necessare_fw-la &_o righteous_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o their_o obligation_n can_v be_v admit_v &_o receive_v which_o we_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n and_o if_o from_o it_o our_o covenant_n and_o oath_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v just_a be_v we_o not_o assure_v that_o the_o corruption_n and_o sin_n engage_v against_o by_o such_o divine_a tie_n and_o relapse_v into_o contrare_fw-la to_o these_o engagement_n do_v provoke_v our_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n to_o the_o inflict_v of_o all_o those_o plague_n and_o judgement_n threaten_v in_o the_o word_n against_o the_o violator_n of_o such_o sacred_a bond_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o we_o hope_v none_o will_v deny_v what_o can_v we_o then_o expect_v to_o ourselves_o &_o posterity_n if_o reformation_n &_o repentance_n do_v not_o prevent_v but_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n according_a to_o every_o one_o accession_n to_o these_o evil_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n on_o this_o decline_a church_n next_o we_o pray_v your_o lo._n to_o consider_v that_o we_o build_v our_o conclusion_n on_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n in_o this_o church_n and_o other_o lay_v down_o in_o their_o argument_n and_o debate_n against_o popery_n which_o for_o its_o want_n of_o and_o opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v condemn_v for_o a_o antichristian_a defection_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n we_o hold_v to_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o god_n but_o these_o what_o they_o condemn_v we_o must_v renunce_v &_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n want_v their_o authority_n and_o approbation_n we_o can_v yea_o dar_fw-ge not_o admit_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o precede_a age_n show_v what_o mischief_n the_o open_n of_o this_o door_n have_v bring_v in_o upon_o she_o to_o the_o almost_o uter_fw-la ruin_n of_o all_o her_o concern_v the_o present_a growth_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o quick_a advance_v it_o make_v among_o all_o degree_n of_o professor_n in_o this_o and_o our_o nighbour_a church_n say_v to_o all_o &_o we_o suppose_v to_o your_o lo._n that_o the_o fasety_n &_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n do_v in_o all_o prudence_n require_v that_o its_o real_a and_o sincere_a friend_n shall_v be_v encourage_v and_o not_o thus_o persecute_v with_o violence_n which_o no_o doubt_n tend_v so_o to_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n &_o cause_n that_o in_o one_o of_o queen_n elizabeth_n parliament_n it_o be_v judge_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o only_o to_o restrain_v the_o rigid_a press_v of_o conformity_n but_o likewise_o to_o encourage_v all_o nonconformist_n who_o in_o those_o time_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o stout_a antagonist_n to_o popery_n and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v employ_v entrust_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o â—ope_n have_v his_o instrument_n and_o emissary_n among_o we_o for_o work_v out_o of_o his_o design_n on_o these_o church_n which_o all_o his_o former_a engine_n have_v not_o hitherto_o effect_v and_o find_v through_o our_o confusion_n and_o distemper_n the_o occasion_n fit_v for_o his_o purpose_n have_v no_o question_n a_o secret_a active_a hand_n in_o influence_v and_o increase_v of_o this_o violence_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o mercy_n to_o this_o many_o way_n afflict_v and_o ruin_a church_n do_v not_o prevent_v will_v facilitat_fw-la his_o long_v for_o &_o much_o endeavour_v design_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o these_o land_n and_o however_o we_o be_v represent_v to_o your_o lo._n as_o unfriend_v to_o religion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o state_n as_o if_o they_o must_v ruin_v if_o we_o stand_v yet_o the_o experience_n of_o past_a and_o present_a time_n beside_o our_o public_a confession_n do_v sufficient_o witness_v how_o malicious_a our_o adversary_n be_v in_o this_o unjust_a calumny_n we_o be_v no_o innovator_n nor_o pleader_n for_o innovation_n in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o do_v hold_v adhere_v to_o and_o resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sum_v up_o and_o brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n large_a &_o short_a catachisme_n of_o this_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o popish_a arminian_n socinian_n and_o sectarian_n error_n and_o innovation_n we_o hold_v for_o our_o main_a &_o root_a principle_n the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o absolute_a perfect_a and_o only_o rule_v of_o faith_n and_o manner_n not_o need_v any_o supplement_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v antiquity_n its_o due_a respect_n use_v &_o reverence_n and_o although_o we_o maintain_v that_o every_o christian_a of_o what_o rank_n &_o degree_n soever_o aught_o to_o study_v &_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o great_a use_n of_o a_o gospel_n stand_v ministry_n and_o receive_v the_o directive_n authority_n of_o the_o church_n not_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n we_o hold_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n necessare_fw-la to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o absolute_o deny_v that_o the_o spirit_n bring_v new_a revelation_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n &_o government_n but_o only_o that_o he_o open_v the_o eye_n and_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v perceive_v and_o right_o take_v up_o what_o be_v of_o old_a reveal_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n we_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o in_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n yet_o we_o constant_o affirm_v good_a work_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o equity_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n to_o be_v necessare_fw-la both_o necessitate_v precepti_fw-la &_o medii_fw-la our_o minister_n press_v on_o themselves_o &_o hearer_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n as_o the_o solid_a fundation_n of_o good_a work_n &_o the_o severe_a strict_a exercise_n not_o of_o a_o popish_a out_o side_n formal_a but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a real_a mortification_n and_o self_n denial_n we_o extol_v all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o reject_v all_o humane_a invention_n especial_o religious_a and_o significant_a not_o institute_v ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v no_o little_a weight_n with_o your_o lo._n that_o by_o use_v of_o such_o violence_n the_o most_o sober_a judicious_a universal_o religious_a and_o industrious_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o