of_o man_n and_o servant_n of_o their_o lust_n especial_o of_o those_o of_o their_o patron_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v just_o punish_v the_o world_n for_o not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o particular_o to_o punish_v the_o unlawful_a invasion_n make_v by_o the_o corrupt_a churchman_n and_o clergy_n of_o these_o time_n upon_o the_o civil_a power_n permit_v they_o to_o prey_v on_o each_o other_o right_n and_o privilege_n jure_fw-la quasi_fw-la belli_n ac_fw-la lege_fw-la talionis_fw-la till_o at_o length_n the_o whole_a frame_n of_o church_n and_o state_n be_v turn_v to_o a_o babel_n of_o confusion_n and_o egyptian_a darkness_n and_o though_o the_o practise_v of_o such_o usurpation_n over_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o a_o time_n of_o darkness_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n yet_o in_o such_o time_n of_o light_n as_o god_n have_v set_v we_o in_o it_o must_v certain_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o degree_n xv._o the_o superstition_n of_o these_o time_n still_o advance_v and_o particular_o that_o anti-evangelical_a opinion_n of_o merit_n take_v daily_o deep_a root_n the_o clergy_n as_o they_o must_v be_v style_v be_v not_o a_o want_v to_o fish_v in_o these_o muddy_a water_n and_o to_o make_v their_o best_a use_n of_o that_o occasion_n by_o insinuate_v themselves_o upon_o weak_a and_o well_o mean_v people_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o sickness_n to_o make_v they_o part_v very_o liberal_o with_o their_o good_n and_o possession_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pious_a use_n as_o they_o term_v it_o and_o they_o do_v so_o terrify_v they_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o purgatory_n and_o damnation_n for_o their_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o flatter_v they_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o indulgence_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o prayer_n for_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o honour_n they_o will_v acquire_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n by_o such_o good_a deed_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o poor_a people_n blind_a and_o superstitious_a zeal_n be_v screw_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n as_o nothing_o be_v soon_o ask_v especial_o if_o not_o to_o take_v effect_n till_o after_o their_o death_n than_o it_o be_v give_v so_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o a_o different_a case_n 4.15_o gal._n 4.15_o they_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o their_o very_a eye_n for_o the_o service_n of_o these_o rapacious_a vulture_n xvi_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o incontestable_a that_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o the_o most_o of_o all_o christian_a state_n find_v themselves_o under_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o put_v some_o stop_n to_o such_o a_o torrent_n of_o ill_n dispose_v charity_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o terminate_v in_o the_o settle_v of_o the_o whole_a land_n and_o poslession_n within_o their_o territory_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o depend_v upon_o a_o foreign_a power_n and_o pretend_v to_o a_o exemption_n and_o independency_n from_o the_o civil_a authority_n of_o the_o state_n they_o live_v in_o as_o among_o many_o other_o instance_n that_o may_v be_v give_v may_v appear_v from_o that_o one_o law_n in_o our_o own_o nation_n prohibit_v the_o disposal_n of_o land_n or_o heritage_n by_o person_n on_o deathbed_n xvii_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o the_o noble_a du_fw-fr plessis_n iniquitatis_fw-la mornay_n in_o his_o mysterium_fw-la iniquitatis_fw-la that_o when_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n begin_v to_o be_v corrupt_v in_o the_o substance_n people_n endeavour_v to_o cover_v their_o defection_n by_o retain_v the_o shadow_n and_o to_o seem_v as_o religious_a as_o ever_o by_o build_v of_o kirk_n chapel_n &c_n &c_n and_o that_o in_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n be_v ordinary_o the_o most_o forward_o and_o devout_a that_o thereby_o they_o may_v obliterat_fw-la the_o memory_n of_o their_o former_a vicious_a life_n and_o practice_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o clear_a paraphrase_n upon_o our_o bless_a saviour_n charge_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n that_o they_o tithe_v the_o mint_n and_o the_o annise_v and_o omit_v the_o weight_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n 23._o matt._n 23._o and_o faith._n xviii_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o pass_n it_o be_v little_a wonder_n that_o the_o humour_n of_o building_n and_o dote_v of_o kirk_n begin_v to_o increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o patronage_n by_o consequence_n to_o multiply_v so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n few_o kirk_n or_o congregation_n want_v some_o one_o or_o other_o for_o their_o patron_n and_o many_o time_n when_o patronage_n can_v not_o be_v claim_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o building_n or_o dote_v of_o kirk_n there_o be_v still_o some_o body_n find_v who_o under_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o reparation_n or_o otherwise_o and_o in_o default_n of_o all_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v patron_n supreme_a paramount_n and_o universal_a of_o all_o kirk_n and_o since_o the_o reformation_n in_o this_o church_n our_o own_o king_n as_o come_v into_o the_o pop_n