a_o true_a representation_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n wherein_o a_o short_a and_o clear_a account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o they_o that_o own_o it_o the_o common_a objection_n against_o it_o answer_v and_o some_o other_o thing_n open_v that_o concern_v it_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n by_o a_o friend_n to_o that_o interest_n edinburgh_n print_v at_o the_o society_n of_o stationer_n print_v house_n in_o harts-close_a over_o against_o the_o throne_n church_n for_o george_n mosman_n bookseller_n in_o the_o parliament-close_a anno_fw-la dom_fw-la 1690._o a_o true_a representation_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n that_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o ordinance_n of_o god_n shall_v need_v a_o apology_n to_o be_v make_v for_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n for_o it_o proceed_v either_o from_o the_o ignorance_n or_o perverseness_n of_o men._n the_o principle_n and_o way_n of_o presbyterian_o have_v undergo_v the_o common_a fate_n of_o other_o of_o the_o part_n of_o that_o religion_n that_o christ_n have_v teach_v it_o be_v the_o sect_n every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o there_o have_v be_v no_o small_a stir_n about_o that_o way_n and_o this_o have_v proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o enmity_n against_o that_o curb_n of_o man_n lust_n and_o enormity_n that_o be_v in_o ungodly_a man_n and_o partly_o from_o want_n of_o knowledge_n of_o that_o way_n which_o even_o they_o may_v be_v under_o who_o study_n and_o thought_n be_v employ_v about_o thing_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o not_o about_o these_o matter_n though_o they_o be_v otherwise_o know_v and_o think_v man_n or_o from_o prejudice_n that_o their_o interest_n may_v fill_v they_o with_o to_o the_o hide_v of_o truth_n in_o this_o from_o their_o eye_n wherefore_o we_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v the_o vindication_n of_o this_o our_o profession_n with_o as_o much_o brevity_n and_o clearness_n as_o we_o can_v attain_v by_o first_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o what_o we_o hold_v 2_o dly_z take_v off_o the_o most_o material_a objection_n and_o these_o that_o be_v most_o common_a or_o reproach_n that_o be_v use_v against_o we_o for_o we_o have_v to_o do_v not_o only_o with_o man_n otherwise_o sober_a and_o judicious_a who_o differ_v from_o we_o but_o with_o many_o who_o temper_n practice_n and_o design_n be_v not_o such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n we_o desire_v as_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n so_o to_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o inquirer_n after_o truth_n but_o especial_o to_o stand_v right_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o majesty_n our_o gracious_a sovereign_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o king_n high_a commissioner_n and_o of_o the_o noble_a and_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n who_o we_o hope_v as_o nurse_n father_n to_o the_o church_n will_v own_v we_o in_o those_o way_n that_o the_o lord_n ow_v we_o in_o our_o principle_n we_o lie_v down_o in_o a_o few_o proposition_n fâ—rst_n we_o own_o christ_n the_o mediator_n as_o the_o only_a head_n over_o and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n and_o we_o disow_v any_o visible_a govern_v head_n over_o the_o church_n however_o pretend_v to_o act_v in_o subordination_n to_o he_o because_o we_o know_v none_o that_o he_o have_v give_v such_o commission_n to_o 2_o dly_z christ_n as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v give_v forth_o law_n whereby_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o house_n shall_v be_v manage_v and_o have_v not_o leave_v any_o nomothetick_a power_n in_o the_o church_n to_o make_v law_n for_o herself_o her_o work_n be_v to_o declare_v and_o execute_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o appoint_v new_a ordinance_n or_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n though_o he_o ought_v to_o give_v his_o civil_a sanction_n to_o what_o christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o may_v make_v law_n about_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v external_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v which_o be_v common_a to_o she_o with_o other_o society_n 3_o dly_z christ_n have_v appoint_v officer_n in_o his_o house_n and_o declare_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v qualify_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v their_o work_n as_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v please_v to_o appoint_v several_a extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a officer_n that_o be_v immediate_o call_v and_o extraordinary_o gift_v by_o himself_o as_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n by_o divine_a direction_n do_v immediate_o choose_v some_o by_o themselves_o for_o itinerant_a work_n either_o from_o among_o the_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v hic_fw-mi &_o nunc_fw-la their_o extraordinary_a power_n which_o officer_n we_o common_o call_v evangelist_n so_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o appoint_v any_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a officer_n except_o elder_n call_v also_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil_n 1_o 1._o of_o these_o elder_n some_o be_v to_o rule_v the_o church_n and_o also_o to_o teach_v she_o heb_n 13_o 7._o 17._o other_o only_a to_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o which_o also_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n and_o it_o be_v desuerude_v complain_v of_o by_o ambrose_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o century_n and_o there_o be_v few_o of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o first_o three_o century_n but_o they_o mention_v sentores_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la that_o represent_v the_o people_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o minister_n 4_o lie_v how_o the_o officer_n of_o god_n house_n shall_v be_v qualify_v be_v at_o length_n set_v down_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 2._o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v the_o name_n of_o all_o church_n ruler_n and_o deacon_n and_o tit._n 1._o 6._o 5_o lie_n their_o work_n be_v full_o set_v down_o both_o negative_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v entangle_v with_o worldly_a affair_n 2_o tim._n 2._o where_o have_v mention_v ordination_n of_o minister_n vers_fw-la 2._o he_o require_v they_o vers_n 3_o and_o 4._o as_o soldier_n to_o endure_v hardness_n and_o to_o be_v abstract_v from_o worldly_a business_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o much_o as_o their_o necessity_n do_v permit_v also_o positive_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v direct_v in_o this_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o and_o particular_a direction_n be_v give_v about_o preach_v and_o that_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 2._o censure_n 1_o cor._n 5_o 4._o 5._o 2_o thess._n 3._o 14._o ordination_n 2_o tim_n 2._o 2._o two_o tim._n 5._o 22._o 6_o lie_n in_o all_o these_o minister_n and_o elder_n have_v no_o lordly_a authority_n over_o the_o people_n but_o must_v act_v as_o christ_n servant_n and_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o yet_o they_o have_v real_a and_o proper_a though_o ministerial_a authority_n under_o christ._n 7_o lie_n it_o be_v not_o only_o of_o divine_a authority_n natural_a that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n