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 be_v available_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 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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_a suffering_n 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 be_v 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 desireous_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 a_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 hammond_n dr_n hammond_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 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 then_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 dispence_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
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 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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 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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 thereupon_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 nè_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 then_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_o reach_v 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 2_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 3d._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_z the_o 2_o and_z 3_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 catechize_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 9_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 say_v the_o 6_o and_o last_v 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 your_o brethren_n desirous_a of_o truth_n unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n isaac_n allen._n jo_n pollett_n tho_n prestwich_n leonard_n egerton_n ferdinando_n stanley_n etc._n etc._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 a_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 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 minister_n and_o other_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n who_o shall_v consider_v how_o the_o several_a county_n respective_o may_v be_v most_o convenient_o divide_v into_o distinct_a classical_a presbytery_n and_o what_o minister_n and_o other_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v of_o each_o classis_fw-la and_o that_o they_o shall_v according_o make_v such_o division_n and_o nomination_n of_o person_n for_o each_o classical_a presbytery_n which_o division_n and_o person_n so_o name_v for_o every_o division_n the_o appoint_v shall_v be_v certify_v up_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o they_o further_o appoint_v that_o the_o say_v several_a class_n respective_o be_v approve_v by_o parliament_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o constitute_v congregational_a eldership_n according_a to_o these_o direction_n the_o person_n by_o they_o appoint_v for_o this_o county_n meet_v and_o do_v consider_v how_o it_o may_v be_v most_o convenient_o divide_v into_o distinct_a classical_a presbytery_n and_o what_o minister_n and_o other_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v of_o each_o classis_fw-la and_o also_o make_v such_o a_o division_n and_o nomination_n according_o and_o certify_v the_o same_o up_o to_o the_o parliament_n all_o which_o be_v do_v according_a to_o their_o direction_n and_o appointment_n it_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n oct._n 2._o 1646._o that_o they_o do_v approve_v of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o
this_o time_n and_o to_o such_o person_n we_o think_v herein_o we_o owe_v the_o provincial_n assembly_n unto_o who_o authority_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v subject_a so_o much_o respect_n and_o duty_n as_o to_o submit_v our_o apprehension_n in_o a_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o they_o have_v propound_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v serious_o weigh_v as_o they_o have_v do_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o class_n within_o this_o province_n unto_o their_o judgement_n and_o to_o take_v their_o concurrent_a approval_n along_o with_o we_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o practice_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o weight_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v declare_v before_o that_o however_o we_o be_v not_o so_o waver_v and_o unsettled_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o resolve_v our_o belief_n into_o the_o determination_n of_o synod_n or_o council_n believe_v no_o more_o nor_o no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o they_o determine_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n to_o examine_v try_v and_o authoritative_o to_o censure_v doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o we_o think_v how_o confident_a soever_o you_o may_v be_v of_o the_o soundness_n and_o orthodoxness_n of_o what_o in_o your_o paper_n you_o propound_v in_o way_n of_o exception_n against_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o you_o have_v not_o such_o clear_a and_o inquestionable_a ground_n from_o scripture_n for_o the_o same_o that_o you_o be_v to_o be_v accuse_v of_o waver_v or_o unsettledness_n if_o you_o have_v submit_v the_o same_o to_o have_v be_v examine_v and_o try_v by_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o much_o less_o if_o you_o can_v have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o general_n council_n but_o whereas_o mention_v our_o provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n you_o