place_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v none_o of_o the_o most_o honourable_a succession_n assume_v and_o usurp_v this_o privilege_n so_o that_o in_o a_o small_a time_n the_o corruption_n be_v little_o less_o than_o universal_o spread_v xix_o before_o we_o leave_v this_o head_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o as_o that_o antichristian_a church_n of_o rome_n have_v in_o most_o of_o her_o institution_n still_o endeavour_v to_o advance_v she_o own_o splendour_n and_o greatness_n and_o her_o usurp_a dominion_n over_o the_o church_n and_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n by_o a_o affect_a imitation_n of_o these_o interest_n which_o the_o secular_a power_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v over_o the_o civil_a right_n of_o their_o subject_n express_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n luke_n 22._o which_o in_o this_o case_n deserve_v a_o very_a serious_a and_o special_a consideration_n 25._o luke_n 22.25_o to_o the_o 31._o matt._n 20_o 25._o so_o particular_o this_o institution_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v fix_v or_o continue_v and_o improven_v to_o make_v some_o sort_n of_o a_o resemblance_n and_o parallel_n in_o the_o church_n to_o that_o of_o feudal_n superiority_n and_o vassalage_n in_o use_n betwixt_o great_a man_n and_o their_o follower_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v pretty_a clear_o intimate_v by_o the_o very_a word_n beneficium_fw-la which_o in_o its_o more_o proper_a acceptation_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o feudum_n or_o a_o grant_n of_o land_n by_o a_o superior_a to_o his_o vassal_n for_o military_a service_n though_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o antinomasia_n that_o first_o signification_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n now_o whole_o disuse_v and_o the_o other_o of_o a_o spiritual_a or_o church_n live_v common_o if_o nor_o only_a understand_v thereby_o and_o hence_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o as_o patronage_n be_v fix_v or_o continue_v and_o improven_v in_o imitation_n of_o feudal_n superiority_n so_o as_o to_o order_v of_o time_n its_o first_o vigour_n be_v not_o till_o after_o the_o feudal_a institution_n for_o the_o vandal_n who_o give_v the_o rise_n to_o the_o feudal_n contract_n take_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n after_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o five_o century_n this_o may_v likewise_o confirm_v what_o be_v former_o hint_v that_o till_o the_o year_n dc_o the_o interest_n of_o patronage_n in_o the_o election_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o know_v sect_n ii_o a_o general_a view_n of_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n the_o canonist_n write_v of_o patron_n as_o person_n in_o some_o kind_n of_o office_n &_o have_v right_o to_o a_o sort_n of_o stipend_n the_o right_n they_o ascribe_v to_o they_o be_v short_o these_o i._o first_o a_o jus_fw-la honorificum_fw-la whereby_o the_o patron_n have_v power_n to_o nominate_v the_o pastor_n and_o give_v he_o right_o to_o the_o benefice_n and_o to_o have_v a_o splendid_a and_o stately_a seat_n and_o a_o burial_n place_n in_o the_o kirk_n and_o a_o right_a of_o precedency_n among_o the_o clergy_n in_o solemn_a procession_n visitation_n &c_n &c_n in_o which_o they_o can_v not_o lay_v aside_o their_o pride_n and_o vanity_n in_o their_o very_a near_a approach_n to_o god_n in_o go_v about_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n nor_o in_o the_o most_o humble_v circumstance_n of_o death_n and_o burial_n and_o how_o suitable_a such_o practice_n be_v to_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n 4._o matth._n 23.6_o mark_v 12.38_o james_n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o who_o do_v all_o their_o work_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o love_v the_o uppermost_a room_n at_o feast_n and_o the_o chief_a seat_n in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o
succeed_v to_o and_o come_v in_o their_o place_n and_o be_v by_o he_o dispose_v upon_o to_o who_o he_o please_v by_o right_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n &c_n &c_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o succession_n very_o suitable_a to_o the_o king_n other_o pretence_n of_o supremacy_n and_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o effect_n make_v he_o a_o new_a pope_n in_o a_o reform_a church_n rex_fw-la idem_fw-la hominum_fw-la phoebique_fw-la sacerdos_n as_o if_o the_o design_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v not_o be_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o unjust_a and_o antichristian_a power_n usurp_v over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o pope_n but_o mere_o to_o transfer_v it_o from_o italy_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o lodge_v it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o prince_n among_o ourselves_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o ordinar_fw-mi distinction_n of_o kirk_n into_o elective_a and_o patronate_a which_o some_o urge_v for_o a_o connivance_n at_o patronage_n yet_o with_o we_o there_o remain_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o elective_a kirk_n in_o the_o whole_a nation_n x._o seven_o the_o canonist_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n be_v often_o grant_v to_o such_o as_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o be_v benefactor_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o erection_n or_o dote_v of_o kirk_n and_o that_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la specialis_fw-la