sake_n although_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n 5_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o this_o charge_n that_o some_o yea_o many_o of_o the_o person_n that_o come_v to_o and_o haunt_v our_o meeting_n be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v conscientious_a and_o christian_n in_o their_o walk_n but_o flagitious_a or_o in_o many_o of_o their_o practice_n scandalous_a we_o can_v think_v our_o adversary_n be_v serious_a in_o this_o &_o do_v believe_v as_o they_o speak_v see_v 1_o this_o do_v fall_v as_o heavy_a and_o will_v to_o onlooker_n reflect_v as_o much_o and_o more_o on_o the_o objector_n themselves_o as_o on_o we_o who_o meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o sink_n of_o all_o debauch_a and_o profaine_a person_n through_o the_o land_n can_v they_o refuse_v this_o it_o be_v like_a the_o foresight_n of_o this_o force_v they_o to_o say_v in_o their_o lybel_n of_o greivance_n against_o we_o that_o the_o abomination_n mention_v in_o one_o article_n be_v commit_v at_o our_o meeting_n and_o not_o by_o person_n present_a at_o they_o otherwise_o their_o assembly_n for_o worship_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o chargeabâ—â—_n therewith_o as_o we_o but_o in_o this_o our_o antagonist_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o prâ—â—mitive_a time_n who_o charge_v they_o for_o have_v these_o 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a abomination_n commit_v at_o their_o assembly_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o church_n history_n the_o lord_n deliver_v we_o from_o and_o rebuke_v the_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v enter_v into_o and_o possess_v many_o 2._o but_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a person_n at_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o perform_v of_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o charge_v the_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o such_o on_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n inductive_a to_o scandal_n will_v not_o the_o assembly_n that_o christ_n his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n keep_v in_o all_o age_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o this_o charge_n as_o we_o who_o exclude_v none_o but_o admit_v all_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o some_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n whatever_o our_o adversary_n will_v say_v for_o clear_v of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n will_v acquit_v we_o 3._o do_v not_o man_n know_v that_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n we_o shall_v design_n and_o labour_v their_o conversion_n as_o much_o as_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o convert_v be_v not_o the_o gospel_n with_o which_o minister_n be_v entrust_v the_o mean_a and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o see_v this_o be_v our_o design_n as_o it_o have_v be_v our_o practice_n so_o it_o be_v our_o resolution_n not_o to_o exclude_v any_o from_o our_o assembly_n how_o wicked_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v truth_n be_v to_o charge_v we_o and_o our_o meeting_n with_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o frequent_a the_o same_o be_v to_o reproach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o father_n all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o its_o hearer_n on_o it_o contrare_fw-la to_o its_o grand_a design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v sinner_n from_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o sect_n v._o some_o reason_n why_o the_o indulgence_n be_v not_o accept_v in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o indulgence_n the_o not_o allow_v of_o which_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o full_a evidence_n of_o our_o pivish_a wilful_a and_o stiff_a disposition_n to_o unpeacableness_n and_o distoyalty_n but_o we_o hope_v when_o our_o carriage_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v serious_o think_v upon_o and_o the_o reason_n that_o determine_v we_o to_o this_o refusal_n be_v weight_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n this_o charge_n will_v be_v find_v light_n and_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o upon_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v not_o against_o but_o with_o all_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n shall_v be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o receive_v any_o liberty_n for_o the_o gospel_n its_o true_a interest_n and_o ourselves_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o know_a principle_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v we_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o unjust_a state_n of_o the_o question_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o some_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la may_v or_o have_v it_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o serve_v and_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o his_o word_n this_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o cheerful_o grant_v that_o although_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n that_o be_v proper_o such_o be_v independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o the_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v true_o from_o he_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o no_o doubt_n to_o encourage_v countenance_n and_o protect_v the_o church_n against_o all_o enemy_n and_o to_o relieve_v she_o of_o oppression_n when_o under_o it_o to_o this_o he_o be_v impower_v and_o oblige_v both_o as_o a_o magistrate_n and_o as_o a_o christian_n neither_o be_v it_o with_o we_o a_o question_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n may_v command_v minister_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o then_o function_n nor_o whether_o he_o may_v exeem_v they_o from_o the_o hazard_n of_o suffering_n to_o which_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a by_o law_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n nor_o yet_o whether_o he_o may_v confine_v minister_n simple_o and_o abstract_o consider_v from_o our_o present_a case_n which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o not_o all_o to_o the_o church_n all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o we_o yield_v to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o person_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n to_o we_o be_v whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la magistratico_n may_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o without_o the_o church_n &_o the_o previous_a election_n of_o the_o people_n assign_v and_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a church_n to_o take_v the_o fix_a and_o pastoral_a over_o sight_n of_o they_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o they_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o confine_v they_o to_o the_o say_a congregation_n the_o question_n thus_o state_v being_n complex_fw-la and_o consist_v of_o several_a branch_n conform_v to_o the_o act_n of_o council_n anent_o the_o indulgence_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n for_o give_v a_o just_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n therewith_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o some_o assertion_n with_o the_o reason_n subjoin_v assertion_n first_o the_o magistrate_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n can_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o assign_v or_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a congregation_n to_o take_v the_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o find_v not_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n any_o such_o power_n give_v to_o or_o exercise_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o church_n none_o have_v yet_o give_v any_o instance_n of_o this_o if_o there_o be_v let_v they_o be_v produce_v and_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v all_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o on_o positive_a institution_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o way_n and_o method_n of_o man_n invention_n but_o in_o these_o that_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n so_o that_o she_o own_v she_o be_v constitution_n and_o all_o to_o they_o there_o must_v be_v some_o evident_a proof_n produce_v from_o these_o before_o we_o can_v yield_v to_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n how_o long_o shall_v we_o expect_v this_o 2._o also_o we_o find_v the_o church_n in_o the_o possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o reformation_n by_o luther_n and_o other_o in_o germany_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n we_o grant_v there_o be_v for_o some_o time_n a_o considerable_a debate_n betwixt_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o emperor_n of_o germany_n about_o the_o investiture_n of_o bishop_n which_o give_v the_o rise_n to_o other_o prince_n clame_v of_o the_o same_o &_o seize_v upon_o it_o but_o what_o say_v this_o to_o the_o mission_n of_o minister_n &_o application_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o as_o prelacy_n be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o horrid_a contention_n in_o church_n and_o state_n so_o
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
and_o not_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o society_n to_o which_o any_o be_v such_o now_o to_o the_o minor_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n have_v their_o power_n from_o and_o in_o its_o exercise_n be_v subject_v to_o a_o supreme_a architectonick_a power_n be_v beyond_o disput_fw-la clear_a from_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n former_o mention_v and_o other_o act_n to_o be_v mention_v afterward_o and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o any_o that_o considerate_o peruse_v the_o same_o of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v at_o more_o large_a under_o the_o last_o head_n but_o for_o the_o time_n we_o propose_v these_o three_o from_o these_o act_n for_o make_v out_o of_o this_o argument_n 1._o they_o be_v express_o make_v to_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a to_o they_o in_o their_o church_n judicatory_n and_o administration_n 2_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o order_n and_o dispose_v be_v annex_v to_o the_o crown_n as_o one_o royal_a prerogative_n thereof_o which_o not_o only_o