against_o all_o such_o negative_a interest_n in_o the_o election_n or_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o institution_n iu._n next_o bishop_n have_v no_o more_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n for_o such_o a_o interest_n and_o privilege_n than_o other_o have_v and_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v as_o gross_o abuse_v if_o not_o more_o and_o as_o scandalous_o offensive_a and_o i_o be_o sure_o more_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o thrive_a of_o religion_n when_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n than_o when_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o person_n and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o scripture_n either_o by_o precept_n promise_n or_o example_n that_o any_o one_o church_n officer_n shall_v ordinary_o be_v entrust_v with_o such_o a_o interest_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n and_o in_o the_o maintenance_n or_o live_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._n but_o to_o cut_v of_o all_o far_a debate_n we_o utter_o disclaim_v any_o such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o bishop_n in_o a_o sense_n superior_a to_o or_o distinct_a from_o a_o ordinary_a preach_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n these_o term_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o signification_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v the_o text_n where_o ever_o the_o word_n bishop_n be_v mention_v and_o i_o know_v no_o man_n or_o angel_n that_o have_v power_n to_o separate_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v join_v and_o make_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o consequent_o a_o bishop_n can_v have_v no_o such_o privilege_n non_fw-la entis_fw-la nulla_fw-la sunt_fw-la accidentia_fw-la nullae_fw-la affectiones_fw-la nullae_fw-la proprietates_fw-la vi_o and_o though_o prelacy_n be_v a_o lawful_a office_n as_o it_o be_v not_o and_o though_o the_o prelate_n be_v successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o most_o ridiculous_o pretend_v since_o as_o we_o already_o clear_v it_o be_v impossible_a the_o design_n of_o their_o office_n can_v admit_v of_o any_o succession_n yet_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o this_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n they_o never_o do_v nor_o do_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o the_o election_n of_o mathias_n to_o be_v one_o of_o their_o number_n make_v use_v of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o concurrence_n both_o of_o the_o presbitry_n and_o people_n and_o if_o they_o join_v the_o presbitry_n and_o people_n and_o admit_v they_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o high_a act_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n they_o questionless_a also_o leave_v they_o a_o share_n 4.14_o 1_o tim_n 4.14_o in_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n nam_fw-la qui_fw-la vult_fw-la majus_fw-la vult_fw-la etiam_fw-la minus_fw-la 28_o act_n 15.2_o 25.27_o act_n 13.1_o 2.3_o act._n 14_o 27_o 28_o nay_o which_o be_v more_o the_o ordinary_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o other_o do_v concur_v in_o send_v out_o of_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o to_o some_o special_a piece_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n think_v it_o not_o below_o their_o dignity_n to_o give_v they_o a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v behave_v in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o let_v the_o prelate_n pretend_v succession_n to_o who_o they_o will_v they_o can_v never_o pretend_v to_o be_v successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o a_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o ordination_n be_v as_o much_o a_o stranger_n as_o to_o any_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o but_o last_o if_o by_o ecclesiastic_a patronage_n the_o lawful_a church_n judicatory_n be_v mean_v though_o in_o that_o case_n both_o the_o title_n of_o patronage_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o power_n thereby_o understand_v must_v be_v reject_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o very_a special_a hand_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v a_o power_n ministerial_o to_o authorise_v they_o for_o their_o office_n and_o to_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o lord_n vine_n yard_n and_o by_o consequence_n do_v also_o ministerial_o invest_v they_o with_o a_o right_a to_o meddle_v with_o their_o maintenance_n a_o minister_n only_o right_o thereto_o be_v a_o lawful_a call_n to_o the_o office_n and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o it_o as_o we_o have_v former_o mark_v sect_n xix_o a_o pretence_n from_o the_o fail_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o church_n judicatories_n etc._n etc._n i._o the_o last_o pretence_n that_o i_o shall_v notice_n be_v this_o that_o presbitry_n and_o people_n be_v not_o infallible_a but_o be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v and_o err_v in_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o pastor_n as_o well_o as_o the_o patron_n and_o therefore_o the_o patron_n be_v power_n of_o election_n be_v no_o more_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n than_o she_o