to_o exercise_v the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n that_o these_o be_v but_o so_o many_o waste_a paper_n wherein_o presbytery_n be_v wrap_v up_o to_o make_v it_o look_v more_o handsome_o and_o pass_v more_o current_o we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v that_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o your_o conscience_n you_o will_v serious_o consider_v whether_o you_o have_v not_o both_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o charity_n in_o pass_v such_o hard_a censure_n upon_o we_o and_o also_o usurp_v that_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o in_o make_v yourselves_o judge_n of_o what_o fall_v not_o under_o your_o cognizance_n the_o thing_n you_o mention_v belong_v only_o to_o be_v try_v by_o your_o and_o our_o master_n to_o who_o we_o must_v all_o stand_v or_o fall_v but_o we_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a that_o presbytery_n which_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o any_o paint_n or_o cover_v to_o make_v it_o look_v more_o handsome_o and_o pass_v more_o current_o shall_v be_v account_v by_o you_o the_o anguis_fw-la in_o herba_fw-la whereof_o you_o have_v need_v to_o beware_v it_o have_v never_o give_v that_o offence_n to_o any_o as_o to_o merit_v such_o language_n sect_n vi_o but_o now_o you_o frame_v a_o objection_n out_o of_o our_o paper_n and_o return_v your_o answer_n profess_v that_o you_o pray_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o church_n government_n throughout_o his_o highness_n dominion_n as_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o you_o do_v here_o join_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n together_o as_o you_o join_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n before_o you_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o make_v up_o the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o must_v judge_v what_o government_n it_o be_v that_o you_o pray_v may_v be_v establish_v of_o these_o two_o viz._n the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n that_o must_v be_v our_o sure_a guide_n and_o comment_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v his_o will_n reveal_v there_o touch_v church_n government_n and_o discipline_n if_o this_o be_v your_o sense_n as_o we_o apprehend_v it_o be_v we_o must_v needs_o profess_v that_o herein_o we_o great_o differ_v from_o you_o as_o not_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n record_v there_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n or_o no_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v by_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o yet_o admit_v for_o the_o present_a the_o rule_n you_o seem_v to_o make_v we_o shall_v desire_v to_o know_v from_o you_o what_o that_o church_n government_n be_v which_o be_v so_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n for_o our_o own_o part_n we_o think_v it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o you_o or_o any_o other_o to_o demonstrate_v out_o of_o any_o record_n of_o antiquity_n what_o be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o whole_a space_n of_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n after_o christ_n or_o the_o great_a part_n thereof_o except_v so_o much_o as_o be_v leave_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n that_o concern_v those_o time_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v both_o imperfect_a and_o far_o from_o show_v we_o what_o be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n then_o though_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o church_n may_v be_v mention_v and_o likewise_o very_o questionable_a at_o least_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o assure_v we_o that_o some_o of_o those_o that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o approve_a author_n of_o those_o time_n be_v neither_o spurious_a nor_o corrupt_v and_o hereupon_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v leave_v very_o doubtful_a what_o government_n it_o be_v that_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o universal_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n for_o that_o time_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o rule_n itself_o which_o you_o seem_v here_o to_o lay_v down_o we_o can_v close_v with_o it_o we_o do_v much_o honour_n and_o reverence_v the_o primitive_a church_n but_o yet_o we_o believe_v we_o owe_v more_o reverence_n to_o the_o scripture_n then_o to_o judge_v they_o either_o imperfect_a or_o not_o to_o have_v light_n enough_o in_o themselves_o for_o the_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n touch_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n except_o it_o be_v first_o resolve_v what_o be_v either_o the_o concurrent_a interpretation_n of_o the_o father_n or_o the_o universal_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o those_o time_n beside_o that_o admit_v this_o for_o a_o rule_n that_o the_o universal_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n must_v be_v that_o which_o must_v assure_v we_o what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o government_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n our_o faith_n be_v hereupon_o resolve_v into_o a_o most_o uncertain_a ground_n and_o so_o make_v fallible_a and_o turn_v into_o opinion_n for_o what_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n beside_o the_o scripture_n can_v assure_v we_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o contain_v that_o they_o be_v such_o indeed_o as_o they_o be_v there_o report_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o themselves_o being_n man_n that_o be_v not_o infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o suppose_v we_o can_v be_v infallible_o assure_v which_o yet_o never_o can_v be_v what_o be_v the_o universal_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n how_o shall_v that_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o assure_v we_o what_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o as_o we_o see_v not_o especial_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o that_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o some_o thing_n be_v dissonant_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v error_n in_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n can_v be_v no_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v by_o what_o church_n government_n be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n we_o know_v there_o be_v corruption_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n there_o be_v such_o hot_a contention_n betwixt_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o 2._o cause_v they_o to_o part_v asunder_o peter_n so_o fail_v in_o his_o practice_n as_o that_o though_o before_o some_o come_v from_o james_n he_o do_v eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v come_v he_o withdraw_v himself_o fear_v they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n and_o hereupon_o not_o only_o other_o jew_n likewise_o dissemble_v with_o he_o but_o barnabas_n also_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o their_o dissimulation_n whence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a man_n even_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v of_o a_o spread_a nature_n and_o the_o better_a the_o person_n that_o give_v the_o bad_a example_n be_v the_o great_a the_o danger_n of_o the_o more_o universal_a leaven_n nay_o we_o find_v that_o not_o only_o some_o few_o apostolical_a man_n have_v their_o fail_n but_o even_o apostolical_a primitive_a church_n do_v in_o the_o very_a face_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v yet_o alive_a make_v great_a defection_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v manifest_a the_o apostle_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o even_o in_o his_o time_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v and_o in_o after_o time_n we_o know_v how_o the_o doctrine_n be_v corrupt_v what_o gross_a superstition_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n what_o domination_n be_v strive_v for_o among_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n till_o at_o length_n antichrist_n be_v get_v up_o into_o his_o seat_n unto_o which_o height_n yet_o he_o come_v not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o by_o step_n and_o degree_n beside_o it_o be_v of_o fresh_a remembrance_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o reformation_n happy_o bring_v about_o in_o our_o own_o church_n in_o regard_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n after_o those_o dismal_a marian_n time_n yet_o the_o corruption_n in_o regard_n of_o
therefore_o you_o and_o all_o man_n may_v discern_v that_o when_o you_o say_v speak_v of_o the_o humble_a advice_n that_o in_o the_o eleven_o section_n all_o minister_n throughout_o the_o land_n and_o their_o assembly_n profess_v the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n though_o of_o different_a judgement_n in_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v all_o of_o they_o equal_o protect_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o profession_n that_o proposition_n be_v a_o great_a deal_n large_a than_o the_o humble_a advice_n will_v allow_v of_o it_o express_o conclude_v even_o from_o that_o protection_n allow_v to_o some_o other_o the_o way_n of_o prelacy_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o by_o some_o minister_n and_o other_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o minister_n and_o their_o assembly_n though_o profess_v the_o protestant_a religion_n can_v equal_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o protection_n there_o speak_v of_o but_o for_o answer_v to_o all_o that_o you_o here_o urge_v out_o of_o this_o eleven_o section_n of_o the_o humble_a advice_n we_o shall_v say_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o as_o yourselves_o speak_v only_o of_o protection_n allow_v by_o it_o to_o some_o person_n of_o different_a judgement_n in_o worship_n or_o discipline_n so_o whoever_o will_v peruse_v this_o section_n shall_v not_o find_v that_o it_o say_v one_o word_n touch_v the_o restraint_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n towards_o any_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o some_o that_o shall_v differ_v in_o other_o thing_n sc_n that_o have_v be_v mention_v particular_o before_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n from_o the_o public_a profession_n hold_v forth_o to_o who_o it_o allow_v protection_n from_o injury_n as_o it_o grant_v they_o a_o freedom_n from_o mulct_n and_o civil_a penalty_n and_o then_o after_o of_o such_o minister_n or_o public_a preacher_n who_o shall_v agree_v with_o the_o public_a profession_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n although_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n they_o differ_v in_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n who_o it_o make_v capable_a be_v otherwise_o due_o qualify_v and_o due_o approve_v of_o some_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n that_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o those_o expression_n that_o it_o own_v a_o public_a discipline_n which_o be_v not_o hold_v forth_o any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n establish_v by_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n aug._n 29._o 1648._o that_o have_v be_v often_o time_n mention_v but_o you_o will_v not_o find_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o public_a discipline_n hold_v forth_o be_v any_o where_o at_o all_o in_o this_o section_n prohibit_v or_o that_o it_o be_v restrain_v in_o regard_n of_o its_o exercise_n towards_o any_o or_o limit_v only_o in_o that_o respect_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o assembly_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o persuasion_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o public_a discipline_n hold_v forth_o as_o aforesaid_a may_v be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o any_o undue_a rigour_n or_o harshness_n towards_o any_o we_o shall_v here_o mention_v one_o rule_n which_o we_o recite_v with_o several_a other_o thing_n in_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o first_o paper_n touch_v the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n of_o proceed_v to_o excommunication_n which_o run_v in_o these_o word_n but_o the_o person_n who_o hold_v other_o error_n in_o judgement_n about_o point_n wherein_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n possible_o may_v or_o do_v differ_v and_o which_o subvert_v not_o the_o faith_n nor_o be_v destructive_a to_o godliness_n or_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n as_o be_v common_o find_v in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o be_v otherwise_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o holy_a in_o life_n and_o so_o not_o fall_v under_o censure_n by_o the_o former_a rule_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o do_v yet_o out_o of_o conscience_n not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o those_o rule_n which_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v establish_v by_o authority_n for_o regulate_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n for_o these_o cause_n shall_v not_o be_v denounce_v against_o they_o by_o this_o one_o rule_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a that_o as_o this_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o be_v accuse_v of_o undue_a severity_n so_o there_o be_v no_o repugnancy_n between_o the_o humble_a advice_n and_o it_o 2._o that_o which_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o have_v to_o say_v be_v that_o admit_v your_o proposition_n be_v full_o as_o large_a in_o the_o humble_a advice_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o you_o will_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v extend_v as_o you_o have_v lay_v it_o down_o which_o yet_o we_o have_v show_v be_v not_o so_o yet_o how_o inconsequent_o do_v you_o argue_v when_o you_o will_v infer_v a_o exemption_n of_o person_n from_o church_n censure_n authorize_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n from_o the_o humble_a advice_n because_o it_o afford_v they_o a_o protection_n against_o civil_a injury_n as_o if_o this_o proposition_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a all_o those_o that_o according_a to_o the_o humble_a advice_n be_v to_o be_v protect_v against_o civil_a injury_n be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o church_n censure_n and_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v prove_v or_o your_o consequence_n be_v never_o prove_v but_o to_o make_v that_o out_o we_o shall_v allow_v you_o time_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n must_v deny_v it_o and_o so_o now_o all_o you_o have_v to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o section_n be_v but_o mere_a varnish_n although_o we_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v you_o as_o we_o have_v tell_v you_o even_o now_o and_o often_o before_o what_o power_n be_v grant_v unto_o we_o who_o act_n by_o a_o unrepealed_a ordinance_n of_o parliament_n and_o yet_o in_o force_n that_o other_o have_v not_o although_o when_o you_o say_v be_v these_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o association_n subject_n to_o our_o government_n unless_o they_o will_v renounce_v their_o baptism_n and_o christianity_n and_o which_o you_o will_v represent_v we_o to_o assert_v in_o that_o recital_n you_o make_v of_o our_o word_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o section_n you_o do_v therein_o manifest_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o word_n of_o our_o answer_n for_o if_o the_o reader_n peruse_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o five_o section_n of_o our_o answer_n he_o may_v there_o find_v that_o we_o declare_v ourselves_o in_o the_o first_o place_n full_o against_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n and_o conclude_v that_o discourse_n with_o these_o word_n that_o hereupon_o our_o work_n be_v not_o to_o constitute_v church_n but_o to_o reform_v they_o only_o and_o that_o therefore_o none_o within_o our_o bound_n except_o they_o shall_v renounce_v christianity_n and_o their_o baptism_n can_v be_v deem_v by_o we_o to_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n this_o be_v our_o answer_n to_o what_o you_o have_v press_v we_o with_o in_o your_o first_o paper_n plead_v your_o exemption_n from_o under_o our_o government_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o say_v for_o what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v without_o the_o conclusion_n then_o that_o we_o infer_v do_v answer_v that_o argument_n you_o urge_v from_o the_o apostle_n word_n for_o its_o plain_a from_o our_o declare_v ourselves_o we_o judge_v none_o to_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o only_a heathen_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v or_o such_o as_o have_v former_o profess_v christianity_n do_v renounce_v it_o and_o their_o baptism_n and_o that_o therefore_o none_o can_v be_v exempt_v by_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o our_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o be_v the_o inference_n we_o thereupon_o make_v by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v very_o clear_a in_o what_o sense_n those_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o you_o here_o mention_v and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o except_o man_n do_v renounce_v christianity_n and_o their_o baptism_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o our_o government_n as_o you_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v but_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_v by_o we_o to_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n except_o they_o shall_v make_v so_o great_a a_o apostasy_n and_o wherein_o we_o be_v more_o liberal_a and_o charitable_a towards_o you_o than_o you_o be_v towards_o yourselves_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o another_o that_o make_v a_o member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n as_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o
scripture_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o shall_v determine_v this_o controversy_n etc._n etc._n who_o can_v forbear_v laughter_n to_o see_v scripturist_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o these_o under_o the_o law_n templum_fw-la domini_fw-la templum_fw-la domini_fw-la cry_v verbum_fw-la domini_fw-la verbum_fw-la domivi_fw-la nothing_o but_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n take_v to_o your_o bibles_n then_o and_o burn_v all_o other_o book_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n of_o old_a do_v who_o when_o they_o and_o their_o bibles_n be_v leave_v together_o what_o strange_a and_o fantastical_a opinion_n soever_o come_v into_o their_o brain_n their_o usual_a manner_n be_v to_o say_v the_o spirit_n teach_v it_o they_o as_o mr_n hooker_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o eccles_n pol._n the_o determination_n of_o council_n and_o father_n and_o the_o church_n universal_a practice_n for_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n must_v all_o be_v abandon_v and_o then_o to_o that_o old_a question_n of_o the_o papist_n where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o lutber_n or_o that_o of_o we_o to_o you_o where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o calvin_n just_o like_o the_o argue_n of_o the_o samaritan_n with_o the_o jeâ—â—s_n about_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o church_n on_o mount_n gerizim_n record_v by_o joseplus_n per_fw-la saltum_fw-la by_o a_o high_a jump_n over_o all_o the_o universal_a practice_n and_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n you_o can_v make_v your_o church_n and_o church_n government_n as_o ancient_a as_o you_o list_v by_o say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n refer_v it_o to_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n nay_o high_o yet_o if_o you_o please_v to_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n 1500._o year_n at_o least_o before_o christ_n mr_n henderson_n will_n assist_v you_o much_o in_o thâ—s_n who_o in_o his_o dispute_n with_o his_o majesty_n aver_v that_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v never_o practise_v before_o calvin_n time_n reply_v your_o majesty_n know_v the_o cammon_n objection_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o reform_a church_n where_o be_v your_o church_n your_o reformation_n your_o doctrine_n before_o luther_n time_n one_o part_n of_o the_o common_a answer_n be_v it_o be_v to_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o same_o i_o affirm_v of_o presbyterian_a government_n thus_o he_o make_v you_o such_o defence_n in_o behalf_n of_o your_o church_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n the_o protestant_a cause_n have_v not_o do_v not_o nor_o we_o hope_v will_v ever_o want_v far_o able_a disputant_n and_o champion_n in_o her_o defence_n against_o her_o adversary_n than_o he_o or_o you_o be_v for_o though_o we_o grant_v and_o shall_v ever_o pay_v that_o reverence_n to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v a_o unsallible_a unerring_a rule_n yet_o may_v we_o not_o 8._o cry_v up_o scripture_n to_o the_o contempt_n and_o neglect_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o teach_v man_n both_o to_o honour_n and_o obey_v we_o will_v endeavour_v therefore_o to_o give_v either_o their_o due_a according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a shall_v guide_v the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n where_o there_o be_v doubt_n or_o difficulty_n shall_v expound_v the_o scripture_n as_o say_v a_o bishop_n and_o you_o yourselves_o may_v remember_v what_o you_o affirm_v of_o general_a council_n usher_n the_o church_n representative_a nay_o more_o of_o your_o provincial_a assembly_n even_o in_o your_o answer_n to_o that_o you_o call_v the_o preface_n to_o our_o paper_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o invest_v a_o authoritative_a juridical_a power_n to_o who_o authority_n you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v subject_n and_o to_o which_o all_o aught_o to_o submit_v allege_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 32._o matth._n 18._o and_o act_n 15._o for_o proof_n hereof_o to_o inquire_v into_o try_v examine_v censure_n and_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o of_o discipline_n and_o tax_v we_o as_o if_o we_o refuse_v to_o submit_v in_o such_o matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_n council_n though_o here_o you_o retract_v and_o eat_v your_o own_o word_n cast_v it_o out_o as_o unsound_a and_o hetrodox_n what_o be_v before_o a_o christian_n duty_n to_o practice_v you_o still_o own_o subjection_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o your_o provincial_a assembly_n though_o you_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o general_n council_n and_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o those_o shall_v be_v our_o guide_n and_o rule_v and_o comment_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v his_o will_n reveal_v there_o touch_v church_n government_n and_o discipline_n say_v we_o not_o true_o that_o you_o seem_v to_o submit_v to_o your_o provincial_n what_o you_o will_v hardly_o grant_v to_o a_o general_n council_n but_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v say_v where_o there_o be_v doubt_n or_o difficulty_n may_v expound_v the_o scripture_n though_o it_o be_v tie_v as_o you_o have_v say_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o such_o proceed_n as_o judge_n to_o the_o law_n and_o we_o be_v conclude_v and_o bind_v up_o by_o that_o as_o we_o be_v to_o those_o case_n in_o the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o judge_n upon_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o same_o the_o church_n exposition_n and_o practice_n be_v our_o rule_n in_o such_o case_n and_o the_o best_a rule_n too_o as_o our_o late_a king_n affirm_v viz._n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o punctual_a in_o precept_n there_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o 20._o the_o church_n in_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n faith_n good_a manner_n or_o any_o positive_a command_n be_v the_o best_a rule_n that_o christian_n can_v follow_v so_o when_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n about_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o abound_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n or_o give_v way_n to_o private_a interpretation_n dominari_fw-la fidei_fw-la to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o faith_n of_o other_o we_o be_v not_o to_o utter_v our_o own_o fancy_n or_o desire_n to_o be_v believe_v upon_o our_o bare_a word_n but_o to_o deliver_v that_o sense_n which_o have_v be_v a_o foretime_o give_v by_o our_o forefather_n and_o forerunner_n in_o the_o christian_n say_v and_o so_o we_o necessary_o make_v another_o judge_n and_o rule_v for_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n or_o else_o we_o prove_v nothing_o thus_o have_v the_o best_a and_o able_a defender_n of_o our_o protestant_a religion_n defend_v it_o against_o the_o papist_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n too_o but_o not_o according_a to_o their_o own_o but_o the_o sense_n which_o the_o father_n unanimous_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o council_n give_v see_v mr_n philpot_n that_o glorious_a martyr_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n to_o the_o like_a question_n propound_v viz._n how_o long_o have_v your_o church_n stand_v answer_v from_o the_o beginning_n from_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o immediate_a successor_n and_o for_o proof_n thereof_o desire_v no_o better_a rule_n than_o what_o the_o papist_n many_a time_n bring_v in_o on_o their_o side_n to_o wit_n antiquity_n universality_n and_o unity_n and_o calvin_n acknowledge_v as_o in_o our_o last_o paper_n we_o show_v you_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_o nor_o sure_a remedy_n for_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n than_o what_o the_o father_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n give_v especial_o in_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n of_o nice_a constantinople_n ephesus_n and_o chalcedon_n which_o contain_v nothing_o say_v he_o but_o the_o pure_a and_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o which_o he_o profess_v to_o embrace_v and_o reverence_n as_o hallow_v and_o inviolable_a so_o they_o rest_v not_o in_o private_a interpretation_n but_o willing_o submit_v to_o a_o judge_n and_o rule_v beside_o the_o scripture_n even_o such_o as_o the_o papist_n themselves_o can_v except_v against_o viz._n the_o primitive_a church_n practice_v and_o universal_a and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o father_n and_o general_a council_n by_o these_o our_o church_n be_v content_a to_o be_v try_v and_o to_o this_o rule_n we_o bring_v the_o church_n government_n to_o be_v try_v thereby_o and_o on_o this_o score_n your_o presbytery_n be_v quite_o our_o of_o door_n be_v of_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n whole_o destitute_a â—_o wherein_o as_o the_o king_n have_v it_o the_o whole_a stream_n run_v so_o for_o episcopacy_n that_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o rivulet_n for_o any_o other_o which_o you_o be_v sensible_a of_o have_v no_o way_n to_o evade_v this_o rule_n but_o una_fw-la liturâ_fw-la to_o blot_v out_o all_o record_n and_o monument_n
