these_o committee_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o these_o delegate_n neither_o will_v our_o brother_n negative_a voice_n prove_v it_o because_o as_o these_o delegate_n have_v not_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o all_o case_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o case_n of_o ratify_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o these_o committee_n the_o synod_n be_v free_a notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o overture_n to_o ratify_v albeit_o the_o delegate_n shall_v not_o consent_v but_o advise_v otherwise_o so_o it_o be_v a_o new_a device_n to_o say_v that_o a_o negative_a voice_n infer_v a_o superior_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n for_o at_o most_o it_o make_v but_o a_o coordinate_a power_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o absurdity_n in_o this_o that_o a_o committee_n of_o delegate_n nominate_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o synod_n shall_v in_o this_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n have_v such_o a_o power_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n we_o do_v not_o see_v 4._o this_o overture_n be_v not_o propound_v as_o a_o perpetual_a stand_a way_n always_o to_o be_v follow_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o church_n as_o our_o brethren_n be_v please_v to_o insinuate_v much_o less_o be_v it_o propound_v hereby_o to_o lay_v a_o way_n for_o perpetuate_n of_o difference_n and_o contention_n a_o prejudice_n also_o they_o be_v please_v to_o load_v it_o with_o but_o as_o it_o express_o bear_v to_o continue_v only_o till_o the_o present_a difference_n be_v heal_v or_o till_o the_o lord_n in_o providence_n minister_v some_o better_a way_n for_o settle_v peace_n among_o we_o will_v the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o this_o present_a sickly_a decline_a and_o distract_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n allow_v of_o no_o remedy_n for_o purge_v thereof_o and_o compose_v difference_n that_o be_v in_o any_o circumstance_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o the_o ordinary_a procedure_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n we_o know_v that_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n be_v sound_a and_o healthy_a and_o sufficient_o able_a by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n to_o purge_v herself_o but_o why_o then_o we_o pray_v our_o brethren_n to_o tell_v we_o do_v the_o general_n assembly_n before_o these_o difference_n do_v arise_v unanimous_o judge_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o sufficient_o able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o do_v upon_o conviction_n hereof_o appoint_v extraordinary_a commission_n and_o visitation_n for_o do_v of_o it_o if_o our_o brethren_n say_v that_o the_o gen._n assembly_n be_v the_o supreme_a church-judicatory_a in_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o may_v so_o do_v they_o can_v easy_o answer_v themselves_o that_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o move_a cause_n or_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o show_v their_o supremacy_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v not_o question_v nor_o controvert_v by_o any_o synod_n or_o presbytery_n but_o as_o our_o brethren_n well_o know_v because_o they_o do_v conceive_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o so_o healthy_a as_o to_o do_v these_o duty_n of_o themselves_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o then_o when_o neutral_a and_o malignant_a and_o disaffect_v 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o board_n how_o much_o less_o now_o when_o 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o be_v get_v above_o the_o hatch_n and_o sundry_a 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v set_v to_o stir_v the_o rudder_n or_o if_o they_o will_v say_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v now_o sufficient_o able_a and_o willing_a of_o themselves_o to_o do_v thâ—…_z work_v we_o pray_v they_o then_o to_o tell_v we_o why_o it_o be_v noâ—…_n do_v have_v not_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o lanâ—…_n ben_z cry_v upon_o they_o these_o seven_o year_n by-gone_a that_o they_o will_v arise_v and_o be_v do_v that_o good_a anâ—…_n necessary_a work_n and_o yet_o what_o have_v all_o their_o 〈◊〉_d prevail_v be_v they_o not_o hear_v with_o deaf_a ear_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o then_o though_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v propound_v such_o overture_n as_o be_v embrace_v may_v probable_o in_o some_o measure_n satisfiâ—…_n somewhat_o of_o the_o lawful_a and_o just_a desire_n of_o thâ—…_z godly_a in_o that_o soul-concern_a matter_n in_o propound_v whereof_o their_o design_n be_v none_o of_o those_o sinistrous_a thing_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o they_o by_o their_o brethren_n but_o that_o by_o some_o mean_a or_o another_o that_o be_v not_o sinful_a the_o house_n of_o god_n may_v be_v purge_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o their_o brethren_n that_o it_o be_v not_o domination_n nor_o the_o set_n up_o of_o themselves_o and_o the_o tread_n down_o of_o the_o other_o that_o they_o be_v seek_v they_o be_v content_a not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n give_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o which_o in_o their_o judgement_n because_o no_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n have_v since_o interveen_v be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o do_v propound_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n that_o for_o make_v of_o the_o work_n of_o purge_v effectual_a and_o in_o order_n to_o other_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v nominate_v upon_o the_o commission_n and_o visitation_n by_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o may_v sit_v if_o not_o by_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o that_o assembly_n yet_o by_o the_o mutual_a condescendence_n and_o approbation_n of_o presbytery_n and_o by_o the_o same_o mutual_a condescendence_n and_o approbation_n these_o person_n may_v have_v power_n to_o compose_v the_o particular_a difference_n that_o be_v now_o or_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o in_o particular_a presbytery_n and_o congregation_n this_o be_v not_o to_o assume_v the_o particular_a nomination_n of_o any_o person_n to_o themselves_o or_o to_o state_n business_n upon_o difference_n of_o judgement_n or_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n like_o a_o party_n or_o a_o faction_n or_o to_o desire_v a_o equality_n of_o the_o number_n of_o both_o judgement_n or_o to_o do_v any_o injury_n unto_o or_o make_v any_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o due_a right_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o general_n assembly_n wrong_v they_o by_o appoint_v those_o commission_n and_o visitation_n yet_o be_v this_o also_o refuse_v and_o reject_v by_o our_o brethren_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o nothing_o will_v please_v unless_o the_o protest_a brethren_n condescend_v as_o ass_n to_o bow_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n by_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n as_o now_o constitute_v that_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n to_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v by_o their_o own_o verdict_n a_o few_o number_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o church_n in_o their_o present_a and_o future_a act_n how_o negligent_a or_o corrupt_a soever_o which_o themselves_o make_v evident_a in_o the_o next_o thing_n whereupon_o they_o impeach_v they_o as_o projector_n against_o and_o subverter_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n their_o refuse_n to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n they_o do_v say_v they_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n express_o refuse_v subordination_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o church-judicatory_n to_o which_o they_o and_o we_o be_v solemn_o engage_v at_o our_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o which_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o renew_v for_o our_o part_n and_o without_o which_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n shall_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o so_o many_o consultative_a meeting_n a_o principle_n inconsistent_a with_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o particular_a we_o shall_v first_o short_o repeat_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o desire_n and_o offer_v and_o answer_n thereanent_o in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n novemb._n 1655._o and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n shall_v speak_v somewhat_o to_o the_o matter_n itself_o as_o to_o the_o first_o in_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v presbyterial_a government_n and_o the_o due_a subordination_n of_o church-judicatory_n that_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o approbation_n thereâ—…_n and_o that_o they_o do_v continue_v constant_a in_o their_o former_a solemn_a public_a profession_n and_o engagement_n they_o do_v propound_v unto_o their_o brethren_n that_o in_o matter_n concerning_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n there_o may_v be_v mutual_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n give_v for_o adherence_n unto_o these_o article_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n unto_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n
corrupt_a scandalous_a minister_n 〈◊〉_d elder_n wherewith_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n many_o place_n of_o the_o land_n be_v pester_v and_o 〈◊〉_d either_o do_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o edification_n or_o 〈◊〉_d too_o much_o to_o destruction_n we_o shall_v not_o for_o proof_n 〈◊〉_d this_o repeat_v in_o this_o place_n those_o evidence_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ing_o defection_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v but_o too_o 〈◊〉_d ble_o and_o can_v be_v attest_v by_o many_o sufficient_a 〈◊〉_d ses_fw-fr but_o we_o will_v desire_v our_o brethren_n and_o 〈◊〉_d if_o they_o shall_v slight_v it_o serious_o to_o consider_v these_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n 1._o that_o this_o church_n be_v but_o a_o few_o 〈◊〉_d before_o these_o public_a resolution_n recover_v 〈◊〉_d under_o the_o tyranny_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o their_o adherent_n under_o which_o she_o have_v 〈◊〉_d and_o languish_v for_o the_o space_n of_o about_o forty_o year_n by_o reason_n whereof_o though_o a_o remnant_n be_v preserve_v through_o grace_n yet_o the_o body_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v become_v either_o insufficient_a as_o to_o their_o gift_n 〈◊〉_d corrupt_a in_o their_o judgement_n or_o scandalous_a in_o 〈◊〉_d conversation_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o after_o the_o reformation_n begin_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o not_o only_o by_o godly_a man_n in_o private_a but_o public_o by_o our_o general_a assembly_n in_o their_o public_a warning_n and_o declaration_n and_o cause_n of_o humiliation_n acknowledge_v that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o external_a forsake_n of_o the_o prelatical_a way_n and_o engage_v in_o the_o covenant_n yet_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o former_a defection_n and_o backslide_n be_v by_o many_o still_o unrepented_a of_o that_o many_o do_v still_o remain_v either_o neutral_a and_o cold_a or_o backward_o and_o ill-affected_a to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o reformation_n do_v begin_v to_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o the_o multitude_n of_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a man_n that_o do_v still_o remain_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n that_o they_o do_v judge_v presbytery_n and_o synod_n not_o able_a to_o purge_v themselves_o and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v commission_n to_o some_o select_a brethren_n nominate_v by_o themselves_o for_o visit_v the_o bound_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n with_o power_n to_o these_o brethren_n to_o try_v and_o