be_v to_o herself_o ii_o for_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v first_o that_o the_o lawful_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o elect_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n on_o the_o contrary_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o useless_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o a_o most_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o clear_o inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n may_v very_o safe_o and_o confident_o rely_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o blessing_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o right_a choice_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o they_o act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n which_o they_o who_o act_n in_o so_o unjust_a and_o unwarrantable_a a_o method_n as_o this_o of_o patronage_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v and_o though_o the_o lord_n for_o wise_a and_o holy_a end_n may_v some_o time_n leave_v his_o church_n and_o people_n to_o themselves_o and_o let_v they_o fall_v in_o error_n and_o mistake_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o case_n yet_o duty_n must_v not_o be_v forsake_v for_o fear_v of_o fail_n in_o the_o performance_n we_o must_v both_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o discovery_n of_o what_o be_v duty_n when_o it_o be_v unclear_a to_o we_o and_o when_o it_o be_v discover_v we_o must_v pray_v for_o strength_n and_o assistance_n to_o perform_v it_o a_o right_n and_o then_o set_v about_o it_o in_o the_o lord_n strength_n with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o for_o his_o blessing_n and_o direction_n who_o have_v never_o say_v to_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n in_o vain_a iii_o next_o though_o as_o be_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o institution_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o what_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o lay_v aside_o a_o institution_n that_o be_v either_o moral_o necessary_a or_o positive_o enjoin_v by_o god_n the_o only_a rule_n and_o remedy_n in_o this_o case_n be_v tollatur_fw-la abusus_fw-la et_fw-la maneat_fw-la usus_fw-la let_v the_o matter_n be_v regulate_v by_o act_v in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o full_o and_o clear_o discover_v what_o both_o church-judicatories_a and_o people_n may_v or_o may_v not_o do_v in_o the_o case_n but_o â—n_o the_o contrary_a the_o abuse_n and_o offensiveness_n of_o unnecessary_a &_o unwarrantable_a institution_n do_v strong_o militate_v against_o their_o far_a use_n if_o the_o presbitry_n do_v at_o any_o time_n miscarry_v in_o a_o way_n that_o they_o be_v warrant_v by_o god_n to_o follow_v we_o must_v pray_v that_o god_n may_v purge_v his_o own_o house_n and_o purify_v the_o son_n of_o levi_n and_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o superior_a church-judicatories_a must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o in_o case_n of_o general_a and_o public_a defection_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v employ_v his_o power_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la but_o those_o mistake_n can_v never_o warrant_v we_o to_o leave_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o our_o own_o weak_a and_o witless_a invention_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god._n christ_n promise_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o his_o people_n to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n whereas_o those_o who_o go_v astray_o and_o follow_v crooked_a path_n ingyre_v themselves_o as_o officious_a and_o busy_a body_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o lawful_a call_n can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o that_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n shall_v leave_v they_o to_o be_v a_o snare_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o certain_o be_v these_o thing_n real_o believe_v as_o all_o profess_v they_o do_v people_v practice_n will_v be_v very_o far_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v but_o such_o be_v the_o atheism_n of_o man_n heart_n thâ—â—_n while_o we_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n our_o heart_n be_v too_o oft_o far_o from_o he_o iv_o i_o begin_v now_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o notice_v such_o trifle_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o may_v be_v amaze_a to_o hear_v man_n otherways_o rational_a offer_v such_o empty_a pretence_n instead_o of_o solid_a and_o convince_v reason_n if_o the_o cause_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o better_a but_o it_o be_v vitium_fw-la causae_fw-la and_o so_o we_o need_v no_o more_o admire_v to_o see_v a_o weakness_n inevitable_o cleave_v to_o the_o able_a wit_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o what_o be_v unjustifiable_a than_o to_o see_v the_o strong_a of_o man_n succumb_v in_o raise_v a_o weight_n that_o be_v above_o his_o natural_a strength_n to_o undergo_v the_o strength_n of_o man_n spirit_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o body_n have_v their_o limit_n and_o be_v not_o infinite_a and_o since_o i_o mind_v nothing_o far_o that_o can_v be_v object_v but_o what_o with_o very_a much_o ease_n may_v receive_v