answer_v to_o that_o objection_n which_o you_o make_v out_o of_o our_o paper_n wherein_o as_o you_o cut_v it_o short_a so_o you_o do_v manifest_o deprave_v our_o word_n for_o though_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o decide_v controversy_n touch_v ghurch_n government_n or_o of_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o then_o add_v which_o you_o here_o whole_o leave_v out_o and_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n record_v there_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n or_o no_o be_v to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v by_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o we_o never_o say_v away_o therefore_o with_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o hcurch_n this_o be_v a_o addition_n of_o your_o own_o and_o which_o when_o you_o profess_v to_o represent_v what_o we_o say_v be_v no_o more_o fair_a than_o your_o former_a substraction_n especial_o when_o such_o addition_n or_o subtraction_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a state_v of_o the_o question_n betwixt_o you_o and_o we_o although_o if_o the_o universal_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v add_v to_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n or_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a and_o perfect_a rule_n whereby_o to_o guide_v we_o we_o may_v well_o then_o say_v away_o with_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o yet_o in_o our_o answer_n you_o may_v have_v take_v notice_n that_o we_o say_v we_o do_v much_o honour_n and_o reverence_v the_o primitive_a church_n although_o we_o profess_v we_o owe_v great_a reverence_n to_o the_o scripture_n then_o to_o they_o and_o whereby_o we_o do_v not_o judge_n they_o be_v any_o whit_n disparage_v as_o they_o themselves_o will_v never_o have_v think_v upon_o such_o a_o expression_n but_o in_o our_o answer_n after_o we_o have_v propound_v the_o rule_n which_o you_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o make_v for_o decide_v of_o the_o controversy_n touch_v church_n government_n and_o other_o matter_n of_o religion_n sc_n the_o word_n or_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o except_o confirm_v or_o explain_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v any_o doubt_n about_o any_o matter_n as_o here_o you_o speak_v be_v not_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o determine_v it_o and_o which_o be_v that_o rule_n which_o here_o you_o own_o we_o first_o suppose_v it_o be_v admit_v of_o put_v you_o upon_o it_o to_o prove_v what_o be_v the_o universal_a prctice_n of_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n intimate_v to_o you_o that_o we_o think_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o you_o or_o any_o other_o to_o demonstrate_v out_o of_o any_o record_n of_o antiquity_n what_o thaâ—_n be_v for_o the_o whole_a space_n of_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n or_o the_o great_a part_n thereof_o except_v so_o much_o as_o be_v leave_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o which_o we_o give_v you_o our_o reason_n unto_o which_o you_o say_v something_o after_o you_o have_v first_o vent_v your_o distemper_n against_o we_o for_o not_o admit_v your_o rule_n but_o how_o satisfactory_a will_v come_v afterward_o to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o oppose_v the_o rule_n itself_o and_o for_o this_o also_o we_o give_v you_o our_o reason_n none_o of_o which_o you_o do_v either_o recite_v in_o your_o representation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v here_o say_v or_o return_v any_o answer_n to_o afterward_o and_o which_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o reply_v to_o our_o answer_n as_o we_o believe_v all_o ingenuous_a rational_a man_n will_v have_v be_v ashamed_a of_o who_o will_v have_v conceive_v they_o be_v oblige_v either_o to_o have_v return_v some_o answer_n to_o our_o argument_n or_o to_o have_v never_o reply_v at_o at_o all_o but_o be_v silent_a but_o see_v you_o mention_v they_o not_o we_o shall_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o short_a account_n what_o they_o be_v and_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o answer_n itself_o where_o he_o may_v see_v they_o more_o full_o the_o reason_n we_o give_v why_o we_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o rule_n you_o lay_v down_o be_v three_o although_o we_o do_v not_o in_o our_o answer_n number_v they_o and_o which_o perhaps_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o you_o may_v think_v if_o you_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o such_o a_o escape_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o pass_v the_o first_o reason_n we_o urge_v against_o your_o rule_n be_v because_o thereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v accuse_v as_o imperfect_a or_o as_o not_o have_v light_n enough_o in_o themselves_o for_o the_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n touch_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n except_o it_o be_v first_o know_v what_o be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n 2._o the_o second_o be_v because_o admit_v the_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v that_o which_o must_v assure_v we_o what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v church_n government_n our_o faith_n be_v hereupon_o resolve_v into_o a_o most_o uncertain_a ground_n and_o so_o make_v fallible_a and_o turn_v into_o opinion_n there_o be_v no_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n beside_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v infallible_o assure_v we_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o contain_v 3._o our_o three_o reason_n be_v because_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v what_o be_v the_o universal_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yet_o that_o can_v not_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o we_o what_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n consider_v that_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o some_o thing_n be_v dissonant_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n we_o here_o show_v there_o be_v corruption_n and_o so_o fail_n in_o practice_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n instance_v in_o the_o hot_a contention_n betwixt_o paul_n and_o bâ—rnabas_n peter_n dissimulation_n gal._n 2._o and_o not_o only_o in_o these_o apostolical_a man_n but_o also_o in_o apostolical_a church_n as_o of_o corinth_n galatia_n asia_n and_o then_o show_v how_o afterward_o corruption_n grow_v in_o the_o church_n in_o doctrine_n and_o government_n as_o the_o reader_n will_v see_v more_o full_o upon_o perusal_n of_o our_o answer_n and_o where_o he_o will_v find_v all_o these_o reason_n though_o you_o here_o be_v please_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o any_o of_o they_o but_o we_o hereupon_o infer_v that_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o you_o pray_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o church_n government_n as_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n we_o do_v believe_v you_o may_v cut_v the_o matter_n a_o great_a deal_n short_a which_o you_o eager_o catch_v at_o in_o the_o representation_n you_o make_v and_o say_v that_o you_o be_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o that_o government_n that_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o on_o which_o only_a faith_n must_v be_v build_v and_o into_o which_o at_o last_o be_v resolve_v when_o other_o record_n of_o antiquity_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o ancient_a as_o it_o be_v have_v be_v search_v into_o never_o so_o much_o shall_v determine_v what_o that_o be_v and_o so_o those_o wearisome_a and_o endless_a dispute_n about_o what_o be_v the_o universal_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n and_o which_o if_o it_o can_v not_o be_v find_v out_o in_o any_o good_a measure_n of_o probability_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n can_v never_o yet_o be_v so_o far_o issue_v as_o to_o be_v a_o sure_a bottom_n whereon_o our_o faith_n may_v safe_o rest_v may_v be_v cut_v off_o it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a rule_n and_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o factum_fw-la be_v not_o to_o prescribe_v against_o the_o jus_o the_o practice_n against_o the_o right_n or_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v we_o have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o make_v this_o representation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v answer_v because_o you_o be_v here_o so_o short_a and_o also_o because_o you_o come_v not_o at_o all_o afterward_o to_o answer_v any_o of_o our_o reason_n but_o fall_v upon_o we_o with_o foul_a language_n as_o if_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v a_o argument_n
surplice_n etc._n etc._n by_o any_o authority_n in_o our_o government_n they_o bring_v in_o something_o prelatical_a to_o our_o charge_n but_o not_o when_o we_o only_o press_v to_o the_o utmost_a against_o ignorance_n and_o scandal_n which_o be_v the_o least_o thing_n that_o government_n be_v ordinary_o know_v by_o we_o take_v the_o parochial_a diocesan_n as_o a_o mere_a scoff_n the_o very_a officer_n they_o strive_v against_o in_o our_o congregation_n make_v it_o apparent_a how_o far_o our_o government_n be_v from_o a_o parochial_a prelacy_n if_o they_o will_v be_v understand_v beside_o this_o flourish_n to_o mean_v our_o inforce_v our_o way_n upon_o man_n of_o other_o persuasion_n we_o have_v manifest_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v before_o and_o by_o our_o frequent_a practice_n how_o unjust_a this_o charge_n be_v 13._o the_o second_o thing_n be_v that_o we_o contradict_v ourselves_o to_o inveigh_v against_o the_o donatist_n and_o schismatic_n and_o yet_o espouse_v their_o quarrel_n and_o here_o by_o the_o by_o the_o great_a diana_n of_o this_o party_n be_v bring_v in_o viz._n mix_a communion_n a_o fearful_a error_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o oppose_v this_o etc._n etc._n that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a error_n of_o the_o donatist_n the_o world_n must_v believe_v and_o yet_o we_o preach_v against_o they_o and_o this_o great_o trouble_v these_o gentleman_n we_o have_v contend_v against_o the_o donatist_n of_o our_o time_n that_o pretend_v to_o separate_v from_o true_a church_n as_o many_o have_v do_v and_o we_o understand_v not_o that_o st_n augustine_n ever_o strive_v against_o donatus_n or_o his_o follower_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n but_o that_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a person_n shall_v not_o be_v debar_v the_o sacrament_n sure_o be_v a_o thing_n man_n so_o much_o for_o antiquity_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v never_o take_v as_o donatism_n the_o separation_n which_o we_o make_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o chrysostome_n cyprian_a and_o augustine_n himself_o will_v appear_v by_o their_o write_n to_o have_v lead_v we_o in_o and_o what_o our_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o rubric_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n do_v enjoin_v and_o shall_v have_v practise_v 14._o we_o know_v not_o any_o secular_a power_n we_o ever_o exercise_v or_o desire_v to_o do_v over_o any_o which_o any_o parliament_n or_o his_o late_a highness_n have_v blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o if_o they_o mean_v the_o civil_a sanction_n for_o our_o government_n we_o constant_o deny_v that_o either_o the_o parliament_n or_o his_o late_a highness_n have_v do_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o by_o our_o paper_n may_v appear_v 15._o and_o for_o the_o hurt_n they_o speak_v of_o by_o our_o secular_a power_n or_o by_o the_o goliah_n sword_n they_o jeer_v to_o have_v take_v up_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o of_o rom._n 13._o 3._o ecclesiastical_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a ruler_n be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o evil_a will_v thou_o then_o not_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o power_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v praise_n of_o the_o same_o for_o our_o require_v a_o sibbole_v for_o admission_n it_o be_v none_o other_o than_o a_o blameless_a life_n and_o competent_a knowledge_n and_o this_o we_o be_v able_a to_o show_v it_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o these_o subscriber_n have_v consent_v to_o under_o his_o hand_n in_o his_o own_o case_n we_o hope_v they_o will_v none_o of_o they_o own_o it_o that_o they_o have_v not_o this_o shibbole_fw-he ready_a and_o for_o our_o require_v all_o man_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o idol_n we_o have_v set_v up_o we_o may_v as_o well_o call_v their_o endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v the_o fond_a attempt_n of_o rear_v of_o dagon_n to_o his_o place_n again_o when_o he_o fall_v and_o break_v before_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n to_o make_v we_o like_o the_o egyptian_n when_o a_o little_a before_o as_o bad_a as_o nabuchadnezzar_n for_o the_o taskmaster_n dilemma_n we_o urge_v they_o with_o sure_o it_o wight_n have_v suffice_v what_o be_v say_v in_o our_o answer_n which_o they_o have_v print_v to_o have_v clear_v out_o text_n from_o that_o gloss_n they_o put_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o obstinacy_n only_o if_o the_o first_o construction_n will_v not_o have_v bear_v it_o which_o that_o it_o will_v and_o do_v we_o must_v with_o man_n that_o stand_v upon_o nicety_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v yet_o they_o have_v our_o express_a meaning_n declare_v we_o wonder_v how_o yet_o to_o fasten_v a_o aspersion_n upon_o we_o they_o dare_v in_o this_o place_n take_v the_o thing_n for_o grant_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n we_o desire_v to_o put_v man_n in_o no_o other_o strait_n than_o god_n himself_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v in_o and_o yet_o have_v leave_v a_o sufficient_a wayout_a man_n that_o be_v scandalous_a sin_n if_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o sin_n if_o they_o come_v not_o in_o the_o one_o for_o a_o mission_n of_o know_a duty_n in_o the_o other_o for_o a_o undue_a and_o sinful_a performance_n of_o it_o man_n may_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o and_o abstain_v from_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o too_o but_o they_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o mend_v that_o they_o may_v both_o come_v and_o come_v worthy_o 16._o for_o the_o three_o contradiction_n they_o be_v grieve_v with_o it_o be_v that_o man_n that_o impropriate_a the_o name_n of_o saint_n etc._n etc._n shall_v not_o carry_v more_o tender_o than_o we_o do_v true_o to_o this_o we_o may_v answer_v that_o they_o may_v charge_v that_o on_o we_o in_o malice_n which_o we_o can_v make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o from_o with_o modesty_n we_o know_v neither_o when_o we_o impropriate_v the_o name_n of_o saint_n or_o christian_n to_o ourselves_o nor_o yet_o wherein_o in_o the_o particular_a they_o mention_v we_o have_v walk_v contrary_a we_o presume_v the_o thing_n they_o charge_v we_o with_o they_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o we_o will_v go_v no_o further_o for_o appeal_n than_o the_o paper_n in_o hand_n let_v the_o impartial_a reader_n view_n what_o he_o can_v find_v savour_v of_o so_o much_o sweetness_n and_o candour_n in_o their_o first_o and_o last_o paper_n and_o what_o there_o be_v of_o provocation_n in_o we_o and_o by_o that_o let_v the_o matter_n be_v judge_v wherever_o the_o profession_n of_o saintship_n be_v where_o the_o contrary_a practice_n be_v most_o apparent_a we_o think_v it_o not_o strange_a to_o be_v count_v legal_a and_o bitter_a for_o speak_v against_o sin_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v count_v a_o enemy_n for_o tell_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v sad_o suspiscious_a the_o controversy_n lie_v on_o another_o principle_n than_o yet_o be_v in_o view_n we_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o like_o censoriousnesse_n unless_o it_o be_v free_a speak_v upon_o all_o occasion_n against_o gross_a wickedness_n we_o will_v hope_v those_o man_n will_v not_o patronize_v that_o cause_n which_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o only_o against_o if_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v we_o so_o censorious_a in_o private_a and_o severe_a in_o public_a we_o must_v profess_v we_o dare_v not_o be_v minister_n to_o soothe_v up_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n unless_o they_o can_v find_v we_o a_o christ_n that_o will_v save_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n yet_o we_o hope_v that_o such_o of_o our_o people_n as_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o be_v conversant_a with_o we_o even_o in_o this_o business_n of_o the_o sacrament_n do_v find_v some_o of_o that_o gospel_n tenderness_n which_o these_o man_n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n we_o be_v so_o utter_o destitute_a of_o and_o will_v answer_v more_o for_o we_o herein_o than_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o 17._o they_o now_o conclude_v their_o preface_n which_o usher_v these_o paper_n into_o the_o world_n and_o declare_v how_o much_o they_o be_v force_v against_o their_o disposition_n to_o print_v we_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o say_v we_o force_v they_o for_o they_o know_v we_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o they_o protest_v it_o be_v sine_fw-la ullo_fw-la study_v contentionis_fw-la without_o any_o pleasure_n or_o delight_n in_o contention_n whenas_o they_o be_v upon_o term_n of_o accommodation_n with_o we_o according_a to_o our_o narrative_a and_o the_o truth_n and_o yet_o print_v the_o paper_n and_o they_o profess_o hereby_o fire_n their_o beacon_n to_o raise_v up_o other_o to_o the_o like_a opposition_n or_o a_o strong_a where_o there_o be_v ability_n and_o occasion_n for_o the_o success_n of_o their_o cause_n we_o know_v not_o what_o god_n in_o his_o wise_a judgement_n may_v permit_v it_o to_o be_v the_o reception_n of_o what_o
