_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o recommend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n this_o article_n make_v up_o of_o uncertain_a assurance_n ridiculous_a trust_n and_o the_o bishop_n conformable_a undertake_n be_v already_o by_o i_o sufficient_o examine_v in_o the_o very_a entry_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o there_o tell_v that_o what_o the_o commissioner_n do_v undertake_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n i_o do_v not_o exact_o know_v but_o if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v report_v viz_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o as_o precede_v the_o 1638._o i_o think_v it_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o just_a exception_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o offend_v the_o reader_n by_o a_o vain_a repetition_n but_o see_v the_o ground_n former_o lay_v down_o be_v very_o material_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o most_o part_n little_o advert_v to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o after_o the_o full_a and_o plain_a account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n i_o again_o run_v over_o they_o and_o 1._o that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n presbytery_n be_v not_o found_v in_o any_o humane_a establishment_n but_o in_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v our_o constant_a persuasion_n so_o that_o though_o the_o accessary_a confirmation_n and_o countenance_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o and_o no_o less_o acceptance_n with_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o original_a right_n 2._o before_o the_o 1638._o and_o even_o until_o the_o year_n 1661._o presbytery_n be_v found_v and_o do_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n whereby_o they_o be_v proper_o authorize_v but_o upon_o the_o basis_n of_o that_o intrinseck_n right_a which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v thus_o have_v convene_v and_o settle_v themselves_o short_o after_o the_o reformation_n they_o continue_v their_o possession_n uninterrupted_a until_o the_o year_n 1661._o it_o be_v true_a they_o obtain_v the_o confirmation_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1592._o as_o also_o in_o the_o year_n 1612._o many_o corruption_n introduce_v and_o
there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o these_o that_o now_o govern_v in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o prejudice_n hinder_v not_o may_v prove_v expedient_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o they_o do_v use_v in_o some_o instance_n a_o little_a more_o authority_n nor_o they_o do_v and_o yet_o may_v still_o be_v very_o far_o off_o from_o proud_a and_o tyrannical_a domination_n never_o apply_v their_o power_n to_o obstruct_v what_o be_v good_a but_o to_o advance_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o always_o for_o it_o and_o while_o they_o do_v so_o the_o atheism_n and_o profanness_n that_o abound_v can_v reasonable_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n as_o too_o common_o it_o be_v by_o some_o but_o rather_o to_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v make_v by_o withdraw_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o wrangling_n and_o bitter_a contention_n that_o be_v cause_v about_o the_o external_a form_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o nazianzen_n pathetical_o begin_v one_o of_o his_o oration_n for_o peace_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v sometime_o wonder_v to_o see_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o make_v so_o great_a reckon_n of_o certain_a metaphysical_a exception_n against_o foam_n little_a word_n &_o formality_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o government_n and_o set_v so_o little_a a_o value_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n oh_o when_o shall_v the_o loud_a and_o harsh_a noise_n of_o our_o debate_n be_v turn_v to_o the_o sweet_a sound_n of_o unite_a prayer_n for_o this_o bless_a peace_n that_o we_o may_v cry_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n who_o alone_o can_v give_v it_o pacem_fw-la te_fw-la poscimus_fw-la omnes_fw-la and_o if_o we_o be_v real_a supplicant_n for_o it_o we_o will_v bewar_n of_o be_v the_o disappointer_n of_o our_o own_o desire_n and_o of_o obstruct_v the_o blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o therefore_o will_v main_o study_v a_o temper_n receptive_a of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v great_a meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o certain_o whatsoever_o party_n or_o opinion_n we_o follow_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o badge_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v this_o that_o we_o love_v one_o another_o and_o that_o law_n unquestionable_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o be_v break_v by_o bitter_a passion_n and_o revile_n and_o root_v hatred_n one_o against_o another_o for_o thing_n about_o which_o the_o right_a be_v in_o dispute_n betwixt_o we_o and_o however_o that_o be_v be_v we_o christian_n