that_o both_o they_o &_o the_o minister_n who_o they_o hear_v may_v be_v apprehend_v &_o punish_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o these_o persecuter_n and_o thus_o the_o honest_a &_o zealous_a servant_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o put_v from_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n at_o all_o whether_o in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a or_o bring_v into_o great_a trouble_n &_o hazard_v thereby_o be_v it_o not_o a_o very_a sad_a &_o astonish_a thing_n that_o when_o whole_a country_n side_n be_v almost_o lay_v waste_n people_n wander_v from_o place_n to_o place_n seek_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n &_o thousand_o be_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n &_o multitude_n delude_v with_o false_a teacher_n such_o minister_n as_o be_v drive_v from_o their_o own_o flock_n may_v not_o lay_v out_o themselves_o for_o the_o good_a of_o perish_a soul_n &_o do_v what_o they_o can_v for_o instruct_v strengthen_v &_o comfort_v of_o the_o poor_a afflict_a &_o persecute_a people_n of_o god_n may_v not_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o admiration_n that_o any_o upon_o this_o account_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o suffer_v and_o certane_o none_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n will_v condemn_v those_o minister_n if_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o few_o particular_n follow_v 1._o though_o they_o be_v banish_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o civil_a judge_n yet_o they_o remain_v still_o minister_n no_o such_o sentence_n of_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n can_v depose_v a_o minister_n from_o his_o office_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o to_o this_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n only_o it_o be_v true_a it_o follow_v upon_o their_o banishment_n as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o they_o can_v not_o exerce_fw-la the_o ministerial_a function_n in_o that_o place_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v banish_v but_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o act_n of_o banishment_n they_o remain_v minister_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o connexion_n betwixt_o their_o be_v minister_n &_o their_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o all_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o magistrate_n reach_v only_o to_o their_o be_v or_o not_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n all_o this_o will_v be_v beyond_o disput_n with_o such_o as_o be_v not_o gross_a erastians_n for_o no_o reform_a divine_a will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n can_v immediate_o depose_v a_o minister_n far_o less_o can_v he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o sole_a act_n of_o banishment_n so_o then_o this_o be_v clear_a that_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o own_o parish_n remain_v still_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o &_o as_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o foregoing_a section_n minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 2._o it_o be_v no_o less_o clear_a unto_o all_o such_o as_o have_v not_o drunken_a in_o independent_a principle_n that_o all_o such_o as_o be_v minister_n have_v a_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o unto_o the_o national_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o so_o may_v wherever_o they_o be_v discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n in_o preach_v &_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n 3._o not_o only_o may_v they_o do_v so_o but_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n &_o woe_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 16._o if_o once_o they_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o christ_n as_o servaâ—…ts_n to_o he_o they_o must_v resolve_v to_o be_v employ_v for_o he_o to_o the_o out_o most_o of_o their_o power_n &_o must_v not_o think_v of_o lay_v up_o their_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n lest_o they_o get_v the_o wicked_a &_o slothful_a servant_n reward_n they_o have_v a_o divine_a command_n to_o preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n &_o to_o lay_v out_o themselves_o to_o the_o yondmost_a for_o christ_n and_o his_o interest_n this_o will_v also_o be_v undeniable_a especial_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v never_o great_a necessity_n for_o their_o bestirring_a of_o themselves_o as_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o now_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thousand_o leave_v destitute_a &_o so_o many_o lead_v away_o with_o false_a guide_n