congregation_n that_o may_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o neighbour_a family_n to_o meet_v at_o that_o shall_v be_v appoint_v for_o such_o a_o day_n as_o may_v be_v judge_v meet_a by_o the_o several_a minister_n 2._o that_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o all_o person_n that_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o constant_o turn_v their_o back_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._o that_o like_a notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o all_o scandalous_a person_n 4._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v private_o admonish_v according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n mat._n 18._o once_a or_o twice_o to_o see_v if_o they_o will_v reform_v and_o that_o the_o minister_n when_o he_o catechize_v the_o several_a family_n shall_v exhort_v such_o person_n in_o they_o as_o he_o find_v to_o be_v of_o competent_a knowledge_n and_o be_v blameless_a in_o life_n that_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o the_o eldership_n that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n 5._o that_o if_o they_o will_v neither_o hearken_v to_o private_a admonition_n nor_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o eldership_n their_o name_n shall_v be_v publish_v open_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o they_o warn_v before_o all_o to_o reform_v 6._o that_o if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v continue_v obstinate_a they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v these_o thing_n this_o class_n think_v fit_a to_o give_v public_a notice_n of_o be_v very_o sensible_a that_o for_o the_o want_n of_o the_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n ignorance_n atheism_n and_o licentiousness_n grow_v upon_o we_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n scandal_n of_o religion_n hazard_n and_o undo_n of_o many_o precious_a soul_n and_o the_o lay_v a_o blot_n on_o our_o several_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v now_o resolve_v see_v themselves_o necessitate_v to_o this_o severity_n of_o discipline_n for_o the_o free_n themselves_o from_o the_o great_a guilt_n of_o neglect_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n that_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v be_v under_o to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o they_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n although_o it_o will_v be_v their_o far_a great_a joy_n that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v occasion_n of_o use_v sharpness_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v earnest_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n beseech_v all_o those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a that_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o diligent_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o public_a and_o private_a mean_n for_o their_o information_n submit_v themselves_o with_o all_o readiness_n to_o be_v instruct_v and_o to_o consider_v that_o without_o knowledge_n the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a and_o they_o do_v also_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n exhort_v and_o warn_v all_o such_o as_o live_v scandalous_o and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o open_a sin_n that_o they_o break_v off_o their_o iniquity_n by_o repentance_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n speedy_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n that_o they_o neither_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n here_o nor_o by_o continue_v in_o their_o sinful_a course_n be_v keep_v from_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o and_o as_o touch_v such_o as_o turn_v their_o back_n constant_o on_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o class_n do_v wish_v they_o in_o seriousness_n to_o consider_v what_o a_o account_n they_o will_v be_v able_a one_o day_n to_o give_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o live_n in_o the_o daily_a neglect_n of_o a_o ordinance_n that_o be_v so_o exceed_v necessary_a for_o their_o own_o comfort_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o that_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n or_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o wholesome_a order_n for_o their_o own_o good_a as_o this_o class_n have_v be_v ready_a on_o their_o part_n to_o express_v all_o tenderness_n towards_o the_o weak_a and_o a_o willingness_n to_o condescend_v to_o the_o mean_a for_o the_o remove_n all_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v so_o far_o as_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o consider_v the_o fearful_a danger_n that_o all_o such_o do_v lay_v themselves_o open_a unto_o that_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o they_o do_v warn_v whosoever_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o take_v special_a care_n so_o often_o as_o they_o come_v to_o examine_v themselves_o lest_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n but_o because_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n must_v begin_v at_o private_a person_n and_o that_o if_o they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n of_o watch_v over_o and_o admonish_v one_o another_o and_o bring_v complaint_n to_o the_o eldership_n as_o there_o be_v occasion_n little_a or_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v for_o the_o thorough_a reformation_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n this_o class_n do_v therefore_o warn_v all_o and_o every_o of_o the_o member_n belong_v unto_o they_o to_o consider_v the_o great_a guilt_n they_o will_v lie_v under_o if_o they_o through_o their_o neglect_n obstruct_v so_o necessary_a a_o work_n and_o do_v exhort_v that_o therefore_o they_o will_v in_o all_o faithfulness_n lay_v aside_o all_o partiality_n slavishnesse_n and_o self-respect_n address_v themselves_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o if_o any_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o private_a admonition_n they_o make_v complaint_n thereof_o to_o the_o eldership_n course_n may_v be_v take_v for_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o obstinate_a and_o thereby_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n from_o that_o guilt_n they_o will_v otherwise_o lie_v under_o the_o preserve_v the_o ordinance_n from_o profanation_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o lump_n from_o be_v leaven_v the_o stop_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o such_o as_o seek_v occasion_n against_o we_o and_o final_o the_o everlasting_a welfare_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o go_v astray_o by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n octob_n 6._o 1657._o richard_n heyricke_a moderator_n pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la this_o representation_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o pro_fw-la vincial_a assembly_n thomas_n johnson_n moderator_n edward_z gee_o scribe_n the_o gentleman_n first_o paper_n to_o the_o eldership_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n belong_v to_o the_o association_n of_o the_o first_o class_n at_o manchester_n within_o the_o province_n of_o lancaster_n these_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o salute_v you_o in_o your_o own_o term_n we_o have_v see_v and_o serious_o weigh_v that_o paper_n draught_n entitle_v a_o presentation_n of_o the_o first_o class_n at_o manchester_n date_v the_o 8._o of_o sept._n 1657._o confirm_v by_o the_o provincial_n assembly_n at_o preston_n octob._n 6._o and_o publish_v at_o manchester_n church_n the_o 22._o of_o nou._n in_o the_o aforesaid_a year_n and_o do_v publish_v this_o our_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o be_v plain_a to_o we_o not_o rest_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o any_o general_n council_n contrary_a thereunto_o if_o any_o such_o shall_v be_v much_o less_o to_o one_o of_o your_o provincial_a assembly_n though_o you_o seem_v to_o submit_v to_o your_o provincial_n what_o you_o will_v hardly_o grant_v to_o a_o general_n council_n in_o which_o we_o dissent_v from_o you_o though_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o shall_v join_v as_o first_o 1._o we_o join_v with_o you_o in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o several_a gross_a sin_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n desire_v earnest_o to_o mourn_v first_o for_o our_o own_o next_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o of_o our_o christian_a brethren_n and_o fellow_n member_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n we_o be_v grieve_v together_o with_o you_o for_o the_o scandalous_a and_o offensive_a life_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o drunkenness_n uncleanness_n swear_v profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n etc._n etc._n 2._o we_o be_v also_o sensible_a with_o you_o that_o there_o be_v sundry_a person_n gross_o ignorant_a in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n 3._o you_o with_o we_o again_o we_o hope_v be_v sensible_a and_o grieve_a though_o you_o do_v not_o at_o all_o mention_n they_o for_o the_o gross_a error_n in_o judgement_n and_o the_o damnable_a doctrine_n of_o many_o who_o have_v rend_v themselves_o into_o as_o many_o several_a heresy_n as_o they_o have_v into_o sect_n and_o schism_n thus_o far_o we_o agree_v nay_o more_o touch_v the_o way_n of_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a and_o reform_v the_o wicked_a and_o erroneous_a we_o shall_v not_o much_o dissent_n 1._o and_o first_o for_o the_o information_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o ignorant_a by_o way_n of_o catechise_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v
make_v it_o a_o order_n that_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o all_o person_n that_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o saint_n we_o will_v glad_o know_v how_o far_o you_o extend_v this_o saintship_n this_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o saint_n if_o to_o your_o own_o church_n only_o and_o such_o as_o subject_v themselves_o to_o your_o government_n then_o s._n augustine_n answer_n against_o the_o donatist_n who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o among_o themselves_o may_v also_o be_v you_o o_o impudentem_fw-la vocem_fw-la say_v he_o illa_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la tu_fw-la in_o illa_fw-la non_fw-la es_fw-la vide_fw-la ne_fw-la tu_fw-la ideo_fw-la non_fw-la sis_fw-la nam_fw-la illa_fw-la erit_fw-la etsi_fw-la tu_fw-la non_fw-la sis_fw-la but_o if_o your_o charity_n reach_v further_o than_o to_o your_o own_o assembly_n than_o you_o make_v lawless_a person_n such_o as_o will_v not_o subject_v themselves_o to_o your_o government_n saint_n and_o member_n at_o least_o of_o the_o invisible_a triumphant_a church_n though_o none_o of_o your_o present_a visible_a militant_a church_n and_o then_o your_o charity_n over-reacheth_a again_o we_o be_v unsatisfy_v in_o the_o word_n public_a the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n what_o do_v not_o private_a assembly_n please_v you_o we_o presume_v you_o be_v not_o against_o private_a meeting_n your_o own_o practice_n speak_v the_o contrary_a but_o you_o will_v bind_v all_o notwithstanding_o your_o private_a assembly_n to_o frequent_v your_o public_a also_o other_o way_n they_o shall_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o though_o they_o can_v submit_v to_o your_o government_n leave_v you_o no_o room_n for_o tender_a conscience_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v otherways_o provide_v and_o if_o you_o under_o colour_n of_o authority_n will_v make_v law_n and_o edict_n and_o publish_v they_o open_o in_o the_o church_n for_o all_o to_o obey_v upon_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n in_o force_n whether_o you_o do_v it_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n or_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n which_o late_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v suppose_v in_o a_o charitable_a and_o favourable_a construction_n yet_o in_o what_o sense_n soever_o it_o be_v take_v we_o much_o question_n and_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o look_v to_o it_o whether_o you_o have_v not_o run_v yourselves_o into_o a_o praemunire_n again_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o like_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o all_o scandalous_a person_n our_o next_o quaere_fw-la be_v whether_o those_o that_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o second_o order_n may_v not_o be_v take_v for_o scandalous_a and_o so_o comprehend_v in_o this_o three_o if_o so_o quare_fw-la oneramini_fw-la ritibus_fw-la why_o do_v you_o lengthen_v out_o your_o paper_n and_o burden_v we_o with_o tradition_n in_o multiply_v of_o order_n sine_fw-la necessitate_v ad_fw-la arthritim_a usque_fw-la after_o the_o second_o and_o three_o order_n against_o those_o that_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a come_v in_o a_o four_o touch_v the_o catechumenist_n in_o the_o first_o order_n mention_v viz._n that_o the_o minister_n when_o he_o cateobize_v the_o several_a family_n shall_v exhort_v such_o person_n in_o they_o as_o he_o find_v be_v of_o competent_a knowledge_n and_o be_v blameless_a in_o life_n that_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o the_o eldership_n that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o what_o if_o they_o will_v not_o present_v themselves_o before_o the_o eldership_n the_o minister_n must_v exhort_v and_o admonish_v they_o what_o if_o still_o they_o refuse_v their_o name_n shall_v be_v publish_v open_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o they_o warn_v before_o all_o to_o reform_v that_o be_v the_o five_o order_n mark_v man_n of_o blameless_a life_n and_o knowledge_n must_v be_v warn_v before_o all_o to_o reform_v but_o what_o if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o will_v not_o reform_v but_o continue_v obstinate_a then_o no_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o four_o order_n there_o be_v their_o excommunicatio_fw-la minor_fw-la but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o a_o high_a censure_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v so_o faith_n the_o six_o and_o last_o order_n the_o great_a excommunication_n which_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n also_o and_o judge_v they_o no_o better_o than_o heathen_n and_o publican_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o piety_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o in_o brief_a all_o wilful_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o not_o only_o they_o but_o the_o know_v and_o blameless_a of_o life_n if_o they_o present_v not_o themselves_o to_o the_o eldership_n these_o thing_n premise_v lie_v sad_o on_o our_o spirit_n and_o conscience_n as_o not_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n for_o which_o we_o can_v so_o ready_o join_v with_o you_o till_o further_a satisfaction_n be_v give_v we_o and_o which_o the_o publisher_n of_o your_o paper_n promise_v shall_v be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o do_v desire_v we_o therefore_o think_v fit_a to_o signify_v these_o our_o scruple_n to_o you_o and_o shall_v wait_v earnest_o for_o a_o speedy_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o particular_n remain_v january_n the_o 12._o 1657._o your_o brethren_n desirous_a of_o truth_n unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n joshuah_n cudworth_n john_n ogden_n sen._n john_n ogden_n junior_n capt._n james_n buckley_n israel_n taylor_n john_n buckley_n nicholas_n walker_n ralph_n hall_n edward_n newton_n abraham_n butterworth_n robert_n twyford_n william_n radclyffe_n jo._n hartley_n ra._n bradshaw_n edward_n richardson_n tho._n holland_n fra._n mosley_n john_n byrom_n alexand._n radclyffe_n robert_n hey_o robert_n ashton_n william_n heawood_n alexander_n greene._n james_n marler_n george_n booth_n richard_n symonds_n richard_n wait_v richard_n halliwell_n isaac_n allen._n jo._n pollett_n tho._n prestwich_n leonard_n egerton_n ferdinando_n stanley_n humphrey_n bulkly_n nichol._n moseley_n william_n hulme_n william_n holland_n thomas_n symonds_n john_n scholefield_n ja._n wolstenhulme_n jo._n crompton_n john_n grover_n tho._n scoles_n theo._n anderson_n abdie_a scholfield_n tho._n heap_v sen._n william_n read_v john_n buckley_n richard_n leach_n james_n stoale_n robert_n wilson_n at_o manchester_n feb._n 23._o 1657._o the_o answer_n of_o the_o first_o classis_fw-la within_o the_o province_n of_o lancaster_n unto_o the_o first_o paper_n present_v unto_o they_o at_o their_o classical_a meeting_n jan._n 12._o 1657._o by_o certain_a gentleman_n subscribe_v by_o they_o and_o sundry_a other_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o association_n sect_n i._o gentleman_n we_o have_v peruse_v your_o paper_n and_o do_v find_v in_o it_o sundry_a mistake_n and_o some_o manifest_a wrest_n of_o our_o plain_a meaning_n in_o that_o paper_n of_o we_o which_o be_v publish_v in_o our_o several_a congregation_n and_o we_o be_v also_o sensible_a of_o the_o sharp_a reflection_n in_o it_o upon_o the_o government_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o our_o mannagement_n and_o on_o ourselves_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o answer_v you_o in_o that_o kind_n and_o therefore_o lay_v aside_o animosity_n and_o put_v away_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n however_o in_o faithfulness_n and_o plainness_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o your_o error_n and_o rectify_v your_o mistake_n and_o we_o do_v thus_o far_o acknowledge_v your_o fair_a deal_n for_o which_o we_o give_v you_o hearty_a thanks_o that_o you_o address_v yourselves_o unto_o we_o give_v we_o thereby_o the_o opportunity_n both_o to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o and_o give_v you_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o matter_n wherein_o you_o be_v mistake_v our_o leisure_n will_v not_o permit_v we_o to_o spend_v time_n about_o impertinency_n but_o yet_o that_o you_o may_v not_o conceive_v we_o be_v destitute_a of_o civil_a authority_n which_o you_o in_o your_o paper_n mind_n we_o not_o to_o contemn_v and_o we_o ourselves_o do_v profess_o testify_v all_o due_a respect_n unto_o as_o in_o duty_n we_o be_v bind_v we_o entreat_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n have_v resolve_v to_o establish_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o dominion_n of_o wales_n do_v august_n 19_o 1645._o publish_v their_o direction_n after_o advice_n have_v with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n for_o the_o elect_n and_o choose_v of_o rule_v elder_n in_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o classical_a assembly_n for_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o westminster_n and_o the_o several_a county_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o speedy_a settle_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o these_o direction_n as_o may_v be_v see_v pag._n 8._o they_o do_v ordain_v that_o in_o the_o several_a county_n certain_a person_n
of_o our_o presbyterian_a discipline_n etc._n etc._n unto_o which_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v constant_o profess_v against_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o the_o several_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n within_o this_o land_n that_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o several_a member_n of_o these_o congregation_n be_v by_o their_o birth_n member_n as_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n jew_n by_o nature_n gal._n 2._o that_o this_o their_o membership_n be_v seal_v to_o they_o in_o their_o baptism_n that_o do_v solemn_o admit_v they_o as_o into_o the_o universal_a church_n so_o into_o the_o particular_a wherein_o they_o be_v bear_v we_o have_v also_o constant_o maintain_v against_o the_o aforementioned_a person_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o these_o church_n be_v true_a minister_n notwithstanding_o that_o exception_n of_o they_o against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o bishop_n who_o also_o themselves_o be_v true_a minister_n in_o our_o judgement_n though_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v that_o by_o divine_a right_n they_o be_v superior_a to_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o profess_a judgement_n of_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n on_o the_o other_o dispense_v by_o these_o vinister_n be_v and_o be_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o hereupon_o our_o work_n be_v not_o when_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v appoint_v to_o constitute_v church_n but_o to_o reform_v they_o only_o and_o that_o therefore_o none_o within_o our_o bound_n except_o they_o shall_v renounce_v christianity_n and_o their_o baptism_n can_v be_v deem_v by_o we_o to_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n and_o so_o therefore_o not_o within_o the_o compass_n and_o verge_n of_o our_o presbyterian_a government_n neither_o be_v it_o their_o not_o associate_a with_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o government_n that_o do_v exempt_v they_o from_o censure_n by_o it_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o offender_n as_o by_o the_o rule_v thereof_o be_v just_o censurable_a it_o not_o be_v a_o matter_n arbitrary_a for_o private_a person_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o under_o that_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o be_v settle_v by_o authority_n and_o as_o you_o know_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v allow_v of_o under_o the_o former_a government_n 2_o and_o therefore_o whether_o you_o and_o all_o other_o within_o our_o bound_n be_v not_o comprehend_v within_o our_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n above_o mention_v appoint_v the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n and_o therein_o ordain_v as_o have_v be_v recite_v before_o in_o the_o first_o page_n thereof_o and_o to_o which_o we_o refer_v you_o especial_o consider_v that_o all_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o several_a parish_n that_o be_v no_o other_o now_o then_o former_o even_o papist_n and_o anabaptist_n and_o other_o sectary_n be_v under_o the_o late_a prelatical_a government_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o you_o to_o judge_v only_o if_o so_o we_o wish_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o then_o you_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o government_n of_o presbytery_n not_o so_o much_o by_o we_o as_o by_o the_o parliament_n appoint_v this_o government_n and_o then_o we_o think_v you_o who_o warn_v we_o not_o to_o contemn_v civil_a power_n may_v well_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o authority_n ordain_v it_o but_o especial_o consider_v the_o word_n presbytery_n be_v a_o know_a scripture_n expression_n 1_o tim._n 4_o and_o interpret_v by_o sundry_a of_o the_o father_n as_o we_o do_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v before_o have_v use_v a_o more_o civil_a expression_n then_o to_o have_v call_v it_o a_o common_a fold_n into_o which_o it_o shall_v seem_v your_o complain_v it_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v drive_v although_o presbytery_n lay_v restraint_n on_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n and_o so_o contemn_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o true_o and_o indeed_o the_o lawless_a person_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o but_o whereas_o as_o you_o suppose_v this_o be_v our_o chief_a design_n in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o transaction_n of_o we_o to_o subject_v all_o to_o our_o government_n we_o do_v refer_v ourselves_o to_o our_o course_n of_o life_n past_a and_o hope_v it_o will_v witness_v with_o we_o to_o all_o that_o will_v judge_v impartial_o what_o our_o design_n have_v be_v in_o our_o other_o transaction_n and_o as_o touch_v our_o design_n in_o the_o paper_n publish_v whether_o it_o have_v be_v aught_o but_o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o reformation_n of_o the_o scandalous_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o salvation_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o those_o that_o will_v judge_v of_o man_n intention_n by_o what_o be_v express_v in_o their_o word_n and_o action_n we_o know_v very_o well_o we_o be_v charge_v by_o some_o that_o we_o affect_v dominion_n to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o people_n and_o to_o have_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n of_o what_o rank_n soever_o to_o stoop_v to_o we_o but_o we_o do_v open_o profess_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v commit_v unto_o man_n be_v not_o despotical_a but_o ministerial_a that_o it_o be_v no_o dominion_n but_o a_o ministry_n only_o and_o that_o the_o officer_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o be_v themselves_o to_o be_v subject_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o body_n and_o estate_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n that_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v under_o and_o that_o in_o their_o government_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o body_n and_o estate_n of_o any_o person_n but_o with_o their_o soul_n only_o although_o here_o we_o desire_v to_o inquire_v of_o you_o whether_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n as_o you_o profess_v to_o be_v you_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o it_o we_o can_v judge_v you_o to_o be_v so_o irrational_a as_o to_o be_v for_o a_o government_n and_o that_o yet_o subjection_n to_o it_o must_v be_v deny_v and_o if_o the_o late_a government_n of_o the_o prelacy_n be_v not_o blame_v by_o you_o because_o it_o require_v subjection_n to_o it_o we_o wish_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o upon_o this_o account_n you_o have_v reason_n to_o censure_v we_o but_o further_a whereas_o you_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o garnish_n over_o our_o government_n with_o the_o specious_a title_n of_o christ_n government_n throne_n and_o sceptre_n we_o wish_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o in_o your_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n that_o you_o frame_v out_o of_o our_o paper_n yourselves_o do_v say_v you_o there_o tell_v we_o you_o pray_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o church_n government_n as_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n and_o leave_v by_o he_o to_o be_v transfer_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o expression_n you_o here_o use_v be_v as_o high_a touch_v that_o government_n you_o will_v have_v establish_v as_o any_o have_v be_v that_o ever_o we_o have_v use_v of_o we_o for_o your_o prayer_n be_v that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n and_o leave_v by_o he_o to_o be_v transfer_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o government_n then_o that_o you_o be_v for_o must_v be_v with_o you_o christ_n government_n throne_n and_o sceptre_n and_o why_o do_v you_o then_o condemn_v we_o if_o we_o have_v use_v such_o expression_n concern_v our_o government_n till_o you_o have_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o when_o yet_o you_o take_v to_o yourselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o use_v the_o like_a language_n concern_v the_o government_n you_o pray_v may_v be_v establish_v but_o where_o as_o you_o say_v presbytery_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n drive_v at_o here_o and_o that_o however_o she_o come_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o godly_a pretence_n of_o sorrow_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o
