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
to_o obey_v these_o be_v assert_v be_v there_o not_o a_o door_n open_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o any_o religion_n what_o soever_o and_o a_o power_n grant_v to_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o make_v void_a all_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n which_o to_o we_o be_v terrible_a to_o think_v on_o be_v not_o our_o antagonist_n then_o force_v either_o to_o assert_v this_o power_n on_o the_o magistrate_n or_o else_o to_o prove_v the_o matter_n of_o these_o covenant_n to_o be_v sinful_a and_o unjust_a and_o consequent_o not_o obligatory_a on_o this_o church_n one_o of_o these_o two_o they_o must_v do_v before_o they_o can_v expect_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o present_a law_n anent_o it_o we_o grant_v some_o of_o that_o party_n have_v undertake_v this_o task_n as_o to_o the_o last_o but_o with_o so_o small_a fruit_n that_o on_o a_o serious_a and_o impartial_a perusal_n of_o their_o argueing_n about_o it_o we_o continue_v more_o confirm_v in_o the_o contrare_fw-la then_o before_o the_o say_a perusal_n whether_o this_o proceed_v from_o our_o dulness_n and_o incapacity_n to_o reach_v their_o argument_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o same_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o unbiased_a to_o judge_n 3_o we_o assert_v that_o whatever_o the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v either_o in_o cause_v or_o dissolve_a of_o church_n relation_n and_o engagment_n yet_o he_o can_v do_v this_o immediate_o and_o of_o himself_o but_o by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o the_o fix_v and_o establish_v of_o church_n relation_n and_o engagment_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o church_n do_v arise_v and_o flow_v from_o christ_n institution_n and_o precept_n in_o his_o word_n so_o the_o application_n of_o these_o to_o individual_n in_o the_o church_n either_o in_o cause_v or_o dissolve_a they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o the_o magistrate_n he_o may_v command_v the_o church_n to_o act_v her_o part_n in_o this_o but_o cannâ—â—_n do_v it_o himself_o for_o the_o power_n of_o call_v and_o mission_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o all_o divine_n ancient_a and_o modern_a assert_v and_o as_o we_o suppose_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v afterward_o arg._n 4._o the_o way_n of_o the_o curate_n enter_v into_o congregation_n put_v a_o bar_n on_o our_o subjection_n to_o they_o that_o we_o there_fw-mi not_o own_v they_o for_o the_o lawful_a pastor_n of_o this_o church_n for_o as_o their_o entry_n be_v without_o the_o church_n and_o the_o way_n that_o christ_n have_v settle_v in_o his_o house_n for_o that_o end_n so_o they_o have_v come_v in_o on_o congregation_n in_o way_n which_o we_o judge_v corrupt_v and_o without_o all_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o the_o search_n of_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n we_o find_v that_o ordination_n by_o minister_n the_o election_n and_o call_v of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o minister_n enter_v into_o congregation_n and_o not_o the_o institution_n and_o collation_n of_o the_o bishop_n nor_o the_o presentation_n of_o patron_n which_o as_o they_o have_v their_o pedegry_a and_o origination_n from_o popery_n a_o part_n of_o the_o tyranny_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n so_o they_o be_v but_o late_o human_a invention_n derogate_a from_o &_o vitiate_a the_o institution_n of_o christ_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o several_a way_n as_o 1._o this_o way_n of_o their_o entry_n by_o the_o bishop_n institution_n and_o collation_n do_v suppone_v that_o their_o ordination_n do_v not_o sufficient_o empower_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o a_o further_a licence_n which_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o the_o end_n of_o ordination_n &_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o its_o end_n and_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n do_v bind_v the_o person_n invest_v therewith_o to_o its_o exercise_n without_o which_o he_o can_v prove_v faithful_a to_o his_o master_n â—or_a attain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n the_o conversion_n 〈◊〉_d edification_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v true_a the_o bishop_n dominion_n in_o subject_v of_o his_o creature_n to_o he_o be_v strengthen_v thereby_o but_o it_o evert_v the_o very_a end_n and_o nature_n of_o ordination_n that_o by_o this_o device_n be_v only_o make_v to_o give_v poâ—entiam_fw-la remotam_fw-la not_o proximam_fw-la 2_o the_o paâ—â—ons_n presentation_n as_o it_o take_v away_o the_o people_n right_a of_o election_n and_o consent_n