anarchy_n and_o confusion_n in_o any_o society_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v positive_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o this_o he_o have_v express_o commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o his_o servant_n and_o that_o for_o bind_v and_o lose_v retain_v and_o remit_v of_o sin_n the_o authoratative_a inflict_v of_o censure_n whereby_o the_o man_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v free_a from_o guilt_n and_o that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v discern_v 8_o lie_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o species_n of_o this_o government_n be_v not_o leave_v indifferent_a to_o man_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n or_o the_o church_n to_o choose_v but_o be_v determine_v by_o christ_n and_o reveal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v what_o officer_n shall_v be_v in_o his_o house_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v choose_v and_o authorize_v viz._n by_o election_n and_o ordination_n what_o shall_v be_v their_o qualification_n and_o work_n how_o they_o shall_v manage_v their_o work_n and_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o common_a that_o the_o apostle_n commit_v the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n to_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o and_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o community_n 1_o cor_n 5_o 2_o cor._n 2._o and_o not_o to_o one_o person_n even_o in_o their_o own_o time_n be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n for_o this_o their_o example_n be_v declarative_a of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n where_o no_o peculiar_a reason_n appear_v for_o their_o action_n 9_o lie_n this_o government_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o commit_v to_o magistrate_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o ordain_v nor_o deprive_v minister_n or_o elder_n nor_o to_o excommunicate_v or_o to_o relax_v
from_o that_o sentence_n nor_o to_o administer_v or_o manage_v any_o part_n of_o that_o work_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a society_n nor_o to_o appoint_v how_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v but_o he_o have_v commit_v it_o to_o the_o church_n guide_v minister_n and_o ruling_n elder_n for_o to_o they_o be_v all_o the_o direction_n about_o it_o give_v in_o the_o word_n not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o heb._n 13_o 17._o they_o do_v manage_v it_o for_o diverse_a hundred_o of_o year_n when_o there_o be_v no_o magistrate_n that_o do_v own_o or_o countenance_n christianity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o hint_n in_o scripture_n nor_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o can_v evince_v that_o this_o power_n shall_v devolve_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n when_o he_o shall_v become_v christian_a neither_o be_v any_o direction_n give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n how_o he_o shall_v administer_v any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n 10_o lie_n yet_o we_o own_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la legis_fw-la upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v not_o only_o to_o provide_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o church_n and_o to_o procure_v her_o peace_n and_o unity_n by_o all_o good_a mean_n as_o repress_v of_o heresy_n schism_n and_o other_o disorder_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o not_o blind_o to_o execute_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o may_v require_v all_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o do_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o he_o may_v when_o the_o case_n require_v convocat_n synod_n and_o indict_v time_n of_o fast_v and_o thanskgive_n though_o for_o these_o we_o assert_v a_o intrinsic_a power_n in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o privative_a but_o cumulative_a for_o we_o maintain_v a_o twofold_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n one_o as_o god_n over_o all_o man_n in_o which_o the_o magistrate_n be_v his_o vicegerent_n another_o as_o mediator_n over_o the_o church_n as_o such_o in_o which_o he_o have_v depute_a no_n magistratical_a but_o only_o ministerial_a power_n we_o hold_v also_o that_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o churchman_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v punish_v when_o they_o transgress_v the_o law_n 11_o lie_n this_o ministerial_a govern_v power_n in_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o commit_v to_o all_o the_o member_n nor_o to_o all_o the_o male_n thereof_o but_o have_v make_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n between_o ruler_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o scripture_n mention_v already_o 12_o lie_n the_o lord_n have_v equal_o entrust_v all_o his_o servant_n the_o minister_n not_o only_o with_o the_o power_n of_o dispense_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o also_o with_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o by_o his_o appointment_n and_o acoord_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o and_o best_a age_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v and_o be_v do_v in_o common_a by_o minister_n act_v in_o parity_n and_o not_o by_o a_o single_a prelate_n set_v over_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v accknowledge_v by_o most_o and_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o our_o prelatic_a brethren_n and_o must_v be_v so_o by_o all_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o plead_v for_o a_o divine_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n beside_o that_o neither_o name_n direction_n or_o reproof_n give_v to_o church_n guide_v in_o scripture_n do_v import_v any_o such_o imparity_n of_o power_n nor_o be_v their_o any_o footstep_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n to_o infer_v this_o disparity_n of_o power_n from_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v most_o inconsequential_a they_o be_v universal_a extraordinary_a unfixed_a and_o temporary_a officer_n who_o the_o lord_n immediate_o call_v and_o abrogate_a their_o office_n with_o their_o death_n in_o that_o he_o neither_o call_v other_o to_o succeed_v in_o that_o power_n nor_o give_v any_o hint_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n it_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v the_o church_n be_v once_o govern_v monarchical_o by_o a_o visible_a head_n viz._n while_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n ergo_fw-la it_o shall_v be_v so_o still_o which_o no_o protestant_n will_v aver_v the_o argument_n in_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kidney_n they_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o unfixed_a officer_n and_o so_o no_o precedent_n for_o after_o time_n neither_o can_v any_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n word_n not_o be_v often_o use_v proper_o in_o that_o mystical_a book_n and_o we_o know_v that_o theologia_n symbolica_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentativa_fw-la beside_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o thyatyra_n be_v certain_o a_o community_n be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n revel_v 2._o 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 13_o there_o be_v no_o disparity_n of_o power_n among_o minister_n by_o christ_n grant_n of_o power_n to_o they_o no_o man_n can_v make_v this_o disparity_n by_o set_v one_o over_o the_o rest_n