government_n to_o be_v change_v which_o say_v he_o however_o devise_v at_o first_o for_o a_o remedy_n against_o schism_n yet_o many_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n have_v judge_v it_o more_o pernicious_a than_o the_o disease_n itself_o and_o although_o it_o do_v not_o by_o and_o by_o appear_v yet_o miserable_a experience_n afterward_o show_v it_o first_o ambition_n creep_v in_o which_o at_o length_n beget_v antichrist_n set_v he_o in_o his_o chair_n and_o bring_v the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sense_n of_o these_o mischief_n make_v nazianzen_n wish_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o dignity_n or_o tyrannical_a prerogative_n of_o place_n but_o also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o principal_a dignity_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v speak_v but_o now_o say_v he_o contention_n about_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o left_a about_o the_o high_a and_o low_a place_n etc._n etc._n have_v breed_v many_o inconvenience_n even_o among_o minister_n that_o shall_v be_v teacher_n in_o israel_n thus_o far_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n of_o the_o province_n of_o london_n which_o we_o think_v good_a to_o transcribe_v that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o wise_a reader_n upon_o what_o ground_n the_o bishop_n come_v to_o have_v superiority_n over_o presbyter_n at_o the_o first_o and_o that_o however_o it_o be_v give_v he_o upon_o prudentiall_a reason_n and_o particular_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o schism_n yet_o it_o not_o be_v a_o way_n of_o god_n the_o device_n fail_v as_o sad_a experience_n in_o after_o time_n show_v the_o remedy_n prove_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n as_o not_o only_o those_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n quote_v by_o our_o brethren_n show_v but_o also_o church_n story_n make_v forth_o abundant_o and_o which_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a why_o we_o shall_v not_o so_o ready_o submit_v to_o re-admit_a moderate_a episcopacy_n as_o you_o expect_v 2_o but_o as_o you_o may_v perceive_v by_o this_o account_n give_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o presbyter_n be_v at_o the_o first_o introduce_v on_o prudentiall_a ground_n only_o so_o we_o shall_v here_o forbear_v at_o present_a to_o add_v any_o other_o argument_n but_o only_o prudentiall_a one_o why_o we_o can_v consent_v to_o admit_v of_o moderate_a episcopacy_n as_o we_o shall_v refer_v both_o you_o and_o the_o reader_n to_o what_o have_v be_v solid_o and_o learned_o write_v against_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o height_n by_o reverend_a and_o godly_a mr._n bane_n in_o his_o diocesan_n trial_n mr._n parker_n dr._n blondell_n salmasius_n bucerus_n and_o other_o together_o with_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n of_o the_o province_n of_o london_n in_o their_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la ministerii_fw-la evangelici_fw-la and_o who_o we_o here_o cite_v not_o for_o their_o bare_a testimony_n though_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v but_o because_o they_o have_v learned_o discuss_v this_o point_n and_o may_v present_v such_o thing_n unto_o you_o concern_v the_o same_o as_o may_v be_v worth_a your_o weigh_v and_o so_o we_o come_v to_o give_v the_o reason_n we_o here_o insist_v upon_o why_o we_o dare_v not_o admit_v of_o moderate_a episcopacy_n as_o the_o term_n of_o accommodation_n with_o you_o according_a to_o your_o proposal_n 1_o and_o the_o first_o that_o we_o shall_v here_o urge_v be_v the_o sad_a experience_n reason_n that_o we_o of_o these_o nation_n have_v have_v of_o the_o tyrannical_a bondage_n and_o woeful_a slavery_n that_o thousand_o of_o god_n precious_a servant_n be_v bring_v under_o during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o episcopacy_n we_o can_v but_o remember_v how_o when_o prelacy_n be_v at_o the_o height_n all_o the_o godly_a in_o this_o land_n conformist_n as_o well_o as_o nonconformist_n do_v grievous_o sigh_v under_o that_o heavy_a and_o intolerable_a yoke_n though_o you_o in_o your_o next_o paper_n tell_v we_o you_o be_v not_o so_o sensible_a of_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o canon_n 10._o and_o burthensomness_n of_o ceremony_n under_o which_o in_o the_o time_n of_o episcopacy_n any_o true_o conscientious_a do_v sigh_v and_o groan_v but_o we_o can_v but_o be_v grieve_v to_o hear_v you_o express_v yourselves_o after_o this_o manner_n what!_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o many_o thousand_o that_o be_v but_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n who_o groan_v under_o the_o burthensomness_n of_o the_o old_a ceremony_n that_o be_v rigorous_o press_v upon_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n if_o not_o submit_v to_o and_o who_o we_o doubt_v not_o however_o you_o judge_v of_o they_o be_v by_o god_n many_o of_o they_o receive_v up_o into_o glory_n shall_v not_o cartwright_n brightman_n ames_n parker_n baines_n bradshaw_n dod_n cleaver_n hildersham_n hooker_n cotton_n and_o in_o these_o part_n burn_v midgly_n bate_n langly_n rathband_n paget_n nichols_n and_o sundry_a other_o old_a unconformist_n that_o in_o their_o time_n be_v glorious_a light_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o this_o land_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o that_o be_v cast_v out_o suspend_v and_o silence_v by_o the_o prelate_n for_o not_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o order_n of_o those_o time_n not_o be_v reckon_v with_o you_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o conscientious_a or_o have_v you_o be_v such_o stranger_n in_o our_o israel_n that_o you_o have_v not_o hear_v what_o those_o have_v suffer_v under_o episcopacy_n or_o if_o you_o have_v hear_v do_v their_o suffering_n never_o pierce_v your_o heart_n certain_o you_o do_v hereby_o sufficient_o discover_v the_o temper_n of_o your_o spirit_n but_o we_o wish_v you_o may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o better_a frame_n before_o you_o die_v as_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n we_o be_v sorry_a that_o your_o own_o suffering_n we_o speak_v of_o some_o of_o you_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o late_a king_n have_v have_v no_o more_o kind_o work_v on_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o humble_v of_o they_o no_o not_o to_o this_o very_a day_n but_o however_o you_o judge_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v many_o myriad_o of_o people_n in_o these_o land_n yet_o alive_a that_o will_v give_v testimony_n with_o we_o touch_v the_o piety_n zeal_n faithfulness_n conscientiousness_n of_o very_a many_o minister_n and_o thousand_o of_o christian_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o suffer_v grievous_a thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o prelatical_a taskmaster_n even_o to_o the_o undo_n of_o many_o family_n the_o rob_n of_o several_a congregation_n of_o their_o faithful_a and_o painful_a minister_n that_o be_v drive_v from_o their_o place_n &_o force_v into_o corner_n or_o out_o of_o the_o land_n mere_o for_o not_o conform_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v then_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o that_o do_v conform_v to_o be_v but_o thing_n indifferent_a &_o not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a precept_n necessary_a nay_o it_o be_v grievous_a to_o the_o godly_a conformist_n of_o those_o time_n to_o see_v their_o deâ—r_a brethren_n thus_o cruel_o and_o unmerciful_o deal_v with_o even_o for_o very_a trifle_n but_o at_o length_n though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o have_v be_v some_o godly_a bishop_n the_o pride_n and_o exorbitancy_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o prelate_n grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o old_a conformity_n not_o serve_v the_o turn_n except_o man_n will_v prostitute_v their_o conscience_n to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o base_a lust_n to_o cringe_v bow_v at_o the_o altar_n read_v the_o book_n for_o dance_a and_o other_o sport_n on_o the_o lordsday_n temporize_v and_o do_v what_o ever_o be_v appoint_v nay_o if_o minister_n will_v be_v faithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n in_o preach_v catechise_n and_o the_o use_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n before_o and_o after_o sermon_n though_o godly_a and_o painful_a they_o be_v 51._o out_v of_o their_o place_n and_o thousand_o of_o conformist_n both_o minister_n and_o christian_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o land_n till_o at_o length_n the_o yoke_n begin_v to_o be_v so_o heavy_a and_o the_o cry_v of_o the_o oppress_v so_o loud_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o man_n that_o the_o parliament_n take_v the_o heavy_a pressure_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n into_o their_o pious_a and_o serious_a thought_n do_v cast_v out_o of_o this_o church_n with_o these_o taskmaster_n this_o tyrannical_a and_o lordly_a government_n that_o suit_v with_o the_o pride_n ambition_n and_o avarice_n of_o those_o that_o manage_v it_o and_o back_v with_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o prince_n to_o the_o serve_v of_o who_o will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v put_v into_o their_o place_n by_o he_o but_o too_o many_o of_o they_o be_v whole_o devote_v as_o that_o be_v also_o unto_o he_o a_o strong_a temptation_n though_o to_o his_o own_o undo_n to_o
espouse_v their_o quarrel_n embolden_v they_o to_o these_o intolerable_a exorbitance_n now_o except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o presbyter_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n prudence_n teach_v to_o fly_v from_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o heretofore_o have_v prove_v so_o burdensome_a and_o grievous_a especial_o consider_v that_o 2._o if_o moderate_a episcopacy_n shall_v once_o have_v foot_v in_o this_o land_n there_o be_v very_o great_a danger_n it_o will_v present_o encroach_v reason_n upon_o the_o pastor_n right_a and_o in_o time_n grow_v up_o to_o the_o full_a height_n that_o it_o be_v in_o heretofore_o sad_a experience_n for_o age_n together_o have_v show_v how_o through_o the_o ambition_n &_o pride_n of_o the_o bishop_n that_o love_v with_o diotrephes_n to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n the_o pastor_n as_o to_o the_o govern_n of_o their_o flock_n be_v spoil_v of_o all_o power_n out_o of_o what_o we_o quote_v even_o now_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o moderate_a episcopacy_n bring_v in_o at_o the_o first_o upon_o prudentiall_a ground_n yet_o become_v a_o stirrup_n for_o antichrist_n to_o get_v up_o into_o the_o saddle_n that_o first_o ambition_n creep_v in_o which_o at_o length_n beget_v antichrist_n set_v he_o in_o his_o chair_n and_o bring_v the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n upon_o the_o church_n for_o so_o dr._n whitaker_n express_v himself_o concern_v it_o and_o 1._o be_v there_o not_o still_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o same_o seed_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n as_o in_o former_a time_n and_o be_v there_o not_o hereupon_o cause_v to_o fear_v if_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o tempt_a of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o admit_v of_o that_o which_o will_v cherish_v and_o warm_v those_o corruption_n the_o same_o bitter_a fruit_n will_v appear_v as_o heretofore_o be_v it_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o the_o same_o cause_n upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n be_v still_o like_o itself_o and_o ever_o for_o kind_n one_o and_o the_o same_o shall_v produce_v the_o like_a effect_n as_o heretofore_o it_o have_v do_v but_o 2._o yet_o further_o if_o moderate_a episopacy_n be_v no_o plant_n of_o god_n plant_v as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la and_o yet_o a_o officer_n introduce_v into_o god_n house_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o he_o as_o to_o its_o author_n may_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a if_o like_v unto_o a_o wild_a vine_n it_o shall_v grow_v luxuriant_a or_o like_o a_o weed_n that_o be_v set_v in_o a_o fat_a soil_n it_o shall_v grow_v as_o rank_a as_o ever_o especial_o if_o warm_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o great_a one_o that_o may_v be_v induce_v out_o of_o respect_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n to_o smile_v upon_o it_o yea_o to_o countenance_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o discountenance_v the_o most_o faithful_a pastor_n in_o the_o land_n that_o will_v not_o dance_v after_o their_o pipe_n even_o to_o the_o out_v they_o of_o their_o place_n and_o spoil_v they_o of_o all_o rule_n that_o so_o the_o darling_n of_o episcopy_n that_o may_v be_v charm_v may_v grow_v the_o great_a but_o 3._o if_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o hearken_v to_o reason_n shall_v not_o the_o experience_n of_o those_o that_o thereby_o purchase_v their_o after_o wisdom_n at_o a_o dear_a rate_n lesson_n we_o sufficient_o to_o beware_v how_o we_o meddle_v with_o moderate_a episcopacy_n that_o will_v hardly_o be_v moderate_v but_o will_v be_v find_v to_o the_o cost_n of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o make_v further_a trial_n to_o break_v all_o bond_n and_o limitation_n though_o never_o so_o many_o and_o strong_a and_o never_o so_o wise_o make_v little_o be_v propound_v for_o the_o moderate_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o doctor_n usher_n in_o his_o reduction_n of_o episcopacy_n to_o the_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n receive_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n although_o we_o believe_v his_o design_n in_o the_o proposal_n there_o be_v very_o pious_a and_o proceed_v as_o well_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o great_a exorbitancy_n that_o prelacy_n be_v grow_v to_o of_o late_a time_n and_o its_o great_a unlikeness_n to_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v first_o admit_v as_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o tender_v some_o expedient_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o those_o trouble_n which_o do_v afterward_o arise_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n unto_o those_o strict_a band_n nay_o shackle_n and_o fetter_n that_o so_o far_o as_o man_n wisdom_n can_v foresee_v be_v lay_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o yet_o it_o burst_v they_o all_o and_o which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v tame_v in_o his_o proposal_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o suffragans_fw-la that_o be_v to_o be_v constant_a moderator_n in_o the_o assembly_n oâ—_n rural_a deanery_n as_o the_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n in_o the_o higheâ—_n assembly_n be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o have_v negative_a vote_n these_o as_o from_o the_o platform_n itself_o be_v manifest_a be_v to_o do_v all_o and_o conclude_v matter_n according_a to_o the_o major_a part_n of_o voice_n in_o these_o assembly_n but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o if_o the_o suffragan_n or_o bishop_n or_o archbishop_n be_v dissent_v any_o thing_n may_v pass_v according_a to_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o voice_n in_o the_o several_a assembly_n notwithwand_v and_o hereupon_o if_o these_o constant_a moderator_n be_v corrupt_a they_o may_v propound_v matter_n or_o not_o propound_v they_o to_o the_o assembly_n as_o they_o please_v and_o when_o they_o be_v propound_v yet_o not_o concur_v with_o the_o assembly_n obstruct_v all_o their_o proceed_n beside_o if_o all_o person_n that_o be_v admit_v into_o any_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n be_v to_o come_v in_o only_o at_o their_o door_n how_o soon_o may_v the_o ministry_n be_v so_o far_o corrupt_v as_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o to_o procure_v the_o major_a part_n in_o those_o assembly_n to_o vote_n according_a to_o their_o mind_n to_o oversway_n and_o overbalance_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o these_o assembly_n that_o though_o godly_a and_o able_a yet_o may_v not_o be_v so_o favour_v by_o the_o time_n as_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o any_o benefice_n as_o they_o have_v be_v call_v of_o any_o considerable_a value_n and_o so_o may_v be_v like_a to_o be_v for_o outward_a estate_n poor_a and_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o more_o contemptible_a but_o yet_o further_o if_o the_o suffragans_fw-la must_v come_v into_o their_o place_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o bishop_n into_o they_o as_o in_o former_a time_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v corruption_n here_o where_o there_o be_v more_o danger_n then_o in_o any_o in_o the_o high_a assembly_n which_o yet_o shall_v be_v the_o free_a from_o corruption_n and_o shall_v still_o be_v the_o better_a the_o high_a we_o go_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o person_n of_o the_o choice_a and_o best_a ability_n there_o be_v danger_n of_o far_o great_a corruption_n then_o in_o the_o low_a for_o all_o the_o suffragans_fw-la be_v express_o by_o these_o proposal_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o diocesan_n synod_n and_o of_o the_o rector_n or_o incumbent_a pastor_n beside_o the_o suffragans_fw-la it_o be_v say_v the_o rest_n or_o a_o select_a number_n out_o of_o every_o deanery_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o proposal_n and_o as_o touch_v the_o provincial_n synod_n it_o be_v say_v it_o may_v consist_v of_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o suffragans_fw-la and_o such_o other_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o shall_v be_v elect_v out_o of_o every_o diocese_n within_o the_o province_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o four_o proposal_n and_o so_o if_o the_o bishop_n and_o suffragans_fw-la shall_v be_v corrupt_v that_o be_v to_o be_v as_o constant_a moderator_n in_o these_o assembly_n so_o constant_a member_n of_o the_o high_a assembly_n by_o their_o power_n and_o dignity_n and_o great_a port_n in_o the_o world_n and_o through_o the_o neglgence_n of_o the_o time_n it_o may_v easy_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o these_o may_v be_v so_o bias_v that_o less_o good_a be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o high_a assembly_n where_o yet_o the_o remedy_n shall_v lie_v and_o whither_o appeal_n be_v to_o be_v make_v then_o in_o the_o low_a to_o say_v nothing_o that_o through_o the_o favour_n of_o great_a one_o if_o they_o shall_v side_n with_o the_o suffragans_fw-la or_o bishop_n that_o may_v be_v corrupt_v the_o meeting_n of_o these_o assembly_n though_o appoint_v by_o law_n as_o well_o as_o parliament_n may_v
all_o synod_n promiscuous_o to_o be_v admit_v so_o he_o will_v have_v their_o decree_n that_o be_v produce_v to_o be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o that_o reverence_n which_o he_o from_o who_o therein_o we_o differ_v not_o do_v give_v they_o but_o you_o may_v see_v he_o further_o go_v on_o and_o add_v utinam_fw-la eum_fw-la omnes_fw-la modum_fw-la servarent_fw-la quem_fw-la praescribâ—t_fw-la augustinus_n libro_fw-la adversus_fw-la maximinum_n tertio_fw-la nam_fw-la cum_fw-la hunc_fw-la haereticum_fw-la de_fw-la syncdorum_fw-la decretis_fw-la litigantem_fw-la breviter_fw-la vult_fw-la compescere_fw-la nec_fw-la â—go_fw-la inquit_fw-la nicenam_fw-la synodum_fw-la tibi_fw-la nec_fw-la tu_fw-la mihi_fw-la aâ—iminensem_fw-la debes_fw-la tanquam_fw-la praejudicaturus_fw-la objicere_fw-la nec_fw-la ego_fw-la huius_fw-la authoritate_fw-la nec_fw-la tu_fw-la illius_fw-la detineris_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la authoritatibus_fw-la non_fw-la quorumcunque_fw-la propriis_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la utrisque_fw-la sunt_fw-la commune_v res_fw-la cum_fw-la re_fw-la causa_fw-la cum_fw-la causa_fw-la ratio_fw-la cum_fw-la rotione_fw-la certet_fw-la the_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v hereby_o sufficient_o perceive_v that_o however_o calvin_n give_v due_a respect_n unto_o council_n yet_o both_o he_o and_o augustine_n who_o he_o cite_v will_v have_v all_o controversy_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o authority_n or_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o however_o he_o present_o after_o say_v that_o those_o ancient_a synod_n the_o nicene_n constantinopolitan_n the_o first_o ephesine_n and_o that_o at_o chalcedon_n and_o the_o like_a we_o do_v willing_o receive_v and_o reverence_v as_o holy_a quantum_fw-la attinet_fw-la ad_fw-la fidei_fw-la dâ—gmata_fw-la so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n let_v that_o be_v mark_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o the_o pure_a native_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o what_o be_v that_o to_o what_o you_o will_v father_n upon_o he_o viz._n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a sense_n nor_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o what_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n in_o such_o council_n all_o that_o calvin_n say_v be_v that_o he_o acknowledge_v these_o council_n do_v in_o doctrinal_n right_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n but_o he_o will_v not_o have_v their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o its_o interpretation_n as_o in_o your_o next_o paper_n when_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n about_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n you_o assert_v it_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o which_o there_o you_o allege_v this_o place_n of_o calvin_n will_v represent_v he_o to_o patronize_v and_o for_o which_o purpose_n you_o do_v also_o seem_v to_o allege_v he_o here_o although_o the_o reader_n by_o what_o have_v be_v quote_v out_o of_o he_o in_o this_o section_n will_v see_v the_o contrary_n beside_o that_o he_o do_v not_o say_v touch_v matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n only_o in_o controversy_n betwixt_o you_o and_o we_o those_o council_n he_o speak_v of_o do_v contain_v nothing_o but_o the_o pure_a and_o native_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o limit_v the_o same_o to_o doctrinal_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o therefore_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o you_o have_v thus_o far_o deal_v fair_o with_o calvin_n or_o no._n you_o also_o quote_v the_o thirteen_o section_n of_o this_o nine_o chapter_n lib._n 4._o but_o there_o we_o find_v only_o that_o he_o express_v himself_o thus_o nos_fw-la certe_fw-la libenter_fw-la concedimus_fw-la si_fw-la quo_fw-la de_fw-fr dogmate_fw-it incidat_fw-la disceptat_fw-la nullum_fw-la esse_fw-la nec_fw-la melius_fw-la nec_fw-la certius_fw-la remedium_fw-la quam_fw-la si_fw-la verorum_fw-la episcopoâ—um_fw-la synodus_fw-la conveniat_fw-la ubi_fw-la controversum_fw-la dogma_fw-la excutiatur_fw-la he_o acknowledge_v then_o that_o when_o a_o controversy_n do_v arise_v there_o be_v no_o better_o nor_o sure_a remedy_n for_o the_o determine_v it_o then_o by_o a_o synod_n of_o true_a bishop_n which_o be_v the_o bishop_n mention_v in_o timâ—thy_n and_o titus_n in_o calvin_n sense_n but_o yet_o he_o conclude_v that_o very_a section_n thus_o hoc_fw-la autem_fw-la perpetuum_fw-la esse_fw-la nego_fw-la ut_fw-la vera_fw-la &_o certa_fw-la sit_fw-la scripturae_fw-la interpretatio_fw-la quae_fw-la conâ—ilii_fw-la suffragiis_fw-la fuerit_fw-la recepta_fw-la i._n e._n but_o this_o i_o deny_v to_o be_v perpetual_a that_o that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o certain_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o a_o council_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v here_o press_v you_o to_o that_o which_o calvin_n say_v as_o touch_v this_o point_n see_v it_o have_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o late_a synod_n or_o assembly_n of_o divine_n 10._o that_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n elder_n of_o the_o people_n join_v with_o the_o priest_n &_o levite_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 19_o 8_o 9_o 10_o so_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o government_n and_o governor_n ecclesiastical_a in_o the_o church_n have_v furnish_v