suppon_n the_o government_n to_o be_v in_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o but_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o that_o dominion_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o regality_n 3_o the_o give_v of_o church_n power_n to_o church_n officer_n be_v suppon_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o deed_n of_o his_o law_n and_o act_n without_o which_o all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v null_n and_o void_a objec_fw-la although_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n ecclesiastical_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o head_n to_o and_o of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr if_o he_o be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o such_o cause_n and_o over_o such_o person_n in_o n1_fw-la directa_fw-la no_o question_n he_o be_v the_o head_n political_a to_o the_o church_n for_o governor_n &_o head_n be_v equipollent_a term_n whosoever_o be_v supreme_a governor_n to_o any_o society_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v a_o proper_a political_a head_n to_o it_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o quarrel_v about_o word_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v grant_v and_o that_o this_o subordination_n or_o supremacy_n be_v direct_v or_o in_o n1_fw-la directa_fw-la be_v we_o judge_v clear_a from_o the_o fore_n mention_v act_n see_v they_o not_o only_o make_v the_o king_n the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n but_o moreover_o in_o the_o act_n anent_o the_o the_o national_a synod_n he_o be_v make_v the_o all_o of_o the_o same_o and_o without_o he_o it_o be_v nothing_o the_o like_a of_o these_o the_o sun_n never_o shine_v on_o except_o these_o make_v by_o king_n henry_n the_o 8._o of_o england_n which_o be_v scrupule_v at_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n at_o home_o &_o abroad_o they_o be_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n force_v to_o alleviat_v the_o mater_fw-la by_o remove_a the_o title_n head_n and_o some_o mitigate_a explication_n allow_v and_o order_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o subject_n at_o the_o take_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n but_o no_o such_o explication_n allow_v here_o arg._n 3._o if_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n thus_o thrust_v in_o upon_o they_o be_v constitut_v and_o settle_v in_o christ_n way_n as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n and_o actual_a use_n of_o all_o ordinance_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n than_o it_o be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o minister_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n thus_o thrust_v in_o upon_o they_o be_v constitut_v and_o settle_v in_o christ_n way_n as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n and_o actual_a exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n therefore_o it_o be_v â—â—â—o_o sinful_a separation_n on_o their_o part_n not_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n in_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o we_o suppose_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v evident_a and_o will_v not_o ready_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v we_o prove_v it_o thus_o if_o there_o be_v divine_a obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o their_o church_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o minister_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n be_v under_o divine_a obligation_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n lean_v upon_o these_o two_o and_o be_v infallible_o make_v out_o by_o they_o first_o that_o thâ—â—e_n be_v a_o divine_a relation_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o the_o church_n over_o who_o they_o be_v set_v and_o second_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o divine_a command_n to_o do_v the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o such_o contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n none_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o ministry_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a instution_n and_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n will_v be_v able_a to_o refuse_v these_o we_o conceive_v none_o even_o of_o our_o antagonist_n will_v deny_v the_o minor_a if_o they_o do_v will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n before_o and_o at_o the_o prelate_n introduction_n be_v no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n which_o be_v false_a as_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v when_o ever_o our_o opposite_n give_v their_o reason_n to_o the_o contrare_fw-la but_o we_o know_v the_o great_a debate_n will_v be_v about_o the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n to_o wit_n that_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the._n prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n be_v settle_v in_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n &_o actual_a exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n this_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v beyond_o all_o denial_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o scotland_n before_o and_o at_o