he_o true_o and_o visio_o reign_v over_o all_o in_o she_o so_o that_o obedience_n to_o this_o power_n be_v obedience_n to_o christ_n as_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o contrâ—re_n be_v high_a rebellion_n against_o he_o concl._n 10._o although_o this_o power_n be_v only_o ministerial_a and_o declarative_a of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v authoritative_a and_o bind_v on_o all_o the_o church_n without_o exception_n of_o person_n and_o that_o on_o a_o double_a account_n first_o on_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a command_n enjoin_v submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o its_o exercise_n in_o the_o person_n of_o those_o invest_v therewith_o and_o also_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o respect_n to_o and_o derivation_n from_o christ_n who_o power_n and_o ordinance_n it_o be_v and_o who_o in_o its_o exercise_n it_o do_v represent_v to_o all_o concl._n 11._o this_o power_n be_v exercise_v either_o single_o &_o a_o part_n by_o every_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n &_o measure_n of_o their_o power_n or_o in_o conjunction_n with_o one_o another_o conform_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n time_n although_o every_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a order_n have_v the_o whole_a power_n belong_v intrinsice_n to_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o act_n thereof_o they_o can_v exerce_fw-la but_o in_o a_o conjunction_n with_o other_o as_o ordain_v of_o person_n for_o the_o ministry_n try_v and_o censure_v of_o scandalous_a and_o heretical_a professor_n or_o minister_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o there_o must_v be_v fix_v meeting_n of_o officer_n general_a and_o particular_a concl._n 12._o the_o ordiner_n officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o extraordinary_a be_v cease_v be_v of_o three_o order_n teacher_n and_o pastor_n rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n these_o we_o find_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o no_o other_o many_o other_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o and_o obtrude_v on_o the_o church_n but_o all_o of_o humane_a or_o rather_o of_o diabolical_a invention_n as_o alace_o their_o effect_n have_v sad_o make_v out_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o former_a and_o present_a time_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o divine_a order_n we_o find_v no_o institute_n superiority_n in_o the_o same_o order_n of_o one_o above_o other_o as_o a_o pastor_n of_o pastor_n or_o a_o elder_a of_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n of_o deacon_n these_o who_o have_v assume_v and_o exercise_v this_o superiority_n we_o can_v own_v as_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n nor_o subject_n to_o they_o as_o such_o till_o they_o prove_v their_o institution_n and_o mission_n from_o he_o which_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o do_v the_o outmost_a essey_n have_v be_v for_o prelacy_n or_o a_o bishop_n who_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o pastor_n have_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o and_o their_o flock_n but_o nothing_o attempt_v for_o make_v out_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o primat_n archbishop_n archpresbyter_n archdeacon_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v that_o lowly_a and_o humble_a government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o word_n and_o put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o officer_n command_v they_o to_o exercise_v and_o dispense_v the_o same_o to_o all_o in_o his_o house_n under_o high_a pain_n of_o which_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o assert_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v distinct_a and_o specifical_o different_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and2_n that_o it_o be_v independent_a on_o it_o these_o two_o conclusion_n we_o now_o undertake_v to_o prove_v against_o the_o erastians_n of_o our_o time_n who_o assert_v that_o when_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v embody_v with_o the_o commonwealth_n her_o government_n become_v one_o with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n and_o do_v not_o differ_v from_o it_o in_o opposition_n to_o these_o we_o affirm_v that_o when_o a_o nation_n state_n or_o kingdom_n turn_v christian_a in_o its_o ruler_n and_o subject_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v specifical_o different_a and_o distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o that_o state_n or_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v before_o its_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n the_o reason_n persuade_v we_o of_o this_o be_v 1._o the_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n be_v distinct_a and_o different_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v of_o this_o world_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o a_o kingdom_n that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n therefore_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a and_o different_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n that_o be_v of_o this_o world_n this_o argument_n lean_v on_o these_o three_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o kingdome,2_n that_o she_o have_v a_o government_n and3_n that_o she_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n although_o in_o it_o all_o which_o be_v beyond_o disput_fw-la clear_a from_o the_o scripture_n all_o that_o our_o adversary_n say_v to_o this_o be_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o proper_o but_o metaphorical_o call_v a_o kingdom_n but_o how_o evident_a be_v the_o contrare_fw-la for_o be_v not_o christ_n jesus_n the_o church_n visible_a head_n and_o king_n be_v she_o not_o rule_v by_o his_o visible_a law_n ordinance_n and_o officer_n that_o be_v proper_o and_o true_o such_o and_o be_v not_o all_o these_o from_o above_o and_o not_o of_o this_o world_n argum_fw-la 2._o that_o government_n who_o supreme_a head_n law_n ordinance_n and_o officer_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o the_o head_n law_n ordinance_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n must_v be_v distinct_a from_o it_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o head_n law_n ordinance_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n be_v clear_a for_o that_o which_o make_v one_o government_n differ_v from_o another_o be_v different_a head_n law_n ordinance_n &_o officer_n where_o these_o be_v either_o numerical_o or_o specifical_o different_a the_o government_n be_v different_z according_o it_o be_v comprehend_v in_o all_o these_o but_o that_o the_o supreme_a head_n law_n ordinance_n and_o officeis_n of_o the_o church_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o these_o of_o the_o civil_a government_n who_o will_v deny_v it_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n obj._n but_o all_o these_o come_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o magistrate_n when_o he_o turn_v christian_a ans_fw-fr 1._o either_o these_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o magistrate_n government_n what_o they_o be_v before_o or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v the_o argument_n hold_v and_o prove_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n when_o christian_a if_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v we_o ask_v from_o whence_o come_v this_o alteration_n and_o how_o will_v they_o prove_v it_o nothing_o here_o from_o our_o adversary_n but_o altum_fw-la silentium_fw-la or_o nugae_fw-la destitute_a of_o all_o reason_n but_o 2._o the_o term_n inspection_n or_o oversight_n be_v be_o biguous_a if_o by_o it_o we_o mean_v the_o countenance_v protect_a and_o encourage_v of_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n we_o yield_v â—t_a but_o what_o say_v that_o to_o the_o confound_a of_o the_o government_n or_o make_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o magistrate_n if_o by_o inspection_n we_o understand_v the_o devolving_a of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o its_o exercise_n the_o change_v thereof_o at_o pleasure_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n this_o we_o deny_v and_o long_o have_v we_o look_v for_o proof_n but_o have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o none_o arg._n 3._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n former_o deliniated_a be_v incomputable_a with_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n therefore_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o his_o government_n we_o hope_v none_o will_v refuse_v this_o consequence_n the_o antecedent_n be_v thus_o prove_v 1._o the_o subordinat_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pure_o ministerial_a not_o dominative_a or_o imperial_a it_o be_v only_o declarative_a and_o not_o decisive_a not_o coactive_a and_o compulsive_a it_o be_v exercise_v in_o christ_n name_n and_o in_o his_o stead_n and_o be_v the_o representative_a of_o his_o special_a presence_n in_o his_o church_n these_o be_v incompatible_a with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o power_n be_v supreme_a magisterial_a and_o imperial_a coactive_a and_o compulsive_a and_o exercise_v in_o his_o own_o name_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o
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
suffer_v no_o small_a prejudice_n through_o our_o silence_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d on_o a_o resolution_n to_o give_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n a_o account_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ground_n of_o our_o practice_n for_o which_o we_o be_v this_o day_n 〈◊〉_d â—uch_o reproach_v and_o persecute_v and_o see_v there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o ordinary_a road_n to_o give_v a_o due_a and_o just_a information_n 〈…〉_o â—ase_v to_o our_o superioure_n by_o supplication_n petition_n 〈…〉_o â—â—â—onstrances_n allow_v by_o scripture_n and_o nature_n 〈…〉_o â—eason_n of_o the_o influence_n &_o power_n of_o our_o adversary_n 〈…〉_o but_o expect_v that_o much_o justice_n from_o all_o as_o to_o excuse_v 〈…〉_o do_v of_o this_o in_o this_o way_n which_o the_o vindication_n 〈…〉_o ourselus_o for_o its_o sake_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n 〈…〉_o necessary_a for_o find_v in_o the_o present_a 〈…〉_o that_o we_o can_v without_o betray_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n for_o which_o as_o minister_n and_o christian_n we_o be_v call_v to_o contend_v on_o all_o highâ—â—â—_n pain_n keep_v any_o long_a silence_n but_o that_o we_o 〈◊〉_d give_v warning_n to_o all_o of_o the_o imminent_a danger_n that_o threaten_v religion_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o power_n we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n by_o clear_v truth_n and_o practice_n 〈◊〉_d much_o now_o condemn_v to_o endeavour_v the_o prevention_n and_o recovery_n of_o all_o from_o the_o snare_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o and_o engage_v into_o wherefore_o in_o all_o christian_a sobriety_n and_o humility_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o all_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o our_o case_n 1._o anent_o the_o cruel_a and_o iniquous_a procedure_n use_v against_o we_o 2_o our_o practice_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o minister_n and_o people_n yet_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_v work_n of_o reformation_n in_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n 3_o our_o not_o approve_v nor_o allow_v of_o the_o late_a indulgence_n although_o as_o to_o the_o preach_a part_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o of_o we_o in_o so_o far_o practise_v 4_o and_o last_o anent_o the_o supremacy_n ecclesiastical_a as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o his_o majesty_n peâ—son_n and_o sense_v by_o law_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n with_o raisin_n why_o submission_n can_v not_o be_v give_v to_o prelacy_n we_o love_v not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o first_o and_o if_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d connect_v with_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o moâ—â—â—_n concearne_v the_o cause_n and_o touch_v upon_o it_o than_o any_o outward_a interest_n of_o we_o we_o will_v incline_v rather_o 〈…〉_o it_o in_o perpetual_a oblivion_n than_o thus_o to_o talk_v the_o 〈…〉_o of_o past_a and_o present_a action_n the_o mention_v of_o 〈…〉_o can_v but_o reflect_v on_o some_o who_o 〈…〉_o to_o we_o than_o they_o will_v ready_o admit_v themselves_o to_o believe_v but_o we_o must_v not_o decline_v what_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v necessary_a for_o vindicate_v of_o our_o righteous_a cause_n strike_v at_o and_o wound_v through_o our_o side_n we_o shall_v only_o touch_v a_o few_o instance_n of_o many_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o generation_n and_o we_o fear_v if_o historian_n prove_v impartial_a will_v speak_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o these_o time_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n as_o first_o that_o almost_o unparalleled_a act_n of_o the_o council_n at_o glasgow_n octob._n 1662._o whereby_o at_o one_o stroke_n a_o number_n of_o minister_n above_o 300_o without_o all_o legal_a precedour_n be_v violent_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o lively_a hood_n and_o inhibit_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o thereby_o a_o great_a number_n of_o congregation_n lay_v desolate_a and_o for_o any_o thing_n know_v to_o the_o council_n at_o their_o make_n and_o publish_v of_o this_o act_n all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n a_o very_a few_o except_v may_v have_v be_v thrust_v out_o and_o eject_v thereby_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a church_n lay_v waste_v and_o dispossess_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o ordinance_n in_o which_o condition_n she_o may_v have_v continue_v long_o enough_o to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o prejudice_n and_o loss_n which_o the_o moâ—â—â—-cryed-up_a good_a of_o prelacy_n can_v never_o have_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—ed_v sit_v in_o this_o or_o the_o follow_a age_n be_v it_o not_o eâ—â—â—ent_a from_o the_o astonishment_n that_o the_o disappointment_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o act_n have_v on_o our_o ruler_n in_o 〈…〉_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o subject_v to_o prelacy_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—mission_n that_o it_o be_v pass_v without_o mature_a deâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o ouâ—_n and_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o impatient_a zeal_n 〈…〉_o instigation_n of_o the_o prelate_n to_o the_o precipitation_n 〈…〉_o which_o since_o have_v be_v lament_v &_o not_o 〈…〉_o by_o many_o of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v never_o 〈…〉_o on_o â—ight_a method_n &_o way_n of_o cure_v the_o distemper_n &_o confusion_n cause_v by_o this_o act_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o 〈◊〉_d we_o remember_v of_o none_o like_o to_o this_o but_o that_o of_o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n in_o the_o time_n oe_v charl._n the_o v._o a_o precedent_n we_o think_v