some_o in_o his_o church_n beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n with_o gift_n for_o government_n and_o with_o commission_n to_o execute_v the_o same_o when_o call_v thereunto_o who_o be_v to_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 12._o 7_o 8._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 2._o 8._o which_o officer_n reform_a church_n common_o call_v elder_n you_o ought_v nor_o against_o their_o determination_n touch_v this_o matter_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o you_o and_o we_o by_o your_o opposition_n to_o trouble_v and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v clear_o calve_v mind_n in_o this_o section_n this_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o calvin_n be_v we_o hope_v sufficient_a as_o touch_v the_o father_n you_o wish_v we_o to_o consult_v on_o rom._n 12._o intimate_v out_o of_o doctor_n andrews_n that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o church_n government_n and_o as_o much_o you_o say_v may_v be_v say_v for_o the_o other_o text_n not_o one_o father_n in_o their_o comment_n give_v such_o a_o sense_n and_o which_o you_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o that_o you_o offer_v that_o if_o we_o find_v one_o exposition_n for_o we_o you_o will_v yield_v we_o all_o unto_o this_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o we_o believe_v all_o wise_a and_o sober_a reader_n will_v easy_o discern_v that_o your_o overmuch_o confidence_n have_v put_v you_o on_o to_o over-shoot_a a_o great_a deal_n too_o far_o for_o we_o can_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o you_o have_v any_o of_o you_o much_o less_o all_o of_o you_o who_o be_v the_o subscriber_n of_o this_o paper_n consult_v all_o the_o father_n upon_o any_o and_o much_o less_o upon_o all_o these_o text_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o presumption_n to_o make_v such_o a_o offer_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o doctor_n andrews_n that_o yet_o be_v allege_v by_o you_o to_o speak_v but_o to_o only_o one_o of_o the_o text_n or_o any_o other_o have_v not_o consult_v all_o the_o father_n yourselves_o and_o that_o upon_o every_o text._n for_o what_o a_o hazard_n do_v you_o put_v your_o cause_n upon_o if_o but_o one_o father_n be_v produce_v against_o you_o in_o this_o matter_n if_o you_o shall_v be_v take_v at_o your_o word_n it_o be_v quite_o lose_v and_o if_o it_o be_v god_n cause_n and_o truth_n you_o stand_v for_o can_v you_o be_v excuse_v that_o you_o have_v offer_v to_o quit_v it_o upon_o such_o easy_a term_n but_o we_o will_v be_v more_o liberal_a to_o you_o then_o to_o take_v you_o at_o such_o a_o disadvantage_n though_o you_o have_v be_v too_o presumpteous_o liberal_a in_o make_v such_o a_o offer_n 2._o but_o suppose_v none_o of_o the_o father_n can_v be_v produce_v thus_o to_o expound_v any_o of_o these_o text_n if_o from_o the_o text_n themselves_o and_o what_o may_v be_v urge_v from_o other_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o which_o we_o with_o sundry_a other_o modern_a author_n give_v why_o shall_v this_o interpretation_n be_v reject_v because_o not_o back_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o of_o the_o father_n thus_o expound_v they_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_a to_o expound_v itself_o this_o indeed_o be_v your_o opinion_n as_o appear_v plain_o from_o your_o next_o paper_n but_o the_o popish_a unsoundness_n of_o it_o we_o question_v not_o but_o to_o discover_v when_o we_o come_v to_o it_o 3._o but_o if_o the_o father_n do_v not_o many_o of_o they_o determine_v the_o controversy_n touch_v roll_a elder_n from_o these_o text_n it_o have_v be_v start_v since_o their_o time_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a if_o they_o
be_v cast_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o argument_n you_o here_o urge_v be_v two_o we_o shall_v speak_v unto_o they_o both_o and_o in_o their_o order_n 1._o and_o here_o we_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o place_n unto_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n that_o you_o will_v fasten_v upon_o we_o reserve_v unto_o another_o off_o place_n our_o answer_n unto_o the_o charge_n of_o perjury_n where_o you_o do_v it_o more_o plain_o and_o express_o though_o here_o you_o may_v intend_v to_o insinuate_v it_o but_o as_o touch_v that_o of_o schism_n you_o plain_o declare_v that_o such_o minister_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n you_o say_v there_o be_v many_o among_o we_o though_o if_o we_o shall_v put_v you_o to_o prove_v this_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o as_o return_v not_o to_o that_o canonical_a obedience_n as_o you_o call_v it_o which_o they_o be_v swear_v to_o as_o you_o say_v lie_v under_o the_o blot_n of_o schism_n but_o in_o your_o next_o paper_n you_o charge_v we_o with_o this_o more_o than_o once_o and_o call_v it_o a_o rent_n indeed_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o high_a paper_n we_o shall_v not_o examine_v that_o which_o you_o here_o seem_v to_o take_v for_o grant_v sc_n that_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v ordain_v by_o bishop_n do_v swear_v canonical_a obedience_n to_o they_o which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v very_o untrue_a concern_v many_o as_o how_o far_o those_o that_o do_v take_v any_o such_o oath_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v be_v not_o to_o our_o purpose_n now_o to_o discuss_v but_o as_o to_o that_o blot_n of_o schism_n you_o will_v bring_v we_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o these_o nation_n under_o who_o return_v not_o to_o that_o obedience_n they_o sometime_o yield_v to_o their_o several_a diocesan_n we_o must_v speak_v the_o more_o full_o because_o the_o charge_n be_v foul_a 1._o but_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n speak_v something_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o schism_n signify_v a_o rent_n or_o division_n so_o it_o be_v use_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 25._o that_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n in_o js._n 7._o 43._o be_v say_v there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o schism_n or_o division_n among_o the_o people_n because_o of_o christ_n and_o john_n 9_o 16._o therefore_o some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n say_v this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath_n day_n other_o say_v how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n do_v such_o miracle_n and_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o division_n or_o schism_n among_o they_o so_o john_n 10._o 19_o and_o so_o we_o read_v act_n 4._o 4._o that_o the_o multitude_n be_v divide_v and_o part_v hold_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o part_n with_o the_o apostle_n this_o acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v general_a and_o may_v comprehend_v under_o its_o latitude_n any_o kind_n of_o dissension_n and_o hereupon_o divine_n though_o restrain_v it_o to_o dissension_n or_o division_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n speak_v of_o a_o good_a schism_n that_o be_v justifiable_a which_o be_v the_o dissolution_n of_o a_o bad_a union_n and_o that_o be_v but_o a_o conspiracy_n against_o god_n as_o be_v that_o union_n that_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n before_o they_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o john_n 10._o 19_o by_o this_o kind_n of_o schism_n afterward_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v rend_v and_o of_o which_o christ_n speak_v matth._n 20._o 35._o for_o i_o be_o come_v to_o set_v a_o man_n at_o variance_n against_o his_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o hereupon_o gerhardus_fw-la 156._o in_o answer_n to_o bellarmine_n charge_n of_o schism_n upon_o the_o protestant_n say_v denique_fw-la concedimus_fw-la nos_fw-la esse_fw-la sano_fw-la sensu_fw-la schismaticos_fw-la quia_fw-la scilicet_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la romana_fw-la &_o ejus_fw-la capite_fw-la pontifice_fw-la romano_n secessionem_fw-la fecimus_fw-la nequaquam_fw-la vero_fw-la ab_fw-la unitate_fw-la ecclessiae_fw-la &_o ejus_fw-la capite_fw-la christo_fw-la jesus_n nos_fw-la separavimus_fw-la at_o beatum_fw-la schisma_fw-la per_fw-la quod_fw-la christo_fw-la &_o verae_fw-la catholicae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la uniti_fw-la sumus_fw-la this_o schism_n be_v that_o which_o be_v command_v come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n revel_v 18._o 4._o and_o of_o this_o schism_n ambrose_n speak_v siqua_fw-la est_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la quae_fw-la fidem_fw-la respuit_fw-la deserenda_fw-la est_fw-la 1._o e._n if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n that_o refuse_v the_o faith_n it_o be_v to_o be_v forsake_v but_o as_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o schism_n it_o be_v usual_o take_v in_o the_o worse_a part_n so_o it_o be_v the_o bad_a and_o sinful_a shisme_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o but_o thus_o also_o it_o be_v sometime_o take_v general_o for_o any_o division_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v unwarrantable_a and_o so_o it_o comprehend_v also_o heresy_n and_o so_o the_o word_n heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o for_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v heresy_n or_o schism_n or_o sect_n that_o those_o that_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o they_o although_o strict_o heresy_n be_v oppose_v unto_o faith_n and_o schism_n unto_o charity_n and_o this_o lead_v we_o to_o show_v what_o schism_n be_v take_v strict_o and_o proper_o which_o in_o brief_a may_v be_v thus_o describe_v schism_n be_v a_o dissolution_n or_o breach_n of_o that_o union_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v among_o christian_n consent_v together_o in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o because_o this_o breach_n of_o union_n do_v chief_o appear_v in_o deny_v or_o refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o use_n of_o god_n public_a ordinance_n therefore_o that_o kind_n of_o separation_n be_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o singular_a appropriation_n true_o and_o right_o call_v schism_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n now_o because_o you_o here_o charge_v we_o with_o it_o we_o must_v needs_o tell_v you_o the_o charge_n be_v great_a for_o schism_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o worse_a part_n be_v a_o very_a hurtful_a dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a evil_n the_o apostle_n warn_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o and_o condemn_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1._o v._o 10._o 11_o 12_o 13._o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n prove_v the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v carnal_a because_o of_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 3_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o great_a offence_n against_o christ_n be_v a_o rend_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n it_o be_v a_o wrong_n unto_o the_o church_n who_o peace_n be_v thereby_o disturb_v and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o edification_n be_v thereby_o hinder_v and_o to_o conclude_v schism_n open_v the_o door_n unto_o heresy_n into_o which_o it_o do_v oftentimes_o degenerate_a and_o so_o make_v way_n to_o separation_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o you_o here_o charge_v we_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o blot_n of_o schism_n until_o episcopacy_n be_v again_o admit_v of_o and_o there_o be_v a_o return_v to_o that_o obedience_n that_o former_o have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o bishop_n shall_v have_v produce_v some_o argument_n for_o the_o make_v out_o your_o charge_n but_o here_o you_o be_v whole_o silent_a and_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o insinuate_v this_o so_o high_a a_o charge_n without_o give_v any_o reason_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o guiltiness_n as_o if_o we_o must_v present_o without_o reason_n judge_v ourselves_o because_o you_o accuse_v we_o 2._o yet_o because_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v the_o matter_n upon_o trust_n and_o except_o we_o purge_v ourselves_o from_o this_o crime_n by_o say_v something_o for_o ourselves_o conclude_v we_o be_v guilty_a because_o you_o say_v so_o we_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n offer_v to_o the_o reader_n these_o follow_a consideration_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o clear_v ourselves_o from_o this_o foul_a aspersion_n 1._o that_o though_o episcopacy_n be_v never_o restore_v and_o neither_o we_o nor_o any_o other_o minister_n in_o this_o land_n return_v to_o that_o canonical_a obedience_n that_o have_v former_o be_v yield_v yet_o still_o both_o we_o and_o they_o may_v continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o same_o church_n of_o england_n that_o we_o hold_v communion_n with_o during_o the_o continuance_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o with_o which_o we_o also_o do_v hold_v communion_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n this_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o paper_n you_o do_v not_o deny_v for_o you_o there_o speak_v of_o we_o as_o
end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o succession_n of_o a_o lawful_a ordain_v ministry_n and_o in_o your_o next_o paper_n you_o fall_v foul_a upon_o we_o and_o charge_v we_o with_o a_o rent_n indeed_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o high_a you_o add_v which_o be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o with_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o rend_v here_o you_o lay_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o episcopacy_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o none_o of_o our_o true_a protestant_a divine_n that_o defend_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o reform_a church_n against_o the_o papist_n will_v ever_o have_v lay_v upon_o it_o but_o here_o two_o thing_n be_v hint_v which_o we_o shall_v several_o examine_v 1._o you_o intimate_v that_o by_o the_o take_n away_o of_o episcopacy_n the_o church_n be_v overthrow_v it_o can_v be_v continue_v among_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n except_o episcopacy_n be_v restore_v 2._o but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o further_a implication_n sc_n that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o succession_n of_o a_o lawful_a ordain_v ministry_n which_o succession_n yet_o you_o intimate_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n if_o we_o have_v not_o bishop_n again_o that_o may_v ordain_v 1._o unto_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v answer_v after_o we_o have_v premise_v a_o distinction_n touch_v the_o word_n church_n for_o either_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o we_o which_o you_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v take_v essential_o for_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o place_n of_o its_o abode_n in_o this_o land_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o receive_v their_o denomination_n from_o the_o shore_n they_o wash_v or_o else_o you_o take_v the_o word_n church_n for_o a_o ministerial_a church_n or_o for_o the_o church_n represensative_a as_o it_o be_v take_v matth._n 18._o 27._o this_o premise_a we_o answer_v if_o you_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n your_o position_n be_v very_o gross_a no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o for_o want_v of_o bishop_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o england_n be_v at_o present_a overthrow_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o recovery_n of_o it_o but_o by_o the_o restore_n of_o they_o and_o so_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n it_o be_v no_o church_n with_o who_o we_o may_v safe_o hold_v communion_n which_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o of_o apostasy_n unto_o rome_n where_o bishop_n may_v be_v have_v we_o shall_v therefore_o to_o this_o say_v no_o more_o but_o only_a mind_n you_o of_o what_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o mr._n baxter_n out_o of_o b._n jewel_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o worcestershire_n minister_n page_n 58._o where_o he_o have_v these_o word_n b._n jewel_n in_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o apology_n authorize_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o all_o church_n part_v 2._o page_n 131._o neither_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n depend_v on_o they_o who_o you_o so_o often_o call_v apostate_n as_o if_o our_o church_n be_v no_o church_n without_o they_o they_o be_v no_o apostate_n mr._n h_o etc._n etc._n notwithstanding_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o neither_o of_o they_o nor_o of_o we_o leave_v alive_a yet_o will_v not_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o england_n flee_v to_o louvain_n tertullian_n say_v nun_n &_o laici_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la sumus_fw-la scriptum_n est_fw-la regnum_fw-la quoque_fw-la &_o sâ—cerdotes_n deo_n &_o patri_fw-la svo_fw-la nos_fw-la fecit_fw-la differentiam_fw-la inter_fw-la ordinem_fw-la &_o plebem_fw-la constituit_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la authoritas_fw-la &_o honos_fw-la per_fw-la ordinis_fw-la concessum_fw-la sanctificatus_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la vbi_fw-la ecclesiastici_fw-la ordinis_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la concessus_fw-la &_o offer_v &_o tingit_fw-la sacerdos_fw-la qui_fw-la est_fw-la ibi_fw-la solus_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o ubi_fw-la tres_fw-la sunt_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la est_fw-la licet_fw-la laici_fw-la but_o if_o you_o take_v the_o word_n church_n for_o a_o ministerial_a or_o organise_v church_n we_o oppose_v your_o position_n with_o these_o follow_a argument_n 1._o that_o which_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v sc_n that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n be_v all_o one_o in_o scripture_n acceptation_n will_v necessary_o infer_v that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o ministerial_a or_o organise_v church_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o continuance_n or_o restauration_n of_o bishop_n take_v they_o for_o such_o as_o be_v superior_a to_o presbyter_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o though_o these_o be_v never_o restore_v yet_o presbyter_n be_v continue_v that_o yet_o be_v bishop_n in_o scripture_n sense_n the_o organise_v and_o ministerial_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v fufficient_o secure_v against_o the_o danger_n of_o perish_v 2._o but_o by_o the_o tenent_n you_o here_o hold_v forth_o you_o do_v very_o uncharitable_o unchurch_n the_o best_a reform_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n scotland_n the_o low_a country_n and_o geneva_n must_v all_o be_v pâ—t_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o free_a organise_v and_o ministerial_a church_n and_o their_o minister_n must_v because_o they_o admit_v not_o the_o bishop_n that_o you_o be_v for_o be_v account_v no_o lawful_a minister_n yea_o you_o here_o again_o very_o undutiful_o unchurch_n your_o mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o she_o restore_v not_o episcopacy_n and_o herein_o gratify_v the_o papist_n no_n little_a that_o vilify_v she_o and_o other_o reform_a church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n and_o â—ry_o out_o against_o their_o minister_n as_o no_o lawful_a minister_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n both_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o reform_a church_n and_o their_o minister_n have_v have_v and_o still_o have_v better_a advocate_n and_o more_o dutiful_a son_n than_o you_o herein_o approve_v yourselves_o to_o be_v to_o plead_v their_o cause_n 3._o by_o this_o tenent_n also_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o the_o ordinance_n that_o be_v dispense_v in_o these_o church_n be_v null_n and_o void_a their_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n administer_v among_o they_o be_v no_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a must_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n that_o be_v dispense_v in_o our_o church_n by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o ordain_v by_o bishop_n and_o so_o it_o make_v they_o as_o to_o outward_a church-priviledge_n no_o better_o then_o mere_a heathen_n and_o hereupon_o it_o minister_v occasion_n of_o endless_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n unto_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n of_o question_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o baptism_n and_o whether_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v rebaptise_v which_o doubt_n also_o by_o your_o tenent_n be_v occasion_v also_o to_o all_o those_o among_o yourselves_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v not_o ordain_v by_o bishop_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o you_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o anabaptism_n which_o yet_o you_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v zealous_a opposer_n of_o 4._o add_v hereunto_o that_o hence_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o you_o must_v not_o hold_v any_o communion_n with_o these_o church_n nor_o such_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o these_o ordinance_n be_v dispense_v by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o ordain_v by_o bishop_n their_o minister_n according_a to_o your_o doctrine_n be_v not_o lawful_a minister_n and_o for_o the_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o they_o null_n and_o void_a and_o here_o be_v a_o rent_n indeed_o a_o rent_n in_o the_o high_a to_o use_v your_o own_o expression_n from_o which_o our_o old_a episcopal_a divine_n that_o be_v sound_a protestant_n will_v never_o have_v excuse_v you_o no_o nor_o doctor_n usher_n with_o who_o in_o some_o thing_n you_o profess_v to_o close_v for_o however_o he_o be_v represent_v by_o doctor_n bernard_n to_o have_v hold_v that_o a_o bishop_n have_v superiority_n in_o degree_n above_o a_o presbyter_n by_o apostolical_a institution_n 126._o and_o have_v express_v himself_o sharp_o enough_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o doctor_n bernard_n touch_v the_o ordination_n make_v by_o such_o presbyter_n as_o have_v sever_v themselves_o from_o bishop_n yet_o a_o little_a after_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o low-countries_n *_o he_o say_v for_o the_o testify_a his_o communion_n with_o these_o church_n which_o he_o profess_v to_o love_v and_o honour_n as_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a he_o shall_v with_o like_a affection_n receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o dutch_a minister_n if_o he_o be_v in_o holland_n as_o he_o shall_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o french_a minister_n if_o he_o be_v in_o charenton_n by_o which_o you_o may_v perceive_v however_o he_o hold_v those_o church_n
