he_o if_o we_o can_v clear_o demonstrat_fw-la from_o the_o word_n of_o this_o oath_n and_o from_o this_o expression_n that_o episcopacy_n be_v therein_o abjure_v must_v he_o not_o grant_v that_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o their_o after_o practice_n who_o take_v it_o will_v signify_v nothing_o since_o it_o can_v stand_v good_a against_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o obligation_n native_o result_v therefrom_o sure_o he_o can_v deny_v this_o else_o he_o will_v swallow_v monstrous_a absurdity_n and_o therefore_o unless_o he_o can_v disprove_v our_o argument_n which_o do_v prove_v prelacy_n to_o be_v abjure_v in_o that_o oath_n and_o by_o the_o word_n in_o their_o genuine_a sense_n he_o must_v grant_v that_o this_o practical_a argument_n will_v signify_v nothing_o 2._o he_o may_v have_v find_v that_o the_o apologist_n outshoot_v the_o surveyer_n and_o he_o as_o also_o the_o seasonable_a case_n in_o their_o own_o bow_n and_o break_v this_o argument_n with_o a_o wedge_n of_o their_o own_o set_n for_o whereas_o they_o allege_v that_o about_o a_o year_n or_o less_o after_o this_o covenant_n be_v impose_v and_o take_v king_n james_n ratify_v that_o aggreement_n at_o leith_n he_o retort_v that_o at_o the_o assembly_n 1581._o which_o have_v declare_v prelacy_n utter_o unlawful_a and_o without_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n the_o king_n commissioner_n present_v to_o they_o together_o with_o the_o covenant_n subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n a_o plot_n of_o presbytery_n to_o be_v erect_v by_o he_o through_o the_o kingdom_n together_o with_o his_o letter_n to_o nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n to_o be_v assistant_n therein_o and_o for_o dissolve_v prelacy_n to_o make_v way_n for_o these_o judicatories_n make_v up_o of_o minister_n and_o elder_n hence_o say_v he_o how_o can_v king_n james_n intend_v prelacy_n by_o this_o confession_n since_o the_o self_n same_o day_n a_o short_a time_n then_o half_a a_o year_n wherein_o this_o confession_n subscribe_v by_o he_o and_o 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there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o may_v have_v find_v that_o the_o apollogist_n tell_v he_o out_o of_o petry_n hiss_v pag._n 448._o that_o mr._n melvin_n in_o anno_fw-la 1584._o writing_n to_o divine_n abroad_o anent_o our_o church_n show_v they_o that_o three_o year_n since_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n be_v approve_v seal_v and_o confirm_v with_o profession_n of_o faith_n subscription_n of_o hand_n and_o religion_n of_o oath_n by_o the_o king_n and_o every_o subject_n of_o every_o state_n particular_o and_o that_o pag_n 570._o he_o show_v that_o when_o some_o minister_n anno_o 1604_o be_v accuse_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o lothian_n as_o to_o a_o design_n of_o overturning_a the_o government_n the_o synod_n present_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o as_o contain_v one_fw-mi abjuration_n of_o prelacy_n and_o a_o vow_n for_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o that_o mr._n forbes_n one_o of_o the_o empanel_v minister_n for_o hold_v that_o meeting_n at_o aberdeen_n in_o anno_fw-la 1605._o in_o his_o discourse_n to_o the_o gentleman_n of_o the_o assize_n show_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o national_a covenant_n to_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v read_v it_o to_o they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n if_o for_o fear_n or_o flattery_n they_o discern_v that_o to_o be_v treason_n which_o themselves_o have_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v who_o also_o desire_v the_o earl_n of_o dunbar_n to_o show_v the_o king_n what_o follow_v upon_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o oath_n to_o the_o gibeonite_n and_o that_o they_o fear_v the_o like_a shall_v fall_v on_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n the_o seasonable_a case_n pag_n 13._o acknow_v ledge_n that_o minister_n at_o that_o time_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o oblige_v against_o prelacy_n by_o the_o national_a covenant_n as_o well_o as_o we_o by_o the_o league_n in_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o this_o informer_n as_o for_o that_o which_o he_o add_v of_o beza_n intention_n in_o write_v against_o prelacy_n we_o speak_v to_o it_o already_o upon_o the_o first_o dialogue_n and_o see_v this_o man_n object_n to_o we_o beza_n here_o again_o we_o will_v offer_v to_o his_o consideration_n beza_n his_o 79._o epistle_n write_v to_o john_n knox_n and_o date_v at_o geneva_n aprile_a 12._o 1562._o wherein_o he_o say_v this_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n that_o you_o bring_v into_o scotland_n together_o with_o the_o sound_n doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o good_a discipline_n he_o obrest_n he_o to_o keep_v these_o two_o since_o if_o the_o one_o be_v lose_v the_o other_o can_v long_o continue_v thereafter_o he_o impute_v it_o to_o this_o cause_n viz_o the_o want_n of_o this_o pure_a discipline_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o many_o in_o judgement_n not_o in_o mercy_n then_o he_o add_v i_o will_v have_v thou_o my_o knox_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n remember_v which_o be_v now_o as_o before_o our_o eye_n that_o as_o the_o bishop_n bring_v in_o the_o papacy_n so_o these_o false_a bishop_n the_o relic_n of_o papacy_n will_v bring_v epicurism_n into_o the_o church_n let_v they_o beware_v of_o this_o whoever_o wish_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n and_o see_v you_o have_v once_o banish_v be_v out_o of_o scotland_n receive_v it_o never_o again_o albeit_o it_o do_v flatter_v with_o the_o show_n of_o retain_v unity_n whereby_o many_o of_o the_o best_a ancient_n be_v deceive_v see_v petry_n hist._n part_n 3._o pag._n 376._o the_o doubter_n next_o inquire_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o pope_n hierarchy_n he_o answer_v not_o all_o bishop_n but_o these_o who_o actual_o depend_v upon_o the_o pope_n and_o that_o all_o bishop_n can_v no_o more_o be_v understand_v than_o reform_a presbyter_n who_o renounce_v their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o hierarchy_n as_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n determine_v ans._n this_o be_v already_o remove_v when_o we_o do_v show_v that_o prelacy_n be_v here_o abjure_a simpliciter_fw-la and_o absoluty_n abstract_v from_o this_o dependence_n it_o be_v here_o abjure_v as_o other_o corruption_n be_v abjure_v not_o main_o or_o only_o because_o the_o pope_n bring_v they_o in_o as_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n in_o the_o year_n 1638_o clear_v it_o in_o their_o explanatory_a act_n and_o likewise_o the_o apollogist_n pag._n 396._o but_o as_o a_o corruption_n â—…ex_fw-la se_fw-la &_o sua_fw-la natura_fw-la of_o its_o own_o nature_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o pure_a receive_v doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o corruptious_a therein_o enumerat_a be_v call_v his_v such_o as_o invocation_n of_o saint_n dedication_n of_o altar_n etc._n etc._n because_o introduce_v by_o he_o not_o to_o distinguish_v these_o corruption_n from_o a_o lawful_a dedication_n of_o altar_n
