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
a_o apology_n for_o or_o vindication_n of_o the_o oppress_a persecute_a minister_n &_o professor_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n emit_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v &_o that_o for_o the_o information_n of_o ignorant_a the_o satisfaction_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o doubtful_a the_o conviction_n if_o possible_a of_o the_o malicious_a the_o warning_n of_o our_o ruler_n the_o strengthen_n &_o comfort_v of_o the_o say_a sufferer_n under_o their_o present_a pressur_n &_o trial_n be_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o covenant_v work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o church_n and_o against_o the_o present_a prevail_a corruption_n and_o course_n of_o desection_n therefrom_o prov_n xxiii_o verse_n 23._o buy_v the_o truth_n &_o sell_v it_o not_o also_o wisdom_n instruction_n &_o understanding_n i._o pet._n iii_o verse_n 15._o but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n &_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n &_o fear_n jud_v verse_n 3._o it_o be_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o &_o to_o exhort_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n prestat_fw-la sero_fw-la quà m_fw-la nunquam_fw-la sapere_fw-la print_a in_o the_o year_n 1677._o to_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o honourable_a lord_n the_o lord_n temporal_a of_o his_o majesty_n secret_a council_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n most_o noble_a and_o honouralbe_n lord_n cast_v our_o eye_n about_o we_o to_o see_v under_o the_o wing_n of_o who_o patrociny_n &_o protection_n we_o shall_v shelter_v the_o ensue_a apology_n or_o vindication_n we_o can_v not_o in_o our_o apprehension_n fix_v upon_o any_o so_o fit_v for_o this_o as_o your_o lo._n who_o by_o the_o station_n &_o office_n you_o bear_v under_o his_o maj._n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v constitute_v the_o protector_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o releever_n of_o the_o oppress_a &_o the_o breaker_n of_o every_o unjust_a yoke_n the_o serious_a thought_n of_o which_o do_v aflord_v we_o this_o confidence_n that_o as_o our_o unjust_a oppression_n make_v we_o object_n fit_v for_o your_o lo._n compassion_n and_o justice_n so_o your_o lo._n office_n and_o what_o it_o bind_v unto_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o oppress_a before_o god_n and_o man_n will_n on_o the_o ingenuous_a &_o plain_a production_n of_o our_o reason_n for_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n at_o length_n prevail_v for_o break_v of_o these_o yoke_n of_o oppression_n now_o on_o we_o and_o remove_v of_o their_o real_a cause_n we_o therefore_o can_v but_o in_o charity_n and_o reason_n expect_v that_o much_o humanity_n &_o justice_n from_o your_o lo._n that_o be_v grant_v by_o heathen_a ruler_n to_o minister_n &_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n &_o history_n memorable_a instance_n be_v not_o paul_n act._n 26_o 1_o permit_v by_o king_n agrippa_n to_o speak_v for_o himself_o who_o in_o vindication_n of_o his_o righteous_a cause_n deduce_v the_o ground_n thereof_o and_o clear_v the_o so_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o hearer_n that_o they_o judge_v he_o neither_o worthy_a of_o death_n nor_o of_o bond_n do_v not_o some_o of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n upon_o the_o read_n of_o the_o apology_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o of_o justin_n martyr_n apollinaris_n mileto_n origen_n tertullian_n and_o other_o declare_v their_o innocency_n and_o mitigat_fw-la the_o rage_n of_o persecution_n that_o then_o prevail_v against_o they_o may_v not_o we_o then_o who_o profess_v the_o same_o protestant_a religion_n with_o your_o lo._n entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o same_o favour_n &_o justice_n that_o be_v show_v by_o ruler_n to_o the_o lord_n people_n before_o we_o as_o our_o adversary_n calumny_n &_o bitter_a reproach_n with_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o render_v we_o odious_a to_o all_o especial_o to_o your_o lo._n be_v unjust_a and_o malicious_a be_v partly_o their_o evil_a and_o uncharitable_a deduction_n from_o our_o principle_n and_o action_n and_o partly_o gross_a &_o notorious_a lie_n such_o as_o the_o heathen_n charge_v on_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o find_v no_o just_a matter_n for_o their_o accusation_n from_o their_o profession_n and_o behaviour_n give_v it_o out_o to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o worship_v the_o sun_n a_o ass_n head_n and_o use_v promiscuous_a copulation_n at_o their_o assembly_n so_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o as_o a_o brazen_a wall_n do_v shield_n &_o uphold_v our_o spirit_n from_o sink_v under_o those_o burden_n with_o which_o they_o have_v aim_v to_o keep_v we_o at_o under_o with_o your_o lo._n we_o know_v there_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o we_o but_o what_o have_v be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o eminent_a saint_n yea_o of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o master_n if_o they_o deal_v so_o with_o he_o no_o marvel_n they_o deal_v so_o with_o we_o so_o great_a be_v the_o testimony_n &_o witness_n of_o our_o conscience_n as_o to_o all_o the_o grievous_a thing_n they_o have_v and_o do_v charge_n upon_o we_o that_o we_o have_v hitherto_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n and_o not_o open_v our_o just_a and_o true_a greivance_n as_o we_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v do_v for_o fear_v of_o offend_v your_o lo._n but_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o the_o welfair_n of_o immortal_a soul_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v through_o our_o too_o long_a silence_n we_o have_v adventure_v to_o disclose_v our_o thought_n and_o to_o give_v