that_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v imitate_v by_o any_o christian_a protestant_n state_n consider_v its_o wicked_a design_n &_o bad_a success_n to_o its_o contriver_n at_o the_o pass_n of_o this_o act_n of_o council_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o all_o that_o the_o minister_n eject_v by_o it_o be_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o young_a man_n educate_v and_o indoctrinat_a in_o the_o presbyterian_a principle_n neither_o can_v it_o in_o rational_a judgement_n be_v suppose_v that_o in_o such_o a_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a revolution_n of_o affair_n in_o church_n and_o state_n person_n of_o any_o conscience_n can_v so_o sudden_o be_v move_v to_o change_v the_o principle_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o so_o long_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o without_o the_o least_o offer_n of_o any_o convince_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n in_o this_o case_n to_o inflict_v so_o heavy_a a_o punishment_n on_o minister_n and_o congregation_n without_o any_o endeavour_n previous_o use_v for_o their_o information_n look_v to_o be_v a_o stretch_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o charity_n and_o justice_n which_o according_a to_o all_o law_n divine_a ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a allow_v time_n and_o patience_n in_o deal_v with_o person_n err_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n for_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o error_n before_o the_o pass_a &_o inflict_v of_o a_o sentence_n a_o piece_n of_o justice_n observe_v in_o the-darke_a time_n of_o popery_n and_o hot_a persecution_n on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n 2._o beside_o in_o all_o execution_n of_o law_n on_o person_n find_v transgress_v the_o same_o there_o use_v to_o precede_v the_o sentence_n and_o infliction_n of_o the_o penalty_n 〈◊〉_d judicial_a trial_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o transgression_n thâ—_n natural_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o all_o subject_n obseruâ—â—â—_n all_o well_o govern_v state_n in_o the_o world_n whethâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o or_o heathenish_a for_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n to_o the_o subject_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o law_n to_o person_n suppose_a guilty_a of_o its_o violation_n by_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n not_o only_o adjudge_v they_o to_o the_o penalty_n but_o declare_v the_o guilt_n as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o such_o punishment_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o judicial_a trial_n and_o conviction_n by_o confession_n or_o witness_n but_o in_o our_o case_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v observe_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hear_v allow_v we_o moreover_o in_o this_o act_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v under_o high_a pain_n discharge_v and_o forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o from_o the_o state_n and_o this_o antecedent_n to_o any_o church_n sentence_n or_o ecclesiastical_a conviction_n of_o guilt_n deserve_v so_o heavy_a a_o punishment_n a_o encroachment_n on_o church_n power_n without_o a_o precedent_n in_o this_o church_n and_o in_o all_o other_o â—â—cept_v that_o of_o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n condemn_v on_o â—hat_n very_a head_n both_o by_o popish_a and_o protestant_n writter_n 〈◊〉_d a_o reach_v beyond_o the_o limit_n set_v to_o the_o magistrate_n poâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o punishâ—â—â—â—_n formâ—â—ly_o ecclesiastic_a inflict_v by_o the_o magiâ—â—â—â—â—_n without_o own_v of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o such_o punishment_n do_v proper_o belong_v 〈◊〉_d by_o who_o
they_o be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n exerâ—â—ed_v but_o this_o with_o other_o act_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o follow_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o new_a superstructure_n of_o church_n government_n be_v found_v and_o build_v the_o supremacy_n how_o visible_a be_v it_o from_o this_o act_n the_o 〈◊〉_d use_v for_o bring_v in_o 〈◊〉_d prelacy_n the_o frame_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o parliament_n anent_o it_o and_o the_o supremacy_n 〈◊〉_d procedure_n in_o execute_v of_o the_o same_o that_o the_o design_n be_v not_o only_o to_o subject_v the_o church_n whole_o to_o the_o state_n but_o to_o rob_v she_o of_o all_o power_n which_o the_o prelate_n perceive_v labour_v to_o help_v in_o their_o after_o out_v of_o minister_n not_o comprehend_v in_o this_o act_n some_o of_o they_o complain_v that_o minister_n shall_v be_v exautorate_v by_o the_o magistrate_n without_o any_o church_n sentence_n precede_v but_o more_o of_o this_o afterward_o but_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n yet_o how_o unproportionat_a be_v the_o penalty_n to_o the_o allege_v crime_n if_o there_o have_v be_v heresy_n in_o doctrine_n or_o scandal_n in_o life_n &_o conversation_n a_o justification_n may_v have_v be_v make_v of_o this_o sentence_n but_o for_o simple_a nonconformity_n to_o prelacy_n that_o have_v be_v by_o church_n &_o state_n explode_v from_o among_o we_o as_o a_o high_a corruption_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o reentry_n bar_v with_o the_o solemne_v covenant_n and_o oath_n that_o ever_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n come_v under_o we_o say_v for_o such_o a_o crime_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o take_v from_o minister_n as_o man_n their_o lively_a hood_n and_o as_o minister_n their_o ministry_n dear_a to_o they_o then_o their_o life_n be_v a_o punishment_n when_o weight_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n much_o beyond_o we_o be_v sure_a the_o demerit_n of_o the_o cause_n especial_o consider_v that_o the_o person_n impose_v conformity_n and_o punish_v other_o so_o severe_o for_o refuse_v it_o be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o have_v make_v and_o enact_v law_n severe_a enough_o against_o it_o what_o be_v prelacy_n a_o jewel_n of_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v be_v well_o without_o it_o have_v we_o not_o find_v the_o contrare_fw-la from_o the_o experience_n of_o past_a and_o present_a time_n although_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v uncharitable_a in_o this_o yet_o we_o mâ—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d it_o that_o they_o who_o see_v not_o this_o do_v either_o 〈…〉_o eye_n throw_v carnal_a interest_n or_o wilful_a 〈…〉_o â—â—â—inst_a all_o evidence_n that_o not_o only_a scripture_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o prelacy_n in_o this_o church_n afford_v to_o all_o man_n or_o else_o fight_v against_o their_o light_n if_o we_o take_v our_o measure_n by_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n or_o these_o thing_n wherein_o her_o true_a welfare_n do_v consist_v we_o shall_v undoubted_o and_o undeniable_o see_v that_o prelacy_n be_v not_o of_o that_o worth_n and_o use_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o to_o inflict_v such_o grievous_a punishment_n on_o non-compliers_a with_o it_o sure_o we_o be_v soundness_n of_o doctrine_n purity_n of_o worship_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n have_v flourish_v in_o this_o church_n without_o it_o and_o since_o its_o erection_n these_o have_v come_v under_o a_o sad_a decay_n obj._n but_o many_o place_n the_o demerit_n of_o these_o severe_a punishment_n in_o the_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n establish_v prelacy_n the_o now_o great_a cry_n of_o these_o engage_v in_o the_o present_a course_n for_o justify_v of_o all_o enormity_n commit_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o government_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o we_o say_v first_o that_o all_o divine_n and_o lawyer_n assert_v if_o nonobedience_n be_v separate_v from_o contempt_n of_o authority_n as_o in_o many_o case_n it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o demerit_n of_o disobedience_n be_v not_o rigorous_o to_o be_v pursue_v with_o punishment_n especial_o of_o so_o high_a a_o naâ—â—â—â—_n as_o these_o inflict_v on_o we_o for_o mere_a nonconformity_n and_o the_o reason_n they_o give_v be_v because_o there_o be_v and_o maâ—_n be_v such_o thing_n in_o nonobedience_n as_o will_v to_o â—â—â—â—teous_a judge_n not_o only_o alleviat_v the_o guilt_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d discharge_v it_o from_o disobedience_n let_v be_v contempt_n 〈◊〉_d authority_n as_o invincible_a ignorance_n inability_n 〈◊〉_d of_o passion_n the_o tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v 〈◊〉_d sâ—me_a case_n to_o the_o evert_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n â—â—â—â—ch_o in_o such_o case_n be_v presume_v not_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o 〈◊〉_d maker_n the_o disposition_n &_o profession_n of_o person_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—dieiâ—nce-manifested_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n &c._n &c._n if_o our_o know_a and_o profess_a principle_n extant_a in_o our_o public_a confession_n and_o treatise_n on_o this_o head_n with_o our_o action_n in_o all_o other_o matter_n relate_v to_o authority_n be_v admit_v and_o beleve_v we_o will_v have_v as_o much_o so_o say_v for_o free_v of_o our_o nonobedience_n to_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n from_o contempt_n of_o authority_n as_o any_o give_v we_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o prefer_v of_o god_n our_o absolute_a and_o supreme_a sovereign_n to_o all_o other_o and_o in_o yield_v to_o he_o that_o obedience_n he_o require_v of_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o none_o shall_v be_v find_v more_o obedient_a to_o authority_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o intrinch_n on_o this_o we_o do_v solemn_o profess_v and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o alseeing_a god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o that_o this_o and_o this_o only_a be_v the_o cause_n why_o we_o can_v give_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n establish_v prelacy_n for_o upon_o all_o the_o search_n we_o have_v make_v we_o can_v find_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o perfect_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n but_o find_v it_o contrary_n unto_o â—lagainst_a the_o precept_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n â—â—sus_n anent_o the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n this_o be_v our_o persuasion_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o evite_v the_o force_n of_o these_o obligation_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o oath_n make_v to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o against_o it_o to_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o which_o we_o be_v by_o command_n and_o threathing_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n most_o indispensible_o bind_v and_o from_o which_o tie_n no_o humane_a power_n can_v loose_v we_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a matter_n in_o this_o case_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o other_o thing_n from_o any_o for_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n and_o bring_v we_o the_o length_n of_o cheerful_a obedience_n in_o this_o thing_n but_o the_o cry_n law_n law_n which_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n can_v be_v no_o sure_a bottom_n to_o our_o conscience_n 〈◊〉_d see_v we_o as_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o law_n antecedent_n 〈◊〉_d superior_a to_o that_o of_o man_n second_o where_o the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n be_v true_o sound_a yet_o the_o sentence_n pass_v against_o it_o ought_v chief_o to_o respect_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o disobedience_n and_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o the_o punishment_n shall_v be_v proportionated_a there_o be_v no_o divine_n or_o lawyer_n that_o we_o know_v of_o but_o hold_v this_o and_o it_o be_v beyond_o disput_fw-la evident_a from_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n enact_v and_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o that_o commonwealth_n for_o the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o deed_n contrare_fw-la to_o law_n disobedience_n in_o small_a matter_n shall_v have_v as_o heavy_a punishment_n inflict_v on_o the_o contraveener_n as_o in_o great_a which_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o strange_a solecism_n in_o government_n contrare_fw-la to_o all_o natural_a equity_n and_o justice_n the_o basis_n and_o end_n of_o government_n three_o and_o that_o our_o nonobedience_n to_o law_n erect_v and_o establish_v prelacy_n be_v so_o high_a a_o crime_n in_o itself_o as_o to_o deserve_v such_o punishment_n as_o have_v be_v statute_n and_o execute_v upon_o we_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v especial_o while_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o little_a evidence_n as_o have_v be_v say_v for_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n some_o of_o that_o party_n â—â—â—e_z rack_v their_o wit_n for_o find_v out_o its_o divine_a right_n and_o institution_n as_o joseph_n hall_n and_o some_o other_o but_o wiâ—h_v so_o little_a success_n as_o have_v force_v many_o of_o they_o to_o â—â—â—te_v that_o plea_n and_o take_v they_o to_o argument_n of_o another_o â—â—ture_n 2._o the_o confession_n of_o some_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o