neither_o can_v they_o devolve_v their_o power_n on_o one_o of_o themselves_o for_o christ_n have_v give_v no_o such_o warrant_n to_o man_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o ordinance_n as_o they_o see_v fit_a and_o power_n be_v delegated_a to_o they_o by_o he_o they_o can_v so_o commit_v it_o to_o another_o to_o exercise_v it_o for_o they_o as_o to_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o it_o also_o it_o be_v not_o a_o licence_n only_o but_o a_o trust_n of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n they_o must_v perform_v the_o work_n by_o themselves_o as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a but_o we_o must_v contract_v not_o be_v now_o dispute_v but_o assert_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o defend_v as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v 14_o we_o assert_v presbyterial_a government_n to_o be_v so_o of_o divine_a right_a as_o we_o can_v make_v no_o composition_n with_o man_n about_o it_o though_o none_o shall_v be_v more_o condescend_v to_o they_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v in_o what_o be_v consistant_fw-la with_o truth_n and_o necessary_a duty_n than_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o alike_o so_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o for_o some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n as_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o law_n and_o censure_n of_o it_o and_o other_o of_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v also_o a_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n and_o meeting_n for_o manage_v of_o it_o that_o one_o preside_v in_o they_o that_o lesser_a and_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n have_v their_o meeting_n as_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n for_o government_n that_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n and_o appeal_n among_o these_o to_o require_v positive_a assertion_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v every_o one_o of_o these_o though_o there_o want_v not_o scripture_n example_n and_o other_o hint_n to_o countenance_n several_n of_o they_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o bring_v a_o text_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o shall_v come_v in_o to_o the_o public_a assembly_n clothe_v and_o not_o naked_a in_o a_o usual_a and_o not_o in_o a_o antiquat_a garb_n 15_o whether_o the_o moderator_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o ruleiâ—g_a church_n meeting_n shall_v continue_v for_o one_o or_o more_o diet_n or_o for_o how_o long_o a_o time_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n not_o by_o any_o general_n dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n yet_o we_o judge_v a_o constant_a moderator_n high_o inconvenient_a and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v shune_v for_o it_o he_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o meeting_n it_o be_v a_o encroachment_n on_o their_o intrinsic_a power_n of_o govern_v themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o though_o choose_v by_o themselves_o fatal_a and_o constant_a example_n together_o with_o the_o inclinanation_n of_o man_n to_o usurpation_n do_v show_v it_o to_o have_v so_o violent_a tendency_n to_o lordly_a prelacy_n as_o rate_o do_v it_o fail_v or_o the_o bad_a effect_n nor_o can_v be_v expect_v not_o to_o issue_v in_o it_o we_o maintain_v that_o no_o church_n judicature_n ought_v to_o cognosce_fw-la of_o affair_n of_o state_n nor_o of_o man_n civil_a right_n or_o interest_n except_o their_o advice_n shall_v be_v seek_v by_o the_o magistrate_n concern_v sin_n or_o duty_n in_o any_o such_o matter_n as_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v manifest_o scandalous_a and_o evident_o dangerous_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n neither_o do_v they_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n save_o
spiritual_a censure_n their_o work_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o declare_v controvert_v truth_n to_o censure_v scandalous_a sinner_n to_o try_v and_o ordain_v minister_n to_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a by_o apply_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o such_o like_a wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o fear_n that_o they_o shall_v clash_n or_o cope_v with_o the_o magistrate_n unless_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o line_n in_o which_o case_n they_o fall_v under_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n 16_o the_o way_n how_o man_n come_v into_o any_o office_n or_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o election_n of_o the_o people_n which_o design_v the_o person_n in_o which_o election_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o regulation_n of_o the_o church_n guide_v and_o ordination_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o mean_a of_o communicate_v authority_n to_o he_o and_o the_o former_a of_o these_o aught_o to_o precede_v the_o latter_a for_o we_o find_v no_o warrant_n for_o a_o ministerium_fw-la vagum_fw-la in_o the_o church_n see_v even_o in_o time_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o none_o ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n 17_o though_o superintendency_n that_o be_v a_o power_n of_o inspection_n delegated_a from_o the_o church_n to_o one_o use_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o a_o qualify_a minister_n can_v hardly_o be_v have_v in_o a_o province_n he_o may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v appoint_v to_o oversee_v they_o who_o can_v do_v little_o more_o than_o read_v the_o word_n public_o that_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o bring_v qualify_v minister_n under_o that_o subjection_n in_o a_o constitute_v church_n where_o there_o be_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n competent_a number_n of_o minister_n if_o our_o principle_n be_v right_o understand_v we_o confident_o hope_v they_o will_v suge_a ground_n of_o answer_n for_o most_o of_o the_o objection_n make_v against_o we_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o intelligent_a and_o unbiased_a yet_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o afford_v some_o far_a light_n this_o way_n also_o 1_o it_o be_v object_v or_o rather_o we_o be_v reproach_v with_o by_o some_o that_o presbyterial_a church_n government_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o civil_a government_n answ._n 1._o a_o simple_a denial_n be_v enough_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o such_o bold_a asserter_n neither_o have_v the_o world_n yet_o see_v any_o topic_a except_o calumny_n whereby_o this_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v prove_v 2_o experience_n prove_v the_o contrary_a civil_a government_n be_v advantageous_o manage_v in_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o reform_a church_n with_o that_o discipline_n of_o christ_n house_n that_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o our_o own_o land_n be_v a_o confound_a instance_n that_o may_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o impundence_n itself_o wherein_o presbytery_n commence_v with_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n and_o continue_v with_o much_o peace_n till_o a_o bitious_a man_n by_o labour_v to_o unsettle_v it_o do_v disturb_v and_o at_o last_o overturn_v the_o state_n 3._o we_o have_v already_o show_v how_o we_o give_v to_o caesar_n that_o which_o be_v caesar_n and_o to_o god_n that_o which_o be_v god_n neither_o can_v our_o adversary_n make_v any_o power_n appear_v