perjurious_a usurpation_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n thereof_o may_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o a_o formal_a censure_n yet_o absolute_o to_o deny_v that_o in_o any_o imaginable_a case_n whether_o of_o the_o scandal_n and_o intrusion_n of_o the_o minister_n the_o church_n incapacity_n to_o censure_n or_o the_o people_n clamant_fw-la necessity_n and_o apparent_a advantage_n for_o their_o edification_n otherwise_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o own_v he_o still_o and_o that_o nothing_o but_o this_o declarative_a sentence_n can_v loose_v their_o tie_n will_v infer_v very_o dangerous_a consequence_n obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a reflection_n special_o that_o in_o performance_n of_o suppose_a duty_n flow_v from_o the_o tie_n and_o relation_n they_o will_v cross_v many_o scriptur-precept_n enjoin_v the_o contrary_a shall_v christ_n sheep_n follow_v the_o hireling_n and_o stranger_n and_o not_o beware_v of_o wolf_n and_o false_a prophet_n strengthen_v covenant_n breaker_n and_o schismatic_n because_o a_o perturb_a church_n can_v draw_v forth_o her_o censure_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o will_v open_v a_o door_n for_o separation_n since_o every_o one_o displease_v may_v pretend_v that_o scandal_n be_v of_o a_o highnature_n ans._n 1._o the_o sinful_a abusive_a pretence_n of_o man_n be_v a_o poor_a argument_n to_o infringe_v any_o truth_n or_o duty_n 2._o this_o absurdity_n may_v be_v retort_v in_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o under_o pretence_n of_o the_o man_n exterior_a call_n who_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v in_o a_o church_n disturb_a state_n censure_v christ_n sheep_n may_v as_o i_o say_v be_v give_v up_o to_o destroy_v wolf_n the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o their_o edification_n lose_v and_o their_o soul_n expose_v to_o most_o imminent_a hazard_n of_o perish_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o pure_a ministry_n and_o church_n free_a of_o their_o scandal_n and_o testify_v against_o they_o so_o that_o adherence_n to_o they_o rather_o than_o curate_n be_v only_o a_o non-union_n to_o corruption_n or_o a_o scandalous_a party_n of_o innovator_n who_o have_v go_v out_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o this_o church_n and_o such_o a_o separation_n negative_a or_o non-union_n as_o mr_n rutherfoord_n allow_v due_a right_n of_o presbyt_fw-la pag._n 253_o 254._o such_o as_o he_o say_v be_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o relation_n to_o the_o donatist_n in_o augustine_n time_n or_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o most_o and_o worst_a part_n not_o the_o least_o and_o best_a part_n as_o he_o there_o distinguish_v call_v the_o great_a corrupt_a part_n the_o schismatic_n as_o before_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o blaspheme_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o join_v to_o they_o rather_o than_o the_o gospel_n church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o which_o mr_n rutherfoord_n say_v convert_v be_v to_o adhere_v 3._o we_o have_v hear_v that_o according_a to_o our_o principle_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o reformation_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o schismatic_n from_o this_o church_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n of_o hold_v and_o mantain_v this_o church_n purity_n and_o union_n they_o be_v to_o be_v disow_v by_o god_n people_n our_o informer_n will_v grant_v that_o abstract_n from_o a_o minister_n be_v otherwise_o either_o censure_v or_o censurable_a he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v in_o a_o schismatic_a course_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n union_n but_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la to_o be_v leave_v for_o upon_o this_o ground_n he_o plead_v for_o disow_v presbyterian_a minister_n abstract_v from_o their_o be_v any_o otherways_o censure_v 4._o be_v there_o not_o many_o presbyterian_a minister_n neither_o convict_v nor_o censure_v and_o who_o he_o dare_v not_o call_v scandalous_a who_o conversation_n and_o walk_n be_v both_o convince_a and_o shine_v and_o such_o as_o discover_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o that_o they_o have_v the_o master_n seal_n and_o call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o 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say_v of_o judas_n but_o now_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o place_n his_o main_a objection_n and_o argument_n from_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o great_a exception_n may_v have_v be_v make_v against_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n math._n 23._o that_o they_o be_v â—…mies_n to_o christ_n neglect_a judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v proud_a hypocrite_n and_o that_o though_o all_o which_o naphtali_n say_v of_o conformist_n be_v true_a and_o all_o see_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o consequent_o that_o he_o give_v they_o no_o other_o character_n then_o what_o they_o put_v upon_o themselves_o and_o can_v more_o be_v charge_v with_o distemper_n for_o this_o than_o our_o bless_a lord_n in_o call_v these_o pharisee_n serpent_n and_o viper_n or_o paul_n in_o call_v the_o impostor_n of_o who_o the_o philippian_n be_v in_o hazard_n dog_n evil_a worker_n the_o concision_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o shame_n though_o they_o be_v as_o these_o pharisee_n gross_a in_o their_o life_n and_o there_o be_v leaven_n in_o their_o doctrine_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v disow_v since_o although_o the_o pharisee_n for_o doctrine_n teach_v the_o command_n of_o man_n and_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n christ_n in_o his_o sexmon_n on_o the_o mount_n purge_v the_o law_n from_o their_o corrupt_a gloss_n yet_o simeon_n and_o anna_n turn_v not_o separatist_n joseph_n and_o