call_v it_o a_o new_a term_v provincial_a assembly_n if_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o term_n it_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o provincial_a synod_n be_v a_o new_a term_n than_o this_o be_v but_o only_o a_o logomachia_n and_o not_o much_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o although_o we_o frequent_o call_v it_o a_o provincial_a synod_n as_o well_o as_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n but_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o new_a term_v provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n because_o provincial_n synod_n or_o assembly_n have_v be_v hold_v but_o late_o at_o preston_n we_o see_v not_o if_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v warrantable_a and_o have_v be_v of_o ancient_a use_n in_o the_o church_n that_o have_v be_v long_o in_o disuse_a they_o begin_v of_o late_a to_o be_v hold_v at_o preston_n that_o can_v just_o incur_v your_o censure_n but_o if_o the_o antiquity_n of_o such_o assembly_n be_v that_o you_o question_n then_o we_o refer_v you_o to_o what_o dr_n bernard_n in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o above_o quote_v show_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o dr_n usher_n who_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o know_v he_o or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o work_n to_o have_v be_v a_o great_a antiquary_n however_o we_o allege_v he_o not_o that_o you_o shall_v build_v your_o faith_n upon_o his_o testimony_n and_o which_o we_o think_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v provincial_a assembly_n in_o your_o thought_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o novelty_n in_o that_o book_n you_o have_v in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o proposal_n touch_v the_o reduction_n of_o episcopacy_n unto_o the_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n receive_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o it_o thus_o begin_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 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 the_o better_o understand_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v herein_o the_o exhortation_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act_n 20.28_o 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 a_o little_a after_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o ignatius_n by_o presbytery_n mention_v by_o paul_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o do_v understand_v the_o community_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n who_o then_o have_v a_o hand_n not_o only_o in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n but_o also_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o further_a proof_n tertullian_n be_v allege_v in_o his_o general_n apology_n for_o christian_n where_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o church_n be_v use_v exhortation_n chastisement_n and_o divine_a censure_n for_o judgement_n be_v give_v with_o great_a advice_n as_o among_o those_o who_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a foreshow_v of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o offend_v that_o he_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o of_o all_o holy_a fellowship_n the_o precedent_n that_o bear_v rule_v therein_o be_v certain_a approve_a elder_n who_o have_v obtain_v this_o honour_n not_o by_o reward_n but_o by_o good_a report_n there_o also_o be_v further_o show_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicature_n cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n use_v the_o receive_a form_n of_o gather_v together_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o cyprian_a sufficient_o declare_v of_o what_o person_n that_o consist_v when_o he_o wish_v he_o to_o read_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o flourish_a clergy_n which_o there_o do_v preside_v or_o rule_n with_o he_o and_o further_o that_o in_o the_o 4_o council_n of_o carthage_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o bishop_n may_v hear_v no_o man_n cause_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o otherwise_o the_o bishop_n sentence_n shall_v be_v void_a unless_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o yet_o further_o that_o this_o be_v find_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o egbert_n who_o be_v archbishop_n of_o york_n in_o the_o saxon_a time_n and_o afterward_o into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n itself_o it_o be_v here_o also_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o our_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n have_v be_v much_o disuse_v yet_o that_o it_o do_v profess_v that_o every_o pastor_n have_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v the_o church_n from_o whence_o also_o the_o name_n of_o rector_n be_v at_o first_o give_v unto_o he_o and_o administer_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o dispense_v the_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o also_o prove_v that_o the_o form_n of_o government_n by_o the_o unite_a suffrage_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v ancient_a and_o which_o be_v there_o in_o express_a term_n assert_v as_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o many_o more_o testimony_n but_o that_o we_o conceive_v these_o already_o mention_v be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o aforementioned_a author_n as_o also_o evidence_v what_o his_o own_o judgement_n be_v in_o this_o point_n