to_o be_v due_a to_o the_o magistrate_n but_o what_o we_o allow_v he_o indeed_o errastians_n do_v require_v for_o the_o magistrate_n some_o power_n that_o the_o presbyterian_o can_v approve_v of_o but_o this_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o we_o but_o common_a to_o all_o that_o assert_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o state_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o papist_n prelatist_n that_o be_v only_o such_o and_o independent_o as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v we_o 4_o our_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n in_o all_o their_o lawful_a command_n and_o our_o peaceful_a suffering_n of_o unjust_a violence_n be_v noâ—â—our_n to_o all_o that_o can_v behold_v we_o with_o a_o unprejudiced_a eye_n and_o if_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o contrary_a the_o disloyalty_n of_o some_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impure_v to_o all_o for_o what_o party_n of_o man_n have_v not_o afford_v such_o instance_n and_o where_o the_o peace_n be_v break_v by_o man_n of_o our_o way_n which_o be_v but_o a_o few_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o insupportable_a severity_n and_o hardship_n as_o even_o they_o can_v not_o have_v bear_v who_o blame_v other_o for_o that_o practice_n as_o late_a instance_n do_v make_v manifest_a 2_o it_o be_v next_o object_v that_o presbytery_n and_o monarchy_n be_v inconsistent_a no_o bishop_n no_o king_n at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o so_o adapt_v to_o monarchy_n as_o pre_n lacy_n be_v and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o mould_v as_o it_o may_v best_o sure_a that_o of_o the_o state_n answ._n 1_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o assertion_n and_o maxim_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v presbytery_n and_o monarchy_n have_v well_o consist_v in_o our_o own_o land_n and_o in_o france_n 2_o none_n maintain_v more_o loyal_a principle_n towards_o king_n then_o presbyterian_o do_v who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o fear_n god_n and_o honour_n the_o king_n and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a they_o can_v give_v he_o unlimited_a obedience_n but_o this_o be_v not_o as_o they_o be_v presbyterian_o but_o as_o they_o be_v man_n of_o conscience_n and_o will_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n which_o i_o hope_v the_o objecter_n will_v not_o say_v be_v peculiar_a to_o presbyterian_o if_o they_o do_v and_o plead_v for_o the_o public_a conscience_n as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v do_v to_o the_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o particular_a conscience_n in_o the_o action_n that_o be_v moral_a which_o be_v to_o introduce_v practical_a atheism_n they_o do_v not_o hurt_v our_o cause_n but_o their_o own_o 3._o our_o practice_n have_v also_o be_v loyal_a in_o abhor_v the_o murder_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o and_o in_o contribute_v the_o most_o effectual_a endeavour_n to_o restore_v his_o son_n and_o in_o own_v and_o submit_v to_o a_o king_n of_o a_o contrary_a religion_n so_o long_o as_o our_o religion_n and_o liberty_n be_v in_o any_o tolerable_a safety_n or_o the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v any_o way_n regard_v and_o what_o be_v then_o do_v be_v not_o by_o we_o alone_o 4_o it_o be_v bold_o allege_v but_o not_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n government_n shall_v be_v frame_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o state_n for_o that_o may_v be_v various_a but_o this_o be_v one_o and_o be_v so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o the_o civil_a government_n vary_v 3_o it_o be_v say_v that_o presbyterian_o encroach_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n by_o meddle_v with_o state_n affair_n answer_n 1_o our_o principle_n in_o this_o be_v already_o declare_v and_o whatever_o instance_n of_o former_a time_n this_o allegation_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v build_v on_o have_v their_o rise_n from_o statesman_n take_v the_o advice_n of_o church_n man_n in_o their_o assembly_n who_o sometime_o give_v advice_n contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o lead_a man_n of_o the_o state_n and_o if_o their_o zeal_n for_o a_o good_a interest_n lead_v they_o at_o any_o time_n to_o press_v their_o advice_n with_o reason_n and_o threaten_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o some_o excess_n do_v happen_v this_o way_n the_o blame_n lie_v on_o they_o who_o give_v the_o first_o rise_v to_o it_o beside_o this_o when_o the_o act_n of_o ruler_n have_v a_o manifest_a and_o direct_a tendency_n to_o lead_v people_n into_o sinful_a course_n such_o as_o impose_v of_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o engage_v people_n in_o a_o false_a religion_n who_o can_v be_v silent_a without_o unfaithfulness_n to_o god_n and_o cruelty_n both_o to_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o ruler_n and_o people_n another_o answer_n may_v be_v by_o retort_v this_o argument_n on_o the_o prelatic_a clergy_n do_v not_o bishop_n fit_a in_o the_o counsel_n and_o interpose_v direct_o and_o formal_o in_o affair_n of_o state_n which_o presbyterian_o never_o pretend_v to_o 4_o the_o rigidity_n of_o presbyterian_o be_v object_v answ._n 1_o can_v any_o man_n have_v the_o brow_n to_o compare_v the_o rigidity_n of_o presbyterian_o with_o that_o of_o either_o papist_n or_o prelatist_n either_o in_o bear_v with_o no_o dissent_n from_o their_o way_n even_o in_o the_o least_o matter_n and_o which_o themselves_o count_v indifferent_a or_o in_o the_o bloody_a and_o cruel_a way_n of_o persecute_v such_o as_o dissent_v by_o
the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o give_v such_o deference_n to_o â—â—em_v as_o they_o be_v general_o satisfy_v with_o the_o election_n and_o they_o may_v still_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o care_n of_o eldership_n and_o presbytry_n to_o do_v nothing_o that_o they_o can_v just_o complain_v of_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o no_o minister_n who_o regard_v his_o be_v useful_a or_o his_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n will_v enter_v into_o a_o place_n with_o the_o dislike_n of_o any_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o people_n either_o for_o number_n or_o quality_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o there_o be_v great_a division_n and_o tumult_n about_o election_n in_o and_o about_o the_o year_n 1650._o answer_n 1._o so_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o the_o advocat_n for_o patronage_n use_v as_o a_o argument_n against_o our_o opinion_n and_o yet_o that_o church_n do_v not_o think_v of_o such_o a_o remedy_n as_o put_v the_o election_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o single_a person_n nor_o of_o take_v it_o from_o the_o people_n 2._o at_o the_o time_n mention_v there_o be_v a_o lamentable_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n about_o other_o matter_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o appear_v in_o this_o matter_n also_o people_n be_v for_o choose_v minister_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sentiment_n with_o they_o about_o the_o thing_n then_o in_o controversy_n and_o this_o schism_n be_v industrious_o keep_v up_o and_o promote_v by_o the_o ruler_n that_o then_o have_v enslave_v this_o nation_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o make_v use_v of_o our_o faction_n to_o wreathe_v their_o yoke_n on_o our_o neck_n it_o be_v a_o wide_a consequence_n