mary_n go_v up_o to_o keep_v the_o passover_n and_o christ_n bid_v bear_v they_o though_o with_o a_o câ—…veat_n 〈◊〉_d beware_v of_o their_o leaven_n and_o their_o ill_a example_n here_o he_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n to_o make_v a_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o pharisee_n and_o our_o preacher_n in_o long_a prayer_n and_o devour_a widow_n house_n compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v proselyte_n though_o we_o have_v give_v too_o much_o ground_n for_o these_o comparison_n ans._n 1._o to_o begin_v with_o this_o last_o invective_n which_o he_o insinuat_v and_o dr_n burnet_n prosecute_v at_o large_a in_o his_o trifle_a dialogue_n if_o i_o shall_v rejoin_v that_o its_o a_o foam_a out_o their_o oâ—…_n shame_n to_o make_v such_o comparison_n and_o render_v they_o too_o like_o these_o wander_a star_n to_o who_o this_o be_v attribâ—…_n it_o be_v no_o great_a overstreach_n dare_v he_o say_v that_o our_o lord_n do_v simple_o condemn_v long_a prayer_n because_o he_o condemn_v make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o or_o that_o faithful_a minister_n their_o travel_n to_o keep_v poor_a soul_n upon_o the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o our_o swear_a reformation_n and_o recover_v they_o from_o this_o plelatick_a corruption_n and_o apostasy_n be_v to_o proselyte_n they_o to_o be_v child_n of_o hell_n it_o may_v be_v with_o better_a ground_n aver_v that_o prelatist_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o either_o long_a or_o short_a prayer_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o plead_v for_o dead_a form_n and_o liturgy_n and_o who_o have_v dâ—…oured_v not_o widow_n house_n only_o but_o god_n house_n and_o church_n in_o this_o land_n and_o who_o compass_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o proselyte_n this_o poor_a church_n to_o the_o synagogue_n or_o rome_n be_v much_o like_a these_o precedent_n in_o the_o above_o mention_v character_n but_o 2._o to_o his_o argument_n the_o pharisee_n be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n corrupt_v in_o their_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o saint_n separate_v not_o from_o ordinance_n and_o christ_n allow_v to_o hear_v they_o this_o man_n may_v if_o he_o have_v be_v ingenuous_a have_v find_v this_o objection_n solid_o answer_v and_o remove_v by_o several_n i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o own_n of_o the_o pharisee_n ministry_n be_v here_o enjoin_v because_o 1._o the_o command_n of_o observe_v what_o they_o enjoin_v will_v not_o necessary_o infer_v this_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o moral_a philosopher_n or_o papist_n bid_v
we_o do_v under_o such_o like_a restriction_n and_o limitation_n upon_o which_o people_n be_v enjoin_v to_o observe_v what_o the_o pharisee_n prescribe_v we_o may_v observe_v what_o civil_a ruler_n bid_v we_o do_v but_o not_o own_v they_o as_o teacher_n 2._o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o context_n which_o seem_v utter_o to_o repugn_v to_o this_o inference_n that_o our_o lord_n enjoin_v the_o own_n or_o attend_v of_o their_o instruction_n as_o ecclesiastic_a teacher_n 1._o he_o bid_v beware_v of_o their_o leaven_n or_o doctrine_n math._n 16._o 12._o join_v they_o with_o sadducees_o who_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n and_o err_v fundamental_o sure_o not_o to_o hear_v they_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o evite_v their_o leaven_n 2._o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v priest_n pharisees_n since_o all_o the_o pharisee_n be_v not_o such_o as_o nieodemus_fw-la and_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n who_o be_v civil_a ruler_n and_o consequent_o any_o command_n to_o obey_v they_o will_v no_o more_o infer_v hear_v they_o preach_v than_o such_o a_o command_n as_o to_o council_n or_o parliament_n the_o thing_n command_v be_v not_o hear_v they_o as_o teacher_n but_o only_a obebiencâ—…_n which_o may_v be_v very_o proper_o enjoin_v as_o to_o civil_a ruler_n 3._o the_o quality_n ascribe_v unto_o they_o such_o as_o their_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n who_o be_v king_n in_o jesurun_n not_o aaron_n who_o be_v the_o py_a their_o love_v the_o chief_a seat_n in_o synagogue_n whereas_o if_o teacher_n their_o chief_a seat_n be_v know_v and_o appropriate_v to_o they_o their_o pay_a tithe_n whereas_o if_o priest_n tithe_n be_v payable_a to_o they_o these_o quality_n i_o say_v seem_v to_o import_v that_o they_o be_v not_o priest_n and_o teacher_n by_o office_n that_o hear_v of_o they_o or_o attend_v their_o ministry_n as_o such_o be_v enjoin_v hear_v of_o and_o attede_v their_o ministry_n as_o such_o 15._o 4._o christ_n bid_v let_v they_o alone_o which_o sound_v like_a own_o they_o not_o as_o teacher_n he_o call_v they_o blind_a leader_n of_o the_o blind_a nay_o he_o call_v they_o the_o stranger_n who_o voice_n the_o true_a sheep_n hear_v not_o but_o rather_o the_o true_a shepherd_n math._n 15._o 13_o 14_o joh._n 10._o 4_o 5._o and_o such_o as_o shut_v up_o heaven_n against_o man_n and_o hinder_v such_o as_o be_v enter_v all_o which_o seem_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o command_n of_o hear_v they_o 5_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o disciple_n as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n in_o this_o precept_n now_o its_o certain_a that_o neither_o the_o disciple_n do_v eyer_n hear_v they_o nor_o can_v they_o leave_v his_o ministry_n nor_o be_v it_o find_v that_o christ_n who_o come_v to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n teach_v they_o to_o do_v so_o by_o his_o example_n final_o the_o word_n of_o this_o precept_n have_v for_o their_o scope_n to_o engage_v to_o beware_v of_o the_o pharisee_n infectious_a evil_n so_o that_o this_o command_n to_o do_v &_o observe_v what_o they_o deliver_v as_o sit_v in_o moses_n seat_n which_o they_o do_v then_o possess_v be_v but_o by_o way_n of_o concession_n which_o suppose_v only_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v short_o to_o abolish_v and_o now_o will_v have_v improven_v for_o the_o best_a advantadge_n 2._o grant_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v i_o deny_v his_o consequence_n that_o therefore_o curate_n in_o this_o our_o case_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v also_o the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a and_o the_o disparity_n when_o clear_v will_v discover_v his_o consequence_n to_o be_v naught_o from_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o pharisee_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o conformist_n