assembly_n under_o the_o title_n of_o a_o presentation_n but_o of_o a_o representation_n only_o as_o we_o say_v in_o our_o answer_n but_o as_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o these_o paper_n that_o you_o print_v you_o insinuate_v that_o we_o be_v man_n of_o low_a and_o cheap_a ability_n and_o in_o this_o paper_n do_v afterward_o jeer_v and_o scoff_n at_o we_o as_o person_n destitute_a of_o all_o learning_n as_o if_o you_o will_v monopolise_v as_o all_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n so_o all_o learning_n and_o make_v the_o same_o proper_a to_o yourselves_o and_o your_o own_o party_n though_o we_o hope_v we_o have_v so_o much_o as_o to_o fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o that_o which_o you_o will_v make_v some_o show_n of_o so_o here_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o represent_v we_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n too_o and_o those_o reverend_a and_o learned_a brethren_n the_o moderator_n and_o scribe_n of_o it_o also_o to_o be_v such_o poor_a illiterate_a person_n as_o do_v not_o well_o know_v how_o how_o too_o write_v good_a english_a second_o in_o your_o represent_v what_o we_o say_v touch_v submit_v to_o synod_n and_o council_n you_o do_v it_o but_o by_o the_o half_n and_o so_o deal_v unfaithful_o never_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v what_o we_o have_v in_o our_o answer_n in_o the_o first_o place_n declare_v viz._n that_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o company_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n whatsoever_o or_o to_o be_v build_v on_o the_o judgement_n of_o synod_n and_o council_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o we_o give_v our_o reason_n and_o further_o we_o there_o say_v that_o when_o you_o have_v say_v in_o your_o first_o paper_n that_o as_o touch_v what_o you_o therein_o declare_v as_o your_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o we_o that_o we_o publish_v you_o do_v not_o rest_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o any_o general_a council_n contrary_a thereunto_o if_o your_o meaning_n therein_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o we_o have_v declare_v we_o to_o be_v you_o have_v not_o we_o differ_v from_o you_o after_o we_o come_v to_o declare_v in_o what_o respect_v they_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v viz._n as_o they_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o authoritative_a judgement_n and_o that_o in_o that_o respect_n they_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o in_o which_o respect_n we_o say_v we_o submit_v our_o apprehension_n in_o the_o case_n propound_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n but_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a we_o proceed_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o private_a and_o public_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n allow_v the_o private_a to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o who_o we_o say_v be_v all_o of_o we_o to_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o judge_v concern_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n again_o we_o distinguish_v the_o public_a and_o authoritative_a judgement_n into_o a_o concional_a which_o belong_v we_o say_v to_o every_o minister_n to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n be_v commit_v by_o himself_o single_o and_o juridical_a which_o we_o say_v belong_v to_o synod_n and_o council_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o discipline_n commit_v to_o they_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o try_v examine_v censure_n and_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n authoritative_o though_o tie_v to_o the_o word_n in_o such_o proceed_n and_o likewise_o to_o censure_v offender_n and_o then_o we_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o purpose_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o we_o submit_v our_o apprehension_n in_o the_o paper_n we_o publish_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o for_o which_o we_o urge_v our_o ground_n all_o which_o will_v be_v clear_a to_o the_o reader_n upon_o the_o perusal_n of_o the_o second_o section_n of_o our_o answer_n but_o you_o only_o mention_v this_o last_o branch_n and_o say_v we_o tell_v you_o of_o a_o authoritative_a judgement_n of_o synod_n and_o council_n and_o how_o we_o hope_v when_o you_o have_v weigb_v the_o matter_n better_o you_o will_v not_o in_o this_o respect_n see_v cause_n to_o submit_v what_o you_o may_v publish_v as_o your_o own_o private_a judgement_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_a council_n suppose_v it_o may_v be_v have_v but_o see_v towards_o the_o close_a of_o this_o section_n you_o profess_v you_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v we_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o you_o touch_v this_o submission_n to_o synod_n and_o council_n you_o shall_v not_o thus_o maimedly_n have_v represent_v out_o opinion_n consider_v how_o vast_o different_a we_o and_o you_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v we_o and_o what_o you_o declare_v to_o be_v you_o in_o this_o section_n and_o which_o we_o shall_v manifest_v anon_o to_o the_o reader_n three_o you_o seem_v here_o to_o abhor_v the_o refusal_n to_o submit_v what_o you_o have_v publish_v or_o may_v publish_v as_o your_o own_o private_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_a council_n that_o have_v be_v or_o any_o that_o may_v be_v hereafter_o and_o do_v complain_v that_o we_o shall_v either_o ourselves_o judge_v or_o induce_v other_o to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v refuse_v to_o submit_v your_o judgement_n in_o the_o sense_n declare_v but_o here_o we_o must_v mind_v you_o that_o the_o sense_n we_o declare_v be_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o submission_n to_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o juridical_a authority_n not_o that_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v build_v on_o their_o judgement_n and_o in_o this_o latter_a you_o will_v be_v find_v to_o submit_v too_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v determine_v against_o you_o we_o fear_v in_o the_o former_a you_o will_v be_v find_v to_o submit_v too_o little_a we_o shall_v give_v the_o reader_n our_o reason_n for_o both_o that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o wrong_v you_o in_o fasten_v upon_o you_o without_o ground_n what_o perhaps_o as_o we_o have_v express_v the_o matter_n you_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o disclaim_v for_o the_o first_o you_o do_v in_o this_o very_a section_n profess_v as_o touch_v matter_n which_o be_v not_o so_o plain_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n your_o willing_a submission_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_a council_n and_o hereafter_o in_o the_o six_o section_n of_o this_o paper_n you_o say_v where_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n the_o church_n may_v expound_v the_o scripture_n although_o you_o grant_v what_o we_o say_v soil_n that_o it_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o such_o proceed_n as_o judge_n to_o the_o law_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o private_a person_n to_o examine_v whether_o in_o case_n of_o such_o a_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n the_o church_n have_v give_v the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o must_v notwithstanding_o any_o ground_n they_o may_v have_v from_o that_o text_n which_o the_o church_n may_v expound_v or_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_a submit_v their_o faith_n and_o belief_n in_o the_o case_n to_o the_o church_n determination_n for_o you_o there_o add_v and_o say_v we_o be_v bâ—und_v up_o by_o that_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n exposition_n as_o you_o say_v we_o be_v to_o those_o case_n in_o the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o judge_n upon_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o same_o the_o church_n exposition_n and_o practice_n as_o you_o there_o further_o say_v be_v our_o rule_n in_o such_o case_n and_o the_o best_a rule_n too_o and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n about_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o private_a interpretation_n and_o dominari_fw-la fidei_fw-la to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o faith_n of_o other_o to_o utter_v any_o other_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o you_o there_o call_v the_o utter_n of_o man_n own_o fancy_n then_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o our_o forefather_n as_o you_o do_v more_o full_o declare_v yourselves_o in_o that_o place_n from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o however_o in_o this_o section_n you_o say_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o such_o article_n as_o be_v plain_o warrant_v by_o god_n word_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n you_o refuse_v to_o submit_v your_o judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_a council_n yet_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v not_o so_o plain_o set_v forth_o you_o do_v and_o to_o the_o church_n exposition_n where_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n which_o be_v your_o rule_n
or_o tender_v his_o judgement_n as_o a_o umpire_n and_o composer_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o as_o you_o here_o say_v although_o we_o reverence_v he_o as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v learned_a and_o godly_a and_o of_o a_o far_o different_a spirit_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o dote_v upon_o episcopacy_n but_o for_o what_o purpose_n we_o quote_v he_o and_o how_o far_o we_o accord_v with_o he_o we_o have_v as_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o occasional_o so_o full_o declare_v our_o sâ—lves_n before_o in_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o second_o paper_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v thus_o rash_a as_o to_o impute_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o for_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o show_n of_o truth_n as_o there_o be_v not_o any_o in_o what_o you_o further_o add_v say_v that_o you_o will_v have_v close_v with_o we_o on_o our_o own_o term_n unto_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v sufficient_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o answer_n to_o this_o paper_n show_v how_o much_o you_o forget_v yourselves_o when_o you_o say_v so_o before_o and_o we_o must_v further_o tell_v you_o that_o however_o you_o may_v conceive_v of_o we_o yet_o we_o can_v still_o profess_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o we_o can_v cordial_o ourselves_o join_v in_o dr._n bernard_n wish_n and_o hearty_o recommend_v it_o to_o all_o sober_a spirit_v and_o godly_a person_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n though_o of_o different_a opinion_n in_o some_o thing_n touch_v church_n government_n that_o they_o will_v close_v therein_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o that_o we_o long_v after_o than_o a_o happy_a heal_n of_o breach_n among_o those_o that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o peace_n 4._o we_o have_v thus_o vindicate_v ourselves_o do_v now_o come_v to_o what_o follow_v where_o you_o say_v that_o presbytery_n in_o the_o father_n and_o scripture_n expression_n you_o reverence_n but_o we_o you_o still_o term_v a_o common_a fold_n and_o thâ—se_a godly_a pretence_n of_o we_o as_o you_o call_v they_o as_o so_o many_o waste_a paper_n wherein_o our_o presbytery_n you_o say_v be_v wrap_v to_o make_v it_o look_v more_o handsome_o and_o pass_v more_o current_o but_o if_o you_o have_v reverence_v scripture_n expression_n as_o it_o have_v be_v meet_v you_o shall_v you_o will_v have_v abstain_v from_o term_v our_o presbytery_n a_o common_a fold_n that_o presbytery_n which_o you_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o scripture_n expression_n according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o father_n by_o you_o allege_v be_v thereby_o reproach_v that_o be_v presbytery_n still_o and_o part_n of_o that_o that_o by_o you_o be_v so_o ignominious_o speak_v of_o as_o see_v it_o be_v dispute_v betwixt_o you_o and_o we_o whether_o roll_a elder_n be_v not_o comprehend_v under_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o word_n presbytery_n when_o speech_n be_v touch_v the_o ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a due_a reverence_n unto_o scriptural_a institution_n will_v have_v withhold_v you_o from_o come_v near_o to_o the_o vilify_a that_o which_o you_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o may_v be_v of_o god_n especial_o consider_v how_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o the_o late_a reverend_a pious_a and_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o home_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n of_o london_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n of_o this_o county_n to_o which_o you_o owe_v respect_n do_v all_o conceive_v the_o roll_a elder_n to_o be_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v therein_o by_o christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o may_v be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o word_n presbytery_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v that_o you_o or_o most_o of_o you_o be_v so_o much_o devote_v to_o episcopacy_n that_o presbytery_n in_o any_o sense_n be_v not_o any_o further_a in_o esteem_n with_o you_o as_o any_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v own_v by_o you_o but_o as_o you_o apprehend_v in_o this_o juncture_n of_o affair_n it_o be_v admit_v for_o the_o present_a with_o prelacy_n moderate_v may_v be_v a_o step_n to_o erect_v again_o in_o time_n episcopacy_n in_o its_o full_a height_n and_o which_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v that_o cause_n which_o in_o your_o preface_n to_o these_o paper_n you_o have_v print_v you_o profess_v to_o love_v as_o we_o do_v also_o conceive_v we_o may_v further_o say_v without_o transgression_n of_o any_o rule_n of_o charity_n that_o if_o the_o late_a king_n have_v not_o be_v too_o much_o bend_v for_o the_o uphold_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v on_o foot_n in_o his_o time_n that_o spoil_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o that_o rule_n which_o our_o church_n acknowledge_v do_v of_o right_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o have_v not_o be_v therein_o back_v with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o some_o of_o you_o and_o sundry_a other_o throughout_o the_o land_n that_o be_v therein_o full_o of_o his_o mind_n the_o proposal_n of_o dr._n usher_n touch_v the_o reduction_n of_o episcopacy_n to_o the_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n have_v be_v more_o ready_o comply_v with_o than_o they_o be_v to_o the_o prevention_n in_o likelihood_n in_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o those_o trouble_n that_o afterward_o do_v arise_v about_o church_n government_n but_o however_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o either_o he_o or_o you_o shall_v have_v call_v presbytery_n a_o common_a fold_n or_o why_o you_o shall_v though_o you_o have_v be_v back_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o great_a prince_n on_o earth_n have_v call_v it_o the_o anguis_fw-la in_o herbâ_fw-la whereof_o you_o have_v need_v to_o beware_v and_o to_o which_o you_o here_o say_v nothing_o though_o you_o use_v that_o expression_n concern_v it_o in_o your_o first_o paper_n and_o whereas_o you_o have_v also_o there_o say_v refer_v to_o the_o paper_n we_o publish_v in_o our_o several_a congregation_n that_o she_o come_v usher_v in_o with_o godly_a pretence_n of_o sorrow_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o destruction_n and_o then_o say_v that_o these_o be_v but_o so_o many_o waste_a paper_n wherein_o presbytery_n be_v wrap_v up_o to_o make_v it_o look_v more_o handsome_o and_o pass_v more_o current_o yet_o that_o be_v no_o purgation_n of_o you_o from_o your_o uncharitable_a censure_v of_o we_o and_o usurp_a that_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o in_o make_v yourselves_o judge_n of_o that_o which_o fall_v not_o under_o your_o cognizance_n and_o which_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v charge_v you_o with_o in_o our_o answer_n but_o from_o which_o you_o do_v not_o here_o acquit_v yourselves_o but_o as_o touch_v ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a that_o we_o have_v so_o far_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o charity_n in_o pass_v hard_a censure_n either_o upon_o he_o you_o or_o any_o other_o but_o that_o we_o may_v approve_v ourselves_o here_o to_o god_n touch_v our_o innocency_n herein_o and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o hereafter_o stand_v with_o boldness_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o great_a day_n and_o we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o neither_o any_o of_o you_o or_o any_o other_o throughout_o these_o nation_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o late_a king_n in_o that_o war_n he_o levy_v against_o the_o parliament_n have_v give_v the_o occasion_n just_o to_o be_v complain_v of_o at_o that_o day_n as_o therein_o his_o great_a enemy_n the_o gentleman_n paper_n sect._n vi._n and_o now_o we_o come_v you_o say_v to_o frame_v a_o objection_n out_o of_o your_o paper_n and_o return_v our_o answer_n profeise_v that_o we_o pray_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o a_o church_n government_n throughout_o his_o highness_n dominion_n as_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n by_o which_o two_o viz._n the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o uinversal_a practice_n of_o church_n we_o seem_v to_o church_n make_v up_o the_o rule_n as_o you_o say_v for_o decide_v of_o controversy_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o of_o any_o other_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o you_o profess_v to_o differ_v great_o from_o we_o as_o not_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_n of_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o of_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o away_o with_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v have_v cut_v the_o matter_n a_o great_a deal_n short_a and_o say_v that_o we_o be_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o that_o government_n that_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o
of_o antiquity_n for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n as_o imperfect_a and_o far_o from_o show_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n then_o and_o to_o brand_v the_o most_o approve_a author_n of_o those_o time_n as_o spurious_a and_o corrupt_a void_a of_o all_o modesty_n and_o show_v thereby_o no_o great_a store_n either_o of_o judgement_n or_o honesty_n but_o suppose_v the_o monument_n and_o record_n of_o antiquity_n for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n be_v now_o as_o you_o say_v grow_v unperfect_a and_o not_o able_a to_o show_v what_o be_v then_o the_o church_n practice_n yet_o come_v we_o to_o the_o general_a council_n which_o be_v the_o best_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n practice_n and_o we_o by_o they_o shall_v find_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o former_a time_n that_o famous_a council_n of_o nice_a which_o must_v be_v and_o be_v of_o all_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n reverence_v esteem_v and_o embrace_v next_o unto_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o show_v you_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o form_n of_o church_n government_n by_o patriarch_n metropolitan_a archbishop_n bishop_n etc._n etc._n as_o by_o the_o 6_o seven_o 13_o 25_o 26_o and_o 27_o canon_n of_o the_o same_o council_n appear_v not_o that_o this_o council_n do_v constitute_v and_o create_v as_o some_o false_o conceit_n but_o do_v only_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v those_o order_n and_o degree_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n so_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o council_n can._n 6._o the_o very_a first_o word_n of_o that_o canon_n whereby_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o all_o egypt_n lybia_n and_o pentapolis_n shall_v belong_v to_o the_o patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n even_o as_o it_o be_v also_o there_o decree_v that_o the_o ancient_a custom_n and_o privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n antioch_n and_o the_o metropolitan_n of_o other_o province_n shall_v be_v preserve_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a word_n which_o ignatius_n use_v to_o express_v the_o apostolical_a tradition_n anriqui_fw-la mores_fw-la obtineant_fw-la in_o aegypto_n lybiâ_fw-la &_o pentapoli_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n let_v the_o ancient_a custom_n in_o egypt_n lybia_n and_o pâ—ntapolis_n continue_v that_o the_o patriarck_n of_o alexandria_n shall_v have_v power_n over_o all_o these_o even_o those_o custom_n which_o be_v deduce_v down_o to_o those_o time_n from_o st_n mark_n the_o evangelist_n not_o only_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n but_o of_o the_o church_n of_o egypt_n lybia_n and_o pentapolis_n also_o so_o eusebius_n lib_n 2._o cap._n 15_o 16._o and_o other_o so_o that_o these_o canon_n here_o make_v give_v no_o new_a thing_n do_v not_o the_o novo_fw-la institute_n or_o establish_v this_o stand_a subordination_n in_o the_o church_n viz._n of_o all_o inferior_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o bishop_n in_o every_o diocese_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o every_o province_n to_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o metropolitan_a in_o every_o region_n to_o the_o patriarch_n or_o primate_n but_o do_v only_o confirm_v it_o these_o stand_a power_n and_o subjection_n be_v define_v and_o assert_v by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n yea_o the_o most_o ancient_a even_o in_o memorial_n apostolical_a tradition_n and_o 5._o custom_n avouch_v for_o it_o as_o may_v appear_v council_n nicen._n 1._o cap._n 4_o 6._o council_n antioch_n cap._n 1_o 20._o council_n chalced._n cap._n 119._o see_v more_o of_o this_o in_o dr_n hammond_n of_o schism_n cap._n 3._o sect_n 22._o 23_o 24_o 25._o cap._n 8._o sect_n 8._o thus_o much_o to_o show_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o point_n of_o church_n government_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n even_o from_o general_a council_n the_o best_a expositor_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o time_n and_o as_o they_o be_v our_o best_a informer_n of_o the_o church_n practice_n so_o be_v they_o the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n touch_v church_n government_n calvin_n reckon_v up_o the_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o bishop_n arch-bishop_n metropolitan_a and_o patriarch_n and_o render_v the_o reason_n of_o such_o governor_n ordain_v by_o the_o say_a council_n of_o nice_a though_o he_o dislike_v the_o name_n hierarchy_n which_o some_o give_v unto_o that_o government_n yet_o say_v he_o omit_v the_o name_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o these_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o frame_v a_o form_n of_o church_n government_n differ_v from_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n mark_v we_o pray_v the_o church_n practice_n in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n be_v hitherto_o according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o god_n word_n in_o calvin_n judgement_n and_o this_o be_v 330._o year_n after_o christ_n yea_o beza_n likewise_o that_o earnest_a â—atron_n of_o presbyterian_a discipline_n confess_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o ancient_a father_n concern_v the_o seat_n of_o bishop_n metropolitan_n and_o patriarch_n assign_v their_o limit_n and_o attribute_v to_o they_o certain_a authority_n be_v appoint_v optimo_fw-la zelo_fw-la out_o of_o a_o very_a good_a zeal_n and_o therefore_o such_o sure_a as_o be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v far_o from_o be_v optimus_fw-la the_o best_a zeal_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v find_v a_o church_n government_n agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o pray_v for_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o this_o nation_n put_v both_o together_o not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o nor_o the_o church_n practice_n alone_o but_o both_o together_o and_o both_o in_o their_o due_a piace_n not_o cry_v up_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n nor_o cry_v up_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o contempt_n and_o neglect_n of_o the_o church_n but_o restore_v the_o practice_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n into_o that_o credit_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o by_o invalidate_v of_o which_o all_o heretical_a and_o schismatical_a person_n seek_v to_o overthrow_v the_o church_n nay_o but_o you_o be_v that_o government_n which_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o your_o roll_a elder_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la which_o you_o can_v part_v with_o unless_o you_o shall_v betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n rom._n 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o we_o answer_v these_o text_n be_v too_o general_a to_o prove_v a_o roll_a presbytery_n out_o of_o and_o so_o you_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v by_o many_o more_o learned_a doctor_n of_o our_o english_a church_n yet_o rule_v elder_n must_v be_v find_v here_o for_o so_o you_o will_v have_v it_o let_v gideâ—ns_n fleece_n be_v wet_a or_o dry_a that_o be_v whether_o there_o be_v dew_n enough_o in_o those_o text_n to_o water_v the_o sense_n or_o no_o therefore_o be_v resoly_v on_o it_o you_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n which_o st_n peter_n complain_v of_o with_o exposition_n and_o gloss_n new_o coin_v to_o make_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o never_o mean_v give_v such_o new_a and_o strange_a sense_n to_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o hear_v of_o till_o of_o late_a year_n this_o wrest_n wrest_v of_o scripture_n dr_n andrews_n tax_v the_o papist_n withal_o say_v malus_n hic_fw-la cardinalium_fw-la mos_fw-la and_o we_o as_o true_o malus_n hic_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la mos_fw-la rem_fw-la facias_fw-la rem_fw-la si_fw-la possis_fw-la rectè_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la quocunque_fw-la modo_fw-la rem_fw-la etc._n etc._n such_o a_o sense_n you_o give_v of_o these_o place_n which_o none_o of_o the_o father_n â—ave_n or_o hear_v of_o and_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o they_o we_o can_v but_o term_v it_o a_o imagination_n of_o you_o and_o so_o leave_v it_o and_o you_o to_o what_o we_o have_v in_o our_o last_o paper_n further_o speak_v of_o it_o touch_v which_o no_o reply_n have_v be_v as_o yet_o send_v we_o from_o you_o the_o animadversion_n of_o the_o class_n upon_o it_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o worst_a part_n in_o all_o your_o paper_n your_o principle_n here_o be_v very_o corrupt_a even_o in_o a_o doctrinal_a matter_n of_o high_a concernment_n and_o that_o distemper_n which_o be_v upon_o your_o spirit_n break_v out_o here_o into_o rail_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n if_o not_o to_o blasphemy_n beside_o your_o flander_v of_o we_o and_o scoff_v at_o we_o which_o be_v ordinary_a with_o you_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v anon_o particular_o 1._o but_o we_o shall_v begin_v with_o that_o representation_n which_o you_o first_o make_v of_o what_o we_o