the_o prelate_n late_a entry_n among_o we_o in_o the_o year_n 1662._o be_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o furnish_v with_o pastor_n and_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o ordinance_n the_o debate_n than_o will_v run_v upon_o the_o jus_o of_o that_o constitution_n that_o be_v existent_a and_o in_o be_v at_o the_o prelate_n introduction_n against_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v object_v but_o one_o of_o these_o three_o obj._n 1_o prelacy_n be_v want_v in_o that_o constitution_n which_o it_o shall_v have_v have_v ans_fw-fr 1._o to_o the_o validity_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o must_v first_o be_v make_v out_o that_o prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o in_o use_n and_o exercise_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n or_o a_o office_n institute_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v yet_o see_v never_o will_v let_v our_o adversary_n in_o this_o great_a debait_n consider_v the_o reason_n and_o exception_n we_o have_v give_v in_o against_o iâ—_n and_o answer_v they_o yea_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o we_o ask_v at_o the_o patron_n of_o prelacy_n whether_o they_o judge_v it_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o ministerial_a political_a church_n if_o they_o judge_v it_o essential_a do_v it_o not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n holland_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n and_o that_o all_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o they_o be_v nullity_n yea_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n call_v the_o albigenses_n which_o by_o all_o historian_n have_v their_o original_n deduce_v from_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o such_o see_v 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n of_o all_o they_o never_o have_v prelacy_n from_o their_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o day_n which_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o
of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o live_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o heresy_n be_v abound_v and_o professor_n take_v with_o the_o infection_n of_o that_o leaven_n he_o may_v put_v they_o on_o the_o preach_n of_o doctrine_n not_o apposite_a to_o the_o present_a case_n and_o discharge_v they_o from_o meddle_v with_o doctrine_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o present_a error_n as_o our_o magistrate_n have_v do_v anent_o some_o doctrine_n in_o these_o time_n he_o may_v likewise_o forbid_v they_o preach_v against_o or_o censure_v of_o these_o sin_n that_o be_v reign_v in_o the_o place_n and_o time_n in_o obey_v of_o which_o minister_n shall_v cross_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o in_o his_o word_n and_o bring_v themselves_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n if_o church_n and_o minister_n be_v not_o in_o the_o command_n precept_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n exeme_v from_o the_o power_n and_o imposition_n of_o man_n what_o a_o sad_a case_n will_v they_o be_v in_o 4._o the_o church_n have_v and_o exercise_v this_o power_n from_o scripture_n time_n in_o all_o age_n till_o within_o these_o hundred_o year_n we_o grant_v the_o magistrate_n exercise_v a_o power_n about_o or_o anent_o the_o church_n but_o never_o come_v this_o length_n when_o they_o do_v reform_v &_o give_v any_o redress_n of_o corruption_n creep_v into_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n they_o do_v it_o by_o the_o church_n who_o in_o her_o officer_n they_o do_v convocat_n and_o require_v to_o consider_v the_o matter_n and_o to_o make_v constitution_n about_o it_o but_o never_o assay_v to_o do_v it_o immediate_o and_o by_o themselves_o as_o church_n history_n make_v evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n 5._o it_o be_v the_o natural_a right_n of_o all_o moral_a power_n to_o order_n and_o dispose_v its_o own_o exercise_n in_o and_o about_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o it_o as_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v by_o instance_n of_o these_o of_o the_o parental_a marital_a power_n &c_n &c_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v partly_o because_o the_o object_n and_o other_o circumstance_n be_v so_o many_o and_o various_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o prescribe_v rule_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o particular_a emergent_n relate_v to_o their_o excercise_n but_o must_v be_v lest_o to_o the_o prudence_n of_o those_o invest_v with_o they_o to_o do_v therein_o as_o they_o see_v fit_a and_o expedient_a in_o the_o case_n that_o be_v before_o they_o and_o partly_o such_o be_v fit_a as_o have_v more_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n about_o such_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o their_o power_n than_o any_o other_o we_o see_v this_o yield_v to_o other_o and_o why_o then_o not_o to_o minister_n who_o may_v in_o rational_a judgement_n be_v presume_v to_o have_v more_o solid_a knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o and_o about_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o any_o 6._o all_o divine_v except_o those_o call_v erastian_n who_o be_v