i_o offer_v it_o then_o in_o these_o particular_n 1._o these_o pharisee_n ministry_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o actual_o exclusive_a of_o and_o a_o direct_a intrusion_n upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o faithful_a teacher_n suppose_v they_o have_v chase_v away_o all_o israel_n lawful_a teacher_n and_o by_o perjurious_a violence_n thrust_v themselves_o into_o their_o room_n will_v our_o lord_n have_v bid_v own_o or_o hear_v they_o if_o our_o informer_n say_v so_o he_o will_v contradict_v himself_o and_o overturn_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o reason_n in_o this_o dialogue_n for_o he_o thnik_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o presbyterian_a minister_n be_v intrusion_n and_o thereupon_o plead_v for_o disow_v and_o not_o hear_v they_o 2._o he_o plead_v for_o own_v curate_n as_o christ_n ambassador_n clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n to_o deliver_v his_o message_n but_o christ_n do_v here_o at_o least_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v say_v from_o this_o text_n only_o enjoin_v to_o hear_v the_o pharisee_n interpretation_n and_o decision_n of_o that_o nation_n municipal_a or_o civil_a law_n anent_o the_o rule_n of_o external_a righteousness_n and_o civil_a policy_n which_o two_o be_v very_o different_a 3._o christ_n have_v guard_v the_o law_n from_o their_o corrupt_a gloss_n and_o the_o disciple_n from_o their_o snare_n show_v in_o this_o precept_n how_o to_o make_v the_o best_a advantage_n of_o that_o dispensation_n now_o ready_a to_o vanish_v away_o since_o he_o be_v short_o to_o erect_v a_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o remove_v all_o that_o legal_a dispensation_n and_o then_o none_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v but_o this_o man_n plead_v for_o disow_v our_o faithful_a send_v gospel_n minister_n under_o a_o stand_a relation_n to_o this_o church_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o christ_n stand_a command_n and_o commission_n to_o officiat_fw-la and_o this_o in_o favour_n of_o intrude_a hireling_n usurp_v their_o place_n and_o oppose_v these_o faithful_a ambassador_n in_o their_o master_n work_n and_o message_n now_o who_o see_v not_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o 4._o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_v opposition_n to_o a_o faithful_a body_n of_o teacher_n acknowledge_v and_o own_a by_o the_o sound_a church_n of_o israel_n and_o testify_v against_o they_o seek_v to_o root_v they_o out_o and_o together_o with_o they_o a_o reformation_n to_o which_o all_o have_v recent_o vow_v adherence_n 5._o there_o be_v no_o badge_n or_o test_n of_o compliance_n wâ—…b_v all_o their_o abomination_n particular_o appoint_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o ruler_n in_o this_o act_n of_o hear_v they_o as_o there_o be_v in_o our_o case_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o curate_n render_v as_o i_o say_v the_o not_o hear_v they_o and_o adherence_n rather_o to_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n testify_v against_o they_o a_o case_n of_o confession_n especial_o this_o difference_n will_v be_v apparent_a if_o our_o national_a vow_n and_o covenant_n express_o oblige_v to_o adhere_v to_o these_o faithful_a minister_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o and_o their_o course_n of_o backslide_v be_v due_o ponder_v next_o as_o for_o what_o he_o say_v of_o simeon_n and_o anna_n joseph_n and_o mary_n their_o attend_v the_o temple_n worship_n at_o that_o time_n as_o his_o argument_n there_o from_o be_v remove_v by_o what_o be_v say_v so_o to_o clear_v this_o further_a i_o add_v 1._o that_o its_o wide_a reason_n from_o the_o godly_a their_o lawful_a concurrence_n with_o that_o church_n now_o under_o the_o rust_n of_o old_a corruption_n in_o what_o be_v good_a and_o sound_a to_o our_o desert_v a_o sound_a church_n and_o ministry_n to_o comply_v with_o abjure_a corruption_n and_o schismatic_a innovator_n reintroduce_v after_o they_o have_v be_v cast_v out_o 2._o it_o be_v as_o wide_a reason_n from_o their_o not_o separate_v from_o god_n ancient_a church_n upon_o the_o ground_n of_o corruption_n to_o conclude_v against_o noncompliance_a with_o a_o party_n who_o be_v not_o our_o church_n though_o they_o usurp_v her_o name_n but_o be_v oppose_v and_o testify_v against_o by_o our_o true_a church_n and_o ministry_n we_o in_o this_o case_n as_o i_o have_v say_v do_v not_o separat_fw-la from_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n her_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o ministry_n but_o only_o from_o schismatic_a backslider_n from_o the_o union_n &_o reformation_n of_o this_o church_n but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o these_o old_a saint_n &_o worthy_n separation_n from_o the_o temple_n will_v have_v import_v a_o absolute_a separation_n from_o the_o ministry_n &_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o a_o word_n the_o utter_a impertinency_n of_o all_o his_o plead_n in_o this_o argument_n and_o from_o these_o instance_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o he_o suppose_v that_o its_o mere_o for_o conformist_n personal_a fault_n we_o disowne_v ordinance_n administer_v by_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v therâ—…_n by_o pollute_a which_o have_v no_o more_o truth_n in_o it_o then_o that_o its_o mere_o for_o presbyterian_a minister_n personal_a fault_n as_o pullute_v the_o worship_n that_o he_o plead_v for_o disow_v they_o but_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o present_a case_n and_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o stand_v he_o plead_v for_o disow_v presbyterian_a minister_n and_o they_o