censure_v such_o minister_n and_o elder_n as_o they_o find_v insufficient_a or_o scandalous_a 4._o that_o these_o brethren_n find_v so_o much_o work_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o country_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a soon_o to_o overtake_v but_o after_o the_o continue_n of_o their_o diligence_n by_o renew_a commission_n for_o two_o or_o three_o year_n space_n the_o general_a assembly_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o what_o be_v yet_o to_o do_v in_o place_n that_o have_v only_o be_v in_o part_n visit_v and_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o other_o place_n not_o yet_o visit_v do_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o appoint_v select_a person_n nominate_v by_o themselves_o for_o visit_v most_o of_o the_o presbyteriâ—…s_n and_o synod_n in_o the_o country_n with_o power_n to_o try_v and_o censure_n as_o aforesaid_a 5._o that_o those_o almost_o general_a visitation_n of_o the_o whole_a land_n albeit_o judge_v most_o necessary_a for_o purge_v of_o the_o kirk_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o corrupt_a or_o insufficient_a man_n who_o presbyteriâ—…s_n and_o synod_n be_v either_o noâ—…_n able_a or_o not_o willing_a to_o censure_v be_v never_o keep_v because_o of_o the_o war_n immediate_o follow_v betwixt_o the_o two_o nation_n 6._o that_o few_o or_o none_o have_v since_o that_o time_n be_v purged-out_a by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n the_o zeal_n that_o be_v former_o in_o good_a man_n among_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n cool_v in_o those_o who_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o endeavour_n of_o these_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v oppose_v and_o render_v ineffectual_a by_o man_n of_o another_o spirit_n who_o have_v get_v up_o the_o head_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o kirk_n and_o have_v turn_v the_o stream_n of_o their_o public_a act_n into_o another_o 〈◊〉_d to_o wit_n against_o those_o who_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d brethren_n 7._o that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v former_o purged-out_a for_o the_o profanity_n and_o malignancy_n be_v again_o take_v 〈◊〉_d the_o ministry_n without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o repentance_n and_o have_v now_o no_o small_a hand_n in_o 〈◊〉_d govern_v of_o thing_n in_o sundry_a presbytery_n 〈◊〉_d synod_n we_o know_v their_o repentance_n be_v talk_v 〈◊〉_d but_o we_o do_v as_o well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a tall_a some_o of_o they_o have_v make_v no_o 〈◊〉_d at_o all_o of_o any_o of_o the_o offence_n for_o which_o they_o 〈◊〉_d depose_v other_o of_o they_o not_o have_v acknowledge_v all_o the_o particular_n contain_v in_o their_o sentence_n and_o most_o of_o they_o either_o prevaricate_a or_o extenuâ—…ting_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o acknowledgement_n 〈◊〉_d continue_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v sundry_a 〈◊〉_d brethren_n of_o the_o public_a judgement_n bemoan_v with_o 〈◊〉_d the_o taking-in_n of_o such_o and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o 〈◊〉_d not_o themselves_o profess_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d dare_v appeal_v themselves_o and_o other_o who_o bâ—…st_v knoâ—…_n they_o whether_o they_o do_v judge_v themselves_o justlâ—…_n depose_v and_o have_v real_o repent_v of_o and_o changeâ—…_n their_o way_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o be_v depose_v 8._o that_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a groaninâ—…_n and_o sad_a complaint_n of_o the_o godly_a general_o throughout_o the_o land_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n and_o negligence_n and_o of_o scandalous_a and_o malignant_a corrupt_a carriagâ—…_n of_o many_o minister_n throughout_o the_o land_n and_o of_o the_o proceed_n of_o many_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n that_o these_o seven_o or_o eight_o year_n past_a they_o have_v do_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o edification_n and_o for_o promove_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n do_v they_o not_o general_o be_v wail_v it_o that_o the_o meeting_n of_o many_o of_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v for_o most_o part_n rather_o matter_n of_o grievance_n and_o 〈◊〉_d unto_o they_o than_o matter_n of_o comfort_n and_o rejoice_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v set_v over_o against_o this_o that_o universal_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o sâ—…andalous_a and_o disaffect_v malignant_a man_n in_o the_o land_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o public_a judgement_n and_o to_o the_o most_o of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n of_o that_o way_n in_o most_o of_o their_o act_n do_v it_o not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v prevail_a corruption_n and_o defection_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o her_o judicatory_n what_o a_o strange_a change_n be_v it_o that_o profane_a malignant_a man_n in_o the_o land_n who_o be_v know_v opposer_n and_o hater_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o of_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o who_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v hateful_a and_o odious_a and_o her_o judicatory_n terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n that_o now_o their_o ordinary_a plea_n shall_v be_v the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o synod_n and_o such_o and_o such_o minister_n and_o that_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o sorrow_n and_o put_v to_o open_a shame_n while_o through_o the_o prevail_a corruption_n and_o backslide_n of_o man_n advantage_n be_v give_v to_o adversary_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o weapon_n that_o be_v appoint_v unto_o they_o of_o god_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o comfort_n and_o for_o bear_v down_o of_o the_o profane_a and_o ungodly_a the_o four_o thing_n whence_o they_o labour_v to_o conclude_v the_o protest_a brethren_n adversary_n unto_o and_o projector_n against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o they_o represent_v it_o in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n that_o they_o do_v break_v up_o the_o conference_n for_o union_n with_o 〈◊〉_d in_o november_n 1655._o â—…hiefly_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o can_v not_o 〈◊〉_d the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o just_a power_n 〈◊〉_d devolve_v matter_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o extrajudicial_a 〈◊〉_d of_o equal_a number_n which_o point_n they_o resumâ—…_n again_o and_o prosecute_v at_o length_n in_o the_o six_o and_o seven_o page_n of_o that_o paper_n set_v down_o the_o word_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o overture_n there_o anent_o in_o a_o distinct_a character_n and_o labour_a 〈◊〉_d hold_v forth_o the_o absurdity_n
thereof_o from_o several_a consideration_n whether_o the_o conference_n for_o union_n in_o 〈◊〉_d 1655._o be_v break_v either_o by_o they_o or_o chief_o upoâ—…_n this_o account_n though_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o gainsay_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o now_o nor_o be_v it_o needful_a to_o stanâ—…_n to_o debate_n but_o that_o this_o overture_n will_v concludâ—…_n they_o to_o be_v adversary_n unto_o or_o projector_n againsâ—…_n the_o government_n that_o we_o do_v altogether_o deny_v noâ—…_n do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n allege_v by_o our_o 〈◊〉_d prove_v it_o it_o be_v tedious_a and_o little_a to_o edificatioâ—…_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o give_v a_o particular_a distinct_a answer_n to_o the_o heap_n of_o aggravation_n and_o bad_a consequent_n they_o load_v this_o overture_n with_o therefore_o we_o do_v offer_v unto_o our_o brother_n more_o sober_a and_o serious_a or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o worthy_a oâ—…_n their_o entertainment_n unto_o the_o sober_a and_o serious_a thought_n of_o other_o these_o few_o consideration_n for_o vindicate_v this_o overture_n from_o all_o those_o mistake_v our_o brethren_n have_v about_o it_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o sound_n or_o a_o healthful_a grow_v reform_v and_o a_o unsound_a sickly_a decay_a decline_a state_n of_o a_o church_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o trouble_a distemper_a and_o a_o quiet_a peaceable_a state_n of_o a_o church_n if_o our_o church_n be_v altogether_o sound_a and_o healthful_a if_o in_o a_o grow_a reform_v condition_n if_o in_o a_o peaceable_a and_o well-tempered_a state_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o overture_n and_o we_o believe_v the_o protest_a brethren_n will_v be_v in_o that_o case_n as_o far_o from_o press_v it_o as_o any_o other_o but_o her_o sickly_a decay_a decline_a trouble_a distemper_a condition_n do_v necessary_o call_v for_o and_o allow_v for_o something_o of_o that_o kind_n 2._o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v do_v conceive_v extraordinary_a commission_n and_o visitation_n to_o be_v needful_a when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o much_o better_a condition_n than_o she_o be_v now_o and_o though_o not_o a_o few_o in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v then_o speak_v the_o same_o language_n that_o our_o brethren_n do_v now_o to_o wit_n that_o it_o do_v lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o universal_a imputation_n upon_o the_o synod_n and_o other_o church-judicatory_n as_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o work_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o be_v a_o tyrannical_a imposition_n upon_o they_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o assembly_n so_o to_o do_v because_o they_o do_v see_v that_o such_o a_o way_n of_o commission_n and_o visitation_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o time_n when_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n many_o of_o they_o be_v either_o noâ—…_n able_a or_o not_o willing_a to_o do_v that_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corrupt_a officer_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o essential_n and_o circumstantial_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n the_o one_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a or_o scriptural_a institution_n and_o in_o themselves_o unalterable_a the_o other_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o positive_a human_a institution_n which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o that_o great_a end_n of_o edification_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v alter_v according_o as_o they_o do_v or_o do_v not_o contribute_v for_o that_o end_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o this_o and_o sundry_a other_o of_o their_o paper_n do_v in_o many_o of_o these_o challenge_n which_o they_o bring_v against_o the_o protestinâ—…_n brethren_n as_o proceed_v in_o their_o plant_n 〈◊〉_d church_n and_o ordain_v and_o admit_v of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o propound_v of_o overture_n for_o purginâ—…_n and_o plant_v the_o church_n in_o such_o a_o disorderly_a waâ—…_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o being_n of_o the_o government_n we_o say_v they_o do_v confound_v these_o thing_n and_o oftentimes_o take_v circumstantial_n for_o essential_n as_o 〈◊〉_d instance_n that_o a_o minister_n shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d plurality_n of_o presbyter_n we_o hold_v with_o they_o to_o 〈◊〉_d of_o scriptural_a divine_a institution_n but_o that_o he_o be_v ordain_v by_o such_o a_o number_n officiate_v in_o such_o bound_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o determine_v anâ—…_n therefore_o if_o the_o major_a part_n of_o a_o presbyteriâ—…_n conspire_v for_o keep_v out_o a_o godly_a man_n from_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v lawful_o call_v by_o the_o congregation_n and_o right_o qualify_v because_o he_o be_v not_o of_o theiâ—…_n judgement_n in_o decline_a course_n it_o be_v no_o breach_n upon_o the_o be_v and_o essential_n of_o the_o government_n 〈◊〉_d he_o receive_v his_o ordination_n and_o admission_n to_o thâ—…_z ministry_n from_o a_o neighbour_a presbytery_n