〈◊〉_d fullness_n of_o prelacy_n to_o the_o well_o but_o not_o to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o political_a ministerial_a church_n which_o they_o grant_v â—ay_v be_v such_o without_o it_o as_o most_o of_o the_o former_a opinion_n â—â—â—ld_n 3._o other_o that_o lean_v not_o to_o scripture_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o church_n find_v it_o upon_o ecclesiarch_n 〈◊〉_d constitution_n canon_n &_o custom_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o debate_n as_o dounhame_n and_o other_o with_o he_o that_o make_v most_o use_n of_o antiquity_n 4._o other_o more_o moderate_a pious_a and_o more_o learned_a than_o the_o rest_n do_v so_o clip_v its_o wing_n that_o they_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o mere_a constant_a presidency_n in_o the_o meeting_n of_o presbyter_n for_o government_n make_v it_o a_o pure_a nonentity_n as_o to_o what_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n among_o we_o and_o for_o which_o they_o bring_v no_o scripture_n of_o which_o judgement_n be_v that_o godly_a and_o learned_a bishop_n usher_n who_o for_o knowledge_n in_o all_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o antiquity_n be_v nemini_fw-la secundus_fw-la 5._o some_o other_o argue_v for_o it_o as_o a_o matâ—er_n of_o indifferency_n that_o may_v be_v receive_v or_o reject_v as_o church_n and_o state_n see_v it_o fit_v their_o interest_n assert_v that_o all_o its_o authority_n and_o goodness_n depend_v upon_o and_o flow_v from_o the_o power_n that_o bring_v it_o in_o thus_o stillingfleet_n 6._o some_o of_o that_o party_n have_v fall_v on_o a_o new_a method_n for_o justify_v its_o divine_a right_n be_v straiten_v as_o it_o seem_v with_o our_o argument_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o allege_v that_o presbyter_n be_v not_o institute_v in_o scripturâ—-times_n by_o the_o apostle_n &_o that_o all_o minister_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v bishop_n in_o the_o sense_n controvert_v as_o doctor_n hammond_n but_o his_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n be_v so_o dim_a that_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v he_o have_v gain_v few_o or_o none_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o this_o 7_o these_o of_o the_o court_n party_n place_v all_o its_o goodness_n in_o the_o authority_n &_o law_n establish_v it_o grant_v it_o signify_v nothing_o antecedent_o to_o these_o 8._o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v prelacy_n and_o view_v it_o in_o its_o several_a part_n as_o it_o be_v by_o law_n constitute_v and_o settle_v among_o we_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o test_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v give_v judgement_n of_o they_o according_a to_o it_o how_o liteâ—â—_fw-la of_o prelacy_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n 〈…〉_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n of_o all_o that_o have_v appear_v on_o the_o field_n for_o its_o defence_n there_o be_v none_o that_o ever_o plead_v scriptural_a institution_n precept_n and_o instance_n for_o the_o lordly_a title_n eminency_n and_o worldly_a dignity_n of_o the_o prelate_n that_o be_v now_o annex_v to_o their_o office_n nor_o yet_o for_o their_o civil_a place_n and_o power_n in_o the_o state_n nor_o for_o their_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n as_o primat_n metropolitan_o archbishop_n &c_n &c_n or_o for_o the_o like_a among_o their_o dependent_n in_o their_o numerous_a and_o various_a distinction_n of_o degree_n of_o superiority_n and_o subordination_n as_o vicar_n chancellor_n dean_n arch_a deacons_n subdean_n deacon_n parson_n etc._n etc._n whoever_o hitatherto_o do_v put_v pen_n to_o paper_n and_o contend_v for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o prelacy_n never_o open_v a_o mouth_n to_o plead_v either_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n for_o these_o except_o doctor_n hammond_n who_o argue_v for_o archbishop_n and_o what_o be_v prelacy_n in_o its_o constitution_n among_o we_o without_o they_o the_o only_a thing_n debate_v betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o antagonist_n anent_o it_o be_v the_o superiority_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o pastor_n and_o their_o respective_a congregation_n to_o the_o probation_n of_o which_o from_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v make_v out_o from_o these_o first_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o second_o diocesan_n church_n make_v up_o of_o several_a â—esseâ—_n church_n and_o their_o respective_a pastor_n and_o officer_n in_o these_o do_v the_o essential_a difference_n lie_v in_o their_o own_o confession_n betwixt_o bishop_n &_o presbyter_n or_o ordinare_fw-la pastor_n none_o of_o which_o two_o have_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n and_o if_o that_o which_o difference_n prelate_n from_o other_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v â—or_a make_v to_o appear_v from_o scripture_n how_o will_v their_o office_n 〈◊〉_d of_o divine_a right_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o 〈◊〉_d â—ho_fw-mi be_v under_o such_o strait_a divine_a engagement_n against_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v comply_v therewith_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n injoin_v conformity_n thereto_o we_o complain_v of_o the_o subdolous_a and_o un_v enuous_a way_n of_o our_o opposite_n in_o this_o debate_n who_o always_o keep_v in_o general_n and_o never_o condescend_v on_o the_o particular_a difference_n betwixt_o prelate_n and_o ordinate_a pastor_n nor_o undertake_v to_o prove_v these_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o can_v for_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o antiquity_n that_o presbyter_n have_v ordain_v sometime_o in_o conjunction_n with_o bishop_n and_o sometime_o without_o they_o and_o for_o diocesan_n church_n with_o one_o fix_a pastor_n over-feeing_a other_o pastor_n and_o their_o flock_n we_o can_v meet_v with_o the_o least_o probable_a evidence_n from_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n we_o find_v no_o argument_n from_o our_o adversary_n conclude_v this_o it_o be_v empty_a argue_v to_o say_v there_o be_v apostle_n there_o be_v priest_n and_o highpriest_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v seven_o angel_n in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v bishop_n now_o if_o they_o will_v from_o scripture_n make_v out_o the_o difference_n now_o assign_v betwixt_o prelate_n &_o presbveer_n in_o these_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n priest_n and_o angel_n we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n let_v none_o therefore_o blame_v we_o in_o hold_v to_o this_o as_o a_o necessare_fw-la consequence_n of_o our_o antagonist_n succumb_a in_o the_o probation_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o a_o parity_n among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o point_n of_o power_n or_o office_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n for_o if_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o ministry_n there_o be_v alike_o power_n give_v to_o all_o call_v thereto_o there_o can_v be_v no_o superiority_n of_o one_o above_o another_o by_o divine_a right_n 9_o it_o be_v a_o question_n much_o debate_v among_o the_o popish_a school_n man_n and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v to_o this_o day_n whâ—â—ther_o their_o prelacy_n be_v a_o order_n or_o office_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o only_o a_o different_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o 〈◊〉_d with_o presbyter_n include_v no_o power_n formal_o distinct_a from_o they_o which_o last_o opinion_n assert_n that_o all_o power_n acclaim_v by_o the_o prelate_n be_v formal_o in_o presbyter_n so_o that_o by_o office_n they_o be_v empower_v to_o and_o may_v do_v all_o that_o the_o prelate_n pretend_v to_o how_o hot_o and_o stiff_o be_v this_o question_n toss_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n betwixt_o the_o italian_a gallican_n and_o spanish_a divine_n which_o for_o this_o cause_n receive_v no_o decision_n in_o this_o council_n but_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a as_o before_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o say_a council_n 10._o if_o any_o will_v consider_v our_o adversary_n argument_n for_o prelacy_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o argument_n of_o papist_n especial_o beauty_n for_o the_o papacy_n they_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o plead_v as_o strong_o for_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o universal_a bishop_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o for_o the_o prelate_n or_o bishop_n now_o controvert_v betwixt_o we_o as_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v by_o a_o particular_a condescension_n if_o our_o intend_a brevity_n will_v suffer_v it_o we_o refer_v such_o as_o question_v this_o to_o the_o argument_n of_o both_o and_o upon_o a_o impartial_a collation_n of_o the_o same_o we_o nothing_o doubt_n but_o it_o will_v be_v manifest_a do_v not_o the_o much_o court_v and_o endeavour_v reconciliation_n with_o rome_n by_o the_o prelatical_a party_n in_o former_a and_o late_a time_n with_o their_o concession_n to_o they_o for_o make_v way_n to_o this_o agreement_n speak_v this_o with_o full_a evidence_n as_o their_o deny_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v the_o antichrist_n their_o grant_v a_o primacy_n to_o he_o over_o the_o catholic_n church_n their_o purgeing_n
and_o their_o respective_a flock_n of_o which_o they_o use_v to_o boast_v much_o but_o reason_n and_o experience_n do_v full_o convince_v and_o leave_v we_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o this_o good_a be_v as_o easy_o and_o better_a wine_n at_o by_o presbyter_n in_o their_o associate_v and_o presbyterate_v meeting_n lesser_a and_o great_a then_o by_o prelate_n what_o can_v prelate_n do_v in_o this_o that_o may_v not_o and_o have_v not_o be_v do_v by_o presbyter_n to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o church_n in_o precede_a time_n and_o now_o not_o alittle_o confirm_v by_o the_o contrare_fw-la mworeover_o in_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n parl._n 1_o s._n 2._o act_n 1._o it_o be_v give_v for_o one_o reason_n induce_v to_o the_o bring_n in_o and_o establish_v of_o prelacy_n among_o we_o that_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o monarchy_n what_o good_a this_o do_v or_o can_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n we_o can_v divine_v we_o wish_v it_o have_v be_v instance_a in_o the_o foresay_a act_n we_o know_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v in_o its_o due_a latitude_n and_o extent_n according_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a principle_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o monarchical_a for_o be_v not_o christ_n jesus_n the_o supreme_a and_o immediate_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o her_o officer_n act_v in_o her_o government_n in_o a_o immediate_a dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n to_o he_o as_o her_o king_n so_o that_o if_o the_o church_n government_n be_v monarchical_a be_v the_o good_a intend_a and_o mean_v in_o this_o expression_n it_o be_v as_o much_o attainable_a without_o prelacy_n as_o by_o it_o but_o we_o suppose_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o good_a understand_v next_o if_o by_o suitableness_n to_o monarchy_n be_v mean_v that_o kind_n of_o authority_n and_o dominion_n in_o church_n officer_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n that_o be_v exercise_v by_o king_n and_o monarch_n and_o have_v be_v assume_v by_o prelate_n fince_n ever_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v expressy_a discharge_v and_o forbid_v to_o church_n officer_n in_o her_o government_n matth._n 20_o 25._o luk._n 22_o 25._o how_o much_o emperor_n prince_n king_n and_o state_n have_v smart_v by_o this_o dominion_n be_v know_v in_o history_n some_o say_v it_o be_v the_o superiority_n and_o subordination_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o judicatories_n that_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o act_n this_o may_v be_v have_v and_o have_v be_v attain_v in_o the_o church_n under_o presbyterian_a government_n both_o as_o to_o officer_n and_o judicatories_n the_o pastor_n be_v superior_a both_o to_o elder_n and_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n the_o classical_a presbytery_n 〈◊〉_d above_o the_o congregational_a eldership_n &_o the_o provincial_a synod_n above_o the_o presbytery_n etc._n etc._n obj._n there_o be_v not_o the_o superiority_n of_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n ans_fw-fr but_o what_o good_a do_v this_o either_o to_o church_n or_o state_n we_o know_v it_o have_v bring_v much_o evil_n to_o both_o but_o never_o any_o good_a that_o may_v not_o have_v be_v wine_n at_o yea_o and_o be_v not_o actual_o attain_v without_o it_o they_o that_o judge_v otherwise_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v instance_n which_o we_o earnest_o beg_v they_o will_v do_v we_o know_v this_o bring_v forth_o the_o pope_n and_o do_v mid_a wife_n antichrist_n into_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o the_o thing_n we_o suppose_v that_o be_v true_o intend_v be_v the_o bring_n of_o the_o church_n into_o a_o slavish_a dependence_n upon_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o which_o we_o confess_v prelacy_n be_v every_o way_n fit_v how_o excellent_o do_v it_o serve_v the_o pope_n in_o establish_v of_o his_o dominion_n and_o in_o bring_v and_o keep_v of_o all_o in_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o albeit_o since_o the_o reformation_n the_o prelate_n change_v their_o head_n in_o take_v on_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o pope_n yet_o they_o retain_v their_o use_n which_o exceed_o endear_v they_o to_o worldly_a prince_n that_o affect_v domination_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o be_v shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o this_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o the_o freedom_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n his_o absolute_a supremacy_n and_o dominion_n over_o the_o same_o and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o christain_n prince_n their_o profess_a subjection_n thereto_o so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o good_a but_o and_o evil_n destructive_a of_o the_o true_a concern_v of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v no_o small_a discovery_n to_o we_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o corruption_n of_o prelacy_n that_o it_o be_v much_o approven_v allow_v and_o cry_v up_o by_o all_o person_n of_o profane_a dissolute_a and_o debauch_a life_n except_o where_o it_o cross_v their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v obvious_a to_o all_o for_o as_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a nature_n do_v dislike_v all_o that_o be_v from_o god_n as_o opposite_a to_o its_o wicked_a inclination_n and_o way_n so_o it_o love_v and_o be_v in_o much_o like_n with_o all_o that_o be_v friendly_a to_o and_o do_v encourage_v it_o in_o these_o be_v it_o not_o visible_a that_o the_o encouragement_n which_o flagitious_a and_o wicked_a person_n find_v for_o their_o impiety_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o prelacy_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n and_o cause_n for_o which_o it_o be_v so_o like_v and_o cry_v up_o by_o such_o in_o this_o it_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o presbytery_n in_o its_o due_a and_o faithful_a exercise_n which_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n be_v hate_v for_o its_o impartialitie_n strickness_n and_o severity_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o scandal_n in_o all_o rank_n of_o person_n high_a and_o low_a for_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o general_a sense_n and_o observation_n of_o all_o in_o these_o land_n can_v we_o think_v that_o course_n to_o be_v of_o god_n which_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v approven_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o wicked_a 3._o beside_o this_o do_v not_o the_o prelate_n opposition_n to_o the_o godly_a who_o in_o rational_a charity_n all_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v such_o in_o reproach_v oppress_v &_o persecute_v of_o they_o to_o a_o strange_a height_n of_o severity_n who_o in_o profession_n differ_v only_o from_o they_o in_o a_o point_n that_o depend_v on_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o magistrate_n we_o say_v do_v not_o this_o declare_v godliness_n to_o be_v their_o quarrel_n and_o it_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o contrare_fw-la to_o their_o interest_n which_o we_o be_v sure_a can_v be_v thâ—_n effect_v of_o these_o mean_n and_o way_n institute_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n who_o end_n and_o tendency_n be_v to_o promove_v godliness_n and_o not_o to_o persecute_v and_o destroy_v it_o as_o be_v now_o do_v and_o whoever_o consider_v the_o constitution_n of_o prelacy_n the_o rule_n for_o its_o exercise_n to_o 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have_v we_o not_o cause_n to_o suspect_v its_o corruption_n and_o to_o judge_v its_o descent_n not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n see_v it_o be_v universal_o dislike_v and_o hate_v by_o the_o true_o godly_a which_o eminent_o appear_v in_o person_n convert_v from_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n in_o which_o they_o live_v before_o conversion_n what_o ever_o like_v they_o have_v to_o prelacy_n or_o hatred_n to_o presbytery_n immediate_o upon_o their_o conversion_n they_o drink_v in_o a_o aversation_n from_o and_o hatred_n of_o prelacy_n and_o love_n to_o the_o contrare_fw-la we_o know_v this_o be_v object_v by_o independent_o against_o presbyterian_n when_o the_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n be_v hot_a betwixt_o they_o but._n 1._o this_o objection_n be_v without_o any_o true_a cause_n as_o independent_o be_v force_v afterward_o and_o at_o this_o day_n to_o confess_v they_o find_v upon_o trial_n that_o
