church_n but_o as_o a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n which_o entitle_v other_o to_o this_o privilege_n as_o much_o as_o he_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n as_o such_o for_o whoever_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o power_n to_o any_o society_n be_v a_o member_n yea_o the_o noble_a member_n of_o it_o obj._n but_o as_o a_o christian_n magistrate_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr 1._o what_o then_o will_v this_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n so_o might_n christian_n husband_n parent_n etc._n etc._n argue_v as_o just_o for_o this_o claim_n the_o truth_n be_v he_o be_v only_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o christian_a and_o not_o as_o a_o magistrate_n magistracy_n give_v he_o no_o more_o privilege_n than_o any_o other_o power_n civil_a or_o natural_a when_o the_o person_n tuine_v christian_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o membership_n go_v on_o ground_n and_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o christian_n and_o contain_v no_o speciality_n to_o one_o more_o than_o to_o another_o if_o any_o think_v magistracy_n do_v they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o prove_v it_o which_o none_o have_v yet_o offer_v to_o do_v 2._o if_o man_n understand_v well_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n a_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o will_v quick_o see_v its_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o say_a profession_n do_v not_o person_n turn_v christian_n profese_n subjection_n to_o christ_n his_o law_n ordinance_n and_o servant_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o church_n power_n 2._o he_o may_v not_o exercise_v church_n power_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o all_o yield_v that_o these_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o power_n to_o other_o may_v exercise_v it_o themselves_o it_o be_v in_o they_o and_o other_o act_v as_o their_o delegate_n in_o its_o exercise_n that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o exercise_v church_n power_n be_v clear_a for_o church_n power_n be_v by_o positive_a institution_n from_o christ_n they_o that_o exercise_v it_o must_v have_v a_o commission_n from_o he_o which_o none_o have_v prodduce_v for_o the_o magistrate_n erastus_n assert_v it_o but_o without_o all_o proof_n of_o which_o it_o be_v so_o destitute_a that_o the_o most_o of_o his_o follower_n have_v leave_v he_o in_o this_o assertion_n arg._n 2._o all_o church_n power_n be_v lodge_v in_o and_o immediate_o descend_v from_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o supreme_a head_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o magistrate_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o subordinat_a to_o the_o magistrate_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a for_o it_o be_v a_o repugnancy_n in_o a_o power_n to_o be_v immediate_o subordinat_a to_o two_o supreme_a power_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o respect_n especial_o where_o the_o one_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o other_o the_o antecedent_n be_v manifest_a for_o christ_n be_v only_a head_n of_o the_o church_n all_o power_n in_o she_o be_v institute_v by_o he_o exerce_v in_o his_o name_n astrict_v to_o and_o regulate_v by_o his_o word_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o all_o note_n of_o power_n immediate_o descend_v from_o he_o obj._n but_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o christ_n substitute_n and_o vicegerent_n be_v under_o he_o the_o near_a and_o immediate_a fountain_n of_o church_n power_n for_o subordinata_fw-la non_fw-la pugnant_fw-la ans_fw-fr long_o have_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n conrend_v for_o this_o and_o on_o ground_n more_o plausible_a than_o these_o on_o which_o the_o magistrate_n go_v but_o protestant_a divine_n answer_n to_o the_o papist_n on_o this_o head_n furnish_v we_o with_o irrefragable_a answer_n to_o the_o magistrate_n claim_n which_o we_o desire_v our_o adversary_n will_v consider_v &_o answer_v at_o their_o own_o leisure_n we_o find_v not_o the_o magistrate_n enrol_v among_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n far_o less_o substitute_n for_o christ_n vicegerent_n if_o there_o be_v any_o scripture_n for_o this_o bring_v it_o forth_o we_o know_v of_o none_o as_o yet_o allege_v by_o our_o adversary_n but_o what_o will_v plead_v as_o strong_o for_o the_o heathenish_a magistrate_n as_o for_o the_o christian_a and_o if_o they_o do_v what_o traitor_n be_v the_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o heathenish_a magistrate_n for_o their_o head_n in_o the_o church_n but_o resist_v and_o disobey_v their_o law_n and_o edict_n against_o they_o for_o cry_v up_o of_o another_o kâ—ng_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o christian_a profession_n arg._n 3._o all_o church_n power_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o immediate_a subordination_n to_o himself_o without_o any_o acknowledgement_n of_o or_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o dependent_a upon_o nor_o subordinat_a to_o he_o the_o antecedent_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v that_o christ_n mould_v and_o constitute_v the_o church_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o furnish_v she_o with_o a_o government_n and_o officer_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o name_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v without_o consulring_n or_o advise_v with_o the_o magistrate_n or_o suspend_v of_o she_o upon_o he_o the_o magistrate_n all_o this_o time_n resist_v &_o let_v himself_o for_o crush_a of_o this_o church_n &_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o erect_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o kingdom_n make_v use_n of_o their_o rage_n and_o violence_n to_o establish_v and_o propagat_v it_o for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n all_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o able_a to_o refuse_v it_o what_o be_v there_o then_o to_o hinder_v the_o consequence_n that_o we_o draw_v from_o this_o deed_n of_o christ_n if_o our_o opposite_n in_o this_o matter_n can_v show_v we_o that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o government_n institute_v by_o christ_n nor_o exercise_v any_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o magistrate_n thus_o oppose_v himself_o to_o she_o or_o that_o christ_n have_v declare_v his_o will_n that_o she_o shall_v be_v subject_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o her_o government_n when_o he_o shall_v become_v christian_a they_o will_v soon_o end_v this_o strife_n but_o nothing_o can_v we_o learn_v from_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n arg._n 4._o as_o this_o government_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o it_o be_v exerce_v in_o his_o name_n in_o the_o church_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n till_o constantine_n the_o great_a be_v time_n and_o from_o thence_o down_o ward_o till_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n brack_n up_o in_o germany_n till_o which_o time_n it_o be_v never_o question_v by_o any_o until_o erastus_n the_o physician_n arise_v who_o labour_v not_o only_o to_o subject_v the_o church_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o all_o her_o concern_v as_o such_o but_o deny_v all_o government_n to_o she_o by_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n contrare_fw-la to_o full_a and_o clear_a scripture_n which_o he_o most_o insolent_o and_o wicked_o endeavour_v to_o wrest_v &_o pervert_v so_o than_o if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n time_n and_o downward_o till_o within_o these_o hundred_o year_n exercise_v without_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n both_o heathenish_a and_o christian_n than_o it_o must_v yet_o be_v independent_a on_o and_o not_o direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o here_o our_o antagonist_n be_v put_v to_o strange_a shift_n the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o must_v grant_v and_o may_v we_o not_o take_v this_o for_o a_o yield_a of_o the_o cause_n scripture_n and_o antiquity_n have_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o sufficient_a plea_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n debate_n in_o polemical_a divinity_n have_v run_v on_o these_o two_o head_n and_o whoever_o make_v out_o their_o assertion_n from_o these_o have_v be_v esteem_v to_o carry_v the_o cause_n all_o that_o our_o adversary_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o the_o government_n exercise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o by_o divine_a institution_n and_o precept_n but_o by_o confederation_n of_o church_n and_o officer_n to_o this_o we_o reply_v 1._o if_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n revel_v 2_o and_o 3._o chapter_n with_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n use_v by_o our_o divine_n in_o this_o matter_n prove_v not_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v no_o sense_n we_o beg_v of_o our_o adversary_n they_o will_v for_o save_v we_o a_o labour_n answer_v mr._n gillespy_v argument_n from_o scripture_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o aaron_n rod_n blossom_a 2_o beside_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v out_o what_o they_o assert_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n do_v