all_o the_o weapon_n &_o wound_n of_o such_o as_o have_v impugn_a those_o principle_n and_o upon_o the_o debate_n about_o the_o covenant_n and_o separation_n the_o only_o present_v we_o with_o soomwhat_o of_o their_o old_a musty_a store_n who_o have_v appear_v in_o this_o cause_n of_o late_a who_o notion_n be_v more_o crude_a after_o all_o this_o man_n re-cocting_a a_o convince_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o conâ—…oction_n one_fw-mi indigestible_a error_n next_o i_o find_v some_o what_o more_o of_o a_o seren_a temper_n less_o of_o the_o sarcastic_a scold_a strain_n than_o what_o have_v tincture_v his_o fellew-actor_n upon_o this_o sceen_n who_o have_v brave_o scold_v it_o out_o against_o the_o presbyterian_o even_o to_o a_o non_fw-la ultra_fw-la of_o that_o thersites_z artifice_n although_o now_o and_o then_o he_o put_v out_o his_o little_a sting_n too_o this_o way_n in_o soom_n thing_n also_o his_o ingenuity_n deseru_v its_o praise_n in_o advance_v prelacy_n so_o near_o the_o pope_n mitre_n both_o in_o his_o plead_n from_o the_o jewish_a priesthood_n &_o from_o antiquity_n wherein_o he_o have_v purtray_v the_o beast_n in_o exacter_n lineament_n than_o soom_n moresmooth_a pleader_n his_o character_n of_o the_o term_n curate_n viz_o on_o that_o serve_v the_o cure_n though_o not_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o place_n and_o of_o their_o preach_n upon_o short_a text_n that_o it_o be_v a_o rack_a of_o the_o text_n and_o of_o their_o brain_n to_o find_v out_o matter_n be_v honest_a and_o apposite_a for_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v owe_v he_o thanks_o but_o thereby_o their_o doubt_n in_o the_o point_n of_o prelacy_n &_o the_o present_a separation_n be_v so_o strengthen_v and_o like_a to_o grow_v and_o especial_o by_o his_o feeble_a resolution_n that_o they_o very_o judge_v he_o shall_v never_o prove_v the_o aedipus_n but_o be_v in_o extreme_a hasart_n to_o be_v devout_v in_o this_o encounter_n &_o actaeon-like_a to_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o the_o kennel_n of_o his_o own_o pretend_a resolution_n and_o arguing_n retort_v and_o hunt_v back_o upon_o he_o they_o do_v also_o look_v upon_o the_o dialogize_a method_n so_o much_o please_v he_o &_o some_o of_o his_o fellow_n as_o a_o cover_n but_o now_o very_a dilucid_n and_o transparent_a to_o hide_v the_o childish_a sophistry_n of_o disguise_v the_o true_a state_n of_o question_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o presbyterian_a argument_n while_o they_o must_v fight_v with_o no_o weapon_n but_o of_o their_o adversary_n choice_n and_o measure_n when_o the_o knight_n enter_v the_o list_n with_o a_o huge_a invincible_a giant_n the_o encounter_n look_v very_o unequal_a and_o fatal_a like_a to_o the_o sprightly_a little_a combatant_n but_o the_o romance_n maker_n can_v so_o order_v the_o see_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v his_o adversary_n all_o a_o long_a and_o come_v off_o victorious_a our_o adversary_n have_v too_o long_o ridicule_v our_o serious_a theological_a debate_n with_o their_o playbook_n wherein_o they_o do_v but_o render_v themselves_o ridiculous_a what_o have_v the_o chaff_n to_o do_v with_o the_o wheat_n when_o will_v they_o offer_v a_o fair_a and_o formal_a enucleation_n of_o this_o controversy_n and_o discuss_v our_o argument_n long_o since_o offer_v unto_o they_o which_o do_v stand_v to_o this_o day_n unanswered_a how_o long_o will_v they_o beg_v principle_n beg_v concession_n and_o rear_v up_o soar_v like_o argument_n upon_o a_o chimaericall_a fundation_n and_o then_o accost_v their_o credulous_a hearer_n or_o reader_n with_o thrasonik_n boast_v and_o rhetorical_a rhodomontadoe_n which_o be_v as_o insipid_a and_o tastlesse_a to_o the_o discern_a as_o the_o artificial_a fruit_n to_o the_o hungry_a palate_n reader_n for_o the_o design_n of_o this_o undertake_n i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o although_o i_o have_v as_o little_a as_o many_o man_n covet_v such_o appearance_n yet_o have_v be_v persuade_v to_o be_v thus_o public_a upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o have_v casual_o meet_v with_o this_o pamphlet_n after_o it_o have_v for_o a_o considerable_a time_n travel_v up_o and_o down_o i_o judge_v it_o expedient_a to_o employ_v upon_o it_o some_o solitary_a hour_n wherein_o i_o be_v take_v offfrom_n other_o employment_n both_o to_o prevent_v languish_v and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o a_o friend_n who_o i_o high_o esteem_v as_o likeways_o to_o undeceive_v some_o simple_a and_o less_o discern_a reader_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v take_v with_o this_o piece_n which_o essay_n after_o a_o considerable_a time_n lurk_v come_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o welwisher_n to_o our_o zion_n i_o do_v at_o last_o yield_v to_o their_o importunity_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o publication_n whatever_o entertainment_n this_o may_v meet_v with_o and_o how_o keen_a soever_o the_o dart_n of_o malicious_a reproach_n may_v prove_v which_o be_v level_v at_o i_o hic_fw-la murus_fw-la aheneus_fw-la esto_fw-la i_o have_v this_o shield_n that_o i_o can_v say_v it_o before_o the_o heart_n searcher_n without_o heart_n condemn_v that_o as_o i_o intend_v herein_o a_o vindication_n of_o truth_n and_o duty_n and_o according_a to_o my_o measure_n and_o capacity_n to_o give_v this_o testimony_n for_o it_o to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o a_o poor_a afflict_a remnant_n contend_v for_o the_o same_o so_o in_o write_v these_o sheet_n i_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o father_n of_o light_n for_o his_o help_n and_o presence_n and_o dare_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o be_v find_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n according_o and_o in_o the_o perusal_n of_o what_o be_v here_o offer_v unto_o public_a view_n which_o be_v not_o at_o first_o direct_o my_o intention_n i_o will_v have_v thou_o look_v after_o these_o with_o other_o emprovement_n first_o thou_o may_v discover_v what_o a_o honourable_a cause_n we_o now_o contend_v for_o even_o the_o crown_n dignity_n and_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o glorious_a supremacy_n over_o his_o own_o house_n in_o appoint_v its_o officer_n law_n ordinantes_fw-la for_o the_o true_a frame_n of_o his_o tabernacle_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v upon_o the_o mount_n for_o that_o government_n of_o his_o house_n deliver_v in_o his_o perfect_a and_o glorious_a testament_n seal_v with_o his_o blood_n for_o fealty_n &_o loyalty_n to_o this_o king_n of_o king_n in_o keep_v his_o covenant_n into_o which_o this_o nation_n and_o church_n so_o solemn_o enter_v for_o the_o wall_n and_o bulwark_n of_o this_o city_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o antichristian_a underminer_n and_o invader_n thereof_o for_o these_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n upon_o the_o ancient_a ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o reformation_n so_o much_o now_o asperse_v by_o devour_a tongue_n the_o cease_v whereof_o in_o our_o zion_n ought_v to_o engage_v to_o sorrow_n and_o a_o lament_v after_o our_o provoke_v lord_n now_o hide_v himself_o from_o we_o enemy_n have_v often_o invade_v he_o upon_o his_o his_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o profess_a friend_n have_v not_o sincere_o aproach_v unto_o it_o next_o as_o to_o our_o adversary_n plead_v against_o we_o in_o this_o quarrel_n thou_o may_v discover_v first_o that_o