so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v a_o satisfie_v account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o which_o we_o suffer_v the_o god_n of_o god_n know_v &_o israel_n shall_v know_v we_o use_v this_o freedom_n and_o plainness_n of_o speech_n towards_o your_o lo._n and_o all_o other_o not_o from_o any_o contentious_a and_o ill_a affect_a humour_n but_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n lay_v on_o we_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o relief_n for_o these_o from_o your_o lo._n which_o we_o most_o humble_o beg_v and_o expect_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o the_o street_n and_o flee_v into_o corner_n if_o on_o a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o of_o ourselves_o for_o its_o sake_n against_o the_o reproache_n of_o our_o enemy_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o just_a but_o iniquous_a we_o ask_v no_o benefit_n from_o your_o lo._n clemency_n and_o justice_n let_v all_o severity_n be_v use_v but_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o former_a and_o present_a suffering_n be_v righteous_a in_o the_o confidence_n of_o which_o we_o have_v be_v bold_a to_o give_v to_o your_o lo._n and_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o sober_a ensue_a account_n we_o humble_o entreat_v that_o protection_n and_o relief_n in_o its_o defence_n which_o your_o power_n and_o station_n in_o this_o kingdom_n do_v enable_v and_o oblige_v your_o lo._n to_o wherefore_o cast_v ourselves_o at_o your_o lo._n foot_n we_o do_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o pure_a religion_n &_o undefiled_a &_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o concern_v therein_o beseech_v your_o lorenzo_n first_o that_o our_o just_a &_o well_o ground_v exception_n against_o prelacy_n &_o erastianisme_n may_v be_v take_v into_o consideration_n &_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a will_v not_o the_o future_a consequence_n of_o these_o evil_n to_o this_o land_n your_o lo._n family_n &_o posterity_n be_v dreadful_a who_o thereby_o be_v lay_v pento_n the_o judgement_n denunce_v in_o the_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o perjury_n and_o covenant_n break_v we_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o our_o cause_n on_o the_o covenant_n &_o oath_n take_v by_o this_o nation_n against_o the_o foresay_a evil_n or_o corruption_n as_o the_o primary_n and_o chief_a argument_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o all_o on_o the_o perusal_n of_o our_o subsequent_a apology_n but_o on_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o true_a god_n for_o we_o grant_v covenant_n and_o oath_n that_o be_v obligatory_a and_o bind_v to_o a_o observance_n suppone_v their_o matter_n to_o be_v antecedent_o just_a and_o do_v bring_v their_o primary_n obligation_n from_o it_o hence_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o &_o engage_v to_o by_o covenant_n and_o oath_n must_v be_v prove_v and_o make_v out_o to_o be_v
suffer_v no_o small_a prejudice_n through_o our_o silence_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d on_o a_o resolution_n to_o give_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n a_o account_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ground_n of_o our_o practice_n for_o which_o we_o be_v this_o day_n 〈◊〉_d â—uch_o reproach_v and_o persecute_v and_o see_v there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o ordinary_a road_n to_o give_v a_o due_a and_o just_a information_n 〈…〉_o â—ase_v to_o our_o superioure_n by_o supplication_n petition_n 〈…〉_o â—â—â—onstrances_n allow_v by_o scripture_n and_o nature_n 〈…〉_o â—eason_n of_o the_o influence_n &_o power_n of_o our_o adversary_n 〈…〉_o but_o expect_v that_o much_o justice_n from_o all_o as_o to_o excuse_v 〈…〉_o do_v of_o this_o in_o this_o way_n which_o the_o vindication_n 〈…〉_o ourselus_o for_o its_o sake_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n 〈…〉_o necessary_a for_o find_v in_o the_o present_a 〈…〉_o that_o we_o can_v without_o betray_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n for_o which_o as_o minister_n and_o christian_n we_o be_v call_v to_o contend_v on_o all_o highâ—â—â—_n pain_n keep_v any_o long_a silence_n but_o that_o we_o 〈◊〉_d give_v warning_n to_o all_o of_o the_o imminent_a danger_n that_o threaten_v religion_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o power_n we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n by_o clear_v truth_n and_o practice_n 〈◊〉_d much_o now_o condemn_v to_o endeavour_v the_o prevention_n and_o recovery_n of_o all_o from_o the_o snare_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o and_o engage_v into_o wherefore_o in_o all_o christian_a sobriety_n and_o humility_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o all_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o our_o case_n 1._o anent_o the_o cruel_a and_o iniquous_a procedure_n use_v against_o we_o 2_o our_o practice_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o minister_n and_o people_n yet_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_v work_n of_o reformation_n in_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n 3_o our_o not_o approve_v nor_o allow_v of_o the_o late_a indulgence_n although_o as_o to_o the_o preach_a part_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o of_o we_o in_o so_o far_o practise_v 4_o and_o last_o anent_o the_o supremacy_n ecclesiastical_a as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o his_o majesty_n peâ—son_n and_o sense_v by_o law_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n with_o raisin_n why_o submission_n can_v not_o be_v give_v to_o prelacy_n we_o love_v not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o first_o and_o if_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d connect_v with_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o moâ—â—â—_n concearne_v the_o cause_n and_o touch_v upon_o it_o than_o any_o