power_n of_o natures_n enmity_n in_o professor_n over_o the_o life_n of_o true_a godliness_n and_o their_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o lust_n &_o sinful_a inclination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o thus_o set_v they_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o mean_n appoint_v for_o their_o delivery_n from_o the_o dominion_n &_o power_n of_o damn_v sin_n whither_o be_v we_o go_v and_o what_o may_v we_o expect_v will_v be_v the_o height_n of_o our_o defection_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o it_o if_o professor_n put_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o plain_a &_o open_a profess_a contradiction_n to_o their_o christian_a profession_n 2._o let_v not_o your_o lo._n think_v we_o say_v this_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o justify_v any_o fail_n in_o this_o matter_n commit_v by_o any_o of_o our_o persuasion_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o our_o profess_a principle_n and_o although_o we_o can_v condemn_v all_o the_o instance_n that_o be_v now_o disapprove_v by_o our_o antagonist_n yet_o we_o grant_v there_o be_v considerable_a escape_n in_o preach_v &_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o imprudence_n &_o passion_n in_o some_o and_o of_o worldly_a inclination_n &_o design_n in_o other_o of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o to_o raise_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o person_n of_o lead_a influence_n &_o power_n keep_v no_o measure_n but_o run_v to_o strange_a height_n of_o zeal_n against_o some_o sin_n while_o they_o connive_v at_o other_o but_o see_v by_o their_o compliance_n with_o the_o cryed-up_a cause_n of_o these_o time_n they_o do_v now_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v never_o of_o we_o how_o unjust_o be_v their_o wicked_a folly_n impute_v to_o our_o government_n and_o way_n but_o for_o all_o the_o instance_n give_v in_o against_o we_o and_o the_o hideous_a cry_n raise_v after_o they_o yet_o we_o must_v say_v the_o great_a and_o most_o common_a fail_n among_o minister_n be_v in_o the_o defect_n in_o that_o the_o most_o be_v not_o so_o diligent_a faithful_a &_o impartial_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n personal_a rebuke_n &_o censure_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v as_o alas_o be_v too_o visible_a &_o observe_v by_o many_o for_o which_o now_o they_o bear_v their_o rebuke_n in_o that_o many_o of_o those_o be_v now_o become_v their_o cruel_a persecutor_n to_o who_o they_o be_v sinful_o spare_v &_o indulgent_a moreover_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o of_o these_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o excess_n unjustifiable_a yet_o if_o the_o constitution_n and_o principle_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v not_o for_o but_o against_o they_o it_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o these_o they_o must_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o not_o of_o the_o government_n otherwise_o all_o government_n must_v be_v condemn_v as_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o mal-administrations_a commit_v by_o governor_n which_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v absurd_a but_o when_o any_o of_o the_o contrare_fw-la mind_v shall_v demonstrat_fw-la these_o to_o be_v the_o native_a product_n of_o our_o principle_n for_o doctrine_n and_o government_n they_o shall_v be_v consider_v &_o according_a to_o the_o conviction_n they_o give_v of_o the_o same_o they_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v but_o will_v your_o lo._n be_v please_v to_o consider_v the_o sad_a &_o deplorable_a extreme_a our_o antagonist_n be_v run_v into_o who_o meddle_v not_o with_o any_o sort_n of_o scandal_n except_o a_o few_o and_o these_o in_o the_o meanner_n &_o low_a degree_n of_o person_n over_o look_v all_o in_o the_o more_o opulent_a and_o great_a which_o have_v encourage_v wickedness_n to_o lift_v up_o its_o head_n and_o to_o diffuse_v its_o self_n through_o all_o rank_n without_o control_n to_o the_o infect_v of_o this_o church_n with_o all_o kind_n of_o scandal_n which_o no_o doubt_n will_v resolve_v either_o into_o the_o total_a ruin_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n or_o else_o in_o sad_a desolate_v judgement_n on_o this_o land_n and_o if_o it_o come_v this_o length_n which_o we_o earnest_o beg_v of_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v prevent_v by_o pour_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n on_o we_o where_o will_v be_v our_o advantage_n by_o prelacy_n that_o be_v now_o so_o much_o extol_v therefore_o not_o love_v to_o trouble_v your_o lo._n any_o further_a we_o shall_v add_v but_o this_o humble_a and_o earnest_a request_n that_o your_o lo._n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v some_o due_a and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o true_a state_n and_o low_a condition_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o his_o maj._n who_o we_o hope_v through_o your_o lo._n intercession_n will_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n find_v out_o some_o just_a expedient_a for_o relieve_v of_o this_o church_n of_o her_o oppress_a evil_n under_o which_o she_o groan_v and_o undo_v of_o these_o heavy_a burden_n that_o lie_v on_o we_o for_o which_o we_o be_v your_o lo._n humble_a petitioner_n and_o have_v be_v so_o alittle_o soon_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v discourage_v by_o law_n anent_o church_n matter_n that_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o close_v all_o door_n of_o access_n to_o his_o maj._n and_o your_o lo._n for_o represent_v our_o just_a greivance_n this_o way_n if_o we_o may_v not_o obtain_v this_o reasonable_a and_o just_a request_n as_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o another_o refuge_n leave_v we_o but_o to_o refer_v our_o cause_n to_o the_o righteous_a tribunal_n of_o the_o just_a and_o almighty_a god_n where_o your_o lo._n and_o we_o will_v stand_v on_o euâ—n_a ground_n and_o have_v judgement_n pass_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n a_o apology_n for_o or_o vindication_n of_o the_o oppress_a persecute_a minister_n and_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 the_o introduction_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a as_o we_o suppose_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o land_n of_o britan_n and_o ireland_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n what_o persecution_n upon_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o the_o party_n call_v presbyterian_a have_v suffer_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o yet_o lytth_v under_o throw_v the_o implacable_a and_o violent_a rage_n of_o their_o adversary_n the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o civil_a power_n on_o their_o side_n have_v prevail_v to_o the_o enacâ—â—â—_n of_o such_o law_n that_o these_o who_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o duty_n 〈◊〉_d ward_n god_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o covenaâ—â—â—_n and_o oath_n lie_v on_o they_o and_o these_o church_n can_v comply_v with_o nor_o give_v obedience_n unto_o be_v not_o only_a exposeâ—_n to_o bitter_a and_o hard_a suffering_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n 〈…〉_o load_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o reproach_n and_o represent_v as_o 〈…〉_o ous_a and_o disloyal_a to_o authority_n contrary_a to_o their_o 〈…〉_o ciple_n and_o act_n it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o 〈…〉_o to_o descend_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_o fering_n nor_o yet_o to_o lay_v any_o odium_n on_o 〈…〉_o prejudice_n of_o their_o just_a authority_n as_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o worâ—â—â—_n know_v and_o we_o hope_v will_v make_v manifest_a in_o due_a 〈…〉_o â—o_o clear_a some_o necessary_a truth_n and_o duty_n and_o to_o vindicaâ—_n some_o of_o our_o practice_n from_o the_o unjust_a aspersion_n of_o adversary_n who_o by_o lie_v and_o unjust_a representation_n of_o our_o principle_n and_o carriage_n do_v public_o and_o private_o defame_v and_o misrepresent_v to_o authority_n and_o other_o our_o behaviour_n under_o the_o present_a course_n of_o affair_n a_o artifice_n they_o have_v use_v of_o old_a and_o late_a for_o ingratiate_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o interest_n into_o the_o favour_n of_o our_o ruler_n and_o sharpen_v of_o the_o â—dge_n of_o persecution_n against_o we_o in_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o small_a success_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n which_o through_o the_o hot_a contest_v and_o debate_v of_o their_o time_n actuate_v by_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n on_o the_o one_o â—and_n and_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o other_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o suffer_v shipwreck_n we_o incline_v rather_o to_o keep_v silence_n and_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n under_o the_o present_a violence_n use_v against_o we_o as_o our_o too_o much_o silence_n hitherto_o do_v sufficient_o witness_v but_o find_v that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n â—nd_v the_o concern_v of_o immortal_a soul_n be_v strike_v at_o and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o