may_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o sway_v with_o you_o if_o in_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o dissent_n betwixt_o you_o and_o we_o than_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v ourselves_o produce_v but_o in_o this_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 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 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 unacquaintedness_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 out_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_v 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 feb._n 20._o 1645._o and_o feb._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_z bearing_z 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 the_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_o ordain_v a_o committee_n therein_o particular_o nominate_v in_o stead_n and_o place_n of_o commissioner_n the_o groundlesness_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 congregationall_a classical_a provincial_n and_o nationall_n assembly_n etc._n etc._n where_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 congregationall_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 our_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_a 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 cause_v the_o name_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v can_v stand_v with_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_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 and_o particular_o all_o those_o scandalous_a sin_n for_o which_o any_o person_n be_v to_o be_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n obstinate_o persist_v in_o these_o be_v public_o know_v to_o the_o just_a scandal_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n after_o follow_v but_o the_o person_n that_o hold_v other_o error_n in_o judgement_n about_o which_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n possible_o may_v and_o do_v differ_v and_o which_o subvert_v not_o the_o faith_n nor_o be_v destructive_a to_o godliness_n or_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n as_o be_v common_o find_v in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o be_v otherwise_o find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o holy_a in_o life_n and_o so_o not_o fall_v under_o censure_n by_o the_o former_a rule_n 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 and_o do_v yet_o out_o of_o conscience_n not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o those_o rule_n which_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v establish_v by_o
authority_n for_o regulate_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n for_o these_o cause_n shall_v not_o be_v denounce_v against_o they_o these_o thing_n this_o classis_fw-la take_v into_o consideration_n together_o with_o the_o power_n they_o be_v betrust_v with_o by_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o dispence_a the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o case_n censurable_a by_o the_o rule_v here_o lay_v down_o and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o provincial_n assembly_n several_a debate_n touch_v such_o person_n as_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a who_o offer_v not_o themselves_o to_o the_o sacrament_n not_o to_o the_o eldership_n in_o order_n to_o their_o admission_n to_o it_o and_o they_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o several_a classical_a presbytery_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o whether_o some_o further_a course_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o other_o then_o yet_o have_v be_v take_v notwithstanding_o their_o neglect_n and_o what_o they_o judge_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o attain_v those_o end_n and_o to_o represent_v their_o thought_n therein_o to_o the_o next_o assembly_n this_o classis_fw-la upon_o the_o whole_a conclude_v to_o represent_v their_o apprehension_n in_o the_o case_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o paper_n that_o be_v publish_v which_o be_v approve_v of_o before_o by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o which_o they_o judge_v be_v sufficient_o awarrant_v in_o regard_n of_o any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v by_o the_o rule_v express_v in_o the_o above_o mention_v form_n of_o church_n government_n we_o have_v thus_o far_o show_v what_o we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v awarrant_v to_o practice_n by_o the_o several_a ordinance_n above_o mention_v we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v further_a to_o declare_v that_o however_o we_o be_v no_o lawyer_n and_o therefore_o leave_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n to_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n to_o judge_v of_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v yet_o if_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o judge_v of_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o that_o the_o above_o mention_v ordinance_n about_o church_n government_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o humble_a advice_n assent_v unto_o by_o his_o highness_n in_o the_o 16._o section_n thereof_o where_o we_o find_v these_o word_n and_o that_o nothing_o contain_v in_o this_o petition_n and_o advice_n nor_o your_o highness_n consent_n thereunto_o shall_v be_v construe_v to_o extend_v to_o the_o repeal_n or_o make_v void_a of_o any_o act_n or_o ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a hereunto_o or_o to_o the_o matter_n herein_o