privilegii_fw-la grant_v be_v the_o pope_n solent_fw-la enim_fw-la pontifices_fw-la nonunnquam_fw-la se_fw-la à ecretorum_fw-la dominos_fw-la ac_fw-la conditores_fw-la ostendere_fw-la that_o they_o may_v let_v the_o world_n see_v they_o be_v the_o absolute_a master_n &_o unaccountable_a arbiter_n alse_a well_o as_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o canon_n xi_o eight_o the_o canonist_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o patron_n may_v commit_v and_o intrust_v his_o power_n of_o presentation_n to_o any_o other_o special_o authorize_v for_o that_o end_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v frequent_o see_v among_o ourselves_o the_o factor_n and_o chamberlanes_n of_o nobleman_n and_o other_o act_n by_o virtue_n of_o such_o commission_n in_o these_o matter_n xii_o and_o last_o they_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o patron_n as_o be_v precise_o past_o seven_o year_n of_o age_n and_o far_o more_o such_o as_o be_v within_o minority_n may_v present_v by_o themselves_o without_o the_o advice_n or_o concourse_n of_o their_o tutor_n and_o curator_n though_o some_o of_o the_o canonist_n do_v require_v that_o tutor_n and_o curator_n do_v it_o in_o their_o name_n sect_n iii_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o reformer_n &c._n &c._n concern_v patronage_n i_o as_o this_o corrupt_a custom_n of_o patronage_n spread_v over_o the_o church_n in_o general_n so_o we_o find_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o particular_a want_v not_o her_o share_n in_o the_o common_a calamity_n and_o according_o we_o find_v this_o pretend_a privilege_n zealous_o witness_v against_o by_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n who_o vigorous_o press_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o and_o we_o find_v also_o that_o other_o foreign_a church_n be_v sensible_a of_o the_o bondage_n the_o church_n lie_v under_o by_o these_o privilege_n i_o can_v stay_v to_o insert_v testimony_n at_o large_a the_o reader_n may_v full_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o the_o matter_n if_o he_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o look_v over_o the_o first_o and_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n dordracen_n i_o book_n of_o difciplia_n head_n 4_o 2_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 3._o and_o 12._o gen._n assemb_v 1562._o sess_v 3_o gen._n assemb_v 1586._o sess_v 5._o synod_n dordracen_n of_o this_o church_n the_o act_n of_o our_o general_a assembly_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o famous_a synod_n of_o dort._n as_o for_o the_o opinion_n of_o particular_a divine_n though_o they_o have_v but_o very_o little_o meddle_v with_o these_o matter_n yet_o when_o ever_o they_o touch_v they_o they_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a and_o burdensome_a usurpation_n as_o in_o some_o measure_n we_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o see_v in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n ii_o and_o true_o no_o less_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o man_n of_o so_o much_o piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 68_o conc._n triden_n sess_n 25_o decret_a de_fw-fr refor_n cap._n 9_o sess_v 14._o decret_a de_fw-fr refor_n cap._n 12_o &_o 13_o &_o sess_v 24._o decret_a de_fw-fr reform_v cap._n 18_o conc._n mogunt_n cap._n 68_o and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o church_n since_o even_o the_o most_o corrupt_a assembly_n that_o ever_o meet_v i_o mean_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a prejudice_n the_o church_n sustain_v by_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o be_v already_o hint_v and_o from_o their_o other_o decree_n in_o the_o year_n 1551_o and_o 1563._o and_o before_o they_o the_o provincial_a council_n at_o mentz_n in_o germany_n in_o the_o year_n 1549_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n of_o these_o privilege_n as_o we_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v hereafter_o iii_o but_o after_o the_o shake_v that_o these_o right_n of_o patronage_n get_v at_o our_o reformation_n from_o popery_n the_o alteration_n of_o that_o comely_a and_o orderly_a church_n government_n institute_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o which_o we_o receive_v both_o with_o christianity_n itself_o and_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n with_o our_o first_o reformation_n from_o antichristian_a darkness_n and_o under_o which_o so_o many_o abuse_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n be_v so_o happy_o take_v away_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o purity_n and_o plenty_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n with_o a_o most_o wonderful_a success_n establish_v the_o alteration_n i_o say_v of_o this_o our_o presbiterial_a government_n into_o prelacy_n give_v this_o corruption_n and_o many_o other_o new_a root_n for_o under_o prelacy_n a_o government_n first_o and_o last_o violent_o obtrude_v upon_o this_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o nation_n without_o any_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o example_n either_o in_o pure_a antiquity_n or_o other_o reform_a church_n abroad_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o just_a and_o necessary_a liberty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o reproof_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr for_o carry_v on_o the_o bad_a design_n of_o a_o corrupt_a court_n party_n for_o enslave_v of_o both_o church_n and_o state_n and_o constant_o attend_v with_o a_o most_o visible_a and_o general_a