especial_o when_o this_o conspiracy_n be_v general_o throughout_o the_o country_n and_o no_o remedy_n thereof_o can_v bâ—…_n have_v by_o a_o superior_a judicatory_n so_o in_o the_o case_n oâ—…_n the_o overture_n in_o hand_n though_o because_o of_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o synod_n and_o for_o edification_n there_o be_v a_o little_a alteration_n of_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o common_a way_n of_o order_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o involve_v any_o thing_n destructive_a to_o the_o being_n of_o the_o government_n no_o person_n be_v desire_v to_o be_v upon_o these_o visitationâ—…_n but_o minister_n and_o elder_n due_o qualify_v and_o member_n of_o the_o respective_a synod_n no_o power_n be_v desire_v to_o be_v give_v but_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o ecclesiastical_a nor_o be_v it_o desire_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o any_o fountain_n but_o from_o the_o synod_n itself_o nor_o to_o proceed_v by_o any_o rule_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a general_n assembly_n nor_o be_v they_o to_o exercise_v it_o independent_o but_o with_o subordination_n unto_o and_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o synod_n from_o whence_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o all_o which_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v impartial_o consider_v the_o overture_n itself_o and_o to_o put_v it_o above_o question_n there_o be_v express_a mention_n of_o their_o qualification_n and_o power_n and_o commission_n and_o subordination_n and_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o proceeâ—…_n in_o the_o overture_n the_o same_o for_o substance_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n novemb._n 8._o and_o 27._o 1655._o whence_o iâ—…_z appear_v that_o our_o brethren_n speak_v more_o passion_n than_o reason_n when_o they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o tyrannical_a imposition_n upon_o synod_n that_o they_o must_v give_v their_o power_n to_o person_n who_o they_o have_v not_o liberty_n to_o choose_v nor_o power_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n and_o must_v set_v up_o a_o jurisdiction_n above_o themselves_o with_o at_o least_o a_o negative_a voice_n to_o frustrate_v all_o their_o act_n if_o these_o delegate_n please_v be_v it_o tyrannical_o to_o impose_v to_o desire_v the_o synod_n for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o unanimous_a carrying-on_n the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o ratify_v the_o nomination_n of_o some_o of_o the_o choice_a of_o their_o own_o member_n make_v by_o no_o forinsick_a person_n or_o party_n or_o power_n but_o by_o the_o intrinsic_a member_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o distract_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o comptable_a be_v allege_v gratis_o the_o article_n as_o propound_v to_o our_o brethren_n do_v express_o provide_v that_o these_o committee_n shall_v in_o their_o proceed_n be_v comptable_a to_o the_o synod_n nor_o do_v that_o clause_n of_o the_o synod_n not_o reverse_v any_o thing_n â—…one_v by_o these_o committee_n without_o the_o previous_a advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o general_a committee_n of_o delegate_n import_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o the_o synod_n may_v take_v a_o account_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o their_o own_o committee_n and_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v they_o yea_o and_o take_v away_o their_o commission_n and_o power_n in_o the_o case_n of_o maladministration_n and_o give_v it_o to_o other_o of_o their_o number_n nominate_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o for_o a_o jurisdiction_n by_o this_o mean_n set_v up_o above_o themselves_o we_o can_v see_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o overture_n but_o only_o a_o power_n of_o advice_n upon_o the_o part_n of_o these_o delegate_n which_o yet_o the_o synod_n be_v not_o simple_o tie_v by_o the_o overture_n to_o follow_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o advise_v the_o synod_n to_o reverse_v the_o deed_n of_o these_o committee_n and_o a_o brotherly_a condescension_n in_o the_o synod_n in_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o reverse_v thing_n do_v by_o
thou_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v command_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o his_o body_n and_o drink_v of_o his_o blood_n and_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v himself_o with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o man_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la et_fw-la imperio_fw-la yea_o because_o of_o his_o adhere_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v reject_v and_o condemn_v have_v forbid_v he_o so_o to_o do_v that_o be_v shall_v not_o obey_v god_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precedent_n jeremiah_n be_v often_o command_v by_o the_o authority_n both_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a to_o forbear_v speak_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o do_v he_o give_v no_o subjection_n to_o the_o sentence_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o inhibition_n and_o censure_n past_a against_o he_o chap._n 26._o ch._n 32._o ch._n 37._o and_o ch._n 38._o amos_n be_v command_v by_o amaziah_n the_o priest_n to_o prophesy_v no_o more_o at_o bethel_n because_o it_o be_v the_o king_n chapel_n and_o the_o king_n court_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o submit_v but_o do_v counteract_v that_o commandment_n and_o do_v continue_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n amos_n 5._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o daniel_n be_v command_v to_o make_v no_o petition_n to_o any_o god_n or_o man_n for_o thirty_o day_n save_v to_o king_n darius_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o counteract_v by_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o open_v his_o chamber-window_n towards_o jerusalem_n and_o kneel_v on_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v aforetime_o dan._n 6_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o jew_n do_v agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yet_o do_v the_o poor_a man_n who_o eye_n he_o have_v open_v confess_v he_o open_o and_o though_o he_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o for_o do_v of_o it_o yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o go_v on_o to_o confess_v he_o still_o joh._n 9_o 22_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v once_o and_o again_o by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n not_o to_o speak_v nor_o teach_v any_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v first_o threaten_v and_o afterwards_o imprison_v and_o three_o beat_v by_o they_o for_o so_o do_v yet_o do_v they_o not_o submit_v nor_o forbear_v but_o daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n act._n 4._o 19_o 20_o 21._o act._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 29_o 40_o 42._o paul_n be_v accuse_v first_o before_o festus_n and_o afterwards_o before_o felix_n the_o roman_a deputy_n that_o he_o be_v a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazaren_n who_o also_o have_v go_v about_o to_o profane_v the_o temple_n do_v not_o only_o appeal_v to_o cesar_n but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o course_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v that_o the_o jew_n kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o their_o own_o prophet_n and_o persecute_v the_o apostle_n and_o please_v not_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o man_n act._n 24._o 5_o 6._o act._n 25._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o 3._o this_o submission_n dethron_v jesus_n christ_n who_o only_o have_v power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o bind_v they_o by_o his_o authority_n by_o attribute_v such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o church-judicatoric_n as_o do_v bind_v man_n conscience_n upon_o their_o mere_a arbitrement_n and_o pleasure_n for_o we_o must_v be_v subject_a because_o they_o will_v have_v it_o so_o though_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o command_v this_o subjection_n to_o wit_n our_o suppose_a delinquency_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la ens_fw-la and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o truth_n and_o equity_n if_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o bind_v because_o the_o judgement_n be_v still_o leave_v free_a and_o the_o outward_a act_n only_o restrain_v we_o will_v have_v our_o brethren_n to_o remember_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o do_v oppose_v conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n do_v tell_v the_o prelate_n and_o their_o party_n when_o they_o use_v this_o defence_n against_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o wit_n that_o if_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n then_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o restrain_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a then_o be_v christian_a liberty_n take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o in_o thing_n necessary_a such_o as_o keep_v fellowship_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n etc._o etc._o the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v thing_n command_v of_o god_n unto_o person_n due_o qualify_v and_o instruct_v thereunto_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n cease_v to_o be_v oblige_v duty_n to_o such_o a_o person_n hic_fw-la et_fw-la nunc_fw-la and_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n command_v he_o to_o abstain_v lose_v he_o from_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o do_v otherwise_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n we_o desire_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o such_o doctrine_n as_o that_o which_o prefer_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v man_n than_o god_n shall_v the_o sole_a will_n and_o mere_a pleasure_n of_o man_n lose_v a_o man_n from_o the_o obligation_n he_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n if_o so_o let_v we_o no_o more_o blame_v the_o pope_n for_o dispense_v with_o divine_a law_n i_o can_v abstain_v from_o take_v christ_n body_n and_o blood_n or_o from_o preach_v the_o gospel_n say_v the_o innocent_a man_n unjust_o sentence_v because_o i_o be_o thereunto_o call_v and_o command_v of_o god_n but_o say_v the_o synod_n or_o kirk-judicatory_n we_o have_v command_v you_o to_o abstain_v and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v abstain_v and_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o your_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v because_o our_o command_n lose_v you_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n hence_o a_o four_o argument_n 4._o this_o submission_n conclude_v a_o man_n under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n by_o omit_v those_o necessary_a duty_n that_o be_v command_v he_o of_o god_n upon_o a_o non-relevant_a reason_n to_o wit_n the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v no_o power_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n no_o power_n to_o destruction_n but_o to_o edification_n 5._o if_o such_o a_o submission_n be_v due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o be_v not_o also_o due_a unto_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o authoritative_a and_o juridical_a power_n belong_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n be_v threefold_a dogmatic_a diatactick_a and_o critic_n dogmatic_a in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v down_o and_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o heresy_n error_n and_o corruption_n therewith_o diatactick_n in_o reference_n to_o external_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o matter_n circumstantial_a relate_v to_o time_n place_n and_o person_n the_o conveniency_n whereof_o be_v determinable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n such_o as_o these_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o order_n and_o decency_n etc._n etc._n critic_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o repress_n of_o scandal_n error_n heresy_n schism_n obstinacy_n and_o contempt_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n and_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o exercise_v the_o spiritual_a