steadfast_a to_o his_o maj_n true_a interest_n and_o honour_n be_v expose_v to_o daily_a vexation_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n and_o prejudice_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n we_o suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o choice_n and_o better_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o government_n now_o introduce_v into_o this_o church_n and_o consequent_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n enact_v against_o non-conformists'_a and_o of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n this_o may_v prove_v to_o church_n and_o state_n we_o leave_v to_o your_o lo._n most_o serious_a consideration_n we_o know_v the_o certain_a issue_n of_o all_o matter_n be_v know_v to_o god_n only_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v our_o measure_n in_o conjecture_v at_o future_a event_n from_o the_o work_n of_o present_a cause_n there_o be_v all_o rational_a ground_n to_o fear_v that_o there_o be_v dismal_a and_o heavy_a time_n come_v on_o this_o nation_n which_o by_o take_v and_o fallow_v of_o right_a way_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n of_o affair_n your_o lo._n may_v prevent_v and_o if_o not_o do_v will_n no_o doubt_n afford_v matter_n of_o bitter_a sorrow_n &_o repentance_n to_o your_o lo_n or_o child_n afterward_o it_o be_v &_o shall_v be_v our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o your_o lo._n may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n pour_v out_o upon_o you_o to_o foresee_v the_o evil_n that_o be_v hasten_v towards_o we_o and_o in_o time_n to_o hide_v yourselves_o this_o church_n &_o kingdom_n from_o they_o be_v it_o not_o apparent_a to_o all_o that_o conscience_n do_v not_o
sake_n although_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n 5_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o this_o charge_n that_o some_o yea_o many_o of_o the_o person_n that_o come_v to_o and_o haunt_v our_o meeting_n be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v conscientious_a and_o christian_n in_o their_o walk_n but_o flagitious_a or_o in_o many_o of_o their_o practice_n scandalous_a we_o can_v think_v our_o adversary_n be_v serious_a in_o this_o &_o do_v believe_v as_o they_o speak_v see_v 1_o this_o do_v fall_v as_o heavy_a and_o will_v to_o onlooker_n reflect_v as_o much_o and_o more_o on_o the_o objector_n themselves_o as_o on_o we_o who_o meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o sink_n of_o all_o debauch_a and_o profaine_a person_n through_o the_o land_n can_v they_o refuse_v this_o it_o be_v like_a the_o foresight_n of_o this_o force_v they_o to_o say_v in_o their_o lybel_n of_o greivance_n against_o we_o that_o the_o abomination_n mention_v in_o one_o article_n be_v commit_v at_o our_o meeting_n and_o not_o by_o person_n present_a at_o they_o otherwise_o their_o assembly_n for_o worship_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o chargeabâ—â—_n therewith_o as_o we_o but_o in_o this_o our_o antagonist_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o prâ—â—mitive_a time_n who_o charge_v they_o for_o have_v these_o 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a abomination_n commit_v at_o their_o assembly_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o church_n history_n the_o lord_n deliver_v we_o from_o and_o rebuke_v the_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v enter_v into_o and_o possess_v many_o 2._o but_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a person_n at_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o perform_v of_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o charge_v the_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o such_o on_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n inductive_a to_o scandal_n will_v not_o the_o assembly_n that_o christ_n his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n keep_v in_o all_o age_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o this_o charge_n as_o we_o who_o exclude_v none_o but_o admit_v all_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o some_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n whatever_o our_o adversary_n will_v say_v for_o clear_v of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n will_v acquit_v we_o 3._o do_v not_o man_n know_v that_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n we_o shall_v design_n and_o labour_v their_o conversion_n as_o much_o as_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o convert_v be_v not_o the_o gospel_n with_o which_o minister_n be_v entrust_v the_o mean_a and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o see_v this_o be_v our_o design_n as_o it_o have_v be_v our_o practice_n so_o it_o be_v our_o resolution_n not_o to_o exclude_v any_o from_o our_o assembly_n how_o wicked_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v truth_n be_v to_o charge_v we_o and_o our_o meeting_n with_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o frequent_a the_o same_o be_v to_o reproach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o father_n all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o its_o hearer_n on_o it_o contrare_fw-la to_o its_o grand_a design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v sinner_n from_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o sect_n v._o some_o reason_n why_o the_o indulgence_n be_v not_o accept_v in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o indulgence_n the_o not_o allow_v of_o which_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o full_a evidence_n of_o our_o pivish_a wilful_a and_o stiff_a disposition_n to_o unpeacableness_n and_o distoyalty_n but_o we_o hope_v when_o our_o carriage_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v serious_o think_v upon_o and_o the_o reason_n that_o determine_v we_o to_o this_o refusal_n be_v weight_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n this_o charge_n will_v be_v find_v light_n and_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o upon_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v not_o against_o but_o with_o all_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n shall_v be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o receive_v any_o liberty_n for_o the_o gospel_n its_o true_a interest_n and_o ourselves_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o know_a principle_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v we_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o unjust_a state_n of_o the_o question_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o some_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la may_v or_o have_v it_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o serve_v and_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o his_o word_n this_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o cheerful_o grant_v that_o