then_o doubtless_o the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o agree_v be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o these_o wherein_o we_o disagree_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n shall_v he_o more_o powerful_a to_o unite_v we_o than_o the_o other_o to_o divide_v we_o but_o to_o restrain_v myself_o and_o stop_v here_o if_o we_o love_v both_o our_o own_o and_o the_o church_n peace_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o conceive_v we_o shall_v most_o careful_o avoid_v the_o bestow_n of_o too_o great_a zeal_n upon_o small_a thing_n and_o too_o much_o fidence_n of_o opinion_n upon_o doubtful_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o mad_a thing_n to_o rush_v on_o hard_a and_o bold_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o he_o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a the_o second_o letter_n sir_n the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v bishop_n govern_v absolute_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o delegate_n but_o concern_v bishop_n govern_v in_o conjunction_n with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n of_o which_o we_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o must_v agreeable_a to_o both_o if_o any_o think_v otherway_n let_v they_o produce_v their_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v such_o a_o form_n lawful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v in_o scripture_n to_o warrant_n it_o they_o will_v sure_o be_v so_o just_a as_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o law_n themselves_o let_v they_o then_o produce_v such_o a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v for_o their_o own_o model_n of_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n synod_n provincial_a &_o national_a and_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o several_a dependence_n and_o subordination_n for_o the_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a government_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o necessary_a change_n of_o the_o moderator_n in_o these_o meeting_n except_v only_o that_o of_o the_o ki●k-session_n wherein_o the_o minister_n be_v constanly_a to_o moderate_a for_o without_o such_o a_o express_a rule_n as_o this_o a_o bishop_n or_o fix_a precedent_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o that_o whole_a from_o they_o contend_v for_o and_o it_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o so_o at_o this_o present_a in_o this_o church_n and_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o the_o rather_o oblige_v to_o bring_v a_o clear_a command_n for_o these_o judicatories_n and_o their_o subordination_n because_o they_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a divine_a right_n and_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o the_o only_a lawful_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereas_o the_o asserter_n of_o other_o form_n do_v not_o usual_o speak_v so_o big_a if_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o against_o a_o fix_a precedent_n or_o bishop_n or_o call_v he_o what_o you_o will_v for_o to_o contest_v about_o name_n especial_o in_o so_o grave_a a_o matter_n be_v trivial_a and_o childish_a but_o that_o the_o question_n be_v about_o their_o pow●r_n than_o we_o beg_v that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o let_v that_o be_v all_o the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o then_o we_o hope_v the_o controversy_n will_v be_v quick_o end_v for_o we_o trust_v we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o at_o all_o desireous_a to_o usurp_v or_o effect_v any_o undue_a power_n but_o rather_o to_o abate_v of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v reasonable_a and_o conform_a even_o to_o primitive_a episcopacy_n then_o that_o a_o schism_n shall_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n upon_o that_o score_n but_o be_v it_o suppose_v that_o bisbop_n do_v stretch_v their_o power_n somewhat_o beyond_o their_o line_n let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o minister_n be_v for_o that_o engage_v to_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o withdraw_v from_o those_o meeting_n of_o the_o church_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n yea_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o have_v do_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o whole_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o wrong_n do_v they_o as_o they_o think_v in_o that_o point_n of_o power_n or_o wether_n they_o have_v not_o sufficient_o acquit_v themselves_o and_o discharge_v there_o conscience_n by_o free_a declare_v of_o their_o opinion_n concern_v that_o matter_n &_o modest_o desire_v the_o redress_n of_o it_o &_o patient_o wait_v for_o it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o present_o redress_v &_o continue_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n to_o their_o power_n though_o other_o above_o they_o or_o about_o they_o do_v transgress_v they_o or_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o they_o to_o do_v so_o