〈◊〉_d fullness_n of_o prelacy_n to_o the_o well_o but_o not_o to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o political_a ministerial_a church_n which_o they_o grant_v â—ay_v be_v such_o without_o it_o as_o most_o of_o the_o former_a opinion_n â—â—â—ld_n 3._o other_o that_o lean_v not_o to_o scripture_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o church_n find_v it_o upon_o ecclesiarch_n 〈◊〉_d constitution_n canon_n &_o custom_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o debate_n as_o dounhame_n and_o other_o with_o he_o that_o make_v most_o use_n of_o antiquity_n 4._o other_o more_o moderate_a pious_a and_o more_o learned_a than_o the_o rest_n do_v so_o clip_v its_o wing_n that_o they_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o mere_a constant_a presidency_n in_o the_o meeting_n of_o presbyter_n for_o government_n make_v it_o a_o pure_a nonentity_n as_o to_o what_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n among_o we_o and_o for_o which_o they_o bring_v no_o scripture_n of_o which_o judgement_n be_v that_o godly_a and_o learned_a bishop_n usher_n who_o for_o knowledge_n in_o all_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o antiquity_n be_v nemini_fw-la secundus_fw-la 5._o some_o other_o argue_v for_o it_o as_o a_o matâ—er_n of_o indifferency_n that_o may_v be_v receive_v or_o reject_v as_o church_n and_o state_n see_v it_o fit_v their_o interest_n assert_v that_o all_o its_o authority_n and_o goodness_n depend_v upon_o and_o flow_v from_o the_o power_n that_o bring_v it_o in_o thus_o stillingfleet_n 6._o some_o of_o that_o party_n have_v fall_v on_o a_o new_a method_n for_o justify_v its_o divine_a right_n be_v straiten_v as_o it_o seem_v with_o our_o argument_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o allege_v that_o presbyter_n be_v not_o institute_v in_o scripturâ—-times_n by_o the_o apostle_n &_o that_o all_o minister_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v bishop_n in_o the_o sense_n controvert_v as_o doctor_n hammond_n but_o his_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n be_v so_o dim_a that_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v he_o have_v gain_v few_o or_o none_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o this_o 7_o these_o of_o the_o court_n party_n place_v all_o its_o goodness_n in_o the_o authority_n &_o law_n establish_v it_o grant_v it_o signify_v nothing_o antecedent_o to_o these_o 8._o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v prelacy_n and_o view_v it_o in_o its_o several_a part_n as_o it_o be_v by_o law_n constitute_v and_o settle_v among_o we_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o test_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v give_v judgement_n of_o they_o according_a to_o it_o how_o liteâ—â—_fw-la of_o prelacy_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n 〈…〉_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n of_o all_o that_o have_v appear_v on_o the_o field_n for_o its_o defence_n there_o be_v none_o that_o ever_o plead_v scriptural_a institution_n precept_n and_o instance_n for_o the_o lordly_a title_n eminency_n and_o worldly_a dignity_n of_o the_o prelate_n that_o be_v now_o annex_v to_o their_o office_n nor_o yet_o for_o their_o civil_a place_n and_o power_n in_o the_o state_n nor_o for_o their_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n as_o primat_n metropolitan_o archbishop_n &c_n &c_n or_o for_o the_o like_a among_o their_o dependent_n in_o their_o numerous_a and_o various_a distinction_n of_o degree_n of_o superiority_n and_o subordination_n as_o vicar_n chancellor_n dean_n arch_a deacons_n subdean_n deacon_n parson_n etc._n etc._n whoever_o hitatherto_o do_v put_v pen_n to_o paper_n and_o contend_v for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o prelacy_n never_o open_v a_o mouth_n to_o plead_v either_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n for_o these_o except_o doctor_n hammond_n who_o argue_v for_o archbishop_n and_o what_o be_v prelacy_n in_o its_o constitution_n among_o we_o without_o they_o the_o only_a thing_n debate_v betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o antagonist_n anent_o it_o be_v the_o superiority_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o pastor_n and_o their_o respective_a congregation_n to_o the_o probation_n of_o which_o from_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v make_v out_o from_o these_o first_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o second_o diocesan_n church_n make_v up_o of_o several_a â—esseâ—_n church_n and_o their_o respective_a pastor_n and_o officer_n in_o these_o do_v the_o essential_a difference_n lie_v in_o their_o own_o confession_n betwixt_o bishop_n &_o presbyter_n or_o ordinare_fw-la pastor_n none_o of_o which_o two_o have_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n and_o if_o that_o which_o difference_n prelate_n from_o other_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v â—or_a make_v to_o appear_v from_o scripture_n how_o will_v their_o office_n 〈◊〉_d of_o divine_a right_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o 〈◊〉_d â—ho_fw-mi be_v under_o such_o strait_a divine_a engagement_n against_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v comply_v therewith_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n injoin_v conformity_n thereto_o we_o complain_v of_o the_o subdolous_a and_o un_v enuous_a way_n of_o our_o opposite_n in_o this_o debate_n who_o always_o keep_v in_o general_n and_o never_o condescend_v on_o the_o particular_a difference_n betwixt_o prelate_n and_o ordinate_a pastor_n nor_o undertake_v to_o prove_v these_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o can_v for_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o antiquity_n that_o presbyter_n have_v ordain_v sometime_o in_o conjunction_n with_o bishop_n and_o sometime_o without_o they_o and_o for_o diocesan_n church_n with_o one_o fix_a pastor_n over-feeing_a other_o pastor_n and_o their_o flock_n we_o can_v meet_v with_o the_o least_o probable_a evidence_n from_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n we_o find_v no_o argument_n from_o our_o adversary_n conclude_v this_o it_o be_v empty_a argue_v to_o say_v there_o be_v apostle_n there_o be_v priest_n and_o highpriest_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v seven_o angel_n in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v bishop_n now_o if_o they_o will_v from_o scripture_n make_v out_o the_o difference_n now_o assign_v betwixt_o prelate_n &_o presbveer_n in_o these_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n priest_n and_o angel_n we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n let_v none_o therefore_o blame_v we_o in_o hold_v to_o this_o as_o a_o necessare_fw-la consequence_n of_o our_o antagonist_n succumb_a in_o the_o probation_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o a_o parity_n among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o point_n of_o power_n or_o office_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n for_o if_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o ministry_n there_o be_v alike_o power_n give_v to_o all_o call_v thereto_o there_o can_v be_v no_o superiority_n of_o one_o above_o another_o by_o divine_a right_n 9_o it_o be_v a_o question_n much_o debate_v among_o the_o popish_a school_n man_n and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v to_o this_o day_n whâ—â—ther_o their_o prelacy_n be_v a_o order_n or_o office_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o only_o a_o different_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o 〈◊〉_d with_o presbyter_n include_v no_o power_n formal_o distinct_a from_o they_o which_o last_o opinion_n assert_n that_o all_o power_n acclaim_v by_o the_o prelate_n be_v formal_o in_o presbyter_n so_o that_o by_o office_n they_o be_v empower_v to_o and_o may_v do_v all_o that_o the_o prelate_n pretend_v to_o how_o hot_o and_o stiff_o be_v this_o question_n toss_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n betwixt_o the_o italian_a gallican_n and_o spanish_a divine_n which_o for_o this_o cause_n receive_v no_o decision_n in_o this_o council_n but_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a as_o before_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o say_a council_n 10._o if_o any_o will_v consider_v our_o adversary_n argument_n for_o prelacy_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o argument_n of_o papist_n especial_o beauty_n for_o the_o papacy_n they_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o plead_v as_o strong_o for_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o universal_a bishop_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o for_o the_o prelate_n or_o bishop_n now_o controvert_v betwixt_o we_o as_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v by_o a_o particular_a condescension_n if_o our_o intend_a brevity_n will_v suffer_v it_o we_o refer_v such_o as_o question_v this_o to_o the_o argument_n of_o both_o and_o upon_o a_o impartial_a collation_n of_o the_o same_o we_o nothing_o doubt_n but_o it_o will_v be_v manifest_a do_v not_o the_o much_o court_v and_o endeavour_v reconciliation_n with_o rome_n by_o the_o prelatical_a party_n in_o former_a and_o late_a time_n with_o their_o concession_n to_o they_o for_o make_v way_n to_o this_o agreement_n speak_v this_o with_o full_a evidence_n as_o their_o deny_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v the_o antichrist_n their_o grant_v a_o primacy_n to_o he_o over_o the_o catholic_n church_n their_o purgeing_n