to_o infer_v from_o this_o that_o the_o privilege_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n shall_v alwise_o be_v take_v from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n 3._o when_o division_n appear_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o session_n or_o presbytery_n synod_n or_o general_a assembly_n and_o if_o it_o amount_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o interpose_v his_o authority_n these_o be_v the_o proper_a remedy_n of_o such_o division_n and_o not_o to_o deprive_v both_o party_n of_o that_o which_o be_v their_o right_n and_o christ_n grant_n to_o they_o because_o they_o can_v agree_v about_o it_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o compose_v civil_a contending_n about_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la if_o that_o which_o they_o con_v end_v about_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o both_o and_o give_v to_o a_o three_o person_n the_o better_a way_n be_v the_o judge_n competent_a be_v to_o decide_v in_o favour_n of_o he_o who_o be_v find_v to_o have_v the_o best_a right_a if_o arbitrator_n can_v compromise_n the_o matter_n so_o it_o be_v here_o another_o objection_n the_o 10_o be_v concern_v a_o question_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o this_o church_n under_o which_o it_o be_v judge_v necessary_a that_o the_o goverement_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o its_o first_o setlement_n in_o the_o hand_n only_o of_o they_o who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v true_o presbyterian_a before_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v object_v against_o this_o it_o may_v be_v nedful_a to_o lay_v down_o the_o case_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o what_o we_o desire_v result_v from_o it_o it_o be_v then_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v almost_o ever_o be_v presbyterian_a it_o receive_v that_o government_n with_o christianity_n and_o retain_v it_o while_o the_o antichristian_a doctrine_n and_o government_n prevail_v in_o other_o part_n as_o have_v be_v of_o late_o make_v appear_v and_o after_o it_o have_v be_v overrun_v by_o popery_n it_o be_v reform_v by_o presbyter_n and_o that_o government_n as_o it_o be_v found_v on_o scripture_n so_o it_o have_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n save_v that_o it_o have_v some_o short_a interruption_n which_o do_v always_o breed_v disquiet_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o people_n and_o trouble_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o suffering_n to_o some_o of_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o best_a of_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o when_o in_o the_o year_n 1662._o that_o government_n be_v suppress_v and_o prelacy_n set_v up_o by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n this_o deed_n be_v never_o consent_v to_o by_o the_o national_a church_n but_o presbytery_n as_o it_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n so_o continue_v and_o do_v continue_v settle_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n whence_o it_o may_v rational_o be_v deduce_v that_o the_o minister_n that_o enter_v by_o and_o under_o prelacy_n neither_o have_v nor_o have_v any_o right_a to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n they_o have_v have_v no_o call_v nor_o authority_n give_v they_o from_o she_o whatever_o they_o may_v have_v in_o another_o church_n that_o the_o state_n set_v up_o in_o the_o nation_n beside_o the_o church_n that_o then_o be_v in_o be_v from_o which_o a_o great_a body_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n do_v dissent_v which_o authority_n they_o be_v never_o suffer_v to_o exercise_v even_o in_o their_o own_o church_n it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o on_o this_o happy_a revolution_n the_o king_n and_o parliament_n have_v be_v please_v to_o abolish_v prelacy_n and_o have_v declare_v their_o resolution_n by_o their_o authority_n to_o settle_v presbyterian_a government_n from_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o prelatic_a clergy_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o share_n in_o this_o government_n except_o such_o of_o they_o as_o shall_v by_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n be_v find_v qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n and_o such_o from_o who_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n of_o overturning_a that_o government_n that_o now_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v establish_v for_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o presbyterian_a government_n can_v be_v safe_a in_o their_o hand_n or_o that_o they_o will_v not_o erect_v a_o prelacy_n in_o the_o church_n or_o something_o instead_o of_o it_o or_o some_o way_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o presbytery_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o there_o be_v many_o among_o they_o know_v to_o be_v insufficient_a scandalous_a or_o erroneous_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v purge_v of_o such_o if_o they_o have_v the_o government_n but_o rather_o there_o be_v a_o hazard_n that_o the_o best_a man_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o that_o by_o church_n authority_n lest_o they_o shall_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o design_n wherefore_o as_o they_o have_v no_o just_a right_o to_o such_o power_n so_o necessity_n which_o quicquid_fw-la coegit_fw-la defendit_fw-la do_v bar_v their_o exercise_n of_o such_o power_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n mean_o while_o presbyterian_o do_v declare_v that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v that_o all_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v restrain_v from_o the_o parochial_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o who_o ever_o among_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o church_n can_v be_v in_o case_n to_o purge_v herself_o be_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v insufficient_a scandalous_a erroneous_a or_o extreme_o negligent_a shall_v be_v cordial_o receive_v into_o her_o society_n and_o have_v the_o full_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o where_o uncontroverted_a scandal_n can_v be_v charge_v on_o they_o none_o shall_v be_v deal_v with_o as_o scandalous_a because_o of_o their_o have_v have_v a_o hand_n in_o this_o late_a public_a defection_n these_o thing_n thus_o lay_v down_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o be_v object_v against_o this_o course_n 1_o sy_n this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o prelacy_n among_o minister_n even_o while_o it_o be_v so_o much_o decry_v that_o a_o few_o shall_v have_v rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rest_n exclude_v answ._n it_o be_v no_o prelacy_n but_o a_o make_v distinction_n between_o minister_n of_o one_o society_n and_o thâ—se_a of_o another_o though_o they_o be_v minister_n they_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n they_o have_v depart_v from_o it_o we_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o good_a old_a way_n that_o they_o and_o we_o profess_v it_o be_v not_o then_o unreasonable_a that_o if_o they_o will_v return_v to_o that_o society_n they_o shall_v be_v admit_v by_o it_o and_o not_o be_v impose_v on_o it_o to_o overturn_v it_o at_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n be_v it_o a_o prelacy_n in_o the_o few_o protestant_a minister_n that_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o let_v the_o popish_a priest_n govern_v the_o church_n or_o do_v nehemiah_n