church_n but_o as_o a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n which_o entitle_v other_o to_o this_o privilege_n as_o much_o as_o he_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n as_o such_o for_o whoever_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o power_n to_o any_o society_n be_v a_o member_n yea_o the_o noble_a member_n of_o it_o obj._n but_o as_o a_o christian_n magistrate_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr 1._o what_o then_o will_v this_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n so_o might_n christian_n husband_n parent_n etc._n etc._n argue_v as_o just_o for_o this_o claim_n the_o truth_n be_v he_o be_v only_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o christian_a and_o not_o as_o a_o magistrate_n magistracy_n give_v he_o no_o more_o privilege_n than_o any_o other_o power_n civil_a or_o natural_a when_o the_o person_n tuine_v christian_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o membership_n go_v on_o ground_n and_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o christian_n and_o contain_v no_o speciality_n to_o one_o more_o than_o to_o another_o if_o any_o think_v magistracy_n do_v they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o prove_v it_o which_o none_o have_v yet_o offer_v to_o do_v 2._o if_o man_n understand_v well_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n a_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o will_v quick_o see_v its_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o say_a profession_n do_v not_o person_n turn_v christian_n profese_n subjection_n to_o christ_n his_o law_n ordinance_n and_o servant_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o church_n power_n 2._o he_o may_v not_o exercise_v church_n power_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o all_o yield_v that_o these_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o power_n to_o other_o may_v exercise_v it_o themselves_o it_o be_v in_o they_o and_o other_o act_v as_o their_o delegate_n in_o its_o exercise_n that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o exercise_v church_n power_n be_v clear_a for_o church_n power_n be_v by_o positive_a institution_n from_o christ_n they_o that_o exercise_v it_o must_v have_v a_o commission_n from_o he_o which_o none_o have_v prodduce_v for_o the_o magistrate_n erastus_n assert_v it_o but_o without_o all_o proof_n of_o which_o it_o be_v so_o destitute_a that_o the_o most_o of_o his_o follower_n have_v leave_v he_o in_o this_o assertion_n arg._n 2._o all_o church_n power_n be_v lodge_v in_o and_o immediate_o descend_v from_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o supreme_a head_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o magistrate_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o subordinat_a to_o the_o magistrate_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a for_o it_o be_v a_o repugnancy_n in_o a_o power_n to_o be_v immediate_o subordinat_a to_o two_o supreme_a power_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o respect_n especial_o where_o the_o one_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o other_o the_o antecedent_n be_v manifest_a for_o christ_n be_v only_a head_n of_o the_o church_n all_o power_n in_o she_o be_v institute_v by_o he_o exerce_v in_o his_o name_n astrict_v to_o and_o regulate_v by_o his_o word_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o all_o note_n of_o power_n immediate_o descend_v from_o he_o obj._n but_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o christ_n substitute_n and_o vicegerent_n be_v under_o he_o the_o near_a and_o immediate_a fountain_n of_o church_n power_n for_o subordinata_fw-la non_fw-la pugnant_fw-la ans_fw-fr long_o have_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n conrend_v for_o this_o and_o on_o ground_n more_o plausible_a than_o these_o on_o which_o the_o magistrate_n go_v but_o protestant_a divine_n answer_n to_o the_o papist_n on_o this_o head_n furnish_v we_o with_o irrefragable_a answer_n to_o the_o magistrate_n claim_n which_o we_o desire_v our_o adversary_n will_v consider_v &_o answer_v at_o their_o own_o leisure_n we_o find_v not_o the_o magistrate_n enrol_v among_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n far_o less_o substitute_n for_o christ_n vicegerent_n if_o there_o be_v any_o scripture_n for_o this_o bring_v it_o forth_o we_o know_v of_o none_o as_o yet_o allege_v by_o our_o adversary_n but_o what_o will_v plead_v as_o strong_o for_o the_o heathenish_a magistrate_n as_o for_o the_o christian_a and_o if_o they_o do_v what_o traitor_n be_v the_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o heathenish_a magistrate_n for_o their_o head_n in_o the_o church_n but_o resist_v and_o disobey_v their_o law_n and_o edict_n against_o they_o for_o cry_v up_o of_o another_o kâ—ng_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o christian_a profession_n arg._n 3._o all_o church_n power_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o immediate_a subordination_n to_o himself_o without_o any_o acknowledgement_n of_o or_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o dependent_a upon_o nor_o subordinat_a to_o he_o the_o antecedent_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v that_o christ_n mould_v and_o constitute_v the_o church_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o furnish_v she_o with_o a_o government_n and_o officer_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o name_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v without_o consulring_n or_o advise_v with_o the_o magistrate_n or_o suspend_v of_o she_o upon_o he_o the_o magistrate_n all_o this_o time_n resist_v &_o let_v himself_o for_o crush_a of_o this_o church_n &_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o erect_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o kingdom_n make_v use_n of_o their_o rage_n and_o violence_n to_o establish_v and_o propagat_v it_o for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n all_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o able_a to_o refuse_v it_o what_o be_v there_o then_o to_o hinder_v the_o consequence_n that_o we_o draw_v from_o this_o deed_n of_o christ_n if_o our_o opposite_n in_o this_o matter_n can_v show_v we_o that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o government_n institute_v by_o christ_n nor_o exercise_v any_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o magistrate_n thus_o oppose_v himself_o to_o she_o or_o that_o christ_n have_v declare_v his_o will_n that_o she_o shall_v be_v subject_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o her_o government_n when_o he_o shall_v become_v christian_a they_o will_v soon_o end_v this_o strife_n but_o nothing_o can_v we_o learn_v from_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n arg._n 4._o as_o this_o government_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o it_o be_v exerce_v in_o his_o name_n in_o the_o church_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n till_o constantine_n the_o great_a be_v time_n and_o from_o thence_o down_o ward_o till_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n brack_n up_o in_o germany_n till_o which_o time_n it_o be_v never_o question_v by_o any_o until_o erastus_n the_o physician_n arise_v who_o labour_v not_o only_o to_o subject_v the_o church_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o all_o her_o concern_v as_o such_o but_o deny_v all_o government_n to_o she_o by_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n contrare_fw-la to_o full_a and_o clear_a scripture_n which_o he_o most_o insolent_o and_o wicked_o endeavour_v to_o wrest_v &_o pervert_v so_o than_o if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n time_n and_o downward_o till_o within_o these_o hundred_o year_n exercise_v without_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n both_o heathenish_a and_o christian_n than_o it_o must_v yet_o be_v independent_a on_o and_o not_o direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o here_o our_o antagonist_n be_v put_v to_o strange_a shift_n the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o must_v grant_v and_o may_v we_o not_o take_v this_o for_o a_o yield_a of_o the_o cause_n scripture_n and_o antiquity_n have_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o sufficient_a plea_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n debate_n in_o polemical_a divinity_n have_v run_v on_o these_o two_o head_n and_o whoever_o make_v out_o their_o assertion_n from_o these_o have_v be_v esteem_v to_o carry_v the_o cause_n all_o that_o our_o adversary_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o the_o government_n exercise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o by_o divine_a institution_n and_o precept_n but_o by_o confederation_n of_o church_n and_o officer_n to_o this_o we_o reply_v 1._o if_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n revel_v 2_o and_o 3._o chapter_n with_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n use_v by_o our_o divine_n in_o this_o matter_n prove_v not_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v no_o sense_n we_o beg_v of_o our_o adversary_n they_o will_v for_o save_v we_o a_o labour_n answer_v mr._n gillespy_v argument_n from_o scripture_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o aaron_n rod_n blossom_a 2_o beside_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v out_o what_o they_o assert_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n do_v