although_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n that_o be_v proper_o such_o be_v independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o the_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v true_o from_o he_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o no_o doubt_n to_o encourage_v countenance_n and_o protect_v the_o church_n against_o all_o enemy_n and_o to_o relieve_v she_o of_o oppression_n when_o under_o it_o to_o this_o he_o be_v impower_v and_o oblige_v both_o as_o a_o magistrate_n and_o as_o a_o christian_n neither_o be_v it_o with_o we_o a_o question_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n may_v command_v minister_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o then_o function_n nor_o whether_o he_o may_v exeem_v they_o from_o the_o hazard_n of_o suffering_n to_o which_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a by_o law_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n nor_o yet_o whether_o he_o may_v confine_v minister_n simple_o and_o abstract_o consider_v from_o our_o present_a case_n which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o not_o all_o to_o the_o church_n all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o we_o yield_v to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o person_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n to_o we_o be_v whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la magistratico_n may_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o without_o the_o church_n &_o the_o previous_a election_n of_o the_o people_n assign_v and_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a church_n to_o take_v the_o fix_a and_o pastoral_a over_o sight_n of_o they_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o they_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o confine_v they_o to_o the_o say_a congregation_n the_o question_n thus_o state_v being_n complex_fw-la and_o consist_v of_o several_a branch_n conform_v to_o the_o act_n of_o council_n anent_o the_o indulgence_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n for_o give_v a_o just_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n therewith_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o some_o assertion_n with_o the_o reason_n subjoin_v assertion_n first_o the_o magistrate_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n can_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o assign_v or_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a congregation_n to_o take_v the_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o find_v not_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n any_o such_o power_n give_v to_o or_o exercise_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o church_n none_o have_v yet_o give_v any_o instance_n of_o this_o if_o there_o be_v let_v they_o be_v produce_v and_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v all_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o on_o positive_a institution_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o way_n and_o method_n of_o man_n invention_n but_o in_o these_o that_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n so_o that_o she_o own_v she_o be_v constitution_n and_o all_o to_o they_o there_o must_v be_v some_o evident_a proof_n produce_v from_o these_o before_o we_o can_v yield_v to_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n how_o long_o shall_v we_o expect_v this_o 2._o also_o we_o find_v the_o church_n in_o the_o possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o reformation_n by_o luther_n and_o other_o in_o germany_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n we_o grant_v there_o be_v for_o some_o time_n a_o considerable_a debate_n betwixt_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o emperor_n of_o germany_n about_o the_o investiture_n of_o bishop_n which_o give_v the_o rise_n to_o other_o prince_n clame_v of_o the_o same_o &_o seize_v upon_o it_o but_o what_o say_v this_o to_o the_o mission_n of_o minister_n &_o application_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o as_o prelacy_n be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o horrid_a contention_n in_o church_n and_o state_n so_o
none_o wonder_v we_o take_v this_o ticklish_a subject_n into_o consideration_n and_o there_fw-mi adventure_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o thought_n of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o world_n for_o we_o solemn_o profess_v that_o on_o the_o exact_a enquiry_n and_o search_n that_o we_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v about_o this_o matter_n we_o find_v it_o as_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o our_o true_a covenant_v principle_n as_o prelacy_n and_o in_o its_o effect_n we_o fear_v shall_v prove_v as_o destructive_a to_o the_o church_n and_o work_v of_o reformation_n as_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v on_o the_o field_n against_o it_o time_n past_a and_o present_a speak_v much_o to_o this_o but_o the_o future_a will_v say_v more_o the_o storm_n that_o this_o supremacy_n threaten_v to_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o all_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o zion_n to_o pray_v inflant_o day_n and_o night_n that_o it_o may_v be_v gracious_o avert_v the_o truth_n be_v as_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o high_a corruption_n in_o itself_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n so_o it_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o law_n in_o church_n matter_n and_o be_v not_o only_o one_o but_o a_o main_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v join_v in_o church_n assembly_n especial_o for_o government_n which_o thereby_o in_o our_o apprehension_n be_v make_v nullity_n that_o our_o procedure_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o may_v be_v distinct_a and_o clear_a to_o all_o we_o shall_v observe_v this_o method_n 1._o we_o shall_v consider_v &_o speak_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o show_v what_o it_o true_o be_v 2_o we_o shall_v prove_v its_o distinction_n from_o &_o independency_n on_o the_o civil_a government_n and3_n show_v how_o far_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o law_n lodge_v in_o and_o exercise_v by_o our_o ruler_n contrare_fw-la to_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n till_o these_o hundred_o year_n past_a for_o more_o light_n to_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v premise_v these_o preliminary_a consideration_n or_o proposition_n which_o we_o think_v will_v not_o ready_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o 1._o propos_fw-fr it_o be_v out_o of_o our_o road_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o intend_a brevity_n to_o insist_v on_o the_o term_n government_n &_o church_n &_o what_o be_v usual_o signify_v by_o they_o these_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o