contain_v but_o that_o the_o say_v act_n and_o ordinance_n not_o contrary_a hereunto_o shall_v continue_v and_o remain_v in_o force_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o if_o this_o present_a petition_n and_o advice_n have_v not_o at_o all_o be_v have_v or_o make_v or_o your_o highness_n consent_n thereunto_o give_v whence_o we_o gather_v that_o if_o in_o the_o several_a ordinance_n for_o church_n government_n there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o humble_a advice_n or_o to_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v they_o be_v not_o thereby_o any_o more_o than_o any_o other_o act_n or_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n repeal_v but_o left_a to_o remain_v in_o force_n at_o least_o there_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o plain_a intimation_n that_o they_o have_v a_o force_n in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o by_o this_o humble_a advice_n repeal_v and_o make_v void_a for_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n about_o that_o 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parliament_n that_o establish_v the_o directory_n for_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n however_o there_o have_v be_v a_o confession_n of_o faith_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n whence_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o clear_a that_o they_o own_o the_o directory_n for_o worship_n and_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v that_o which_o they_o hold_v forth_o as_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o worship_n and_o government_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v public_o declare_v at_o westminster_n decemb._n 16._o 1653._o pag._n 43._o sect._n 37._o where_o also_o they_o express_v a_o worship_n and_o discipline_n public_o hold_v forth_o which_o must_v needs_o refer_v to_o the_o directory_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n by_o we_o recite_v there_o be_v no_o other_o worship_n or_o discipline_n that_o then_o have_v or_o now_o have_v the_o civil_a sanction_n in_o this_o nation_n we_o have_v be_v large_a in_o what_o we_o have_v here_o represent_v in_o the_o general_a before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o rest_n that_o now_o follow_v in_o your_o paper_n but_o our_o pain_n be_v great_a to_o make_v this_o full_a representation_n unto_o you_o than_o it_o will_v be_v for_o you_o to_o read_v it_o we_o must_v entreat_v you_o to_o excuse_v we_o consider_v it_o tend_v as_o well_o to_o rectify_v your_o mistake_n as_o to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o be_v also_o desirous_a not_o to_o be_v mistake_v any_o more_o as_o also_o because_o it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o our_o brief_a and_o more_o particular_a answer_n unto_o what_o follow_v and_o to_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v we_o now_o come_v in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o dissent_v till_o further_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v by_o we_o 1_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o here_o be_v that_o by_o the_o many_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o be_v member_n of_o congregation_n and_o mention_v in_o our_o paper_n in_o your_o sense_n thereof_o we_o seem_v to_o hint_n that_o thereby_o we_o mean_v only_o such_o who_o have_v admit_v themselves_o member_n of_o some_o congregation_n within_o our_o association_n and_o yet_o live_v inordinate_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o therefore_o you_o who_o never_o be_v any_o member_n or_o associate_n of_o we_o be_v not_o within_o the_o verge_n and_o compass_n of_o our_o presbyterian_a discipline_n etc._n etc._n unto_o which_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v constant_o profess_v against_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o the_o several_a assembly_n of_o congregation_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 we_o have_v also_o constant_o maintain_v against_o the_o afore_o mention_v person_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o these_o church_n be_v true_a minister_n notwithstanding_o that_o exception_n of_o they_o against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o bishop_n who_o also_o themselves_o be_v true_a minister_n in_o our_o judgement_n though_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v that_o by_o divine_a right_n they_o be_v superior_a to_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o profess_a
judgement_n of_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n on_o the_o other_o dispense_v by_o these_o minister_n be_v and_o be_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o hereupon_o our_o work_n be_v not_o when_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v appoint_v to_o constitute_v church_n but_o to_o reform_v they_o only_o and_o that_o therefore_o none_o within_o our_o bound_n except_o they_o shall_v renounce_v christianity_n and_o their_o baptism_n can_v be_v deem_v by_o we_o to_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n and_o so_o therefore_o not_o within_o the_o compass_n and_o verge_n of_o our_o presbyterian_a government_n neither_o be_v it_o their_o not_o associate_a with_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o government_n that_o do_v exempt_v they_o from_o censure_n by_o it_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o offender_n as_o by_o the_o rule_v thereof_o be_v just_o censurable_a it_o not_o be_v a_o matter_n arbitrary_a for_o private_a