it_o be_v one_o with_o the_o same_o why_o may_v not_o presbyter_n consecrat_v and_o if_o they_o may_v ordain_v as_o we_o undertake_v to_o make_v out_o from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n what_o necessity_n be_v there_o for_o go_v to_o england_n for_o it_o see_v it_o may_v have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o church_n if_o consecration_n differ_v from_o ordination_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a custom_n and_o invention_n for_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n that_o only_o speak_v of_o ordination_n the_o only_a way_n in_o which_o all_o pastor_n enter_v into_o the_o pastoral_a office_n 3._o the_o truth_n be_v as_o a_o church_n ministerial_a and_o politic_a constitute_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o officer_n of_o divine_a appointment_n have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o officer_n necessare_fw-la by_o divine_a institution_n to_o her_o edification_n but_o she_o be_v enable_v to_o furnish_v herself_o with_o such_o without_o a_o necessity_n of_o seek_v to_o other_o church_n for_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o church_n be_v her_o representative_n their_o consent_n shall_v have_v be_v have_v although_o we_o have_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o office_n of_o the_o prolate_v as_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o declare_v by_o law_n as_o we_o have_v but_o their_o violent_a intrusion_n in_o this_o church_n it_o put_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n on_o our_o subjection_n to_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o yea_o can_v own_v they_o as_o the_o lawful_a pastor_n of_o this_o church_n obj._n 3_o the_o magistrate_n consent_v to_o and_o procure_v their_o consecration_n ans_fw-fr if_o any_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o church_n as_o erastus_n do_v insolent_o assert_v without_o all_o probation_n yea_o a_o member_n of_o it_o as_o such_o or_o have_v the_o power_n of_o mission_n we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n and_o quiet_o submit_v but_o when_o we_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v the_o magistrate_n as_o a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o all_o church_n power_n â—et_o be_v to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o it_o and_o subject_v as_o such_o to_o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o power_n we_o grant_v it_o be_v his_o part_n to_o put_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n when_o negligent_a in_o furnish_v of_o she_o with_o officer_n to_o their_o duty_n anent_o it_o but_o not_o to_o thrust_v in_o officer_n upon_o she_o of_o himself_o without_o her_o consent_n obj._n 4._o but_o the_o curate_n have_v enter_v by_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o we_o deny_v the_o contrare_fw-la be_v clear_a from_o constant_a practice_n for_o the_o curate_n come_v in_o upon_o congregation_n only_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o patron_n who_o be_v not_o the_o church_n nor_o have_v any_o power_n from_o she_o for_o what_o they_o do_v in_o this_o all_o their_o right_n and_o power_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o derive_v from_o the_o supremacy_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o not_o from_o the_o church_n in_o which_o the_o bishop_n act_v as_o the_o king_n delegat_v and_o substitute_n only_o impower_v thereto_o by_o his_o law_n so_o that_o the_o curate_n have_v and_o derive_v all_o their_o power_n from_o the_o prelate_n can_v have_v the_o same_o from_o the_o church_n none_o give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o but._n 2._o the_o prelate_n not_o be_v the_o lawful_a govern_v church_n any_o that_o enter_v congregation_n by_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o enter_v by_o the_o church_n no_o more_o than_o if_o a_o minister_n shall_v enter_v into_o a_o congregation_n of_o this_o church_n by_o a_o minister_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o france_n or_o holland_n without_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o enter_v by_o the_o church_n here_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n be_v not_o the_o govern_v church_n of_o this_o church_n the_o antecedent_n be_v to_o we_o clear_a for_o as_o the_o prelate_n have_v enter_v without_o the_o church_n so_o the_o lawful_a ministerial_a roll_a church_n although_o scatter_v and_o persecute_v be_v yet_o existent_a and_o in_o be_v who_o by_o the_o unjust_a and_o violent_a intrusion_n of_o other_o have_v not_o lose_v their_o right_n of_o rule_a this_o church_n but_o in_o point_n of_o right_n and_o obligation_n do_v continue_v to_o be_v her_o lawful_a pastor_n for_o violence_n persecution_n and_o intrusion_n do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o relation_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n either_o general_a or_o particular_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o case_n that_o can_v just_o do_v it_o other_o way_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o undo_v and_o destroy_v the_o political_a ministerial_a church_n both_o formal_o and_o effective_o which_o be_v aboard_o we_o ask_v at_o any_o who_o think_v persecution_n and_o intrusion_n do_v in_o our_o case_n annul_v the_o pastoral_a relation_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o church_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n violent_a eject_v of_o minister_n and_o put_v of_o mahumâ—tan_n or_o popish_a priest_n in_o their_o room_n will_v discharge_v minister_n and_o congregation_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o one_o another_o if_o they_o think_v not_o then_o how_o can_v these_o untie_v their_o obligation_n in_o our_o case_n we_o ask_v a_o reason_n if_o they_o judge_v persecution_n and_o intrusion_n by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o â—his_fw-la case_n to_o have_v this_o effect_n than_o it_o will_v inevitable_o follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n can_v destroy_v divine_a command_n flow_v there_o from_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a relation_n &_o obligation_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n who_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o magistrate_n edict_n threaten_n &_o much_o actual_a violence_n perform_v the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n arg._n 2._o all_o power_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o creature_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o law_n fountain_v in_o and_o derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o in_o its_o exercise_n subordinate_v to_o he_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n parl._n carol._n 2._o 1._o sesse_n 2._o act._n 1._o which_o derivation_n and_o subordination_n they_o own_o and_o homologat_v by_o their_o compliance_n with_o what_o the_o law_n do_v require_v in_o order_n to_o it_o therefore_o such_o we_o can_v we_o may_v noâ—_n own_v receive_v and_o subject_n to_o as_o our_o minister_n under_o see_v they_o acknowledge_v &_o subject_v themselves_o in_o their_o ministry_n to_o another_o head_n than_o christ_n jesus_n which_o by_o law_n be_v set_v in_o and_o over_o this_o church_n that_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v more_o perspicuous_a and_o clear_a we_o shall_v put_v it_o into_o form_n thus_o those_o that_o receive_v and_o derive_v their_o church_n power_n from_o and_o be_v subordinat_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n than_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v and_o subject_v to_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n but_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n do_v receive_v and_o derive_v their_o church_n power_n from_o and_o be_v subordinat_fw-la in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n than_o christ_n jesus_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v and_o subject_v to_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n we_o suppose_v the_o first_o proposition_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v all_o the_o debate_n will_v be_v in_o the_o second_o which_o we_o prove_v thus_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n profess_v themselves_o such_o that_o derive_v their_o church_n power_n from_o and_o be_v subordinat_fw-la in_o its_o exercise_n to_o a_o power_n true_o architectonick_a and_o supreme_a in_o the_o church_n beside_o christ_n do_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o and_o be_v subornat_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n than_o christ_n jesus_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o creature_n do_v derive_v their_o church_n power_n from_o and_o be_v subordinat_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o a_o power_n true_o architectonick_a and_o supreme_a in_o the_o church_n beside_o christ_n therefore_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n do_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o and_o be_v subordinat_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n than_o christ_n the_o major_a proposition_n be_v evident_a for_o whoever_o have_v a_o supreme_a architectonick_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o head_n to_o the_o same_o and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o church_n power_n it_o be_v a_o repugnancy_n to_o be_v supreme_a &_o have_v a_o architectonick_a power_n
none_o wonder_v we_o take_v this_o ticklish_a subject_n into_o consideration_n and_o there_fw-mi adventure_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o thought_n of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o world_n for_o we_o solemn_o profess_v that_o on_o the_o exact_a enquiry_n and_o search_n that_o we_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v about_o this_o matter_n we_o find_v it_o as_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o our_o true_a covenant_v principle_n as_o prelacy_n and_o in_o its_o effect_n we_o fear_v shall_v prove_v as_o destructive_a to_o the_o church_n and_o work_v of_o reformation_n as_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v on_o the_o field_n against_o it_o time_n past_a and_o present_a speak_v much_o to_o this_o but_o the_o future_a will_v say_v more_o the_o storm_n that_o this_o supremacy_n threaten_v to_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o all_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o zion_n to_o pray_v inflant_o day_n and_o night_n that_o it_o may_v be_v gracious_o avert_v the_o truth_n be_v as_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o high_a corruption_n in_o itself_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n so_o it_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o law_n in_o church_n matter_n and_o be_v not_o only_o one_o but_o a_o main_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v join_v in_o church_n assembly_n especial_o for_o government_n which_o thereby_o in_o our_o apprehension_n be_v make_v nullity_n that_o our_o procedure_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o may_v be_v distinct_a and_o clear_a to_o all_o we_o shall_v observe_v this_o method_n 1._o we_o shall_v consider_v &_o speak_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o show_v what_o it_o true_o be_v 2_o we_o shall_v prove_v its_o distinction_n from_o &_o independency_n on_o the_o civil_a government_n and3_n show_v how_o far_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o law_n lodge_v in_o and_o exercise_v by_o our_o ruler_n contrare_fw-la to_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n till_o these_o hundred_o year_n past_a for_o more_o light_n to_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v premise_v these_o preliminary_a consideration_n or_o proposition_n which_o we_o think_v will_v not_o ready_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o 1._o propos_fw-fr it_o be_v out_o of_o our_o road_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o intend_a brevity_n to_o insist_v on_o the_o term_n government_n &_o church_n &_o what_o be_v usual_o signify_v by_o they_o these_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o critic_n and_o all_o that_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n but_o all_o