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
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
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
in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n while_o we_o have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n commit_v to_o we_o the_o mean_a that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o house_n and_o use_v to_o bless_v with_o power_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n will_v not_o our_o neglect_n in_o slight_v of_o this_o make_v we_o guilty_a of_o their_o blood_n and_o accessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a perdition_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n while_o we_o reflect_v and_o think_v on_o this_o we_o there_fw-mi not_o for_o fear_v of_o man_n and_o the_o suffering_n that_o threaten_v we_o from_o â—â—â—m_n stand_v by_o and_o look_v on_o but_o labour_n as_o we_o can_v in_o our_o ministerial_a capacity_n to_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n we_o see_v come_v on_o immortal_a soul_n come_v of_o we_o what_o will_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o we_o that_o our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o he_o have_v command_v we_o in_o hâ—s_n word_n be_v antecedent_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o tie_n on_o we_o for_o obedience_n to_o man_n and_o that_o the_o command_n of_o man_n shall_v and_o ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n as_o we_o expect_v will_v not_o be_v deem_v by_o any_o that_o entertain_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n head_n much_o less_o by_o they_o that_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n than_o our_o practice_n can_v be_v condemn_v but_o must_v be_v justify_v which_o be_v but_o a_o necessare_fw-la consequence_n of_o this_o truth_n so_o universal_o receive_v and_o close_v with_o by_o all_o man_n except_o those_o who_o have_v debauch_v their_o conscience_n throw_v the_o predominant_a love_n of_o temporal_a thing_n to_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o sinful_a command_n of_o other_o for_o be_v not_o minister_n command_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o people_n to_o hear_v it_o to_o assemble_v and_o gather_v themselves_o together_o for_o that_o end_n how_o many_o be_v the_o command_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n about_o this_o matter_n in_o a_o thing_n so_o clear_a and_o evident_a through_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v astonish_v to_o we_o to_o think_v that_o man_n profess_v themselves_o christian_n dare_v issue_n out_o command_v so_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o christian_n to_o obey_v he_o before_o all_o other_o we_o grant_v when_o there_o be_v another_o duty_n on_o foot_n and_o call_v to_o hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la the_o magistrate_n may_v yea_o ought_v to_o super_fw-la cede_fw-la the_o practice_n of_o that_o that_o will_v hinder_v the_o duty_n necessare_fw-la and_o call_v to_o for_o the_o time_n to_o which_o in_o the_o circumstantiat_fw-la case_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n and_o call_v antecedent_n to_o the_o magistrate_n commandâ—_n buâ—_n 〈◊〉_d lie_v on_o and_o fix_v a_o state_v cessation_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o command_v duty_n on_o those_o that_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o matter_n forbid_v by_o man_n be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o any_o to_o do_v so_o be_v to_o frame_v and_o state_n a_o war_n with_o god_n and_o to_o fix_v ourselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o be_v not_o minister_n and_o professor_n then_o in_o a_o puss_n straight_o who_o must_v either_o disobey_v god_n or_o man_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v we_o why_o do_v we_o preach_v and_o hear_v to_o the_o offend_n of_o our_o ruler_n and_o the_o cause_v of_o so_o much_o trouble_n to_o the_o country_n our_o answer_n be_v god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v they_o that_o susâ—ean_v the_o relevancy_n of_o this_o reason_n but_o yet_o deny_v the_o consequence_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v we_o something_o that_o take_v off_o our_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n in_o our_o case_n sure_a we_o be_v they_o be_v command_v but_o nothing_o can_v we_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o answer_v our_o argument_n and_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n but_o the_o cry_n of_o hazard_n from_o some_o and_o sharp_a severity_n from_o other_o five_o we_o hold_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o as_o the_o magistrate_n can_v jure_v magistraâ—ico_n exautorat_fw-la the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o take_v their_o power_n and_o office_n from_o they_o so_o he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o untie_v the_o obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o professor_n for_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o the_o least_o of_o his_o command_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o politic_n hold_v by_o all_o that_o no_o inferior_a power_n can_v disannul_v a_o power_n or_o hinder_v its_o exercise_n that_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o and_o dependent_a on_o a_o power_n superior_a except_o they_o show_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o same_o but_o in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v so_o we_o know_v all_o will_v grant_v that_o god_n supreme_a authority_n and_o dominion_n be_v superior_a to_o and_o above_o all_o authority_n and_o â—owers_n see_v they_o derive_v the_o same_o from_o and_o hold_v they_o of_o he_o who_o be_v true_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o see_v the_o ministerial_a power_n as_o to_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—ing_n and_o exercise_n in_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_o â—â—om_n god_n throw_v his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n by_o positive_a institution_n and_o appointment_n in_o his_o word_n no_o other_o power_n can_v exautorat_a these_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o it_o but_o they_o must_v show_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o from_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n by_o which_o god_n make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v let_v it_o be_v show_v and_o this_o will_v end_v the_o debait_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o quiet_a and_o cheirful_a subjection_n to_o the_o present_a law_n about_o the_o matter_n controvert_v we_o meet_v with_o confident_a assertion_n but_o no_o proof_n without_o which_o we_o can_v look_v on_o ourselves_o as_o loose_v from_o the_o obligation_n lie_v on_o we_o to_o use_v and_o exercise_v the_o ministerial_a power_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o god_n give_v anent_o it_o in_o the_o word_n we_o know_v the_o ministry_n be_v institute_v without_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n and_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o his_o will_n and_o command_v and_o god_n be_v obey_v while_o the_o magistrate_n do_v countermand_v &_o oppose_v himself_o thereto_o to_o his_o outmost_a which_o say_v that_o minister_n and_o professor_n do_v not_o then_o dream_v of_o a_o dependence_n on_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o give_v the_o magistrate_n a_o power_n to_o dissolve_v power_n institute_v by_o god_n and_o to_o supercede_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v command_v be_v to_o make_v he_o equal_a with_o if_o not_o to_o exalt_v he_o above_o the_o almighty_a god_n the_o only_a absolute_a and_o universal_a sovereign_n of_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v not_o this_o to_o substitute_v the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o put_v he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o pope_n that_o anti-christ_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n who_o in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o this_o now_o under_o debat_fw-la exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o be_v worship_v as_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o 2_o thess_n 2.4_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o usurp_a power_n now_o give_v to_o and_o assume_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o &_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v such_o that_o we_o tremble_v to_o think_v on_o that_o which_o will_v if_o thing_n continue_v in_o this_o present_a course_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n that_o luther_n do_v prophecy_n in_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o civil_a pope_n in_o the_o church_n who_o shall_v extend_v his_o power_n over_o the_o same_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pope_n have_v do_v so_o we_o fear_v that_o the_o trouble_n trial_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v come_v near_o to_o that_o hieght_n they_o be_v at_o under_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n this_o strange_a enhance_a of_o thing_n divine_a and_o humane_a speak_v some_o thing_n to_o fall_v out_o that_o will_v make_v the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n to_o tremble_v for_o god_n will_v not_o always_o be_v mock_v nor_o suffer_v his_o glory_n to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o six_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o sinful_a and_o evil_a consequence_n that_o will_v of_o themselves_o follow_v upon_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o mater_fw-la now_o controvert_v we_o there_fw-mi not_o
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