a_o full_a solution_n from_o the_o ground_n already_o represent_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o give_v either_o the_o reader_n or_o myself_o any_o far_a trouble_n on_o this_o subject_a v._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o god_n people_n in_o this_o land_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n that_o he_o may_v incline_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o capacity_n to_o return_v to_o a_o hearty_a and_o cordial_a compliance_n with_o and_o a_o cheerful_a acquiescence_n in_o the_o just_a and_o rational_a determination_n that_o be_v once_o make_v by_o public_a authority_n in_o this_o nation_n both_o in_o this_o and_o other_o step_n of_o a_o true_a reformation_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v not_o be_v provoke_v by_o a_o too_o open_a contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n the_o cry_v sin_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o our_o sinful_a slight_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o suffer_v his_o church_n after_o so_o much_o wrestle_v to_o sink_v under_o her_o present_a bondage_n and_o captivity_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o and_o other_o unjust_a and_o grievous_a usurpation_n into_o which_o after_o so_o many_o and_o great_a deliverance_n we_o be_v again_o for_o our_o sin_n bring_v into_o subjection_n finis_fw-la
be_v the_o only_a term_n and_o condition_n on_o which_o man_n will_v gratify_v the_o church_n that_o she_o subject_n herself_o and_o her_o spiritual_a liberty_n to_o such_o a_o yoke_n of_o slavery_n as_o this_o privilege_n import_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o church_n will_v be_v better_o without_o such_o favour_n than_o with_o they_o iv_o if_o there_o be_v once_o a_o reasonable_a competency_n settle_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o her_o pastor_n and_o other_o pious_a and_o necessary_a use_n or_o if_o what_o be_v once_o settle_v and_o sacrilegious_o take_v from_o she_o be_v again_o restore_v and_o that_o faithful_o administrat_fw-la without_o dilapidation_n and_o misapplication_n there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a need_n of_o encouragement_n for_o any_o far_a addition_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o age_n that_o excess_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v more_o fatal_a to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n than_o any_o defect_n can_v be_v too_o much_o tend_v to_o introduce_v a_o depravation_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n in_o churchman_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n also_o a_o corruption_n in_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n if_o worldly_a riches_n have_v be_v proper_a for_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o have_v never_o be_v so_o scant_o in_o his_o allowance_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o old_a observation_n that_o when_o the_o church_n have_v but_o lignei_fw-la calices_fw-la she_o have_v aurei_fw-la episcopi_fw-la and_o when_o she_o get_v golden_a chalice_n she_o get_v wooden_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n the_o sense_n be_v easy_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v not_o exact_o literal_a so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o religio_fw-la pepper_v it_o divitias_fw-la &_o filia_fw-la matrem_fw-la devoravit_fw-la religion_n bring_v forth_o riches_n and_o the_o daughter_n devour_v the_o mother_n v._o last_o to_o say_v that_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o discouragement_n be_v but_o the_o fallacia_fw-la non_fw-la causae_fw-la pro_fw-la causa_fw-la for_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o people_n discouragement_n in_o the_o bestow_n of_o their_o good_n for_o pious_a use_n be_v the_o scandalous_a and_o sacrilegious_a mismanagment_n of_o the_o uncontraverted_a patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n by_o misapply_v it_o contrary_a to_o its_o design_n and_o nature_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n under_o heaven_n so_o guilty_a as_o many_o of_o the_o patron_n be_v the_o lord_n himself_o tell_v his_o servant_n moses_n no_o devouted_a thing_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v devout_a unto_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n 28._o levit._fw-la 27_o 28._o and_o of_o the_o field_n of_o his_o possession_n shall_v be_v sell_v and_o redeem_v and_o much_o less_o sacrilegious_o rob_v every_o devouted_a thing_n be_v most_o holy_a unto_o the_o lord_n deo_fw-la dicata_fw-la say_v amandus_n polanus_fw-la ei_o sacra_fw-la maneant_fw-la 2._o polanus_fw-la in_o danel_n cap._n 1._o v._n 2._o nam_fw-la si_fw-la be_v zelus_fw-la in_o rege_fw-la idololatrico_fw-la scilicet_fw-la nebuchadnezare_n fuit_fw-la ut_fw-la censuerit_fw-la vasa_fw-la deo_fw-la israelis_fw-la sancta_fw-la non_fw-la alio_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o svi_fw-la dei_fw-la seu_fw-la potius_fw-la idoli_fw-la fanum_fw-la infereuda_fw-la multo_fw-la magis_fw-la christiani_n magistratus_fw-la bona_fw-la illa_fw-la quae_fw-la tempore_fw-la papatus_fw-la deo_fw-la dicata_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la usibus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la relinquere_fw-la debent_fw-la imo_fw-la