who_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o deceive_v people_n &_o to_o pervert_v the_o right_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n &_o so_o many_o ready_a to_o faint_v under_o persecution_n &_o sore_a affliction_n be_v not_o the_o harvest_n now_o great_a &_o be_v not_o the_o labourer_n few_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v many_o mile_n before_o he_o shall_v hear_v any_o honest_a minister_n and_o shall_v such_o on_o who_o god_n be_v call_v aloud_o to_o teach_v exhort_v &_o comfort_n be_v silent_a now_o be_v not_o saâ—…_n bussy_a lead_v some_o away_o to_o atheism_n other_o to_o profanity_n some_o to_o popery_n other_o to_o quakerâ—…sme_n and_o do_v not_o this_o call_v aloud_o on_o all_o who_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o their_o master_n to_o be_v active_o bestirring_a themselves_o now_o for_o the_o good_a of_o sâ—…uls_n &_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v there_o not_o many_o honest_a follower_n of_o christ_n lie_v under_o sore_a oppression_n &_o bondage_n their_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v &_o their_o soul_n waste_v with_o hear_v &_o see_v what_o they_o do_v hear_v &_o see_v and_o have_v not_o these_o need_n to_o be_v comfort_v &_o cheer_v up_o under_o the_o cross_n do_v not_o god_n allow_v consolation_n to_o such_o &_o be_v he_o not_o call_v on_o his_o servant_n to_o speak_v comfortable_o to_o such_o be_v there_o not_o many_o almost_o faint_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n &_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o trial_n &_o shall_v not_o minister_n mind_n that_o command_n 1_o thes._n 5_o 14._o comfort_n 〈◊〉_d feeble_a mind_v &_o support_v the_o weak_a be_v there_o not_o many_o in_o hazard_n to_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o time_n &_o have_v not_o satan_n many_o instrument_n weary_v themselves_o in_o this_o service_n of_o seduce_v poor_a people_n &_o draw_v they_o into_o their_o net_n &_o snare_n &_o shall_v not_o minister_n be_v do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o snare_n such_o as_o be_v in_o hazard_n &_o to_o recover_v such_o as_o be_v already_o ensnare_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o devil_n great_a then_o be_v the_o necessity_n that_o poor_a people_n be_v into_o &_o double_a must_v the_o woe_n be_v that_o abide_v such_o minister_n as_o be_v silent_a at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o all_o thing_n call_v upon_o they_o to_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n &_o to_o show_v people_n their_o transgression_n &_o their_o hazard_n &_o to_o be_v burn_v &_o shine_v light_n that_o such_o as_o walk_v in_o darkness_n may_v see_v their_o way_n &_o be_v comfort_v 5._o such_o a_o practice_n be_v abundant_o warrant_v by_o the_o apostle_n &_o other_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n for_o they_o go_v to_o several_a place_n &_o preach_v the_o gospel_n when_o they_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o city_n they_o go_v unto_o another_o &_o still_o preach_v the_o gospel_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n abound_v with_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n so_o that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o cite_v any_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n apostle_n propâ—…ets_n &_o 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v not_o fix_v to_o any_o one_o place_n as_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n be_v it_o be_v answer_v that_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o the_o charactersticke_a of_o unfixed_a officer_n but_o common_a to_o they_o with_o fix_a pastor_n &_o doctor_n &_o preach_v unfix_o be_v not_o always_o their_o note_n &_o essential_a mark_n because_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n pastor_n &_o doctor_n may_v have_v preach_v wherever_o they_o come_v as_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v who_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o upon_o the_o persecution_n of_o stephen_n act_n 8._o 1._o do_v go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n v_o 4._o those_o who_o be_v scatter_v behove_v to_o be_v the_o fix_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v leave_v that_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o long_o without_o preach_v officer_n fix_v for_o preach_v &_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n see_v they_o have_v institute_v deacon_n who_o be_v less_o necessary_a act_n 6_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o &_o see_v themselves_o be_v not_o fix_v there_o but_o be_v to_o go_v through_o the_o world_n according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n &_o the_o direction_n &_o guide_v of_o the_o spirit_n 6._o so_o be_v it_o warrant_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a &_o honest_a servant_n of_o christ_n