defection_n both_o in_o worship_n and_o moral_n under_o this_o prelacy_n it_o be_v that_o this_o and_o many_o other_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n be_v vigorous_o advance_v and_o support_v the_o prelate_n leave_v no_o mean_n unessay_v to_o enhance_v all_o the_o patronage_n they_o can_v in_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o as_o will_v contribute_v their_o power_n and_o interest_n to_o promote_v the_o design_n then_o on_o foot_n for_o enslave_v this_o church_n and_o nation_n under_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o superstition_n and_o to_o keep_v out_o all_o such_o from_o any_o access_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o be_v in_o the_o least_o suspect_v of_o a_o desire_n to_o cross_v these_o ill_a design_n so_o that_o at_o length_n the_o right_a of_o patronage_n become_v so_o root_v and_o fix_v and_o so_o twist_a and_o inter_v weave_v with_o other_o secular_a and_o civil_a interest_n that_o it_o be_v express_o avow_v and_o plead_v for_o as_o a_o part_n of_o a_o man_n private_a patrimony_n the_o right_n whereof_o he_o have_v settle_v and_o confirm_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n after_o he_o as_o these_o of_o his_o other_o estate_n by_o charter_n under_o the_o seal_n etc._n etc._n and_o may_v lawful_o sell_v and_o dispose_v of_o it_o to_o who_o he_o think_v fit_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o fortune_n and_o from_o which_o he_o can_v not_o be_v exclude_v without_o the_o high_a injury_n and_o injustice_n iv_o these_o exorbitancy_n of_o patronage_n already_o mention_v with_o many_o other_o too_o tedious_a to_o relate_v wherein_o our_o patronage_n be_v many_o time_n very_o different_a to_o the_o worse_o from_o these_o in_o the_o canon_n law_n a_o man_n in_o reason_n will_v think_v may_v be_v sufficient_a without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n or_o debate_n to_o determine_v we_o against_o such_o a_o privilege_n but_o since_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o corruption_n be_v to_o this_o day_n by_o some_o person_n with_o so_o much_o heat_n and_o vehemence_n assert_v and_o defend_v though_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o abolish_n these_o privilege_n be_v in_o the_o year_n 1649_o and_o several_a year_n thereafter_o very_o cordial_o acquiesce_v unto_o by_o
be_v the_o only_a term_n and_o condition_n on_o which_o man_n will_v gratify_v the_o church_n that_o she_o subject_n herself_o and_o her_o spiritual_a liberty_n to_o such_o a_o yoke_n of_o slavery_n as_o this_o privilege_n import_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o church_n will_v be_v better_o without_o such_o favour_n than_o with_o they_o iv_o if_o there_o be_v once_o a_o reasonable_a competency_n settle_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o her_o pastor_n and_o other_o pious_a and_o necessary_a use_n or_o if_o what_o be_v once_o settle_v and_o sacrilegious_o take_v from_o she_o be_v again_o restore_v and_o that_o faithful_o administrat_fw-la without_o dilapidation_n and_o misapplication_n there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a need_n of_o encouragement_n for_o any_o far_a addition_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o age_n that_o excess_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v more_o fatal_a to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n than_o any_o defect_n can_v be_v too_o much_o tend_v to_o introduce_v a_o depravation_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n in_o churchman_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n also_o a_o corruption_n in_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n if_o worldly_a riches_n have_v be_v proper_a for_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o have_v never_o be_v so_o scant_o in_o his_o allowance_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o old_a observation_n that_o when_o the_o church_n have_v but_o lignei_fw-la calices_fw-la she_o have_v aurei_fw-la episcopi_fw-la and_o when_o she_o get_v golden_a chalice_n she_o get_v wooden_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n the_o sense_n be_v easy_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v not_o exact_o literal_a so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o religio_fw-la pepper_v it_o divitias_fw-la &_o filia_fw-la matrem_fw-la devoravit_fw-la religion_n bring_v forth_o riches_n and_o the_o daughter_n devour_v the_o mother_n v._o last_o to_o say_v that_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o discouragement_n be_v but_o the_o fallacia_fw-la non_fw-la causae_fw-la pro_fw-la causa_fw-la for_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o people_n discouragement_n in_o the_o bestow_n of_o their_o good_n for_o pious_a use_n be_v the_o scandalous_a and_o sacrilegious_a mismanagment_n of_o the_o uncontraverted_a patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n by_o misapply_v it_o contrary_a to_o its_o design_n and_o nature_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n under_o heaven_n so_o guilty_a as_o many_o of_o the_o patron_n be_v the_o lord_n himself_o tell_v his_o servant_n moses_n no_o devouted_a thing_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v devout_a unto_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n 28._o levit._fw-la 27_o 28._o and_o of_o the_o field_n of_o his_o possession_n shall_v be_v sell_v and_o redeem_v and_o much_o less_o sacrilegious_o rob_v every_o devouted_a thing_n be_v most_o holy_a unto_o the_o lord_n deo_fw-la dicata_fw-la say_v amandus_n polanus_fw-la ei_o sacra_fw-la maneant_fw-la 2._o polanus_fw-la in_o