censure_n of_o admonition_n suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n excommunication_n and_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n from_o the_o ministry_n now_o all_o these_o power_n be_v authoritative_a and_o in_o their_o determination_n and_o exercise_v confine_v unto_o and_o circumscribe_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n we_o will_v desire_v from_o our_o brethren_n a_o reason_n why_o the_o critic-power_n shall_v be_v more_o bind_v than_o the_o other_o or_o why_o submission_n be_v due_a to_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n proceed_v from_o the_o critic-power_n while_o it_o be_v not_o due_a to_o any_o erroneous_a or_o corrupt_a decree_n proceed_v from_o the_o dogmatic_a or_o diatactick_a power_n have_v god_n put_v more_o honour_n and_o respect_n upon_o the_o last_o than_o upon_o the_o two_o first_o or_o have_v he_o give_v great_a latitude_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o last_o nor_o of_o the_o two_o first_o or_o be_v the_o last_o bind_v by_o thâ—…_z mere_a will_n and_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n whilâ—…st_v the_o two_o fiâ—…st_v bind_v only_o when_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o our_o brethren_n do_v so_o judge_v we_o desire_v to_o know_v where_o these_o foundation_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o power_n be_v write_v or_o what_o they_o do_v bring_v for_o they_o from_o the_o book_n of_o god_n or_o how_o in_o reason_n they_o can_v consist_v when_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o two_o first_o and_o if_o this_o submission_n be_v equal_o due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o all_o the_o three_o then_o if_o they_o shall_v determine_v that_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o be_v a_o error_n that_o communion_n under_o both_o kind_n be_v not_o necessary_a that_o kneel_v be_v a_o necessary_a gesture_n at_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o forbear_v work_v on_o yuleday_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o holy_a and_o such_o like_a we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o profess_v nor_o preach_v nor_o act_v conâ—…rary_a to_o these_o their_o determination_n which_o be_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o word_n before_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v upon_o our_o soul_n the_o dreadful_a gospel-curse_n of_o his_o deny_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o before_o his_o father_n and_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 10._o 33._o mark_n 8._o 38._o luke_n 26._o 6._o but_o upon_o supposal_n that_o this_o submission_n be_v not_o due_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o external_a order_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o dogmatic_a and_o diatactick_a power_n in_o themselves_o yet_o the_o assert_n of_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n shall_v also_o necessary_o infer_v the_o assert_n of_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o external_a order_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n 1650._o do_v declare_v that_o a_o great_a company_n and_o faction_n of_o wicked_a man_n son_n of_o belial_n be_v subject_n may_v and_o aught_o in_o the_o case_n of_o necessity_n be_v employ_v in_o a_o christian_a army_n and_o covenant_v nation_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o country_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1651._o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o dogmatic-power_n approve_v of_o and_o ratify_v this_o doctrine_n and_o declaration_n and_o do_v withal_o by_o their_o critic-power_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o determination_n but_o shall_v oppose_v by_o profess_v or_o preach_v otherwise_o shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n we_o ask_v whether_o these_o censure_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n against_o these_o who_o profess_v otherwise_o or_o by_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n from_o the_o ministry_n against_o those_o who_o preach_v otherwise_o if_o this_o submission_n which_o be_v require_v be_v give_v to_o these_o censure_n will_v not_o necessary_o infer_v that_o they_o must_v not_o continue_v to_o profess_v or_o preach_v any_o more_o so_o and_o if_o this_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o dogmatic-power_n aswell_o as_o to_o the_o critic_n or_o let_v we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n who_o be_v depose_v and_o excommunicate_v for_o profess_v and_o preach_v and_o plead_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o consubstantial_a son_n of_o god_n or_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o person_n suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o depose_v from_o the_o ministry_n because_o of_o their_o profess_v and_o preach_v against_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n will_v not_o such_o submission_n to_o these_o sentence_n as_o exclude_v all_o counteracting_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o appeal_v necessary_o infer_v submission_n to_o the_o decree_n themselves_o so_o as_o the_o person_n censure_v must_v be_v silence_v and_o not_o profess_v nor_o preach_v nor_o plead_v any_o more_o for_o the_o one_o truth_n nor_o against_o the_o other_o error_n 7._o to_o wave_v a_o little_a that_o which_o concern_v private_a and_o particular_a person_n we_o offer_v it_o to_o consideration_n whether_o inferior_a kirk-judicatory_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o great_a and_o superior_a simple_o and_o absolute_o because_o they_o be_v great_a and_o superior_a or_o because_o the_o inferior_a have_v no_o intrinsical_a power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o in_o and_o wiâ—…h_a subordination_n to_o the_o great_a because_o great_a if_o so_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o all_o the_o inferior_a judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n congregational-eldership_n presbytery_n and_o provincial_a synod_n must_v befenced_a and_o act_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o all_o those_o civil_a court_n that_o have_v no_o intrinsic_a power_n in_o themselves_o but_o in_o and_o with_o subordination_n to_o the_o supreme_a civil_a magistrate_n be_v fence_v in_o his_o name_n and_o act_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n inferior_a kirk-judicatory_n be_v ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o they_o when_o they_o meet_v in_o his_o name_n and_o do_v adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n mat._n 18_o 18_o 19_o and_o if_o so_o shall_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n when_o wrong_a upon_o the_o matter_n oblige_v they_o to_o submission_n if_o a_o presbytery_n or_o a_o synod_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n do_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o procedure_n cast-out_a a_o heterodox_a and_o scandalous_a minister_n must_v they_o because_o the_o synod_n or_o general_a assembly_n do_v sustain_v his_o unjust_a appeal_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n again_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o lawful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o have_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o procedure_n admit_v a_o able_a orthodox_a godly_a man_n to_o the_o ministry_n must_v they_o because_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v cease_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o or_o own_v he_o for_o one_o of_o their_o number_n or_o as_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o ill-grounded_a truth_n that_o be_v common_o deliver_v by_o some_o divine_n write_v of_o synod_n that_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n be_v not_o corruptive_a privative_a or_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o single_a congregation_n but_o perfective_a acumulative_a and_o conservative_a thereunto_o 8._o what_o be_v deny_v jure_fw-la to_o oecomenick_a counsel_n and_o so_o lawful_o call_v prophet_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o nathan_n to_o david_n to_o paul_n to_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o 8._o can_v warrantable_o be_v give_v to_o general_a assembly_n if_o oecomenick_a counsel_n lawful_o call_v minister_n if_o nathan_n if_o samuel_n if_o paul_n if_o a_o angel_n teach_v or_o decree_v but_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v to_o counteract_v and_o to_o contradict_v gal._n 1._o 8._o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v to_o you_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o beside_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1._o 8._o therefore_o etc._n etc._n 9_o what_o be_v proprium_fw-la quarto_fw-la modo_fw-la to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n it_o can_v warrantable_o be_v give_v to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o not_o to_o be_v counteract_v nor_o contradict_v be_v proprium_fw-la quarto_fw-la modo_fw-la to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n these_o be_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n isa._n 8._o
all_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a or_o agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v assert_v to_o be_v at_o all_o of_o kin_n or_o alliance_n to_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v far_o from_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n the_o man_n who_o in_o a_o rave_v fit_a of_o a_o notional_a spirit_n first_o preach_v and_o afterward_o print_v those_o shrewd_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o northern_a prâ—…sbyterie_n and_o the_o roman_a papacy_n may_v haply_o think_v himself_o now_o justify_v when_o he_o hear_v so_o great_a pretender_n to_o that_o government_n minister_n by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n of_o they_o such_o ground_n for_o some_o part_n of_o that_o comparison_n if_o presbyterial_a government_n have_v as_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v than_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o must_v derive_v itself_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o christ_n reveal_a will_n about_o the_o constitution_n and_o essential_n of_o that_o government_n but_o we_o know_v no_o tittle_n in_o his_o book_n that_o say_v as_o our_o brethren_n say_v or_o from_o which_o what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n can_v be_v deduce_v by_o good_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o government_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v his_o house_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o house_n shall_v submit_v unto_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n without_o any_o counteracting_n though_o their_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o till_o our_o brethren_n prove_v thiâ—…_n they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o deny_v it_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o subjection_n and_o submission_n be_v corelative_n and_o that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o superior_a can_v no_o more_o actual_o subsist_v without_o the_o subjection_n and_o submission_n of_o the_o inferior_a than_o one_o relative_a can_v subsist_v withouâ—…_n its_o correlative_a but_o all_o church-power_n and_o authority_n be_v bound_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o edification_n only_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o subjection_n that_o be_v due_a thereunto_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n only_o and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o subject_a the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v sufficient_o acknowledge_v and_o preserve_v but_o say_v our_o brethren_n without_o this_o submission_n which_o they_o plead_v for_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o this_o we_o also_o deny_v because_o what_o be_v resolve_v and_o determine_v by_o kirk-judicatory_n in_o a_o right_a way_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o intrinsical_a lawfulness_n thereof_o â—…t_o be_v for_o matter_n god_n word_n and_o by_o virtue_n oâ—…_n