person_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o under_o that_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o be_v settle_v by_o authority_n and_o as_o you_o know_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v allow_v of_o under_o the_o former_a government_n 2_o and_o therefore_o whether_o you_o and_o all_o other_o within_o our_o bound_n be_v not_o comprehend_v within_o our_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n above_o mention_v appoint_v 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 and_o therein_o ordain_v as_o have_v be_v recite_v before_o in_o the_o first_o page_n thereof_o and_o to_o which_o we_o refer_v you_o especial_o consider_v that_o all_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o several_a parish_n that_o be_v no_o other_o now_o they_o former_o even_o papist_n and_o anabaptist_n and_o other_o sectary_n be_v under_o the_o late_a prelatical_a government_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o you_o to_o judge_v only_o if_o so_o we_o wish_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o then_o you_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o government_n of_o presbytery_n not_o so_o much_o by_o we_o as_o by_o the_o parliament_n appoint_v this_o government_n and_o then_o we_o think_v you_o who_o warn_v we_o not_o to_o contemn_v civil_a power_n may_v well_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o authority_n ordain_v it_o but_o especial_o consider_v the_o word_n presbytery_n be_v a_o know_a scripture_n expression_n 1_o tim._n 4._o and_o interpret_v by_o sundry_a of_o the_o father_n as_o we_o do_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v before_o have_v use_v a_o more_o civil_a expression_n then_o to_o have_v call_v it_o a_o common_a fold_n into_o which_o it_o shall_v seem_v your_o complaint_n be_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v drive_v although_o presbytery_n lay_v restraint_n on_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n and_o so_o contemn_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o true_o and_o indeed_o the_o lawless_a person_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o but_o whereas_o as_o you_o suppose_v this_o be_v our_o chief_a design_n in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o transaction_n of_o we_o to_o subject_v all_o to_o our_o government_n we_o do_v refer_v ourselves_o to_o our_o course_n of_o life_n past_a and_o hope_v it_o will_v witness_v with_o we_o to_o all_o that_o will_v judge_v impartial_o what_o our_o design_n have_v be_v in_o our_o other_o transaction_n and_o as_o touch_v our_o design_n in_o the_o paper_n publish_v whether_o it_o have_v be_v aught_o but_o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o reformation_n of_o the_o scandalous_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o salvation_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o those_o that_o will_v judge_v of_o man_n intention_n by_o what_o be_v express_v in_o their_o word_n and_o action_n we_o know_v very_o well_o we_o be_v charge_v by_o some_o that_o we_o affect_v dominion_n to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o people_n and_o to_o have_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n of_o what_o rank_n soever_o to_o stoop_v to_o we_o but_o we_o do_v open_o profess_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v commit_v unto_o man_n be_v not_o despotical_a but_o ministerial_a that_o it_o be_v no_o dominion_n but_o a_o ministry_n only_o and_o that_o the_o officer_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o be_v themselves_o to_o be_v subject_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o body_n and_o estate_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n that_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v under_o and_o that_o in_o their_o government_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o body_n and_o estate_n of_o any_o person_n but_o with_o their_o soul_n only_o although_o here_o we_o desire_v to_o inquire_v of_o you_o whether_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n as_o you_o profess_v to_o be_v you_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o it_o we_o can_v judge_v you_o to_o be_v so_o irrational_a as_o to_o be_v for_o a_o government_n and_o that_o yet_o subjection_n to_o it_o must_v be_v deny_v and_o if_o the_o late_a government_n of_o the_o prelacy_n be_v not_o blame_v by_o you_o because_o it_o require_v subjection_n to_o it_o we_o wish_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o upon_o this_o account_n you_o have_v reason_n to_o censure_v we_o but_o further_a whereas_o you_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o garnish_v our_o government_n with_o the_o specious_a title_n of_o christ_n government_n throne_n and_o sceptre_n we_o wish_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o in_o your_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n that_o you_o frame_v out_o of_o our_o paper_n yourselves_o do_o say_v you_o there_o tell_v we_o you_o pray_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o church_n government_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 the_o expression_n you_o here_o use_v be_v as_o high_a touch_v that_o government_n you_o will_v have_v establish_v as_o any_o have_v be_v that_o ever_o we_o have_v use_v of_o we_o for_o your_o prayer_n be_v 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 the_o government_n then_o that_o you_o be_v for_o must_v be_v with_o you_o christ_n government_n throne_n and_o sceptre_n and_o why_o do_v you_o then_o condemn_v we_o