testament_n but_o also_o from_o the_o old_a and_o which_o book_n prove_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o also_o from_o the_o jewish_a judicatory_n to_o which_o some_o conceive_v christ_n allude_v matth._n 18._o when_o he_o say_v tell_v the_o chutch_n which_o be_v appoint_v many_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n and_o answer_v the_o opposer_n of_o this_o government_n in_o all_o the_o material_a point_n that_o ever_o be_v object_v against_o it_o by_o the_o great_a champion_n for_o episcopacy_n be_v never_o yet_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v see_v to_o this_o day_n and_o for_o this_o assistance_n however_o you_o contemn_v it_o yet_o we_o bless_v god_n neither_o be_v we_o ashamed_a of_o mr._n henderson_n answer_v to_o his_o late_a majesty_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o our_o divine_n have_v answer_v the_o papist_n sufficient_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n touch_v other_o matter_n as_o we_o be_v not_o ashamed_a neither_o to_o make_v this_o defence_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o our_o church_n and_o though_o we_o thank_v god_n hearty_o for_o those_o far_o able_a disputant_n and_o champion_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n than_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o have_v ever_o pretend_v to_o be_v not_o think_v ourselves_o worthy_a to_o be_v mention_v for_o any_o ability_n among_o they_o yet_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v which_o of_o those_o champion_n though_o they_o refuse_v not_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o papist_n with_o their_o own_o weapon_n sc_n the_o testimony_n of_o father_n and_o council_n do_v ever_o refuse_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sole_a judge_n and_o determiner_n of_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o you_o do_v or_o do_v they_o not_o rather_o stout_o and_o irrefragable_o maintain_v and_o defend_v this_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n against_o the_o adversary_n 5._o but_o now_o you_o come_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o reverence_v you_o pay_v to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o you_o say_v you_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a and_o unerring_a rule_n and_o will_v not_o a_o papist_n say_v so_o too_o but_o let_v we_o inquire_v of_o you_o will_v you_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a supreme_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n except_o you_o come_v up_o to_o this_o you_o be_v as_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o any_o reverence_n you_o pay_v to_o the_o scripture_n no_o further_o than_o a_o papist_n nay_o you_o join_v hand_n with_o they_o for_o they_o say_v as_o you_o do_v we_o may_v not_o cry_v up_o scripture_n to_o the_o contempt_n and_o neglect_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o teach_v man_n to_o honour_n and_o obey_v and_o sano_fw-la sensu_fw-la in_o a_o right_n and_o sound_a sense_n we_o shall_v say_v so_o too_o but_o you_o further_o declare_v yourselves_o touch_v this_o matter_n and_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a shall_v guide_v the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n where_o there_o be_v doubt_n or_o difficulty_n shall_v expound_v the_o scripture_n as_o say_v a_o bishop_n and_o you_o quote_v in_o your_o margin_n bp_o laud'_v preface_n that_o be_v not_o against_o usher_n but_o fisher_n *_o jesuit_n but_o here_o 1._o you_o mistake_v the_o question_n for_o it_o be_v not_o whether_o to_o the_o church_n belong_v not_o a_o ministry_n for_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v ready_o grant_v to_o she_o by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v by_o our_o protestant_a divine_v and_o that_o the_o text_n you_o cite_v in_o the_o margin_n will_v prove_v 2._o you_o plain_o discover_v your_o opinion_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o in_o this_o point_n be_v hold_v by_o the_o papist_n and_o be_v abundant_o refute_v by_o our_o protestant_a divine_n in_o their_o write_n the_o matter_n be_v plain_o thus_o and_o no_o otherwise_o for_o when_o you_o say_v where_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a it_o must_v guide_v the_o church_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n the_o church_n be_v to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n you_o plain_o insinuate_v that_o the_o scriptute_fw-la be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a and_o supreme_a judge_n touch_v controversy_n in_o religion_n for_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n in_o religion_n but_o the_o adversary_n be_v they_o antitrinitarian_n arrian_n papist_n or_o whosoever_o may_v say_v as_o you_o here_o do_v in_o such_o and_o such_o point_n in_o controversy_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o plain_a here_o be_v a_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n and_o we_o must_v stand_v to_o the_o church_n determination_n who_o be_v in_o such_o case_n to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n neither_o be_v the_o scripture_n in_o such_o case_n to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a infallible_a interpreter_n of_o itself_o to_o which_o all_o party_n be_v to_o stand_v and_o in_o who_o determination_n alone_o they_o be_v to_o rest_v and_o into_o which_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v which_o yet_o be_v that_o which_o be_v maintain_v by_o our_o protestant_a divine_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o anon_o only_o for_o the_o present_a we_o must_v mind_v you_o that_o this_o assertion_n be_v fetch_v out_o of_o the_o dregs_n of_o popery_n and_o be_v such_o a_o opinion_n as_o all_o sound_a protestant_n will_v disclaim_v neither_o do_v the_o text_n you_o cite_v in_o your_o margin_n prove_v any_o such_o a_o thing_n not_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o that_o be_v usual_o urge_v by_o the_o papist_n for_o that_o very_a opinion_n which_o you_o maintain_v but_o be_v sufficient_o vindicate_v by_o our_o divine_n show_v that_o the_o church_n be_v there_o call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o regard_n of_o her_o ministry_n only_o by_o her_o preach_n publish_v and_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o thereby_o transmit_v it_o to_o posterity_n but_o not_o to_o intimate_v that_o the_o scripture_n in_o any_o point_n where_o there_o be_v doubt_n or_o difficulty_n do_v borrow_v authority_n from_o the_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o edict_n of_o prince_n do_v from_o the_o publisher_n of_o they_o or_o from_o the_o pillar_n and_o post_n to_o which_o they_o be_v affix_v that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o general_o know_v the_o other_o text_n sc_n cant._n 1._o 8._o prove_n indeed_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o ministry_n commit_v to_o she_o for_o the_o feed_n of_o babe_n in_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o strong_a man_n which_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o if_o you_o will_v stretch_v it_o further_o its_o plain_a you_o wrest_v it_o 6._o in_o the_o last_o place_n you_o urge_v we_o with_o what_o we_o ourselves_o grant_v unto_o synod_n and_o council_n acknowledge_v they_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o authoritative_a juridical_a power_n to_o inquire_v into_o try_v examine_v censure_n and_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o of_o discipline_n and_o to_o who_o authority_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v subject_n and_o to_o which_o all_o aught_o to_o submit_v urge_v scripture_n for_o it_o etc._n etc._n nothing_o whereof_o we_o do_v here_o retract_v or_o eat_v our_o own_o word_n cast_v that_o out_o as_o unsound_a and_o hetrodox_n as_o you_o say_v we_o do_v which_o before_o we_o acknowledge_v be_v a_o christian_n duty_n to_o practice_v for_o here_o you_o do_v not_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o synod_n and_o council_n and_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o person_n to_o their_o censure_n in_o regard_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n hold_v forth_o by_o we_o or_o any_o practice_n this_o latter_a submission_n we_o still_o do_v ready_o yield_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o juridical_a authority_n they_o be_v invest_v with_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o this_o submission_n be_v that_o we_o profess_v before_o to_o yield_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v that_o we_o argue_v for_o but_o as_o touch_v the_o submission_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o their_o determination_n or_o so_o as_o to_o resolve_v it_o into_o any_o other_o principle_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o or_o to_o build_v it_o on_o any_o other_o foundation_n be_v not_o that_o reverence_n we_o ever_o acknowledge_v be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o synod_n and_o council_n and_o be_v that_o which_o here_o we_o do_v profess_o deny_v and_o therefore_o you_o do_v here_o again_o no_o less_o then_o slander_v we_o when_o you_o say_v we_o still_o own_o subjection_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o our_o provincial_n assembly_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o general_n council_n and_o the_o catholic_a church_n who_o neither_o we_o ever_o deny_v to_o be_v a_o guide_n or_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o useful_a
time_n and_o so_o their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n often_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o interpret_v this_o also_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v out_o of_o the_o compass_n and_o reach_v of_o the_o most_o person_n of_o ordinary_a rank_n to_o procure_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o council_n that_o be_v yet_o extant_a as_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o you_o be_v so_o well_o store_v as_o that_o you_o have_v such_o a_o library_n wherein_o all_o the_o father_n or_o most_o of_o they_o may_v be_v consult_v which_o yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v procure_v if_o their_o unanimous_a consent_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n for_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n when_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n and_o if_o some_o person_n may_v be_v find_v of_o that_o ability_n as_o to_o procure_v the_o work_n of_o all_o the_o father_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o even_o the_o learned_a though_o divine_n much_o less_o the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a can_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o read_v over_o all_o their_o work_n compare_v all_o the_o father_n together_o and_o their_o interpretation_n that_o so_o they_o may_v when_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n gather_v what_o be_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n touch_v the_o interpretation_n of_o a_o text_n the_o sense_n whereof_o we_o question_v and_o hereupon_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o what_o you_o propound_v as_o the_o rule_n yea_o and_o the_o best_a rule_n too_o for_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unfit_a and_o unmeet_a rule_n be_v such_o as_o few_o or_o none_o if_o any_o at_o all_o be_v able_a in_o all_o case_n or_o the_o most_o to_o make_v use_n of_o but_o by_o this_o time_n we_o doubt_v not_o notwithstanding_o your_o great_a confidence_n touch_v the_o sureness_n of_o your_o rule_n that_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o reason_n we_o have_v give_v unto_o which_o we_o may_v add_v many_o more_o if_o there_o be_v need_n that_o your_o rule_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n participate_v not_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o therefore_o however_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o church_n father_n and_o council_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v a_o rule_n but_o that_o the_o only_a sure_a rule_n for_o the_o interpret_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o because_o you_o allege_v something_o for_o your_o assertion_n we_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n examine_v it_o of_o what_o nature_n and_o strength_n it_o be_v and_o â—_o you_o quote_v the_o late_a king_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d although_o his_o assertion_n be_v more_o limit_v than_o you_o as_o from_o the_o word_n you_o cite_v be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a and_o as_o touch_v that_o which_o his_o word_n be_v allege_v for_o we_o must_v say_v that_o such_o a_o church_n government_n as_o be_v not_o find_v institute_v in_o scripture_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o substantial_o of_o it_o be_v therefore_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o scripture_n because_o not_o find_v institute_v there_o and_o this_o we_o affirm_v touch_v that_o episcopal_a government_n that_o you_o plead_v for_o that_o superiority_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o presbyter_n in_o regard_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v a_o mere_a device_n of_o man_n without_o and_o against_o scripturall_a warrant_n as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o more_o ancient_a and_o pure_a time_n and_o of_o which_o afterward_o 2._o but_o you_o further_o add_v and_o say_v that_o except_o your_o rule_n for_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n be_v admit_v of_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o abound_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o to_o utter_v our_o own_o fancy_n or_o desire_n to_o be_v believe_v on_o our_o bare_a word_n and_o so_o to_o give_v way_n to_o private_a interpretation_n whereas_o we_o shall_v deliver_v that_o sense_n which_o have_v be_v aforetime_o give_v by_o our_o forefather_n and_o forerunner_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n unto_o which_o we_o say_v that_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o interpretation_n that_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v give_v of_o scripture_n or_o it_o be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o other_o however_o father_n or_o council_n and_o forerunner_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v a_o interpretation_n infer_v or_o bring_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o utter_v of_o that_o interpretation_n be_v the_o utter_v our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n fancy_n and_o so_o be_v that_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 2_o epist_n ch_n 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o condemn_v and_o to_o who_o word_n there_o you_o do_v here_o point_v it_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o author_n of_o scripture_n who_o interpretation_n be_v that_o public_a interpretation_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v to_o give_v heed_n to_o and_o be_v that_o which_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o private_a interpretation_n mention_v as_o the_o apostle_n show_v ver_fw-la 21._o in_o the_o word_n follow_v but_o see_v you_o do_v here_o urge_v the_o very_a popish_a argument_n and_o that_o text_n which_o they_o quote_v touch_v the_o rule_n they_o make_v for_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o our_o protestant_a divine_v it_o be_v hence_o very_o clear_a that_o your_o opinion_n touch_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o you_o make_v to_o be_v the_o church_n exposition_n and_o consent_n of_o father_n and_o council_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o they_o and_o wherein_o you_o approve_v not_o yourselves_o to_o be_v either_o sound_a protestant_n or_o to_o own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o particular_a 3._o yet_o you_o go_v on_o and_o urge_v another_o argument_n for_o when_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n about_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o admit_v for_o a_o rule_n the_o exposition_n of_o the_o church_n consent_n of_o father_n and_o council_n you_o say_v that_o be_v dominari_fw-la fidei_fw-la to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o faith_n of_o other_o but_o we_o say_v as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o to_o impose_v a_o necessity_n of_o admit_v the_o interpretation_n give_v by_o the_o church_n father_n council_n when_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o the_o text_n so_o expound_v either_o the_o word_n of_o it_o scope_n or_o other_o circumstance_n of_o it_o the_o thing_n go_v before_o or_o follow_v after_o or_o from_o some_o other_o text_n with_o which_o it_o be_v compare_v this_o be_v certain_o dominari_fw-la fidei_fw-la to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n and_o which_o paul_n though_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n and_o immediate_o and_o infallible_o inspire_v will_v not_o presume_v to_o do_v 2_o cor._n 1._o â—4_n the_o church_n have_v only_o a_o ministry_n commit_v to_o she_o which_o be_v only_o to_o propound_v that_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o give_v and_o no_o more_o 4._o but_o thus_o say_v you_o the_o best_a and_o able_a defender_n of_o our_o protestant_a religion_n defend_v it_o against_o the_o papist_n though_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n too_o give_v the_o sense_n which_o the_o father_n unanimous_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o council_n give_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o question_n whether_o our_o divine_n defend_v the_o protestant_a religion_n against_o the_o papist_n not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o from_o the_o testimony_n also_o of_o father_n and_o council_n but_o whether_o they_o do_v ever_o make_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n and_o council_n the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n or_o rule_n for_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n he_o that_o shall_v hold_v the_o affirmative_a here_o do_v plain_o show_v he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o best_a and_o able_a defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n we_o shall_v ready_o grant_v that_o our_o divine_n do_v ex_fw-la super_fw-la abundanti_fw-la defend_v the_o truth_n against_o the_o papist_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o father_n and_o council_n but_o do_v never_o assert_v that_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o from_o the_o scripture_n alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a as_o they_o will_v never_o have_v quarrel_v with_o the_o papist_n touch_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o will_v have_v be_v content_v to_o have_v stand_v to_o its_o determination_n it_o be_v true_a mr._n philpot_n that_o glorious_a