in_o this_o chap._n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o all_o along_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n &_o mr_n stillingfleet_n who_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o the_o independent_a way_n will_v easy_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v there_o say_v be_v speak_v to_o the_o church_n governor_n so_o then_o mr_n stillingfleet_n must_v say_v that_o these_o governor_n be_v presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n rule_a it_o together_o communi_fw-la corsilio_fw-la and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o so_o well_o be_v understand_v of_o bish._n for_o one_o church_n shall_v have_v but_o one_o bishop_n so_o then_o here_o be_v a_o place_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v alike_o of_o both_o but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v of_o a_o presbytery_n &_o of_o a_o presbytery_n have_v full_a episcopal_a power_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n what_o mr_n still_v fleet_n will_v reply_v to_o this_o can_v hardly_o be_v conjecture_v a_o second_o passage_n be_v phil._n 1_o v._n 1._o where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o bishop_n &_o deacon_n now_o these_o bishop_n can_v not_o be_v bishop_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o opposition_n to_o &_o as_o distinct_a from_o preach_v presbyter_n because_o of_o such_o bishop_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o in_o one_o church_n at_o once_o &_o therefore_o they_o behove_v to_o be_v presbyter_n endue_v with_o episcopal_a power_n have_v the_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o name_n &_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n so_o that_o this_o passage_n can_v be_v equal_o understand_v of_o both_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n a_o three_o passage_n be_v 1._o thes._n 5_o 12_o 13_o 14._o where_o there_o be_v some_o mention_v who_o be_v labour_v among_o the_o people_n &_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n &_o these_o be_v to_o warn_v the_o unruly_a etc._n etc._n so_o that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n there_o be_v several_a presbyter_n &_o presbyter_n endue_v with_o power_n of_o warn_v the_o unruly_a mr_n stillingfleet_n can_v imagine_v any_o colurable_a pretence_n whereby_o without_o much_o apparent_a incongruity_n this_o passage_n may_v be_v understand_v of_o either_o of_o the_o different_a form_n and_o see_v this_o ground_n fail_v here_o we_o may_v for_o all_o which_o he_o have_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a arrive_v to_o such_o a_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o that_o course_n which_o the_o apostle_n take_v in_o settle_v church_n so_o much_o for_o this_o observation_n 6._o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o presbyterian_o have_v more_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n even_o their_o positive_a institution_n in_o these_o few_o particular_n 1._o in_o ordain_v &_o institute_v such_o &_o such_o officer_n as_o pastor_n doctor_n elder_n &_o deacon_n as_o may_v be_v see_v rom._n 12_o v._n 6_o 7_o 8_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 28._o ephes._n 4_o v._n 11_o 12._o in_o all_o which_o place_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o a_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o a_o preach_a presbyter_n if_o mr_n stillingfleet_n say_v according_a to_o his_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o make_v mention_n of_o he_o particular_o because_o he_o be_v no_o distinct_a officer_n from_o a_o presbyter_n but_o only_o impower_v by_o the_o rest_n as_o their_o commissioner_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v reply_v to_o this_o former_o this_o may_v be_v add_v here_o that_o if_o this_o be_v truth_n which_o mr_n stillingfleet_n affirm_v he_o have_v waste_v much_o paper_n and_o pain_n in_o vain_a when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o no_o certanety_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v come_v at_o whether_o they_o do_v set_v up_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a government_n for_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v two_o distinct_a government_n and_o he_o have_v a_o short_a cut_n for_o answer_v all_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n than_o the_o way_n be_v which_o he_o take_v yea_o he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o whole_a book_n &_o give_v out_o this_o one_o thesis_n for_o all_o viz_o though_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v juris_fw-la divini_fw-la yet_o the_o presbyter_n may_v lawful_o