quanto_fw-la magis_fw-la episcopos_fw-la id_fw-la facere_fw-la decet_fw-la i_o e._n that_o which_o be_v once_o devout_v to_o god_n aught_o to_o remain_v holy_a to_o he_o for_o if_o the_o zeal_n of_o a_o idolatrous_a prince_n to_o wit_n nebuchadnezar_n oblige_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a vessel_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v otherways_o dispose_v of_o but_o for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o own_o god_n or_o rather_o his_o idol_n temple_n much_o more_o ought_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o leave_v these_o good_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n be_v consecrat_v for_o pious_a use_n etc._n etc._n see_v and_o compare_v this_o with_o ezra_n 1.7.8_o where_o all_o these_o vessel_n be_v return_v to_o their_o right_n and_o proper_a use_n our_o own_o rollock_n inveigh_v very_o sharp_o against_o the_o sacrilege_n of_o this_o nation_n in_o his_o time_n in_o misapply_v to_o the_o use_n of_o private_a person_n what_o be_v take_v from_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o cit_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a to_o answer_v it_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o sovereign_n and_o impartial_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n dan._n rollock_n in_o dan._n and_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o though_o they_o slight_a and_o neglect_v his_o warning_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o stand_a witness_n against_o they_o to_o render_v they_o inexcusable_a etc._n etc._n and_o our_o famous_a and_o worthy_a reformer_n mr._n knox_n who_o testimony_n i_o value_v above_o a_o thousand_o other_o in_o a_o letter_n date_v in_o august_n 1571._o direct_a to_o the_o general_a assembly_n at_o stirling_n speak_v his_o mind_n very_o free_o on_o this_o subject_n with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n &_o sincerity_n of_o a_o person_n that_o be_v look_v very_o short_o to_o step_v over_o the_o threshold_n of_o time_n into_o eternity_n take_v his_o own_o word_n because_o say_v he_o the_o daily_a decay_n of_o my_o natural_a strength_n threaten_v i_o with_o a_o sudden_a departure_n from_o this_o valley_n of_o misery_n therefore_o of_o love_n and_o conscience_n i_o exhort_v you_o yea_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n i_o charge_v and_o command_v you_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n and_o that_o with_o the_o like_a uprightness_n and_o strength_n in_o god_n you_o gainstand_v the_o merciless_a devourer_n of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n if_o man_n will_v spoil_v let_v they_o do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o peril_n and_o condemnation_n but_o communicate_v you_o not_o with_o their_o sin_n of_o whatsoever_o state_n they_o be_v neither_o by_o consent_n nor_o by_o silence_n but_o with_o public_a protestation_n make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o you_o be_v innocent_a of_o such_o robbery_n which_o will_v ere_o it_o be_v long_o provock_n god_n vengeance_n on_o the_o committer_n of_o it_o &c_n &c_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o experience_n of_o many_o family_n in_o scotland_n may_v confirm_v this_o religione_fw-la mutatâ_fw-la say_v a_o learned_a lawyer_n &_o sic_fw-la statu_fw-la priori_fw-la inverso_fw-la hoc.t._n finkel_n hoc.t._n patronus_fw-la curabit_fw-la ut_fw-la bona_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la &_o piis_fw-la usibus_fw-la legata_fw-la non_fw-la tantum_fw-la preserventur_fw-la &_o augeantur_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la usum_fw-la alium_fw-la aeque_fw-la pium_fw-la convertantur_fw-la puta_fw-la ad_fw-la cultum_fw-la alium_fw-la divinum_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la rei_fw-la publicae_fw-la ad_fw-la conservandum_fw-la ministerium_fw-la ad_fw-la sum_fw-la scholarum_fw-la pauperes_fw-la juvandos_fw-mi nosocomia_n condenda_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n when_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o inversion_n of_o the_o former_a state_n of_o affair_n a_o patron_n ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v leave_v for_o pious_a use_n be_v not_o only_o preserve_v and_o augment_v but_o that_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o other_o as_o pious_a use_n as_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o lawful_a manner_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o use_n of_o school_n the_o help_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o build_n of_o hospital_n etc._n etc._n vi_o i_o may_v add_v the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o our_o own_o church_n in_o her_o book_n of_o discipline_n etc._n etc._n &_o many_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o head_n that_o i_o have_v but_o accidental_o fall_v upon_o and_o a_o subject_a that_o will_v lead_v i_o out_o a_o great_a length_n and_o much_o far_a than_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v leave_v it_o such_o as_o desire_v far_a information_n may_v find_v enough_o and_o too_o much_o to_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n in_o the_o public_a record_n of_o the_o nation_n they_o may_v also_o consult_v the_o learned_a sir_n henry_n spelman_n tractat_fw-la de_fw-la non_fw-la temerandis_fw-la ecclesit_n and_o his_o large_a work_n of_o teith_n they_o may_v also_o see_v d._n forbes's_fw-fr gemitus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la sect_n viii_o the_o ground_n of_o patronage_n from_o a_o grant_n or_o concession_n of_o the_o church_n examine_v i._o the_o next_o ground_n that_o be_v urge_v for_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n be_v that_o the_o patron_n of_o kirk_n and_o benefice_n enjoy_v the_o privilege_n acclaim_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o