the_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o brethren_n and_o friend_n counsel_v right_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o church-governor_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v a_o ministerial_a and_o official_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o assemble_v in_o his_o name_n in_o the_o respective_a court_n appoint_v by_o himself_o for_o govern_v his_o house_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v authority_n or_o a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o no_o consultative_a meeting_n have_v so_o whosoever_o resist_v their_o power_n when_o put_v forth_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n do_v not_o only_o sin_n by_o despise_v that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o by_o despise_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o their_o brethren_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o hold_v forth_o light_a unto_o they_o but_o do_v also_o sin_n by_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o kirk-judicatory_a model_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o clothe_v with_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v their_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o without_o this_o submission_n and_o subordination_n they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o unity_n and_o order_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v of_o a_o remedy_n by_o superior_a judicatory_n without_o this_o the_o refuse_v thereof_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v all_o union_n void_a so_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n propound_v upon_o their_o overture_n novemb._n 16_o 1655._o and_o in_o their_o represent_v pag._n 39_o sect._n 4._o and_o pag._n 47._o sect._n 3._o answ._n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n and_o language_n of_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n whilst_o they_o plead_v the_o pope_n visible_a headship_n and_o irrefragable_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o church_n to_o which_o all_o aught_o to_o submit_v without_o gainsay_v or_o counteracting_n the_o very_a thing_n that_o have_v set_v up_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o sit_v aâ—…_n god_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o enslave_v both_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o require_v of_o they_o subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o his_o dictate_v without_o examine_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n if_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o submission_n in_o all_o case_n without_o counteracting_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v live_v before_o we_o in_o corrupt_a time_n must_v all_o their_o preach_n and_o other_o act_n though_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v 〈◊〉_d be_v indeed_o to_o set_v up_o a_o power_n over_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d god_n a_o power_n for_o destruction_n and_o not_o for_o 〈◊〉_d that_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o sinful_a unity_n aâ—…_n order_n and_o teach_v a_o way_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n a_o ready_o to_o obtain_v peace_n with_o man_n but_o with_o 〈◊〉_d loss_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o waâ—…_n to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o house_n of_o goâ—…_n be_v not_o to_o harken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n anâ—…_n blood_n by_o set_v up_o the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o a_o laâ—…_n and_o establish_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o tyrannicaâ—…_n power_n over_o conscience_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v bâ—…_n tie_v to_o submit_v to_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n for_o goâ—…_n have_v say_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o iniquity_n that_o frametâ—…_n mischief_n into_o a_o law_n shall_v have_v no_o fellowship_n witâ—…_n he_o and_o therefore_o that_o may_v destroy_v unity_n anâ—…_n order_n it_o will_v not_o preserve_v it_o but_o to_o let_v the_o worâ—…_n of_o god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o rule_n and_o bond_n of_o unitâ—…_n and_o order_n have_v place_n gal._n 6._o 16._o and_o judicatory_n proceed_v according_a to_o this_o be_v a_o effectua_fw-mi remedy_n actu_fw-la primo_fw-la and_o objective_n as_o in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n albeit_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la there_o be_v nâ—…_n efficacious_a remedy_n in_o either_o word_n sacrament_n admonition_n suspension_n deposition_n excommunication_n presbytery_n synod_n or_o any_o ordinance_n the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v or_o can_v exercise_v without_o the_o effectual_a blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o appointer_n oâ—…_n these_o and_o concur_v therewith_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n shall_v person_n sentence_v unjust_o submit_v yes_o say_v our_o brethren_n for_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n what_o remedy_n then_o say_v we_o for_o preserve_v the_o truth_n they_o may_v appeal_v say_v they_o but_o say_v we_o they_o have_v appeal_v and_o have_v therein_o succumb_v what_o remedy_n now_o no_o remedy_n but_o that_o at_o one_o stroke_n the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v bear_v down_o and_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bury_v under_o the_o rubbish_n thereof_o
because_o one_o assembly_n will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o say_v our_o brethren_n how_o shall_v unity_n and_o order_n otherways_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v very_o well_o because_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v unjust_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v recognize_v and_o repeal_v if_o it_o be_v just_a and_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n if_o the_o person_n will_v not_o submit_v they_o be_v after_o due_a procedure_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o as_o those_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o so_o both_o unity_n and_o purity_n both_o order_n and_o truth_n be_v preserve_v will_v our_o brethren_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o order_n destroy_v christian-liberty_n and_o bring-in_n popish-tyranny_n it_o be_v christ_n order_n and_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n peace_n that_o every_o believer_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whether_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o whether_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v or_o submit_v or_o gainsay_v or_o counteract_v and_o what_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o no_o man_n can_v take_v from_o they_o their_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o and_o other_o church_n which_o as_o they_o affirm_v plead_v for_o this_o subordination_n and_o submission_n require_v by_o they_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n of_o the_o 16._o of_o november_n 1655._o they_o say_v that_o this_o submission_n have_v be_v establish_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n especial_o by_o the_o assembly_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o and_o practise_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1646._o in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n james_n morison_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkwall_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o judicatory_n and_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n ever_o since_o the_o late_a reformation_n until_o our_o present_a difference_n do_v arise_v and_o in_o their_o paper_n of_o the_o 24._o of_o novemb._n 1655._o they_o do_v cite_v for_o prove_v of_o this_o submission_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1647._o concerning_o the_o hundred_o and_o eleven_o proposition_n and_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrinâ—…_n therein_o contain_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o page_n and_o 43._o section_n of_o their_o representation_n they_o be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o tell_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n that_o their_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o this_o church_n nor_o we_o believe_v say_v they_o in_o any_o church_n where_o thâ—…_z officer_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o whatever_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n may_v do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a notwithstanding_o a_o appeal_n yet_o the_o appealer_n and_o inferior_a do_v always_o submit_v and_o sist_z their_o proceed_n till_o their_o cause_n waâ—…_n hear_v and_o try_v and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o both_o themselves_o and_o the_o prâ—…testing_a brethren_n be_v solemn_o engage_v to_o this_o submission_n at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o of_o her_o general_a assembly_n we_o do_v deny_v that_o ever_o they_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n or_o have_v declare_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a let_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n present_v unto_o the_o parliament_n and_o ratify_v by_o they_o in_o the_o year_n 1567._o bear_v witness_n artic._n 21._o concerning_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o council_n lawful_o gather_v the_o word_n be_v these_o so_o far_o as_o the_o council_n prove_v the_o determination_n and_o commandment_n that_o it_o give_v by_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n so_o sooâ—…_n do_v we_o reverence_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o but_o if_o man_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o council_n pretend_v to_o forge_v unto_o we_o new_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o to_o make_v constitution_n repugnâ—…ng_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o utter_o we_o must_v refuse_v the_o same_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o draw_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o only_a god_n to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n 1562._o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a ministry_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v that_o year_n sess._n 2._o that_o minister_n shall_v be_v subject_a in_o all_o lawful_a admonition_n as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n likewise_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o article_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o gen._n assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o march_n 1570._o sess._n 2._o concerning_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o the_o suspension_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o admit_v to_o function_n in_o the_o kirk_n charge_v of_o soul_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v for_o lawful_a cause_n in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n agree_v upon_o in_o divers_a precede_a general_n assembly_n and_o record_v in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o order_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n sess._n 9_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o which_o discipline_n the_o king_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o rank_n do_v then_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v which_o be_v also_o renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o it_o be_v express_o declare_v chap._n 7._o concerning_o eldership_n assembly_n and_o discipline_n that_o office-bearer_n be_v to_o be_v depose_v for_o good_a and_o just_a cause_n deserve_v deprivation_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o can_v cite_v more_o of_o this_o kind_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v other_o two_o testimony_n from_o very_o late_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o s._n andrews_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1642._o â—…ess_n 8._o in_o the_o overture_n for_o transplantation_n of_o minister_n do_v declare_v that_o no_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n shall_v pass_v a_o sentence_n for_o transportation_n of_o any_o minister_n till_o they_o give_v reason_n for_o the_o expediency_n of_o the_o