but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a for_o in_o this_o act_n not_o only_o preach_v and_o expound_v of_o scripture_n by_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n although_o in_o a_o family_n beside_o their_o own_o be_v judge_v to_o make_v a_o conventicle_n and_o a_o unlawful_a meeting_n but_o prayer_n also_o a_o common_a duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o the_o fame_n force_n so_o that_o no_o nonconform_a minister_n or_o any_o other_o may_v pray_v together_o on_o any_o occasion_n or_o for_o any_o cause_n what_o so_o ever_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v repute_v keeper_n of_o conventicle_n and_o able_a to_o the_o penalty_n adjudge_v by_o this_o law_n to_o such_o be_v prelacy_n come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o opposition_n to_o godliness_n that_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o be_v secure_v except_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christian_a society_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o its_o exercise_n discourage_v to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o such_o incitment_n in_o these_o time_n the_o generality_n of_o professor_n be_v prone_a enough_o of_o themselves_o to_o prove_v negligent_a and_o stack_n in_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o conventicle_n and_o by_o such_o penalty_n against_o they_o be_v we_o such_o odious_a abominable_a creature_n that_o none_o must_v join_v in_o christian_a communion_n with_o we_o in_o these_o mean_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v of_o common_a obligation_n on_o all_o christian_n but_o it_o must_v be_v forbear_v and_o lay_v aside_o or_o if_o we_o once_o open_v a_o mouth_n to_o and_o for_o god_n in_o any_o society_n we_o shall_v bring_v ourselves_o and_o other_o under_o the_o hazard_n of_o so_o severe_a penalty_n which_o in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o this_o law_n have_v be_v inflict_v on_o some_o to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o its_o hearer_n but_o moreover_o all_o such_o meeting_n beside_o the_o imputation_n of_o sedition_n and_o other_o â—orrid_a evil_n with_o which_o they_o be_v brand_v be_v represent_v as_o the_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n a_o charge_n if_o true_a that_o make_v they_o meritoâ—us_o of_o far_o heavy_a punishment_n than_o some_o of_o these_o decree_v against_o they_o but_o from_o whence_o can_v this_o come_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o exercise_n consider_v in_o themselves_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o necessary_a command_v duty_n of_o religion_n which_o all_o know_v to_o be_v the_o great_a mean_n to_o and_o cement_v of_o union_n and_o obedience_n in_o church_n and_o state_n not_o from_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v preach_v and_o pray_v our_o principle_n for_o worship_n doctrine_n &_o government_n be_v know_v be_v extant_a in_o our_o public_a confession_n which_o be_v of_o a_o contrare_fw-la tendency_n if_o any_o say_v we_o preach_v principle_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n they_o who_o assert_v this_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v it_o out_o of_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v nothing_o as_o yet_o and_o shall_v have_v be_v condescend_v on_o and_o give_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o act_n and_o not_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o true_o religious_a exercise_n do_v by_o person_n authorize_v and_o enable_v thereto_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n we_o require_v of_o all_o engage_v against_o we_o to_o do_v we_o that_o piece_n of_o common_a justice_n they_o owe_v to_o all_o man_n in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o they_o will_v instance_n in_o the_o doctrine_n we_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la we_o pray_v wherein_o our_o meeting_n be_v become_v the_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n if_o they_o can_v when_o this_o be_v do_v we_o shall_v either_o give_v a_o satisfy_a answer_n to_o the_o charge_n or_o else_o succumb_v to_o this_o act_n it_o be_v like_a some_o place_n this_o charge_n in_o our_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n then_o it_o come_v from_o the_o law_n and_o the_o law_n maker_n and_o not_o from_o these_o meeting_n and_o the_o person_n that_o keep_v they_o for_o antecedent_n to_o this_o law_n they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n according_a to_o this_o objection_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o law_n it_o have_v be_v more_o safe_a to_o have_v forbear_v it_o who_o work_n shall_v be_v rather_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v the_o seed_n of_o rebellion_n than_o thus_o to_o sow_v they_o but_o this_o law_n in_o its_o narrative_a suppon_n these_o meeting_n to_o be_v such_o antecedent_n to_o its_o enact_v but_o give_v no_o hint_n at_o any_o reason_n for_o this_o heavy_a charge_n other_o again_o fix_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o charge_n on_o our_o meeting_n for_o our_o withdraw_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o allow_v public_a worship_n and_o the_o person_n authorize_v by_o law_n to_o dispense_v the_o same_o if_o the_o act_n have_v only_o circumstantiate_v and_o describe_v such_o meeting_n as_o have_v this_o effect_n and_o not_o take_v in_o all_o religious_a christian_a fellowship_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n something_o may_v have_v be_v say_v for_o justify_v of_o this_o act_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o church_n government_n now_o settle_v by_o law_n without_o a_o wound_n to_o true_a piety_n but_o to_o make_v all_o meeting_n of_o christian_n wherein_o any_o part_n of_o worship_n be_v exercise_v without_o a_o express_a licence_n from_o the_o prelate_n seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o condemn_v christ_n his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n who_o in_o opposition_n to_o heathenism_n heresy_n profainness_n and_o shisme_n have_v under_o severe_a law_n make_v against_o they_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o for_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o assembly_n have_v be_v account_v unlawful_a conventicle_n and_o load_v with_o many_o of_o these_o evil_n that_o be_v now_o charge_v on_o we_o there_fw-mi any_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n say_v that_o the_o meeting_n of_o christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o house_n and_o field_n who_o have_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o synagogue_n the_o ordinare_fw-la allow_v place_n for_o meet_v in_o worship_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n although_o charge_v with_o these_o or_o do_v sow_v the_o seed_n of_o these_o evil_n although_o none_o will_v affirm_v this_o yet_o we_o undertake_v to_o make_v it_o out_o from_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o act_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v oh_o that_o such_o a_o law_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o the_o record_n of_o this_o nation_n which_o will_v speak_v if_o ever_o we_o return_v to_o ourselves_o to_o the_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n of_o these_o time_n but_o as_o to_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o authorize_v public_a worship_n with_o which_o some_o with_o great_a confidence_n brand_v we_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o afterward_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o or_o we_o be_v the_o separatist_n we_o forbear_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o penalty_n statute_n in_o this_o act_n against_o the_o contraveener_n of_o it_o which_o on_o many_o account_n may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v to_o be_v far_o beyond_o the_o demerit_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o popish_a cruelty_n who_o punish_v the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n with_o punishment_n equal_a to_o those_o inflict_v for_o treason_n in_o which_o this_o act_n be_v not_o short_a that_o adjudge_v the_o keeper_n of_o field_n conventicle_n to_o death_n and_o confiscation_n of_o good_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o add_v not_o alittle_o to_o our_o grief_n under_o our_o present_a suffering_n that_o although_o there_o be_v penal_a law_n against_o papist_n and_o other_o heterodox_n person_n yet_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o they_o nor_o any_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o they_o yea_o in_o one_o act_n of_o parl._n caroli_n 2._o session_n 2._o act._n 7._o they_o be_v exeme_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o severity_n decree_v against_o we_o which_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o when_o they_o and_o our_o principle_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v compare_v they_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o protestant_n be_v find_v to_o be_v incompatible_a with_o and_o subversive_a of_o that_o obedience_n and_o allegiance_n that_o be_v due_a from_o subject_n to_o magistrate_n suppose_v by_o they_o heretical_a which_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n make_v against_o they_o that_o for_o some_o time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v put_v to_o some_o execution_n but_o as_o to_o any_o execution_n now_o slacken_v and_o and_z lay_v by_o as_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n be_v their_o principle_n and_o design_n change_v or_o their_o number_n any_o few_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o increase_v beyond_o what_o they_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n but_o poor_a we_o be_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o lash_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n enact_v against_o we_o
and_o all_o way_n take_v to_o crush_v we_o and_o our_o cause_n who_o own_v no_o other_o principle_n but_o these_o that_o be_v either_o implicit_o or_o explicit_o assert_v by_o all_o protestant_n which_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v corroborative_n of_o government_n and_o such_o as_o make_v way_n for_o all_o just_a obedience_n from_o the_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o full_a and_o sure_a execution_n of_o this_o law_n there_o be_v another_o enact_v parl._n caroli_n 2._o session_n 2._o act._n 2._o entitle_v a_o act_n against_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o depone_v against_o delinquent_n which_o be_v particular_o design_v for_o come_v at_o full_a information_n against_o conventicle_n and_o conventicle_n keeper_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o body_n of_o that_o act_n but_o so_o conceive_v and_o frame_v as_o it_o answer_v to_o that_o oath_n de_fw-fr super_fw-la inquirendis_fw-la use_v by_o the_o papist_n in_o their_o inquisition_n condemn_v by_o all_o protestant_a divine_n for_o its_o opposition_n to_o justice_n mercy_n and_o equity_n for_o first_o no_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v exeme_v the_o father_n against_o the_o son_n the_o husband_n against_o the_o wise_a etc._n etc._n be_v the_o relation_n never_o so_o near_o no_o exception_n of_o they_o be_v make_v in_o this_o act_n which_o use_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o all_o other_o crime_n except_o that_o of_o treason_n next_o by_o this_o act_n the_o deponent_a whoever_o he_o be_v be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v all_o interrogation_n and_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o although_o he_o have_v have_v no_o previous_a consideration_n of_o they_o which_o in_o all_o other_o crime_n use_v former_o to_o be_v allow_v that_o so_o the_o deponent_a may_v answer_v from_o mature_a and_o sure_a knowledge_n which_o here_o be_v not_o grant_v what_o aâ—_n foundation_n be_v hereby_o lay_v for_o the_o molestation_n of_o the_o subject_n shall_v we_o be_v that_o unmerciful_a and_o unjust_a to_o all_o man_n yea_o to_o our_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n as_o to_o reveal_v that_o of_o they_o which_o if_o keep_v secret_a bring_v no_o prejudice_n to_o church_n or_o state_n and_o if_o reveal_v will_v ruin_v they_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o that_o for_o a_o matter_n that_o antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n be_v no_o transgression_n before_o god_n but_o the_o do_v of_o a_o necessare_fw-la duty_n a_o invention_n we_o must_v say_v frame_v against_o the_o good_a and_o dousciencious_a who_o can_v escape_v by_o this_o law_n and_o for_o the_o encourage_n of_o the_o bad_a to_o the_o persecute_v of_o such_o who_o throw_v the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o say_v and_o do_v what_o they_o listen_v be_v these_o the_o fruit_n of_o prelacy_n that_o most_o endear_a it_o to_o we_o whither_o be_v we_o go_v shall_v we_o thus_o fight_v against_o heaven_n to_o reach_v a_o poor_a handful_n of_o person_n that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o but_o to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o sigh_v to_o he_o for_o these_o evil_n that_o no_o doubt_n be_v procure_v and_o bring_v dismal_a and_o sad_a day_n on_o this_o land_n we_o forebear_v to_o anatomiz_v these_o and_o other_o act_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o to_o give_v judgement_n to_o every_o clause_n and_o part_n of_o the_o same_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o all_o concern_v to_o who_o the_o effect_n thereof_o may_v afterward_o speak_v more_o than_o we_o love_v to_o utter_v at_o this_o time_n only_o in_o all_o humility_n we_o offer_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v which_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o not_o a_o few_o that_o these_o and_o other_o act_n do_v pave_v the_o way_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o cruel_a persecution_n if_o a_o further_a declension_n in_o religion_n shall_v happen_v to_o follow_v which_o we_o beg_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o rich_a mercy_n to_o this_o nation_n will_v prevent_v ruler_n be_v subject_a to_o â—erre_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o as_o the_o instance_n of_o all_o age_n leave_v beyond_o debat_fw-la and_o if_o other_o shall_v arise_v after_o we_o that_o incline_v