be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o government_n be_v a_o term_n import_v power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o right_a to_o rule_v other_o and_o a_o obligation_n on_o these_o invest_v therewith_o to_o use_v the_o same_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o government_n so_o that_o government_n make_v its_o act_n due_a &_o bind_v they_o to_o all_o these_o act_n mean_n &_o way_n by_o which_o government_n be_v enable_v to_o reach_v its_o end_n 2._o propos_fw-fr all_o create_v power_n &_o authority_n be_v original_a in_o god_n as_o the_o &_o first_o chief_n cause_n thereof_o &_o derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o universal_a supreme_a monarch_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n hence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o the_o power_n that_o can_v prove_v its_o descent_n from_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v so_o all_o just_a power_n be_v direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o as_o the_o universal_a head_n of_o all_o 3._o propos_fw-fr that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o be_v found_v in_o nature_n but_o on_o supernatural_a revelation_n her_o government_n must_v whole_o depend_v upon_o &_o flow_v from_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n where_o it_o differ_v from_o other_o government_n so_o that_o the_o all_o of_o this_o government_n be_v by_o positive_a institution_n and_o warrant_n from_o god_n supernatural_o reveal_v 4._o propos_fw-fr that_o christ_n jesus_n as_o mediator_n be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n under_o god_n and_o thereby_o her_o government_n fountain_v in_o he_o all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a 5._o propos_fw-fr beside_o the_o invisible_a and_o internal_a government_n that_o christ_n jesus_n exercise_v by_o his_o spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o people_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n guide_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o that_o obedience_n he_o require_v of_o they_o in_o his_o word_n there_o be_v likewise_o a_o true_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o he_o and_o visible_o exercise_v in_o she_o in_o his_o name_n as_o her_o supreme_a 6._o propos_fw-fr the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o be_v not_o proper_o and_o in_o linea_fw-la directa_fw-la subordinat_fw-la to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o 1._o it_o have_v its_o derivation_n from_o another_o fountain_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o church_n supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n all_o power_n in_o she_o must_v come_v from_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o 2_o the_o magistrate_n can_v take_v away_o nor_o change_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o may_v do_v in_o government_n and_o power_n subordinat_a to_o he_o yea_o he_o can_v impede_fw-la its_o exercise_n in_o these_o entrust_v with_o it_o see_v they_o be_v under_o obligation_n for_o it_o antecedent_n &_o superior_a to_o these_o of_o the_o magistrate_n 7._o propos_fw-fr that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o king_n of_o his_o church_n must_v be_v the_o instrument_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n government_n according_a to_o which_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v not_o only_o in_o these_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n but_o also_o in_o the_o outward_a 8._o propos_fw-fr although_o power_n specifical_o distinct_a be_v not_o subordinat_a to_o one_o another_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v a_o mutual_a subordination_n of_o person_n invest_v with_o these_o power_n so_o as_o the_o person_n be_v in_o different_a respect_n superior_a and_o inferior_a to_o one_o another_o as_o jesse_n be_v to_o david_n suppose_v he_o to_o live_v in_o his_o son_n david_n reign_n which_o subordination_n of_o person_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o power_n nor_o the_o mutual_a subjection_n the_o person_n owe_v to_o one_o another_o hence_o we_o assert_v that_o as_o magistracy_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o ministry_n nor_o loose_v the_o person_n clothe_v therewith_o from_o the_o subjection_n they_o owe_v as_o christian_n to_o minister_n in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o ministry_n destroy_v magistracy_n nor_o untie_v minister_n as_o subject_n from_o that_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o magistrate_n from_o their_o subject_n minister_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o as_o much_o as_o any_o 9_o propos_fw-fr as_o in_o all_o government_n there_o be_v something_n that_o be_v intrinsic_a although_o visible_a wherein_o its_o nature_n and_o specific_a essence_n do_v consist_v and_o something_n accidental_a and_o separable_a from_o it_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o its_o esse_fw-la but_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la so_o there_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n something_n essential_a &_o intrinsic_a of_o which_o afterward_o and_o something_n accidental_a and_o extrinsic_a without_o which_o it_o can_v subsist_v even_o in_o its_o exercise_n 10._o propos_fw-fr these_o thing_n in_o and_o about_o which_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v conversant_a be_v of_o diverse_a sort_n some_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a as_o the_o word_n ministry_n sacrament_n and_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n other_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n partly_o spiritual_a &_o partly_o civil_a as_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n and_o mod_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n which_o although_o civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o common_a to_o other_o action_n yet_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o general_a divine_a appointment_n impower_v the_o church_n to_o dispose_v and_o order_v these_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o necessary_a connection_n with_o thing_n pure_o spiritual_a be_v true_o ecclesiastic_a and_o become_v a_o part_n of_o the_o object_n of_o the_o proper_a power_n of_o church_n government_n call_v by_o all_o divine_v diatactick_a some_o be_v proper_o &_o pure_o civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o immediate_a end_n as_o church_n stipend_n manse_v glyb_n etc._n etc._n which_o although_o they_o be_v by_o general_a precept_n secure_v to_o the_o church_n and_o belong_v to_o she_o yet_o they_o be_v formal_o civil_a and_o come_v direct_o under_o the_o magistrate_n power_n as_o other_o civil_a right_n and_o propriety_n do_v about_o which_o
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
necessare_fw-la &_o righteous_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o their_o obligation_n can_v be_v admit_v &_o receive_v which_o we_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n and_o if_o from_o it_o our_o covenant_n and_o oath_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v just_a be_v we_o not_o assure_v that_o the_o corruption_n and_o sin_n engage_v against_o by_o such_o divine_a tie_n and_o relapse_v into_o contrare_fw-la to_o these_o engagement_n do_v provoke_v our_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n to_o the_o inflict_v of_o all_o those_o plague_n and_o judgement_n threaten_v in_o the_o word_n against_o the_o violator_n of_o such_o sacred_a bond_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o we_o hope_v none_o will_v deny_v what_o can_v we_o then_o expect_v to_o ourselves_o &_o posterity_n if_o reformation_n &_o repentance_n do_v not_o prevent_v but_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n according_a to_o every_o one_o accession_n to_o these_o evil_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n on_o this_o decline_a church_n next_o we_o pray_v your_o lo._n to_o consider_v that_o we_o build_v our_o conclusion_n on_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n in_o this_o church_n and_o other_o lay_v down_o in_o their_o argument_n and_o debate_n against_o popery_n which_o for_o its_o want_n of_o and_o opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v condemn_v for_o a_o antichristian_a defection_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n we_o hold_v to_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o god_n but_o these_o what_o they_o condemn_v we_o must_v renunce_v &_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n want_v their_o authority_n and_o approbation_n we_o can_v yea_o dar_fw-ge not_o admit_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o precede_a age_n show_v what_o mischief_n the_o open_n of_o this_o door_n have_v bring_v in_o upon_o she_o to_o the_o almost_o uter_fw-la ruin_n of_o all_o her_o concern_v the_o present_a growth_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o quick_a advance_v it_o make_v among_o all_o degree_n of_o professor_n in_o this_o and_o our_o nighbour_a church_n say_v to_o all_o &_o we_o suppose_v to_o your_o lo._n that_o the_o fasety_n &_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n do_v in_o all_o prudence_n require_v that_o its_o real_a and_o sincere_a friend_n shall_v be_v encourage_v and_o not_o thus_o persecute_v with_o violence_n which_o no_o doubt_n tend_v so_o to_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n &_o cause_n that_o in_o one_o of_o queen_n elizabeth_n parliament_n it_o be_v judge_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o only_o to_o restrain_v the_o rigid_a press_v of_o conformity_n but_o likewise_o to_o encourage_v all_o nonconformist_n who_o in_o those_o time_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o stout_a antagonist_n to_o popery_n and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v employ_v entrust_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o â—ope_n have_v his_o instrument_n and_o emissary_n among_o we_o for_o work_v out_o of_o his_o design_n on_o these_o church_n which_o all_o his_o former_a engine_n have_v not_o hitherto_o effect_v and_o find_v through_o our_o confusion_n and_o distemper_n the_o occasion_n fit_v for_o his_o purpose_n have_v no_o question_n a_o secret_a active_a hand_n in_o influence_v and_o increase_v of_o this_o violence_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o mercy_n to_o this_o many_o way_n afflict_v and_o ruin_a church_n do_v not_o prevent_v will_v facilitat_fw-la his_o long_v for_o &_o much_o endeavour_v design_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o these_o land_n and_o however_o we_o be_v represent_v to_o your_o lo._n as_o unfriend_v to_o religion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o state_n as_o if_o they_o must_v ruin_v if_o we_o stand_v yet_o the_o experience_n of_o past_a and_o present_a time_n beside_o our_o public_a confession_n do_v sufficient_o witness_v how_o malicious_a our_o adversary_n be_v in_o this_o unjust_a calumny_n we_o be_v no_o innovator_n nor_o pleader_n for_o innovation_n in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o do_v hold_v adhere_v to_o and_o resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sum_v up_o and_o brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n large_a &_o short_a catachisme_n of_o this_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o popish_a arminian_n socinian_n and_o sectarian_n error_n and_o innovation_n we_o hold_v for_o our_o main_a &_o root_a principle_n the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o absolute_a perfect_a and_o only_o rule_v of_o faith_n and_o manner_n not_o need_v any_o supplement_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v antiquity_n its_o due_a respect_n use_v &_o reverence_n and_o although_o we_o maintain_v that_o every_o christian_a of_o what_o rank_n &_o degree_n soever_o aught_o to_o study_v &_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o great_a use_n of_o a_o gospel_n stand_v ministry_n and_o receive_v the_o directive_n authority_n of_o the_o church_n not_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n we_o hold_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n necessare_fw-la to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o