exercise_v her_o government_n in_o these_o time_n by_o confederation_n and_o mutual_a consent_n and_o not_o by_o institution_n and_o command_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n for_o this_o so_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o presume_v they_o continue_v in_o the_o constitution_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n they_o give_v they_o to_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n and_o church_n history_n their_o practice_n conform_v when_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n cease_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n turn_v christian_n we_o find_v she_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o former_a government_n but_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o some_o corruption_n which_o grow_v to_o a_o sad_a height_n afterward_o throw_v the_o excessive_a munificence_n &_o bounty_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n and_o exercise_v the_o sameâ—_n as_o former_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o history_n that_o speak_v of_o these_o time_n here_o our_o adversary_n speak_v of_o some_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n the_o magistrate_n do_v exerce_fw-la in_o the_o church_n as_o convocate_a of_o synod_n labour_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lore_o rend_v at_o sometime_o through_o lad_n heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o that_o say_v of_o constantine_n repeat_v by_o they_o ad_fw-la nauseam_fw-la vos_fw-la estis_fw-la episcopi_fw-la ad_fw-la intra_fw-la ego_fw-la ad_fw-la extra_fw-la but_o how_o be_v our_o antagonist_n conclusion_n make_v out_o by_o all_o these_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o magistrate_n do_v convocat_n synod_n its_o government_n be_v derive_v from_o &_o subordinat_a to_o he_o no_o way_n for_o 1._o albeit_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n to_o convocat_n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n anent_o matter_n relate_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o duty_n whether_o about_o church_n or_o state_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o privative_a of_o the_o church_n power_n to_o convocat_n she_o own_o assembly_n either_o for_o worship_n or_o government_n as_o we_o find_v she_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o his_o consent_n yea_o when_o the_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n she_o retain_v and_o exercise_v this_o power_n in_o assemble_v into_o several_a synod_n without_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o general_a synod_n assemble_v after_o this_o but_o by_o the_o magistrate_n till_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n claim_v this_o power_n and_o usurp_v therein_o on_o the_o church_n and_o magistrate_n as_o he_o do_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n which_o exceed_v its_o bound_n make_v this_o in_o point_n of_o prudence_n necessare_fw-la for_o without_o the_o magistrate_n it_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v do_v but_o 2._o convocate_a of_o other_o be_v not_o always_o in_o its_o self_n and_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o superior_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o judicatories_n convocate_v as_o in_o limit_a monarchy_n and_o not_o absolute_a where_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o king_n and_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n although_o the_o king_n have_v the_o power_n of_o conveâ—ning_v the_o state_n yet_o they_o share_v wiâ—h_v he_o in_o the_o leg_n stative_a and_o executive_a power_n while_o in_o be_v therefore_o the_o illation_n be_v bad_a and_o not_o concludent_fw-la 4_o what_o imaginable_a advantage-can_a accrue_v to_o our_o adversary_n assertion_n by_o that_o say_n of_o constantine_n former_o cite_v we_o grantâ—_n the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o overseer_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o church_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o thâ—_n government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o and_o from_o his_o hand_n and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o he_o they_o must_v first_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o good_a reason_n that_o never_o government_n be_v ad_fw-la extra_fw-la which_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v nor_o never_o will_v for_o although_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o its_o institution_n and_o exercise_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o intrinsinck_v to_o and_o within_o she_o as_o her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o by_o this_o sense_n will_v be_v as_o much_o derive_v from_o and_o subject_v to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o her_o government_n see_v the_o one_o be_v as_o visible_a in_o its_o dispensation_n as_o the_o other_o arg._n 5._o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o yea_o can_v jure_fw-la impede_fw-la and_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o church_n government_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o derive_v from_o nor_o subject_v to_o he_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o consequence_n be_v what_o ever_o power_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o subordinate_v direct_o to_o he_o he_o may_v suspend_v hinder_v its_o exercise_n yea_o he_o may_v total_o remove_v and_o annihilat_fw-la it_o this_o be_v yield_v by_o all_o and_o take_v for_o a_o sure_a maxim_n in_o politic_n but_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o do_v this_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o person_n entrust_v with_o and_o call_v to_o its_o exercise_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o divine_a precept_n and_o command_n for_o it_o which_o the_o magistrate_n can_v hinder_v nor_o by_o any_o deed_n or_o command_n of_o he_o make_v void_a these_o that_o deny_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o church_n government_n we_o refer_v to_o the_o forecited_a book_n where_o it_o be_v strong_o plead_v &_o make_v out_o from_o clear_a and_o express_v scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n likewise_o as_o he_o can_v impede_fw-la its_o exercise_n so_o he_o may_v not_o nullify_v its_o sentence_n by_o himself_o which_o he_o may_v do_v in_o the_o sentence_n pass_v by_o all_o power_n derive_v from_o and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o himself_o arg._n 6._o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o christian_a profession_n bind_v to_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o act_n &_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o be_v as_o much_o obleidge_v to_o yield_v thereto_o as_o any_o other_o therefore_o church_n power_n be_v not_o direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o the_o antecedent_n be_v clear_a for_o all_o be_v command_v submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n in_o watch_v overseeing_a and_o rule_a of_o the_o church_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o to_o which_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n we_o find_v magistrate_n in_o the_o word_n submit_v as_o uzzia_n who_o be_v