and_o not_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o society_n to_o which_o any_o be_v such_o now_o to_o the_o minor_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n have_v their_o power_n from_o and_o in_o its_o exercise_n be_v subject_v to_o a_o supreme_a architectonick_a power_n be_v beyond_o disput_fw-la clear_a from_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n former_o mention_v and_o other_o act_n to_o be_v mention_v afterward_o and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o any_o that_o considerate_o peruse_v the_o same_o of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v at_o more_o large_a under_o the_o last_o head_n but_o for_o the_o time_n we_o propose_v these_o three_o from_o these_o act_n for_o make_v out_o of_o this_o argument_n 1._o they_o be_v express_o make_v to_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a to_o they_o in_o their_o church_n judicatory_n and_o administration_n 2_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o order_n and_o dispose_v be_v annex_v to_o the_o crown_n as_o one_o royal_a prerogative_n thereof_o which_o not_o only_o suppon_n the_o government_n to_o be_v in_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o but_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o that_o dominion_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o regality_n 3_o the_o give_v of_o church_n power_n to_o church_n officer_n be_v suppon_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o deed_n of_o his_o law_n and_o act_n without_o which_o all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v null_n and_o void_a objec_fw-la although_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n ecclesiastical_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o head_n to_o and_o of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr if_o he_o be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o such_o cause_n and_o over_o such_o person_n in_o n1_fw-la directa_fw-la no_o question_n he_o be_v the_o head_n political_a to_o the_o church_n for_o governor_n &_o head_n be_v equipollent_a term_n whosoever_o be_v supreme_a governor_n to_o any_o society_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v a_o proper_a political_a head_n to_o it_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o quarrel_v about_o word_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v grant_v and_o that_o this_o subordination_n or_o supremacy_n be_v direct_v or_o in_o n1_fw-la directa_fw-la be_v we_o judge_v clear_a from_o the_o fore_n mention_v act_n see_v they_o not_o only_o make_v the_o king_n the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n but_o moreover_o in_o the_o act_n anent_o the_o the_o national_a synod_n he_o be_v make_v the_o all_o of_o the_o same_o and_o without_o he_o it_o be_v nothing_o the_o like_a of_o these_o the_o sun_n never_o shine_v on_o except_o these_o make_v by_o king_n henry_n the_o 8._o of_o england_n which_o be_v scrupule_v at_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n at_o home_o &_o abroad_o they_o be_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n force_v to_o alleviat_v the_o mater_fw-la by_o remove_a the_o title_n head_n and_o some_o mitigate_a explication_n allow_v and_o order_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o subject_n at_o the_o take_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n but_o no_o such_o explication_n allow_v here_o arg._n 3._o if_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n thus_o thrust_v in_o upon_o they_o be_v constitut_v and_o settle_v in_o christ_n way_n as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n and_o actual_a use_n of_o all_o ordinance_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n than_o it_o be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o minister_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n thus_o thrust_v in_o upon_o they_o be_v constitut_v and_o settle_v in_o christ_n way_n as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n and_o actual_a exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n therefore_o it_o be_v â—â—â—o_o sinful_a separation_n on_o their_o part_n not_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n in_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o we_o suppose_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v evident_a and_o will_v not_o ready_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v we_o prove_v it_o thus_o if_o there_o be_v divine_a obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o their_o church_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o minister_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n be_v under_o divine_a obligation_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n lean_v upon_o these_o two_o and_o be_v infallible_o make_v out_o by_o they_o first_o that_o thâ—â—e_n be_v a_o divine_a relation_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o the_o church_n over_o who_o they_o be_v set_v and_o second_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o divine_a command_n to_o do_v the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o such_o contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n none_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o ministry_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a instution_n and_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n will_v be_v able_a to_o refuse_v these_o we_o conceive_v none_o even_o of_o our_o antagonist_n will_v deny_v the_o minor_a if_o they_o do_v will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n before_o and_o at_o the_o prelate_n introduction_n be_v no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n which_o be_v false_a as_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v when_o ever_o our_o opposite_n give_v their_o reason_n to_o the_o contrare_fw-la but_o we_o know_v the_o great_a debate_n will_v be_v about_o the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n to_o wit_n that_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the._n prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n be_v settle_v in_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n &_o actual_a exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n this_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v beyond_o all_o denial_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o scotland_n before_o and_o at_o the_o prelate_n late_a entry_n among_o we_o in_o the_o year_n 1662._o be_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o furnish_v with_o pastor_n and_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o ordinance_n the_o debate_n than_o will_v run_v upon_o the_o jus_o of_o that_o constitution_n that_o be_v existent_a and_o in_o be_v at_o the_o prelate_n introduction_n against_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v object_v but_o one_o of_o these_o three_o obj._n 1_o prelacy_n be_v want_v in_o that_o constitution_n which_o it_o shall_v have_v have_v ans_fw-fr 1._o to_o the_o validity_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o must_v first_o be_v make_v out_o that_o prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o in_o use_n and_o exercise_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n or_o a_o office_n institute_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v yet_o see_v never_o will_v let_v our_o adversary_n in_o this_o great_a debait_n consider_v the_o reason_n and_o exception_n we_o have_v give_v in_o against_o iâ—_n and_o answer_v they_o yea_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o we_o ask_v at_o the_o patron_n of_o prelacy_n whether_o they_o judge_v it_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o ministerial_a political_a church_n if_o they_o judge_v it_o essential_a do_v it_o not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n holland_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n and_o that_o all_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o they_o be_v nullity_n yea_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n call_v the_o albigenses_n which_o by_o all_o historian_n have_v their_o original_n deduce_v from_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o such_o see_v 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n of_o all_o they_o never_o have_v prelacy_n from_o their_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o day_n which_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o