outward_a interest_n of_o we_o we_o will_v incline_v rather_o 〈…〉_o it_o in_o perpetual_a oblivion_n than_o thus_o to_o talk_v the_o 〈…〉_o of_o past_a and_o present_a action_n the_o mention_v of_o 〈…〉_o can_v but_o reflect_v on_o some_o who_o 〈…〉_o to_o we_o than_o they_o will_v ready_o admit_v themselves_o to_o believe_v but_o we_o must_v not_o decline_v what_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v necessary_a for_o vindicate_v of_o our_o righteous_a cause_n strike_v at_o and_o wound_v through_o our_o side_n we_o shall_v only_o touch_v a_o few_o instance_n of_o many_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o generation_n and_o we_o fear_v if_o historian_n prove_v impartial_a will_v speak_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o these_o time_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n as_o first_o that_o almost_o unparalleled_a act_n of_o the_o council_n at_o glasgow_n octob._n 1662._o whereby_o at_o one_o stroke_n a_o number_n of_o minister_n above_o 300_o without_o all_o legal_a precedour_n be_v violent_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o lively_a hood_n and_o inhibit_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o thereby_o a_o great_a number_n of_o congregation_n lay_v desolate_a and_o for_o any_o thing_n know_v to_o the_o council_n at_o their_o make_n and_o publish_v of_o this_o act_n all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n a_o very_a few_o except_v may_v have_v be_v thrust_v out_o and_o eject_v thereby_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a church_n lay_v waste_v and_o dispossess_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o ordinance_n in_o which_o condition_n she_o may_v have_v continue_v long_o enough_o to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o prejudice_n and_o loss_n which_o the_o moâ—â—â—-cryed-up_a good_a of_o prelacy_n can_v never_o have_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—ed_v sit_v in_o this_o or_o the_o follow_a age_n be_v it_o not_o eâ—â—â—ent_a from_o the_o astonishment_n that_o the_o disappointment_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o act_n have_v on_o our_o ruler_n in_o 〈…〉_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o subject_v to_o prelacy_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—mission_n that_o it_o be_v pass_v without_o mature_a deâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o ouâ—_n and_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o impatient_a zeal_n 〈…〉_o instigation_n of_o the_o prelate_n to_o the_o precipitation_n 〈…〉_o which_o since_o have_v be_v lament_v &_o not_o 〈…〉_o by_o many_o of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v never_o 〈…〉_o on_o â—ight_a method_n &_o way_n of_o cure_v the_o distemper_n &_o confusion_n cause_v by_o this_o act_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o 〈◊〉_d we_o remember_v of_o none_o like_o to_o this_o but_o that_o of_o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n in_o the_o time_n oe_v charl._n the_o v._o a_o precedent_n we_o think_v that_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v imitate_v by_o any_o christian_a protestant_n state_n consider_v its_o wicked_a design_n &_o bad_a success_n to_o its_o contriver_n at_o the_o pass_n of_o this_o act_n of_o council_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o all_o that_o the_o minister_n eject_v by_o it_o be_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o young_a man_n educate_v and_o indoctrinat_a in_o the_o presbyterian_a principle_n neither_o can_v it_o in_o rational_a judgement_n be_v suppose_v that_o in_o such_o a_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a revolution_n of_o affair_n in_o church_n and_o state_n person_n of_o any_o conscience_n can_v so_o sudden_o be_v move_v to_o change_v the_o principle_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o so_o long_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o without_o the_o least_o offer_n of_o any_o convince_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n in_o this_o case_n to_o inflict_v so_o heavy_a a_o punishment_n on_o minister_n and_o congregation_n without_o any_o endeavour_n previous_o use_v for_o their_o information_n look_v to_o be_v a_o stretch_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o charity_n and_o justice_n which_o according_a to_o all_o law_n divine_a ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a allow_v time_n and_o patience_n in_o deal_v with_o person_n err_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n for_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o error_n before_o the_o pass_a &_o inflict_v of_o a_o sentence_n a_o piece_n of_o justice_n observe_v in_o the-darke_a time_n of_o popery_n and_o hot_a persecution_n on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n 2._o beside_o in_o all_o execution_n of_o law_n on_o person_n find_v transgress_v the_o same_o there_o use_v to_o precede_v the_o sentence_n and_o infliction_n of_o the_o penalty_n 〈◊〉_d judicial_a trial_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o transgression_n thâ—_n natural_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o all_o subject_n obseruâ—â—â—_n all_o well_o govern_v state_n in_o the_o world_n whethâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o or_o heathenish_a for_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n to_o the_o subject_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o law_n to_o person_n suppose_a guilty_a of_o its_o violation_n by_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n not_o only_o adjudge_v they_o to_o the_o penalty_n but_o declare_v the_o guilt_n as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o such_o punishment_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o judicial_a trial_n and_o conviction_n by_o confession_n or_o witness_n but_o in_o our_o case_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v observe_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hear_v