otherwise_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o that_o we_o judge_v faulty_a in_o other_o person_n or_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n to_o relinquish_v either_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o or_o our_o station_n in_o it_o what_o will_v there_o be_v but_o endless_a swarm_n of_o separation_n and_o division_n in_o any_o church_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o this_o business_n of_o we_o that_o stick_v after_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o covenant_n as_o to_o that_o wave_v all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o it_o though_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o diverse_a both_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n they_o seem_v to_o annul_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o suppose_v it_o still_o to_o bind_v all_o that_o take_v it_o and_o suppose_v likewise_o that_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n in_o this_o church_n be_v that_o same_o that_o be_v abjure_v in_o that_o covenant_n yet_o the_o article_n relate_v thereto_o oblige_v each_o one_o only_o to_o this_o to_o endeavour_v whithin_o there_o call_v and_o station_n
parity_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o our_o saviour_n command_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o with_o you_o nor_o any_o other_o of_o his_o holy_a injunction_n of_o moderation_n humility_n meekness_n for_o that_o will_v destroy_v all_o church-government_n and_o all_o superiority_n of_o pastor_n over_o other_o elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o over_o their_o people_n if_o all_o imparity_n of_o rule_n in_o ecclesiastic_a person_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o great_a law_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o will_v have_v be_v the_o first_o most_o signal_n transgressor_n it_o be_v answer_v if_o from_o the_o text_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o with_o you_o i_o be_v contend_v for_o a_o absolute_a parity_n in_o all_o respect_n among_o all_o church-officer_n and_o member_n in_o as_o much_o as_o thereby_o all_o their_o distinction_n with_o the_o whole_a oversight_n of_o pastor_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o without_o doubt_n the_o objection_n will_v be_v unanswerable_o concludent_fw-la but_o see_v the_o division_n of_o church-officer_n in_o extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a and_o of_o the_o ordinary_a in_o pastor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n with_o the_o imparity_n thence_o result_v be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o we_o question_v the_o laxeness_n of_o such_o argue_v do_v merit_v a_o more_o severe_a censure_n then_o at_o present_a i_o be_o incline_v to_o use_v it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o the_o several_a power_n office_n and_o gift_n by_o our_o lord_n institute_v in_o and_o give_v unto_o his_o church_n with_o their_o beautiful_a order_n and_o subordination_n be_v by_o we_o very_o cheerful_o acknowledge_v and_o no_o constructive_a imparity_n that_o may_v be_v thence_o in●inferred_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_v so_o neither_o be_v the_o same_o a_o proper_a imparity_n a_o thing_n only_o incident_a to_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o if_o it_o be_v be_v it_o the_o imparity_n at_o present_a under_o debate_n which_o be_v a_o imparity_n of_o place_n or_o other_o the_o like_a privilege_n attribute_n to_o one_o exclusive_a of_o other_o of_o the_o same_o order_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n of_o the_o controversy_n which_o stand_v thus_o in_o plain_a term_n whether_o or_o not_o our_o lord_n by_o appoint_v his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o same_o equality_n of_o power_n as_o brethren_n and_o quell_v all_o there_o competition_n about_o the_o majority_n and_o preference_n by_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o servant_n without_o any_o distinction_n except_o what_o may_v arise_v from_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o humility_n and_o diligence_n have_v thereby_o discharge_v all_o imparity_n of_o power_n and_o presidencie_n among_o they_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o not_o only_o the_o simple_a proposal_n do_v conclude_v the_o affirmative_a but_o render_v the_o absurdity_n here_o object_v against_o it_o wide_o impertinent_a i_o say_v then_o for_o a_o distinct_a answer_n 1._o that_o the_o parity_n by_o we_o plead_v be_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v conclude_v from_o any_o of_o our_o lord_n holy_a injunction_n of_o moderation_n humility_n and_o meekness_n to_o insinuat_fw-la the_o tontrarie_a to_o be_v our_o assertion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o plain_a calumny_n see_v all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o high_a as_o well_o as_o the_o low_a of_o man_n constitute_v in_o lawful_a degree_n be_v liable_a to_o these_o sacred_a instruction_n but_o also_o a_o desingenuous_a artifice_n to_o make_v it_o be_v think_v that_o we_o take_v the_o command_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o