exercise_v her_o government_n in_o these_o time_n by_o confederation_n and_o mutual_a consent_n and_o not_o by_o institution_n and_o command_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n for_o this_o so_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o presume_v they_o continue_v in_o the_o constitution_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n they_o give_v they_o to_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n and_o church_n history_n their_o practice_n conform_v when_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n cease_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n turn_v christian_n we_o find_v she_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o former_a government_n but_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o some_o corruption_n which_o grow_v to_o a_o sad_a height_n afterward_o throw_v the_o excessive_a munificence_n &_o bounty_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n and_o exercise_v the_o sameâ—_n as_o former_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o history_n that_o speak_v of_o these_o time_n here_o our_o adversary_n speak_v of_o some_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n the_o magistrate_n do_v exerce_fw-la in_o the_o church_n as_o convocate_a of_o synod_n labour_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lore_o rend_v at_o sometime_o through_o lad_n heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o that_o say_v of_o constantine_n repeat_v by_o they_o ad_fw-la nauseam_fw-la vos_fw-la estis_fw-la episcopi_fw-la ad_fw-la intra_fw-la ego_fw-la ad_fw-la extra_fw-la but_o how_o be_v our_o antagonist_n conclusion_n make_v out_o by_o all_o these_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o magistrate_n do_v convocat_n synod_n its_o government_n be_v derive_v from_o &_o subordinat_a to_o he_o no_o way_n for_o 1._o albeit_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n to_o convocat_n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n anent_o matter_n relate_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o duty_n whether_o about_o church_n or_o state_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o privative_a of_o the_o church_n power_n to_o convocat_n she_o own_o assembly_n either_o for_o worship_n or_o government_n as_o we_o find_v she_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o his_o consent_n yea_o when_o the_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n she_o retain_v and_o exercise_v this_o power_n in_o assemble_v into_o several_a synod_n without_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o general_a synod_n assemble_v after_o this_o but_o by_o the_o magistrate_n till_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n claim_v this_o power_n and_o usurp_v therein_o on_o the_o church_n and_o magistrate_n as_o he_o do_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n which_o exceed_v its_o bound_n make_v this_o in_o point_n of_o prudence_n necessare_fw-la for_o without_o the_o magistrate_n it_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v do_v but_o 2._o convocate_a of_o other_o be_v not_o always_o in_o its_o self_n and_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o superior_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o judicatories_n convocate_v as_o in_o limit_a monarchy_n and_o not_o absolute_a where_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o king_n and_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n although_o the_o king_n have_v the_o power_n of_o conveâ—ning_v the_o state_n yet_o they_o share_v wiâ—h_v he_o in_o the_o leg_n stative_a and_o executive_a power_n while_o in_o be_v therefore_o the_o illation_n be_v bad_a and_o not_o concludent_fw-la 4_o what_o imaginable_a advantage-can_a accrue_v to_o our_o adversary_n assertion_n by_o that_o say_n of_o constantine_n former_o cite_v we_o grantâ—_n the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o overseer_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o church_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o thâ—_n government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o and_o from_o his_o hand_n and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o he_o they_o must_v first_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o good_a reason_n that_o never_o government_n be_v ad_fw-la extra_fw-la which_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v nor_o never_o will_v for_o although_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o its_o institution_n and_o exercise_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o intrinsinck_v to_o and_o within_o she_o as_o her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o by_o this_o sense_n will_v be_v as_o much_o derive_v from_o and_o subject_v to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o her_o government_n see_v the_o one_o be_v as_o visible_a in_o its_o dispensation_n as_o the_o other_o arg._n 5._o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o yea_o can_v jure_fw-la impede_fw-la and_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o church_n government_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o derive_v from_o nor_o subject_v to_o he_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o consequence_n be_v what_o ever_o power_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o subordinate_v direct_o to_o he_o he_o may_v suspend_v hinder_v its_o exercise_n yea_o he_o may_v total_o remove_v and_o annihilat_fw-la it_o this_o be_v yield_v by_o all_o and_o take_v for_o a_o sure_a maxim_n in_o politic_n but_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o do_v this_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o person_n entrust_v with_o and_o call_v to_o its_o exercise_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o divine_a precept_n and_o command_n for_o it_o which_o the_o magistrate_n can_v hinder_v nor_o by_o any_o deed_n or_o command_n of_o he_o make_v void_a these_o that_o deny_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o church_n government_n we_o refer_v to_o the_o forecited_a book_n where_o it_o be_v strong_o plead_v &_o make_v out_o from_o clear_a and_o express_v scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n likewise_o as_o he_o can_v impede_fw-la its_o exercise_n so_o he_o may_v not_o nullify_v its_o sentence_n by_o himself_o which_o he_o may_v do_v in_o the_o sentence_n pass_v by_o all_o power_n derive_v from_o and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o himself_o arg._n 6._o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o christian_a profession_n bind_v to_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o act_n &_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o be_v as_o much_o obleidge_v to_o yield_v thereto_o as_o any_o other_o therefore_o church_n power_n be_v not_o direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o the_o antecedent_n be_v clear_a for_o all_o be_v command_v submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n in_o watch_v overseeing_a and_o rule_a of_o the_o church_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o to_o which_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n we_o find_v magistrate_n in_o the_o word_n submit_v as_o uzzia_n who_o be_v by_o the_o priest_n confor_a i_o to_o the_o law_n separate_v and_o seclude_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o these_o yea_o it_o be_v give_v for_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n that_o come_v on_o zedekiah_n 2._o chron._n 36.12_o that_o he_o humble_v not_o himself_o before_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o he_o obj._n but_o this_o subjection_n in_o magistrate_n to_o church_n officer_n be_v proper_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o they_o ans_fw-fr we_o confess_v the_o subjection_n be_v primary_o and_o chief_o to_o christ_n jesus_n who_o such_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n do_v represent_v yet_o the_o subjection_n be_v to_o they_o too_o who_o all_o without_o exception_n of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n be_v command_v to_o receive_v hear_v and_o obey_v so_o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o holy_a thing_n they_o be_v superior_a to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n magistrate_n and_o other_o as_o their_z constitut_o ruler_n overseer_n governor_n and_o watch_v man_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v when_o act_v in_o their_o office_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o obedience_n be_v not_o catachrestical_a or_o abusive_a as_o videlius_n speak_v in_o the_o magistrate_n but_o proper_a and_o real_o a_o debt_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_n holy_a thing_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o obligation_n to_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n with_o the_o obligation_n of_o other_o if_o any_o think_v otherway_n let_v they_o produce_v their_o reason_n and_o scripture_n 2._o if_o the_o fiery_a and_o zealous_a promotter_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v consider_v the_o true_a and_o real_a prejudice_n they_o do_v to_o magistrate_n by_o exeem_v they_o from_o that_o subjection_n that_o they_o with_o all_o other_o owe_v to_o church_n officer_n they_o will_v if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o advantage_n remain_v with_o man_n hold_v their_o hand_n and_o shall_v have_v little_a thanks_o from_o magistrate_n for_o their_o preposterous_a zeal_n who_o by_o their_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v