intruste_v one_o of_o their_o number_n with_o some_o special_a piece_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n &_o ordination_n and_o then_o he_o may_v have_v have_v more_o to_o say_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o prudence_n or_o the_o like_a for_o himself_o than_o now_o he_o have_v but_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v &_o it_o be_v best_a wisdom_n &_o prudence_n to_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n but_o more_o over_o 2._o they_o have_v the_o apostle_n institution_n concern_v the_o qualification_n of_o these_o officer_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n &_o titus_n 3._o these_o officer_n be_v command_v to_o such_o &_o such_o piece_n of_o work_n some_z to_z rule_n some_o to_o teach_v also_o some_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a 4._o these_o officer_n be_v command_v to_o attend_v that_o work_n of_o they_o with_o all_o diligence_n in_o their_o own_o proper_a person_n without_o roll_v it_o over_o on_o other_o rom._n 12_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o minister_n be_v to_o wait_v on_o his_o ministry_n &_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v he_o that_o give_v be_v to_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n &_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v to_o rule_v with_o diligence_n 5._o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n &_o juridiction_n they_o be_v command_v to_o act_n joint_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v appoint_v to_o conveen_n together_o that_o they_o may_v deliver_v the_o incestuous_a person_n unto_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5_o 4_o 5._o so_o the_o brethren_n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thessalonica_n be_v exhort_v to_o warn_v the_o unruly_a now_o lay_v all_o these_o together_o such_o &_o such_o officer_n set_v to_o such_o &_o such_o work_n &_o appoint_v to_o attend_v the_o same_o &_o ordain_v to_o act_n joint_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n &_o there_o be_v a_o species_n of_o government_n &_o a_o species_n warrant_v by_o divine_a institution_n viz_o by_o apostolic_a command_n for_o these_o positive_a command_n be_v of_o a_o last_a nature_n till_o god_n repeal_v they_o again_o himself_o give_v some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_v whereby_o to_o know_v when_o positive_a law_n bind_v immutable_o the_o first_o whereof_o mention_v part._n 1._o c_o 1._o §_o 6._o &_o part._n 2._o c._n 2._o §_o 2._o be_v useful_a here_o viz._n when_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o command_n continue_v still_o now_o let_v mr_n still_v fleet_n show_v if_o he_o can_v what_o reason_n can_v plead_v for_o minister_n act_v collegiat_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n then_o which_o will_v not_o be_v of_o force_n now_o be_v there_o less_o of_o the_o spirit_n then_o nor_o be_v now_o or_o be_v there_o few_o able_a &_o fit_a man_n for_o to_o be_v bishop_n then_o nor_o be_v now_o or_o be_v there_o less_o care_n to_o have_v thing_n do_v orderly_o &_o exact_o or_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o all_o these_o command_n be_v for_o that_o age_n of_o the_o church_n only_o if_o so_o there_o be_v a_o easy_a way_n find_v to_o cast_v all_o the_o command_n &_o injunction_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v induce_v with_o the_o spirit_n shall_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o command_v give_v to_o the_o church_n officer_n of_o corinth_n to_o conveen_n &_o to_o excommunicate_a do_v bind_v they_o only_o &_o at_o that_o time_n if_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o wide_a door_n open_v to_o much_o evil_n &_o a_o way_n prepare_v for_o lay_v aside_o all_o the_o injunction_n &_o instruction_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o now_o useless_a &_o as_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n enough_o of_o this_o consideration_n obs._n 7._o it_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o great_a reflection_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o &_o that_o as_o a_o son_n &_o so_o beyond_o moses_n who_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o servant_n heb._n 3._o 2_o 5_o 6._o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v a_o stand_a form_n of_o government_n in_o his_o house_n mr_n still_v fleet_n reply_v part_n 2._o c._n 4._o §_o 1._o 1._o that_o then_o it_o must_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o settle_n of_o this_o form_n be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o mediatory_a work_n ans._n this_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v for_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o his_o kingly_a office_n &_o so_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o mediatory_a work_n as_o well_o as_o his_o institute_v of_o officer_n in_o his_o house_n &_o as_o mediator_n the_o government_n be_v lay_v on_o his_o shoulder_n isa._n 9_o 6._o and_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n &_o earth_n be_v give_v to_o he_o mat._n 28_o 18._o he_o add_v i_o grant_v he_o be_v king_n of_o the_o church_n &_o do_v