go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o approve_a author_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n refer_v therein_o after_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n to_o the_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n be_v neither_o spurious_a nor_o corrupt_v but_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o what_o be_v allege_v by_o you_o out_o of_o ignatius_n for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o episcopal_a cause_n be_v not_o of_o that_o weight_n as_o to_o prove_v what_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o true_a ignatius_n much_o less_o to_o prove_v what_o be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n long_o before_o the_o assemble_v of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a or_o to_o evidence_n that_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 6_o canon_n have_v any_o reference_n to_o the_o word_n of_o ignatius_n which_o you_o cite_v and_o which_o may_v as_o well_o be_v foist_v into_o his_o work_n afterward_o as_o other_o thing_n and_o so_o nothing_o thence_o to_o be_v conclude_v either_o with_o the_o show_n of_o any_o certainty_n or_o of_o any_o good_a measure_n of_o probability_n 5._o now_o whereas_o you_o will_v have_v these_o ancient_a custom_n touch_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o metrapolitan_o and_o patriarch_n to_o be_v deduce_v from_o st._n mark_v the_o evangelist_n who_o you_o say_v be_v not_o only_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n but_o of_o the_o church_n of_o egypt_n lybia_n and_o pentapolis_n and_o will_v have_v the_o subordination_n of_o all_o inferior_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o bishop_n in_o every_o diocese_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o every_o province_n to_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o metropolitan_a in_o every_o region_n to_o the_o patriarch_n or_o primate_n these_o stand_a power_n as_o you_o call_v they_o and_o subjection_n to_o be_v define_v and_o assert_v by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n yea_o the_o most_o ancient_a even_a immemoriall_n apostolical_a tradition_n and_o custom_n you_o must_v either_o prove_v that_o the_o custom_n stand_v power_n and_o subjection_n that_o you_o speak_v of_o be_v warrant_v define_v and_o assert_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v or_o else_o you_o do_v hereby_o intimate_v that_o you_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o custom_n and_o tradition_n that_o be_v apostolical_a and_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o that_o be_v not_o find_v write_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o by_o this_o assertion_n you_o gratify_v the_o papist_n and_o open_v a_o door_n to_o let_v into_o the_o church_n the_o many_o unwritten_a tradition_n they_o will_v obtrude_v upon_o it_o under_o the_o specious_a name_n and_o title_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n though_o you_o may_v have_v know_v they_o be_v abundant_o therein_o consute_v by_o our_o divine_n that_o yet_o be_v never_o answer_v by_o they_o or_o any_o other_o patron_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n we_o hope_v we_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o excuse_v though_o we_o forbear_v to_o either_o examine_v or_o say_v any_o thing_n particular_o to_o the_o council_n and_o dr._n hammond_n that_o you_o cite_v for_o this_o purpose_n but_o as_o touch_v mark_v the_o evangelist_n who_o you_o will_v have_v to_o be_v not_o only_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n but_o also_o of_o egypt_n lybia_n and_o pent_n apolis_n also_o you_o do_v herein_o assert_v thing_n inconsistent_a sc_n that_o he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o yet_o a_o ordinary_a bishop_n for_o evangelist_n proper_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n extraordinary_o employ_v in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n without_o any_o settle_a residence_n upon_o any_o one_o charge_n be_v companion_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o under_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o church_n and_o in_o which_o sense_n mark_n be_v a_o evangelist_n as_o well_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o write_v but_o bishop_n be_v officer_n that_o be_v ordinary_a and_o fix_v to_o one_o particular_a charge_n neither_o do_v they_o ordinary_o travel_v with_o the_o apostle_n from_o place_n to_o place_n as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v neither_o can_v evangelist_n be_v any_o more_o call_v bishop_n proper_o than_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v so_o call_v who_o be_v not_o such_o formal_o but_o only_o eminent_o and_o virtual_o but_o as_o touch_v eusebius_n who_o you_o cite_v scaliger_n say_v concern_v he_o that_o he_o read_v ancient_a history_n parum_fw-la attentè_fw-fr but_o further_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v call_v bishop_n in_o those_o time_n and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o call_v proper_o as_o be_v prove_v by_o mr._n bane_n in_o his_o diocesan_n trial_n 29._o who_o there_o give_v reason_n why_o apostle_n neither_o be_v nor_o may_v be_v both_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n proper_o we_o shall_v only_o urge_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n there_o mention_v which_o also_o do_v strong_o prove_v that_o mark_v the_o evangelist_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v a_o ordinary_a bishop_n for_o than_o he_o be_v make_v liable_a to_o error_n as_o all_o ordinary_a bishop_n be_v and_o be_v and_o then_o in_o write_v of_o his_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o teach_n he_o may_v err_v and_o hereupon_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o call_v that_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n in_o question_n as_o the_o assert_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v bishop_n proper_o gives_z the_o like_a occasion_n to_o call_v all_o their_o write_n in_o question_n which_o be_v dangerous_a and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v admit_v of_o and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v in_o what_o sense_n soever_o you_o call_v mark_v a_o evangelist_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o be_v a_o bishop_n proper_o although_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v he_o have_v a_o inspection_n under_o the_o apostle_n of_o all_o those_o part_n you_o mention_n 6._o but_o thus_o far_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v manifest_a unto_o the_o reader_n that_o as_o yet_o you_o be_v to_o show_v what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o point_n of_o church-government_n for_o the_o space_n of_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n that_o which_o you_o have_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a not_o manifest_v it_o either_o for_o the_o whole_a space_n or_o the_o great_a part_n thereof_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v touch_v this_o matter_n neither_o must_v we_o allow_v what_o again_o you_o here_o further_o assert_v sc_n that_o general_a council_n be_v the_o best_a enterpreter_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n touch_v church_n government_n the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v a_o far_o more_o sure_a and_o safe_a interpreter_n of_o god_n will_v and_o mind_n therein_o reveal_v in_o the_o plain_a place_n thereof_o when_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n of_o some_o other_o place_n and_o as_o have_v be_v full_o show_v as_o also_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v some_o swerve_v in_o point_n of_o church_n government_n from_o scripture_n rule_n before_o the_o first_o general_a council_n meet_v or_o assemble_v when_o yet_o there_o be_v more_o purity_n as_o to_o that_o matter_n than_o there_o be_v afterward_o 7._o neither_o must_v we_o suffer_v that_o to_o pass_v for_o currant_n which_o you_o here_o say_v of_o calvin_n sc_n that_o though_o he_o dislike_v the_o name_n hierarchy_n yet_o he_o allow_v the_o thing_n the_o place_n you_o here_o chief_o refer_v to_o be_v as_o we_o judge_v that_o place_n in_o his_o institution_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 4._o sect._n 1_o 2_o 3._o but_o especial_o what_o we_o find_v sect._n 4._o where_o we_o grant_v have_v mention_v bishop_n archbishop_n and_o patriarch_n and_o have_v give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o they_o in_o that_o four_o section_n he_o have_v these_o word_n gubernationem_fw-la sic_fw-la constitutam_fw-la nonnulli_fw-la hierarchiam_fw-la vocarunt_fw-la nomine_fw-la ut_fw-la mihi_fw-la videtur_fw-la improprie_fw-la certè_fw-la scripture_n inusitato_n etc._n etc._n verum_fw-la si_fw-la rem_fw-la omisso_fw-la vocabulo_fw-la intuemur_fw-la reperiemus_fw-la veteres_fw-la episcopos_fw-la non_fw-la aliam_fw-la regendae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la formam_fw-la voluisse_fw-la fingere_fw-la ab_fw-la ea_fw-la quam_fw-la deus_fw-la verbo_fw-la svo_fw-la praescripsit_fw-la i._n e._n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n so_o constitute_v some_o call_v the_o hierarchy_n by_o a_o improper_a name_n as_o it_o seem_v unto_o i_o certain_o by_o a_o name_n not_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o omit_v the_o word_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n will_v not_o frame_v another_o form_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n from_o that_o which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n he_o speak_v then_o here_o of_o what_o be_v in_o their_o intention_n not_o as_o approve_v every_o thing_n they_o do_v he_o say_v they_o
for_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n or_o that_o judge_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o patriarch_n metropolitan_o archbishop_n bishop_n than_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n arcadeacâ—ns_n and_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v on_o that_o hierarchy_n not_o to_o be_v a_o government_n agreeable_a of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n do_v therefore_o cast_v it_o off_o which_o yet_o with_o fear_n be_v article_n in_o foam_n man_n creed_n 5._o but_o have_v speak_v what_o we_o judge_v sufficient_a unto_o what_o you_o have_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o to_o what_o you_o further_o have_v urge_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o that_o which_o you_o do_v here_o cite_v it_o for_o we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v to_o say_v against_o our_o government_n as_o not_o be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o roll_a elder_n be_v not_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la nor_o any_o such_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v part_v with_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n rom._n 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o now_o here_o we_o may_v have_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v urge_v some_o argument_n to_o have_v prove_v that_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o mean_v in_o these_o text_n consider_v what_o more_o large_a satisfaction_n you_o promise_v in_o your_o second_o paper_n afterward_o if_o what_o be_v comprehend_v therein_o be_v not_o judge_v satisfactory_a but_o we_o find_v that_o notwistand_v your_o large_a promise_n and_o confident_a and_o high_a undertake_n you_o discover_v barrenness_n in_o argue_v though_o what_o be_v want_v in_o reason_n you_o make_v out_o in_o foul_a language_n yet_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o utmost_a that_o you_o say_v first_o in_o answer_n to_o these_o text_n you_o say_v they_o be_v too_o general_a to_o prove_v a_o roll_a presbytery_n out_o of_o but_o this_o you_o shall_v have_v make_v good_a and_o not_o magisterial_o have_v assert_v it_o as_o you_o do_v without_o all_o proof_n but_o you_o think_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o we_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v so_o by_o many_o more_o learned_a doctor_n of_o our_o church_n and_o we_o must_v tell_v you_o who_o it_o seem_v reckon_v yourselves_o in_o the_o number_n of_o these_o learned_a doctor_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o learning_n to_o prove_v these_o text_n to_o be_v too_o general_a to_o prove_v a_o roll_a presbytery_n out_o of_o then_o only_o to_o say_v so_o much_o as_o by_o that_o account_n which_o we_o have_v give_v you_o in_o our_o second_o paper_n we_o have_v there_o show_v that_o both_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n of_o london_n in_o their_o vindication_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o the_o london_n minister_n in_o their_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la regiminis_fw-la ecclesiastici_fw-la do_v more_o than_o say_v that_o these_o text_n do_v hold_v forth_o such_o a_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o roll_a elder_n for_o they_o do_v also_o prove_v it_o yea_o and_o that_o he_o be_v there_o particular_o mention_v and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n they_o also_o together_o with_o the_o assertor_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o who_o with_o other_o reverend_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o reform_a church_n we_o have_v refer_v you_o do_v answer_v whatever_o we_o have_v hear_v allege_v by_o those_o many_o more_o learned_a doctor_n of_o our_o english_a church_n that_o you_o here_o speak_v of_o to_o prove_v these_o text_n to_o be_v too_o general_a to_o prove_v a_o roll_a presbytery_n out_o of_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o our_o will_n or_o what_o we_o be_v resolve_v on_o that_o the_o roll_a elder_n be_v find_v there_o but_o according_a to_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o strong_a and_o good_a reason_n show_v notwithstanding_o your_o scoff_n that_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v give_v of_o these_o text_n be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o but_o though_o you_o urge_v no_o argument_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o so_o great_a a_o fault_n yet_o you_o can_v ready_o enough_o accuse_v we_o of_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n with_o exposition_n and_o gloss_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o never_o mean_v and_o which_o you_o think_v be_v sufficient_o make_v forth_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o put_v such_o strange_a sense_n to_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o hear_v of_o till_o of_o late_a year_n as_o if_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v that_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o but_o what_o can_v be_v confirm_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o father_n and_o council_n or_o as_o if_o all_o the_o exposition_n that_o have_v be_v give_v of_o these_o and_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n till_o of_o late_a year_n be_v now_o to_o be_v make_v evident_a from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v extant_a show_v what_o the_o exposition_n give_v by_o the_o church_n be_v or_o as_o if_o the_o exposition_n of_o reverend_a and_o learned_a synod_n and_o assembly_n of_o divine_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o reform_a church_n have_v have_v the_o help_n of_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o they_o back_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n reason_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n be_v all_o to_o be_v slight_v and_o to_o be_v have_v in_o no_o account_n both_o by_o we_o and_o you_o who_o yet_o profess_v though_o in_o your_o practice_n you_o show_v but_o little_a of_o it_o to_o reverence_v synod_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o submit_v to_o their_o determination_n although_o we_o have_v also_o tell_v you_o in_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o second_o paper_n that_o however_o it_o be_v no_o controversy_n in_o the_o pure_a primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o roll_a elder_n be_v understand_v in_o those_o text_n nor_o this_o case_n bring_v before_o the_o synod_n of_o those_o time_n that_o ever_o we_o have_v read_v of_o and_o so_o not_o that_o occasion_n give_v to_o the_o father_n to_o discuss_v this_o matter_n upon_o their_o exposition_n of_o those_o text_n we_o be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o be_v of_o such_o a_o officer_n as_o the_o roll_a elder_a in_o the_o church_n and_o do_v herein_o refer_v you_o and_o the_o reader_n to_o what_o we_o have_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o second_o paper_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o we_o must_v with_o you_o be_v esteem_v wrester_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o brand_v we_o the_o more_o you_o apply_v unto_o we_o yea_o to_o all_o presbyter_n what_o dr._n andrews_n tax_v the_o papist_n withal_o whereby_o you_o show_v the_o esteem_n we_o be_v in_o with_o you_o in_o that_o you_o herein_o parallel_v we_o with_o the_o popish_a cardinal_n which_o be_v also_o the_o charity_n you_o have_v towards_o we_o who_o in_o your_o second_o paper_n while_o you_o have_v hope_n by_o court_v we_o to_o have_v bring_v we_o on_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o you_o be_v your_o dear_a friend_n nay_o more_o brethren_n dear_o belove_v to_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o also_o be_v that_o more_o large_a satisfaction_n that_o you_o now_o give_v we_o in_o performance_n of_o your_o promise_n there_o make_v if_o what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o that_o paper_n be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o have_v here_o say_v nothing_o that_o can_v have_v any_o show_n of_o this_o promise_a satisfaction_n you_o do_v well_o to_o refer_v we_o to_o what_o in_o your_o second_o paper_n you_o say_v you_o have_v further_o speak_v of_o it_o for_o the_o reader_n hence_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v though_o he_o find_v here_o little_a but_o flout_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n yet_o there_o you_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n which_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v sum_v up_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v only_o this_o sc_n your_o send_v we_o to_o the_o father_n to_o consult_v what_o interpretation_n they_o give_v and_o tell_v we_o none_o of_o they_o expound_v these_o text_n as_o we_o do_v which_o yet_o be_v that_o you_o say_v over_o again_o here_o and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o return_v any_o further_a answer_n than_o what_o have_v be_v already_o make_v only_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o your_o way_n of_o give_v satisfaction_n be_v very_o easy_a sc_n by_o rid_v your_o hand_n quick_o of_o
order_n to_o excommunication_n in_o calvin_n judgement_n and_o this_o be_v necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o word_n we_o use_v in_o our_o answer_n when_o we_o oppose_v a_o admonition_n in_o order_n to_o further_a censure_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v but_o a_o exhortation_n only_o intimate_v plain_o enough_o thereby_o that_o there_o be_v beside_o a_o admonition_n in_o order_n to_o further_a censure_n a_o mere_a charitative_a admonition_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v with_o any_o church_n censure_n in_o case_n it_o prevail_v not_o this_o be_v that_o likewise_o which_o our_o forementioned_a reverend_a brethren_n of_o essex_n in_o their_o agreement_n do_v also_o speak_v of_o have_v give_v their_o sense_n upon_o mat._n 18._o 15._o they_o further_o say_v in_o their_o agreement_n pag._n 15._o n._n 6._o beside_o this_o ecclesiastical_a admonition_n we_o yield_v there_o may_v be_v other_o charitative_a admonition_n which_o must_v not_o precede_v to_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n but_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v thus_o far_o speak_v touch_v admonition_n it_o be_v very_o clear_a that_o admonition_n take_v strict_o and_o proper_o be_v a_o reprehension_n in_o regard_n of_o some_o evil_n or_o fault_n do_v though_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o admonition_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n warn_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o some_o sin_n that_o one_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o commit_v we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o exhortation_n be_v take_v in_o a_o strict_a acceptation_n to_o exhort_v strict_o be_v to_o excite_v or_o persuade_v and_o stir_v up_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o admonition_n take_v proper_o as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n before_o quote_v 1_o thes_n 5._o 14._o now_o we_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d warn_v they_o that_o be_v unruly_a etc._n etc._n the_o thessalonian_n be_v here_o exhort_v only_o or_o stir_v up_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n towards_o the_o unruly_a etc._n etc._n and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o blame_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o unruly_a that_o be_v to_o be_v warn_v or_o admonish_v be_v to_o be_v reprove_v and_o blame_v by_o the_o thessalonian_n for_o their_o unruliness_n and_o there_o be_v place_n frequent_o for_o a_o exhortation_n when_o there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v any_o reprehension_n or_o admonition_n give_v in_o regard_n of_o any_o thing_n amiss_o but_o to_o make_v this_o matter_n yet_o more_o plain_a we_o may_v here_o distinguish_v of_o exhortation_n as_o before_o of_o admonition_n for_o exhortation_n also_o be_v either_o charitative_a or_o of_o private_a christian_n and_o of_o which_o heb._n 3._o 13._o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n and_o heb._n 10._o 25._o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n or_o authoritative_a and_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o which_o may_v be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v often_o speech_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o i_o exhort_v therefore_o that_o first_o of_o all_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 5._o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o exhort_v the_o brethren_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 21._o these_o thing_n teach_v and_o exhort_v so_o in_o one_o of_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o you_o titus_n 2._o 15._o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n where_o exhortation_n may_v well_o be_v distinguish_v from_o rebuke_n though_o both_o be_v authoritative_a and_o be_v to_o be_v join_v with_o doctrine_n such_o application_n of_o doctrine_n be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a so_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o elder_a by_o these_o text_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o as_o a_o exhortation_n proper_o be_v a_o excitation_n or_o persuasion_n unto_o something_o that_o be_v good_a so_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o admonition_n take_v strict_o and_o which_o be_v a_o reprehension_n for_o something_o amiss_o and_o that_o in_o many_o case_n it_o may_v be_v useful_a when_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o neglect_n or_o sin_n commit_v for_o which_o the_o party_n so_o exhort_v be_v reprove_v unto_o which_o we_o may_v further_o add_v act_v 27._o 22._o where_o paul_n say_fw-mi to_o those_o in_o the_o ship_n with_o he_o and_o now_o i_o exhort_v you_o to_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n this_o exhortation_n be_v not_o doubtless_o in_o order_n to_o any_o church_n censure_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v distinguish_v from_o such_o a_o admonition_n so_o when_o it_o be_v say_v of_o barnabas_n that_o when_o he_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v glad_a and_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n act_n 11._o 23._o this_o can_v be_v with_o any_o colour_n understand_v of_o any_o admonition_n in_o order_n to_o church_n censure_n the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o walk_v never_o so_o blameless_o may_v be_v exhort_v when_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v admonish_v in_o order_n to_o church_n censure_n except_o man_n must_v be_v admonish_v and_o censure_v for_o such_o common_a infirmity_n from_o which_o no_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v whole_o free_a but_o by_o this_o that_o we_o have_v say_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evidence_v that_o in_o scripture_n language_n a_o exhortation_n take_v strict_o and_o proper_o be_v notwithstanding_o your_o scoff_n a_o different_a thing_n from_o a_o admonition_n in_o order_n to_o further_a censure_n if_o it_o prevail_v not_o and_o we_o think_v however_o you_o may_v account_v of_o we_o you_o have_v show_v yourselves_o to_o have_v be_v more_o learned_a if_o you_o have_v not_o so_o causeless_o quarrel_v with_o that_o which_o be_v so_o manifest_a to_o any_o that_o be_v verse_v either_o in_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o approve_a author_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o examine_v what_o you_o oppose_v to_o what_o we_o have_v herein_o assert_v 1._o and_o first_o you_o begin_v with_o we_o sharp_o and_o say_v what_o every_o admonition_n a_o kind_n of_o church_n censure_n or_o in_o order_n as_o we_o call_v it_o thereunto_o not_o exhortation_n so_o you_o confess_v your_o ignorance_n of_o such_o a_o distinction_n not_o have_v as_o yet_o learned_a â—t_a either_o from_o scripture_n father_n etc._n etc._n but_o here_o you_o charge_v we_o with_o what_o we_o never_o say_v etc._n etc._n that_o every_o admonition_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o church_n censure_n or_o in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o no_o exhortation_n so_o our_o distinction_n intimate_v that_o beside_o the_o admonition_n that_o be_v in_o order_n to_o church_n censure_n there_o may_v be_v a_o charitative_a admonition_n as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o charitative_a exhortation_n yea_o a_o authoritative_a by_o the_o minister_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o censure_n in_o case_n the_o exhortation_n be_v successeless_a this_o we_o have_v show_v you_o from_o scripture_n though_o you_o twit_v we_o again_o with_o be_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v and_o thus_o you_o have_v very_o learned_o in_o the_o first_o place_n oppose_v we_o by_o impute_v to_o we_o what_o we_o never_o say_v 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v your_o next_o be_v of_o great_a strength_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v hearken_v to_o what_o you_o have_v to_o tell_v we_o sc_fw-mi that_o the_o word_n admonish_v and_o exhort_v be_v promiscuous_o use_v and_o who_o ever_o deny_v this_o here_o therefore_o you_o have_v put_v yourselves_o upon_o the_o pain_n to_o prove_v what_o we_o never_o gainsay_v nay_o you_o prove_v by_o can_v not_o be_v the_o catechize_v person_n mention_v immediate_o before_o who_o be_v to_o be_v exhort_v only_o but_o these_o only_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o order_n that_o be_v to_o be_v private_o admonish_v according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v mat._n 18._o once_a or_o twice_o to_o see_v if_o they_o will_v reform_v but_o this_o reason_n because_o you_o can_v not_o answer_v you_o do_v wary_o pass_v it_o over_o and_o never_o meddle_v with_o it_o 2._o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o reason_n render_v you_o hope_v to_o bfnde_v we_o to_o your_o absurd_a and_o uncharitable_a construction_n you_o have_v put_v upon_o we_o but_o when_o we_o examine_v with_o what_o argument_n you_o do_v it_o you_o again_o discover_v therein_o your_o wont_a deficiency_n and_o therefore_o 1._o in_o your_o reply_n as_o it_o be_v present_v unto_o we_o for_o want_v of_o reason_n wherewith_o to_o oppose_v we_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o answer_n to_o our_o assertion_n and_o