but_o of_o a_o late_a edition_n in_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o prelatical_a one_o do_v grant_v a_o diatactik_a power_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n about_o the_o worship_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n relate_v thereto_o and_o till_o erastus_n the_o phistrian_a arise_v it_o be_v beyond_o controversy_n among_o all_o church_n writer_n whether_o historical_a or_o polemic_a even_o those_o who_o contend_v for_o the_o magistrate_n power_n against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o pope_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o tractat_v from_o which_o we_o may_v adduce_v citation_n not_o a_o few_o but_o fear_v they_o will_v prove_v too_o tedions_a if_o inset_v here_o we_o forbear_v assertion_n 4._o albeit_o we_o grant_v the_o power_n of_o confinement_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o church_n for_o to_o he_o only_o be_v the_o sword_n gâ—â—ven_n to_o be_v use_v against_o evil_a doer_n yet_o in_o the_o complex_fw-la case_n which_o we_o have_v before_o we_o we_o dare_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o indulgence_n with_o such_o a_o clause_n see_v we_o have_v not_o as_o may_v be_v clear_a to_o any_o from_o what_o be_v say_v above_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o acceptance_n thereof_o for_o the_o act_n of_o indulgence_n confine_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o whole_a party_n if_o it_o have_v be_v but_o some_o few_o that_o this_o confinment_n reach_v we_o will_v not_o have_v say_v much_o to_o it_o although_o the_o sentence_n have_v be_v unjust_a but_o while_o we_o consider_v the_o present_a universal_a necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o obligation_n on_o we_o to_o use_v our_o ministry_n for_o answer_v the_o same_o we_o can_v not_o with_o quietness_n to_o our_o conscience_n justify_v nor_o allow_v of_o it_o as_o a_o favour_n with_o such_o a_o restraint_n on_o our_o ministry_n if_o the_o confinment_n have_v only_o touch_v our_o person_n and_o personal_a concern_v we_o have_v with_o all_o patience_n and_o submission_n yield_v thereto_o but_o a_o restraint_n be_v put_v on_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministry_n in_o this_o necessitous_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n when_o papist_n quaker_n and_o other_o subverter_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n do_v multiply_v and_o abound_v without_o all_o crub_n we_o can_v not_o close_o with_o this_o indulgence_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o confinment_n put_v we_o out_o of_o capacity_n for_o afford_v that_o relief_n to_o the_o church_n and_o immortal_a soul_n which_o our_o office_n bind_v we_o to_o 2._o as_o there_o be_v many_o duty_n and_o part_n of_o our_o ministerial_a function_n which_o we_o can_v perform_v and_o exercise_v but_o in_o a_o conjunction_n with_o other_o so_o this_o indulgence_n cut_v off_o from_o all_o access_n to_o the_o same_o and_o leave_v we_o in_o much_o worse_a case_n than_o we_o be_v in_o before_o have_v we_o not_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o maintain_v against_o its_o present_a adversary_n be_v we_o not_o bind_v to_o propagat_v the_o same_o in_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a age_n do_v not_o scandal_n of_o all_o fort_n abound_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n and_o do_v not_o the_o care_n and_o burdine_n of_o see_v to_o and_o provide_v against_o the_o evil_a that_o in_o these_o time_n threaten_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v upon_o we_o in_o our_o ministerial_a capacity_n and_o we_o can_v single_o and_o apart_o do_v what_o be_v necessare_fw-la in_o this_o case_n but_o in_o a_o conjunction_n with_o one_o another_o no_o doubt_n our_o subject_n to_o this_o confinment_n will_v render_v we_o accessary_a to_o and_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o these_o evil_a and_o their_o consequence_n to_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a generation_n posterity_n no_o question_n shall_v have_v all_o cause_n to_o curse_v and_o charge_v their_o blood_n upon_o we_o which_o be_v tremble_v to_o think_v upon_o 3._o if_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o and_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o man_n action_n by_o the_o native_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o they_o it_o be_v to_o we_o apparent_a and_o beyond_o denial_n that_o the_o project_n and_o intention_n of_o this_o contrivance_n be_v quiet_o to_o ruin_n and_o bury_v our_o cause_n see_v by_o this_o confinment_n and_o other_o thing_n in_o this_o indulgence_n all_o endeavour_n towards_o the_o succession_n of_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o we_o bring_v unto_o a_o immediate_a dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o hinder_v to_o propagat_v the_o truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o its_o adversary_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o land_n be_v thus_o shut_v up_o into_o a_o little_a corner_n of_o the_o same_o &_o cast_v by_o two_o &_o three_n and_o four_o into_o congregation_n where_o for_o the_o most_o part_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o use_n for_o