they_o be_v snare_v as_o by_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n so_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o lip_n and_o fall_v before_o the_o rebound_n of_o their_o our_o argument_n this_o man_n plead_n against_o we_o especial_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o separation_n level_v so_o clear_o against_o himself_o that_o such_o who_o impartial_o read_v he_o upon_o his_o point_n may_v straight_o entertain_v this_o reflection_n it_o be_v hard_a for_o thou_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n and_o that_o its_o easy_a to_o pull_v this_o egyptian_n spear_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o kill_v he_o with_o his_o own_o spear_n second_o thou_o may_v see_v what_o monstrous_a issue_n they_o be_v drive_v unto_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o cause_n what_o a_o chain_n of_o contradiction_n &_o absurdity_n they_o have_v twist_v to_o wind_v themselves_o out_o of_o their_o inextricable_a labyrinth_n that_o they_o hatch_v cockatric_n egg_n obstinate_a maintain_n of_o one_o absurdity_n beget_v a_o hundred_o so_o true_a be_v that_o say_n &_o prophecy_n evil_a man_n shall_v wax_v worse_o &_o worse_o deceive_v &_o be_v deceive_v how_o palpable_o have_v they_o wrest_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o shift_v the_o conviction_n thereof_o and_o make_v some_o shift_n of_o answer_n how_o lax_n and_o absurd_a be_v their_o new_a principle_n in_o point_n of_o oath_n resolve_v their_o strength_n into_o the_o magistrate_n arbitrament_n and_o law_n beside_o other_o odd_a postern_n which_o they_o have_v open_v to_o escape_v allobligation_n thereby_o if_o their_o matter_n be_v not_o indispensable_o necessary_a which_o with_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n determine_v by_o the_o law_n what_o a_o monstrous_a chaos_n of_o more_o than_o infidel-barbarity_n and_o confusion_n
he_o beside_o will_v any_o say_v that_o the_o deacon_n join_v with_o these_o bishop_n in_o the_o period_n of_o this_o verse_n be_v not_o at_o philippi_n or_o belong_v to_o that_o church_n but_o with_o paul_n but_o they_o be_v mean_a man_n and_o their_o credit_n need_v not_o to_o be_v save_v by_o such_o a_o conceit_n as_o this_o all_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o father_n be_v â—…east_v these_o bishop_n at_o philippi_n be_v find_v mere_a presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n and_o how_o to_o ward_v off_o this_o blow_n hoc_fw-la opus_fw-la hic_fw-la labour_n ease_n well_o what_o further_o answer_v he_o he_o tell_v we_o nixt_v that_o other_o think_v they_o be_v bishop_n of_o thechurche_n about_o convene_v at_o philippie_a which_o paul_n know_v of_o salute_v they_o with_o the_o church_n since_o he_o first_o salute_v the_o saint_n as_o intend_v main_o to_o write_v to_o they_o and_o then_o the_o bishop_n so_o we_o see_v the_o prelatist_n sail_v every_o point_n of_o the_o compass_n to_o save_v the_o credit_n of_o these_o bishop_n if_o bishop_n can_v be_v get_v set_v beside_o the_o chair_n with_o paul_n when_o address_v the_o epistle_n this_o gloss_n stand_v clear_o antipod_n to_o the_o text_n the_o nixt_a shift_n be_v rather_o than_o these_o bishop_n be_v degrade_v to_o mere_a presbyter_n to_o send_v for_o some_o other_o bishop_n to_o philippi_n at_o this_o time_n of_o paul_n write_n that_o this_o casual_a mustere_n of_o bishop_n of_o other_o church_n may_v ward_v off_o the_o deadly_a blow_n which_o the_o cause_n will_v get_v by_o seat_v all_o these_o bishop_n at_o philippie_a as_o officer_n of_o that_o church_n and_o to_o compass_v this_o design_n they_o must_v be_v but_o occasional_o salute_v here_o and_o not_o as_o fix_v member_n or_o officer_n thereof_o upon_o the_o apostle_n information_n come_v to_o late_a to_o his_o ear_n from_o our_o informer_n and_o his_o fellow_n that_o there_o be_v several_a magnate_v there_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a presbyter_n at_o philippi_n but_o which_o also_o odd_a they_o must_v become_v so_o humble_a as_o to_o fall_v behind_o the_o saint_n the_o person_n main_o write_v to_o have_v our_o informer_n leave_v out_o this_o clause_n which_o notwithstanding_o his_o answer_n do_v require_v our_o prelate_n parliament_n order_n who_o be_v before_o because_o behind_o the_o most_o will_v have_v save_v their_o reputation_n still_o but_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v more_o ingenuous_a thodoret_n confess_v that_o presbyter_n be_v here_o understand_v because_o their_o can_v not_o be_v many_o bishop_n in_o one-city_n on_o philip._n 1._o oecumenius_n on_o philip._n 1._o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o there_o be_v many_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o presbyter_n bishop_n chrisost._n ibid._n acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n who_o be_v call_v thus_o because_o the_o name_n be_v then_o common_a and_o the_o bishop_n himself_o be_v call_v deacon_n and_o that_o the_o distinction_n of_o name_n come_v afterward_o this_o conjecture_n be_v sib_a to_o that_o other_o shift_n to_o take_v off_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o argument_n from_o act._n 20._o viz._n that_o these_o elder_n be_v not_o church_n officer_n of_o ephesus_n only_o but_o the_o bishop_n of_o all_o asia_n meet_v together_o at_o ephesus_n and_o send_v for_o by_o paul_n from_o thence_o least_o if_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n be_v find_v seat_v in_o these_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n at_o paul_n last_o farewell_n it_o break_v the_o diocesian_a prelate_n all_o in_o piece_n but_o as_o it_o be_v well_o reply_v that_o since_o paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o groundless_a conjecture_n to_o call_v they_o any_o other_o elder_n then_o of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o send_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hint_n in_o the_o text_n of_o any_o other_o elder_n there_o at_o that_o time_n so_o this_o fancy_n be_v as_o fond_a when_o apply_v to_o this_o passage_n and_o may_v receive_v the_o same_o reply_n what_o shadow_n of_o proof_n can_v be_v produce_v that_o therewere_n any_o other_o officer_n there_o at_o this_o time_n then_o the_o bishop_n or_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n and_o what_o logic_n i_o pray_v or_o sense_n be_v there_o in_o this_o inference_n that_o because_o the_o apostle_n first_o salute_v all_o the_o saint_n or_o the_o church_n collective_a in_o bulk_n and_o then_o the_o church_n officer_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n or_o the_o church_n representative_a in_o special_a that_o therefore_o he_o salute_v