danel_n cap._n 1._o v._n 2._o nam_fw-la si_fw-la be_v zelus_fw-la in_o rege_fw-la idololatrico_fw-la scilicet_fw-la nebuchadnezare_n fuit_fw-la ut_fw-la censuerit_fw-la vasa_fw-la deo_fw-la israelis_fw-la sancta_fw-la non_fw-la alio_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o svi_fw-la dei_fw-la seu_fw-la potius_fw-la idoli_fw-la fanum_fw-la infereuda_fw-la multo_fw-la magis_fw-la christiani_n magistratus_fw-la bona_fw-la illa_fw-la quae_fw-la tempore_fw-la papatus_fw-la deo_fw-la dicata_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la usibus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la relinquere_fw-la debent_fw-la imo_fw-la quanto_fw-la magis_fw-la episcopos_fw-la id_fw-la facere_fw-la decet_fw-la i_o e._n that_o which_o be_v once_o devout_v to_o god_n aught_o to_o remain_v holy_a to_o he_o for_o if_o the_o zeal_n of_o a_o idolatrous_a prince_n to_o wit_n nebuchadnezar_n oblige_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a vessel_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v otherways_o dispose_v of_o but_o for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o own_o god_n or_o rather_o his_o idol_n temple_n much_o more_o ought_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o leave_v these_o good_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n be_v consecrat_v for_o pious_a use_n etc._n etc._n see_v and_o compare_v this_o with_o ezra_n 1.7.8_o where_o all_o these_o vessel_n be_v return_v to_o their_o right_n and_o proper_a use_n our_o own_o rollock_n inveigh_v very_o sharp_o against_o the_o sacrilege_n of_o this_o nation_n in_o his_o time_n in_o misapply_v to_o the_o use_n of_o private_a person_n what_o be_v take_v from_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o cit_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a to_o answer_v it_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o sovereign_n and_o impartial_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n dan._n rollock_n in_o dan._n and_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o though_o they_o slight_a and_o neglect_v his_o warning_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o stand_a witness_n against_o they_o to_o render_v they_o inexcusable_a etc._n etc._n and_o our_o famous_a and_o worthy_a reformer_n mr._n knox_n who_o testimony_n i_o value_v above_o a_o thousand_o other_o in_o a_o letter_n date_v in_o august_n 1571._o direct_a to_o the_o general_a assembly_n at_o stirling_n speak_v his_o mind_n very_o free_o on_o this_o subject_n with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n &_o sincerity_n of_o a_o person_n that_o be_v look_v very_o short_o to_o step_v over_o the_o threshold_n of_o time_n into_o eternity_n take_v his_o own_o word_n because_o say_v he_o the_o daily_a decay_n of_o my_o natural_a strength_n threaten_v i_o with_o a_o sudden_a departure_n from_o this_o valley_n of_o misery_n therefore_o of_o love_n and_o conscience_n i_o exhort_v you_o yea_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n i_o charge_v and_o command_v you_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n and_o that_o with_o the_o like_a uprightness_n and_o strength_n in_o god_n you_o gainstand_v the_o merciless_a devourer_n of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n if_o man_n will_v spoil_v let_v they_o do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o peril_n and_o condemnation_n but_o communicate_v you_o not_o with_o their_o sin_n of_o whatsoever_o state_n they_o be_v neither_o by_o consent_n nor_o by_o silence_n but_o with_o public_a protestation_n make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o you_o be_v innocent_a of_o such_o robbery_n which_o will_v ere_o it_o be_v long_o provock_n god_n vengeance_n on_o the_o committer_n of_o it_o &c_n &c_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o experience_n of_o many_o family_n in_o scotland_n may_v confirm_v this_o religione_fw-la mutatâ_fw-la say_v a_o learned_a lawyer_n &_o sic_fw-la statu_fw-la priori_fw-la inverso_fw-la hoc.t._n finkel_n hoc.t._n patronus_fw-la curabit_fw-la ut_fw-la bona_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la &_o piis_fw-la usibus_fw-la legata_fw-la non_fw-la tantum_fw-la preserventur_fw-la &_o augeantur_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la usum_fw-la alium_fw-la aeque_fw-la pium_fw-la convertantur_fw-la puta_fw-la ad_fw-la cultum_fw-la alium_fw-la divinum_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la rei_fw-la publicae_fw-la ad_fw-la conservandum_fw-la ministerium_fw-la ad_fw-la sum_fw-la scholarum_fw-la pauperes_fw-la juvandos_fw-mi nosocomia_n condenda_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n when_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o inversion_n of_o the_o former_a state_n of_o affair_n a_o patron_n ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v leave_v for_o pious_a use_n be_v not_o only_o preserve_v and_o augment_v but_o that_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o other_o as_o pious_a use_n as_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o lawful_a manner_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o use_n of_o school_n the_o help_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o build_n of_o hospital_n etc._n etc._n vi_o i_o may_v add_v the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o our_o own_o church_n in_o her_o book_n of_o discipline_n etc._n etc._n &_o many_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o head_n that_o i_o have_v but_o accidental_o fall_v upon_o and_o a_o subject_a that_o will_v lead_v i_o out_o a_o great_a length_n and_o much_o far_a