real_o exclude_v magistrate_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o church_n government_n which_o in_o its_o design_n and_o effect_n be_v for_o save_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o ordinance_n other_o argument_n may_v be_v adduce_v as_o the_o want_n of_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o alter_v and_o change_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o nullify_v its_o just_a sentence_n pass_v etc._n etc._n sect_n vii_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a supreamacy_n manifest_v but_o judge_v these_o sufficient_a to_o the_o conviction_n oâ—_n the_o unprejudged_a we_o come_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o ouâ—_n task_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o visible_a intrinsic_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v assume_v by_o and_o give_v to_o our_o ruler_n in_o the_o present_a stand_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v out_o from_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n particular_o act_n of_o restitution_n parl._n 1_o sess_n 2._o act._n 1._o act_n anent_o the_o national_a synod_n parl._n 1_o sess_n 3._o act._n 4._o act_n against_o conventicle_n parl._n 2._o sess_n 5._o act_n against_o keeper_n of_o conventicle_n and_o withdrawer_n etc._n etc._n parl._n 2._o sess_n 3._o act._n 17._o act_n against_o unlawful_a ordination_n parl._n 2._o sess_n 3._o with_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v on_o the_o probation_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v necessare_fw-la for_o clear_v our_o way_n to_o it_o to_o consider_v alittle_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n repeat_v in_o several_a act_n where_o first_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o same_o the_o term_n external_n be_v notour_o ambiguous_a shall_v have_v be_v explain_v &_o all_o not_o leave_v to_o guess_v at_o its_o meaning_n external_n be_v by_o some_o oppose_v to_o the_o internal_a invisible_a government_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o so_o by_o it_o they_o understand_v the_o visible_a intrinsic_a government_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o term_n external_n government_n in_o this_o and_o other_o act_n the_o follow_a argument_n undertake_v to_o make_v out_o but_o some_o other_o oppose_v the_o term_n external_n government_n to_o this_o intrinsic_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n former_o describe_v and_o assert_v to_o be_v distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a on_o the_o mastrat_n and_o by_o it_o they_o do_v understand_v these_o humane_a adjunct_n and_o accident_n that_o be_v civil_a in_o themselves_o and_o not_o make_v sacred_a by_o divine_a institution_n some_o plead_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o term_n in_o the_o act_n of_o parlt_n but_o how_o groundless_o let_v our_o subsequent_a reason_n determine_v second_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o the_o crown_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v hard_o to_o sense_n this_o for_o order_v and_o dispose_v when_o do_v by_o person_n in_o authority_n be_v a_o part_n of_o government_n in_o itself_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o phrase_n be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o speech_n as_o if_o a_o government_n need_v a_o government_n to_o govern_v it_o what_o if_o this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n will_v it_o not_o be_v repute_v non_fw-la sense_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o government_n do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n to_o dispose_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o &_o without_o which_o it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o it_o be_v without_o disput_fw-la evident_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n under_o heathenish_a magistrate_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v this_o which_o by_o this_o act_n be_v take_v from_o she_o next_o we_o ask_v whether_o this_o order_n and_o dipose_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a or_o civil_a government_n if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a it_o be_v again_o nonsense_n at_o the_o best_a and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v the_o ecclesiastical_a govern_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n a_o perfect_a tautology_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n how_o come_v it_o that_o in_o this_o and_o other_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o civil_a obj._n it_o be_v only_o objective_o so_o call_v ans_fw-fr then_o it_o be_v proper_o and_o formal_o civil_a the_o phrase_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a be_v catachrestical_a and_o abusive_a a_o very_a improper_a speech_n yea_o as_o improper_a as_o if_o we_o shall_v call_v church_n power_n or_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n objective_o civil_a or_o civil_a three_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o this_o order_n or_o dispose_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a why_o be_v the_o church_n trouble_v with_o it_o if_o it_o be_v we_o ask_v again_o when_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o civil_a or_o church_n government_n it_o can_v not_o be_v of_o the_o civil_a for_o the_o church_n have_v none_o under_o persecute_v magistrate_n if_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n government_n than_o it_o be_v pure_o and_o formal_o such_o and_o not_o true_o civil_a although_o exercise_v about_o thing_n civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v the_o magistrate_n now_o to_o any_o considerate_a and_o unbyaffed_a reader_n it_o will_v be_v manifest_a that_o these_o word_n or_o expression_n come_v from_o mind_n design_v the_o enhanse_a of_o the_o intrinsic_a visâ—â—le_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o labour_v to_o cover_v it_o but_o all_o in_o vain_a now_o that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n formal_o and_o intrinsical_o such_o be_v assume_v by_o and_o give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o present_a stand_a law_n will_v be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o consider_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o forecited_a act_n of_o parliament_n 1._o that_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o church_n assembly_n or_o judicatories_n be_v put_v in_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordinate_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a to_o they_o therein_o this_o make_v the_o king_n the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n &_o the_o church_n officer_n to_o derive_v and_o hold_v their_o power_n of_o he_o which_o make_v our_o king_n the_o proper_a head_n of_o the_o church_n &_o substitute_n he_o in_o christ_n room_n to_o she_o 2._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o subject_v to_o &_o dependent_a on_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n extend_v to_o and_o make_v to_o take_v in_o ordination_n act_n of_o discipline_n inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n yea_o to_o all_o cause_n and_o matter_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a to_o all_o about_o which_o church_n power_n be_v exerce_v he_o be_v make_v the_o supreme_a 3._o all_o church_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o it_o be_v exercise_v in_o this_o church_n before_o the_o late_a introduction_n of_o prelacy_n without_o this_o derivation_n from_o and_o subordination_n to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v rescind_v and_o annul_v certain_o in_o these_o time_n the_o magistrate_n have_v and_o do_v exercise_v a_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o law_n then_o make_v in_o their_o behalf_n but_o this_o do_v not_o now_o content_a without_o this_o supremacy_n which_o import_v another_o power_n acclame_v by_o the_o magistrate_n now_o that_o be_v not_o then_o 4._o this_o supremacy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n be_v give_v for_o the_o main_a reason_n of_o the_o change_n make_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o overturning_a and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o true_a government_n that_o then_o be_v and_o bring_v in_o another_o in_o its_o stead_n without_o the_o authority_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n a_o fair_a open_a door_n for_o bring_v in_o the_o like_a alteration_n and_o change_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n when_o there_o be_v access_n to_o it_o 5._o prelacy_n by_o this_o act_n be_v restore_v not_o only_o to_o the_o former_a height_n it_o be_v at_o and_o have_v attain_v by_o law_n and_o practice_n before_o its_o last_o ejection_n out_o of_o this_o church_n