by_o the_o priest_n confor_a i_o to_o the_o law_n separate_v and_o seclude_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o these_o yea_o it_o be_v give_v for_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n that_o come_v on_o zedekiah_n 2._o chron._n 36.12_o that_o he_o humble_v not_o himself_o before_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o he_o obj._n but_o this_o subjection_n in_o magistrate_n to_o church_n officer_n be_v proper_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o they_o ans_fw-fr we_o confess_v the_o subjection_n be_v primary_o and_o chief_o to_o christ_n jesus_n who_o such_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n do_v represent_v yet_o the_o subjection_n be_v to_o they_o too_o who_o all_o without_o exception_n of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n be_v command_v to_o receive_v hear_v and_o obey_v so_o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o holy_a thing_n they_o be_v superior_a to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n magistrate_n and_o other_o as_o their_z constitut_o ruler_n overseer_n governor_n and_o watch_v man_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v when_o act_v in_o their_o office_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o obedience_n be_v not_o catachrestical_a or_o abusive_a as_o videlius_n speak_v in_o the_o magistrate_n but_o proper_a and_o real_o a_o debt_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_n holy_a thing_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o obligation_n to_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n with_o the_o obligation_n of_o other_o if_o any_o think_v otherway_n let_v they_o produce_v their_o reason_n and_o scripture_n 2._o if_o the_o fiery_a and_o zealous_a promotter_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v consider_v the_o true_a and_o real_a prejudice_n they_o do_v to_o magistrate_n by_o exeem_v they_o from_o that_o subjection_n that_o they_o with_o all_o other_o owe_v to_o church_n officer_n they_o will_v if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o advantage_n remain_v with_o man_n hold_v their_o hand_n and_o shall_v have_v little_a thanks_o from_o magistrate_n for_o their_o preposterous_a zeal_n who_o by_o their_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v
〈◊〉_d fullness_n of_o prelacy_n to_o the_o well_o but_o not_o to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o political_a ministerial_a church_n which_o they_o grant_v â—ay_v be_v such_o without_o it_o as_o most_o of_o the_o former_a opinion_n â—â—â—ld_n 3._o other_o that_o lean_v not_o to_o scripture_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o church_n find_v it_o upon_o ecclesiarch_n 〈◊〉_d constitution_n canon_n &_o custom_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o debate_n as_o dounhame_n and_o other_o with_o he_o that_o make_v most_o use_n of_o antiquity_n 4._o other_o more_o moderate_a pious_a and_o more_o learned_a than_o the_o rest_n do_v so_o clip_v its_o wing_n that_o they_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o mere_a constant_a presidency_n in_o the_o meeting_n of_o presbyter_n for_o government_n make_v it_o a_o pure_a nonentity_n as_o to_o what_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n among_o we_o and_o for_o which_o they_o bring_v no_o scripture_n of_o which_o judgement_n be_v that_o godly_a and_o learned_a bishop_n usher_n who_o for_o knowledge_n in_o all_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o antiquity_n be_v nemini_fw-la secundus_fw-la 5._o some_o other_o argue_v for_o it_o as_o a_o matâ—er_n of_o indifferency_n that_o may_v be_v receive_v or_o reject_v as_o church_n and_o state_n see_v it_o fit_v their_o interest_n assert_v that_o all_o its_o authority_n and_o goodness_n depend_v upon_o and_o flow_v from_o the_o power_n that_o bring_v it_o in_o thus_o stillingfleet_n 6._o some_o of_o that_o party_n have_v fall_v on_o a_o new_a method_n for_o justify_v its_o divine_a right_n be_v straiten_v as_o it_o seem_v with_o our_o argument_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o allege_v that_o presbyter_n be_v not_o institute_v in_o scripturâ—-times_n by_o the_o apostle_n &_o that_o all_o minister_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v bishop_n in_o the_o sense_n controvert_v as_o doctor_n hammond_n but_o his_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n be_v so_o dim_a that_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v he_o have_v gain_v few_o or_o none_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o this_o 7_o these_o of_o the_o court_n party_n place_v all_o its_o goodness_n in_o the_o authority_n &_o law_n establish_v it_o grant_v it_o signify_v nothing_o antecedent_o to_o these_o 8._o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v prelacy_n and_o view_v it_o in_o its_o several_a part_n as_o it_o be_v by_o law_n constitute_v and_o settle_v among_o we_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o test_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v give_v judgement_n of_o they_o according_a to_o it_o how_o liteâ—â—_fw-la of_o prelacy_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n 〈…〉_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n of_o all_o that_o have_v appear_v on_o the_o field_n for_o its_o defence_n there_o be_v none_o that_o ever_o plead_v scriptural_a institution_n precept_n and_o instance_n for_o the_o lordly_a title_n eminency_n and_o worldly_a dignity_n of_o the_o prelate_n that_o be_v now_o annex_v to_o their_o office_n nor_o yet_o for_o their_o civil_a place_n and_o power_n in_o the_o state_n nor_o for_o their_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n as_o primat_n metropolitan_o archbishop_n &c_n &c_n or_o for_o the_o like_a among_o their_o dependent_n in_o their_o numerous_a and_o various_a distinction_n of_o degree_n of_o superiority_n and_o subordination_n as_o vicar_n chancellor_n dean_n arch_a deacons_n subdean_n deacon_n parson_n etc._n etc._n whoever_o hitatherto_o do_v put_v pen_n to_o paper_n and_o contend_v for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o prelacy_n never_o open_v a_o mouth_n to_o plead_v either_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n for_o these_o except_o doctor_n hammond_n who_o argue_v for_o archbishop_n and_o what_o be_v prelacy_n in_o its_o constitution_n among_o we_o without_o they_o the_o only_a thing_n debate_v betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o antagonist_n anent_o it_o be_v the_o superiority_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o pastor_n and_o their_o respective_a congregation_n to_o the_o probation_n of_o which_o from_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v make_v out_o from_o these_o first_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o second_o diocesan_n church_n make_v up_o of_o several_a â—esseâ—_n church_n and_o their_o respective_a pastor_n and_o officer_n in_o these_o do_v the_o essential_a difference_n lie_v in_o their_o own_o confession_n betwixt_o bishop_n &_o presbyter_n or_o ordinare_fw-la pastor_n none_o of_o which_o two_o have_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n and_o if_o that_o which_o difference_n prelate_n from_o other_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v â—or_a make_v to_o appear_v from_o scripture_n how_o will_v their_o office_n 〈◊〉_d of_o divine_a right_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o 〈◊〉_d â—ho_fw-mi be_v under_o such_o strait_a divine_a engagement_n against_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v comply_v therewith_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n injoin_v conformity_n thereto_o we_o complain_v of_o the_o subdolous_a and_o un_v enuous_a way_n of_o our_o opposite_n in_o this_o debate_n who_o always_o keep_v in_o general_n and_o never_o condescend_v on_o the_o particular_a difference_n betwixt_o prelate_n and_o ordinate_a pastor_n nor_o undertake_v to_o prove_v these_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o can_v for_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o antiquity_n that_o presbyter_n have_v ordain_v sometime_o in_o conjunction_n with_o bishop_n and_o sometime_o without_o they_o and_o for_o diocesan_n church_n with_o one_o fix_a pastor_n over-feeing_a other_o pastor_n and_o their_o flock_n we_o can_v meet_v with_o the_o least_o probable_a evidence_n