to_o popery_n or_o any_o other_o false_a religion_n be_v there_o not_o law_n make_v to_o their_o hand_n by_o we_o that_o will_v facilitat_fw-la their_o work_n and_o make_v it_o most_o easy_a what_o have_v they_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o rescind_v some_o very_o few_o in_o regaird_a of_o these_o that_o once_o be_v and_o to_o execute_v those_o they_o find_v in_o force_n and_o on_o record_n for_o the_o persecute_v of_o all_o opponent_n to_o the_o height_n of_o cruelty_n next_o there_o need_v no_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o this_o change_n and_o introduction_n of_o another_o religion_n a_o act_n from_o the_o king_n record_v in_o the_o council_n book_n and_o sufficient_o publish_v which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o obligation_n about_o this_o matter_n be_v enable_v by_o law_n to_o do_v all_o a_o act_n without_o a_o precedent_n in_o this_o nation_n when_o consider_v in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n from_o what_o be_v say_v anent_o these_o act_n any_o may_v gather_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o our_o refuse_v the_o bond_n late_o frame_v by_o the_o council_n that_o take_v we_o engage_v against_o conventicle_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o be_v enforce_v by_o violence_n on_o we_o not_o pretend_v to_o much_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n we_o have_v always_o understand_v bond_n to_o be_v voluntare_fw-la and_o first_o to_o proceed_v from_o person_n find_v guilty_a and_o sentence_v by_o the_o judge_n conform_v to_o the_o law_n which_o the_o clemency_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v often_o suspend_v or_o remit_v upon_o the_o guilty_n offer_v and_o voluntare_fw-la engagement_n for_o better_a behaviour_n in_o time_n come_v and_o never_o require_v of_o nor_o impose_v on_o person_n not_o prove_v nor_o find_v guilty_a the_o truth_n be_v if_o this_o violent_a imposition_n of_o bond_n be_v thus_o allow_v and_o practise_v what_o ground_n will_v there_o be_v thereby_o lay_v down_o for_o the_o trouble_n and_o molestation_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o who_o can_v promise_v to_o himself_o security_n from_o the_o oppression_n of_o other_o that_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o covetous_a design_n may_v on_o any_o pretence_n give_v information_n against_o other_o although_o never_o so_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a sect_n iii_o the_o minister_n preach_v and_o people_n hear_v vindicate_v and_o four_o objection_n answer_v have_v thus_o far_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o touch_v at_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o grievous_a to_o we_o not_o so_o much_o for_o what_o we_o have_v suffer_v as_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o engine_n frame_v and_o set_v on_o foot_n for_o perpetuate_n we_o and_o the_o church_n oppression_n in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a generation_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_n and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n at_o and_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o eject_v minister_n the_o new_a cause_n of_o these_o heavy_a act_n sentence_n and_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o we_o for_o the_o same_o in_o do_v of_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o in_o all_o singlness_n of_o heart_n bring_v forth_o the_o true_a ground_n and_o reason_n bind_v our_o conscience_n to_o these_o practice_n and_o then_o shall_v take_v off_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v most_o use_v against_o we_o our_o practice_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o build_v on_o such_o foundation_n that_o all_o christian_n especial_o protestant_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o christ_n jesus_n our_o only_a king_n and_o law_n giver_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o own_o and_o adhere_v to_o and_o from_o which_o they_o can_v recede_v without_o contradict_v of_o the_o say_a profession_n and_o do_v manifest_a violence_n to_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n the_o holy_a scripture_n our_o only_a statute_n and_o law_n book_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n if_o on_o bring_v our_o case_n to_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o our_o condemn_a practice_n in_o these_o stand_v justify_v we_o hope_v with_o much_o assurance_n we_o shall_v be_v acquit_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o have_v any_o feeling_n and_o sense_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o censure_n and_o talk_n of_o other_o against_o we_o which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a afflict_v we_o for_o the_o sad_a consequence_n thereof_o to_o themselves_o shall_v not_o much_o move_v we_o therefore_o first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o positive_a institution_n and_o appointment_n from_o christ_n jesus_n as_o head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n
who_o give_v it_o out_o to_o the_o world_n that_o we_o contemn_v a_o ministry_n &_o ordinance_n and_o be_v against_o hear_v while_o our_o practice_n declare_v the_o contrare_fw-la to_o all_o and_o for_o which_o we_o be_v daily_o suffer_v we_o hold_v that_o as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v from_o and_o not_o to_o subject_v to_o the_o prelaâ—â—â—s_n and_o their_o creature_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o our_o duty_n to_o cleave_v to_o our_o former_a minister_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o as_o we_o can_v &_o have_v access_n we_o have_v give_v reason_n for_o the_o affirmative_a &_o shall_v the_o lord_n willing_a do_v the_o like_a for_o the_o negative_a 6_o it_o will_v also_o be_v advert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o church_n bring_v in_o and_o carry_v on_o of_o a_o defection_n willing_o in_o a_o church_n way_n and_o the_o magistrate_n do_v this_o of_o himself_o without_o the_o church_n yea_o forcible_o ecclesia_fw-la renitente_fw-la ac_fw-la reclamante_fw-la although_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n yet_o there_o be_v much_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n to_o influence_n regular_a and_o diversify_v minister_n and_o christian_n carriage_n under_o they_o all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o she_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v to_o other_o usurp_v this_o power_n and_o take_v it_o out_o of_o her_o hand_n 7_o in_o this_o matter_n a_o difference_n or_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v make_v betwixt_o the_o personal_a scandal_n and_o corruption_n in_o minister_n walk_v and_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o these_o that_o may_v be_v or_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o entry_n which_o may_v be_v such_o that_o although_o they_o do_v not_o invalidate_v their_o ministry_n in_o their_o dispense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o its_o ordinance_n to_o the_o render_n of_o these_o nullity_n yet_o may_v give_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o people_n withdraw_a from_o and_o not_o subject_v to_o they_o as_o their_o lawful_a and_o send_v pastor_n 8_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o church_n regular_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o her_o ministerial_a political_a be_v enjoy_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o purity_n that_o come_v afterward_o while_o under_o that_o constitution_n to_o be_v intrude_v upon_o by_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o persecute_v in_o officer_n and_o member_n for_o adhere_v to_o her_o constitution_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o intruder_n and_o the_o corruption_n bring_v in_o upon_o she_o by_o they_o against_o her_o consent_n and_o a_o church_n decline_v from_o her_o former_a purity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n abuse_v her_o power_n to_o the_o bring_n in_o and_o further_a of_o the_o say_a defection_n and_o universal_o concur_v with_o and_o submit_v to_o in_o the_o same_o the_o first_o be_v our_o casâ—_n &_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o opposite_n in_o the_o charge_n of_o separation_n thâ—y_v lay_v on_o we_o the_o question_n then_o betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o separat_fw-la from_o public_a ordinance_n for_o the_o corruption_n and_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n whether_o minister_n or_o other_o as_o one_o in_o a_o little_a manuscript_n do_v malicious_o or_o ignorant_o state_n it_o we_o be_v still_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n in_o their_o debat_n against_o the_o brownist_n and_o separatist_n as_o our_o practice_n this_o day_n do_v confirm_v in_o our_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n for_o worship_n differ_v in_o nothing_o as_o to_o this_o from_o what_o it_o be_v before_o neither_o be_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v simple_o or_o in_o itself_o sinful_a to_o hear_v &_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o these_o who_o have_v enter_v by_o &_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n abstract_a from_o our_o present_a case_n for_o we_o grant_v the_o case_n may_v be_v in_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o duty_n to_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o such_o yea_o and_o have_v be_v but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o church_n or_o church_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n provide_v and_o settle_v with_o minister_n regular_o call_v and_o submit_v to_o shall_v yield_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o prelate_n violent_o eject_v their_o minister_n and_o thrust_v in_o other_o minister_n upon_o she_o not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o her_o consent_n in_o subject_v to_o such_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o while_o the_o magistrate_n do_v all_o this_o for_o further_a and_o perfect_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrare_fw-la to_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o oath_n by_o which_o they_o be_v often_o than_o once_o eject_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o church_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v negative_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o subject_v to_o such_o in_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o but_o aught_o to_o disowne_v and_o withdraw_v from_o these_o thus_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o introduce_v corruption_n this_o conclusion_n we_o prove_v thus_o first_o they_o who_o have_v no_o just_a authority_n nor_o right_a to_o officiat_fw-la fix_o in_o this_o church_n as_o the_o proper_a pastor_n of_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o withdraw_v from_o but_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n the_o curate_n have_v no_o just_a authority_n nor_o right_a to_o officiat_fw-la in_o this_o church_n as_o her_o proper_a pastor_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o withdraw_v from_o it_o be_v expect_v they_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o first_o proposition_n all_o the_o debate_n will_v be_v about_o the_o second_o which_o we_o make_v out_o thus_o they_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o do_v officiat_fw-la fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n and_o consent_n have_v no_o just_a authority_n and_o right_a so_o to_o do_v but_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n have_v enter_v into_o this_o church_n and_o do_v officiat_fw-la therein_o without_o her_o authority_n and_o consent_n therefore_o they_o have_v not_o just_a authority_n etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v clear_a and_o we_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v gainsay_v by_o our_o antagonist_n see_v the_o power_n of_o mission_n of_o call_v and_o send_v of_o ordinare_fw-la fix_a pastor_n be_v only_o in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o any_o other_o as_o all_o divine_n do_v assert_v the_o second_o be_v evident_a from_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o there_o be_v no_o church_n judicatory_a call_v or_o convocate_v for_o bring_v of_o the_o prelate_n into_o this_o church_n all_o be_v do_v immediate_o by_o the_o king_n &_o act_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o church_n she_o be_v by_o violence_n disenable_v to_o meet_v in_o her_o officer_n for_o fear_n of_o opposition_n from_o they_o a_o practice_n want_v a_o precedent_n in_o this_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v in_o all_o other_o church_n object_n 1._o but_o our_o prelate_n be_v consecrat_v by_o the_o prelate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ans_fw-fr what_o signify_v that_o to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o their_o just_a right_n to_o officiat_fw-la in_o she_o suppone_v the_o office_n of_o prelacy_n be_v right_a and_o institute_v do_v any_o think_v the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o prelate_n consecrat_fw-mi here_o and_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o if_o all_o be_v do_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o her_o consent_n we_o suppose_v not_o either_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o power_n of_o mission_n or_o else_o she_o have_v if_o she_o have_v none_o want_v prelacy_n than_o our_o minister_n be_v no_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o she_o for_o many_o year_n be_v nullity_n which_o some_o of_o our_o adversaty_n we_o hope_v will_v not_o say_v if_o she_o have_v the_o power_n of_o mission_n how_o come_v she_o to_o be_v neglect_v and_o usurp_v upon_o by_o another_o church_n to_o who_o she_o be_v not_o subordinat_a object_n 2._o but_o presbyter_n can_v consecrat_v bishop_n they_o be_v a_o inferior_a order_n ans_fw-fr if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v from_o scripture_n that_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o a_o order_n and_o office_n different_a from_o presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o have_v a_o different_a ordination_n to_o their_o office_n from_o that_o of_o presbyter_n it_o will_v say_v much_o but_o nothing_o of_o this_o can_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but._n 2._o we_o ask_v whether_o consecration_n be_v different_a from_o ordination_n if_o