than_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v leave_v it_o such_o as_o desire_v far_a information_n may_v find_v enough_o and_o too_o much_o to_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n in_o the_o public_a record_n of_o the_o nation_n they_o may_v also_o consult_v the_o learned_a sir_n henry_n spelman_n tractat_fw-la de_fw-la non_fw-la temerandis_fw-la ecclesit_n and_o his_o large_a work_n of_o teith_n they_o may_v also_o see_v d._n forbes's_fw-fr gemitus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la sect_n viii_o the_o ground_n of_o patronage_n from_o a_o grant_n or_o concession_n of_o the_o church_n examine_v i._o the_o next_o ground_n that_o be_v urge_v for_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n be_v that_o the_o patron_n of_o kirk_n and_o benefice_n enjoy_v the_o privilege_n acclaim_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o
nor_o to_o magistrate_n as_o such_o because_o jesus_n christ_n who_o appoint_v and_o institute_v the_o the_o ministry_n have_v prescribe_v nothing_o singular_a concern_v these_o order_n nor_o have_v communicate_v any_o new_a right_n to_o they_o and_o have_v leave_v his_o church_n very_o well_o order_v without_o they_o vii_o and_o if_o these_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n be_v without_o foundation_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o from_o moral_a use_n and_o necessity_n as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v and_o shall_v yet_o far_o clear_v they_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a usurpation_n and_o as_o usurpation_n in_o all_o society_n be_v deserve_o very_o odious_a so_o a_o fortiori_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o most_o true_o free_a society_n on_o earth_n who_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v at_o no_o low_a rate_n than_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o immaculate_a lamb_n and_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n they_o must_v be_v much_o more_o detestable_a sure_o i_o be_o if_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o judicious_a congregation_n in_o the_o land_n shall_v claim_v such_o a_o privilege_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o choice_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o mean_a servant_n in_o the_o patron_n be_v family_n he_o will_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o most_o intolerable_a usurpation_n and_o oppression_n for_o as_o our_o patron_n do_v maintain_v that_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o seek_v the_o advice_n of_o either_o presbitry_n or_o paroch_n to_o the_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o a_o pastor_n but_o that_o both_o be_v oblige_v to_o accept_v the_o person_n who_o the_o patron_n present_v if_o he_o be_v find_v in_o any_o measure_n external_o qualify_v for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o general_a without_o any_o other_o enquiry_n or_o consideration_n so_o to_o do_v they_o right_o the_o practice_n of_o patron_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v no_o way_n disagreeable_a to_o their_o claim_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o the_o worse_o viii_o we_o have_v but_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v that_o this_o unjust_a and_o unwarrantable_a usurpation_n be_v one_o of_o these_o cry_a sin_n by_o which_o god_n have_v be_v provoke_v in_o his_o justice_n to_o lay_v waist_n and_o desolate_a most_o of_o the_o great_a family_n of_o the_o land._n there_o be_v many_o stand_a monument_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n against_o such_o as_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o house_n without_o his_o own_o warrant_n and_o appointment_n saul_n vzziah_n and_o vzzah_n be_v record_v among_o other_o not_o as_o idle_a story_n but_o as_o warn_n to_o man_n in_o all_o after-age_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o partake_v in_o their_o sin_n leave_v they_o also_o partake_v in_o their_o plague_n vzzah_n have_v a_o much_o fair_a and_o better_a pretext_n 9_o 2_o sam_n 6_o 6_o 1_o chron_n 13_o 9_o to_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o any_o of_o our_o patron_n have_v for_o their_o acclaimed_a privilege_n he_o but_o touch_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o think_v a_o extreme_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n oblige_v he_o to_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o let_v his_o rash_a and_o preposteous_a zeal_n pass_v unpunished_a because_o he_o act_v without_o a_o warrant_n for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o levite_n and_o as_o such_o be_v command_v to_o carry_v the_o ark_n on_o his_o shoulder_n but_o not_o on_o a_o cart_n yet_o be_v no_o priest_n it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o touch_v it_o with_o his_o hand_n 15._o numb_a 4_o 15._o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o single_a he_o out_o and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o example_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o displeasure_n both_o for_o the_o general_a sin_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o carry_v the_o ark_n on_o a_o cart_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o the_o levite_n and_o for_o his_o own_o particular_a sin_n in_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o touch_v it_o without_o a_o lawful_a call_n though_o his_o pretext_n and_o the_o seem_a necessity_n of_o it_o be_v such_o that_o even_o david_n a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n be_v tempt_v to_o fret_v at_o so_o heavy_a and_o unproportioned_a a_o punishment_n