and_o the_o jew_n pretend_v to_o any_o power_n over_o tobiah_n sanbaliat_n and_o their_o party_n that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o build_v with_o they_o pardon_v these_o comparison_n they_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o parallel_v our_o brethren_n with_o either_o of_o these_o sort_n of_o man_n except_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n more_o than_o those_o other_o be_v of_o the_o protestant_n or_o jewish_a church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v hazard_n from_o they_o to_o our_o way_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v from_o the_o other_o to_o their_o way_n obj._n 2._o by_o this_o mean_v the_o lesser_a party_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n shall_v exclude_v the_o great_a from_o the_o government_n ans_fw-fr this_n be_v not_o absurd_a where_o the_o great_a party_n have_v leave_v the_o church_n they_o be_v of_o and_o the_o lesser_a have_v abode_n in_o it_o or_o rather_o be_v leave_v as_o the_o constituent_a member_n of_o it_o and_o when_o that_o great_a party_n have_v set_v up_o another_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n which_o they_o be_v now_o force_v to_o part_v with_o when_o they_o will_v return_v to_o the_o former_a way_n they_o can_v incorporate_v again_o with_o they_o who_o abode_n in_o it_o without_o their_o consent_n especial_o where_o this_o consent_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v give_v on_o any_o tolerable_a security_n for_o the_o way_n that_o the_o lesser_a party_n do_v oâ—â—e_a and_o the_o other_o depart_v from_o obj._n 3_o what_o warrant_n be_v there_o for_o leave_v to_o these_o man_n the_o parochial_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o if_o see_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o teach_v and_o rule_v be_v quid_fw-la indivisum_fw-la answ._n there_o be_v two_o reason_n for_o this_o one_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o for_o such_o a_o critical_a interim_n as_o our_o lot_n be_v fall_v into_o may_v warrant_v that_o which_o out_o of_o such_o a_o exigence_n and_o for_o a_o constant_a continuance_n in_o the_o church_n be_v unwarrantable_a it_o be_v necessary_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o deprive_v of_o their_o labour_n lâ—st_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o country_n shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n it_o be_v as_o necessary_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o they_o have_v not_o rule_v power_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o pâ—esbyterians_n leave_v that_o government_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o which_o be_v now_o design_v to_o be_v settle_v be_v over-turned_n and_o we_o know_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o turbato_fw-la statu_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la such_o as_o we_o now_o be_v in_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v in_o paccato_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la statu_fw-la another_o reason_n be_v we_o do_v neither_o deny_v their_o teach_v nor_o their_o rule_v power_n yet_o teach_v be_v common_a to_o the_o one_o church_n way_n with_o the_o other_o we_o may_v well_o allow_v to_o they_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o among_o we_o while_o rule_v be_v different_a in_o their_o way_n and_o we_o and_o the_o principle_n that_o they_o hold_v in_o it_o be_v eversive_a of_o our_o way_n it_o be_v rational_a to_o deny_v they_o a_o share_n among_o we_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o far_a objection_n whatever_o inconvenience_n may_v seem_v to_o follow_v on_o this_o conduct_n may_v be_v answer_v by_o the_o force_n of_o necessity_n already_o hold_v forth_o and_o object_v by_o the_o speedy_a settle_v the_o church_n upon_o its_o right_a basis._n finis_fw-la license_v aprile_a the_o 18._o 1690._o
massacre_n inquisition_n horrid_a torture_n imprisonment_n fine_v and_o strange_a severity_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o presbyterian_o that_o can_v be_v once_o compare_v with_o the_o persecution_n that_o many_o in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n and_o elsewhere_o have_v late_o endure_v yea_o independent_o can_v compare_v with_o the_o moderation_n of_o presbyterian_o for_o they_o most_o of_o they_o will_v not_o communicate_v with_o any_o but_o of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o so_o with_o none_o but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o congregation_n which_o be_v far_o from_o our_o way_n as_o for_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n they_o own_v none_o for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o man_n of_o their_o own_o stamp_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v on_o good_a ground_n say_v that_o presbyterian_o be_v the_o most_o moderate_a of_o any_o party_n that_o pretend_v to_o religion_n 2._o that_o which_o man_n call_v rigidity_n in_o presbyterian_o be_v most_o against_o man_n immorality_n that_o be_v unquestionable_a such_o if_o other_o man_n be_v gentle_a to_o these_o it_o may_v recommend_v they_o to_o wicked_a man_n good_a like_n but_o will_v not_o render_v they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o strictness_n of_o discipline_n against_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v enjoin_v in_o scripture_n and_o we_o go_v not_o beyond_o the_o bound_n there_o set_v we_o rebuke_v such_o before_o all_o we_o do_v not_o punish_v they_o in_o their_o body_n or_o purse_n and_o our_o strictness_n fall_v very_o far_o short_a of_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o every_o one_o who_o have_v read_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n know_v both_o their_o catechumeni_fw-la be_v detain_v from_o church_n privilege_n and_o their_o penitent_n put_v to_o long_a and_o hard_a penance_n at_o another_o rate_n then_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v 3._o wherein_o lie_v the_o regidity_n of_o our_o discipline_n do_v not_o our_o minister_n deal_v with_o they_o who_o fall_v into_o scandalous_a sin_n with_o all_o meekness_n and_o tenderness_n admonish_v they_o lay_v before_o they_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o their_o way_n the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n the_o hope_n of_o mercy_n through_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v to_o the_o penitent_a it_o be_v our_o way_n even_o where_o the_o sinner_n be_v most_o obstinate_a and_o reject_v all_o advice_n to_o wait_v for_o many_o week_n before_o we_o proceed_v to_o excommunication_n that_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n if_o possible_a may_v be_v prevent_v we_o give_v public_a admonition_n three_o several_a lord_n day_n and_o sometime_o often_o we_o pour_v out_o prayer_n to_o god_n not_o only_o in_o secret_a but_o with_o the_o congregation_n as_o long_o that_o the_o sinner_n may_v be_v turn_v from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o after_o all_o this_o we_o use_v to_o wait_v patient_o for_o the_o man_n repentance_n if_o he_o appear_v penitent_a the_o sentence_n do_v not_o pass_v against_o he_o and_o after_o sentence_n be_v pass_v upon_o the_o harden_a sinner_n if_o afterward_o he_o show_v any_o sign_n of_o repentance_n how_o ready_o be_v he_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n again_o and_o we_o cheerful_o confirm_v our_o love_n to_o he_o and_o where_o church_n censure_n be_v use_v it_o be_v not_o for_o worldly_a matter_n not_o pay_v church_n due_n as_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o other_o not_o for_o