absolute_o deny_v that_o the_o spirit_n bring_v new_a revelation_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n &_o government_n but_o only_o that_o he_o open_v the_o eye_n and_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v perceive_v and_o right_o take_v up_o what_o be_v of_o old_a reveal_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n we_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o in_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n yet_o we_o constant_o affirm_v good_a work_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o equity_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n to_o be_v necessare_fw-la both_o necessitate_v precepti_fw-la &_o medii_fw-la our_o minister_n press_v on_o themselves_o &_o hearer_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n as_o the_o solid_a fundation_n of_o good_a work_n &_o the_o severe_a strict_a exercise_n not_o of_o a_o popish_a out_o side_n formal_a but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a real_a mortification_n and_o self_n denial_n we_o extol_v all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o reject_v all_o humane_a invention_n especial_o religious_a and_o significant_a not_o institute_v ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v no_o little_a weight_n with_o your_o lo._n that_o by_o use_v of_o such_o violence_n the_o most_o sober_a judicious_a universal_o religious_a and_o industrious_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o steadfast_a to_o his_o maj_n true_a interest_n and_o honour_n be_v expose_v to_o daily_a vexation_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n and_o prejudice_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n we_o suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o choice_n and_o better_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o government_n now_o introduce_v into_o this_o church_n and_o consequent_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n enact_v against_o non-conformists'_a and_o of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n this_o may_v prove_v to_o church_n and_o state_n we_o leave_v to_o your_o lo._n most_o serious_a consideration_n we_o know_v the_o certain_a issue_n of_o all_o matter_n be_v know_v to_o god_n only_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v our_o measure_n in_o conjecture_v at_o future_a event_n from_o the_o work_n of_o present_a cause_n there_o be_v all_o rational_a ground_n to_o fear_v that_o there_o be_v dismal_a and_o heavy_a time_n come_v on_o this_o nation_n which_o by_o take_v and_o fallow_v of_o right_a way_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n of_o affair_n your_o lo._n may_v prevent_v and_o if_o not_o do_v will_n no_o doubt_n afford_v matter_n of_o bitter_a sorrow_n &_o repentance_n to_o your_o lo_n or_o child_n afterward_o it_o be_v &_o shall_v be_v our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o your_o lo._n may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n pour_v out_o upon_o you_o to_o foresee_v the_o evil_n that_o be_v hasten_v towards_o we_o and_o in_o time_n to_o hide_v yourselves_o this_o church_n &_o kingdom_n from_o they_o be_v it_o not_o apparent_a to_o all_o that_o conscience_n do_v not_o
they_o be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n exerâ—â—ed_v but_o this_o with_o other_o act_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o follow_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o new_a superstructure_n of_o church_n government_n be_v found_v and_o build_v the_o supremacy_n how_o visible_a be_v it_o from_o this_o act_n the_o 〈◊〉_d use_v for_o bring_v in_o 〈◊〉_d prelacy_n the_o frame_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o parliament_n anent_o it_o and_o the_o supremacy_n 〈◊〉_d procedure_n in_o execute_v of_o the_o same_o that_o the_o design_n be_v not_o only_o to_o subject_v the_o church_n whole_o to_o the_o state_n but_o to_o rob_v she_o of_o all_o power_n which_o the_o prelate_n perceive_v labour_v to_o help_v in_o their_o after_o out_v of_o minister_n not_o comprehend_v in_o this_o act_n some_o of_o they_o complain_v that_o minister_n shall_v be_v exautorate_v by_o the_o magistrate_n without_o any_o church_n sentence_n precede_v but_o more_o of_o this_o afterward_o but_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n yet_o how_o unproportionat_a be_v the_o penalty_n to_o the_o allege_v crime_n if_o there_o have_v be_v heresy_n in_o doctrine_n or_o scandal_n in_o life_n &_o conversation_n a_o justification_n may_v have_v be_v make_v of_o this_o sentence_n but_o for_o simple_a nonconformity_n to_o prelacy_n that_o have_v be_v by_o church_n &_o state_n explode_v from_o among_o we_o as_o a_o high_a corruption_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o reentry_n bar_v with_o the_o solemne_v covenant_n and_o oath_n that_o ever_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n come_v under_o we_o say_v for_o such_o a_o crime_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o take_v from_o minister_n as_o man_n their_o lively_a hood_n and_o as_o minister_n their_o ministry_n dear_a to_o they_o then_o their_o life_n be_v a_o punishment_n when_o weight_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n much_o beyond_o we_o be_v sure_a the_o demerit_n of_o the_o cause_n especial_o consider_v that_o the_o person_n impose_v conformity_n and_o punish_v other_o so_o severe_o for_o refuse_v it_o be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o have_v make_v and_o enact_v law_n severe_a enough_o against_o it_o what_o be_v prelacy_n a_o jewel_n of_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v be_v well_o without_o it_o have_v we_o not_o find_v the_o contrare_fw-la from_o the_o experience_n of_o past_a and_o present_a time_n although_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v uncharitable_a in_o this_o yet_o we_o mâ—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d it_o that_o they_o who_o see_v not_o this_o do_v either_o 〈…〉_o eye_n throw_v carnal_a interest_n or_o wilful_a 〈…〉_o â—â—â—inst_a all_o evidence_n that_o not_o only_a scripture_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o prelacy_n in_o this_o church_n afford_v to_o all_o man_n or_o else_o fight_v against_o their_o light_n if_o we_o take_v our_o measure_n by_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n or_o these_o thing_n wherein_o her_o true_a welfare_n do_v consist_v we_o shall_v undoubted_o and_o undeniable_o see_v that_o prelacy_n be_v not_o of_o that_o worth_n and_o use_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o to_o inflict_v such_o grievous_a punishment_n on_o non-compliers_a with_o it_o sure_o we_o be_v soundness_n of_o doctrine_n purity_n of_o worship_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n have_v flourish_v in_o this_o church_n without_o it_o and_o since_o its_o erection_n these_o have_v come_v under_o a_o sad_a decay_n obj._n but_o many_o place_n the_o demerit_n of_o these_o severe_a punishment_n in_o the_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n establish_v prelacy_n the_o now_o great_a cry_n of_o these_o engage_v in_o the_o present_a course_n for_o justify_v of_o all_o enormity_n commit_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o government_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o we_o say_v first_o that_o all_o divine_n and_o lawyer_n assert_v if_o nonobedience_n be_v separate_v from_o contempt_n of_o authority_n as_o in_o many_o case_n it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o demerit_n of_o disobedience_n be_v not_o rigorous_o to_o be_v pursue_v with_o punishment_n especial_o of_o so_o high_a a_o naâ—â—â—â—_n as_o these_o inflict_v on_o we_o for_o mere_a nonconformity_n and_o the_o reason_n they_o give_v be_v because_o there_o be_v and_o maâ—_n be_v such_o thing_n in_o nonobedience_n as_o will_v to_o â—â—â—â—teous_a judge_n not_o only_o alleviat_v the_o guilt_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d discharge_v it_o from_o disobedience_n let_v be_v contempt_n 〈◊〉_d authority_n as_o invincible_a ignorance_n inability_n 〈◊〉_d of_o passion_n the_o tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v 〈◊〉_d sâ—me_a case_n to_o the_o evert_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n â—â—â—â—ch_o in_o such_o case_n be_v presume_v not_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o 〈◊〉_d maker_n the_o disposition_n &_o profession_n of_o person_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—dieiâ—nce-manifested_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n &c._n &c._n if_o our_o know_a and_o profess_a principle_n extant_a in_o our_o public_a confession_n and_o treatise_n on_o this_o head_n with_o our_o action_n in_o all_o other_o matter_n relate_v to_o authority_n be_v admit_v and_o beleve_v we_o will_v have_v as_o much_o so_o say_v for_o free_v of_o our_o nonobedience_n to_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n from_o contempt_n of_o authority_n as_o any_o give_v we_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o prefer_v of_o god_n our_o absolute_a and_o supreme_a sovereign_n to_o all_o other_o and_o in_o yield_v to_o he_o that_o obedience_n he_o require_v of_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o none_o shall_v be_v find_v more_o obedient_a to_o authority_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o intrinch_n on_o this_o we_o do_v solemn_o profess_v and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o alseeing_a god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o that_o this_o and_o this_o only_a be_v the_o cause_n why_o we_o can_v give_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n establish_v prelacy_n for_o upon_o all_o the_o search_n we_o have_v make_v we_o can_v find_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o perfect_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n but_o find_v it_o contrary_n unto_o â—lagainst_a the_o precept_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n â—â—sus_n anent_o the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n this_o be_v our_o persuasion_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o evite_v the_o force_n of_o these_o obligation_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o oath_n make_v to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o against_o it_o to_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o which_o we_o be_v by_o command_n and_o threathing_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n most_o indispensible_o bind_v and_o from_o which_o tie_n no_o humane_a power_n can_v loose_v we_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a matter_n in_o this_o case_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o other_o thing_n from_o any_o for_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n and_o bring_v we_o the_o length_n of_o cheerful_a obedience_n in_o this_o thing_n but_o the_o cry_n law_n law_n which_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n can_v be_v no_o sure_a bottom_n to_o our_o conscience_n 〈◊〉_d see_v we_o as_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o law_n antecedent_n 〈◊〉_d superior_a to_o that_o of_o man_n second_o where_o the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n be_v true_o sound_a yet_o the_o sentence_n pass_v against_o it_o ought_v chief_o to_o respect_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o disobedience_n and_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o the_o punishment_n shall_v be_v proportionated_a there_o be_v no_o divine_n or_o lawyer_n that_o we_o know_v of_o but_o hold_v this_o and_o it_o be_v beyond_o disput_fw-la evident_a from_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n enact_v and_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o that_o commonwealth_n for_o the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o deed_n contrare_fw-la to_o law_n disobedience_n in_o small_a matter_n shall_v have_v as_o heavy_a punishment_n inflict_v on_o the_o contraveener_n as_o in_o great_a which_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o strange_a solecism_n in_o government_n contrare_fw-la to_o all_o natural_a equity_n and_o justice_n the_o basis_n and_o end_n of_o government_n three_o and_o that_o our_o nonobedience_n to_o law_n erect_v and_o establish_v prelacy_n be_v so_o high_a a_o crime_n in_o itself_o as_o to_o deserve_v such_o punishment_n as_o have_v be_v statute_n and_o execute_v upon_o we_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v especial_o while_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o little_a evidence_n as_o have_v be_v say_v for_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n some_o of_o that_o party_n â—â—â—e_z rack_v their_o wit_n for_o find_v out_o its_o divine_a right_n and_o institution_n as_o joseph_n hall_n and_o some_o other_o but_o wiâ—h_v so_o little_a success_n as_o have_v force_v many_o of_o they_o to_o â—â—â—te_v that_o plea_n and_o take_v they_o to_o argument_n of_o another_o â—â—ture_n 2._o the_o confession_n of_o some_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o