of_o so_o slight_a and_o trivial_a a_o fault_n as_o he_o think_v this_o be_v ix_o and_o that_o this_o power_n of_o patronage_n be_v no_o institution_n of_o god_n appointment_n may_v yet_o far_o be_v clear_a from_o this_o that_o all_o lawful_a power_n that_o be_v of_o god_n be_v either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a and_o spiritual_a for_o as_o to_o mix_v power_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o pure_o civil_a nor_o pure_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastic_a and_o such_o as_o give_v the_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o management_n of_o secular_a affair_n and_o give_v secular_a power_n a_o interest_n in_o sacris_fw-la we_o must_v free_o disow_v they_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n eitherin_o divinity_n or_o good_a policy_n but_o express_o contrary_a to_o both_o and_o as_o have_v ever_o be_v find_v by_o the_o church_n dear_a buy_v experience_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o weak_a device_n of_o ambitious_a and_o aspire_a man_n to_o mar_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o church_n in_o subjection_n to_o a_o strange_a head_n plant_n that_o be_v not_o of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n plant_v and_o most_o unbecoming_a the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o christian_a church_n or_o state_n to_o tolerat_a and_o allow_v and_o certain_o as_o the_o magistrate_n or_o civil_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n have_v no_o warrant_n to_o meddle_v in_o sacris_fw-la so_o there_o be_v no_o conscientious_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o will_v find_v his_o charge_n so_o weighty_a without_o any_o far_a addition_n of_o secular_a affair_n that_o he_o must_v say_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o the_o great_a extent_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o function_n with_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n i_o ergo_fw-la tu_fw-la say_v bernard_n to_o eugenius_n et_fw-la usurpare_fw-la tibi_fw-la aut_fw-la dominans_fw-la apostolatum_fw-la aut_fw-la apostolicus_n dominatum_fw-la such_o a_o mixture_n as_o this_o be_v manifest_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o have_v express_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o a_o poor_a and_o contemptible_a handful_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n take_v out_o of_o the_o world._n and_o therefore_o as_o our_o bless_a lord_n never_o give_v any_o instruction_n or_o precept_n 15.19_o see_v luk_n 22.25_o math_n 20.25_o john_n 15.19_o to_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o meddle_v in_o sacris_fw-la so_o he_o never_o give_v any_o direction_n to_o the_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o civil_a affair_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o we_o former_o hint_v express_o discharge_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o give_v such_o unwarrantable_a mixture_n that_o suitable_a epiphonema_n apage_fw-la hoc_fw-la mixtum_fw-la genus_fw-la hominum_fw-la prolemque_fw-la biformem_fw-la x_o and_o that_o this_o power_n of_o patronage_n be_v one_o of_o these_o amphibious_a and_o irregular_a invention_n may_v be_v clear_a not_o only_o from_o these_o many_o confuse_a opinion_n of_o these_o canonist_n themselves_o on_o this_o head_n but_o also_o from_o these_o undeniable_a ground_n for_o first_o that_o this_o power_n of_o patronage_n be_v not_o a_o power_n true_o civil_a may_v be_v sufficient_o evince_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o act_n in_o which_o it_o be_v exerce_v to_o wit_n the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o negative_a interest_n acclaim_v therein_o and_o in_o their_o maintenance_n all_o which_o be_v action_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastic_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v always_o give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o none_o other_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o and_o according_o in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a time_n and_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n thereafter_o the_o look_v out_o and_o election_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o manage_v by_o the_o church_n herself_o without_o the_o interposition_n of_o patron_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o trust_n in_o which_o the_o deacon_n a_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v employ_v as_o we_o have_v already_o see_v xi_o and_o though_o the_o conveyance_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o right_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o can_v prove_v that_o
and_o extraordinary_a a_o officer_n as_o a_o apostle_n it_o strong_o import_v that_o it_o be_v their_o master_n mind_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v not_o only_o in_o the_o particular_a election_n of_o that_o apostle_n but_o also_o and_o much_o more_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o inferior_a and_o ordinary_a office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n x._o thus_o we_o also_o find_v that_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o deacon_n who_o office_n be_v one_o of_o the_o ordinary_a though_o inferior_a office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n or_o ordinary_a believer_n in_o which_o action_n these_o thing_n be_v clear_o evident_a 1._o that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n together_o and_o appoint_v deacon_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o also_o appoint_v their_o determinate_a