same_o both_o tâ—…_n he_o and_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o the_o presbytery_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n that_o if_o they_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o reason_n give_v it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a if_o they_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v yet_o the_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n by_o give_v such_o reason_n before_o the_o pass_n of_o their_o sentence_n shall_v make_v it_o manifest_a that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la imperio_fw-la only_a but_o upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o edinburgh_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1647._o in_o their_o brotherly_a exhortation_n to_o their_o brethren_n of_o england_n do_v declare_v as_o follow_v we_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v our_o zeal_n for_o presbyterial_a government_n misunderstand_v as_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o any_o rigour_n or_o domineer_a over_o the_o flock_n or_o to_o hinder_v and_o exclude_v that_o instruct_n in_o meekness_n they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o which_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n hold_v forth_o or_o as_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o such_o to_o be_v entrust_v with_o that_o government_n as_o be_v find_v not_o yet_o purge_v either_o from_o their_o old_a profaneness_n or_o from_o the_o prelatical_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v to_o put_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a cloth_n into_o a_o old_a garment_n and_o so_o to_o make_v the_o rent_n worse_o or_o to_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n and_o so_o to_o lose_v both_o wine_n and_o bottle_n from_o these_o passage_n impartial_o consider_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v judge_v that_o as_o it_o be_v rigor_n and_o a_o domineer_n over_o the_o lord_n flock_n for_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o determine_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la â—…mperio_fw-la or_o without_o give_v a_o reason_n thereof_o from_o the_o word_n so_o when_o they_o do_v thus_o determine_v and_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o submit_v thereunto_o or_o acquiesce_v therein_o as_o to_o what_o be_v cite_v by_o our_o brethren_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n just_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o be_v among_o the_o praecognita_fw-la or_o praesupposita_fw-la of_o all_o those_o that_o do_v make_v or_o require_v obedience_n to_o law_n that_o they_o make_v and_o mean_v of_o just_a law_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o speak_v of_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v just_o suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n or_o intromet_v with_o the_o stipend_n belong_v to_o those_o kirk_n they_o serve_v at_o as_o do_v
class_n and_o synod_n and_o therefore_o we_o wonder_v that_o our_o brethren_n shall_v cite_v such_o testimony_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o new_a doctrine_n as_o do_v indeed_o make_v against_o it_o neither_o have_v our_o brethren_n be_v more_o happy_a in_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o in_o their_o representation_n that_o this_o practice_n of_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o church_n where_o the_o officer_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o in_o this_o church_n we_o have_v already_o tell_v they_o and_o for_o other_o church_n we_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o first_o four_o or_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o see_v whether_o many_o of_o the_o worthy_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o live_v of_o old_a such_o as_o athanasius_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o refuse_v submission_n to_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n and_o counteract_v thereunto_o not_o only_o by_o preach_v contrary_a to_o their_o determination_n but_o by_o preach_v and_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a function_n after_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n and_o excommunication_n pass_v against_o they_o and_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a shift_n for_o our_o brethren_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o synod_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o officer_n and_o of_o a_o constitution_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o these_o worthy_a man_n have_v no_o exception_n against_o the_o officer_n because_o of_o their_o office_n of_o bishop_n or_o such_o like_a they_o be_v such_o themselves_o nor_o against_o the_o constitution_n but_o their_o exception_n be_v against_o the_o heterodoxy_n and_o iniquity_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o sentence_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o do_v refuse_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n thereunto_o and_o do_v counteract_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n and_o though_o because_o of_o their_o so_o do_v they_o be_v then_o persecute_v and_o reproach_v by_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o of_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n of_o these_o time_n aâ—…_n the_o firebrand_n of_o the_o time_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o have_v their_o praise_n be_v among_o all_o sober_a and_o sound_a man_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o many_o generation_n and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o those_o who_o do_v persecute_v they_o for_o so_o do_v be_v and_o will_v be_v just_o condemn_v as_o man_n of_o a_o malignant_a spirit_n we_o remember_v to_o this_o purpose_n a_o observation_n of_o osiander_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o a_o council_n at_o antioch_n in_o which_o it_o be_v decide_v that_o if_o any_o ecclesiastical_a person_n shall_v without_o the_o advice_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n and_o chief_o of_o the_o metropolitan_a go_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o put_v up_o any_o grievance_n unto_o he_o he_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o not_o only_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n but_o from_o his_o proper_a dignity_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o church_n this_o canon_n say_v osiander_n be_v compose_v against_o holy_a athanasius_n for_o athanasius_n be_v expel_v by_o the_o arian_n have_v flee_v to_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n the_o young_a and_o bad_a from_o he_o obtain_v regress_n to_o his_o own_o church_n now_o this_o canon_n say_v he_o be_v very_o unjust_a which_o forbid_v that_o a_o bishop_n or_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v unjust_o oppress_v fly_v to_o his_o godly_a civil_a magistrate_n since_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o appeal_v to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n wicked_a nero_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n witness_n but_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o this_o place_n that_o bishop_n be_v very_o soon_o seek_v dominion_n say_v he_o yea_o tyranny_n over_o the_o church_n and_o over_o their_o colleague_n hist._n eccl._n cent._n 4._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 48._o pag._n 242._o the_o last_o part_n of_o their_o allegiance_n that_o both_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o they_o be_v solemn_o engage_v to_o this_o submission_n at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v by_o and_o give_v engagement_n to_o the_o prelate_n it_o have_v indeed_o too_o much_o truth_n in_o it_o that_o many_o of_o their_o number_n and_o haply_o some_o of_o the_o other_o also_o do_v at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n give_v these_o engagement_n for_o absolute_a and_o implicit_a submission_n to_o their_o ordinary_a the_o lord-prelate_n to_o which_o the_o submission_n require_v by_o our_o brethren_n as_o we_o shall_v afterwards_o show_v be_v too_o near_o a_o kin_n but_o that_o ever_o such_o a_o absolute_a unlimited_a submission_n be_v either_o require_v by_o presbytery_n or_o engage_v into_o by_o entrant_n since_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o prelate_n we_o do_v deny_v and_o be_v confident_a that_o our_o brethren_n can_v bring_v no_o relevant_a proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o the_o elect_n of_o minister_n condescend_v upon_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n march_n 9_o 1560._o where_o john_n knox_n be_v moderator_n sundry_a question_n be_v order_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o the_o intrant_fw-la to_o the_o ministry_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v and_o no_o other_o for_o substance_n the_o same_o that_o have_v be_v propound_v since_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638_o among_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v demand_v of_o he_o if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o he_o do_v most_o willing_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o wholesome_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o same_o church_n by_o which_o he_o be_v now_o call_v to_o this_o office_n and_o charge_n and_o that_o he_o do_v in_o god_n presence_n and_o they_o promise_v obedience_n to_o all_o admonition_n etc._n etc._n now_o what_o do_v this_o amount_v unto_o will_v our_o brethren_n say_v to_o such_o a_o subjection_n as_o they_o contend_v for_o the_o subjection_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v upon_o express_a supposal_n of_o slide_v and_o offend_v upon_o his_o part_n who_o promise_v the_o subjection_n upon_o which_o case_n the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v as_o much_o for_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n as_o the_o resolution_n brother_n be_v but_o if_o they_o will_v extend_v it_o further_o and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o brethren_n whether_o he_o have_v osfend_v or_o not_o they_o may_v as_o well_o and_o with_o more_o colour_n of_o reason_n say_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o oath_n not_o only_o to_o give_v subjection_n but_o also_o obedience_n to_o all_o their_o admonition_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a because_o there_o be_v no_o express_a limitation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n these_o qualification_n be_v as_o we_o say_v before_o among_o the_o praecognita_fw-la and_o praesupposita_fw-la of_o all_o such_o question_n and_o answer_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o express_v they_o except_o where_o there_o be_v ground_n of_o jealousy_n as_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o do_v plead_v against_o this_o submission_n so_o much_o contend_v for_o by_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n we_o shall_v set_v they_o down_o when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o these_o brethren_n their_o demand_n in_o order_n to_o union_n and_o peace_n the_o six_o thing_n that_o our_o brethren_n bring_v in_o for_o attest_v the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o project_n to_o subvert_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o enervate_a the_o power_n of_o church-judicatory_n by_o procure_v a_o order_n put_v the_o power_n of_o give_v testimony_n to_o entrant_n which_o be_v due_a to_o presbytery_n only_o who_o be_v authorize_v to_o judge_v of_o their_o call_n and_o to_o try_v and_o to_o ordain_v they_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o select_a person_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n declar._n pag._n 6._o we_o do_v somewhat_o wonder_v at_o our_o brethren_n mention_v of_o this_o and_o that_o in_o a_o paper_n pretend_v to_o earnest_a desire_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n 1._o because_o the_o whole_a land_n and_o their_o conscience_n know_v that_o that_o order_n be_v not_o embrace_v nor_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o protest_a party_n in_o scotland_n and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o name_n be_v in_o it_o give_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a in_o their_o conscience_n to_o close_v with_o it_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o themselves_o that_o