〈◊〉_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
and_o not_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o society_n to_o which_o any_o be_v such_o now_o to_o the_o minor_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n have_v their_o power_n from_o and_o in_o its_o exercise_n be_v subject_v to_o a_o supreme_a architectonick_a power_n be_v beyond_o disput_fw-la clear_a from_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n former_o mention_v and_o other_o act_n to_o be_v mention_v afterward_o and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o any_o that_o considerate_o peruse_v the_o same_o of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v at_o more_o large_a under_o the_o last_o head_n but_o for_o the_o time_n we_o propose_v these_o three_o from_o these_o act_n for_o make_v out_o of_o this_o argument_n 1._o they_o be_v express_o make_v to_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a to_o they_o in_o their_o church_n judicatory_n and_o administration_n 2_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o order_n and_o dispose_v be_v annex_v to_o the_o crown_n as_o one_o royal_a prerogative_n thereof_o which_o not_o only_o suppon_n the_o government_n to_o be_v in_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o but_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o that_o dominion_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o regality_n 3_o the_o give_v of_o church_n power_n to_o church_n officer_n be_v suppon_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o deed_n of_o his_o law_n and_o act_n without_o which_o all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v null_n and_o void_a objec_fw-la although_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n ecclesiastical_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o head_n to_o and_o of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr if_o he_o be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o such_o cause_n and_o over_o such_o person_n in_o n1_fw-la directa_fw-la no_o question_n he_o be_v the_o head_n political_a to_o the_o church_n for_o governor_n &_o head_n be_v equipollent_a term_n whosoever_o be_v supreme_a governor_n to_o any_o society_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v a_o proper_a political_a head_n to_o it_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o quarrel_v about_o word_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v grant_v and_o that_o this_o subordination_n or_o supremacy_n be_v direct_v or_o in_o n1_fw-la directa_fw-la be_v we_o judge_v clear_a from_o the_o fore_n mention_v act_n see_v they_o not_o only_o make_v the_o king_n the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n but_o moreover_o in_o the_o act_n anent_o the_o the_o national_a synod_n he_o be_v make_v the_o all_o of_o the_o same_o and_o without_o he_o it_o be_v nothing_o the_o like_a of_o these_o the_o sun_n never_o shine_v on_o except_o these_o make_v by_o king_n henry_n the_o 8._o of_o england_n which_o be_v scrupule_v at_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n at_o home_o &_o abroad_o they_o be_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n force_v to_o alleviat_v the_o mater_fw-la by_o remove_a the_o title_n head_n and_o some_o mitigate_a explication_n allow_v and_o order_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o subject_n at_o the_o take_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n but_o no_o such_o explication_n allow_v here_o arg._n 3._o if_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n thus_o thrust_v in_o upon_o they_o be_v constitut_v and_o settle_v in_o christ_n way_n as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n and_o actual_a use_n of_o all_o ordinance_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n than_o it_o be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o minister_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n thus_o thrust_v in_o upon_o they_o be_v constitut_v and_o settle_v in_o christ_n way_n as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n and_o actual_a exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n therefore_o it_o be_v â—â—â—o_o sinful_a separation_n on_o their_o part_n not_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n in_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o we_o suppose_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v evident_a and_o will_v not_o ready_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v we_o prove_v it_o thus_o if_o there_o be_v divine_a obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o their_o church_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o minister_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n be_v under_o divine_a obligation_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n lean_v upon_o these_o two_o and_o be_v infallible_o make_v out_o by_o they_o first_o that_o thâ—â—e_n be_v a_o divine_a relation_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o the_o church_n over_o who_o they_o be_v set_v and_o second_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o divine_a command_n to_o do_v the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o such_o contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n none_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o ministry_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a instution_n and_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n will_v be_v able_a to_o refuse_v these_o we_o conceive_v none_o even_o of_o our_o antagonist_n will_v deny_v the_o minor_a if_o they_o do_v will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n before_o and_o at_o the_o prelate_n introduction_n be_v no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n which_o be_v false_a as_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v when_o ever_o our_o opposite_n give_v their_o reason_n to_o the_o contrare_fw-la but_o we_o know_v the_o great_a debate_n will_v be_v about_o the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n to_o wit_n that_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the._n prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n be_v settle_v in_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n &_o actual_a exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n this_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v beyond_o all_o denial_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o scotland_n before_o and_o at_o the_o prelate_n late_a entry_n among_o we_o in_o the_o year_n 1662._o be_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o furnish_v with_o pastor_n and_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o ordinance_n the_o debate_n than_o will_v run_v upon_o the_o jus_o of_o that_o constitution_n that_o be_v existent_a and_o in_o be_v at_o the_o prelate_n introduction_n against_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v object_v but_o one_o of_o these_o three_o obj._n 1_o prelacy_n be_v want_v in_o that_o constitution_n which_o it_o shall_v have_v have_v ans_fw-fr 1._o to_o the_o validity_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o must_v first_o be_v make_v out_o that_o prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o in_o use_n and_o exercise_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n or_o a_o office_n institute_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v yet_o see_v never_o will_v let_v our_o adversary_n in_o this_o great_a debait_n consider_v the_o reason_n and_o exception_n we_o have_v give_v in_o against_o iâ—_n and_o answer_v they_o yea_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o we_o ask_v at_o the_o patron_n of_o prelacy_n whether_o they_o judge_v it_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o ministerial_a political_a church_n if_o they_o judge_v it_o essential_a do_v it_o not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n holland_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n and_o that_o all_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o they_o be_v nullity_n yea_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n call_v the_o albigenses_n which_o by_o all_o historian_n have_v their_o original_n deduce_v from_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o such_o see_v 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n of_o all_o they_o never_o have_v prelacy_n from_o their_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o day_n which_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o
civil_a sentence_n and_o the_o church_n may_v not_o want_v pastor_n ans_fw-fr although_o we_o yield_v the_o antecedent_n yet_o we_o deny_v the_o consequent_a for_o 1._o because_o the_o parallel_n betwixt_o abiathers_n case_n and_o we_o rune_v wide_o because_o 1._o abiathers_n sentence_n be_v just_a his_o crime_n deserve_v it_o and_o much_o more_o but_o we_o be_v not_o so_o as_o the_o precede_a and_o subsequent_a reason_n make_v out_o 2._o abiathers_n sentence_n be_v personal_a and_o terminate_v on_o himself_o only_o and_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o priest_n we_o be_v against_o all_o that_o do_v not_o conform_v 3._o he_o be_v found_v on_o a_o civil_a crime_n against_o the_o state_n and_o person_n of_o the_o king_n to_o wit_n treason_n our_o allege_a crime_n be_v ecclesiastic_a for_o not_o comply_v with_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o and_o all_o stand_v engage_v by_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o oath_n which_o tie_v we_o in_o our_o several_a capacity_n and_o station_n to_o withstand_v the_o contrare_fw-la corruption_n now_o bring_v in_o upon_o we_o 4._o abiathers_n punishment_n to_o which_o he_o be_v formal_o sentence_v be_v pure_o civil_a confinement_n to_o such_o a_o place_n we_o although_o it_o be_v partly_o civil_a yet_o be_v most_o ecclesiastic_a which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n we_o be_v not_o only_a robe_a of_o our_o livelihood_n and_o contine_v but_o inhibit_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministry_n and_o state_v by_o sentence_n in_o a_o habitual_a cessation_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o which_o be_v true_o depâ—â—vation_n 5._o abiathers_n sentence_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o â—â—o_o sacred_a in_o a_o time_n of_o defection_n and_o for_o withstand_v of_o it_o out_v be_v pass_v in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o for_o resist_v of_o the_o same_o and_o out_o of_o design_n on_o our_o ruler_n part_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o intend_a defection_n 2._o the_o iniquous_a command_n sentence_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n where_o invincible_a force_n be_v not_o do_v not_o untie_v our_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v under_o for_o serve_v of_o he_o and_o other_o in_o our_o day_n arg._n 6._o if_o congregation_n have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o power_n of_o elect_v and_o call_v of_o their_o minister_n then_o those_o that_o come_v in_o upon_o they_o without_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v their_o pastor_n nor_o to_o be_v subject_v to_o as_o such_o by_o congregation_n but_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o but_o here_o it_o be_v so_o the_o curate_n have_v enter_v on_o congregation_n without_o this_o election_n and_o call_v of_o the_o people_n their_o just_a right_n and_o privilege_n all_o the_o debat_fw-la will_v be_v about_o the_o