grant_v they_o by_o christ_n jesus_n so_o it_o suppon_n ordination_n to_o give_v no_o right_n to_o the_o mantainance_n or_o at_o least_o suâ—pends_v it_o the_o effect_n of_o presentation_n be_v in_o the_o grant_n of_o all_o to_o give_v a_o right_a to_o the_o stipend_n which_o we_o assert_v according_a to_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o one_o being_n the_o pastor_n of_o such_o a_o people_n who_o by_o divine_a command_n be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v he_o in_o all_o outward_a necessary_n for_o his_o encouragement_n in_o the_o work_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o do_v those_o duty_n both_o common_a and_o special_a which_o he_o can_v do_v without_o it_o to_o say_v one_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o such_o a_o congregation_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o just_a right_n to_o the_o provide_v maintenance_n be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o many_o age_n but_o as_o this_o be_v among_o the_o many_o other_o piece_n of_o slavery_n unto_o which_o man_n throw_v ambition_n and_o lose_v have_v subject_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o curate_n enter_v this_o way_n we_o can_v receive_v nor_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o they_o as_o our_o guide_v and_o pastor_n under_o châ—ist_n arg_n 5._o mâ—ny_o congregation_n into_o which_o the_o curate_n be_v enter_v be_v under_o a_o stand_a obligation_n to_o their_o former_a pastor_n not_o only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o pastoral_a relation_n betwixt_o they_o but_o for_o the_o engagment_n they_o come_v under_o to_o such_o a_o their_o call_n and_o reception_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o dissolve_v by_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v yet_o see_v sure_o we_o be_v the_o magistral_a can_v not_o do_v it_o obj._n solomon_n for_o the_o crime_n of_o tâ—â—â—son_n commit_v by_o abiathar_n against_o the_o state_n banish_v he_o from_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v and_o confine_v he_o to_o anathoth_o his_o own_o inheritance_n by_o which_o he_o habitual_o disenable_v he_o from_o exercise_v the_o priest_n office_n therefore_o magistrate_n may_v depose_v and_o exautorat_a the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n ans_fw-fr how_o wide_a and_o inconcludent_a be_v this_o consequence_n it_o be_v only_o say_v in_o the_o text_n 1._o king_n 2_o 26_o 27._o that_o here_o move_v he_o to_o anathoth_o which_o be_v but_o a_o civil_a sentence_n obj._n 2._o it_o be_v say_v vers_n 27._o that_o solomon_n thrust_v he_o out_o from_o be_v priest_n unto_o the_o lord_n ans_fw-fr solomon_n do_v this_o consecutive_a and_o not_o formaliter_fw-la it_o be_v a_o necessare_fw-la consequent_a of_o his_o deserve_a sentence_n of_o banishment_n to_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v on_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o sentence_n to_o yield_v and_o submit_v a_o consequent_a that_o will_v necessarlie_o follow_v on_o the_o deed_n of_o other_o to_o who_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o grant_v the_o formal_a power_n of_o exautorate_n of_o minister_n suppone_v a_o man_n by_o smite_v or_o a_o physician_n by_o administer_a unwholesome_a physic_n do_v habitual_o disinable_a a_o minister_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o he_o do_v depose_v he_o from_o his_o ministry_n or_o have_v the_o formal_a power_n of_o so_o do_v no_o way_n and_o see_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o show_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n speak_v against_o the_o house_n of_o elie_n by_o samuel_n in_o remove_v of_o abiather_n and_o in_o he_o elie_n house_n from_o the_o highpriesthood_n and_o also_o the_o way_n how_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o a_o formal_a sentence_n of_o deprivation_n divest_v abiather_n of_o his_o office_n but_o by_o a_o civil_a sentence_n of_o confinement_n to_o anathoth_n that_o necessary_o remoâ—ed_v he_o from_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o disenable_v he_o to_o â—o_o his_o office_n there_o why_o do_v man_n contend_v but_o ambition_n to_o gain_v its_o design_n will_v keep_v at_o any_o hold_n how_o weak_a soever_o obj._n 3_o as_o this_o deed_n of_o solomon_n do_v discharge_v abiather_n of_o his_o former_a tie_n and_o obligation_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o office_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o open_v a_o door_n for_o bring_v in_o another_o priest_n in_o his_o room_n so_o we_o think_v the_o magistrate_n sentence_v now_o do_v the_o same_o to_o the_o eject_v minister_n see_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_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
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