there_o be_v still_o a_o hazard_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o christian_a prudence_n oblidge_n we_o to_o shun_v even_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_n as_o far_o as_o we_o may_v the_o true_a rule_n in_o such_o case_n as_o i_o already_o mark_v be_v to_o abolish_v a_o useless_a and_o dangerous_a custom_n or_o rather_o corruption_n since_o vetustas_fw-la erroris_fw-la non_fw-la consuetudo_fw-la sed_fw-la corruptela_fw-la dicenda_fw-la est_fw-la and_o then_o indeed_o the_o consequence_n will_v be_v good_a that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v at_o no_o loss_n by_o it_o mortui_fw-la non_fw-la mordent_fw-la say_v the_o proverb_n iu._n and_o next_o beside_o that_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n do_v unnecessar_o expose_v intrant_n to_o discouragement_n by_o be_v reject_v for_o insufficiency_n and_o also_o expose_v the_o church-judicatories_a to_o a_o unjust_a and_o causeless_a odium_fw-la and_o reproach_n of_o too_o much_o rigour_n and_o severity_n which_o if_o the_o right_n of_o election_n be_v in_o the_o church_n own_o hand_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v will_v be_v very_o much_o prevent_v i_o say_v beside_o this_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v what_o true_a liberty_n this_o power_n of_o patronage_n leave_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n and_o trial_n of_o her_o pastor_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o presbytery_n reject_v the_o person_n present_v upon_o any_o head_n that_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o his_o insufficiency_n and_o scandal_n the_o patron_n look_v upon_o his_o privilege_n as_o high_o injure_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o stand_v to_o no_o such_o determination_n and_o when_o ever_o they_o reject_v upon_o scandal_n or_o insufficiency_n unless_o it_o be_v most_o palpable_o and_o clear_o manifest_a which_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a for_o a_o pastor_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v free_a of_o scandal_n 1._o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o 7._o tit._n 1._o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n positive_o require_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o a_o entire_a fame_n and_o know_v good_a report_n i_o say_v if_o such_o insufficiency_n be_v not_o palpable_o manifest_a there_o be_v present_o a_o terrible_a outcry_n and_o a_o constant_a foundation_n lay_v of_o many_o tedious_a appeal_n and_o litigious_a debate_n concern_v the_o quantum_fw-la sufficit_fw-la of_o a_o pastor_n qualification_n etc._n etc._n from_o one_o church-judicatory_a to_o another_o with_o little_a credit_n to_o the_o patron_n and_o far_o less_o to_o the_o intrant_fw-la and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n alone_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o the_o church_n freedom_n in_o the_o trial_n and_o admission_n of_o her_o pastor_n be_v very_o much_o hinder_v as_o the_o liberty_n of_o marriage_n in_o the_o case_n of_o waird_a vassal_n be_v abridge_v by_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o superior_a and_o the_o nicety_n of_o the_o feudal_a custom_n and_o certain_o as_o their_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o contract_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o a_o perfect_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o choice_n aught_o more_o to_o predomine_fw-la if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v then_o in_o that_o of_o marriage_n so_o the_o church_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n have_v much_o freedom_n in_o the_o election_n of_o her_o pastor_n which_o be_v his_o spiritual_a husband_n and_o as_o any_o force_n or_o undue_a influence_n in_o the_o one_o case_n be_v very_o odious_a so_o in_o the_o other_o likewise_o it_o be_v no_o less_o so_o the_o simile_n be_v easy_o understand_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v urge_v it_o no_o far_o a_o waird_a hold_v in_o such_o case_n as_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a hard_a and_o dangerous_a tenure_n v._o but_o beside_o when_o a_o person_n present_v by_o the_o patron_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o presbytery_n the_o patron_n be_v right_a stand_v still_o entire_a to_o elect_a and_o present_a de_fw-fr novo_fw-la some_o other_o person_n ejusdem_fw-la farinae_fw-la with_o the_o former_a and_o so_o the_o church_n most_o of_o new_a again_o be_v inviegle_v in_o the_o same_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n and_o all_o to_o no_o purpose_n or_o use_v vi_o again_o in_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n by_o the_o patron_n the_o church_n and_o people_n interest_v have_v little_a or_o no_o power_n to_o withstand_v the_o admission_n