antecedent_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n which_o to_o we_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n as_o our_o orthodox_n divine_v prove_v against_o the_o papist_n all_o that_o bellarmin_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o alter_v and_o change_v these_o and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n the_o very_a answer_n of_o our_o adversary_n but_o how_o or_o from_o what_o this_o be_v make_v good_a be_v not_o yet_o show_v we_o antiquity_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o they_o who_o plead_v so_o much_o for_o prelacy_n from_o it_o can_v be_v able_a to_o cast_v it_o here_o it_o the_o prelacy_n controvert_v among_o we_o have_v but_o half_a of_o the_o evidence_n from_o antiquity_n that_o the_o people_n right_a and_o power_n of_o election_n have_v it_o have_v go_v far_o to_o have_v determine_v the_o question_n in_o its_o behalf_n with_o some_o that_o yet_o stand_v aloof_o from_o it_o this_o show_v it_o be_v not_o the_o evidence_n or_o inevidence_n of_o argument_n that_o resolve_v many_o anent_o the_o debat_n of_o those_o time_n but_o interest_n and_o lust_n that_o swey_v they_o more_o than_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n but_o more_o of_o this_o afterward_o arg._n 7._o hear_v of_o submit_v to_o &_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o the_o curate_n alone_o and_o not_o from_o other_o be_v enjoin_v by_o law_n and_o require_v as_o the_o sign_n of_o our_o compliance_n with_o and_o subject_v to_o the_o present_a law_n bring_v in_o and_o establish_v of_o prelacy_n with_o other_o corruption_n which_o we_o dare_v not_o own_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o such_o have_v a_o twofold_a bar_n put_v upon_o it_o to_o we_o a_o unqualified_a instrument_n or_o object_n and_o the_o respect_n that_o by_o the_o law_n it_o be_v make_v to_o have_v to_o the_o corruption_n obtrude_v upon_o this_o church_n as_o the_o sign_n of_o our_o compliance_n with_o and_o subjection_n to_o these_o the_o command_n of_o god_n about_o hear_v do_v constitut_v the_o object_n and_o instrument_n what_o be_v who_o we_o shall_v hear_v as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o hear_v all_o doctrine_n but_o these_o that_o be_v sound_a so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o hear_v and_o receive_v all_o that_o pretend_v to_o come_v in_o christ_n name_n but_o these_o of_o who_o mission_n we_o have_v some_o rational_a evidence_n at_o least_o against_o which_o we_o have_v no_o just_a exception_n this_o as_o to_o the_o curate_n be_v make_v out_o by_o the_o former_a argument_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o sign_n appoint_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n and_o require_v of_o all_o in_o this_o church_n be_v that_o they_o not_o only_o withdraw_v from_o and_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o eject_v and_o nonconform_a minister_n but_o that_o they_o hear_v and_o submit_v to_o minister_n that_o comply_v with_o and_o enter_v into_o this_o church_n by_o the_o prelate_n which_o to_o we_o make_v hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o a_o practical_a approbation_n of_o and_o compliance_n with_o prelacy_n and_o other_o corruption_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n for_o such_o be_v the_o connection_n between_o the_o sign_n and_o the_o thing_n signify_v that_o he_o that_o yield_v to_o give_v the_o sign_n do_v in_o all_o rational_a construction_n approve_v the_o thing_n signify_v obj._n but_o hearing_n and_o receive_v be_v a_o duty_n command_v by_o god_n which_o be_v so_o can_v cease_v to_o be_v such_o by_o the_o magistrate_n command_v enjoin_v it_o ans_fw-fr in_o this_o answer_n our_o opponent_n do_v ordinary_o triumph_v but_o to_o unfold_v its_o vanity_n and_o insufficiency_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o god_n law_n in_o constitute_v of_o duty_n do_v not_o only_o determine_v the_o act_n but_o the_o object_n and_o instrument_n about_o and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v &_o without_o which_o they_o be_v not_o duty_n nor_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n so_o that_o be_v not_o the_o act_n simple_o that_o be_v make_v a_o duty_n but_o in_o its_o respect_n to_o such_o and_o such_o object_n and_o instrument_n as_o for_o instance_n pray_v be_v a_o duty_n not_o simple_o in_o itself_o consider_v but_o in_o its_o respect_n to_o god_n in_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n for_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n he_o command_v and_o allow_v in_o his_o word_n so_o it_o be_v in_o hear_v who_o object_n and_o instrument_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o word_n other_o way_n it_o be_v not_o duty_n but_o in_o many_o case_n a_o pofitive_a sin_n for_o the_o command_n of_o god_n about_o hear_v do_v restrict_n it_o in_o its_o object_n and_o instrument_n without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o duty_n so_o that_o we_o must_v careful_o see_v what_o it_o be_v we_o hear_v and_o who_o let_v our_o adversary_n first_o answer_v our_o former_a argument_n and_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v those_o who_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n we_o be_v appoint_v to_o hear_v and_o we_o shall_v yield_v 2_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o this_o case_n and_o matter_n be_v not_o a_o duty_n let_v they_o prove_v it_o that_o assert_v this_o we_o grant_v hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o receive_v of_o the_o ordinance_n be_v dury_n but_o only_o as_o it_o suppon_n and_o take_v in_o lawful_o call_v and_o send_v ministry_n know_v to_o be_v such_o to_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v none_o will_v say_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o those_o that_o be_v not_o send_v or_o have_v no_o just_a authority_n to_o dispense_v the_o same_o the_o magistrate_n command_v in_o his_o present_a law_n restrict_v hear_v of_o the_o word_n &_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n to_o such_o &_o such_o inhibit_v these_o as_o to_o other_o which_o command_v not_o have_v the_o due_a instrument_n appoint_v by_o god_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o
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 the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o live_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o heresy_n be_v abound_v and_o professor_n take_v with_o the_o infection_n of_o that_o leaven_n he_o may_v put_v they_o on_o the_o preach_n of_o doctrine_n not_o apposite_a to_o the_o present_a case_n and_o discharge_v they_o from_o meddle_v with_o doctrine_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o present_a error_n as_o our_o magistrate_n have_v do_v anent_o some_o doctrine_n in_o these_o time_n he_o may_v likewise_o forbid_v they_o preach_v against_o or_o censure_v of_o these_o sin_n that_o be_v reign_v in_o the_o place_n and_o time_n in_o obey_v of_o which_o minister_n shall_v cross_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o in_o his_o word_n and_o bring_v themselves_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n if_o church_n and_o minister_n be_v not_o in_o the_o command_n precept_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n exeme_v from_o the_o power_n and_o imposition_n of_o man_n what_o a_o sad_a case_n will_v they_o be_v in_o 4._o the_o church_n have_v and_o exercise_v this_o power_n from_o scripture_n time_n in_o all_o age_n till_o within_o these_o hundred_o year_n we_o grant_v the_o magistrate_n exercise_v a_o power_n about_o or_o anent_o the_o church_n but_o never_o come_v this_o length_n when_o they_o do_v reform_v &_o give_v any_o redress_n of_o corruption_n creep_v into_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n they_o do_v it_o by_o the_o church_n who_o in_o her_o officer_n they_o do_v convocat_n and_o require_v to_o consider_v the_o matter_n and_o to_o make_v constitution_n about_o it_o but_o never_o assay_v to_o do_v it_o immediate_o and_o by_o themselves_o as_o church_n history_n make_v evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n 5._o it_o be_v the_o natural_a right_n of_o all_o moral_a power_n to_o order_n and_o dispose_v its_o own_o exercise_n in_o and_o about_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o it_o as_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v by_o instance_n of_o these_o of_o the_o parental_a marital_a power_n &c_n &c_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v partly_o because_o the_o object_n and_o other_o circumstance_n be_v so_o many_o and_o various_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o prescribe_v rule_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o particular_a emergent_n relate_v to_o their_o excercise_n but_o must_v be_v lest_o to_o the_o prudence_n of_o those_o invest_v with_o they_o to_o do_v therein_o as_o they_o see_v fit_a and_o expedient_a in_o the_o case_n that_o be_v before_o they_o and_o partly_o such_o be_v fit_a as_o have_v more_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n about_o such_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o their_o power_n than_o any_o other_o we_o see_v this_o yield_v to_o other_o and_o why_o then_o not_o to_o minister_n who_o may_v in_o rational_a judgement_n be_v presume_v to_o have_v more_o solid_a knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o and_o about_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o any_o 6._o all_o divine_v except_o those_o call_v erastian_n who_o be_v but_o of_o a_o late_a edition_n in_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o prelatical_a one_o do_v grant_v a_o diatactik_a power_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n about_o the_o worship_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n relate_v thereto_o and_o till_o erastus_n the_o phistrian_a arise_v it_o be_v beyond_o controversy_n among_o all_o church_n writer_n whether_o historical_a or_o polemic_a even_o those_o who_o contend_v for_o the_o magistrate_n power_n against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o pope_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o tractat_v from_o which_o we_o may_v adduce_v citation_n not_o a_o few_o but_o fear_v they_o will_v prove_v too_o tedions_a if_o inset_v here_o we_o forbear_v assertion_n 4._o albeit_o we_o grant_v the_o power_n of_o confinement_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o church_n for_o to_o he_o only_o be_v the_o sword_n gâ—â—ven_n to_o be_v use_v against_o evil_a doer_n yet_o in_o the_o complex_fw-la case_n which_o we_o have_v before_o we_o we_o dare_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o indulgence_n with_o such_o a_o clause_n see_v we_o have_v not_o as_o may_v be_v clear_a to_o any_o from_o what_o be_v say_v above_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o acceptance_n thereof_o for_o the_o act_n of_o indulgence_n confine_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o whole_a party_n if_o it_o have_v be_v but_o some_o few_o that_o this_o confinment_n reach_v we_o will_v not_o have_v say_v much_o to_o it_o although_o the_o sentence_n have_v be_v unjust_a but_o while_o we_o consider_v the_o present_a universal_a necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o obligation_n on_o we_o to_o use_v our_o ministry_n for_o answer_v the_o same_o we_o can_v not_o with_o quietness_n to_o our_o conscience_n justify_v nor_o allow_v of_o it_o as_o a_o favour_n with_o such_o a_o restraint_n on_o our_o ministry_n if_o the_o confinment_n have_v only_o touch_v our_o person_n and_o personal_a concern_v we_o have_v with_o all_o patience_n and_o submission_n yield_v thereto_o but_o a_o restraint_n be_v put_v on_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministry_n in_o this_o necessitous_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n when_o papist_n quaker_n and_o other_o subverter_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n do_v multiply_v and_o abound_v without_o all_o crub_n we_o can_v not_o close_o with_o this_o indulgence_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o confinment_n put_v we_o out_o of_o capacity_n for_o afford_v that_o relief_n to_o the_o church_n and_o immortal_a soul_n which_o our_o office_n bind_v we_o to_o 2._o as_o there_o