the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n who_o always_o esteem_v they_o pure_a church_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o consequence_n be_v so_o necessare_fw-la that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o prelatical_a party_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n admit_v no_o minister_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o officiat_fw-la among_o they_o without_o reordination_n by_o which_o they_o fix_v a_o desperate_a schism_n between_o they_o and_o these_o church_n while_o they_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v reconciliation_n with_o rome_n which_o speak_v out_o the_o tendency_n of_o their_o principle_n if_o they_o think_v prelacy_n not_o essential_a to_o the_o political_a ministerial_a church_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v grant_v than_o our_o church_n constitution_n as_o to_o all_o essential_o be_v right_a our_o pastor_n bind_v to_o feed_v and_o people_n to_o submit_v hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o they_o obj._n although_o prelacy_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o esse_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v usful_a and_o necessare_fw-la to_o the_o well_o be_v of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n ans_fw-fr 1._o as_o have_v be_v say_v above_o we_o know_v of_o no_o good_a to_o which_o prelacy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v necessate_fw-it that_o be_v not_o easy_o attainable_a without_o it_o yea_o and_o be_v not_o win_v at_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n 2_o then_o the_o former_a obligation_n on_o our_o pastor_n and_o this_o church_n must_v continue_v for_o if_o prelacy_n be_v not_o essential_a nor_o necessare_fw-la to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n the_o obligation_n which_o flow_v from_o and_o be_v dependent_a on_o it_o can_v be_v discontinue_v by_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n upon_o we_o it_o shall_v rather_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v this_o obligation_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o then_o dissolve_v it_o it_o be_v no_o question_n the_o foresight_n of_o this_o and_o other_o consequence_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o force_v the_o most_o of_o the_o now_o prelate_n to_o maintain_v the_o absolute_a and_o essential_a necessity_n of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o church_n against_o the_o evidence_n of_o scriptâ—â—â—_n and_o antiquity_n obj_fw-la 2._o but_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o year_n 1662._o for_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n in_o this_o church_n be_v but_o a_o repossess_v she_o of_o it_o that_o have_v be_v eject_v an._n 1638_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o ejection_n of_o prelacy_n anno_fw-la 16â—8_n be_v but_o the_o puâ—geing_n of_o presbytery_n from_o prelacy_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o upon_o it_o after_o prelacy_n have_v be_v cast_v off_o by_o this_o church_n in_o her_o first_o reformation_n of_o religion_n from_o popery_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o history_n the_o book_n of_o discipline_n first_o and_o second_o act_n of_o parlt_n particular_o that_o of_o the_o year_n 1592._o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o the_o record_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n that_o with_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n prelacy_n be_v also_o remove_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o church_n as_o a_o high_a corruption_n in_o her_o government_n so_o that_o from_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n from_o popery_n presbytery_n have_v the_o first_o possession_n it_o be_v true_a the_o bishop_n that_o then_o be_v do_v continue_v in_o their_o bishopric_n and_o keep_v their_o place_n in_o parlt_n but_o without_o all_o church_n power_n or_o jurisdiction_n that_o they_o have_v former_o exercise_v in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n predom_v in_o this_o church_n and_o when_o their_o bishopric_n come_v to_o vaâ—k_v thorough_o death_n their_o place_n be_v not_o fill_v wâ—â—h_n other_o as_o former_o have_v be_v do_v till_o morion_n regency_n who_o for_o the_o legal_a right_n of_o their_o revenue_n which_o he_o labour_v to_o enhance_v for_o his_o own_o use_n and_o can_v not_o legal_o come_v at_o without_o some_o shadow_n of_o they_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o in_o of_o which_o he_o repent_v at_o his_o death_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o duglass_n which_o occasion_v a_o hot_a contest_v betwixt_o he_o &_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n in_o her_o assembly_n who_o stoot_o oppose_a prelacy_n and_o never_o give_v it_o over_o till_o by_o law_n and_o practise_v it_o be_v whole_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o church_n anno_fw-la 1592._o but_o king_n james_n afterward_o fall_v too_o much_o in_o love_n with_o worldly_a design_n and_o interest_n for_o facilitate_v the_o much_o court_v and_o desire_a succession_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n to_o which_o prelacy_n be_v then_o judge_v necessare_fw-la labour_v by_o sinister_a and_o subtle_a way_n the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n upon_o the_o church_n which_o then_o be_v most_o averse_a therefrom_o that_o he_o give_v not_o over_o his_o design_n in_o this_o till_o he_o have_v settle_v it_o by_o law_n anno_fw-la 1612._o and_o bring_v it_o in_o upon_o presbytery_n but_o prelacy_n not_o be_v content_a with_o this_o establishment_n and_o exaltation_n it_o attain_v to_o in_o the_o foresay_a year_n never_o cease_v work_v by_o its_o imposition_n till_o it_o come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o usurpation_n on_o church_n &_o state_n that_o procure_v its_o ruin_n anno_fw-la 1638._o all_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a from_o the_o precede_a record_n particular_o spotswood_n history_n that_o he_o must_v be_v either_o a_o utter_a stranger_n to_o these_o or_o else_o impudent_o malicious_a that_o deny_v it_o do_v man_n think_v we_o be_v such_o ignorant_o of_o and_o stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o lie_n of_o some_o of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v put_v pen_n to_o paper_n and_o contradict_v all_o this_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o seasonable_a case_n and_o other_o who_o contrare_fw-la to_o all_o evidence_n will_v maintain_v the_o possession_n of_o prelacy_n in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n 2._o suppone_v prelacy_n possession_n in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v notourly_a sal_n till_o its_o last_o ejection_n anno_fw-la 1638._o as_o it_o be_v in_o england_n yet_o till_o its_o divine_a right_n be_v prove_v it_o can_v claim_v no_o jus_o or_o right_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o concern_v can_v be_v antiquate_v and_o proscribe_v by_o length_n of_o time_n otherwise_o most_o of_o the_o popish_a heresy_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n shall_v have_v night_n as_o good_a claim_n for_o their_o be_v in_o this_o church_n as_o prelacy_n and_o it_o be_v liâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d if_o ever_o popery_n aim_v at_o its_o restauration_n and_o come_v any_o length_n towards_o it_o in_o this_o church_n it_o will_v build_v itself_o on_o this_o foundation_n among_o other_o as_o prelacy_n do_v this_o day_n in_o the_o law_n establish_v it_o obj._n but_o the_o magistrate_n bring_v in_o prelacy_n and_o command_v all_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o it_o prelacy_n be_v as_o some_o say_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a all_o shall_v obey_v ans_fw-fr leave_v the_o debat_fw-la about_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o the_o last_o head_n of_o our_o discourse_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v alittle_o we_o say_v 1._o whatever_o power_n the_o magistrate_n have_v about_o the_o church_n and_o her_o concern_v as_o such_o it_o be_v astrict_v and_o subordinate_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o erastianisme_n do_v yield_v as_o vedelius_fw-la yea_o erastus_n himself_o and_o all_o of_o that_o sect_n hence_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o command_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o or_o without_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v none_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v such_o command_n as_o all_o protestant_n grant_v therefore_o till_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o prelacy_n be_v allow_v and_o appoint_v in_o the_o word_n our_o nonobedience_n or_o non_fw-la submission_n to_o it_o although_o command_v by_o the_o magistrate_n can_v be_v just_o condemn_v it_o be_v true_a stillingfleet_n be_v at_o much_o pain_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v indifferent_a but_o on_o such_o ground_n as_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o with_o so_o little_a success_n as_o we_o remain_v the_o more_o confirm_v in_o the_o contrare_fw-la woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v no_o better_a ground_n for_o presbytery_n than_o the_o strong_a pleader_n for_o prelacy_n have_v yet_o show_v for_o it_o 2_o the_o magistrate_n with_o the_o subject_n be_v under_o the_o divine_a obligation_n of_o covenant_n and_o oath_n against_o prelacy_n have_v no_o power_n to_o command_v its_o reception_n neither_o â—â—n_fw-la the_o subject_n give_v the_o obedience_n require_v without_o horrid_a sin_n against_o god_n if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o do_v and_o command_v contrare_fw-la to_o such_o divine_a obligation_n and_o engagement_n and_o a_o obligation_n on_o the_o subject_n
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
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
of_o our_o ministry_n in_o the_o place_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v confine_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o policy_n invent_v to_o cover_v the_o too_o visible_a encroachment_n on_o church_n power_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o indulgence_n which_o be_v know_v afterward_o to_o stumble_v many_o that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v more_o smooth_v and_o go_v the_o better_o down_o while_o the_o design_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v as_o be_v say_v to_o bring_v our_o ministry_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o without_o noise_n to_o obstruct_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o ruin_v our_o cause_n for_o attain_v of_o which_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v a_o more_o successful_a like_o piece_n of_o policy_n than_o this_o of_o the_o indulgence_n resolve_a as_o bathe_v be_v say_v to_o unfold_v our_o heart_n and_o to_o keep_v nothing_o up_o anent_o what_o be_v true_o grievous_a to_o and_o burden_n our_o conscience_n in_o the_o command_n and_o imposition_n of_o these_o time_n we_o shall_v add_v other_o reason_n to_o these_o which_o with_o the_o former_a be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n with_o and_o non-approbation_n of_o this_o indulgence_n as_o 1._o in_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o 2._o act_n of_o indulgence_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o this_o pretend_a favour_n be_v provide_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o the_o evil_n of_o conventicle_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o partake_v of_o other_o ordinance_n from_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n make_v against_o the_o same_o have_v not_o suppress_v as_o this_o narrative_a speak_v to_o all_o the_o design_n of_o the_o indulgence_n so_o it_o show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v as_o its_o consequence_n if_o approven_v by_o we_o to_o which_o we_o there_fw-mi have_v no_o accession_n direct_o nor_o indirect_o for_o by_o our_o allowance_n and_o submission_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o prove_v active_a in_o hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o future_a but_o also_o shall_v consequential_o condemn_v the_o former_a practice_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n and_o people_n in_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n that_o have_v be_v bless_v and_o make_v not_o a_o little_a successful_a to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o many_o soul_n 2._o many_o by_o this_o indulgence_n be_v assign_v and_o send_v to_o other_o congregation_n than_o these_o they_o have_v former_o serve_v their_o master_n in_o before_o this_o revolution_n in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o judge_v the_o former_a relation_n to_o particular_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o the_o state_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o be_v yet_o in_o force_n and_o not_o dissolve_v by_o all_o the_o violence_n use_v against_o we_o so_o we_o think_v our_o approbation_n of_o this_o indulgence_n will_v not_o only_o justify_v the_o unjust_a usurpation_n and_o violence_n in_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o likewise_o will_v have_v make_v void_a the_o former_a and_o yet_o stand_v relation_n to_o these_o respective_a congregation_n in_o which_o we_o dare_v have_v no_o hand_n but_o in_o the_o way_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o be_v former_o use_v in_o this_o church_n see_v it_o will_v no_o question_n both_o strengthen_v the_o magistrate_n in_o his_o unjust_a encroachment_n on_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v a_o practical_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o in_o all_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o mater_fw-la 3._o by_o one_o clause_n in_o the_o 2._o act_n of_o indulgence_n appeal_n be_v allow_v and_o authorize_v from_o the_o indulge_v to_o the_o prelate_n court_n which_o do_v subject_a and_o direct_o subordinat_a they_o to_o these_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o our_o covenant_v and_o well_o ground_v principle_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o look_v on_o this_o with_o other_o particular_n in_o that_o indulgence_n as_o a_o device_n frame_v of_o purpose_n for_o gain_v all_o these_o end_n and_o intent_n upon_o we_o which_o by_o violence_n have_v be_v former_o design_v against_o we_o for_o establish_v of_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n 4._o as_o some_o of_o the_o rule_n be_v impracticable_a so_o other_o of_o they_o do_v not_o a_o little_a reflect_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n who_o preach_v in_o house_n and_o field_n if_o we_o understand_v our_o christian_a profession_n aright_o we_o must_v take_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o many_o command_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o imitat_fw-la christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o their_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o purpose_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o effect_n do_v we_o not_o find_v from_o these_o sacred_a record_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v in_o house_n and_o field_n as_o occasion_n offer_v never_o decline_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o these_o as_o the_o present_a exigence_n require_v although_o they_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o and_o access_n to_o the_o synagogue_n which_o be_v deny_v we_o as_o to_o the_o place_n allow_v for_o public_a worship_n do_v not_o these_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n say_v that_o as_o preach_v in_o house_n and_o field_n be_v in_o itself_o noâ—_n sin_n but_o lawful_a except_o we_o resolve_v to_o make_v christ_n â—_o transgressor_n so_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o under_o the_o like_a câ—lls_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v in_o this_o as_o christ_n do_v before_o we_o who_o can_v get_v this_o shune_v among_o the_o many_o design_n aim_v at_o in_o this_o indulgence_n and_o in_o part_n obtain_v by_o it_o we_o know_v the_o devide_v and_o break_v of_o our_o party_n be_v a_o principal_a one_o which_o at_o first_o actuate_v and_o set_v on_o foot_n this_o device_n among_o we_o but_o we_o hope_v without_o the_o fruit_n our_o adversary_n expect_v to_o have_v reap_v