from_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n we_o find_v no_o argument_n from_o our_o adversary_n conclude_v this_o it_o be_v empty_a argue_v to_o say_v there_o be_v apostle_n there_o be_v priest_n and_o highpriest_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v seven_o angel_n in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v bishop_n now_o if_o they_o will_v from_o scripture_n make_v out_o the_o difference_n now_o assign_v betwixt_o prelate_n &_o presbveer_n in_o these_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n priest_n and_o angel_n we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n let_v none_o therefore_o blame_v we_o in_o hold_v to_o this_o as_o a_o necessare_fw-la consequence_n of_o our_o antagonist_n succumb_a in_o the_o probation_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o a_o parity_n among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o point_n of_o power_n or_o office_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n for_o if_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o ministry_n there_o be_v alike_o power_n give_v to_o all_o call_v thereto_o there_o can_v be_v no_o superiority_n of_o one_o above_o another_o by_o divine_a right_n 9_o it_o be_v a_o question_n much_o debate_v among_o the_o popish_a school_n man_n and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v to_o this_o day_n whâ—â—ther_o their_o prelacy_n be_v a_o order_n or_o office_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o only_o a_o different_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o 〈◊〉_d with_o presbyter_n include_v no_o power_n formal_o distinct_a from_o they_o which_o last_o opinion_n assert_n that_o all_o power_n acclaim_v by_o the_o prelate_n be_v formal_o in_o presbyter_n so_o that_o by_o office_n they_o be_v empower_v to_o and_o may_v do_v all_o that_o the_o prelate_n pretend_v to_o how_o hot_o and_o stiff_o be_v this_o question_n toss_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n betwixt_o the_o italian_a gallican_n and_o spanish_a divine_n which_o for_o this_o cause_n receive_v no_o decision_n in_o this_o council_n but_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a as_o before_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o say_a council_n 10._o if_o any_o will_v consider_v our_o adversary_n argument_n for_o prelacy_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o argument_n of_o papist_n especial_o beauty_n for_o the_o papacy_n they_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o plead_v as_o strong_o for_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o universal_a bishop_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o for_o the_o prelate_n or_o bishop_n now_o controvert_v betwixt_o we_o as_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v by_o a_o particular_a condescension_n if_o our_o intend_a brevity_n will_v suffer_v it_o we_o refer_v such_o as_o question_v this_o to_o the_o argument_n of_o both_o and_o upon_o a_o impartial_a collation_n of_o the_o same_o we_o nothing_o doubt_n but_o it_o will_v be_v manifest_a do_v not_o the_o much_o court_v and_o endeavour_v reconciliation_n with_o rome_n by_o the_o prelatical_a party_n in_o former_a and_o late_a time_n with_o their_o concession_n to_o they_o for_o make_v way_n to_o this_o agreement_n speak_v this_o with_o full_a evidence_n as_o their_o deny_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v the_o antichrist_n their_o grant_v a_o primacy_n to_o he_o over_o the_o catholic_n church_n their_o purgeing_n
the_o roman_a church_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n their_o assert_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o papist_n and_o we_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n not_o to_o be_v fundamental_a nor_o on_o their_o part_n damnable_a etc._n etc._n all_o which_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n the_o native_a tendency_n of_o prelacy_n and_o what_o it_o will_v if_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—nue_n ultimate_o resolve_v into_o 11._o do_v not_o the_o opinion_n of_o prelatist_n their_o practice_n the_o way_n take_v for_o bring_v in_o and_o establish_v of_o prelacy_n among_o we_o reflect_v upon_o and_o condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o their_o divine_n except_o scultetus_n who_o in_o their_o confession_n treatise_n &_o reformation_n conform_v thereto_o disclaim_v prelacy_n as_o no_o office_n of_o divine_a appointment_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o peruse_v they_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o pamphlet_n emit_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o prelacye_n last_o introduction_n that_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o contrare_fw-la but_o it_o be_v so_o destitute_a of_o all_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o we_o wonder_v exceed_o at_o the_o impudence_n &_o affrontedness_n of_o the_o author_n in_o allege_v of_o calvine_n beza_n bucer_n etc._n etc._n for_o prelacy_n who_o in_o their_o practice_n and_o writing_n have_v argue_v and_o debate_v against_o it_o do_v not_o this_o author_n know_v that_o their_o writing_n be_v extant_a and_o other_o as_o much_o verse_v therein_o as_o himself_o but_o the_o unjust_a know_v no_o shame_n 12._o as_o prelacy_n or_o prelatical_a government_n in_o its_o constitution_n and_o exercise_n be_v a_o compound_n of_o addition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o for_o want_v of_o its_o authority_n we_o reject_v so_o presbytery_n or_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o opposite_n be_v in_o all_o its_o part_n of_o divine_a institution_n or_o right_n which_o we_o offer_v to_o make_v out_o from_o scripture_n and_o the_o concession_n of_o our_o antagonist_n who_o first_o yield_v all_o our_o church_n officer_n except_o rule_v elder_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n doctor_n hammond_n only_o except_v grant_v that_o presbyter_n or_o ordinare_fw-la pastor_n and_o deacon_n to_o be_v institute_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o always_o use_v in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n they_o likewise_o grant_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o presbyter_n till_o of_o laâ—â—_n as_o also_o the_o meeting_n of_o pastor_n lesser_a and_o great_a for_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o the_o particularity_n of_o power_n anent_o these_o assert_v by_o and_o former_o exerâ—â—â—â—â—_n among_o we_o we_o think_v strange_a of_o stillingfleet_n in_o deny_v of_o presbytery_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n who_o yield_v all_o we_o seek_v for_o if_o all_o the_o former_a be_v of_o scriptural_a institution_n and_o practice_n must_v it_o not_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n even_o as_o to_o its_o form_n we_o can_v for_o bear_v to_o declare_v our_o resentment_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o high_a indignity_n do_v to_o our_o royal_a and_o great_a master_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a word_n the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o that_o 1._o the_o form_n of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v mutable_a at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n and_o make_v capable_a of_o any_o form_n they_o please_v to_o assign_v to_o the_o same_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o form_n of_o any_o government_n be_v take_v from_o the_o officer_n thereof_o and_o not_o from_o the_o supreme_a head_n in_o who_o the_o legislative_a power_n be_v lodge_v all_o that_o ever_o treat_v of_o government_n and_o speak_v to_o their_o different_a form_n do_v always_o find_v their_o form_n on_o the_o head_n and_o not_o on_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v not_o christ_n jesus_n the_o supreme_a and_o only_a head_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a appointment_n be_v not_o ordinare_fw-la pastor_n or_o presbyter_n find_v institute_v in_o the_o word_n with_o all_o the_o part_n of_o their_o power_n that_o we_o afterward_o grant_v to_o they_o &c_n &c_n will_v it_o not_o then_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n both_o in_o the_o head_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v true_o monarchical_a and_o not_o alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o any_o 2._o for_o make_v way_n to_o this_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o