we_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n time_n have_v be_v thus_o deal_v with_o and_o in_o policy_n confine_v as_o we_o be_v do_v any_o think_v they_o will_v have_v submit_v to_o and_o obey_v such_o a_o confinment_n which_o will_v have_v frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o office_n and_o work_n and_o make_v they_o guilty_a of_o disobedience_n to_o their_o master_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v command_n inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o sentence_n and_o shall_v we_o subject_v and_o be_v consentient_a to_o a_o deed_n that_o in_o the_o design_n and_o effect_n thereof_o will_v infallible_o destroy_v the_o cause_n which_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o obligation_n we_o be_v engage_v to_o maintain_v and_o advance_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n god_n forbid_v we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o confinment_n with_o a_o permission_n to_o preach_v and_o exercise_v other_o part_n
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
and_o the_o person_n qualify_v for_o and_o call_v thereto_o in_o his_o own_o way_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v thereby_o constitute_v his_o ambassador_n and_o messenger_n and_o in_o special_a delegation_n send_v from_o he_o as_o such_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o treat_v with_o sinner_n for_o reconciliation_n and_o obedience_n they_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o institution_n and_o their_o special_a delegation_n or_o mission_n from_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n &c_n &c_n office_n they_o be_v invest_v with_o till_o it_o be_v take_v from_o they_o in_o the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o covey_v and_o confer_v the_o same_o upon_o they_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o no_o christian_a that_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o its_o light_n and_o direction_n will_v get_v refuse_v will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o minister_n in_o their_o ministerial_a capacity_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o man_n in_o their_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o as_o his_o ambassador_n have_v and_o derive_a all_o their_o power_n from_o he_o be_v oblige_v on_o high_a pain_n be_v reason_n of_o their_o special_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o their_o commission_n from_o he_o which_o contain_v all_o their_o instruction_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n &_o can_v be_v supersede_v therein_o by_o any_o far_o less_o by_o they_o that_o acknowledge_v christ_n authority_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n to_o be_v superior_a to_o and_o above_o all_o other_o authority_n whatsoever_o if_o they_o have_v their_o power_n and_o mission_n from_o man_n well_o may_v they_o submit_v to_o these_o in_o take_v it_o from_o they_o but_o it_o not_o be_v so_o they_o can_v think_v themselves_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n but_o in_o the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o confer_v the_o same_o upon_o they_o believe_v we_o in_o this_o lie_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o difficulty_n we_o be_v sure_a minister_n be_v christ_n messenger_n send_v by_o he_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o dispense_n of_o ordinance_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n from_o which_o obligation_n none_o can_v loose_v they_o but_o christ_n jesus_n their_o only_a master_n and_o head_n in_o this_o work_n 2._o it_o do_v also_o native_o flow_v from_o the_o former_a truth_n that_o all_o especial_o those_o in_o and_o of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n supereminent_a supreme_a and_o absolute_a authority_n and_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o he_o indispensible_o bind_v to_o subject_a to_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o its_o exercise_n in_o the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o he_o send_v and_o that_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o ministerial_a power_n &_o office_n which_o be_v true_o christ_n and_n not_o they_o they_o act_v according_o to_o the_o instruction_n contain_v iâ—_n their_o commission_n for_o they_o be_v christ_n servant_n serve_v he_o by_o special_a delegation_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o they_o be_v impower_v commissionated_a and_o instruct_v by_o he_o they_o bear_v his_o name_n stand_v in_o his_o stead_n and_o represent_v he_o to_o his_o people_n as_o his_o ambassador_n be_v send_v by_o he_o to_o all_o finner_n for_o attain_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n thâ—â—r_v conversion_n edification_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o we_o must_v first_o renunce_n christ_n authority_n and_o dominon_n over_o his_o church_n before_o we_o can_v refuse_v and_o reject_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v thus_o send_v by_o he_o to_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v thâ—_n not_o receive_v of_o they_o be_v a_o reject_v of_o he_o a_o matter_n that_o shall_v be_v tender_o &_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o for_o it_o draw_v exceed_o deep_a upon_o