if_o we_o have_v use_v such_o expression_n concern_v our_o government_n till_o you_o have_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o when_o yet_o you_o take_v to_o 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not_o find_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n have_v lyen_fw-we hide_v so_o long_o as_o that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o 1500_o year_n it_o can_v never_o be_v find_v till_o this_o present_a you_o have_v hear_v what_o rule_n do_v ancient_o belong_v to_o presbyter_n notwithstanding_o that_o through_o the_o corruption_n that_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n in_o after_o time_n the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n be_v long_o disuse_v and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o rule_v elder_n and_o as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o other_o but_o it_o be_v what_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la ought_v to_o be_v and_o not_o what_o the_o facto_fw-la be_v or_o have_v be_v which_o be_v that_o which_o you_o and_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o attend_v and_o concern_v which_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v the_o only_a judge_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o but_o you_o say_v now_o subjection_n to_o our_o present_a government_n be_v require_v by_o we_o and_o then_o demand_v whether_o all_o that_o observe_v not_o 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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 and_o where_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o 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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 comprehend_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 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 constant_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 to_o be_v blame_v worthy_a for_o use_v variety_n of_o expression_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o synonnymous_n word_n to_o make_v the_o matter_n more_o clearand_a 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 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 hereuse_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
shall_v be_v private_o admonish_v according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n mat._n 18._o once_a or_o twice_o to_o see_v if_o they_o will_v reform_v and_o that_o the_o minister_n when_o he_o catechize_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 to_o be_v of_o a_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 lord_n supper_n 5._o that_o if_o they_o will_v neither_o hearken_v to_o private_a admonition_n nor_o admonition_n of_o the_o eldership_n 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 6._o that_o if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v continue_v obstinate_a they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v these_o thing_n this_o class_n think_v fit_a to_o give_v public_a notice_n of_o be_v very_o sensible_a that_o for_o the_o want_n of_o the_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n ignorance_n atheism_n and_o licentiousness_n grow_v upon_o we_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n scandal_n of_o religion_n the_o hazard_n and_o undo_n of_o many_o precious_a soul_n and_o the_o lay_v a_o blot_n on_o several_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v resolve_v see_v themselves_o necessitate_v to_o this_o severity_n of_o discipline_n for_o the_o free_n themselves_o from_o the_o great_a guilt_n of_o neglect_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n that_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v be_v under_o to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o they_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n although_o it_o will_v be_v their_o far_a great_a joy_n that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v occasion_n of_o use_v sharpness_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v earnest_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n beseech_v all_o those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a that_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o diligent_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o public_a and_o private_a mean_n for_o their_o information_n submit_v themselves_o with_o all_o readiness_n to_o be_v instruct_v and_o to_o consider_v that_o without_o knowledge_n the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a and_o they_o do_v also_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n exhort_v and_o warn_v all_o such_o as_o live_v scandalous_o and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o open_a sin_n that_o they_o break_v off_o their_o iniquity_n by_o repentance_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n speedy_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n that_o they_o neither_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n here_o nor_o by_o continue_v in_o their_o sinful_a course_n be_v keep_v for_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o and_o touch_v such_o as_o turn_v their_o back_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n constant_o this_o class_n do_v wish_v they_o serious_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o account_n they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o live_n in_o the_o daily_a neglect_n of_o a_o ordinance_n that_o be_v so_o exceed_v necessary_a for_o their_o own_o comfort_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o