obedience_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n be_v deny_v and_o thereby_o the_o fundation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v shake_v how_o inconsistent_a be_v this_o with_o their_o grant_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o all_o matter_n of_o obeâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n be_v first_o and_o primary_o matter_n of_o faith_n must_v 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v perfect_a in_o these_o also_o how_o our_o opposites_n will_v defend_v our_o argument_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n against_o the_o papist_n who_o in_o this_o speak_v more_o consequential_o than_o the_o prelatist_n and_o maintain_v the_o former_a affertion_n be_v unintelligible_a to_o we_o for_o our_o argument_n plead_v as_o much_o and_o as_o strong_o for_o their_o perfection_n in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o but_o must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o desperate_a cause_n that_o need_v such_o a_o prop_n to_o support_v it_o 13._o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o humble_o offer_v the_o follow_a particular_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o all_o nothing_o doubt_v that_o when_o they_o be_v due_o and_o serious_o weight_v it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o our_o exception_n against_o prelacy_n be_v not_o light_a and_o groundless_a as_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o good_a to_o the_o church_n and_o immortal_a soul_n attainable_a by_o prelacy_n that_o may_v not_o be_v win_v at_o without_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a truth_n that_o every_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a institution_n have_v its_o proper_a good_a to_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o which_o as_o its_o end_n it_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o reachable_a by_o other_o ordinance_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o on_o a_o particular_a condescension_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o defective_a in_o divine_a institution_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o redundant_fw-la and_o superfluous_a now_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v that_o good_a to_o the_o church_n and_o immortal_a soul_n that_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o prelacy_n let_v our_o antagonist_n give_v instance_n if_o they_o think_v that_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v the_o good_a that_o the_o church_n have_v by_o prelacy_n we_o offer_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n as_o have_v be_v do_v before_o we_o without_o a_o reply_n yea_o and_o grant_v by_o many_o of_o they_o that_o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v never_o question_v by_o any_o but_o yield_v by_o all_o till_o of_o late_a for_o we_o have_v not_o only_a instance_n in_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n for_o presbyter_n exercise_v ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o the_o reason_n that_o all_o give_v for_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ministry_n confer_v by_o ordination_n consist_v of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o it_o be_v integral_a constituent_a part_n person_n ordain_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o both_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n have_v these_o by_o presbyter_n as_o much_o to_o her_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n as_o by_o prelate_n but_o son_n e_o say_v there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n or_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n without_o prelacy_n the_o contrare_fw-la be_v evident_a from_o the_o church_n experience_n in_o former_a &_o late_a time_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v never_o more_o rend_v and_o fill_v with_o contention_n and_o schism_n then_o under_o &_o by_o prelate_n of_o which_o there_o be_v innumerable_a instance_n in_o history_n so_o there_o have_v be_v much_o flourish_a unity_n and_o peace_n under_o presbyter_n in_o church_n that_o want_v prelate_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o see_v in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n what_o unity_n &_o peace_n have_v the_o church_n of_o britan_n and_o ireland_n beyond_o other_o reform_a church_n yea_o be_v there_o not_o more_o of_o these_o among_o they_o than_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n but_o what_o say_v unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v not_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n for_o their_o cement_n and_o foundation_n which_o be_v seldom_o the_o attendant_n of_o prelacy_n but_o some_o place_n the_o good_a of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o oversight_n and_o inspection_n it_o take_v of_o minister_n
sake_n although_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n 5_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o this_o charge_n that_o some_o yea_o many_o of_o the_o person_n that_o come_v to_o and_o haunt_v our_o meeting_n be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v conscientious_a and_o christian_n in_o their_o walk_n but_o flagitious_a or_o in_o many_o of_o their_o practice_n scandalous_a we_o can_v think_v our_o adversary_n be_v serious_a in_o this_o &_o do_v believe_v as_o they_o speak_v see_v 1_o this_o do_v fall_v as_o heavy_a and_o will_v to_o onlooker_n reflect_v as_o much_o and_o more_o on_o the_o objector_n themselves_o as_o on_o we_o who_o meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o sink_n of_o all_o debauch_a and_o profaine_a person_n through_o the_o land_n can_v they_o refuse_v this_o it_o be_v like_a the_o foresight_n of_o this_o force_v they_o to_o say_v in_o their_o lybel_n of_o greivance_n against_o we_o that_o the_o abomination_n mention_v in_o one_o article_n be_v commit_v at_o our_o meeting_n and_o not_o by_o person_n present_a at_o they_o otherwise_o their_o assembly_n for_o worship_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o chargeabâ—â—_n therewith_o as_o we_o but_o in_o this_o our_o antagonist_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o prâ—â—mitive_a time_n who_o charge_v they_o for_o have_v these_o 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a abomination_n commit_v at_o their_o assembly_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o church_n history_n the_o lord_n deliver_v we_o from_o and_o rebuke_v the_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v enter_v into_o and_o possess_v many_o 2._o but_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a person_n at_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o perform_v of_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o charge_v the_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o such_o on_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n inductive_a to_o scandal_n will_v not_o the_o assembly_n that_o christ_n his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n keep_v in_o all_o age_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o this_o charge_n as_o we_o who_o exclude_v none_o but_o admit_v all_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o some_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n whatever_o our_o adversary_n will_v say_v for_o clear_v of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n will_v acquit_v we_o 3._o do_v not_o man_n know_v that_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n we_o shall_v design_n and_o labour_v their_o conversion_n as_o much_o as_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o convert_v be_v not_o the_o gospel_n with_o which_o minister_n be_v entrust_v the_o mean_a and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o see_v this_o be_v our_o design_n as_o it_o have_v be_v our_o practice_n so_o it_o be_v our_o resolution_n not_o to_o exclude_v any_o from_o our_o assembly_n how_o wicked_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v truth_n be_v to_o charge_v we_o and_o our_o meeting_n with_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o frequent_a the_o same_o be_v to_o reproach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o father_n all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o its_o hearer_n on_o it_o contrare_fw-la to_o its_o grand_a