allow_v we_o moreover_o in_o this_o act_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v under_o high_a pain_n discharge_v and_o forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o from_o the_o state_n and_o this_o antecedent_n to_o any_o church_n sentence_n or_o ecclesiastical_a conviction_n of_o guilt_n deserve_v so_o heavy_a a_o punishment_n a_o encroachment_n on_o church_n power_n without_o a_o precedent_n in_o this_o church_n and_o in_o all_o other_o â—â—cept_v that_o of_o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n condemn_v on_o â—hat_n very_a head_n both_o by_o popish_a and_o protestant_n writter_n 〈◊〉_d a_o reach_v beyond_o the_o limit_n set_v to_o the_o magistrate_n poâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o punishâ—â—â—â—_n formâ—â—ly_o ecclesiastic_a inflict_v by_o the_o magiâ—â—â—â—â—_n without_o own_v of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o such_o punishment_n do_v proper_o belong_v 〈◊〉_d by_o who_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
cavalier_n party_n then_o in_o the_o presbyterian_a find_v they_o more_o true_o averse_a from_o and_o contrare_fw-la to_o their_o design_n and_o way_n than_o the_o other_o but_o some_o allege_v that_o we_o do_v raise_v &_o put_v they_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v o_o how_o weak_a be_v this_o argue_n if_o it_o hold_v the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n will_v not_o escape_v the_o censure_n and_o imputation_n of_o thiâ—_n man_n all_o the_o wickedness_n and_o mischief_n do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v by_o this_o medium_n come_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o it_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v all_o that_o power_n strength_n and_o capacity_n that_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v wicked_o shall_v those_o that_o do_v good_a to_o other_o in_o educate_v supply_v &_o afford_v they_o all_o necessary_n abuse_v by_o they_o to_o sin_n and_o riotous_a live_n be_v judge_v the_o author_n of_o their_o wickedness_n o_o folly_n if_o our_o intend_a brevity_n can_v suffer_v it_o we_o will_v make_v it_o out_o from_o undeniable_a instance_n that_o the_o government_n have_v not_o such_o sure_a &_o steadfast_a friend_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o who_o be_v true_o such_o and_o act_v according_a to_o their_o profess_a principle_n who_o stand_v to_o it_o when_o other_o who_o be_v now_o the_o only_a favourite_n turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o in_o go_v all_o the_o length_n of_o compliance_n with_o the_o usurper_n that_o be_v require_v while_o the_o generality_n of_o true_a presbyterian_o refuse_v for_o which_o they_o be_v discountenance_v and_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o party_n that_o be_v to_o be_v suppress_v if_o person_n that_o speak_v thus_o at_o random_n against_o we_o can_v by_o clear_a medium_n knit_v the_o practice_n they_o charge_v upon_o we_o to_o our_o profess_a design_n â—nd_v principle_n how_o will_v they_o triumph_v but_o none_o 〈◊〉_d these_o have_v we_o yet_o see_v and_o hear_v we_o know_v the_o late_a war_n be_v father_v on_o our_o party_n as_o the_o first_o causer_n and_o beginner_n of_o it_o but_o groundless_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v out_o the_o true_a cause_n and_o ground_n of_o they_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o as_o any_o who_o be_v true_o unbiased_a come_v to_o the_o through_o knowledge_n of_o these_o they_o will_v find_v our_o adversary_n in_o the_o blame_n and_o not_o our_o party_n who_o for_o religion_n liberty_n and_o self_n preservation_n for_o all_o be_v at_o the_o stake_n be_v then_o force_v to_o arm_n throw_v the_o insatiable_a pride_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o then_o prelate_n but_o too_o much_o of_o this_o only_o we_o must_v say_v if_o thing_n now_o hold_v on_o in_o their_o present_a channel_n in_o which_o they_o have_v run_v these_o few_o year_n past_a we_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o will_v justify_v and_o allow_v what_o once_o they_o condemn_v exception_n 3._o it_o be_v with_o no_o little_a confidence_n assert_v by_o some_o that_o although_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o divine_a institution_n yet_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v from_o the_o magistrate_n so_o that_o minister_n may_v not_o convocat_n the_o subject_n preach_v and_o dispense_v ordinance_n without_o liberty_n from_o he_o ans_fw-fr 1._o we_o desire_v to_o know_v whence_o our_o adversary_n have_v learn_v this_o distinction_n suâ—e_n not_o from_o the_o word_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footing_n for_o it_o there_o if_o it_o be_v let_v it_o be_v produce_v we_o know_v its_o original_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n from_o who_o arsenal_n the_o all_o of_o the_o hierarchy_n have_v be_v bring_v and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o for_o gain_n and_o fix_v of_o a_o universal_a absolute_a dependence_n of_o all_o upon_o hâ—m_n invent_v this_o distinction_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o christian_a world_n before_o he_o arise_v but_o 2._o we_o assert_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v as_o much_o immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o power_n itself_o first_o because_o we_o find_v this_o power_n be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o afterward_o without_o any_o dependence_n on_o and_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o magistrate_n anent_o the_o same_o this_o none_o will_v get_v refuse_v we_o desire_v then_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o now_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n on_o the_o magistrate_n that_o be_v not_o then_o christianity_n add_v no_o new_a power_n or_o right_v to_o the_o magistrate_n it_o only_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v he_o