be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o reciprocal_a subordination_n and_o superiority_n of_o person_n with_o a_o coordination_n of_o power_n as_o be_v hint_v above_o we_o plead_v no_o more_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o we_o grant_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o other_o respect_n betwixt_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n they_o act_n as_o mere_a servant_n without_o all_o dominion_n in_o they_o he_o with_o dominion_n and_o magistratical_a authority_n over_o the_o person_n of_o minister_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o power_n be_v coordinat_fw-la and_o in_o their_o exercise_n not_o direct_o subject_a to_o one_o another_o 2._o these_o power_n their_o exercise_n and_o respective_a object_n become_v reciprocal_o the_o object_n of_o one_o another_o as_o the_o ministry_n and_o its_o object_n be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o object_n of_o his_o power_n be_v likewise_o a_o part_n of_o the_o object_n about_o which_o minister_n exercise_v their_o power_n under_o different_a formality_n and_o specification_n there_o arise_v or_o result_v not_o only_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o a_o mutual_a subserviency_n to_o one_o another_o in_o advancing_z of_o their_o respective_a end_n but_o likewise_o a_o indirect_a subordination_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n without_o any_o dependence_n of_o these_o power_n upon_o one_o another_o but_o this_o subordination_n be_v only_o of_o the_o person_n and_o not_o of_o the_o power_n which_o by_o be_v the_o mutual_a object_n of_o one_o another_o power_n do_v not_o subject_a the_o power_n and_o its_o exercise_n but_o only_o the_o person_n for_o any_o thing_n or_o power_n become_v the_o object_n of_o another_o do_v not_o subordinat_a it_o to_o that_o power_n the_o word_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o by_o be_v the_o object_n either_o of_o the_o ministerial_a or_o the_o magistratical_a power_n subordinate_v or_o subject_a thereto_o so_o that_o the_o ministerial_a power_n its_o exercise_n and_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o converse_v be_v not_o by_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n subordinate_v to_o it_o this_o break_v the_o force_n of_o our_o adversary_n argument_n which_o lie_v main_o in_o this_o obj._n 6._o it_o be_v only_o this_o sort_n of_o supremacy_n and_o subordination_n that_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n do_v mean_a ans_fw-fr it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o act_n for_o it_o be_v the_o church_n assembly_n their_o proper_a matter_n their_o constitution_n the_o intrinsic_a obligation_n of_o their_o conclusion_n that_o be_v subordinate_v to_o the_o magistrate_n so_o that_o all_o be_v nothing_o without_o he_o obj._n 7._o all_o divine_v even_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n grant_v the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v supreme_a in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n ecclesiastical_a none_o of_o they_o scruple_n to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o that_o kingdom_n ans_fw-fr all_o divine_n do_v not_o grant_v this_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o many_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v it_o be_v not_o yield_v by_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_n in_o the_o sense_n controvert_v among_o we_o neither_o can_v it_o see_v it_o quyt_v overthrow_n all_o church_n government_n in_o its_o distinction_n from_o and_o independency_n on_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o the_o know_a principle_n both_o of_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_n and_o if_o the_o prelate_n themselves_o dare_v speak_v their_o mind_n conform_v to_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o will_v not_o in_o this_o differ_v from_o we_o as_o thorndike_n more_o free_a and_o engenuous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o party_n do_v declaim_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n as_o the_o great_a cry_a sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o to_o a_o excess_n will_v assert_v all_o and_o much_o more_o than_o we_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o offend_v the_o magistrate_n on_o who_o now_o they_o whole_o depend_v and_o who_o creature_n they_o only_o areâ—_n which_o have_v in_o our_o time_n reconcile_v the_o prelatical_a and_o erastian_n principle_n at_o least_o in_o appearance_n that_o be_v most_o contrare_fw-la to_o and_z distant_a from_o one_o another_o yea_o more_o than_o they_o and_o we_o and_o although_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n yet_o it_o be_v with_o such_o explication_n allow_v &_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o magistrate_n that_o give_v it_o a_o sound_a sense_n which_o be_v stumble_v and_o scruple_v at_o both_o in_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n time_n till_o its_o sense_n be_v explicat_fw-la and_o allow_v as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o instruction_n give_v to_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n by_o queen_n elizabeth_n for_o administrate_v the_o say_a oath_n &_o bishop_n usher_v explanation_n of_o it_o approven_v by_o king_n james_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v understand_v &_o take_v to_o this_o day_n among_o they_o but_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n aright_o and_o to_o avoid_v the_o labyrinth_n of_o generality_n &_o ambiguity_n with_o which_o some_o divine_n perplex_v &_o intricat_v it_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_v proper_a supremacy_n one_o civil_a and_o another_o ecclesiastical_a about_o church_n power_n meeting_n and_o matter_n 2_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o cause_n of_o those_o they_o call_v ecclesiastical_a some_o that_o be_v only_o extrinsical_o such_o but_o in_o their_o nature_n immediate_a end_n and_o use_n civil_a that_o for_o their_o more_o remote_a end_n and_o respect_n to_o thing_n true_o and_o proper_o sacred_a be_v call_v ecclesiastical_a as_o law_n make_v for_o the_o church_n &_o she_o concern_v outward_a liberty_n and_o peace_n external_a reward_n and_o punishment_n etc._n etc._n again_o some_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a be_v intrinsical_o and_o formal_o such_o as_o who_o shall_v preach_v the_o gospel_n &_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o ministry_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v depose_v from_o it_o who_o shall_v be_v rebuke_v admonish_v and_o excommunicate_v or_o receive_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n &_o c._n 3_o the_o term_n cause_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o physical_a but_o moral_a and_o juridical_a sense_n that_o be_v for_o question_n to_o be_v decide_v by_o those_o who_o be_v impower_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n to_o this_o work_n 4_o cause_n or_o question_n as_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o power_n &_o its_o exercise_n be_v either_o proper_a and_o immediate_a or_o else_o improper_a and_o remote_a hence_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o thing_n or_o cause_n proper_o civil_a relate_v to_o cause_n and_o person_n ecclesiastical_a the_o judicial_a cognition_n and_o definitive_a judgement_n of_o these_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o admit_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n &_o declare_v ourselves_o willing_a to_o take_v it_o which_o be_v refuse_v we_o 2_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o supreme_a governor_n in_o cause_n and_o over_o person_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a this_o we_o assert_v belong_v to_o christ_n jesus_n only_o and_o not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v above_o this_o be_v the_o supremacy_n we_o deny_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o for_o which_o we_o have_v decline_v to_o take_v the_o oath_n anent_o it_o that_o be_v now_o establish_a law_n be_v persuade_v for_o the_o reason_n former_o give_v that_o this_o be_v the_o supremacy_n grant_v by_o law_n and_o understand_v in_o this_o oath_n but3_n that_o cause_n and_o person_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a be_v not_o the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n but_o only_o improper_a and_o remote_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o christ_n law_n give_v to_o the_o church_n the_o judicial_a cognition_n and_o definitive_a judgement_n about_o these_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n part_v to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o determine_v who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o who_o not_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o of_o other_o cause_n and_o question_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n obj._n then_o the_o magistrate_n in_o protect_v countenance_v and_o further_a of_o the_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n by_o the_o sword_n must_v be_v a_o blind_a executer_n of_o they_o ans_fw-fr this_o must_v be_v say_v