design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v sinner_n from_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o sect_n v._o some_o reason_n why_o the_o indulgence_n be_v not_o accept_v in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o indulgence_n the_o not_o allow_v of_o which_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o full_a evidence_n of_o our_o pivish_a wilful_a and_o stiff_a disposition_n to_o unpeacableness_n and_o distoyalty_n but_o we_o hope_v when_o our_o carriage_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v serious_o think_v upon_o and_o the_o reason_n that_o determine_v we_o to_o this_o refusal_n be_v weight_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n this_o charge_n will_v be_v find_v light_n and_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o upon_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v not_o against_o but_o with_o all_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n shall_v be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o receive_v any_o liberty_n for_o the_o gospel_n its_o true_a interest_n and_o ourselves_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o know_a principle_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v we_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o unjust_a state_n of_o the_o question_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o some_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la may_v or_o have_v it_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o serve_v and_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o his_o word_n this_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o cheerful_o grant_v that_o although_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n that_o be_v proper_o such_o be_v independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o the_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v true_o from_o he_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o no_o doubt_n to_o encourage_v countenance_n and_o protect_v the_o church_n against_o all_o enemy_n and_o to_o relieve_v she_o of_o oppression_n when_o under_o it_o to_o this_o he_o be_v impower_v and_o oblige_v both_o as_o a_o magistrate_n and_o as_o a_o christian_n neither_o be_v it_o with_o we_o a_o question_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n may_v command_v minister_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o then_o function_n nor_o whether_o he_o may_v exeem_v they_o from_o the_o hazard_n of_o suffering_n to_o which_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a by_o law_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n nor_o yet_o whether_o he_o may_v confine_v minister_n simple_o and_o abstract_o consider_v from_o our_o present_a case_n which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o not_o all_o to_o the_o church_n all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o we_o yield_v to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o person_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n to_o we_o be_v whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la magistratico_n may_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o without_o the_o church_n &_o the_o previous_a election_n of_o the_o people_n assign_v and_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a church_n to_o take_v the_o fix_a and_o pastoral_a over_o sight_n of_o they_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o they_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o confine_v they_o to_o the_o say_a congregation_n the_o question_n thus_o state_v being_n complex_fw-la and_o consist_v of_o several_a branch_n conform_v to_o the_o act_n of_o council_n anent_o the_o indulgence_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n for_o give_v a_o just_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n therewith_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o some_o assertion_n with_o the_o reason_n subjoin_v assertion_n first_o the_o magistrate_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n can_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o assign_v or_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a congregation_n to_o take_v the_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o find_v not_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n any_o such_o power_n give_v to_o or_o exercise_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o church_n none_o have_v yet_o give_v any_o instance_n of_o this_o if_o there_o be_v let_v they_o be_v produce_v and_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v all_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o on_o positive_a institution_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o way_n and_o method_n of_o man_n invention_n but_o in_o these_o that_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n so_o that_o she_o own_v she_o be_v constitution_n and_o all_o to_o they_o there_o must_v be_v some_o evident_a proof_n produce_v from_o these_o before_o we_o can_v yield_v to_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n how_o long_o shall_v we_o expect_v this_o 2._o also_o we_o find_v the_o church_n in_o the_o possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o reformation_n by_o luther_n and_o other_o in_o germany_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n we_o grant_v there_o be_v for_o some_o time_n a_o considerable_a debate_n betwixt_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o emperor_n of_o germany_n about_o the_o investiture_n of_o bishop_n which_o give_v the_o rise_n to_o other_o prince_n clame_v of_o the_o same_o &_o seize_v upon_o it_o but_o what_o say_v this_o to_o the_o mission_n of_o minister_n &_o application_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o as_o prelacy_n be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o horrid_a contention_n in_o church_n and_o state_n so_o
before_o we_o 1._o from_o scripture_n practice_n and_o example_n acts._n x_o 15._o to_o the_o end_n chap._n 6_o vers_fw-la 1._o to_o 9_o and_o 14_o vers_fw-la 13._o where_o we_o have_v argument_n both_o from_o the_o more_o to_o the_o less_o and_o from_o the_o less_o to_o the_o more_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o be_v conclude_v topic_n and_o much_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n when_o our_o adversary_n have_v the_o like_a from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n how_o use_v they_o to_o insult_v but_o poor_a we_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v this_o liberty_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o constant_a practice_n use_v and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n till_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n inhanse_v and_o swallow_v up_o all_o power_n and_o privilege_n either_o in_o take_v they_o a_o way_n or_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o they_o for_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o record_n and_o history_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o pop_z platina_n and_o other_o in_o many_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o find_v the_o uncontrolled_a use_n of_o the_o people_n election_n mention_v but_o its_o right_a just_o flee_v and_o defend_v and_o many_o canon_n of_o counsel_n make_v for_o its_o regulation_n and_o against_o the_o encroachment_n that_o be_v by_o some_o make_v upon_o it_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o clear_a and_o graâ—ted_v by_o the_o adversary_n â—â—e_v need_n nor_o spend_v time_n if_o any_o ask_v we_o why_o we_o plead_v antiquity_n here_o and_o reject_v it_o anent_o prelacy_n our_o answer_n be_v because_o we_o find_v in_o this_o question_n as_o it_o be_v state_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o adversary_n antiquity_n full_a and_o clear_a which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o other_o let_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n about_o prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v now_o agitate_a betwixt_o we_o be_v in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o bring_v to_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o antiquity_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evidence_v &_o make_v out_o even_o as_o to_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n &_o jurisdiction_n and_o superiority_n of_o some_o minister_n