be_v many_o duty_n and_o part_n of_o our_o ministerial_a function_n which_o we_o can_v perform_v and_o exercise_v but_o in_o a_o conjunction_n with_o other_o so_o this_o indulgence_n cut_v off_o from_o all_o access_n to_o the_o same_o and_o leave_v we_o in_o much_o worse_a case_n than_o we_o be_v in_o before_o have_v we_o not_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o maintain_v against_o its_o present_a adversary_n be_v we_o not_o bind_v to_o propagat_v the_o same_o in_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a age_n do_v not_o scandal_n of_o all_o fort_n abound_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n and_o do_v not_o the_o care_n and_o burdine_n of_o see_v to_o and_o provide_v against_o the_o evil_a that_o in_o these_o time_n threaten_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v upon_o we_o in_o our_o ministerial_a capacity_n and_o we_o can_v single_o and_o apart_o do_v what_o be_v necessare_fw-la in_o this_o case_n but_o in_o a_o conjunction_n with_o one_o another_o no_o doubt_n our_o subject_n to_o this_o confinment_n will_v render_v we_o accessary_a to_o and_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o these_o evil_a and_o their_o consequence_n to_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a generation_n posterity_n no_o question_n shall_v have_v all_o cause_n to_o curse_v and_o charge_v their_o blood_n upon_o we_o which_o be_v tremble_v to_o think_v upon_o 3._o if_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o and_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o man_n action_n by_o the_o native_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o they_o it_o be_v to_o we_o apparent_a and_o beyond_o denial_n that_o the_o project_n and_o intention_n of_o this_o contrivance_n be_v quiet_o to_o ruin_n and_o bury_v our_o cause_n see_v by_o this_o confinment_n and_o other_o thing_n in_o this_o indulgence_n all_o endeavour_n towards_o the_o succession_n of_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o we_o bring_v unto_o a_o immediate_a dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o hinder_v to_o propagat_v the_o truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o its_o adversary_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o land_n be_v thus_o shut_v up_o into_o a_o little_a corner_n of_o the_o same_o &_o cast_v by_o two_o &_o three_n and_o four_o into_o congregation_n where_o for_o the_o most_o part_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o use_n for_o we_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n time_n have_v be_v thus_o deal_v with_o and_o in_o policy_n confine_v as_o we_o be_v do_v any_o think_v they_o will_v have_v submit_v to_o and_o obey_v such_o a_o confinment_n which_o will_v have_v frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o office_n and_o work_n and_o make_v they_o guilty_a of_o disobedience_n to_o their_o master_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v command_n inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o sentence_n and_o shall_v we_o subject_v and_o be_v consentient_a to_o a_o deed_n that_o in_o the_o design_n and_o effect_n thereof_o will_v infallible_o destroy_v the_o cause_n which_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o obligation_n we_o be_v engage_v to_o maintain_v and_o advance_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n god_n forbid_v we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o confinment_n with_o a_o permission_n to_o preach_v and_o exercise_v other_o part_n
he_o true_o and_o visio_o reign_v over_o all_o in_o she_o so_o that_o obedience_n to_o this_o power_n be_v obedience_n to_o christ_n as_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o contrâ—re_n be_v high_a rebellion_n against_o he_o concl._n 10._o although_o this_o power_n be_v only_o ministerial_a and_o declarative_a of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v authoritative_a and_o bind_v on_o all_o the_o church_n without_o exception_n of_o person_n and_o that_o on_o a_o double_a account_n first_o on_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a command_n enjoin_v submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o its_o exercise_n in_o the_o person_n of_o those_o invest_v therewith_o and_o also_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o respect_n to_o and_o derivation_n from_o christ_n who_o power_n and_o ordinance_n it_o be_v and_o who_o in_o its_o exercise_n it_o do_v represent_v to_o all_o concl._n 11._o this_o power_n be_v exercise_v either_o single_o &_o a_o part_n by_o every_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n &_o measure_n of_o their_o power_n or_o in_o conjunction_n with_o one_o another_o conform_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n time_n although_o every_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a order_n have_v the_o whole_a power_n belong_v intrinsice_n to_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o act_n thereof_o they_o can_v exerce_fw-la but_o in_o a_o conjunction_n with_o other_o as_o ordain_v of_o person_n for_o the_o ministry_n try_v and_o censure_v of_o scandalous_a and_o heretical_a professor_n or_o minister_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o there_o must_v be_v fix_v meeting_n of_o officer_n general_a and_o particular_a concl._n 12._o the_o ordiner_n officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o extraordinary_a be_v cease_v be_v of_o three_o order_n teacher_n and_o pastor_n rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n these_o we_o find_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o no_o other_o many_o other_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o and_o obtrude_v on_o the_o church_n but_o all_o of_o humane_a or_o rather_o of_o diabolical_a invention_n as_o alace_o their_o effect_n have_v sad_o make_v out_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o former_a and_o present_a time_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o divine_a order_n we_o find_v no_o institute_n superiority_n in_o the_o same_o order_n of_o one_o above_o other_o as_o a_o pastor_n of_o pastor_n or_o a_o elder_a of_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n of_o deacon_n these_o who_o have_v assume_v and_o exercise_v this_o superiority_n we_o can_v own_v as_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n nor_o subject_n to_o they_o as_o such_o till_o they_o prove_v their_o institution_n and_o mission_n from_o he_o which_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o do_v the_o outmost_a essey_n have_v be_v for_o prelacy_n or_o a_o bishop_n who_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o pastor_n have_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o and_o their_o flock_n but_o nothing_o attempt_v for_o make_v out_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o primat_n archbishop_n archpresbyter_n archdeacon_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v that_o lowly_a and_o humble_a government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o word_n and_o put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o officer_n command_v they_o to_o exercise_v and_o dispense_v the_o same_o to_o all_o in_o his_o house_n under_o high_a pain_n of_o which_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o assert_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v distinct_a and_o specifical_o different_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and2_n that_o it_o be_v independent_a on_o it_o these_o two_o conclusion_n we_o now_o undertake_v to_o prove_v against_o the_o erastians_n of_o our_o time_n who_o assert_v that_o when_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v embody_v with_o the_o commonwealth_n her_o government_n become_v one_o with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n and_o do_v not_o differ_v from_o it_o in_o opposition_n to_o these_o we_o affirm_v that_o when_o a_o nation_n state_n or_o kingdom_n turn_v christian_a in_o its_o ruler_n and_o subject_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v specifical_o different_a and_o distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o that_o state_n or_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v before_o its_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n the_o reason_n persuade_v we_o of_o this_o be_v 1._o the_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n be_v distinct_a and_o different_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v of_o this_o world_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o a_o kingdom_n that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n therefore_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a and_o different_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n that_o be_v of_o this_o world_n this_o argument_n lean_v on_o these_o three_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o kingdome,2_n that_o she_o have_v a_o government_n and3_n that_o she_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n although_o in_o it_o all_o which_o be_v beyond_o disput_fw-la clear_a from_o the_o scripture_n all_o that_o our_o adversary_n say_v to_o this_o be_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o proper_o but_o metaphorical_o call_v a_o kingdom_n but_o how_o evident_a be_v the_o contrare_fw-la for_o be_v not_o christ_n jesus_n the_o church_n visible_a head_n and_o king_n be_v she_o not_o rule_v by_o his_o visible_a law_n ordinance_n and_o officer_n that_o be_v proper_o and_o true_o such_o and_o be_v not_o all_o these_o from_o above_o and_o not_o of_o this_o world_n argum_fw-la 2._o that_o government_n who_o supreme_a head_n law_n ordinance_n and_o officer_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o the_o head_n law_n ordinance_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n must_v be_v distinct_a from_o it_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o head_n law_n ordinance_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n be_v clear_a for_o that_o which_o make_v one_o government_n differ_v from_o another_o be_v different_a head_n law_n ordinance_n &_o officer_n where_o these_o be_v either_o numerical_o or_o specifical_o different_a the_o government_n be_v different_z according_o it_o be_v comprehend_v in_o all_o these_o but_o that_o the_o supreme_a head_n law_n ordinance_n and_o officeis_n of_o the_o church_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o these_o of_o the_o civil_a government_n who_o will_v deny_v it_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n obj._n but_o all_o these_o come_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o magistrate_n when_o he_o turn_v christian_a ans_fw-fr 1._o either_o these_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o magistrate_n government_n what_o they_o be_v before_o or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v the_o argument_n hold_v and_o prove_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n when_o christian_a if_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v we_o ask_v from_o whence_o come_v this_o alteration_n and_o how_o will_v they_o prove_v it_o nothing_o here_o from_o our_o adversary_n but_o altum_fw-la silentium_fw-la or_o nugae_fw-la destitute_a of_o all_o reason_n but_o 2._o the_o term_n inspection_n or_o oversight_n be_v be_o biguous_a if_o by_o it_o we_o mean_v the_o countenance_v protect_a and_o encourage_v of_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n we_o yield_v â—t_a but_o what_o say_v that_o to_o the_o confound_a of_o the_o government_n or_o make_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o magistrate_n if_o by_o inspection_n we_o understand_v the_o devolving_a of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o its_o exercise_n the_o change_v thereof_o at_o pleasure_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n this_o we_o deny_v and_o long_o have_v we_o look_v for_o proof_n but_o have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o none_o arg._n 3._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n former_o deliniated_a be_v incomputable_a with_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n therefore_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o his_o government_n we_o hope_v none_o will_v refuse_v this_o consequence_n the_o antecedent_n be_v thus_o prove_v 1._o the_o subordinat_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pure_o ministerial_a not_o dominative_a or_o imperial_a it_o be_v only_o declarative_a and_o not_o decisive_a not_o coactive_a and_o compulsive_a it_o be_v exercise_v in_o christ_n name_n and_o in_o his_o stead_n and_o be_v the_o representative_a of_o his_o special_a presence_n in_o his_o church_n these_o be_v incompatible_a with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o power_n be_v supreme_a magisterial_a and_o imperial_a coactive_a and_o compulsive_a and_o exercise_v in_o his_o own_o name_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o