for_o a_o mere_a precept_n of_o that_o kind_n and_o thereby_o surrender_v one_o of_o our_o main_a argument_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v rather_o from_o the_o intimation_n it_o contain_v of_o the_o apostle_n their_o future_a condition_n then_o from_o any_o precept_n of_o humility_n that_o may_v be_v thence_o infer_v that_o it_o strong_o conclude_v my_o position_n 2._o although_o the_o command_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o do_v not_o prohibit_v the_o different_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o church-officer_n whether_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a of_o our_o lord_n appointment_n which_o both_o manifest_a reason_n and_o the_o genuine_a import_n of_o the_o antithesis_fw-la do_v plain_o evince_v yet_o that_o all_o that_o superior_a eminency_n and_o coactive_a authority_n whereby_o the_o prince_n and_o great_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n be_v proper_o from_o other_o distinguish_v be_v here_o remove_v from_o church_n administration_n and_o lordly_a prelacy_n with_o all_o its_o privilege_n and_o dignity_n thereby_o discharge_v be_v obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n 3._o as_o these_o word_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n clear_v the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o ecclesiastic_a in_o opposition_n to_o secular_a rule_n so_o it_o be_v from_o the_o ensure_a ampliation_n but_o whosoever_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o minister_n etc._n etc._n that_o consistentlie_o with_o the_o former_a declaration_n the_o parity_n by_o we_o plead_v of_o officer_n in_o the_o same_o order_n &_o all_o imparity_n whatsoever_o among_o church-officer_n result_v mere_o from_o a_o great_a eminency_n of_o place_n and_o dignity_n be_v utter_o exclude_v i_o say_v result_v mere_o from_o a_o great_a eminency_n etc._n etc._n for_o that_o apostle_n &_o evangelist_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o extraordinary_a quality_n and_o employment_n and_o pastor_n and_o roll_a elder_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o different_a charge_n be_v state_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o imparity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o controvert_v but_o the_o question_n be_v plain_o concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o imparity_n not_o from_o any_o special_a power_n trust_v or_o gift_n give_v by_o our_o lord_n but_o from_o a_o high_a place_n and_o dignity_n have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o large_a interest_n in_o the_o government_n confer_v by_o man_n upon_o the_o person_n therewith_o vest_v i_o affirm_v that_o not_o only_o among_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o order_n but_o among_o all_o church-officer_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v a_o imparity_n of_o rule_n in_o ecclesiastic_a person_n as_o little_o countenance_v by_o the_o superiority_n of_o pastor_n over_o ●ther_n elder_n and_o deacons_n and_o the_o whole_a s●ock_n or_o by_o the_o apostle_n their_o practice_n as_o our_o lord_n discourse_n and_o command_v to_o the_o twelve_o upon_o the_o suit_n of_o the_o brother_n do_v certain_o condemn_v that_o proedrie_n whereunto_o they_o pretend_v as_o for_o our_o author_n anticipation_n viz._n that_o to_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a person_n will_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o their_o imparity_n in_o the_o point_n of_o rule_n say_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a transgressor_n it_o be_v like_o many_o other_o his_o mistake_n wherein_o th●_n glance_n of_o a_o inconsiderate_a fancy_n do_v very_o visiliet_a preoccupy_v his_o judgement_n for_o see_v the_o imparity_n which_o our_o lord_n do_v condemn_v and_o we_o do_v disow_v be_v a_o imparity_n consi●●ing_v in_o the_o inequality_n of_o place_n and_o dignity_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n and_o not_o that_o imparity_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o extraordinary_a office_n power_n or_o gift_n of_o our_o lord_n ordain_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o imparity_n of_o the_o apostle_n extraordinary_a officer_n compare_v with_o ordinary_a presbyter_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o contradict_v and_o that_o the_o author_n by_o imagine_v the_o answer_n of_o their_o be_v extraordinary_a person_n to_o import_v no_o more_o than_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a transgressor_n do_v only_o show_v his_o extraordinary_a inadvertence_n and_o real_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o different_a order_n of_o office_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n he_o have_v nevertheless_o most_o express_o state_v his_o apostle_n and_o in_o their_o person_n all_o succeed_a pastor_n in_o a_o exact_a equality_n and_o clear_o discharge_v all_o pretension_n to_o any_o sort_n of_o majoritie_n or_o preference_n among_o they_o and_o that_o even_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v not_o maintain_v their_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la by_o any_o claim_n of_o succession_n to_o these_o superior_a officer_n at_o first_o by_o our_o lord_n institute_v i_o do_v not_o only_a wonder_n to_o find_v my_o author_n in_o this_o objection_n so_o foolish_o and_o raw_o confound_v the_o imparity_n of_o place_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n by_o we_o from_o god_n word_n reject_v with_o the_o imparity_n of_o order_n by_o the_o lord_n establish_v but_o be_o full_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o the_o more_o eminent_a degree_n of_o a_o fix_a precedent_n be_v yet_o more_o unreasonable_a than_o the_o distin_a &_o order_n of_o superior_a prelate_n although_o in_o the_o seem_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o