to_o use_v his_o power_n aright_o but_o give_v none_o that_o he_o have_v not_o before_o for_o if_o a_o heathenish_a magistrate_n shall_v exercise_v all_o that_o power_n about_o the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n that_o be_v by_o scripture_n allow_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n he_o shall_v not_o exceed_v nor_o go_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o magistratical_a power_n as_o we_o find_v several_a heathenish_a magistrate_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o work_n ascribe_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o cyrus_n darius_n artaxerxes_n etc._n etc._n so_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o it_o be_v to_o we_o ridiculous_a to_o say_v that_o the_o heathenish_a magistrate_n power_n be_v not_o intensive_a &_o habitualiter_fw-la as_o great_a as_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n 2._o all_o moral_a power_n do_v necessary_o include_v and_o have_v flow_v from_o it_o a_o obligation_n to_o its_o exercise_n if_o moral_a and_o physical_a impediment_n hinder_v not_o it_o not_o only_o give_v right_a to_o such_o and_o such_o act_n and_o make_v they_o valide_fw-la but_o it_o bind_v the_o person_n clothe_v therewith_o to_o such_o act_n so_o that_o the_o omission_n of_o they_o in_o their_o season_n be_v their_o sin_n for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o power_n tie_v the_o person_n that_o have_v it_o to_o intend_v and_o seek_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o such_o and_o such_o way_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o â—he_n power_n as_o may_v be_v instance_a but_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o â—â—â—ar_o we_o forbear_v three_o how_o come_v this_o distinction_n to_o be_v give_v and_o make_v use_n of_o anent_o the_o ministerial_a power_n and_o not_o anent_o other_o about_o which_o the_o magistrate_n may_v exercise_v his_o power_n also_o may_v not_o father_n husband_n etc._n etc._n do_v the_o duty_n proper_a to_o their_o relation_n without_o leave_n from_o the_o magistrate_n if_o they_o may_v give_v we_o a_o reason_n why_o minister_n may_v not_o do_v the_o duty_n proper_a and_o specific_a to_o their_o function_n without_o the_o magistrate_n their_o power_n be_v as_o immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o be_v as_o little_a dependent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n yea_o and_o less_o than_o they_o never_o one_o have_v undertake_v this_o task_n but_o they_o who_o make_v the_o magistrate_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n which_o be_v most_o absurd_a see_v the_o magistrate_n do_v find_v other_o power_n exist_v and_o in_o be_v before_o he_o be_v four_o as_o the_o power_n of_o minister_n be_v from_o christ_n by_o divine_a institution_n so_o they_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n for_o its_o exercise_n by_o divine_a command_n which_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o imp_a as_o have_v be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o ministerial_a office_n be_v command_v to_o exercise_v it_o who_o in_o no_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o his_o licence_n if_o they_o be_v let_v we_o see_v it_o no_o doubt_n we_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o ere_o this_o time_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v exception_n 4._o there_o be_v one_o exeption_n use_v against_o we_o among_o other_o and_o urge_v with_o no_o little_a vehemency_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n to_o authority_n to_o wit_n our_o non-appearance_n before_o the_o council_n on_o summons_n give_v out_o against_o some_o of_o our_o number_n at_o several_a occasion_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v and_o strong_o aggravate_v for_o a_o high_a evidence_n of_o our_o contempt_n of_o our_o ruler_n and_o the_o authority_n wherewith_o they_o be_v clothe_v for_o which_o up_o ward_v of_o 80._o of_o gentleman_n lady_n minister_n and_o yeoman_n be_v intercommune_v and_o the_o subject_n under_o the_o same_o penalty_n due_a to_o such_o inhibit_v all_o manner_n of_o assistance_n to_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o ans_fw-fr not_o like_v to_o dip_v into_o and_o discuss_v the_o severity_n of_o this_o sentence_n of_o intercommune_v pass_v with_o such_o solemnity_n against_o we_o nor_o yet_o to_o canvasse_v the_o legality_n or_o illegalitie_n of_o it_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o better_o verse_v in_o and_o acquaint_v with_o
of_o our_o ministry_n in_o the_o place_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v confine_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o policy_n invent_v to_o cover_v the_o too_o visible_a encroachment_n on_o church_n power_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o indulgence_n which_o be_v know_v afterward_o to_o stumble_v many_o that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v more_o smooth_v and_o go_v the_o better_o down_o while_o the_o design_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v as_o be_v say_v to_o bring_v our_o ministry_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o without_o noise_n to_o obstruct_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o ruin_v our_o cause_n for_o attain_v of_o which_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v a_o more_o successful_a like_o piece_n of_o policy_n than_o this_o of_o the_o indulgence_n resolve_a as_o bathe_v be_v say_v to_o unfold_v our_o heart_n and_o to_o keep_v nothing_o up_o anent_o what_o be_v true_o grievous_a to_o and_o burden_n our_o conscience_n in_o the_o command_n and_o imposition_n of_o these_o time_n we_o shall_v add_v other_o reason_n to_o these_o which_o with_o the_o former_a be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n with_o and_o non-approbation_n of_o this_o indulgence_n as_o 1._o in_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o 2._o act_n of_o