or_o to_o nullify_v the_o election_n more_o than_o any_o mere_a stranger_n that_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o insufficiency_n or_o scandalous_a carriage_n of_o the_o person_n present_v vii_o and_o to_o say_v that_o a_o institution_n under_o which_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n have_v so_o long_o groan_v and_o which_o be_v force_v and_o obtrude_v upon_o she_o without_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o usefulness_n for_o promot_v their_o spiritual_a good_a and_o edification_n be_v no_o way_n injurious_a to_o the_o church_n imply_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n viii_o last_o and_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o though_o the_o patron_n shall_v present_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v some_o way_n fit_a yet_o the_o church_n liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o election_n remain_v still_o under_o restraint_n for_o though_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o reject_v never_o so_o many_o yet_o a_o people_n shall_v never_o come_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pastor_n they_o chief_o desire_v and_o that_o will_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o they_o so_o long_o as_o the_o patron_n and_o not_o the_o church_n herself_o retain_v the_o right_a or_o power_n of_o election_n and_o certain_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o grievous_a oppression_n can_v but_o make_v all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n tender_a or_o concern_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o those_o that_o have_v be_v witness_n of_o a_o far_o different_a state_n of_o affair_n and_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o attend_v it_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o remove_v and_o avert_v such_o a_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n from_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n for_o the_o future_a sect_n xviii_o another_o pretence_n from_o the_o distinction_n of_o laic_a and_o ecclesiastic_a patronage_n i._o there_o be_v another_o pretence_n make_v use_v of_o to_o extenuate_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o pretend_a power_n of_o patronage_n that_o be_v much_o boast_v of_o by_o many_o though_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o unable_a to_o discover_v where_o its_o strength_n lie_v who_o grant_v that_o indeed_o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a argument_n against_o laic_a patronage_n as_o they_o term_v they_o and_o that_o these_o may_v be_v and_o have_v be_v very_o injurious_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o yet_o ecclesiastic_a patronage_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a if_o you_o ask_v they_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o these_o they_o can_v tell_v but_o still_o they_o tell_v you_o ecclesiastic_a patronage_n be_v very_o useful_a because_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n own_o hand_n as_o the_o very_a word_n import_v however_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o this_o if_o it_o have_v any_o i_o take_v to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a this_o privilege_n shall_v be_v entrust_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o bishop_n who_o be_v ecclesiastic_a officer_n and_o governor_n but_o not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o ii_o i_o can_v stay_v to_o examine_v this_o distinction_n though_o i_o can_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v it_o be_v good_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o use_v since_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o patronage_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n may_v true_o be_v term_v laic_a patronage_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o original_a the_o most_o of_o they_o have_v be_v at_o first_o settle_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n as_o they_o be_v term_v and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o conveyance_n which_o be_v by_o a_o grant_n from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o right_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n etc._n etc._n and_o beside_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o distinction_n pass_v by_o the_o notion_n and_o use_v that_o lawyer_n have_v and_o make_v of_o it_o be_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v take_v not_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n in_o who_o hand_n a_o patronage_n be_v settle_v whether_o they_o be_v person_n in_o a_o civil_a or_o in_o a_o ecclesiastic_a capacity_n but_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o stock_n and_o fond_a out_o of_o which_o the_o kirk_n be_v build_v or_o the_o benefice_n settle_v for_o â—f_o the_o stock_n be_v out_o of_o the_o private_a patrimony_n of_o any_o man_n whether_o he_o be_v of_o the_o clergy_n or_o of_o the_o laity_n the_o patronage_n must_v be_v laic_a and_o if_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n the_o patronage_n must_v be_v ecclesiastic_a iii_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o topic_n this_o pretence_n be_v absolute_o groundless_a 1._o because_o the_o argument_n adduce_v strike_v equal_o against_o all_o for_o of_o patronage_n and_o