the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n who_o always_o esteem_v they_o pure_a church_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o consequence_n be_v so_o necessare_fw-la that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o prelatical_a party_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n admit_v no_o minister_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o officiat_fw-la among_o they_o without_o reordination_n by_o which_o they_o fix_v a_o desperate_a schism_n between_o they_o and_o these_o church_n while_o they_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v reconciliation_n with_o rome_n which_o speak_v out_o the_o tendency_n of_o their_o principle_n if_o they_o think_v prelacy_n not_o essential_a to_o the_o political_a ministerial_a church_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v grant_v than_o our_o church_n constitution_n as_o to_o all_o essential_o be_v right_a our_o pastor_n bind_v to_o feed_v and_o people_n to_o submit_v hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o they_o obj._n although_o prelacy_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o esse_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v usful_a and_o necessare_fw-la to_o the_o well_o be_v of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n ans_fw-fr 1._o as_o have_v be_v say_v above_o we_o know_v of_o no_o good_a to_o which_o prelacy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v necessate_fw-it that_o be_v not_o easy_o attainable_a without_o it_o yea_o and_o be_v not_o win_v at_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n 2_o then_o the_o former_a obligation_n on_o our_o pastor_n and_o this_o church_n must_v continue_v for_o if_o prelacy_n be_v not_o essential_a nor_o necessare_fw-la to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n the_o obligation_n which_o flow_v from_o and_o be_v dependent_a on_o it_o can_v be_v discontinue_v by_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n upon_o we_o it_o shall_v rather_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v this_o obligation_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o then_o dissolve_v it_o it_o be_v no_o question_n the_o foresight_n of_o this_o and_o other_o consequence_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o force_v the_o most_o of_o the_o now_o prelate_n to_o maintain_v the_o absolute_a and_o essential_a necessity_n of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o church_n against_o the_o evidence_n of_o scriptâ—â—â—_n and_o antiquity_n obj_fw-la 2._o but_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o year_n 1662._o for_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n in_o this_o church_n be_v but_o a_o repossess_v she_o of_o it_o that_o have_v be_v eject_v an._n 1638_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o ejection_n of_o prelacy_n anno_fw-la 16â—8_n be_v but_o the_o puâ—geing_n of_o presbytery_n from_o prelacy_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o upon_o it_o after_o prelacy_n have_v be_v cast_v off_o by_o this_o church_n in_o her_o first_o reformation_n of_o religion_n from_o popery_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o history_n the_o book_n of_o discipline_n first_o and_o second_o act_n of_o parlt_n particular_o that_o of_o the_o year_n 1592._o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o the_o record_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n that_o with_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n prelacy_n be_v also_o remove_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o church_n as_o a_o high_a corruption_n in_o her_o government_n so_o that_o from_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n from_o popery_n presbytery_n have_v the_o first_o possession_n it_o be_v true_a the_o bishop_n that_o then_o be_v do_v continue_v in_o their_o bishopric_n and_o keep_v their_o place_n in_o parlt_n but_o without_o all_o church_n power_n or_o jurisdiction_n that_o they_o have_v former_o exercise_v in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n predom_v in_o this_o church_n and_o when_o their_o bishopric_n come_v to_o vaâ—k_v thorough_o death_n their_o place_n be_v not_o fill_v wâ—â—h_n other_o as_o former_o have_v be_v do_v till_o morion_n regency_n who_o for_o the_o legal_a right_n of_o their_o revenue_n which_o he_o labour_v to_o enhance_v for_o his_o own_o use_n and_o can_v not_o legal_o come_v at_o without_o some_o shadow_n of_o they_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o in_o of_o which_o he_o repent_v at_o his_o death_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o duglass_n which_o occasion_v a_o hot_a contest_v betwixt_o he_o &_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n in_o her_o assembly_n who_o stoot_o oppose_a prelacy_n and_o never_o give_v it_o over_o till_o by_o law_n and_o practise_v it_o be_v whole_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o church_n anno_fw-la 1592._o but_o king_n james_n afterward_o fall_v too_o much_o in_o love_n with_o worldly_a design_n and_o interest_n for_o facilitate_v the_o much_o court_v and_o desire_a succession_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n to_o which_o prelacy_n be_v then_o judge_v necessare_fw-la labour_v by_o sinister_a and_o subtle_a way_n the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n upon_o the_o church_n which_o then_o be_v most_o averse_a therefrom_o that_o he_o give_v not_o over_o his_o design_n in_o this_o till_o he_o have_v settle_v it_o by_o law_n anno_fw-la 1612._o and_o bring_v it_o in_o upon_o presbytery_n but_o prelacy_n not_o be_v content_a with_o this_o establishment_n and_o exaltation_n it_o attain_v to_o in_o the_o foresay_a year_n never_o cease_v work_v by_o its_o imposition_n till_o it_o come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o usurpation_n on_o church_n &_o state_n that_o procure_v its_o ruin_n anno_fw-la 1638._o all_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a from_o the_o precede_a record_n particular_o spotswood_n history_n that_o he_o must_v be_v either_o a_o utter_a stranger_n to_o these_o or_o else_o impudent_o malicious_a that_o deny_v it_o do_v man_n think_v we_o be_v such_o ignorant_o of_o and_o stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o lie_n of_o some_o of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v put_v pen_n to_o paper_n and_o contradict_v all_o this_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o seasonable_a case_n and_o other_o who_o contrare_fw-la to_o all_o evidence_n will_v maintain_v the_o possession_n of_o prelacy_n in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n 2._o suppone_v prelacy_n possession_n in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v notourly_a sal_n till_o its_o last_o ejection_n anno_fw-la 1638._o as_o it_o be_v in_o england_n yet_o till_o its_o divine_a right_n be_v prove_v it_o can_v claim_v no_o jus_o or_o right_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o concern_v can_v be_v antiquate_v and_o proscribe_v by_o length_n of_o time_n otherwise_o most_o of_o the_o popish_a heresy_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n shall_v have_v night_n as_o good_a claim_n for_o their_o be_v in_o this_o church_n as_o prelacy_n and_o it_o be_v liâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d if_o ever_o popery_n aim_v at_o its_o restauration_n and_o come_v any_o length_n towards_o it_o in_o this_o church_n it_o will_v build_v itself_o on_o this_o foundation_n among_o other_o as_o prelacy_n do_v this_o day_n in_o the_o law_n establish_v it_o obj._n but_o the_o magistrate_n bring_v in_o prelacy_n and_o command_v all_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o it_o prelacy_n be_v as_o some_o say_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a all_o shall_v obey_v ans_fw-fr leave_v the_o debat_fw-la about_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o the_o last_o head_n of_o our_o discourse_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v alittle_o we_o say_v 1._o whatever_o power_n the_o magistrate_n have_v about_o the_o church_n and_o her_o concern_v as_o such_o it_o be_v astrict_v and_o subordinate_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o erastianisme_n do_v yield_v as_o vedelius_fw-la yea_o erastus_n himself_o and_o all_o of_o that_o sect_n hence_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o command_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o or_o without_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v none_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v such_o command_n as_o all_o protestant_n grant_v therefore_o till_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o prelacy_n be_v allow_v and_o appoint_v in_o the_o word_n our_o nonobedience_n or_o non_fw-la submission_n to_o it_o although_o command_v by_o the_o magistrate_n can_v be_v just_o condemn_v it_o be_v true_a stillingfleet_n be_v at_o much_o pain_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v indifferent_a but_o on_o such_o ground_n as_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o with_o so_o little_a success_n as_o we_o remain_v the_o more_o confirm_v in_o the_o contrare_fw-la woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v no_o better_a ground_n for_o presbytery_n than_o the_o strong_a pleader_n for_o prelacy_n have_v yet_o show_v for_o it_o 2_o the_o magistrate_n with_o the_o subject_n be_v under_o the_o divine_a obligation_n of_o covenant_n and_o oath_n against_o prelacy_n have_v no_o power_n to_o command_v its_o reception_n neither_o â—â—n_fw-la the_o subject_n give_v the_o obedience_n require_v without_o horrid_a sin_n against_o god_n if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o do_v and_o command_v contrare_fw-la to_o such_o divine_a obligation_n and_o engagement_n and_o a_o obligation_n on_o the_o subject_n