critic_n and_o all_o that_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n but_o all_o be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o government_n be_v a_o term_n import_v power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o right_a to_o rule_v other_o and_o a_o obligation_n on_o these_o invest_v therewith_o to_o use_v the_o same_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o government_n so_o that_o government_n make_v its_o act_n due_a &_o bind_v they_o to_o all_o these_o act_n mean_n &_o way_n by_o which_o government_n be_v enable_v to_o reach_v its_o end_n 2._o propos_fw-fr all_o create_v power_n &_o authority_n be_v original_a in_o god_n as_o the_o &_o first_o chief_n cause_n thereof_o &_o derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o universal_a supreme_a monarch_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n hence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o the_o power_n that_o can_v prove_v its_o descent_n from_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v so_o all_o just_a power_n be_v direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o as_o the_o universal_a head_n of_o all_o 3._o propos_fw-fr that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o be_v found_v in_o nature_n but_o on_o supernatural_a revelation_n her_o government_n must_v whole_o depend_v upon_o &_o flow_v from_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n where_o it_o differ_v from_o other_o government_n so_o that_o the_o all_o of_o this_o government_n be_v by_o positive_a institution_n and_o warrant_n from_o god_n supernatural_o reveal_v 4._o propos_fw-fr that_o christ_n jesus_n as_o mediator_n be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n under_o god_n and_o thereby_o her_o government_n fountain_v in_o he_o all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a 5._o propos_fw-fr beside_o the_o invisible_a and_o internal_a government_n that_o christ_n jesus_n exercise_v by_o his_o spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o people_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n guide_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o that_o obedience_n he_o require_v of_o they_o in_o his_o word_n there_o be_v likewise_o a_o true_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o he_o and_o visible_o exercise_v in_o she_o in_o his_o name_n as_o her_o supreme_a 6._o propos_fw-fr the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o be_v not_o proper_o and_o in_o linea_fw-la directa_fw-la subordinat_fw-la to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o 1._o it_o have_v its_o derivation_n from_o another_o fountain_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o church_n supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n all_o power_n in_o she_o must_v come_v from_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o 2_o the_o magistrate_n can_v take_v away_o nor_o change_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o may_v do_v in_o government_n and_o power_n subordinat_a to_o he_o yea_o he_o can_v impede_fw-la its_o exercise_n in_o these_o entrust_v with_o it_o see_v they_o be_v under_o obligation_n for_o it_o antecedent_n &_o superior_a to_o these_o of_o the_o magistrate_n 7._o propos_fw-fr that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o king_n of_o his_o church_n must_v be_v the_o instrument_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n government_n according_a to_o which_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v not_o only_o in_o these_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n but_o also_o in_o the_o outward_a 8._o propos_fw-fr although_o power_n specifical_o distinct_a be_v not_o subordinat_a to_o one_o another_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v a_o mutual_a subordination_n of_o person_n invest_v with_o these_o power_n so_o as_o the_o person_n be_v in_o different_a respect_n superior_a and_o inferior_a to_o one_o another_o as_o jesse_n be_v to_o david_n suppose_v he_o to_o live_v in_o his_o son_n david_n reign_n which_o subordination_n of_o person_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o power_n nor_o the_o mutual_a subjection_n the_o person_n owe_v to_o one_o another_o hence_o we_o assert_v that_o as_o magistracy_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o ministry_n nor_o loose_v the_o person_n clothe_v therewith_o from_o the_o subjection_n they_o owe_v as_o christian_n to_o minister_n in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o ministry_n destroy_v magistracy_n nor_o untie_v minister_n as_o subject_n from_o that_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o magistrate_n from_o their_o subject_n minister_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o as_o much_o as_o any_o 9_o propos_fw-fr as_o in_o all_o government_n there_o be_v something_n that_o be_v intrinsic_a although_o visible_a wherein_o its_o nature_n and_o specific_a essence_n do_v consist_v and_o something_n accidental_a and_o separable_a from_o it_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o its_o esse_fw-la but_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la so_o there_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n something_n essential_a &_o intrinsic_a of_o which_o afterward_o and_o something_n accidental_a and_o extrinsic_a without_o which_o it_o can_v subsist_v even_o in_o its_o exercise_n 10._o propos_fw-fr these_o thing_n in_o and_o about_o which_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v conversant_a be_v of_o diverse_a sort_n some_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a as_o the_o word_n ministry_n sacrament_n and_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n other_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n partly_o spiritual_a &_o partly_o civil_a as_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n and_o mod_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n which_o although_o civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o common_a to_o other_o action_n yet_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o general_a divine_a appointment_n impower_v the_o church_n to_o dispose_v and_o order_v these_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o necessary_a connection_n with_o thing_n pure_o spiritual_a be_v true_o ecclesiastic_a and_o become_v a_o part_n of_o the_o object_n of_o the_o proper_a power_n of_o church_n government_n call_v by_o all_o divine_v diatactick_a some_o be_v proper_o &_o pure_o civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o immediate_a end_n as_o church_n stipend_n manse_v glyb_n etc._n etc._n which_o although_o they_o be_v by_o general_a precept_n secure_v to_o the_o church_n and_o belong_v to_o she_o yet_o they_o be_v formal_o civil_a and_o come_v direct_o under_o the_o magistrate_n power_n as_o other_o civil_a right_n and_o propriety_n do_v about_o which_o