over_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n and_o quiet_o submit_v but_o in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o people_n right_a of_o election_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n clear_a even_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o antagonist_n 3_o all_o relation_n among_o rational_a creature_n that_o be_v not_o found_v on_o nature_n &_o be_v free_a there_o be_v always_o requisite_a mutual_a consent_n from_o which_o as_o its_o proper_a cause_n and_o foundation_n it_o do_v result_v as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o such_o relation_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o yield_v by_o all_o that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a special_a relation_n betwixt_o a_o minister_n and_o the_o congregation_n he_o in_o ordinare_fw-la serve_v we_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o foundation_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o this_o all_o other_o relation_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v found_v upon_o consent_n and_o why_o not_o this_o 4._o the_o good_a effect_n that_o have_v come_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o free_a and_o voluntar_n election_n of_o the_o people_n where_o it_o have_v be_v admit_v and_o in_o use_n confirm_v we_o not_o alittle_o in_o this_o persuasion_n we_o have_v obseve_v in_o universal_a experience_n that_o not_o only_o a_o more_o universal_a and_o cheerful_a subjection_n have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o those_o that_o enter_v this_o way_n into_o congregation_n but_o a_o faithful_a and_o able_a ministry_n have_v be_v more_o general_o propagate_v to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o immortal_a soul_n if_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o tree_n by_o the_o fruit_n we_o can_v say_v this_o be_v evil_n but_o true_o good_a assertion_n 3._o it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o regulate_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o be_v do_v in_o this_o indulgence_n our_o reason_n for_o this_o be_v 1._o we_o see_v no_o precept_n institution_n and_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n impower_v the_o magistrate_n to_o this_o we_o hope_v none_o will_v expect_v we_o shall_v receive_v and_o subject_n to_o a_o power_n that_o have_v no_o warrant_n nor_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n see_v all_o church_n power_n owe_v its_o descent_n and_o derivation_n from_o it_o our_o antagonist_n themselves_o grant_v that_o not_o only_o the_o power_n they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v in_o and_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o regulation_n of_o its_o exercise_n shall_v be_v conform_v thereto_o so_o that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o debat_fw-la about_o the_o consequence_n the_o great_a patron_n of_o erastianisme_n plead_v the_o instance_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n order_v the_o course_n of_o the_o levit_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o of_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o to_o little_a purpose_n see_v they_o act_v therein_o as_o prophet_n and_o at_o the_o direction_n and_o instruction_n give_v from_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o not_o as_o magistrate_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n 2_o chron._n 29_o vers_fw-la 25._o and_o 35_o vers_fw-la 15._o with_o other_o if_o the_o magistrate_n of_o our_o time_n do_v produce_v such_o warrant_n for_o what_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o and_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n how_o ready_o shall_v they_o be_v obey_v but_o the_o objection_n of_o great_a seem_a strength_n be_v that_o of_o hezekias_n practice_n keep_v of_o the_o passover_n in_o the_o second_o month_n 2._o chron._n 30_o 2._o which_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n exod._n 1â—_n shall_v have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o month_n our_o ans_fw-fr to_o this_o be_v first_o if_o this_o practice_n be_v plead_v for_o a_o lead_a example_n to_o magistrate_n it_o will_v warrant_v magistrate_n to_o change_v thing_n institute_v by_o god_n which_o we_o hope_v all_o will_v say_v be_v absurd_a obj._n it_o be_v but_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n that_o he_o change_v ans_fw-fr a_o command_n or_o institution_n make_v circumstance_n determine_v by_o it_o as_o unalterable_a by_o man_n as_o the_o substantial_o of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o do_v not_o this_o if_o it_o be_v concludent_fw-la empower_v the_o magistrate_n to_o change_v our_o sabbath_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o or_o any_o other_o day_n in_o the_o week_n as_o he_o please_v what_o may_v not_o come_v in_o at_o this_o door_n next_o our_o satisfy_a answer_n to_o this_o be_v that_o what_o hezekiah_n the_o prince_n &_o congregation_n do_v they_o do_v it_o at_z or_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n concern_v this_o alteration_n and_o not_o of_o themselves_o as_o be_v express_v vers_n 12._o 2._o as_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o commission_n give_v to_o ambassador_n by_o those_o that_o send_v they_o to_o contain_v all_o necessary_a instruction_n for_o regulate_v their_o carriage_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ambassage_n so_o we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rule_v precept_n and_o direction_n give_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n about_o the_o order_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o all_o its_o part_n which_o not_o only_o empower_n they_o for_o this_o work_n but_o bring_v they_o under_o as_o strait_a obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o same_o as_o the_o work_n and_o main_a substantial_o of_o the_o ambassage_n on_o which_o they_o be_v send_v for_o this_o let_v 1_o cor_fw-la 14._o two_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n with_o other_o scripture_n be_v consult_v and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o will_v be_v beyond_o disput_fw-la with_o the_o unprejudged_a if_o the_o erastians_n can_v give_v we_o such_o command_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n for_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o this_o how_o will_v they_o triumph_v and_o so_o they_o just_o may_v for_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o such_o willing_a and_o cheirful_a assenter_n to_o they_o then_o we_o if_o any_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v show_v 3._o this_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n will_v subject_v minister_n to_o and_o bring_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o a_o dependence_n on_o he_o the_o contrare_fw-la of_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v do_v more_o after_o ward_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o tremble_v to_o think_v on_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o dependence_n for_o thereby_o the_o magistrate_n may_v suspend_v the_o ministry_n in_o these_o part_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n jesus_n call_v they_o to_o in_o the_o state_v case_n