who_o give_v it_o out_o to_o the_o world_n that_o we_o contemn_v a_o ministry_n &_o ordinance_n and_o be_v against_o hear_v while_o our_o practice_n declare_v the_o contrare_fw-la to_o all_o and_o for_o which_o we_o be_v daily_o suffer_v we_o hold_v that_o as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v from_o and_o not_o to_o subject_v to_o the_o prelaâ—â—â—s_n and_o their_o creature_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o our_o duty_n to_o cleave_v to_o our_o former_a minister_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o as_o we_o can_v &_o have_v access_n we_o have_v give_v reason_n for_o the_o affirmative_a &_o shall_v the_o lord_n willing_a do_v the_o like_a for_o the_o negative_a 6_o it_o will_v also_o be_v advert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o church_n bring_v in_o and_o carry_v on_o of_o a_o defection_n willing_o in_o a_o church_n way_n and_o the_o magistrate_n do_v this_o of_o himself_o without_o the_o church_n yea_o forcible_o ecclesia_fw-la renitente_fw-la ac_fw-la reclamante_fw-la although_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n yet_o there_o be_v much_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n to_o influence_n regular_a and_o diversify_v minister_n and_o christian_n carriage_n under_o they_o all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o she_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v to_o other_o usurp_v this_o power_n and_o take_v it_o out_o of_o her_o hand_n 7_o in_o this_o matter_n a_o difference_n or_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v make_v betwixt_o the_o personal_a scandal_n and_o corruption_n in_o minister_n walk_v and_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o these_o that_o may_v be_v or_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o entry_n which_o may_v be_v such_o that_o although_o they_o do_v not_o invalidate_v their_o ministry_n in_o their_o dispense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o its_o ordinance_n to_o the_o render_n of_o these_o nullity_n yet_o may_v give_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o people_n withdraw_a from_o and_o not_o subject_v to_o they_o as_o their_o lawful_a and_o send_v pastor_n 8_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o church_n regular_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o her_o ministerial_a political_a be_v enjoy_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o purity_n that_o come_v afterward_o while_o under_o that_o constitution_n to_o be_v intrude_v upon_o by_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o persecute_v in_o officer_n and_o member_n for_o adhere_v to_o her_o constitution_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o intruder_n and_o the_o corruption_n bring_v in_o upon_o she_o by_o they_o against_o her_o consent_n and_o a_o church_n decline_v from_o her_o former_a purity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n abuse_v her_o power_n to_o the_o bring_n in_o and_o further_a of_o the_o say_a defection_n and_o universal_o concur_v with_o and_o submit_v to_o in_o the_o same_o the_o first_o be_v our_o casâ—_n &_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o opposite_n in_o the_o charge_n of_o separation_n thâ—y_v lay_v on_o we_o the_o question_n then_o betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o separat_fw-la from_o public_a ordinance_n for_o the_o corruption_n and_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n whether_o minister_n or_o other_o as_o one_o in_o a_o little_a manuscript_n do_v malicious_o or_o ignorant_o state_n it_o we_o be_v still_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n in_o their_o debat_n against_o the_o brownist_n and_o separatist_n as_o our_o practice_n this_o day_n do_v confirm_v in_o our_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n for_o worship_n differ_v in_o nothing_o as_o to_o this_o from_o what_o it_o be_v before_o neither_o be_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v simple_o or_o in_o itself_o sinful_a to_o hear_v &_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o these_o who_o have_v enter_v by_o &_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n abstract_a from_o our_o present_a case_n for_o we_o grant_v the_o case_n may_v be_v in_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o duty_n to_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o such_o yea_o and_o have_v be_v but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o church_n or_o church_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n provide_v and_o settle_v with_o minister_n regular_o call_v and_o submit_v to_o shall_v yield_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o prelate_n violent_o eject_v their_o minister_n and_o thrust_v in_o other_o minister_n upon_o she_o