magistrate_n can_v yea_o may_v not_o exercise_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v disenable_v thereto_o by_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v lay_v the_o burden_n thereof_o on_o other_o and_o not_o on_o he_o the_o most_o grant_n the_o magistrate_n himself_o may_v not_o exercise_v some_o part_n of_o this_o government_n as_o ordain_v of_o person_n for_o the_o ministry_n excommunicate_v etc._n etc._n and_o why_o he_o may_v do_v other_o part_n and_o act_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o not_o these_o we_o desire_v proof_n all_o our_o antagonist_n argument_n in_o this_o conclude_v for_o the_o whole_a obj._n but_o some_o magistrate_n have_v exercise_v both_o power_n as_o moses_n samuel_n david_n solomon_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr these_o be_v both_o magistrate_n and_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n that_o what_o they_o do_v either_o in_o constitute_v or_o in_o exercise_v of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v it_o as_o prophet_n and_o not_o as_o magistrate_n we_o find_v magistrate_n that_o be_v not_o prophet_n attempt_v it_o &_o reprehend_v for_o so_o do_v as_o saul_n uzziah_n which_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o their_o magistratical_a office_n arg._n 4._o that_o government_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o and_o regulate_v by_o another_o rule_n and_o instrument_n than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v distinct_a from_o his_o government_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o rule_v by_o another_o law_n or_o rule_n than_o the_o magistrate_n the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v clear_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v flow_v from_o and_o be_v regulate_v by_o his_o own_o law_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a fountain_n the_o second_o we_o suppose_v be_v undeniable_a among_o christian_n who_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n obj_fw-la but_o there_o be_v something_n necessare_fw-la to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr this_o we_o deny_v for_o 1._o what_o the_o scripture_n contain_v anent_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n if_o reduce_v to_o practice_n be_v able_a to_o attain_v its_o end_n and_o more_o be_v not_o necessary_a let_v the_o church_n have_v these_o and_o the_o work_n will_v be_v do_v we_o make_v &_o feign_v necessitle_n but_o no_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n government_n than_o what_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o scripture_n anent_o it_o 2._o the_o ability_n of_o the_o church_n government_n for_o reach_v its_o end_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o innate_a sufficiency_n of_o its_o institute_v mean_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v with_o in_o and_o by_o they_o by_o which_o low_a weak_a and_o despicable_a way_n christ_n carry_v on_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o he_o and_o not_o of_o we_o 3._o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a rule_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n what_o it_o contain_v of_o and_o anent_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v perfect_a and_o sufficient_a sure_o we_o be_v the_o church_n government_n be_v a_o good_a work_n and_o its_o exercise_n act_n of_o obedience_n to_o christ_n jesus_n anent_o which_o it_o be_v say_v i._n tim._n 3._o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n 4._o we_o inquire_v when_o the_o church_n be_v without_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o under_o the_o foot_n of_o a_o heathenish_a persecute_v one_o in_o which_o case_n our_o opposite_n grant_v she_o a_o government_n distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n whether_o the_o government_n exercise_v in_o she_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v its_o end_n if_o it_o be_v as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n put_v beyond_o doubt_n why_o may_v it_o not_o do_v the_o same_o under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n arg._n 5._o that_o goverement_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o another_o distinct_a supreme_a head_n beside_o the_o magistrate_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exerce_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o another_o supreme_a head_n not_o subordinat_a to_o the_o magistrate_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o proposition_n we_o understand_v not_o for_o all_o government_n one_o with_o and_o subordinat_a to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v exercise_v in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n but_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exercise_v in_o she_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n by_o his_o officer_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n arg._n 6._o the_o designation_n denomination_n and_o relation_n in_o and_o with_o which_o the_o church_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v also_o confirm_v this_o truth_n she_o be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n as_o all_o these_o do_v necessary_o import_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o they_o insinuat_fw-la the_o same_o to_o be_v different_a from_o all_o other_o government_n which_o we_o may_v mould_v into_o this_o argument_n that_o society_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n must_v have_v a_o government_n distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o the_o church_n be_v that_o society_n that_o be_v only_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o etc._n etc._n obj._n but_o all_o these_o be_v say_v only_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n ans_fw-fr but_o the_o contrare_fw-la be_v clear_a from_o those_o scripture_n where_o these_o epithet_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 12.1_o tim._n 3.15_o arg._n 7._o that_o government_n who_o immediate_a and_o essential_a end_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o the_o immediate_a and_o essential_a end_n of_o the_o magistrate_n government_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o here_o it_o be_v so_o the_o essential_a &_o immediate_a end_n of_o church_n government_n be_v different_a from_o the_o essential_a &_o immediate_a end_n of_o magistracy_n as_o will_v be_v clear_a to_o any_o that_o compare_v they_o together_o the_o end_n of_o church_n government_n be_v the_o save_a of_o the_o foul_a the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n the_o endâ—_n of_o magistracy_n be_v the_o outward_a public_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n the_o execution_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o maintain_n and_o preserve_v of_o propriety_n etc._n etc._n with_o these_o the_o church_n government_n do_v not_o meddle_v nor_o intend_v they_o of_o itself_o obj._n