small_a offence_n but_o for_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n 4._o for_o their_o severity_n towards_o such_o as_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o principle_n they_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n not_o to_o bear_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o to_o try_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n against_o error_n disorder_n and_o usurpation_n in_o the_o church_n and_o can_v understand_v how_o they_o who_o do_v not_o own_o presbyterial_a government_n shall_v be_v the_o manager_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v use_v that_o moderation_n and_o resolve_v to_o do_v so_o when_o opportunity_n shall_v be_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n as_o not_o to_o deny_v church_n communion_n to_o any_o sober_a and_o religious_a person_n though_o of_o a_o contrary_a sentiment_n to_o they_o in_o these_o inferior_a point_n of_o truth_n 5_o lie_n another_o objection_n be_v from_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o this_o way_n their_o want_n of_o that_o learning_n prudence_n and_o other_o good_a part_n that_o may_v fit_v they_o to_o manage_v so_o great_a a_o trust_n as_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n we_o know_v these_o be_v the_o diminutive_a thought_n that_o our_o adversary_n have_v of_o we_o and_o we_o have_v not_o such_o high_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o as_o to_o magnify_v ourselves_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_v as_o we_o hope_v we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n for_o our_o imperfection_n both_o in_o gift_n and_o grace_n yet_o we_o may_v and_o must_v be_v thus_o put_v to_o it_o say_v that_o there_o want_v not_o man_n among_o we_o who_o fall_v not_o short_a in_o ministerial_a qualification_n of_o they_o who_o have_v late_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o we_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o unbiased_a man_n yea_o even_o of_o some_o that_o be_v not_o of_o our_o way_n that_o these_o of_o the_o other_o party_n have_v no_o cause_n in_o their_o glory_v over_o we_o in_o this_o 2_o church_n government_n do_v not_o require_v any_o great_a degree_n of_o politic_a accomplishment_n a_o plain_a man_n who_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o scripture_n direction_n concern_v censure_n be_v fit_a to_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o a_o great_a statesman_n be_v 3._o any_o indiscretion_n that_o of_o late_a year_n have_v appear_v in_o our_o conduct_n may_v and_o shall_v be_v impute_v to_o our_o want_n of_o liberty_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n every_o one_o among_o minister_n and_o people_n do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o indiscreet_a person_n among_o we_o as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o party_n and_o even_o wise_a man_n in_o our_o circumstance_n can_v not_o shine_v some_o act_n that_o may_v seem_v indiscreet_a either_o to_o adversary_n or_o to_o less_o consider_v person_n 6_o lie_n the_o division_n of_o presbyterian_o be_v object_v answ._n 1._o where_o be_v these_o not_o to_o be_v find_v neirhe_a bishop_n nor_o pope_n have_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o from_o among_o their_o own_o party_n 2_o our_o division_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v or_o approve_v we_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o we_o labour_v to_o shun_v division_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o through_o grace_n have_v come_v to_o more_o unity_n than_o they_o who_o reproach_n we_o with_o our_o division_n 3._o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o we_o as_o we_o deny_v not_o that_o our_o mistake_v and_o corruption_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o they_o so_o we_o know_v that_o enemy_n be_v active_a to_o promote_v and_o heighten_v they_o which_o though_o it_o excuse_v not_o we_o a_o toto_fw-la yet_o it_o do_v a_o tanto_fw-it and_o put_v our_o enemy_n in_o mala_fw-la fide_fw-la to_o reproach_n we_o with_o they_o 4._o the_o unity_n that_o the_o prolatick_a party_n make_v in_o the_o church_n be_v like_o that_o of_o a_o conquer_a tyrant_n who_o behold_v all_o that_o oppose_v he_o slay_v before_o he_o there_o be_v peace_n to_o the_o king_n and_o haman_n when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o unity_n of_o some_o be_v a_o combination_n in_o error_n and_o the_o result_n of_o a_o conquest_n over_o man_n conscience_n that_o now_o dare_v not_o mutter_v against_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o their_o impose_v task-matter_n we_o think_v contend_v about_o truth_n more_o desirable_a than_o such_o peace_n it_o be_v know_v that_o our_o church_n enjoy_v such_o unity_n for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n as_o be_v celebrate_v by_o church_n abroad_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o preface_n to_o corpus_fw-la confessionum_fw-la till_o ambitious_a man_n begin_v to_o trouble_v she_o with_o their_o innovation_n and_o usurpation_n and_o so_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o division_n 7._o many_o object_n that_o if_o presbyterian_o get_v power_n they_o will_v force_v all_o to_o make_v public_a repentance_n who_o have_v own_a bishop_n take_v the_o test_n or_o other_o oath_n that_o they_o dislike_v ans._n our_o principle_n be_v that_o that_o public_a scandal_n ought_v to_o be_v public_o rebuke_v yet_o there_o be_v case_n in_o which_o the_o strickness_n of_o discipline_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v and_o must_v be_v relax_v i_o shall_v name_v two_o 1._o when_o the_o matter_n of_o offence_n be_v controvert_v and_o the_o sinful_a practice_n be_v from_o the_o misinformation_n of_o the_o
conscience_n where_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o the_o person_n appear_v conscientious_o to_o follow_v his_o light_n church_n discipline_n may_v then_o be_v forbear_v 2._o when_o the_o fault_n be_v universal_a either_o the_o whole_a or_o the_o great_a part_n or_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v guilty_a the_o rigour_n of_o censure_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v due_a be_v to_o be_v abate_v even_o the_o primitive_a church_n though_o very_o severe_a in_o discipline_n use_v a_o great_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o case_n when_o many_o or_o most_o have_v fall_v in_o persecution_n though_o the_o crime_n be_v of_o the_o high_a nature_n even_o deny_v the_o faith_n a_o general_a humiliation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v in_o stead_n of_o particular_a application_n of_o censure_n i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o fear_n from_o man_n of_o such_o moderate_a principle_n if_o in_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o we_o have_v be_v chargeable_a with_o excess_n as_o who_o can_v clear_v himself_o of_o all_o blame_n i_o hope_v our_o ripe_a thought_n study_n and_o suffering_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n on_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o and_o will_v engage_v we_o to_o let_v our_o moderation_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n consider_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o though_o we_o have_v be_v severe_o beat_v by_o our_o fellow_n servant_n yet_o we_o will_v stand_v in_o awe_n and_o be_v loath_a that_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v we_o so_o do_v to_o they_o 8_o lie_v some_o object_n that_o in_o this_o way_n minister_n may_v domineer_v over_o people_n even_o the_o great_a man_n at_o their_o