but_o yet_o the_o author_n say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o excess_n not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n beside_o and_o if_o he_o can_v condescend_v on_o any_o instance_n clothe_v with_o our_o circumstance_n and_o exact_o parallel_v to_o our_o case_n be_v it_o not_o as_o manifest_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o this_o boast_n be_v a_o mere_a empty_a inconcludent_a flourish_n if_o he_o love_v to_o plead_v with_o such_o argument_n let_v he_o produce_v i_o any_o one_o of_o all_o these_o church_n society_n or_o party_n which_o he_o muster_v up_o that_o after_o have_v experiment_v the_o evil_a and_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o search_v after_o its_o origin_n and_o warrant_n unto_o a_o clear_a conviction_n of_o its_o want_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o delusion_n of_o its_o rise_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o its_o tendency_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n unanimousl_o both_o by_o law_n canon_n and_o oath_n abrogat_fw-la and_o reform_v from_o it_o and_o when_o by_o the_o politic_a influence_n of_o court_n design_n and_o state_n project_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n the_o same_o episcopacy_n be_v restore_v seven_o time_n worse_o than_o of_o before_o and_o so_o with_o a_o most_o plenary_a confirmation_n of_o all_o these_o grievance_n former_o object_v against_o it_o do_v in_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o conspicuous_a zeal_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o act_v in_o any_o nation_n reject_v this_o corrupt_a plant_n and_o bind_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n introduce_v in_o its_o place_n and_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n thereto_o opposite_a by_o a_o most_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o in_o consequence_n thereof_o enjoy_v the_o gospel_n in_o very_o observable_a power_n and_o plenty_n until_o that_o by_o as_o gross_a perjury_n and_o violence_n as_o ever_o the_o sun_n behold_v this_o covenant_n be_v again_o condemn_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o ordinance_n subsubvert_v and_o this_o old_a episcopacy_n not_o only_o with_o a_o sevenfold_a but_o with_o a_o seventy_o and_o sevenfold_a increase_n of_o all_o its_o corruption_n and_o wickedness_n re-esstablished_n and_o last_o the_o supremacy_n the_o compliment_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a usurpation_n with_o a_o explication_n broad_a than_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o papacy_n be_v superad_v for_o the_o better_a secure_n of_o all_o which_o abomination_n after_o full_a proof_n make_v of_o all_o that_o abuse_a authority_n and_o power_n can_v do_v against_o a_o faithful_a nonconforming_a remnant_n policy_n at_o length_n do_v instruct_v to_o propose_v a_o accommodation_n upon_o term_n seem_o indeed_o condescend_v but_o real_o corroborative_n of_o the_o present_a establishment_n and_o most_o visible_o suppressive_a of_o any_o relic_n of_o dissent_n or_o opposition_n which_o possible_o may_v revive_v against_o it_o now_o let_v the_o author_n i_o say_v produce_v we_o a_o instance_n of_o any_o church_n or_o society_n thus_o circumstantiat_fw-la &_o if_o not_o only_o the_o faithful_a remnant_n therein_o but_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o the_o serious_a fearer_n of_o god_n and_o true_a lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v not_o give_v their_o suffrage_n on_o our_o side_n nay_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o propose_v as_o in_o truth_n it_o stand_v if_o even_o these_o to_o who_o he_o appeal_v do_v not_o clear_o declare_v for_o we_o then_o let_v we_o bear_v the_o scorn_n of_o singularity_n and_o what_o worse_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o cast_v upon_o we_o forever_o but_o lest_o the_o author_n imagine_v that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o represent_v with_o a_o especial_a regard_n to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o this_o land_n to_o who_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v hide_v or_o unknow_v do_v rather_o proceed_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o cross_a verdict_n upon_o the_o simple_a question_n of_o the_o fix_a presidencie_n from_o 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