these_o church_n officer_n as_o casual_o there_o and_o not_o as_o officer_n of_o that_o church_n beside_o have_v the_o apostle_n salute_v they_o as_o casual_o present_a they_o will_v have_v be_v salute_v with_o every_o saint_n in_o christ_n chap._n 4_o 21._o rather_o then_o in_o the_o inscription_n the_o english_a annotation_n thus_o sense_n it_o that_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o whole_a ministry_n at_o philippi_n consist_v of_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v and_o deacon_n who_o not_o only_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o also_o assist_v the_o minister_n in_o their_o ecclesiastic_a function_n but_o our_o informer_n have_v a_o three_o answer_n wherein_o he_o grant_v that_o these_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v officer_n of_o this_o church_n and_o ask_v where_o be_v the_o roll_a elder_n here_o and_o if_o we_o say_v they_o be_v include_v in_o the_o word_n bishop_n than_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o upon_o better_a ground_n he_o can_v affirm_v that_o bishop_n here_o signify_v both_o the_o superior_a bishop_n and_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n who_o may_v be_v call_v bishop_n as_o well_o as_o epaphroditus_n be_v call_v one_fw-mi apostle_n answ._n 1._o our_o argument_n from_o this_o place_n and_o such_o like_a beside_o the_o scripture_n silence_v as_o to_o the_o diocesian_a bishop_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n bishop_n do_v therein_o stand_v so_o describe_v and_o qualify_v that_o it_o be_v impossibe_v to_o understand_v he_o of_o any_o other_o officer_n than_o a_o mere_a presbyter_n which_o be_v most_o manifast_a here_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o bishope_n can_v be_v at_o philippi_n as_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o if_o he_o grant_v that_o these_o bishop_n be_v officer_n of_o that_o church_n in_o philippi_n he_o must_v either_o say_v they_o be_v mere_a preebyter_n which_o be_v all_o we_o seek_v and_o the_o yield_a of_o his_o cause_n or_o he_o must_v prove_v that_o either_o here_o or_o else_o where_o the_o word_n episcopus_fw-la or_o bishop_n design_v the_o diocesian_a bishop_n and_o place_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o such_o bishop_n here_o against_o the_o old_a cannon_n particular_o that_o of_o nice_n but_o 2._o as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o rule_a elder_n it_o be_v utter_o impertinent_a and_o answer_v already_o we_o prove_v the_o roll_a elder_n office_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o preach_a elder_n by_o clear_a scripture_n ground_n and_o do_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n point_v out_o two_o sort_n of_o elder_n give_v they_o both_o this_o general_a name_n of_o elder_a &_o then_o distinguish_v they_o into_o such_o as_o rule_v and_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n but_o this_o informer_n will_v never_o prove_v that_o episcopus_fw-la or_o bishop_n design_n two_o sort_n of_o pastor_n a_o high_a and_o a_o low_a or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n of_o degree_n in_o the_o pastoral_a office_n so_o that_o he_o can_v include_v here_o his_o superior_a imaginary_a bishop_n of_o who_o office_n the_o scripture_n be_v utter_o silent_a as_o we_o may_v the_o elder_a in_o the_o bishop_n and_o till_o he_o make_v the_o diocessian_a prelate_n appear_v in_o scripture_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v that_o when_o minister_n be_v call_v bishop_n they_o get_v the_o proper_a specific_a designation_n and_o characteristic_a of_o their_o office_n &_o be_v not_o call_v â—…o_o in_o a_o general_a figurative_a sense_n or_o catachrestice_n as_o epaphroditus_n be_v call_v the_o philippian_n apostle_n or_o messenger_n but_o how_o viz._n their_o messenger_n send_v to_o paul_n who_o minister_v to_o his_o want_n phil._n 2_o 25._o so_o 2_o cor._n 8._o v._n 23._o titus_n and_o other_o be_v call_v the_o apostle_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o corinthianes_n viz_o as_o it_o be_v there_o inumar_n in_o that_o bussine_n of_o the_o collection_n for_o the_o saint_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o which_o end_n they_o be_v send_v to_o the_o corinthian_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n both_o in_o hold_v out_o the_o distince_n office_n of_o apostle_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o i_o hope_v our_o informer_n will_v not_o upon_o this_o ground_n make_v different_a degree_n of_o apostle_n as_o he_o do_v of_o pastor_n
eye_v so_o when_o a_o faithful_a minister_n be_v thus_o due_o call_v and_o settle_v people_n be_v oblige_v to_o own_o his_o ministry_n by_o a_o due_a attendance_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n administer_v by_o he_o which_o be_v all_o that_o decency_n union_n and_o order_n and_o that_o act_n of_o our_o church_n after_o mention_v do_v call_v for_o which_o notwithstanding_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o exclude_v all_o occasional_a usemaking_n of_o other_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o faithful_a minister_n which_o be_v as_o i_o say_v cross_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o believer_n interest_n in_o one_o another_o gift_n and_o grace_n but_o 4._o our_o question_n here_o be_v state_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o national_a church_n their_o apostasy_n &_o defection_n from_o our_o swear_a reformation_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o minister_n and_o professor_n adhere_v to_o their_o principle_n viz._n to_o which_o of_o the_o two_o party_n on_o this_o supposition_n people_n be_v to_o adhere_v in_o worship_n sure_o the_o lord_n palpable_a blast_v the_o backslide_a party_n their_o gift_n as_o to_o any_o save_a success_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a his_o as_o palpable_a own_n and_o seal_v with_o his_o blessing_n the_o ministry_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n be_v a_o loud_o call_v in_o this_o break_a state_n of_o our_o church_n and_o case_n of_o defection_n and_o persecution_n to_o come_v out_o from_o the_o one_o party_n and_o way_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o other_o so_o his_o doubter_n in_o this_o and_o the_o next_o objection_n shall_v have_v argue_v thus_o in_o this_o case_n of_o defection_n and_o overturning_a of_o our_o reformation_n god_n be_v please_v to_o seal_v with_o a_o palpable_a blessing_n on_o our_o soul_n the_o word_n from_o minister_n adhere_v to_o their_o principle_n we_o may_v safe_o look_v on_o this_o as_o a_o call_v from_o god_n to_o hear_v they_o rather_o than_o the_o prelate_n