the_o reverend_a brother_n upon_o who_o they_o will_v cast_v the_o blame_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o other_o of_o both_o judgement_n be_v require_v by_o the_o lord_n protector_n to_o go_v to_o london_n where_o be_v demand_v he_o give_v his_o opinion_n that_o see_v there_o be_v a_o court_n establish_v in_o scotland_n for_o dispose_v of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n to_o such_o entrant_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o upon_o certificate_n shall_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o judge_n of_o that_o court_n whereby_o the_o judge_n be_v leave_v to_o a_o uncertainty_n who_o certificate_n to_o receive_v it_o be_v therefore_o fit_a in_o the_o present_a distraction_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o certificate_n shall_v be_v grant_v by_o a_o select_a number_n of_o both_o judgement_n which_o be_v embrace_v by_o my_o lord_n protector_n and_o his_o council_n and_o a_o ordinance_n pass_v for_o that_o effect_n and_o send_v to_o scotland_n when_o the_o reverend_a brother_n do_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v he_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o do_v not_o prosecute_v iâ—…_z any_o further_o and_o we_o wish_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n will_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o condescendency_n in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o may_v iâ—…_z not_o be_v true_o say_v that_o our_o brethren_n have_v do_v much_o more_o themselves_o for_o enervate_v the_o power_n of_o church-judicatory_n and_o bring_v the_o ministry_n into_o bondage_n by_o clandestine_a capitulation_n of_o they_o about_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o we_o need_v not_o to_o mention_v they_o but_o say_v they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o break_v that_o snare_n their_o lead_a man_n have_v again_o of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o these_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o seek_v a_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o church_n they_o project_v to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n puâ—…_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission_n though_o they_o know_v such_o a_o power_n be_v never_o give_v nor_o assume_v by_o such_o a_o judicatory_n but_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o great_a design_n thereof_o be_v not_o only_o to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n as_o they_o express_v in_o their_o desire_n but_o to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n who_o be_v the_o proposer_n of_o the_o overture_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o who_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o from_o the_o ministry_n what_o poor_a and_o weak_a premise_n be_v heâ—…r_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n or_o their_o lead_a man_n have_v of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o when_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v please_v to_o put_v in_o the_o hand_n first_o of_o a_o peculiar_a court_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n and_o afterwards_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o council_n the_o dispose_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n to_o such_o entrant_n as_o upon_o certificate_n shall_v be_v approve_v by_o they_o the_o protest_a brethren_n have_v represent_v the_o inconveniency_n of_o this_o thing_n unto_o his_o highness_n council_n in_o scotland_n and_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o impower_v to_o change_v that_o way_n do_v afterward_o by_o some_o of_o their_o number_n supplicate_v his_o highness_n that_o as_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o own_o law_n the_o like_a freedom_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o own_o uncontroverted_a act_n and_o constitution_n and_o that_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n may_v have_v full_a access_n to_o their_o stipend_n and_o maintenance_n conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n without_o any_o bond_n or_o engagement_n of_o a_o civil_a nature_n direct_o or_o indirect_o and_o that_o all_o the_o act_n of_o parliamenâ—…_n which_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n may_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o commission_n of_o able_a and_o godly_a man_n who_o know_v and_o understand_v our_o church_n affair_n nominate_v by_o his_o highness_n which_o may_v exercise_v the_o power_n which_o be_v former_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o plantation_n of_o church_n in_o scotland_n and_o also_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n anent_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n and_o law_n of_o the_o land_n precede_v the_o year_n 1651._o be_v there_o herein_o any_o thing_n faulty_a much_o less_o so_o heinous_o faulty_a as_o a_o attempt_n for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n yes_o say_v they_o there_o be_v a_o project_n in_o it_o to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission_n though_o such_o a_o power_n be_v never_o give_v nor_o assume_v by_o such_o a_o judicatory_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o desire_n which_o we_o have_v already_o set_v down_o do_v express_o bear_v that_o minister_n may_v have_v access_n to_o their_o stipend_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o iâ—…_z conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o do_v the_o last_o part_n express_o qualify_v the_o power_n which_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o plantation_n of_o kirk_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v according_a to_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n it_o be_v neither_o falsehood_n nor_o vanity_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n when_o they_o be_v charge_v as_o underminer_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o thiâ—…_n kirk_n to_o say_v that_o in_o their_o essay_n for_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v of_o these_o they_o have_v be_v nothing_o short_a if_o not_o somewhat_o beyond_o these_o man_n who_o challenge_v they_o and_o what_o though_o upon_o supposal_n of_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o ciuâ—…_n power_v not_o to_o alter_v the_o former_a way_n of_o disposinâ—…_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n they_o haâ—…_n desire_v that_o the_o dispose_n of_o minister_n maintenance_n may_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commissionâ—…_n be_v it_o a_o fault_n when_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v to_o bring_v it_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o desiâ—…_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o translation_n of_o the_o power_n in_o its_o exercise_n from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o who_o be_v not_o necessary_o divert_v with_o multiplicity_n of_o affair_n as_o the_o council_n be_v may_v more_o convenient_o attend_v it_o but_o say_v they_o the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n be_v not_o only_o call_v in_o question_n but_o pronounce_v null_a will_v that_o bring_v utter_a ruin_n to_o this_o church_n and_o to_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o they_o do_v our_o brethren_n think_v that_o the_o church_n and_o themselves_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o late_a assembly_n we_o wish_v the_o church_n and_o they_o too_o better_a foundation_n than_o such_o bow_v wall_n and_o totter_a fence_n but_o can_v not_o the_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o kirk_n have_v exercise_v that_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n have_v also_o stand_v we_o see_v no_o inconsistency_n between_o they_o next_o say_v they_o the_o design_n be_v to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o from_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v opposite_a to_o themselves_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v such_o discouragement_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n why_o have_v they_o so_o much_o practise_v it_o and_o frame_v the_o mischief_n thereof_o into_o a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v a_o burser_n in_o a_o divinitycollege_n or_o to_o wait_v upon_o a_o family_n much_o less_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n of_o these_o two_o late_a assembly_n but_o as_o concerning_o the_o man_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o protest_a brethren_n will_v have_v have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o maintenance_n put_v
no_o reason_n of_o â—…quity_n in_o they_o but_o their_o own_o mere_a arbitrament_n and_o pleasure_n or_o though_o there_o be_v iniquity_n and_o injustice_n in_o they_o dan._n 11._o 36._o and_o when_o subjection_n without_o gainsay_v be_v not_o only_o require_v of_o private_a and_o particular_a man_n but_o also_o oâ—…_n all_o inferior_a judicatory_n and_o even_o of_o these_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o lawful_a power_n and_o authority_n be_v not_o this_o the_o state-tyranny_n that_o be_v former_o exercise_v and_o 〈◊〉_d for_o by_o the_o malignant-party_n to_o which_o there_o be_v public_a opposition_n make_v by_o defensive_a arm_n that_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a man_n both_o politician_n and_o divine_n to_o be_v a_o lawful_a mean_n of_o a_o people_n preservation_n from_o the_o mine_n that_o be_v threaten_v by_o tyranny_n and_o shall_v we_o now_o set_v up_o a_o church-tyranny_n the_o mere_a will_n and_o abitrement_n yea_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o church-judicatory_n for_o law_n and_o require_v absolute_a submission_n thereunto_o not_o only_o of_o private_a and_o single_a person_n but_o of_o all_o inâ—…iour_a judicatory_n not_o allow_v the_o congrâ—…gational-eldership_n once_o to_o whisper_v against_o what_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o presbytery_n against_o what_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o synod_n or_o the_o synod_n against_o what_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n if_o then_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n will_v tyrannize_v what_o remedy_n be_v there_o or_o if_o they_o become_v corrupt_a how_o shall_v the_o ruin_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o persecution_n and_o oppression_n of_o these_o who_o desire_v to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v avoid_v have_v the_o minister_n and_o saint_n and_o court_n of_o jesus_n christ_n receive_v religion_n and_o his_o ordinance_n upon_o these_o term_n that_o if_o a_o superior_a court_n will_v have_v it_o so_o they_o shall_v all_o crouch_v down_o as_o ass_n under_o the_o burden_n and_o let_v they_o without_o gainsay_v they_o be_v now_o cudgel_v into_o silence_n by_o a_o sentence_n of_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o deposition_n or_o excommunication_n ruin_n church_n and_o minister_n and_o ordinance_n and_o professor_n and_o all_o the_o precious_a interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o such_o a_o submission_n be_v require_v in_o this_o case_n as_o though_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v nothing_o but_o weep_v and_o pray_v in_o secret_a how_o great_a tyranny_n be_v this_o and_o how_o remediless_a a_o way_n to_o ruin_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o our_o brother_n opinion_n if_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n of_o these_o thing_n because_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n only_o that_o they_o challenge_v this_o submission_n as_o due_a unto_o they_o we_o desire_v 1._o to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o such_o a_o submission_n as_o they_o do_v now_o plead_v for_o may_v be_v deny_v to_o church-judicatory_n that_o be_v unsound_a and_o what_o degree_n of_o unsoundness_n they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o before_o this_o submission_n can_v be_v warrantable_o deny_v unto_o they_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o by_o our_o brethren_n judgement_n as_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o be_v and_o authority_n of_o kirk-judicatory_n though_o they_o be_v corrupt_a not_o only_o in_o the_o particular_a determination_n to_o which_o