magistrate_n can_v yea_o may_v not_o exercise_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v disenable_v thereto_o by_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v lay_v the_o burden_n thereof_o on_o other_o and_o not_o on_o he_o the_o most_o grant_n the_o magistrate_n himself_o may_v not_o exercise_v some_o part_n of_o this_o government_n as_o ordain_v of_o person_n for_o the_o ministry_n excommunicate_v etc._n etc._n and_o why_o he_o may_v do_v other_o part_n and_o act_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o not_o these_o we_o desire_v proof_n all_o our_o antagonist_n argument_n in_o this_o conclude_v for_o the_o whole_a obj._n but_o some_o magistrate_n have_v exercise_v both_o power_n as_o moses_n samuel_n david_n solomon_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr these_o be_v both_o magistrate_n and_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n that_o what_o they_o do_v either_o in_o constitute_v or_o in_o exercise_v of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v it_o as_o prophet_n and_o not_o as_o magistrate_n we_o find_v magistrate_n that_o be_v not_o prophet_n attempt_v it_o &_o reprehend_v for_o so_o do_v as_o saul_n uzziah_n which_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o their_o magistratical_a office_n arg._n 4._o that_o government_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o and_o regulate_v by_o another_o rule_n and_o instrument_n than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v distinct_a from_o his_o government_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o rule_v by_o another_o law_n or_o rule_n than_o the_o magistrate_n the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v clear_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v flow_v from_o and_o be_v regulate_v by_o his_o own_o law_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a fountain_n the_o second_o we_o suppose_v be_v undeniable_a among_o christian_n who_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n obj_fw-la but_o there_o be_v something_n necessare_fw-la to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr this_o we_o deny_v for_o 1._o what_o the_o scripture_n contain_v anent_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n if_o reduce_v to_o practice_n be_v able_a to_o attain_v its_o end_n and_o more_o be_v not_o necessary_a let_v the_o church_n have_v these_o and_o the_o work_n will_v be_v do_v we_o make_v &_o feign_v necessitle_n but_o no_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n government_n than_o what_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o scripture_n anent_o it_o 2._o the_o ability_n of_o the_o church_n government_n for_o reach_v its_o end_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o innate_a sufficiency_n of_o its_o institute_v mean_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v with_o in_o and_o by_o they_o by_o which_o low_a weak_a and_o despicable_a way_n christ_n carry_v on_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o he_o and_o not_o of_o we_o 3._o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a rule_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n what_o it_o contain_v of_o and_o anent_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v perfect_a and_o sufficient_a sure_o we_o be_v the_o church_n government_n be_v a_o good_a work_n and_o its_o exercise_n act_n of_o obedience_n to_o christ_n jesus_n anent_o which_o it_o be_v say_v i._n tim._n 3._o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n 4._o we_o inquire_v when_o the_o church_n be_v without_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o under_o the_o foot_n of_o a_o heathenish_a persecute_v one_o in_o which_o case_n our_o opposite_n grant_v she_o a_o government_n distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n whether_o the_o government_n exercise_v in_o she_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v its_o end_n if_o it_o be_v as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n put_v beyond_o doubt_n why_o may_v it_o not_o do_v the_o same_o under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n arg._n 5._o that_o goverement_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o another_o distinct_a supreme_a head_n beside_o the_o magistrate_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exerce_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o another_o supreme_a head_n not_o subordinat_a to_o the_o magistrate_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o proposition_n we_o understand_v not_o for_o all_o government_n one_o with_o and_o subordinat_a to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v exercise_v in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n but_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exercise_v in_o she_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n by_o his_o officer_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n arg._n 6._o the_o designation_n denomination_n and_o relation_n in_o and_o with_o which_o the_o church_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v also_o confirm_v this_o truth_n she_o be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n as_o all_o these_o do_v necessary_o import_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o they_o insinuat_fw-la the_o same_o to_o be_v different_a from_o all_o other_o government_n which_o we_o may_v mould_v into_o this_o argument_n that_o society_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n must_v have_v a_o government_n distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o the_o church_n be_v that_o society_n that_o be_v only_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o etc._n etc._n obj._n but_o all_o these_o be_v say_v only_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n ans_fw-fr but_o the_o contrare_fw-la be_v clear_a from_o those_o scripture_n where_o these_o epithet_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 12.1_o tim._n 3.15_o arg._n 7._o that_o government_n who_o immediate_a and_o essential_a end_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o the_o immediate_a and_o essential_a end_n of_o the_o magistrate_n government_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o here_o it_o be_v so_o the_o essential_a &_o immediate_a end_n of_o church_n government_n be_v different_a from_o the_o essential_a &_o immediate_a end_n of_o magistracy_n as_o will_v be_v clear_a to_o any_o that_o compare_v they_o together_o the_o end_n of_o church_n government_n be_v the_o save_a of_o the_o foul_a the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n the_o endâ—_n of_o magistracy_n be_v the_o outward_a public_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n the_o execution_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o maintain_n and_o preserve_v of_o propriety_n etc._n etc._n with_o these_o the_o church_n government_n do_v not_o meddle_v nor_o intend_v they_o of_o itself_o obj._n the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o intend_v and_o endeavour_v the_o spiritual_a happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o his_o subject_n ans_fw-fr we_o grant_v this_o but_o as_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o for_o every_o one_o in_o their_o station_n be_v bind_v to_o design_n and_o labour_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o these_o under_o their_o charge_n this_o be_v a_o common_a end_n that_o all_o christian_n in_o their_o several_a capacity_n shall_v seek_v after_o in_o their_o love_n to_o one_o another_o the_o first_o proposition_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o specifical_a distinction_n betwixt_o power_n habit_n and_o act_n be_v take_v from_o their_o object_n and_o immediate_a proper_a end_n where_o these_o differ_v they_o be_v by_o all_o philosopher_n constitute_v into_o different_a species_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o assert_v that_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v specifical_o differ_v from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o it_o be_v independent_a thereon_o and_o not_o direct_o subordinat_a thereto_o a_o truth_n how_o much_o soever_o it_o be_v decry_v we_o be_v not_o shame_v of_o nor_o afraid_a to_o profess_v &_o maintain_v and_o whosoever_o will_v lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o earthly_a interest_n and_o consider_v these_o reason_n with_o we_o will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o arg._n 1._o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n it_o have_v not_o its_o derivation_n from_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o the_o consequence_n be_v found_v on_o this_o truth_n grant_v by_o all_o lawyer_n and_o divine_n that_o all_o power_n direct_o subordinat_a to_o and_o dependent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o the_o antecedent_n we_o prove_v thus_o 1._o the_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o
out_o of_o envy_n and_o malice_n for_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v the_o executer_n of_o her_o own_o act_n and_o sentence_n and_o not_o the_o magistrate_n who_o only_o put_v to_o execution_n his_o own_o law_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enact_v on_o her_o behalf_n 2._o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o we_o grant_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n a_o discretive_a judgement_n to_o cognosce_fw-la on_o the_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n and_o if_o he_o find_v they_o not_o to_o be_v just_a he_o have_v a_o definitive_a judgement_n anent_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o own_o law_n make_v about_o they_o for_o the_o obligation_n that_o arise_v from_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n on_o all_o in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o obey_v and_o further_a of_o they_o be_v only_o conditional_a and_o not_o absolute_a that_o be_v none_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o advance_v the_o church_n sentence_n except_o their_o matter_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a which_o must_v be_v first_o know_v before_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o this_o but_o here_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o exercise_n about_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n be_v proper_o civil_a and_o not_o ecclesiastical_a to_o wit_n whether_o he_o will_v execute_v his_o own_o law_n or_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v easy_a and_o plain_a and_o if_o ambition_n and_o worldly_a interest_n have_v not_o determine_v many_o to_o the_o contrare_fw-la there_o will_v be_v little_a controversy_n about_o they_o obj_fw-la 8._o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o exercise_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n be_v independent_a on_o the_o church_n what_o he_o do_v in_o relation_n to_o church_n concern_v determination_n and_o sentence_n he_o may_v do_v it_o antecedent_n to_o these_o without_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n to_o be_v universal_o true_a for_o some_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sentence_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n do_v necessary_o suppone_v the_o church_n sentence_n and_o act_n for_o their_o object_n as_o these_o of_o ordination_n excommunication_n act_n of_o regulation_n etc._n etc._n must_v necessary_o pass_v before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v reach_v the_o person_n and_o thing_n to_o which_o they_o be_v apply_v for_o instance_n before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v justice_n