perjure_v hireling_n who_o ministry_n we_o have_v find_v palpable_o blast_v since_o they_o comply_v with_o â—…his_n course_n of_o perjurious_a back_n side_v and_o opposition_n to_o god_n work_n in_o this_o case_n certain_o its_o a_o argument_n very_o pungent_a and_o found_v on_o that_o of_o jer._n 3._o 31_o 32._o where_o the_o lord_n threaten_v the_o prophet_n who_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o err_v by_o their_o lie_n and_o lightness_n and_o who_o he_o have_v not_o send_v nor_o command_v though_o they_o prophesy_v with_o this_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o profit_v the_o people_n at_o all_o so_o the_o argument_n go_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o our_o church_n break_v and_o persecute_v state_n and_o a_o competition_n betwixt_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n and_o a_o party_n of_o schismatic_a innovator_n and_o overturner_n of_o our_o reformation_n will_v infer_v nothing_o against_o our_o church_n settle_a order_n under_o presbyterian_a government_n nor_o the_o assembly_n act_n 1647._o presuppose_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o gift_n but_o god_n save_v blessing_n attend_v the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o that_o practice_n plead_v for_o thereby_o now_o as_o to_o his_o answer_n it_o be_v palpable_a that_o it_o meet_v not_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o least_o and_o beside_o his_o exclusive_a gloss_n be_v very_o impertinent_a viz._n because_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v the_o best_a and_o edify_a gift_n fâ—…r_v ourselves_o in_o our_o siation_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v the_o best_a in_o other_o also_o what_o consequence_n be_v this_o sure_o the_o informer_n will_v not_o deny_v simpliciter_fw-la that_o people_n be_v to_o seek_v after_o the_o most_o edify_a minister_n and_o this_o will_v follow_v on_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o our_o edification_n which_o we_o be_v to_o design_n in_o seek_v the_o best_a gift_n in_o and_o for_o ourselves_o nay_o the_o one_o be_v the_o great_a mean_a subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o other_o a_o faithful_a edify_a ministry_n be_v god_n method_n for_o win_v to_o the_o best_a gift_n for_o myself_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o mean_a lead_n to_o this_o end_n fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o command_n to_o seek_v and_o covet_v the_o best_a gift_n so_o a_o great_a than_o he_o voetius_fw-la conclude_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o seek_v the_o best_a edify_a ministry_n on_o this_o ground_n de_fw-fr politeia_fw-la eccles._n pag._n 52._o and_o likewise_o on_o these_o scripture_n luk._n 8_o 18_o 1_o thess._n 5._o 22._o and_o remove_v objection_n to_o the_o cotraire_fw-fr his_o second_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o press_a unity_n and_o not_o to_o despise_v the_o mean_a gift_n more_o than_o the_o mean_a member_n and_o to_o avoid_v schism_n verse_n 25._o ans._n then_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o precept_n which_o we_o have_v explain_v seek_v the_o best_a gift_n be_v consistent_a with_o unity_n and_o avoid_v schism_n and_o consequent_o in_o this_o our_o case_n it_o be_v no_o way_n inductive_a to_o schism_n but_o consistent_a with_o a_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o mean_a gift_a minister_n who_o be_v faithful_a to_o withdraw_v from_o scandalous_a innovator_n who_o have_v already_o fix_v a_o schism_n in_o this_o church_n by_o oppose_v her_o swear_a reformation_n order_n and_o unity_n nay_o as_o matter_n now_o stand_v this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o keep_v our_o church_n union_n and_o integrity_n since_o this_o their_o course_n have_v such_o a_o clear_a tendency_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o her_o reformation_n and_o pure_a constitution_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n as_o be_v above_o clear_v his_o 3d_o answer_n be_v that_o edification_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n not_o in_o a_o way_n that_o mar_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o that_o though_o our_o sense_n of_o this_o general_a direction_n be_v grant_v it_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v ans._n let_v our_o swear_a establish_a reformation_n its_o principle_n rule_n and_o design_n sit_v in_o judgement_n and_o determine_v who_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o this_o church_n peace_n and_o order_n they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o this_o church_n privilege_v with_o a_o beautiful_a order_n of_o government_n pure_a gospel-worship_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n before_o prelacy_n be_v introduce_v well_o then_o the_o way_n to_o this_o church_n true_a peace_n union_n and_o order_n must_v be_v in_o oppose_v their_o pretend_a order_n who_o be_v let_v in_o the_o enemy_n and_o have_v break_v her_o wall_n and_o hedge_n many_o of_o they_o say_v and_o swear_v that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n of_o this_o church_n be_v a_o beautiful_a order_n unto_o which_o since_o they_o stand_v in_o opposition_n they_o be_v the_o most_o orderly_o who_o disowne_v they_o as_o for_o that_o which_o he_o add_v of_o people_n neglect_v minister_n set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n he_o must_v prove_v that_o conformist_n be_v such_o minister_n who_o be_v both_o scandalous_a for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n in_o their_o carriage_n have_v no_o visible_a badge_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v and_o do_v own_o principle_n and_o carry_v on_o a_o design_n point_fw-fr blank_n contraire_fw-fr to_o our_o reformation_n have_v leave_v the_o people_n conduct_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n give_v up_o all_o their_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o abjure_a prelacy_n and_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o destroy_v and_o waste_v the_o lord_n vineyard_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o set_v over_o people_n yet_o since_o they_o be_v trace_v way_n of_o schism_n and_o innovation_n condemn_v by_o our_o church_n christ_n flock_n can_v own_v or_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o as_o their_o soul_n spiritual_a guide_n they_o be_v man_n that_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n and_o make_v many_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o beside_o since_o that_o compliance_n in_o subjection_n to_o conformist_n 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