indulgence_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o this_o pretend_a favour_n be_v provide_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o the_o evil_n of_o conventicle_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o partake_v of_o other_o ordinance_n from_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n make_v against_o the_o same_o have_v not_o suppress_v as_o this_o narrative_a speak_v to_o all_o the_o design_n of_o the_o indulgence_n so_o it_o show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v as_o its_o consequence_n if_o approven_v by_o we_o to_o which_o we_o there_fw-mi have_v no_o accession_n direct_o nor_o indirect_o for_o by_o our_o allowance_n and_o submission_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o prove_v active_a in_o hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o future_a but_o also_o shall_v consequential_o condemn_v the_o former_a practice_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n and_o people_n in_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n that_o have_v be_v bless_v and_o make_v not_o a_o little_a successful_a to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o many_o soul_n 2._o many_o by_o this_o indulgence_n be_v assign_v and_o send_v to_o other_o congregation_n than_o these_o they_o have_v former_o serve_v their_o master_n in_o before_o this_o revolution_n in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o judge_v the_o former_a relation_n to_o particular_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o the_o state_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o be_v yet_o in_o force_n and_o not_o dissolve_v by_o all_o the_o violence_n use_v against_o we_o so_o we_o think_v our_o approbation_n of_o this_o indulgence_n will_v not_o only_o justify_v the_o unjust_a usurpation_n and_o violence_n in_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o likewise_o will_v have_v make_v void_a the_o former_a and_o yet_o stand_v relation_n to_o these_o respective_a congregation_n in_o which_o we_o dare_v have_v no_o hand_n but_o in_o the_o way_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o be_v former_o use_v in_o this_o church_n see_v it_o will_v no_o question_n both_o strengthen_v the_o magistrate_n in_o his_o unjust_a encroachment_n on_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v a_o practical_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o in_o all_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o mater_fw-la 3._o by_o one_o clause_n in_o the_o 2._o act_n of_o indulgence_n appeal_n be_v allow_v and_o authorize_v from_o the_o indulge_v to_o the_o prelate_n court_n which_o do_v subject_a and_o direct_o subordinat_a they_o to_o these_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o our_o covenant_v and_o well_o ground_v principle_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o look_v on_o this_o with_o other_o particular_n in_o that_o indulgence_n as_o a_o device_n frame_v of_o purpose_n for_o gain_v all_o these_o end_n and_o intent_n upon_o we_o which_o by_o violence_n have_v be_v former_o design_v against_o we_o for_o establish_v of_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n 4._o as_o some_o of_o the_o rule_n be_v impracticable_a so_o other_o of_o they_o do_v not_o a_o little_a reflect_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n who_o preach_v in_o house_n and_o field_n if_o we_o understand_v our_o christian_a profession_n aright_o we_o must_v take_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o many_o command_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o imitat_fw-la christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o their_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o purpose_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o effect_n do_v we_o not_o find_v from_o these_o sacred_a record_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v in_o house_n and_o field_n as_o occasion_n offer_v never_o decline_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o these_o as_o the_o present_a exigence_n require_v although_o they_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o and_o access_n to_o the_o synagogue_n which_o be_v deny_v we_o as_o to_o the_o place_n allow_v for_o public_a worship_n do_v not_o these_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n say_v that_o as_o preach_v in_o house_n and_o field_n be_v in_o itself_o noâ—_n sin_n but_o lawful_a except_o we_o resolve_v to_o make_v christ_n â—_o transgressor_n so_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o under_o the_o like_a câ—lls_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v in_o this_o as_o christ_n do_v before_o we_o who_o can_v get_v this_o shune_v among_o the_o many_o design_n aim_v at_o in_o this_o indulgence_n and_o in_o part_n obtain_v by_o it_o we_o know_v the_o devide_v and_o break_v of_o our_o party_n be_v a_o principal_a one_o which_o at_o first_o actuate_v and_o set_v on_o foot_n this_o device_n among_o we_o but_o we_o hope_v without_o the_o fruit_n our_o adversary_n expect_v to_o have_v reap_v thereby_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o cause_n for_o whatever_o difference_n there_o have_v be_v or_o yet_o be_v among_o we_o in_o our_o practice_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o indulgence_n we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o precede_a exception_n against_o it_o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v access_n for_o represent_v the_o same_o to_o our_o ruler_n our_o unanimity_n and_o concord_n in_o these_o have_v be_v more_o discover_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o charge_n with_o we_o of_o our_o know_a and_o profess_a judgement_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o true_a distinction_n from_o and_o independence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n as_o be_v afterward_o express_v what_o ever_o be_v our_o persuasion_n in_o this_o represent_v to_o the_o world_n in_o our_o public_a