to_o a_o minister_n in_o his_o maintenance_n he_o must_v first_o be_v ordain_v &_o by_o it_o have_v right_a thereto_o on_o the_o church_n act_n of_o ordination_n which_o must_v first_o be_v know_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o by_o he_o give_v as_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o his_o sentence_n for_o the_o minister_n legal_a right_n to_o enjoy_v and_o use_v the_o provide_v and_o allow_v maintenance_n and_o so_o of_o many_o other_o we_o grant_v in_o some_o case_n and_o thing_n a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n which_o he_o may_v exercise_v antecedent_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n he_o may_v yea_o no_o doubt_n he_o ought_v to_o command_v minister_n when_o negligent_a to_o their_o work_n or_o duty_n without_o a_o church_n sentence_n yea_o contrare_fw-la to_o it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o case_n be_v not_o necessary_o subsequent_a to_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n be_v most_o absurd_a &_o abhorrent_n to_o all_o right_a reason_n see_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o do_v to_o and_o for_o the_o church_n that_o necessary_o suppone_v not_o only_o the_o be_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n without_o which_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v how_o shall_v he_o punish_v contumacious_a heretical_a and_o excommunicate_a person_n till_o they_o be_v first_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o church_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v such_o etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v weak_a for_o all_o create_a power_n suppones_fw-la its_o object_n and_o in_o its_o exercise_n must_v be_v subsequent_a and_o posteriour_a to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o independency_n of_o any_o power_n on_o another_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o marital_a power_n and_o other_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n about_o it_o presuppon_v the_o conjugal_a relation_n &_o its_o act_n before_o it_o can_v put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n anent_o it_o in_o application_n to_o the_o person_n under_o that_o relation_n the_o design_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v obvious_a which_o be_v to_o evert_v all_o church_n government_n the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o it_o but_o before_o it_o have_v its_o full_a intend_a force_n it_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v that_o church_n power_n and_o its_o act_n be_v competent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o may_v be_v do_v by_o he_o as_o that_o he_o may_v ordain_v depose_v receive_v into_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n preach_v the_o word_n dispense_v all_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n which_o not_o erastian_n have_v yet_o do_v for_o if_o these_o be_v incompetent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o other_o the_o former_a conclusion_n will_v hold_v conclus_fw-la have_v thus_o with_o all_o christian_a ingenuity_n and_o plainness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n &_o soberness_n discover_v our_o heart_n anent_o the_o foregoe_v particular_n we_o expect_v that_o much_o charity_n and_o justice_n from_o all_o even_o our_o antagonist_n that_o before_o they_o give_v out_o their_o censor_n they_o will_v serious_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v and_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o scripture_n and_o true_a reason_n impartial_o ponderat_fw-la the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lest_o in_o stead_n of_o fight_v against_o we_o they_o happy_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n for_o see_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o build_v be_v of_o common_a obligation_n on_o all_o christian_n and_o on_o which_o our_o christian_a profession_n lean_v none_o can_v refuse_v our_o conclusion_n but_o they_o must_v either_o contradict_v and_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o say_a profession_n or_o else_o show_v their_o inconsequence_n and_o inconsistancy_n with_o these_o we_o have_v not_o insist_v on_o nor_o much_o make_v use_n of_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n nor_o wrangle_v as_o many_o in_o their_o debait_n do_v about_o the_o sense_n and_o application_n of_o these_o nor_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o our_o argument_n from_o antiquity_n on_o citation_n from_o particular_a father_n and_o historian_n but_o on_o the_o series_n and_o thread_n of_o these_o ancient_a record_n to_o which_o we_o appeal_v anent_o the_o matter_n debate_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n as_o any_o that_o deal_v candid_o and_o impartial_o will_n on_o trial_n find_v the_o issue_n of_o our_o adversary_n argument_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o antithesis_n resolve_v in_o these_o three_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o manifest_a and_o violent_a pervert_n and_o wrest_v of_o they_o the_o profess_a and_o open_a contradict_v of_o their_o authority_n by_o hobbs_n leviathan_n and_o other_o more_o gross_a if_o grosser_n can_v be_v do_v sufficient_o declare_v what_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o contrare_fw-la opinion_n be_v and_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v will_v be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o same_o if_o thing_n continue_v for_o sometime_o in_o their_o present_a channel_n all_o protestant_n before_o these_o debat_n enter_v on_o the_o field_n esteem_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o chief_a and_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n and_o build_v thereon_o their_o doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n which_o the_o patroness_n of_o prelacy_n do_v now_o strict_a at_o and_o labour_n to_o shake_v in_o deny_v their_o sufficiency_n or_o perfection_n in_o matter_n of_o obedience_n or_o practice_n whereby_o they_o break_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o the_o protestant_n use_v against_o the_o papist_n for_o the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v prelacy_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o this_o assertion_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o most_o eminent_a assertor_n of_o it_o for_o if_o we_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o full_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o not_o to_o be_v recede_v from_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n the_o prelacy_n controvert_v have_v so_o little_a evidence_n from_o they_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o this_o sufficient_a regulation_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v refuse_v what_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v open_v to_o humane_a invention_n and_o what_o may_v not_o man_n bring_v in_o at_o it_o to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o pollute_v of_o all_o the_o church_n concern_v we_o grant_v the_o admit_v of_o the_o
scripture_n for_o a_o pairt_n of_o the_o church_n canon_n and_o rule_n seem_v to_o draw_v a_o bar_n on_o much_o of_o the_o romish_a trash_n which_o be_v condemn_v thereby_o but_o do_v not_o the_o prelate_n boldness_n in_o violenting_a and_o force_v of_o they_o in_o answer_v of_o our_o argument_n and_o maintain_v of_o their_o concept_n remove_v this_o bar_n and_o lay_v the_o door_n open_a for_o what_o they_o will_v for_o howbeit_o the_o scripture_n speak_v against_o the_o worship_v of_o creature_n image_n angel_n and_o man_n and_o charge_v these_o practice_n with_o idolatry_n yet_o thorndike_n and_o most_o of_o the_o now_o prelatical_a gang_n purge_v the_o popish_a mass_n the_o worship_v of_o the_o host_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n image_n &_o saint_n from_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n how_o impudent_o bold_a be_v the_o erastians_n in_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n use_v by_o their_o antagonist_n in_o which_o they_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o the_o socinian_o and_o the_o most_o note_a heretic_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o must_v say_v with_o less_o show_n of_o reason_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o will_v compare_v they_o together_o in_o their_o comment_n what_o security_n can_v the_o church_n promise_v herself_o from_o these_o man_n principle_n and_o way_n who_o build_v their_o conclusion_n on_o such_o foundation_n which_o if_o once_o admit_v overturn_v all_o but_o alas_o when_o to_o enlarge_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o to_o give_v support_n to_o their_o wild_a assertion_n about_o it_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v bold_o contradict_v and_o all_o religion_n ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o magistrate_n conscience_n and_o law_n as_o hobbs_n leviathan_n parker_n &_o other_o undertake_v to_o make_v out_o against_o the_o foundation_n &_o superstructuâ—s_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v they_o not_o thus_o pull_v do_v to_o uphold_v the_o magistrate_n &_o to_o extend_v a_o immense_a power_n in_o he_o but_o we_o hope_v to_o the_o external_a shame_n confusion_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o contend_v how_o much_o do_v we_o find_v that_o say_n of_o paul_n 2._o timoth_n 3.13_o verify_v in_o these_o man_n evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n shall_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v but_o our_o confidence_n be_v that_o their_o folly_n be_v make_v manefe_a to_o all_o man_n they_o shall_v proceed_v no_o further_o for_o the_o cause_n which_o they_o oppose_v be_v god_n and_o that_o which_o he_o must_v own_v and_o plead_v see_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o supremacy_n be_v intrinched_a upon_o and_o strike_v at_o â—â—y_a his_o creature_n the_o worm_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o contrare_fw-la to_o their_o indebt_a and_o profess_a subjection_n to_o he_o assault_v his_o throan_n and_o invade_v the_o regality_n of_o his_o high_a and_o glorious_a crown_n which_o he_o will_v uphold_v oh_o that_o all_o engage_v in_o this_o war_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o anointed_n will_v read_v and_o consider_v the_o second_o psalm_n and_o yet_o hearken_v to_o what_o be_v there_o foretell_v anent_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v sad_a and_o heavy_a to_o they_o that_o obstinate_o set_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n let_v none_o that_o side_n with_o christ_n in_o this_o quarrel_n be_v afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o appear_v in_o its_o defence_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o opponent_n for_o as_o we_o have_v the_o full_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o justify_v its_o righteousness_n from_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n so_o we_o have_v the_o righteous_a and_o almighty_a god_n to_o take_v our_o part_n who_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o supreme_a dominion_n be_v engage_v to_o own_v they_o that_o own_o he_o in_o this_o cause_n in_o contend_v for_o these_o we_o contend_v not_o for_o honour_n dignity_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n but_o only_o for_o the_o law_n ordinance_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o in_o they_o that_o he_o require_v of_o all_o in_o his_o word_n yea_o for_o the_o royal_a dignity_n &_o supereminent_a prerogative_n of_o his_o righteous_a and_o glorious_a crown_n which_o the_o father_n have_v place_v on_o his_o head_n give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o this_o jesus_n all_o knee_n shall_v bow_v yea_o shall_v bow_v who_o need_v to_o be_v afraid_a who_o own_o such_o a_o king_n and_o have_v he_o on_o their_o side_n who_o in_o his_o own_o person_n overcome_v &_o triumph_v over_o all_o his_o enemy_n &_o yet_o again_o will_v do_v so_o in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o weak_a contemn_v and_o persecute_v servant_n &_o people_n the_o lord_n build_v up_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o make_v she_o a_o peaceable_a habitation_n amen_n