pleasure_n answ._n beside_o that_o they_o must_v walk_v by_o the_o rule_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n and_o if_o they_o exceed_v that_o bound_n they_o may_v be_v curb_v by_o superior_a judicatories_n or_o if_o their_o insolence_n amount_v to_o the_o disturb_v of_o the_o peace_n the_o magistrate_n may_v restrain_v they_o we_o say_v beside_o this_o the_o minister_n do_v nothing_o alone_o but_o with_o the_o people_n representative_n the_o elder_n who_o may_v be_v of_o the_o noble_n or_o any_o other_o rank_n as_o they_o be_v qualify_v for_o that_o work_n and_o choose_v to_o it_o by_o the_o church_n some_o other_o objection_n be_v toss_v among_o man_n that_o talk_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v presbyterial_a government_n in_o general_n as_o some_o part_n of_o it_o or_o thing_n about_o it_o that_o be_v now_o in_o agitation_n the_o 9_o the_o objection_n then_o may_v be_v frame_v against_o the_o take_n away_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n by_o patron_n viz._n that_o if_o that_o be_v do_v man_n of_o note_n and_o interest_n in_o parish_n may_v be_v overrule_v by_o the_o multitude_n which_o often_o be_v ignorant_a and_o heady_a and_o have_v minister_n impose_v on_o they_o answ_n 1_o that_o patronage_n be_v a_o intolerable_a grievance_n and_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n on_o the_o church_n and_o have_v always_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o pester_v the_o church_n with_o a_o bad_a ministry_n and_o a_o temptation_n to_o intrant_n please_v the_o patron_n far_a than_o to_o his_o edification_n rather_o than_o to_o please_v god_n beside_o the_o simoniacal_a buy_n and_o sell_v of_o gospel_n ordinance_n that_o frequent_o and_o in_o all_o time_n have_v attend_v this_o device_n of_o man_n but_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o that_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a cross_v christ_n institution_n and_o a_o robe_v his_o people_n of_o the_o privilege_n he_o have_v bequeath_v to_o they_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v full_o prove_v elsewhere_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o inconvenience_n mention_v shall_v follow_v from_o take_v away_o of_o patronage_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o i_o hope_v move_v they_o who_o regard_n christ_n institution_n or_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n the_o salvation_n and_o edification_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v for_o their_o continuance_n 2_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n be_v apt_a to_o follow_v on_o popular_a election_n in_o other_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o in_o the_o first_o and_o best_a age_n till_o the_o seven_o or_o eight_o century_n or_o late_a patronage_n be_v not_o settle_v in_o the_o church_n they_o come_v in_o among_o the_o late_a antichristian_a corruption_n and_o usurpation_n the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v not_o so_o tender_a of_o their_o grandeur_n and_o such_o privilege_n as_o their_o rank_n in_o the_o world_n give_v they_o nor_o so_o little_a tender_a 〈◊〉_d the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o christian_n as_o such_o and_o if_o any_o such_o pretension_n appear_v to_o be_v own_v by_o the_o grandâ—â—â—_n of_o these_o time_n they_o meet_v with_o a_o severe_a check_n and_o that_o in_o lesser_a matter_n than_o acclaim_v a_o power_n of_o choose_v minister_n for_o the_o whole_a churchy_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o distinction_n even_o in_o 〈◊〉_d seat_n in_o their_o assembly_n that_o be_v make_v between_o the_o man_n with_o the_o gold_n ring_n and_o gay_a clothing_n and_o the_o man_n in_o vile_a raiment_n we_o be_v content_a to_o allow_v great_a man_n all_o due_a respect_n but_o not_o to_o compliment_v they_o with_o what_o be_v christ_n legacy_n to_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o we_o hope_v that_o they_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v content_a to_o stand_v on_o equal_a ground_n though_o we_o be_v far_o from_o aim_v at_o the_o level_a principle_n in_o other_o thing_n with_o their_o poor_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o church_n privilege_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o man_n as_o poor_a or_o rich_a as_o great_a or_o small_a but_o as_o they_o be_v christ_n disciple_n 3._o it_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o election_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o management_n of_o the_o confuse_a rabble_n though_o the_o mean_a adult_n male_a member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o assent_v or_o dissent_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o eldership_n and_o that_o under_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o by_o the_o presbytery_n where_o no_o congregational_a eldership_n be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o which_o elder_n it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o heâ—etors_n and_o man_n of_o interest_n in_o the_o paroch_n will_v be_v if_o they_o be_v tolerable_o qualify_v for_o and_o will_v undertake_v such_o a_o office_n and_o then_o they_o have_v a_o special_a hand_n in_o the_o election_n and_o can_v complain_v of_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o the_o eldership_n be_v to_o exclude_v from_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o election_n they_o that_o be_v scandalous_a gross_o ignorant_a heady_a and_o schismatic_a or_o any_o way_n disorderly_a and_o if_o division_n fall_v in_o the_o elder_n be_v judge_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o party_n and_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o hand_n and_o to_o ponder_v and_o weigh_v as_o well_o as_o to_o number_v the_o vote_n they_o ought_v also_o to_o exclude_v from_o vote_v in_o such_o election_n all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o fix_v member_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o to_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o the_o suffrage_n of_o they_o that_o be_v more_o fix_v and_o less_o on_o they_o that_o be_v otherwise_o caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la for_o though_o christianity_n make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n yet_o a_o fix_a abode_n be_v needful_a to_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o and_o to_o give_v a_o share_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o particular_a flock_n but_o how_o to_o limit_v this_o fixation_n be_v not_o easy_a for_o though_o some_o be_v manifest_o unfixed_a as_o servant_n and_o other_o be_v manifest_o fix_v as_o ancient_a inhabitant_n who_o be_v like_a to_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o place_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v a_o middle_a sort_n who_o can_v be_v determine_v by_o general_a rule_n but_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n to_o judge_v in_o this_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v great_a man_n need_v not_o fear_v have_v a_o minister_n obtrude_v on_o they_o especial_o if_o we_o add_v that_o man_n of_o interest_n usual_o be_v able_a to_o influence_n those_o that_o live_v under_o they_o or_o that_o do_v depend_v upon_o they_o 4._o in_o the_o time_n wherein_o patronage_n be_v take_v away_o by_o law_n man_n of_o interest_n and_o respect_n find_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o be_v â—â—â—â—osed_v upon_o but_o the_o church_n lay_v down_o such_o direction_n as_o may_v bâ—_n 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n august_n 4._o 1649._o sess_z 4â—_n and_o