the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o intend_v and_o endeavour_v the_o spiritual_a happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o his_o subject_n ans_fw-fr we_o grant_v this_o but_o as_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o for_o every_o one_o in_o their_o station_n be_v bind_v to_o design_n and_o labour_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o these_o under_o their_o charge_n this_o be_v a_o common_a end_n that_o all_o christian_n in_o their_o several_a capacity_n shall_v seek_v after_o in_o their_o love_n to_o one_o another_o the_o first_o proposition_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o specifical_a distinction_n betwixt_o power_n habit_n and_o act_n be_v take_v from_o their_o object_n and_o immediate_a proper_a end_n where_o these_o differ_v they_o be_v by_o all_o philosopher_n constitute_v into_o different_a species_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o assert_v that_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v specifical_o differ_v from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o it_o be_v independent_a thereon_o and_o not_o direct_o subordinat_a thereto_o a_o truth_n how_o much_o soever_o it_o be_v decry_v we_o be_v not_o shame_v of_o nor_o afraid_a to_o profess_v &_o maintain_v and_o whosoever_o will_v lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o earthly_a interest_n and_o consider_v these_o reason_n with_o we_o will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o arg._n 1._o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n it_o have_v not_o its_o derivation_n from_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o the_o consequence_n be_v found_v on_o this_o truth_n grant_v by_o all_o lawyer_n and_o divine_n that_o all_o power_n direct_o subordinat_a to_o and_o dependent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o the_o antecedent_n we_o prove_v thus_o 1._o the_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o
power_n of_o natures_n enmity_n in_o professor_n over_o the_o life_n of_o true_a godliness_n and_o their_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o lust_n &_o sinful_a inclination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o thus_o set_v they_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o mean_n appoint_v for_o their_o delivery_n from_o the_o dominion_n &_o power_n of_o damn_v sin_n whither_o be_v we_o go_v and_o what_o may_v we_o expect_v will_v be_v the_o height_n of_o our_o defection_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o it_o if_o professor_n put_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o plain_a &_o open_a profess_a contradiction_n to_o their_o christian_a profession_n 2._o let_v not_o your_o lo._n think_v we_o say_v this_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o justify_v any_o fail_n in_o this_o matter_n commit_v by_o any_o of_o our_o persuasion_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o our_o profess_a principle_n and_o although_o we_o can_v condemn_v all_o the_o instance_n that_o be_v now_o disapprove_v by_o our_o antagonist_n yet_o we_o grant_v there_o be_v considerable_a escape_n in_o preach_v &_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o imprudence_n &_o passion_n in_o some_o and_o of_o worldly_a inclination_n &_o design_n in_o other_o of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o to_o raise_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o person_n of_o lead_a influence_n &_o power_n keep_v no_o measure_n but_o run_v to_o strange_a height_n of_o zeal_n against_o some_o sin_n while_o they_o connive_v at_o other_o but_o see_v by_o their_o compliance_n with_o the_o cryed-up_a cause_n of_o these_o time_n they_o do_v now_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v never_o of_o we_o how_o unjust_o be_v their_o wicked_a folly_n impute_v to_o our_o government_n and_o way_n but_o for_o all_o the_o instance_n give_v in_o against_o we_o and_o the_o hideous_a cry_n raise_v after_o they_o yet_o we_o must_v say_v the_o great_a and_o most_o common_a fail_n among_o minister_n be_v in_o the_o defect_n in_o that_o the_o most_o be_v not_o so_o diligent_a faithful_a &_o impartial_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n personal_a rebuke_n &_o censure_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v as_o alas_o be_v too_o visible_a &_o observe_v by_o many_o for_o which_o now_o they_o bear_v their_o rebuke_n in_o that_o many_o of_o those_o be_v now_o become_v their_o cruel_a persecutor_n to_o who_o they_o be_v sinful_o spare_v &_o indulgent_a moreover_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o of_o these_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o excess_n unjustifiable_a yet_o if_o the_o constitution_n and_o principle_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v not_o for_o but_o against_o they_o it_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o these_o they_o must_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o not_o of_o the_o government_n otherwise_o all_o government_n must_v be_v condemn_v as_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o mal-administrations_a commit_v by_o governor_n which_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v absurd_a but_o when_o any_o of_o the_o contrare_fw-la mind_v shall_v demonstrat_fw-la these_o to_o be_v the_o native_a product_n of_o our_o principle_n for_o doctrine_n and_o government_n they_o shall_v be_v consider_v &_o according_a to_o the_o conviction_n they_o give_v of_o the_o same_o they_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v but_o will_v your_o lo._n be_v please_v to_o consider_v the_o sad_a &_o deplorable_a extreme_a our_o antagonist_n be_v run_v into_o who_o meddle_v not_o with_o any_o sort_n of_o scandal_n except_o a_o few_o and_o these_o in_o the_o meanner_n &_o low_a degree_n of_o person_n over_o look_v all_o in_o the_o more_o opulent_a and_o great_a which_o have_v encourage_v wickedness_n to_o lift_v up_o its_o head_n and_o to_o diffuse_v its_o self_n through_o all_o rank_n without_o control_n to_o the_o infect_v of_o this_o church_n with_o all_o kind_n of_o scandal_n which_o no_o doubt_n will_v resolve_v either_o into_o the_o total_a ruin_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n or_o else_o in_o sad_a desolate_v judgement_n on_o this_o land_n and_o if_o it_o come_v this_o length_n which_o we_o earnest_o beg_v of_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v prevent_v by_o pour_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n on_o we_o where_o will_v be_v our_o advantage_n by_o prelacy_n that_o be_v now_o so_o much_o extol_v therefore_o not_o love_v to_o trouble_v your_o lo._n any_o further_a we_o shall_v add_v but_o this_o humble_a and_o earnest_a request_n that_o your_o lo._n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v some_o due_a and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o true_a state_n and_o low_a