confess_v on_o of_o faith_n we_o yet_o throw_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n resolve_v to_o cleave_v to_o have_v never_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o time_n that_o have_v go_v over_o our_o head_n to_o cause_v we_o alter_v our_o apprehension_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o least_o some_o who_o take_v hold_v of_o all_o occasion_n to_o reproach_v we_o be_v please_v to_o represent_v some_o their_o acceptance_n of_o this_o indulgence_n as_o contradictory_n to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o former_a profess_a principle_n anent_o church_n government_n yet_o any_o that_o consider_v what_o be_v short_o hint_v at_o to_o the_o council_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o indulgence_n and_o what_o be_v more_o large_o declare_v by_o they_o to_o the_o congregation_n at_o their_o first_o entry_n will_v be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o our_o constant_a adherence_n to_o our_o former_a principle_n which_o by_o this_o acceptance_n be_v not_o at_o all_o change_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o lover_n of_o our_o righteous_a cause_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o they_o to_o ward_v the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o evil_a intent_n of_o this_o indulgence_n but_o rather_o a_o endeavour_n to_o counteract_v and_o ineffectuat_fw-la they_o that_o our_o opposite_n may_v have_v no_o benefit_n therefrom_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o we_o contend_v sect_n vi_o the_o nature_n of_o church_n government_n as_o distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a upon_o magistracy_n explain_v have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o and_o dispatch_v the_o first_o three_o thing_n we_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o in_o the_o beginning_n we_o shall_v now_o enter_v on_o the_o last_o the_o supremacy_n ecclesiastical_a that_o be_v now_o by_o law_n annex_v to_o the_o crown_n establish_v in_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o successor_n and_o sense_v by_o law_n and_o practice_n let_v
out_o of_o envy_n and_o malice_n for_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v the_o executer_n of_o her_o own_o act_n and_o sentence_n and_o not_o the_o magistrate_n who_o only_o put_v to_o execution_n his_o own_o law_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enact_v on_o her_o behalf_n 2._o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o we_o grant_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n a_o discretive_a judgement_n to_o cognosce_fw-la on_o the_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n and_o if_o he_o find_v they_o not_o to_o be_v just_a he_o have_v a_o definitive_a judgement_n anent_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o own_o law_n make_v about_o they_o for_o the_o obligation_n that_o arise_v from_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n on_o all_o in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o obey_v and_o further_a of_o they_o be_v only_o conditional_a and_o not_o absolute_a that_o be_v none_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o advance_v the_o church_n sentence_n except_o their_o matter_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a which_o must_v be_v first_o know_v before_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o this_o but_o here_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o exercise_n about_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n be_v proper_o civil_a and_o not_o ecclesiastical_a to_o wit_n whether_o he_o will_v execute_v his_o own_o law_n or_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v easy_a and_o plain_a and_o if_o ambition_n and_o worldly_a interest_n have_v not_o determine_v many_o to_o the_o contrare_fw-la there_o will_v be_v little_a controversy_n about_o they_o obj_fw-la 8._o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o exercise_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n be_v independent_a on_o the_o church_n what_o he_o do_v in_o relation_n to_o church_n concern_v determination_n and_o sentence_n he_o may_v do_v it_o antecedent_n to_o these_o without_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n to_o be_v universal_o true_a for_o some_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sentence_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n do_v necessary_o suppone_v the_o church_n sentence_n and_o act_n for_o their_o object_n as_o these_o of_o ordination_n excommunication_n act_n of_o regulation_n etc._n etc._n must_v necessary_o pass_v before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v reach_v the_o person_n and_o thing_n to_o which_o they_o be_v apply_v for_o instance_n before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v justice_n to_o a_o minister_n in_o his_o maintenance_n he_o must_v first_o be_v ordain_v &_o by_o it_o have_v right_a thereto_o on_o the_o church_n act_n of_o ordination_n which_o must_v first_o be_v know_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o by_o he_o give_v as_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o his_o sentence_n for_o the_o minister_n legal_a right_n to_o enjoy_v and_o use_v the_o provide_v and_o allow_v maintenance_n and_o so_o of_o many_o other_o we_o grant_v in_o some_o case_n and_o thing_n a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n which_o he_o may_v exercise_v antecedent_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n he_o may_v yea_o no_o doubt_n he_o ought_v to_o command_v minister_n when_o negligent_a to_o their_o work_n or_o duty_n without_o a_o church_n sentence_n yea_o contrare_fw-la to_o it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o case_n be_v not_o necessary_o subsequent_a to_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n be_v most_o absurd_a &_o abhorrent_n to_o all_o right_a reason_n see_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o do_v