of_o our_o ministry_n in_o the_o place_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v confine_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o policy_n invent_v to_o cover_v the_o too_o visible_a encroachment_n on_o church_n power_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o indulgence_n which_o be_v know_v afterward_o to_o stumble_v many_o that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v more_o smooth_v and_o go_v the_o better_o down_o while_o the_o design_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v as_o be_v say_v to_o bring_v our_o ministry_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o without_o noise_n to_o obstruct_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o ruin_v our_o cause_n for_o attain_v of_o which_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v a_o more_o successful_a like_o piece_n of_o policy_n than_o this_o of_o the_o indulgence_n resolve_a as_o bathe_v be_v say_v to_o unfold_v our_o heart_n and_o to_o keep_v nothing_o up_o anent_o what_o be_v true_o grievous_a to_o and_o burden_n our_o conscience_n in_o the_o command_n and_o imposition_n of_o these_o time_n we_o shall_v add_v other_o reason_n to_o these_o which_o with_o the_o former_a be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n with_o and_o non-approbation_n of_o this_o indulgence_n as_o 1._o in_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o 2._o act_n of_o indulgence_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o this_o pretend_a favour_n be_v provide_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o the_o evil_n of_o conventicle_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o partake_v of_o other_o ordinance_n from_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n make_v against_o the_o same_o have_v not_o suppress_v as_o this_o narrative_a speak_v to_o all_o the_o design_n of_o the_o indulgence_n so_o it_o show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v as_o its_o consequence_n if_o approven_v by_o we_o to_o which_o we_o there_fw-mi have_v no_o accession_n direct_o nor_o indirect_o for_o by_o our_o allowance_n and_o submission_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o prove_v active_a in_o hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o future_a but_o also_o shall_v consequential_o condemn_v the_o former_a practice_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n and_o people_n in_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n that_o have_v be_v bless_v and_o make_v not_o a_o little_a successful_a to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o many_o soul_n 2._o many_o by_o this_o indulgence_n be_v assign_v and_o send_v to_o other_o congregation_n than_o these_o they_o have_v former_o serve_v their_o master_n in_o before_o this_o revolution_n in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o judge_v the_o former_a relation_n to_o particular_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o the_o state_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o be_v yet_o in_o force_n and_o not_o dissolve_v by_o all_o the_o violence_n use_v against_o we_o so_o we_o think_v our_o approbation_n of_o this_o indulgence_n will_v not_o only_o justify_v the_o unjust_a usurpation_n and_o violence_n in_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o likewise_o will_v have_v make_v void_a the_o former_a and_o yet_o stand_v relation_n to_o these_o respective_a congregation_n in_o which_o we_o dare_v have_v no_o hand_n but_o in_o the_o way_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o be_v former_o use_v in_o this_o church_n see_v it_o will_v no_o question_n both_o strengthen_v the_o magistrate_n in_o his_o unjust_a encroachment_n on_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v a_o practical_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o in_o all_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o mater_fw-la 3._o by_o one_o clause_n in_o the_o 2._o act_n of_o indulgence_n appeal_n be_v allow_v and_o authorize_v from_o the_o indulge_v to_o the_o prelate_n court_n which_o do_v subject_a and_o direct_o subordinat_a they_o to_o these_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o our_o covenant_v and_o well_o ground_v principle_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o look_v on_o this_o with_o other_o particular_n in_o that_o indulgence_n as_o a_o device_n frame_v of_o purpose_n for_o gain_v all_o these_o end_n and_o intent_n upon_o we_o which_o by_o violence_n have_v be_v former_o design_v against_o we_o for_o establish_v of_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n 4._o as_o some_o of_o the_o rule_n be_v impracticable_a so_o other_o of_o they_o do_v not_o a_o little_a reflect_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n who_o preach_v in_o house_n and_o field_n if_o we_o understand_v our_o christian_a profession_n aright_o we_o must_v take_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o many_o command_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o imitat_fw-la christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o their_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o purpose_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o effect_n do_v we_o not_o find_v from_o these_o sacred_a record_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v in_o house_n and_o field_n as_o occasion_n offer_v never_o decline_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o these_o as_o the_o present_a exigence_n require_v although_o they_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o and_o access_n to_o the_o synagogue_n which_o be_v deny_v we_o as_o to_o the_o place_n allow_v for_o public_a worship_n do_v not_o these_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n say_v that_o as_o preach_v in_o house_n and_o field_n be_v in_o itself_o noâ—_n sin_n but_o lawful_a except_o we_o resolve_v to_o make_v christ_n â—_o transgressor_n so_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o under_o the_o like_a câ—lls_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v in_o this_o as_o christ_n do_v before_o we_o who_o can_v get_v this_o shune_v among_o the_o many_o design_n aim_v at_o in_o this_o indulgence_n and_o in_o part_n obtain_v by_o it_o we_o know_v the_o devide_v and_o break_v of_o our_o party_n be_v a_o principal_a one_o which_o at_o first_o actuate_v and_o set_v on_o foot_n this_o device_n among_o we_o but_o we_o hope_v without_o the_o fruit_n our_o adversary_n expect_v to_o have_v reap_v thereby_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o cause_n for_o whatever_o difference_n there_o have_v be_v or_o yet_o be_v among_o we_o in_o our_o practice_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o indulgence_n we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o precede_a exception_n against_o it_o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v access_n for_o represent_v the_o same_o to_o our_o ruler_n our_o unanimity_n and_o concord_n in_o these_o have_v be_v more_o discover_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o charge_n with_o we_o of_o our_o know_a and_o profess_a judgement_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o true_a distinction_n from_o and_o independence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n as_o be_v afterward_o express_v what_o ever_o be_v our_o persuasion_n in_o this_o represent_v to_o the_o world_n in_o our_o public_a confess_v on_o of_o faith_n we_o yet_o throw_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n resolve_v to_o cleave_v to_o have_v never_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o time_n that_o have_v go_v over_o our_o head_n to_o cause_v we_o alter_v our_o apprehension_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o least_o some_o who_o take_v hold_v of_o all_o occasion_n to_o reproach_v we_o be_v please_v to_o represent_v some_o their_o acceptance_n of_o this_o indulgence_n as_o contradictory_n to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o former_a profess_a principle_n anent_o church_n government_n yet_o any_o that_o consider_v what_o be_v short_o hint_v at_o to_o the_o council_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o indulgence_n and_o what_o be_v more_o large_o declare_v by_o they_o to_o the_o congregation_n at_o their_o first_o entry_n will_v be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o our_o constant_a adherence_n to_o our_o former_a principle_n which_o by_o this_o acceptance_n be_v not_o at_o all_o change_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o lover_n of_o our_o righteous_a cause_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o they_o to_o ward_v the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o evil_a intent_n of_o this_o indulgence_n but_o rather_o a_o endeavour_n to_o counteract_v and_o ineffectuat_fw-la they_o that_o our_o opposite_n may_v have_v no_o benefit_n therefrom_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o we_o contend_v sect_n vi_o the_o nature_n of_o church_n government_n as_o distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a upon_o magistracy_n explain_v have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o and_o dispatch_v the_o first_o three_o thing_n we_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o in_o the_o beginning_n we_o shall_v now_o enter_v on_o the_o last_o the_o supremacy_n ecclesiastical_a that_o be_v now_o by_o law_n annex_v to_o the_o crown_n establish_v in_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o successor_n and_o sense_v by_o law_n and_o practice_n let_v