submission_n be_v require_v but_o in_o many_o thing_n beside_o both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n this_o submission_n must_v be_v grant_v they_o because_o to_o deny_v it_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v and_o essence_n of_o the_o government_n how_o this_o shall_v be_v avoid_v we_o do_v not_o see_v unless_o they_o say_v that_o a_o church-judicatory_a that_o be_v unsound_a in_o any_o point_n of_o truth_n do_v lose_v its_o be_v and_o authority_n which_o we_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o say_v have_v in_o some_o of_o their_o paper_n charge_v it_o as_o heterodoxy_n upon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n 2._o as_o we_o shall_v be_v glad_a that_o they_o will_v confine_v this_o submission_n to_o sound_v judicatory_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o soundness_n only_o so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o so_o do_v we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o this_o import_v more_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o submission_n than_o the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v willing_a to_o yield_v to_o wit_v a_o submission_n to_o all_o sound_a determination_n and_o just_a sentence_n of_o the_o respective_a judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n without_o any_o counteracting_n because_o if_o it_o be_v give_v to_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n only_o that_o they_o be_v sound_a than_o be_v it_o only_o to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o when_o they_o be_v sound_a and_o right_a in_o their_o resolution_n and_o act_n which_o the_o protest_a brethren_n willing_o yield_v and_o be_v like_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n somewhat_o more_o we_o find_v they_o in_o their_o last_o paper_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n november_n 25._o 1655._o profess_v that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v only_o of_o particular_a person_n in_o thing_n of_o more_o private_a interest_n and_o personal_a concernment_n and_o of_o judicatory_n employ_v their_o power_n to_o ediâ—…ication_n in_o the_o current_n of_o their_o act_n they_o will_v not_o much_o contend_v about_o it_o but_o 3._o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v deny_v thaâ—…_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v now_o sound_a it_o be_v their_o sad_a complaint_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o pluâ—…ality_n of_o her_o judicaâ—…ories_n very_o much_o practicalâ—…_n unsoundness_n not_o only_o because_o of_o their_o not_o improve_n the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o bear_v down_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o also_o because_o of_o their_o abuse_n of_o they_o in_o many_o thing_n for_o a_o carry_n on_o of_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n from_o former_a integrity_n and_o purity_n and_o a_o course_n of_o persecution_n against_o godly_a minister_n and_o elder_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o land_n who_o can_v be_v consent_v to_o their_o backslide_n course_n therefore_o do_v these_o brethren_n conceive_v that_o they_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o refuse_v to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n judicatory_n whilst_o the_o power_n be_v in_o such_o hand_n because_o it_o be_v to_o betray_v themselves_o and_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o will_v of_o man_n we_o conclude_v this_o debate_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o submission_n that_o be_v due_a to_o church-judicatory_n with_o two_o testimony_n of_o man_n who_o be_v deserve_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v great_a and_o worthy_a asserter_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o divine-right_a of_o church-government_n who_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o that_o book_n treat_v of_o the_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o great_a assembly_n for_o their_o authoritative_a judge_v and_o determine_v of_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a and_o the_o divine_a right_n thereof_o do_v write_v thus_o it_o be_v grant_v say_v they_o that_o the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n in_o the_o world_n can_v require_v from_o the_o low_a a_o subordination_n absolute_a and_o pro_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la i_o e._n at_o their_o own_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o only_o in_o some_o respect_n subordination_n absolute_a be_v only_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o detest_v popish_a tyranny_n which_o claim_v a_o power_n of_o give_v their_o will_n for_o a_o law_n it_o be_v subjection_n in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v pleaded-for_a the_o straight_a rule_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o the_o holy_a scricpture_n we_o affirm_v to_o be_v regulam_fw-la regulatam_fw-la i_o e._n a_o rule_n to_o be_v regulate_v peace_n be_v only_o in_o walk_v according_a to_o scripture_n canon_n gal._n 6._o ver._n 16._o the_o other_o be_v of_o our_o countryman_n mr._n george_n gillespie_n in_o his_o assertion_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o sec._n part_n ch._n 2._o page_n 127._o we_o must_v distinguish_v say_v he_o betwixt_o a_o dependence_n absolute_a and_o in_o some_o respect_n a_o congregation_n do_v absolute_o depend_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n alone_o as_o the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n and_o of_o church-government_n for_o we_o accurse_v the_o tyranny_n of_o prelate_n who_o claim_v to_o themselves_o autocratorick_n power_n over_o congregation_n to_o who_o they_o give_v their_o naked-will_n for_o a_o law_n one_o of_o
themselves_o tell_v a_o whole_a synod_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o esteem_v that_o best_a which_o seem_v so_o to_o superior_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o the_o conscience_n for_o obey_v though_o the_o thing_n be_v inconvenient_a we_o say_v that_o congregation_n ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n yet_o not_o absolute_o but_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o constitution_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o christian_a discretion_n for_o a_o synod_n be_v judex_fw-la judicandus_fw-la and_o regula_fw-la regulata_fw-la so_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v blind_o obey_v whether_o the_o ordinance_n be_v convenient_a or_o inconvenient_a have_v now_o vindicate_v the_o protest_a brethren_n from_o the_o aspersion_n unjust_o cast_v upon_o they_o in_o that_o declaration_n and_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v accept_v thereof_o as_o contain_v right_a and_o fit_a foundation_n of_o union_n we_o have_v only_o to_o add_v that_o we_o know_v and_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o spirit_n that_o as_o the_o division_n of_o this_o church_n be_v among_o the_o deep_a wound_n and_o great_a affliction_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o next_o unto_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v more_o earnest_o desire_v than_o a_o sinless_a union_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v redeem_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n that_o shall_v not_o pollute_v their_o conscience_n and_o widen_v the_o breach_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o through_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n these_o brethren_n have_v a_o witness_n of_o their_o innocency_n and_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o the_o precious_a and_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n so_o we_o desire_v that_o none_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n will_v receive_v the_o accusation_n that_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o or_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o man_n of_o implacable_a spirit_n who_o hold_v up_o contention_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n but_o esteem_v they_o such_o as_o stand_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v seek_v and_o pursue_v such_o a_o union_n and_o peace_n as_o may_v be_v not_o for_o the_o destruction_n but_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n which_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o bind_v to_o and_o tender_a before_o their_o own_o person_n and_o ministry_n postscript_n after_o that_o this_o answer_n be_v send_v to_o the_o press_n the_o author_n of_o the_o declaration_n to_o which_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o reply_n together_o with_o several_a other_o brethren_n of_o their_o judgement_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o a_o extrajudicial_a way_n two_o month_n after_o the_o first_o publish_v thereof_o do_v resolve_v that_o the_o declaration_n shall_v be_v tender_v to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n of_o that_o judgement_n for_o their_o approbation_n and_o thereafter_o offer_v by_o they_o to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n and_o that_o their_o answer_n shall_v be_v desire_v thereupon_o whether_o the_o imputation_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v cast_v upon_o they_o by_o some_o synod_n refâ—…sing_v to_o declare_v themselves_o as_o to_o their_o approve_v thereof_o of_o which_o we_o have_v have_v a_o credible_a report_n or_o any_o other_o consideration_n do_v lead_v they_o hereunto_o we_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n 1._o that_o herein_o they_o have_v have_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o great_a pretension_n and_o profession_n unto_o the_o contrary_a in_o all_o their_o debate_n with_o the_o protest_a brethren_n a_o few_o private_a person_n have_v first_o without_o acquaint_v they_o with_o that_o paper_n or_o desire_v their_o approbation_n thereof_o publish_v the_o same_o as_o the_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v for_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o then_o ex_fw-la post_fw-la facto_fw-la a_o long_a time_n after_o it_o have_v go_v abroad_o material_o in_o their_o name_n to_o endeavour_v to_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o approbation_n thereof_o 2._o that_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o judgement_n have_v walk_v in_o a_o very_a different_a and_o dissonant_n way_n in_o order_n to_o that_o without_o justify_v the_o narrative_a 〈◊〉_d and_o other_o have_v approve_v the_o whole_a paper_n title_n and_o body_n as_o it_o stand_v and_o in_o these_o term_n tender_v it_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n 3._o that_o sundry_a of_o these_o brethren_n and_o presbytery_n of_o the_o resolution_n judgement_n who_o have_v approve_v and_o tender_v this_o paper_n to_o several_a of_o the_o protest_v brethâ—…en_v have_v do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o do_v more_o savour_n of_o the_o custom_n of_o litigious_a man_n than_o do_v beseem_v the_o gospel_n and_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o wit_n by_o civil_a notary_n and_o instrument_n require_v under_o their_o hand_n 4._o that_o some_o presbytery_n of_o that_o judgement_n have_v because_o of_o some_o protest_v brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n their_o refuse_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o condemn_v the_o practice_n and_o proposal_n mention_v in_o that_o declaration_n as_o contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o do_v dissent_n from_o the_o government_n itself_o beside_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o reply_n it_o may_v by_o these_o thing_n further_o appear_v what_o reason_n there_o be_v upon_o the_o one_o hanâ—…_n to_o hasten_v forth_o a_o answer_n to_o that_o paper_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o how_o small_a reason_n from_o the_o paper_n itself_o how_o lubâ—…ick_a ground_n from_o the_o dissonant_n proceed_n of_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n thereupon_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n have_v to_o embrace_v the_o same_o as_o a_o foundation_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n or_o if_o they_o do_v so_o in_o how_o great_a â—…_z cloud_n of_o uncertainty_n they_o must_v walk_v and_o what_o hard_a condition_n they_o must_v swallow_v finis_fw-la