all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n high_a and_o low_a so_o that_o they_o not_o depend_v on_o any_o other_o inferior_a authority_n and_o power_n except_o that_o by_o which_o they_o be_v send_v their_o obligation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v annul_v by_o man_n let_v we_o say_v it_o in_o this_o we_o contend_v not_o mere_o for_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n that_o for_o the_o fountain_n and_o end_n thereof_o shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o but_o for_o the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o right_a it_o be_v as_o king_n of_o his_o church_n to_o constitute_v &_o send_v ambassador_n in_o his_o own_o name_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n this_o be_v one_o which_o be_v the_o native_a consequent_a of_o it_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v shall_v we_o allow_v this_o in_o point_n of_o right_a to_o earthly_a sovereign_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o only_a head_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n second_o moreover_o minister_n in_o this_o relation_n they_o stand_v under_o to_o christ_n jesus_n have_v the_o gospel_n &_o its_o ordinance_n commit_v &_o entrust_v to_o they_o to_o be_v dispense_v in_o his_o name_n for_o the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o sinner_n for_o which_o they_o be_v call_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4_o 1._o this_o be_v a_o talon_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n of_o which_o they_o must_v short_o give_v a_o account_n and_o which_o while_o they_o have_v it_o they_o be_v command_v in_o all_o high_a pain_n to_o use_v for_o the_o gain_n of_o sinner_n to_o he_o in_o the_o way_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o in_o his_o word_n now_o let_v all_o judge_n what_o a_o strait_a minister_n be_v cast_v into_o in_o these_o time_n if_o they_o forbear_v on_o the_o inhibition_n of_o man_n to_o dispense_v the_o gospel_n and_o its_o ordinance_n to_o sinner_n thus_o commit_v to_o they_o they_o prove_v unfaithful_a to_o their_o master_n betray_v their_o trust_n and_o incur_v his_o heavy_a displeasure_n and_o wrath_n if_o they_o answer_v their_o trust_n and_o aim_v at_o faithfulness_n therein_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o labour_v in_o the_o work_n thereof_o to_o gain_v sinner_n they_o provock_n man_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o suffering_n but_o they_o know_v the_o love_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v on_o mature_a consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n choose_v and_o purpose_v in_o their_o master_n strength_n to_o venture_v on_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n see_v they_o can_v in_o this_o juncture_n both_o please_v their_o master_n &_o they_o resolve_a to_o prefer_v the_o necessity_n of_o suffering_n to_o that_o of_o sin_n the_o much_o commend_v and_o cryed-up_a choice_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o like_a â—ase_n propose_v to_o all_o in_o the_o word_n for_o their_o imitation_n three_o beside_o this_o trust_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v likewise_o the_o heavy_a trust_n of_o immortal_a soul_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v commit_v to_o they_o of_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o for_o who_o blood_n they_o must_v answer_v when_o they_o resign_v and_o give_v up_o their_o stewardship_n and_o lay_v down_o their_o office_n and_o trust_n aâ—_n his_o foot_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v it_o do_v any_o think_v the_o threat_n and_o inhibition_n of_o man_n will_v discharge_v they_o of_o this_o trust_n at_o their_o master_n hand_n if_o they_o think_v so_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o produce_v something_o from_o he_o that_o will_v signify_v so_o much_o to_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v judge_v themselves_o exeem_v from_o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o soul_n who_o blood_n will_v cry_v aloud_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o their_o master_n if_o they_o do_v not_o their_o part_n in_o what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o for_o save_a of_o such_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o nothing_o yet_o from_o our_o ruler_n to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o peremptory_a law_n and_o act_n command_v they_o to_o obey_v the_o same_o under_o great_a penalty_n if_o we_o be_v assure_v upon_o clear_a rational_a ground_n that_o their_o voice_n and_o command_n be_v the_o voice_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n jesus_n relieve_v we_o of_o this_o press_a burden_n of_o immortal_a soul_n once_o lay_v on_o we_o how_o quick_o and_o cheerful_o shall_v we_o obey_v their_o present_a law_n but_o nothing_o can_v we_o learn_v from_o they_o or_o any_o other_o to_o ascertane_v we_o of_o this_o let_v any_o that_o have_v any_o true_a feel_n of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o soul_n judge_n what_o a_o cruelty_n it_o must_v be_v in_o we_o to_o behold_v soul_n perish_v throw_v ignorance_n wickedness_n hypocrisy_n &_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n
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