god_n to_o have_v a_o tender_a conscience_n &_o to_o make_v this_o their_o exercise_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n &_o man_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o condemn_v they_o in_o the_o least_o yea_o or_o if_o they_o see_v what_o a_o deluge_n of_o profanity_n be_v now_o break_a in_o upon_o these_o land_n what_o unparalleled_a wickedness_n be_v there_o perpetrate_v what_o abomination_n of_o all_o sort_n reign_v since_o this_o course_n of_o defection_n be_v begin_v their_o heart_n will_v tremble_v &_o they_o will_v scar_n at_o such_o a_o course_n as_o be_v so_o destructive_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n within_o &_o so_o advantageous_a for_o the_o promove_a of_o the_o main_a interest_n of_o satan_n &_o never_o acknowledge_v that_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v not_o after_o godliness_n sure_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o all_o the_o godly_a which_o will_v incline_v they_o to_o affect_v that_o course_n best_o which_o be_v most_o for_o promove_a the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o soul_n &_o abhor_v that_o which_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o all_o profanity_n &_o licentiousness_n and_o though_o they_o can_v disput_n none_o against_o such_o a_o course_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v their_o gracious_a soul_n abhor_v it_o let_v none_o say_v that_o such_o preciseness_n &_o refuse_v to_o cede_fw-la in_o a_o little_a will_v prove_v destructive_a to_o the_o church_n by_o incense_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o more_o for_o god_n way_n be_v always_o the_o best_a both_o for_o particular_a person_n &_o for_o church_n &_o a_o instance_n can_v be_v show_v where_o a_o church_n by_o her_o faithful_a adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n stand_v to_o her_o principle_n &_o refuse_v to_o go_v back_o in_o the_o least_o have_v ruin_v herself_o but_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o have_v frequent_o be_v see_v how_o a_o church_n by_o her_o yield_v unto_o the_o snare_n of_o her_o adversary_n through_o fear_n or_o prudence_n false_o so_o call_v have_v bring_v ruin_n &_o destruction_n insensible_o upon_o herself_o the_o yield_v unto_o a_o little_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o defection_n have_v prove_v the_o bane_n &_o neck-break_a of_o church_n cede_v to_o little_a form_n at_o first_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o mass_n at_o last_o but_o now_o it_o be_v hope_v that_o such_o as_o shall_v due_o &_o christianly_o ponder_v the_o premise_n shall_v not_o account_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o that_o church_n &_o people_n punctilio_n or_o inconsiderable_a trifle_n whatever_o such_o as_o do_v not_o weighâ—…_n matter_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n may_v judge_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o stranger_n who_o shall_v judge_v of_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n shall_v rather_o stand_v astonish_v &_o wonder_v at_o the_o pusilanimity_n &_o faint_v of_o heart_n which_o have_v there_o appear_v at_o this_o time_n &_o inquire_v what_o â—…s_v become_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o boldness_n zeal_n &_o courage_n for_o the_o cause_n &_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o former_o do_v act_v the_o faithful_a minister_n &_o professor_n of_o the_o land_n and_o where_o be_v all_o those_o worthy_n who_o set_v their_o face_n against_o great_a storm_n than_o any_o that_o have_v appear_v of_o late_a and_o how_o be_v it_o that_o so_o many_o have_v out_o live_v their_o own_o zeal_n &_o faithfulness_n &_o by_o silence_n at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o god_n in_o his_o dispensation_n do_v call_v upon_o thâ—…_n to_o cry_v aloud_o &_o not_o to_o spare_v have_v betray_v the_o precious_a interest_n of_o christ_n which_o their_o predecessor_n value_v beyond_o their_o life_n and_o how_o be_v it_o that_o this_o generation_n have_v degenerate_v so_o far_o as_o their_o predecessor_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o &_o not_o acknowledge_v they_o &_o have_v forget_v their_o former_a zeal_n may_v not_o the_o world_n wonder_v at_o this_o but_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o when_o now_o their_o rock_n have_v sell_v they_o &_o the_o