thereby_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o cause_n for_o whatever_o difference_n there_o have_v be_v or_o yet_o be_v among_o we_o in_o our_o practice_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o indulgence_n we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o precede_a exception_n against_o it_o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v access_n for_o represent_v the_o same_o to_o our_o ruler_n our_o unanimity_n and_o concord_n in_o these_o have_v be_v more_o discover_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o charge_n with_o we_o of_o our_o know_a and_o profess_a judgement_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o true_a distinction_n from_o and_o independence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n as_o be_v afterward_o express_v what_o ever_o be_v our_o persuasion_n in_o this_o represent_v to_o the_o world_n in_o our_o public_a confess_v on_o of_o faith_n we_o yet_o throw_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n resolve_v to_o cleave_v to_o have_v never_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o time_n that_o have_v go_v over_o our_o head_n to_o cause_v we_o alter_v our_o apprehension_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o least_o some_o who_o take_v hold_v of_o all_o occasion_n to_o reproach_v we_o be_v please_v to_o represent_v some_o their_o acceptance_n of_o this_o indulgence_n as_o contradictory_n to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o former_a profess_a principle_n anent_o church_n government_n yet_o any_o that_o consider_v what_o be_v short_o hint_v at_o to_o the_o council_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o indulgence_n and_o what_o be_v more_o large_o declare_v by_o they_o to_o the_o congregation_n at_o their_o first_o entry_n will_v be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o our_o constant_a adherence_n to_o our_o former_a principle_n which_o by_o this_o acceptance_n be_v not_o at_o all_o change_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o lover_n of_o our_o righteous_a cause_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o they_o to_o ward_v the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o evil_a intent_n of_o this_o indulgence_n but_o rather_o a_o endeavour_n to_o counteract_v and_o ineffectuat_fw-la they_o that_o our_o opposite_n may_v have_v no_o benefit_n therefrom_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o we_o contend_v sect_n vi_o the_o nature_n of_o church_n government_n as_o distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a upon_o magistracy_n explain_v have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o and_o dispatch_v the_o first_o three_o thing_n we_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o in_o the_o beginning_n we_o shall_v now_o enter_v on_o the_o last_o the_o supremacy_n ecclesiastical_a that_o be_v now_o by_o law_n annex_v to_o the_o crown_n establish_v in_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o successor_n and_o sense_v by_o law_n and_o practice_n let_v
exercise_v her_o government_n in_o these_o time_n by_o confederation_n and_o mutual_a consent_n and_o not_o by_o institution_n and_o command_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n for_o this_o so_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o presume_v they_o continue_v in_o the_o constitution_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n they_o give_v they_o to_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n and_o church_n history_n their_o practice_n conform_v when_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n cease_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n turn_v christian_n we_o find_v she_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o former_a government_n but_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o some_o corruption_n which_o grow_v to_o a_o sad_a height_n afterward_o throw_v the_o excessive_a munificence_n &_o bounty_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n and_o exercise_v the_o sameâ—_n as_o former_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o history_n that_o speak_v of_o these_o time_n here_o our_o adversary_n speak_v of_o some_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n the_o magistrate_n do_v exerce_fw-la in_o the_o church_n as_o convocate_a of_o synod_n labour_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lore_o rend_v at_o sometime_o through_o lad_n heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o that_o say_v of_o constantine_n repeat_v by_o they_o ad_fw-la nauseam_fw-la vos_fw-la estis_fw-la episcopi_fw-la ad_fw-la intra_fw-la ego_fw-la ad_fw-la extra_fw-la but_o how_o be_v our_o antagonist_n conclusion_n make_v out_o by_o all_o these_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o magistrate_n do_v convocat_n synod_n its_o government_n be_v derive_v from_o &_o subordinat_a to_o he_o no_o way_n for_o 1._o albeit_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n to_o convocat_n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n anent_o matter_n relate_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o duty_n whether_o about_o church_n or_o state_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o privative_a of_o the_o church_n power_n to_o convocat_n she_o own_o assembly_n either_o for_o worship_n or_o government_n as_o we_o find_v she_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o his_o consent_n yea_o when_o the_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n she_o retain_v and_o exercise_v this_o power_n in_o assemble_v into_o several_a synod_n without_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o general_a synod_n assemble_v after_o this_o but_o by_o the_o magistrate_n till_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n claim_v this_o power_n and_o usurp_v therein_o on_o the_o church_n and_o magistrate_n as_o he_o do_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n which_o exceed_v its_o bound_n make_v this_o in_o point_n of_o prudence_n necessare_fw-la for_o without_o the_o magistrate_n it_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v do_v but_o 2._o convocate_a of_o other_o be_v not_o always_o in_o its_o self_n and_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o superior_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o judicatories_n convocate_v as_o in_o limit_a monarchy_n and_o not_o absolute_a where_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o king_n and_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n although_o the_o king_n have_v the_o power_n of_o conveâ—ning_v the_o state_n yet_o they_o share_v wiâ—h_v he_o in_o the_o leg_n stative_a and_o executive_a power_n while_o in_o be_v therefore_o the_o illation_n be_v bad_a and_o not_o concludent_fw-la 4_o what_o imaginable_a advantage-can_a accrue_v to_o our_o adversary_n assertion_n by_o that_o say_n of_o constantine_n former_o cite_v we_o grantâ—_n the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o overseer_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o church_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o thâ—_n government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o and_o from_o his_o hand_n and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o he_o they_o must_v first_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o good_a reason_n that_o never_o government_n be_v ad_fw-la extra_fw-la which_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v nor_o never_o will_v for_o although_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o its_o institution_n and_o exercise_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o intrinsinck_v to_o and_o within_o she_o as_o her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o by_o this_o sense_n will_v be_v as_o much_o derive_v from_o and_o subject_v to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o her_o government_n see_v the_o one_o be_v as_o visible_a in_o its_o dispensation_n as_o the_o other_o arg._n 5._o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o yea_o can_v jure_fw-la impede_fw-la and_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o church_n government_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o derive_v from_o nor_o subject_v to_o he_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o consequence_n be_v what_o ever_o power_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o subordinate_v direct_o to_o he_o he_o may_v suspend_v hinder_v its_o exercise_n yea_o he_o may_v total_o remove_v and_o annihilat_fw-la it_o this_o be_v yield_v by_o all_o and_o take_v for_o a_o sure_a maxim_n in_o politic_n but_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o do_v this_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o person_n entrust_v with_o and_o call_v to_o its_o exercise_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o divine_a precept_n and_o command_n for_o it_o which_o the_o magistrate_n can_v hinder_v nor_o by_o any_o deed_n or_o command_n of_o he_o make_v void_a these_o that_o deny_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o church_n government_n we_o refer_v to_o the_o forecited_a book_n where_o it_o be_v strong_o plead_v &_o make_v out_o from_o clear_a and_o express_v scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n likewise_o as_o he_o can_v impede_fw-la its_o exercise_n so_o he_o may_v not_o nullify_v its_o sentence_n by_o himself_o which_o he_o may_v do_v in_o the_o sentence_n pass_v by_o all_o power_n derive_v from_o and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o himself_o arg._n 6._o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o christian_a profession_n bind_v to_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o act_n &_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o be_v as_o much_o obleidge_v to_o yield_v thereto_o as_o any_o other_o therefore_o church_n power_n be_v not_o direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o the_o antecedent_n be_v clear_a for_o all_o be_v command_v submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n in_o watch_v overseeing_a and_o rule_a of_o the_o church_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o to_o which_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n we_o find_v magistrate_n in_o the_o word_n submit_v as_o uzzia_n who_o be_v by_o the_o priest_n confor_a i_o to_o the_o law_n separate_v and_o seclude_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o these_o yea_o it_o be_v give_v for_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n that_o come_v on_o zedekiah_n 2._o chron._n 36.12_o that_o he_o humble_v not_o himself_o before_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o he_o obj._n but_o this_o subjection_n in_o magistrate_n to_o church_n officer_n be_v proper_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o they_o ans_fw-fr we_o confess_v the_o subjection_n be_v primary_o and_o chief_o to_o christ_n jesus_n who_o such_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n do_v represent_v yet_o the_o subjection_n be_v to_o they_o too_o who_o all_o without_o exception_n of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n be_v command_v to_o receive_v hear_v and_o obey_v so_o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o holy_a thing_n they_o be_v superior_a to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n magistrate_n and_o other_o as_o their_z constitut_o ruler_n overseer_n governor_n and_o watch_v man_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v when_o act_v in_o their_o office_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o obedience_n be_v not_o catachrestical_a or_o abusive_a as_o videlius_n speak_v in_o the_o magistrate_n but_o proper_a and_o real_o a_o debt_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_n holy_a thing_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o obligation_n to_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n with_o the_o obligation_n of_o other_o if_o any_o think_v otherway_n let_v they_o produce_v their_o reason_n and_o scripture_n 2._o if_o the_o fiery_a and_o zealous_a promotter_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v consider_v the_o true_a and_o real_a prejudice_n they_o do_v to_o magistrate_n by_o exeem_v they_o from_o that_o subjection_n that_o they_o with_o all_o other_o owe_v to_o church_n officer_n they_o will_v if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o advantage_n remain_v with_o man_n hold_v their_o hand_n and_o shall_v have_v little_a thanks_o from_o magistrate_n for_o their_o preposterous_a zeal_n who_o by_o their_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v
real_o exclude_v magistrate_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o church_n government_n which_o in_o its_o design_n and_o effect_n be_v for_o save_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o ordinance_n other_o argument_n may_v be_v adduce_v as_o the_o want_n of_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o alter_v and_o change_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o nullify_v its_o just_a sentence_n pass_v etc._n etc._n sect_n vii_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a supreamacy_n manifest_v but_o judge_v these_o sufficient_a to_o the_o conviction_n oâ—_n the_o unprejudged_a we_o come_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o ouâ—_n task_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o visible_a intrinsic_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v assume_v by_o and_o give_v to_o our_o ruler_n in_o the_o present_a stand_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v out_o from_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n particular_o act_n of_o restitution_n parl._n 1_o sess_n 2._o act._n 1._o act_n anent_o the_o national_a synod_n parl._n 1_o sess_n 3._o act._n 4._o act_n against_o conventicle_n parl._n 2._o sess_n 5._o act_n against_o keeper_n of_o conventicle_n and_o withdrawer_n etc._n etc._n parl._n 2._o sess_n 3._o act._n 17._o act_n against_o unlawful_a ordination_n parl._n 2._o sess_n 3._o with_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v on_o the_o probation_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v necessare_fw-la for_o clear_v our_o way_n to_o it_o to_o consider_v alittle_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n repeat_v in_o several_a act_n where_o first_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o same_o the_o term_n external_n be_v notour_o ambiguous_a shall_v have_v be_v explain_v &_o all_o not_o leave_v to_o guess_v at_o its_o meaning_n external_n be_v by_o some_o oppose_v to_o the_o internal_a invisible_a government_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o so_o by_o it_o they_o understand_v the_o visible_a intrinsic_a government_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o term_n external_n government_n in_o this_o and_o other_o act_n the_o follow_a argument_n undertake_v to_o make_v out_o but_o some_o other_o oppose_v the_o term_n external_n government_n to_o this_o intrinsic_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n former_o describe_v and_o assert_v to_o be_v distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a on_o the_o mastrat_n and_o by_o it_o they_o do_v understand_v these_o humane_a adjunct_n and_o accident_n that_o be_v civil_a in_o themselves_o and_o not_o make_v sacred_a by_o divine_a institution_n some_o plead_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o term_n in_o the_o act_n of_o parlt_n but_o how_o