to_o and_o for_o the_o church_n that_o necessary_o suppone_v not_o only_o the_o be_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n without_o which_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v how_o shall_v he_o punish_v contumacious_a heretical_a and_o excommunicate_a person_n till_o they_o be_v first_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o church_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v such_o etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v weak_a for_o all_o create_a power_n suppones_fw-la its_o object_n and_o in_o its_o exercise_n must_v be_v subsequent_a and_o posteriour_a to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o independency_n of_o any_o power_n on_o another_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o marital_a power_n and_o other_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n about_o it_o presuppon_v the_o conjugal_a relation_n &_o its_o act_n before_o it_o can_v put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n anent_o it_o in_o application_n to_o the_o person_n under_o that_o relation_n the_o design_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v obvious_a which_o be_v to_o evert_v all_o church_n government_n the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o it_o but_o before_o it_o have_v its_o full_a intend_a force_n it_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v that_o church_n power_n and_o its_o act_n be_v competent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o may_v be_v do_v by_o he_o as_o that_o he_o may_v ordain_v depose_v receive_v into_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n preach_v the_o word_n dispense_v all_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n which_o not_o erastian_n have_v yet_o do_v for_o if_o these_o be_v incompetent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o other_o the_o former_a conclusion_n will_v hold_v conclus_fw-la have_v thus_o with_o all_o christian_a ingenuity_n and_o plainness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n &_o soberness_n discover_v our_o heart_n anent_o the_o foregoe_v particular_n we_o expect_v that_o much_o charity_n and_o justice_n from_o all_o even_o our_o antagonist_n that_o before_o they_o give_v out_o their_o censor_n they_o will_v serious_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v and_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o scripture_n and_o true_a reason_n impartial_o ponderat_fw-la the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lest_o in_o stead_n of_o fight_v against_o we_o they_o happy_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n for_o see_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o build_v be_v of_o common_a obligation_n on_o all_o christian_n and_o on_o which_o our_o christian_a profession_n lean_v none_o can_v refuse_v our_o conclusion_n but_o they_o must_v either_o contradict_v and_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o say_a profession_n or_o else_o show_v their_o inconsequence_n and_o inconsistancy_n with_o these_o we_o have_v not_o insist_v on_o nor_o much_o make_v use_n of_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n nor_o wrangle_v as_o many_o in_o their_o debait_n do_v about_o the_o sense_n and_o application_n of_o these_o nor_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o our_o argument_n from_o antiquity_n on_o citation_n from_o particular_a father_n and_o historian_n but_o on_o the_o series_n and_o thread_n of_o these_o ancient_a record_n to_o which_o we_o appeal_v anent_o the_o matter_n debate_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n as_o any_o that_o deal_v candid_o and_o impartial_o will_n on_o trial_n find_v the_o issue_n of_o our_o adversary_n argument_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o antithesis_n resolve_v in_o these_o three_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o manifest_a and_o violent_a pervert_n and_o wrest_v of_o they_o the_o profess_a and_o open_a contradict_v of_o their_o authority_n by_o hobbs_n leviathan_n and_o other_o more_o gross_a if_o grosser_n can_v be_v do_v sufficient_o declare_v what_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o contrare_fw-la opinion_n be_v and_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v will_v be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o same_o if_o thing_n continue_v for_o sometime_o in_o their_o present_a channel_n all_o protestant_n before_o these_o debat_n enter_v on_o the_o field_n esteem_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o chief_a and_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n and_o build_v thereon_o their_o doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n which_o the_o patroness_n of_o prelacy_n do_v now_o strict_a at_o and_o labour_n to_o shake_v in_o deny_v their_o sufficiency_n or_o perfection_n in_o matter_n of_o obedience_n or_o practice_n whereby_o they_o break_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o the_o protestant_n use_v against_o the_o papist_n for_o the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v prelacy_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o this_o assertion_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o most_o eminent_a assertor_n of_o it_o for_o if_o we_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o full_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o not_o to_o be_v recede_v from_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n the_o prelacy_n controvert_v have_v so_o little_a evidence_n from_o they_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o this_o sufficient_a regulation_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v refuse_v what_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v open_v to_o humane_a invention_n and_o what_o may_v not_o man_n bring_v in_o at_o it_o to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o pollute_v of_o all_o the_o church_n concern_v we_o grant_v the_o admit_v of_o the_o