lord_n have_v shut_v they_o up_o when_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v displease_v and_o have_v make_v they_o to_o drink_v the_o wine_n of_o astonishment_n &_o for_o their_o provocation_n have_v take_v spirit_n &_o courage_n from_o they_o that_o they_o may_v know_v at_o length_n how_o evil_a &_o bitter_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o that_o church_n may_v &_o aught_o to_o be_v improve_v by_o other_o protestant_n neighbour_n church_n as_o a_o warn_n from_o the_o lord_n to_o repent_v &_o return_v unto_o he_o for_o because_o of_o her_o backslideing_n have_v the_o lord_n bring_v all_o this_o upon_o she_o &_o he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n who_o will_v sparâ—…_n none_o but_o the_o great_a their_o enjoyment_n have_v be_v when_o these_o be_v abuse_v to_o licentiousness_n &_o not_o improve_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n of_o church_n &_o of_o particular_a person_n the_o sorâ—…_n will_v the_o plague_n &_o judgement_n be_v with_o which_o he_o will_v visit_v such_o it_o concern_v all_o about_o &_o all_o who_o hear_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v deal_v with_o she_o to_o repent_v &_o remember_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v &_o to_o do_v their_o first_o work_n for_o because_o of_o her_o depart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o her_o espousal_n &_o the_o kindness_n of_o her_o youth_n the_o lord_n be_v now_o visite_v she_o with_o sore_a &_o sharp_a road_n profession_n yea_o large_a profession_n will_v not_o save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n anger_n he_o search_v the_o heart_n &_o the_o reins_n &_o he_o love_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n &_o therefore_o the_o fair_a flourish_n of_o outward_a profession_n will_v not_o satisfy_v if_o there_o be_v not_o more_o covenant_v with_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v off_o judgement_n when_o conscience_n be_v not_o make_v of_o these_o covenant_n and_o now_o it_o have_v not_o be_v scotland_n covenant_v with_o god_n that_o have_v bring_v all_o this_o upon_o she_o but_o scotland_n deal_n deceitful_o in_o the_o covenant_n for_o so_o long_o as_o she_o be_v with_o some_o singleness_n of_o heart_n aime_a honest_o at_o the_o promove_a of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o lord_n make_v her_o â—…errible_a unto_o all_o her_o adversary_n &_o make_v one_o chase_n a_o hundred_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o this_o vow_n be_v forget_v &_o the_o end_n thereof_o not_o sincere_o mind_v &_o seek_v after_o than_o the_o lord_n depart_v from_o she_o &_o she_o can_v not_o shake_v herself_o as_o before_o final_o it_o will_v become_v all_o neighbour_n reform_v church_n to_o be_v upon_o their_o guaird_a for_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o trouble_v that_o church_n now_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n seek_v to_o re-enter_v there_o after_o he_o have_v be_v cast_v out_o with_o all_o his_o appurtenance_n in_o a_o most_o universal_a &_o solemn_a manner_n &_o the_o door_n barâ—…ed_v with_o solemn_a covenant_n &_o oath_n make_v unto_o the_o most_o high_a and_o indeed_o have_v gain_v great_a foot_n already_o for_o there_o be_v more_o popâ—…ry_n open_o profess_v this_o day_n then_o have_v be_v open_o avow_v almost_o these_o hundred_o of_o year_n and_o if_o antichrist_n shall_v again_o get_v possession_n there_o any_o may_v judge_v what_o hazard_n other_o church_n be_v into_o &_o what_o cause_n they_o have_v to_o withstand_v the_o same_o &_o if_o they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o for_o that_o effect_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o who_o will_v hear_v at_o length_n that_o he_o will_v hasten_v that_o day_n in_o his_o own_o time_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v say_v babylon_n the_o great_a be_v fall_v be_v fall_v &_o be_v become_v the_o habitation_n of_o devil_n &_o the_o hold_n of_o every_o foul_a spirit_n so_o that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o have_v commit_v 〈◊〉_d &_o live_v delicious_o with_o she_o may_v bewail_v she_o &_o lament_v for_o she_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o smoke_n of_o her_o burn_n for_o he_o will_v at_o length_n judge_v the_o great_a whore_n which_o do_v corrupt_v the_o earth_n with_o her_o fornication_n &_o will_v avenge_v the_o blood_n of_o his_o servant_n at_o her_o hand_n &_o then_o shall_v that_o church_n be_v full_o free_v from_o the_o yoke_n of_o prelacy_n &_o other_o abomination_n with_o other_o be_v glade_n &_o rejoice_v when_o that_o wicked_a with_o all_o his_o appurtenance_n shall_v be_v consume_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n &_o shall_v be_v destroy_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n amen_o the_o content_v the_o introduction_n pag._n 1._o show_v