groundless_o let_v our_o subsequent_a reason_n determine_v second_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o the_o crown_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v hard_o to_o sense_n this_o for_o order_v and_o dispose_v when_o do_v by_o person_n in_o authority_n be_v a_o part_n of_o government_n in_o itself_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o phrase_n be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o speech_n as_o if_o a_o government_n need_v a_o government_n to_o govern_v it_o what_o if_o this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n will_v it_o not_o be_v repute_v non_fw-la sense_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o government_n do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n to_o dispose_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o &_o without_o which_o it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o it_o be_v without_o disput_fw-la evident_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n under_o heathenish_a magistrate_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v this_o which_o by_o this_o act_n be_v take_v from_o she_o next_o we_o ask_v whether_o this_o order_n and_o dipose_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a or_o civil_a government_n if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a it_o be_v again_o nonsense_n at_o the_o best_a and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v the_o ecclesiastical_a govern_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n a_o perfect_a tautology_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n how_o come_v it_o that_o in_o this_o and_o other_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o civil_a obj._n it_o be_v only_o objective_o so_o call_v ans_fw-fr then_o it_o be_v proper_o and_o formal_o civil_a the_o phrase_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a be_v catachrestical_a and_o abusive_a a_o very_a improper_a speech_n yea_o as_o improper_a as_o if_o we_o shall_v call_v church_n power_n or_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n objective_o civil_a or_o civil_a three_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o this_o order_n or_o dispose_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a why_o be_v the_o church_n trouble_v with_o it_o if_o it_o be_v we_o ask_v again_o when_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o civil_a or_o church_n government_n it_o can_v not_o be_v of_o the_o civil_a for_o the_o church_n have_v none_o under_o persecute_v magistrate_n if_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n government_n than_o it_o be_v pure_o and_o formal_o such_o and_o not_o true_o civil_a although_o exercise_v about_o thing_n civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v the_o magistrate_n now_o to_o any_o considerate_a and_o unbyaffed_a reader_n it_o will_v be_v manifest_a that_o these_o word_n or_o expression_n come_v from_o mind_n design_v the_o enhanse_a of_o the_o intrinsic_a visâ—â—le_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o labour_v to_o cover_v it_o but_o all_o in_o vain_a now_o that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n formal_o and_o intrinsical_o such_o be_v assume_v by_o and_o give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o present_a stand_a law_n will_v be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o consider_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o forecited_a act_n of_o parliament_n 1._o that_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o church_n assembly_n or_o judicatories_n be_v put_v in_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordinate_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a to_o they_o therein_o this_o make_v the_o king_n the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n &_o the_o church_n officer_n to_o derive_v and_o hold_v their_o power_n of_o he_o which_o make_v our_o king_n the_o proper_a head_n of_o the_o church_n &_o substitute_n he_o in_o christ_n room_n to_o she_o 2._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o subject_v to_o &_o dependent_a on_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n extend_v to_o and_o make_v to_o take_v in_o ordination_n act_n of_o discipline_n inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n yea_o to_o all_o cause_n and_o matter_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a to_o all_o about_o which_o church_n power_n be_v exerce_v he_o be_v make_v the_o supreme_a 3._o all_o church_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o it_o be_v exercise_v in_o this_o church_n before_o the_o late_a introduction_n of_o prelacy_n without_o this_o derivation_n from_o and_o subordination_n to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v rescind_v and_o annul_v certain_o in_o these_o time_n the_o magistrate_n have_v and_o do_v exercise_v a_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o law_n then_o make_v in_o their_o behalf_n but_o this_o do_v not_o now_o content_a without_o this_o supremacy_n which_o import_v another_o power_n acclame_v by_o the_o magistrate_n now_o that_o be_v not_o then_o 4._o this_o supremacy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n be_v give_v for_o the_o main_a reason_n of_o the_o change_n make_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o overturning_a and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o true_a government_n that_o then_o be_v and_o bring_v in_o another_o in_o its_o stead_n without_o the_o authority_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n a_o fair_a open_a door_n for_o bring_v in_o the_o like_a alteration_n and_o change_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n when_o there_o be_v access_n to_o it_o 5._o prelacy_n by_o this_o act_n be_v restore_v not_o only_o to_o the_o former_a height_n it_o be_v at_o and_o have_v attain_v by_o law_n and_o practice_n before_o its_o last_o ejection_n out_o of_o this_o church_n
etc._n etc._n therefore_o minister_n may_v not_o do_v it_o for_o although_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o imperative_fw-it power_n over_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o privative_a of_o any_o power_n in_o other_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o their_o station_n and_o office_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o determine_n of_o the_o circumstance_n in_o government_n we_o reply_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o these_o first_o some_o extrinsic_a and_o not_o in_o themselves_o simple_o necessare_fw-la although_o convenient_a as_o church_n of_o such_o and_o such_o form_n pulpit_n ornament_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a use_n civil_a belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v direct_o under_o his_o power_n to_o order_n and_o dispose_v next_o 2._o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n intrinsic_a to_o the_o action_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n and_o so_o connect_v therewith_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o necessity_n that_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o and_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o divine_a command_n on_o which_o the_o morality_n of_o individual_a action_n as_o to_o their_o goodness_n and_o evil_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la do_v depend_v as_o such_o and_o such_o person_n doctrine_n time_n place_n help_n etc._n etc._n which_o all_o moralist_n and_o divine_n make_v to_o specify_v all_o humane_a action_n as_o to_o their_o morality_n in_o individuo_fw-la of_o these_o we_o assert_v that_o the_o determination_n of_o they_o as_o they_o respect_v worship_n and_o government_n and_o be_v connect_v with_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n we_o have_v give_v some_o reason_n for_o this_o before_o as_o 1._o we_o see_v command_v give_v to_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n 1._o cor._n 14.2_o if_o the_o determination_n of_o these_o be_v in_o the_o magistrate_n power_n it_o shall_v be_v likewise_o in_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v impede_fw-la and_o obstruct_v all_o right_a worship_n and_o government_n in_o its_o exercise_n at_o his_o pleasure_n for_o whoever_o have_v these_o thing_n in_o his_o power_n without_o which_o the_o action_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n can_v be_v perform_v have_v the_o action_n in_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v or_o not_o 3_o the_o consequence_n of_o grant_v this_o to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v mischievous_a for_o by_o this_o if_o he_o do_v not_o whole_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n yet_o he_o may_v restrict_n and_o limit_v it_o so_o as_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o dreadful_a unfaithfulness_n in_o their_o ministry_n or_o office_n he_o may_v bind_v they_o up_o from_o preach_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n that_o at_o such_o and_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o case_n god_n call_v they_o to_o preach_v as_o for_o the_o 3._o instance_n for_o indict_v of_o day_n for_o solemn_a fast_n and_o humiliation_n or_o of_o thanksgiving_n we_o say_v that_o we_o reckon_v it_o among_o these_o common_a duty_n of_o religion_n that_o every_o chirstian_a in_o his_o station_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o observe_v and_o according_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n to_o see_v they_o observe_v by_o other_o under_o they_o when_o the_o dispensation_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n call_v they_o to_o these_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o word_n so_o that_o all_o christian_n in_o their_o several_a capacity_n office_n power_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o same_o have_v the_o power_n of_o indict_v and_o keep_v of_o such_o time_n and_o day_n as_o master_n in_o family_n pastor_n in_o congregation_n or_o in_o their_o association_n and_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o magistrate_n master_n of_o family_n etc._n etc._n their_o indict_v of_o such_o day_n for_o divine_a exercise_n be_v a_o act_n of_o church_n power_n although_o it_o be_v such_o in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o it_o come_v from_o they_o no_o more_o than_o other_o rebuke_v exhort_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o act_n of_o church_n authority_n and_o power_n although_o it_o be_v so_o from_o they_o 2._o that_o it_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o indict_v day_n of_o public_a fasting_n or_o of_o thanksgiving_n &_o not_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n where_o have_v our_o antagonist_n learn_v this_o we_o grant_v the_o magistrate_n participat_v with_o other_o in_o this_o power_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o duty_n the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o the_o word_n empower_n other_o in_o their_o capacity_n as_o much_o as_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v this_o out_o we_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o more_o harmony_n in_o this_o public_a work_n and_o convenient_a follow_v of_o it_o with_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n do_v previous_o consult_v and_o agree_v about_o public_a fast_n and_o thanksgiving_n but_o to_o affirm_v this_o to_o the_o privation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o obligation_n lay_v on_o other_o anent_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o encroachment_n on_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o other_o but_o a_o lose_n of_o these_o bond_n with_o which_o god_n have_v tie_v they_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o creature_n obj._n 4._o see_v minister_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o magistrate_n when_o require_v of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n will_v it_o not_o follow_v they_o be_v subordinat_a to_o he_o in_o so_o far_o in_o its_o exercise_n ans_fw-fr no_o way_n for_o 1._o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o do_v the_o like_a to_o all_o other_o over_o who_o they_o be_v set_v and_o do_v rule_v when_o their_o carriage_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v stumble_v and_o offensive_a to_o they_o to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v both_o by_o general_n and_o particular_a precept_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v subordinat_a to_o such_o 2._o the_o magistrate_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o profess_a subjection_n to_o christ_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o act_n in_o his_o government_n to_o minister_n and_o other_o when_o he_o prove_v scandalous_a and_o offensive_a which_o many_o of_o they_o have_v do_v to_o this_o they_o be_v obliedge_v both_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o promise_a subjection_n to_o the_o word_n its_o ordinance_n and_o christ_n servant_n dispense_n the_o same_o and_o likewise_o on_o the_o account_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n that_o bind_v all_o not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v the_o prevent_n but_o remove_v of_o offence_n when_o give_v to_o which_o the_o magistrate_n be_v as_o incident_a in_o his_o capacity_n as_o other_o as_o alas_o sad_a experience_n put_v beyond_o debate_n obj._n 5._o but_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o exercise_n be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o act_n do_v he_o not_o act_v about_o those_o imperial_o and_o architectonice_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v he_o not_o supreme_a to_o &_o above_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o subordinat_a to_o he_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o great_a seem_a strength_n but_o on_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o its_o weakness_n will_v soon_o appear_v we_o yield_v without_o any_o advantage_n to_o our_o enemy_n cause_n that_o what_o the_o magistrate_n do_v as_o such_o about_o church_n matter_n and_o officer_n he_o do_v it_o imperial_o and_o with_o dominion_n and_o as_o they_o use_v to_o speak_v architectonice_n but_o what_o then_o it_o prove_v the_o person_n to_o be_v subordinat_a to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o these_o his_o act_n but_o not_o the_o power_n in_o its_o exercise_n nor_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v for_o 1._o the_o magistrate_n when_o he_o by_o his_o irreligious_a and_o unjust_a carriage_n in_o his_o office_n or_o other_o way_n become_v notorious_o scandalous_a to_o the_o church_n be_v liable_a to_o ministerial_a admonition_n rebuke_n seclusion_n from_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v thereby_o subordinat_a to_o church_n power_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o exerce_v it_o about_o he_o and_o yet_o the_o magistratical_a power_n and_o its_o exercise_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o they_o whatever_o resistance_n our_o opposite_n make_v to_o this_o mutual_a subordination_n of_o the_o person_n of_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n yet_o they_o must_v either_o deny_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o its_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o minister_n or_o else_o yield_v this_o truth_n be_v it_o not_o clear_a in_o other_o power_n or_o relation_n as_o suppone_v one_o be_v both_o a_o magistrate_n and_o a_o son_n