condition_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o his_o maj._n who_o we_o hope_v through_o your_o lo._n intercession_n will_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n find_v out_o some_o just_a expedient_a for_o relieve_v of_o this_o church_n of_o her_o oppress_a evil_n under_o which_o she_o groan_v and_o undo_v of_o these_o heavy_a burden_n that_o lie_v on_o we_o for_o which_o we_o be_v your_o lo._n humble_a petitioner_n and_o have_v be_v so_o alittle_o soon_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v discourage_v by_o law_n anent_o church_n matter_n that_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o close_v all_o door_n of_o access_n to_o his_o maj._n and_o your_o lo._n for_o represent_v our_o just_a greivance_n this_o way_n if_o we_o may_v not_o obtain_v this_o reasonable_a and_o just_a request_n as_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o another_o refuge_n leave_v we_o but_o to_o refer_v our_o cause_n to_o the_o righteous_a tribunal_n of_o the_o just_a and_o almighty_a god_n where_o your_o lo._n and_o we_o will_v stand_v on_o euâ—n_a ground_n and_o have_v judgement_n pass_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n a_o apology_n for_o or_o vindication_n of_o the_o oppress_a persecute_a minister_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n emit_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v the_o introduction_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a as_o we_o suppose_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o land_n of_o britan_n and_o ireland_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n what_o persecution_n upon_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o the_o party_n call_v presbyterian_a have_v suffer_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o yet_o lytth_v under_o throw_v the_o implacable_a and_o violent_a rage_n of_o their_o adversary_n the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o civil_a power_n on_o their_o side_n have_v prevail_v to_o the_o enacâ—â—â—_n of_o such_o law_n that_o these_o who_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o duty_n 〈◊〉_d ward_n god_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o covenaâ—â—â—_n and_o oath_n lie_v on_o they_o and_o these_o church_n can_v comply_v with_o nor_o give_v obedience_n unto_o be_v not_o only_a exposeâ—_n to_o bitter_a and_o hard_a suffering_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n 〈…〉_o load_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o reproach_n and_o represent_v as_o 〈…〉_o ous_a and_o disloyal_a to_o authority_n contrary_a to_o their_o 〈…〉_o ciple_n and_o act_n it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o 〈…〉_o to_o descend_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_o fering_n nor_o yet_o to_o lay_v any_o odium_n on_o 〈…〉_o prejudice_n of_o their_o just_a authority_n as_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o worâ—â—â—_n know_v and_o we_o hope_v will_v make_v manifest_a in_o due_a 〈…〉_o â—o_o clear_a some_o necessary_a truth_n and_o duty_n and_o to_o vindicaâ—_n some_o of_o our_o practice_n from_o the_o unjust_a aspersion_n of_o adversary_n who_o by_o lie_v and_o unjust_a representation_n of_o our_o principle_n and_o carriage_n do_v public_o and_o private_o defame_v and_o misrepresent_v to_o authority_n and_o other_o our_o behaviour_n under_o the_o present_a course_n of_o affair_n a_o artifice_n they_o have_v use_v of_o old_a and_o late_a for_o ingratiate_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o interest_n into_o the_o favour_n of_o our_o ruler_n and_o sharpen_v of_o the_o â—dge_n of_o persecution_n against_o we_o in_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o small_a success_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n which_o through_o the_o hot_a contest_v and_o debate_v of_o their_o time_n actuate_v by_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n on_o the_o one_o â—and_n and_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o other_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o suffer_v shipwreck_n we_o incline_v rather_o to_o keep_v silence_n and_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n under_o the_o present_a violence_n use_v against_o we_o as_o our_o too_o much_o silence_n hitherto_o do_v sufficient_o witness_v but_o find_v that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n â—nd_v the_o concern_v of_o immortal_a soul_n be_v strike_v at_o and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o
duty_n do_v not_o enjoin_v a_o duty_n but_o a_o sin_n obj._n 2._o if_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v &_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v receive_v from_o they_o for_o the_o ministerial_a power_n give_v to_o the_o person_n invest_v therewith_o not_o only_o a_o right_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n &_o dispense_v ordinance_n &_o make_v their_o act_n valide_fw-la but_o it_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o all_o relation_n &_o the_o mutual_a duty_n that_o the_o person_n under_o they_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o dispense_v its_o ordinance_n the_o people_n must_v likewise_o be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o they_o ans_fw-fr albeit_o we_o shall_v yield_v the_o prelate_n and_o curate_n to_o be_v minister_n to_o the_o deny_v of_o which_o they_o have_v give_v and_o do_v give_v to_o many_o too_o much_o ground_n by_o their_o open_a avow_a perjury_n enmity_n at_o and_o opposition_n to_o true_a godliness_n their_o renunce_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o immediate_a supreme_a head_n by_o subject_v themselves_o to_o another_o foreign_a supreme_a in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o wicked_a and_o flagitious_a life_n yet_o the_o consequence_n will_v not_o hold_v for_o 1._o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o shall_v receive_v &_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o the_o lawful_o call_v &_o appropriate_a pastor_n of_o this_o church_n which_o for_o the_o former_a and_o subsequent_a reason_n we_o deny_v and_o we_o will_v glad_o see_v how_o they_o will_v prove_v it_o for_o although_o intruder_n upon_o the_o church_n be_v minister_n yet_o their_o intrusion_n put_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n on_o people_n reception_n of_o and_o submission_n to_o they_o as_o we_o have_v make_v out_o both_o in_o thesi_fw-la &_o in_fw-la hypothesi_fw-la wherefore_o in_o so_o far_o as_o hear_v &_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o prelatical_a minister_n in_o our_o case_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o this_o we_o refuse_v it_o 2_o people_n obligation_n to_o submission_n to_o minister_n do_v not_o immediate_o flow_v from_o the_o be_v of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o those_o clothe_v therewith_o there_o aâ—e_v beside_o this_o other_o thing_n that_o