in_o all_o age_n who_o through_o persecution_n be_v thrust_v from_o one_o place_n go_v &_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o another_o both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o ten_o persecution_n through_o occasion_n of_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v far_o through_o the_o world_n &_o at_o several_a time_n since_o the_o honest_a servant_n of_o christ_n in_o queen_n mary_n her_o day_n go_v abroad_o preach_v the_o gospel_n so_o do_v the_o zealous_a servant_n of_o christ_n in_o scotland_n when_o banish_v or_o compel_v to_o flee_v preach_v in_o england_n â—…rance_n &_o holland_n without_o any_o new_a ordination_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o 7._o there_o be_v some_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o preach_v as_o occasion_n offer_v that_o they_o may_v not_o stumble_v the_o poor_a ignorent_fw-la people_n who_o upon_o their_o silence_n be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v minister_n formal_o and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o preach_v that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o they_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n &_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o when_o they_o submit_v unto_o the_o magistrate_n keep_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n &_o exercise_v that_o power_n which_o formal_o agree_v to_o he_o though_o he_o shall_v mistake_v as_o to_o the_o application_n they_o will_v not_o submit_v any_o further_a to_o the_o wrong_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o will_v let_v the_o world_n see_v that_o they_o be_v still_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o banish_v from_o their_o particular_a flock_n 8._o their_o silence_n in_o such_o a_o case_n will_v be_v stumble_v unto_o other_o who_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o faint_a &_o fear_v in_o they_o who_o there_fw-mi not_o open_v their_o mouth_n nor_o appear_v for_o christ_n &_o speak_v to_o the_o edification_n &_o encouragement_n of_o sufferer_n lest_o it_o offend_v the_o magistrate_n and_o when_o such_o be_v so_o fainthearted_a how_o do_v it_o discourage_v other_o &_o strong_o prevail_v with_o some_o to_o go_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o their_o own_o light_n &_o conscience_n yea_o moreover_o it_o harden_v the_o wicked_a in_o their_o evil_a course_n &_o encourage_v they_o to_o persecute_v more_o &_o more_o when_o they_o see_v such_o faint_a &_o discouragement_n among_o the_o follower_n of_o christ._n so_o then_o when_o these_o particular_n be_v consider_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o such_o minister_n do_v but_o their_o duty_n &_o that_o they_o will_v come_v short_a in_o their_o duty_n if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o preach_v the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v object_v here_o that_o to_o preach_v in_o such_o a_o disorderly_a way_n will_v be_v a_o break_n of_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n a_o preach_n within_o such_o a_o bishop_n dioecy_n without_o his_o licence_n &_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o course_n not_o approve_v by_o the_o god_n of_o order_n it_o be_v answer_v 1._o that_o ceremony_n or_o matter_n of_o mere_a order_n must_v be_v pass_v by_o in_o time_n of_o necessity_n such_o as_o this_o be_v 2._o such_o a_o establish_a order_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o religion_n be_v but_o iniquity_n establish_v by_o law_n for_o that_o be_v not_o a_o order_n of_o god_n appointment_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o main_a business_n viz._n the_o edification_n of_o soul_n &_o therefore_o such_o a_o order_n which_o be_v to_o destruction_n &_o not_o to_o edification_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regaird_v 3._o where_o be_v there_o any_o warrant_n for_o such_o a_o order_n or_o appointment_n in_o all_o the_o gospel_n do_v the_o apostle_n ever_o ask_v liberty_n from_o the_o corrupt_a clergy_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o preach_v christ_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n where_o be_v there_o any_o warrant_n for_o such_o as_o be_v minister_n call_v of_o god_n &_o ordaâ—…ned_a to_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o function_n till_o they_o have_v the_o licence_n &_o good_a will_n of_o a_o prelate_n this_o be_v that_o popish_a leaven_n which_o the_o former_a english_a prelate_n have_v from_o rome_n preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v immediate_o command_v to_o all_o who_o be_v minister_n &_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o syllabe_n