not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o her_o consent_n in_o subject_v to_o such_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o while_o the_o magistrate_n do_v all_o this_o for_o further_a and_o perfect_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrare_fw-la to_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o oath_n by_o which_o they_o be_v often_o than_o once_o eject_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o church_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v negative_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o subject_v to_o such_o in_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o but_o aught_o to_o disowne_v and_o withdraw_v from_o these_o thus_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o introduce_v corruption_n this_o conclusion_n we_o prove_v thus_o first_o they_o who_o have_v no_o just_a authority_n nor_o right_a to_o officiat_fw-la fix_o in_o this_o church_n as_o the_o proper_a pastor_n of_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o withdraw_v from_o but_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n the_o curate_n have_v no_o just_a authority_n nor_o right_a to_o officiat_fw-la in_o this_o church_n as_o her_o proper_a pastor_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o withdraw_v from_o it_o be_v expect_v they_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o first_o proposition_n all_o the_o debate_n will_v be_v about_o the_o second_o which_o we_o make_v out_o thus_o they_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o do_v officiat_fw-la fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n and_o consent_n have_v no_o just_a authority_n and_o right_a so_o to_o do_v but_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n have_v enter_v into_o this_o church_n and_o do_v officiat_fw-la therein_o without_o her_o authority_n and_o consent_n therefore_o they_o have_v not_o just_a authority_n etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v clear_a and_o we_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v gainsay_v by_o our_o antagonist_n see_v the_o power_n of_o mission_n of_o call_v and_o send_v of_o ordinare_fw-la fix_a pastor_n be_v only_o in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o any_o other_o as_o all_o divine_n do_v assert_v the_o second_o be_v evident_a from_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o there_o be_v no_o church_n judicatory_a call_v or_o convocate_v for_o bring_v of_o the_o prelate_n into_o this_o church_n all_o be_v do_v immediate_o by_o the_o king_n &_o act_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o church_n she_o be_v by_o violence_n disenable_v to_o meet_v in_o her_o officer_n for_o fear_n of_o opposition_n from_o they_o a_o practice_n want_v a_o precedent_n in_o this_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v in_o all_o other_o church_n object_n 1._o but_o our_o prelate_n be_v consecrat_v by_o the_o prelate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ans_fw-fr what_o signify_v that_o to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o their_o just_a right_n to_o officiat_fw-la in_o she_o suppone_v the_o office_n of_o prelacy_n be_v right_a and_o institute_v do_v any_o think_v the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o prelate_n consecrat_fw-mi here_o and_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o if_o all_o be_v do_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o her_o consent_n we_o suppose_v not_o either_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o power_n of_o mission_n or_o else_o she_o have_v if_o she_o have_v none_o want_v prelacy_n than_o our_o minister_n be_v no_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o she_o for_o many_o year_n be_v nullity_n which_o some_o of_o our_o adversaty_n we_o hope_v will_v not_o say_v if_o she_o have_v the_o power_n of_o mission_n how_o come_v she_o to_o be_v neglect_v and_o usurp_v upon_o by_o another_o church_n to_o who_o she_o be_v not_o subordinat_a object_n 2._o but_o presbyter_n can_v consecrat_v bishop_n they_o be_v a_o inferior_a order_n ans_fw-fr if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v from_o scripture_n that_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o a_o order_n and_o office_n different_a from_o presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o have_v a_o different_a ordination_n to_o their_o office_n from_o that_o of_o presbyter_n it_o will_v say_v much_o but_o nothing_o of_o this_o can_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but._n 2._o we_o ask_v whether_o consecration_n be_v different_a from_o ordination_n if_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
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
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
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