must_v concur_v to_o the_o cause_v of_o this_o obligation_n which_o if_o they_o be_v want_v will_v make_v it_o void_a or_o at_o least_o suspend_v it_o as_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v in_o person_n pretend_v to_o the_o ministry_n the_o removal_n of_o just_a impediment_n the_o church_n call_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o there_o be_v something_n either_o physical_a or_o moral_a that_o if_o they_o fall_v out_o will_v suspend_v this_o obligation_n in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la while_o it_o remain_v in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la as_o inability_n of_o body_n just_a suspension_n for_o a_o time_n fundamental_a heresy_n intrusion_n etc._n etc._n now_o many_o of_o these_o be_v existent_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n in_o our_o present_a case_n we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o no_o divine_a obligation_n to_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o here_o urge_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n anent_o the_o romish_a priest_n jesuit_n and_o other_o in_o order_n among_o they_o who_o sustain_v the_o validity_n of_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o such_o and_o yet_o hold_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v hear_v nor_o ordinance_n receive_v from_o they_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o pharisy_n and_o the_o scribe_n matth._n 23._o will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o militat_fw-la against_o this_o till_o it_o be_v make_v out_o that_o they_o be_v intruder_n which_o yet_o none_o have_v do_v arg._n 8._o it_o be_v of_o no_o little_a weight_n to_o we_o when_o add_v to_o the_o former_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o violent_o thrust-in_a on_o congregation_n be_v either_o insufficient_a or_o scandalous_a creature_n we_o confess_v fit_v for_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o prelate_n design_n against_o this_o church_n and_o we_o by_o who_o the_o poor_a people_n be_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o hazard_n throw_v ignorance_n piophannes_n atheism_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n abound_v in_o all_o corner_n of_o this_o land_n who_o in_o stead_n of_o prevent_v and_o cure_v of_o the_o same_o do_v rather_o further_o and_o advance_v these_o church-destroying_a evil_n as_o we_o do_v not_o make_v personal_a scandal_n of_o itself_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o withdraw_v from_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o a_o minister_n guilty_a thereof_o yet_o when_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o carriage_n of_o those_o who_o entry_n be_v corrupt_a and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v justify_v we_o can_v but_o think_v ourselves_o under_o straight_a tie_n to_o be_v ware_n of_o and_o fly_v from_o such_o partly_o because_o of_o the_o little_a or_o no_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o expect_v any_o spiritual_a advantage_n from_o their_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o partly_o for_o the_o precept_n we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o avoid_v and_o shune_v of_o such_o philip._n 3._o with_o many_o other_o shall_v we_o give_v up_o ourselus_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o such_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n have_v nothing_o to_o engage_v we_o thereto_o but_o the_o mere_a pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n who_o we_o know_v be_v carry_v on_o corrupt_a design_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o purity_n &_o power_n what_o a_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o charge_n in_o this_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a but_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n in_o this_o church_n good_a and_o bad_a who_o have_v be_v &_o be_v witness_n to_o their_o deportment_n arg._n 9_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o state_v case_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o that_o withhold_v and_o yet_o withhold_v we_o from_o subject_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n which_o we_o wish_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v as_o 1._o for_o make_v way_n to_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n the_o very_a foundation_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v shake_v and_o unhinged_a by_o the_o disannullig_a and_o rescind_v of_o such_o a_o series_n of_o parliament_n for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o most_o of_o which_o there_o be_v according_a to_o ancient_a custom_n and_o law_n all_o that_o among_o we_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o parliament_n by_o this_o deed_n not_o only_o the_o constitution_n of_o former_a parliament_n be_v strike_v at_o but_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o in_o the_o act_n rescissory_a a_o preparative_n be_v make_v for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o government_n by_o any_o that_o in_o after_o age_n have_v a_o mind_n for_o and_o power_n to_o effect_v it_o although_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n at_o that_o time_n be_v as_o high_o prelatical_a and_o as_o much_o make_v for_o the_o king_n design_n as_o we_o yet_o they_o forbear_v such_o a_o deed_n anent_o the_o long-lived-parliament_n albeit_o they_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o we_o pretend_v 2_o this_o change_n make_v in_o the_o church_n be_v accompany_v and_o yet_o be_v with_o such_o a_o speat_v of_o enimity_n at_o and_o opposition_n to_o true_a godliness_n in_o its_o necessare_fw-la exercise_n that_o the_o person_n that_o savour_v any_o thing_n of_o religion_n sobriety_n and_o conscience_n come_v under_o a_o cloud_n and_o be_v discountenance_v even_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a as_o person_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v in_o any_o place_n of_o office_n or_o power_n while_o these_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o dissolute_a life_n and_o give_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n be_v muâ—h_o make_v of_o countenance_v and_o entrust_v as_o the_o only_a confident_n of_o the_o time_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o wickedness_n and_o profanity_n find_v itself_o encourage_v and_o reins_n loose_v to_o it_o abound_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n to_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o true_o godly_a and_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o too_o much_o prolixity_n this_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o a_o multitude_n of_o undeniable_a but_o lamentable_a instance_n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n we_o forbear_v not_o love_a to_o stir_n in_o this_o filthy_a puddle_n 3_o as_o to_o the_o government_n of_o