for_o their_o go_v to_o a_o bishop_n who_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o creature_n of_o man_n to_o seek_v licence_n and_o certane_o none_o can_v think_v that_o these_o minister_n may_v have_v go_v to_o the_o prelate_n to_o obtain_v liberty_n see_v that_o will_v have_v be_v a_o clear_a acknowledge_v of_o they_o &_o their_o power_n contrare_fw-la to_o their_o vow_n &_o covenant_n so_o than_o it_o be_v better_a to_o take_v the_o way_n of_o the_o apostle_n &c_n &c_n to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n &_o to_o preach_v at_o god_n command_n when_o man_n forbid_v as_o well_o as_o to_o preach_v truth_n when_o man_n command_v the_o contrary_a see_v he_o have_v no_o power_n from_o god_n for_o that_o effect_n more_o in_o the_o one_o case_n then_o in_o the_o other_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v possible_o further_o object_v that_o how_o ever_o they_o remain_v minister_n &_o so_o may_v preach_v as_o they_o have_v a_o call_v yet_o to_o seek_v corner_n &_o hide_v place_n to_o preach_v in_o to_z separated_z congregation_n can_v be_v allow_v in_o a_o constitute_v church_n ans._n if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v lawful_o preach_v the_o gospel_n where_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n give_v they_o a_o call_v to_o preach_v 2._o since_o they_o can_v have_v liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o public_a they_o may_v &_o must_v do_v it_o in_o private_a when_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o people_n call_v for_o it_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o always_o get_v the_o public_a place_n to_o preach_v in_o but_o be_v content_a of_o private_a room_n many_o a_o time_n do_v christ_n preach_v by_o the_o side_n of_o mountain_n by_o the_o sea_n side_n &_o in_o such_o byway_n and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n can_v get_v no_o better_o at_o ephesus_n then_o the_o school_n of_o tyrannus_n and_o two_o full_a year_n he_o preach_v in_o his_o own_o hire_a house_n at_o rome_n act._n 28_o 30_o 31._o &_o therefore_o this_o practice_n of_o they_o can_v be_v condemn_v for_o 3._o as_o the_o church_n be_v then_o in_o fieri_fw-la so_o be_v it_o now_o in_o a_o decay_a condition_n &_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o clear_o prove_v that_o in_o a_o church_n right_o constitute_v such_o private_a preach_n be_v not_o lawful_a yet_o when_o a_o church_n be_v fall_v from_o her_o right_a constitution_n &_o be_v upon_o the_o decay_a hand_n at_o without_o all_o doubt_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v this_o day_n many_o thing_n may_v be_v allow_v as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o church_n be_v but_o in_o fieri_fw-la &_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a in_o question_n a_o time_n of_o persecution_n as_o this_o be_v be_v always_o except_v so_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a enough_o now_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persecution_n last_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o private_a when_o no_o liberty_n can_v be_v have_v to_o do_v it_o open_o 4._o these_o minister_n be_v gather_v no_o separate_v congregation_n but_o only_o preach_v to_o all_o who_o will_v come_v &_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o such_o quiet_a &_o retire_a place_n where_o they_o may_v get_v it_o do_v most_o saif_o &_o may_v be_v most_o free_a from_o distraction_n &_o trouble_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o be_v wait_v to_o find_v they_o out_o that_o they_o may_v hail_v they_o to_o prison_n who_o then_o can_v condemn_v their_o carriage_n in_o this_o 3._o if_o any_o shall_v further_o object_v &_o say_v that_o this_o will_v be_v a_o open_a contempt_n of_o the_o magistrat_n lawful_a authority_n &_o disobedience_n to_o his_o lawful_a command_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o can_v take_v away_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o the_o power_n of_o order_n &_o so_o degrade_v he_o yet_o he_o may_v take_v away_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministerial_a function_n at_o least_o he_o may_v discharge_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o within_o any_o part_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o dominion_n ans._n whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o express_a prohibition_n or_o not_o be_v not_o certane_o know_v nor_o whither_o or_o not_o the_o objection_n do_v suppone_v that_o the_o magistrat_n act_n of_o banish_v of_o they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o parish_n or_o out_o of_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o respective_a presbytery_n do_v include_v a_o discharge_n of_o exâ—…erceing_a the_o ministerial_a