that_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o wholesome_a doctrine_n for_o their_o own_o good_a as_o this_o class_n have_v be_v ready_a on_o their_o part_n to_o express_v all_o tenderness_n towards_o the_o weak_a and_o a_o willingness_n to_o condescend_v to_o the_o mean_a for_o the_o remove_n all_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v so_o far_o as_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o consider_v the_o fearful_a danger_n that_o all_o such_o do_v lay_v themselves_o open_a unto_o that_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o they_o do_v warn_v whosoever_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o take_v special_a care_n so_o often_o as_o they_o come_v to_o examine_v themselves_o lest_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n but_o because_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n must_v begin_v at_o private_a person_n and_o that_o if_o they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n of_o watch_v over_o and_o admonish_v one_o another_o and_o bring_v complaint_n to_o the_o eldership_n as_o there_o be_v occasion_n little_a or_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v for_o the_o thorough_a reformation_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n this_o class_n do_v therefore_o warn_v all_o and_o every_o of_o the_o member_n belong_v unto_o they_o to_o consider_v the_o great_a guilt_n they_o will_v lie_v under_o if_o they_o through_o their_o neglect_n obstruct_v so_o needful_a and_o necessary_a a_o work_n and_o do_v expect_v therefore_o in_o all_o faithfulness_n lay_v aside_o all_o partiality_n slavishnesse_n and_o self-respect_n they_o shall_v address_v themselves_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o if_o any_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o private_a admonition_n they_o make_v complaint_n thereof_o to_o the_o eldership_n course_n may_v be_v take_v for_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o obstinate_a and_o thereby_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leven_fw-mi to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n from_o that_o guilt_n they_o will_v otherwise_o lie_v under_o the_o preserve_v the_o ordinance_n from_o profanation_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o lump_n from_o be_v leven_v the_o stop_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o such_o as_o seek_v occasion_n against_o we_o and_o final_o the_o everlasting_a welfare_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o go_v astray_o by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n octob._n 6._o 1657._o richard_z heyricke_a moderator_n pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la this_o presentation_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n thomas_n johnson_n moderator_n edward_z gee_o scribe_n to_o the_o eldership_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n belong_v to_o the_o association_n of_o the_o first_o class_n at_o manchester_n within_o the_o province_n of_o lancaster_n these_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o salute_v you_o in_o your_o own_o term_n we_o have_v see_v and_o serious_o weigh_v that_o paper_n draught_n entitle_v a_o presentation_n of_o the_o first_o class_n at_o manchester_n date_v the_o 8._o of_o sept._n 1657._o confirm_v by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n octob._n 6._o and_o publish_v at_o manchester_n church_n the_o 22._o of_o nou._n in_o the_o aforesaid_a year_n and_o do_v publish_v this_o our_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o be_v plain_a to_o we_o not_o rest_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o any_o general_a council_n contrary_a thereunto_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 though_o you_o seem_v to_o submit_v to_o your_o provincial_n what_o you_o will_v hardly_o grant_v to_o a_o general_n council_n in_o which_o we_o dissent_v from_o you_o though_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o shall_v join_v as_o first_o 1._o we_o join_v with_o you_o in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o several_a gross_a sin_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n desire_v earnest_o to_o mourn_v first_o for_o our_o own_o next_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o of_o our_o christian_a brethren_n and_o fellow_n member_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n we_o be_v grieve_v together_o with_o you_o for_o the_o scandalous_a and_o offensive_a life_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o drunkeness_n uncleaness_n swear_v profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n etc._n etc._n 2._o we_o be_v also_o sensible_a with_o you_o that_o there_o be_v sundry_a person_n gross_o ignorant_a in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n 3._o you_o with_o we_o again_o we_o hope_v be_v sensible_a and_o grieve_a though_o you_o do_v not_o at_o all_o mention_n they_o for_o the_o gross_a error_n in_o judgement_n and_o the_o damnable_a doctrine_n of_o many_o who_o have_v rend_v themselves_o into_o as_o many_o several_a heresy_n as_o they_o have_v into_o sect_n and_o schism_n thus_o far_o we_o agree_v nay_o more_o touch_v the_o way_n of_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a and_o reform_v the_o wicked_a and_o erroneous_a we_o shall_v not_o much_o dissent_n 1._o and_o first_o for_o the_o information_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o ignorant_a by_o way_n of_o catechise_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v 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