number_n viz_o seven_o be_v so_o many_o as_o they_o judge_v will_v serve_v the_o church_n need_n at_o that_o time_n as_o also_o they_o ordain_v and_o lay_v hand_n on_o these_o deacon_n after_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o and_o so_o state_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o office._n 2._o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n or_o believer_n be_v leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o their_o own_o freedom_n and_o discretion_n in_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o those_o seven_o qualify_v as_o the_o apostle_n have_v direct_v 3._o that_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o those_o seven_o be_v according_o perform_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la without_o the_o prelimitation_n of_o a_o previous_a nomination_n or_o choice_n 4._o that_o the_o same_o multitude_n of_o beleiver_n present_a or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v set_v these_o seven_o before_o the_o apostle_n who_o ordain_v and_o lay_v hand_n upon_o they_o and_o so_o invest_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o office._n xi_o and_o as_o in_o all_o christ_n institution_n so_o particular_o in_o this_o of_o the_o election_n of_o the_o office-bearer_n of_o his_o own_o house_n there_o appear_v a_o most_o beautiful_a and_o harmonious_a order_n for_o as_o the_o election_n of_o the_o first_o and_o extarordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_o perform_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o chief_a pastor_n &_o head_n of_o the_o church_n so_o the_o election_n of_o the_o succeed_a and_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o consequential_o perform_v by_o the_o inferior_a pastor_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n respective_o each_o of_o they_o act_v and_o keep_v within_o the_o limit_n prescribe_v by_o the_o chief_a pastor_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n xii_o suitable_a to_o these_o excellent_a pattern_n and_o example_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o general_n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n 40_o gen_n assemb_v 1649_o sess_n 40_o in_o the_o directory_n for_o elect_v of_o minister_n appoint_v the_o order_n thereof_o in_o this_o manner_n 1._o the_o presbitry_n send_v one_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o the_o congregation_n for_o which_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v elect_v and_o he_o have_v preach_v before_o they_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o well_o qualify_v pastor_n and_o the_o great_a need_n that_o the_o people_n have_v to_o be_v diligent_a and_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n to_o the_o lord_n for_o such_o he_o be_v to_o signify_v to_o they_o that_o the_o presbitry_n out_o of_o their_o care_n for_o that_o people_n will_v send_v they_o preacher_n who_o they_o may_v hear_v but_o withal_o he_o advertise_v they_o that_o if_o they_o desire_v to_o hear_v any_o other_o the_o presbitry_n will_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v they_o upon_o the_o suit_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n for_o that_o effect_n 2._o within_o some_o competent_a time_n thereafter_o the_o presbitry_n be_v again_o to_o send_v a_o minister_n to_o that_o congregation_n on_o a_o certain_a day_n before_o appoint_v for_o that_o end_n who_o have_v then_o preach_v and_o intimate_fw-la to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o be_v to_o go_v about_o the_o election_n of_o a_o pastor_n the_o session_n be_v to_o proceed_v to_o it_o the_o minister_n that_o preach_v moderate_v therein_o and_o the_o election_n be_v make_v be_v to_o be_v intimate_a to_o the_o people_n and_o if_o upon_o intimation_n they_o acquiesce_v and_o consent_v to_o the_o person_n choose_v than_o the_o presbitry_n be_v to_o proceed_v to_o his_o trial_n but_o if_o the_o people_n dissent_v from_o the_o person_n elect_v by_o the_o session_n the_o presbitry_n be_v to_o take_v cognition_n thereof_o and_o after_o they_o have_v full_o hear_v and_o consider_v the_o whole_a affair_n they_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o decide_v in_o it_o and_o where_o congregation_n be_v unfit_a as_o in_o some_o case_n they_o may_v be_v to_o make_v any_o election_n the_o presbitry_n be_v to_o provide_v they_o with_o a_o fit_a pastor_n xiii_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o province_n of_o london_n incline_v to_o think_v that_o the_o power_n of_o election_n do_v ordinary_o belong_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o people_n 7._o jus_fw-la divin_n regim_v eccles_n pag._n 98.99_o in_o margin_n and_o jus_n divine_a minist_n evang_v pag_n 12_o 7._o but_o rather_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o office_n when_o judicial_o convene_v as_o for_o extraordinary_a case_n i_o speak_v nothing_o of_o they_o for_o these_o must_v have_v extraordinary_a remedy_n but_o certain_o dum_fw-la suppetit_fw-la remedium_fw-la or_o dinarium_fw-la nunquam_fw-la recurrendum_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la remedium_fw-la extraordinarium_fw-la fourteen_o master_n rutherfoord_n and_o other_o do_v unanimous_o agree_v that_o what_o ever_o be_v the_o people_n share_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o pastor_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o deliberative_a and_o approbative_a but_o not_o a_o authoritative_a action_n yet_o as_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o action_n true_o ecclesiastical_a proper_o and_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v indeed_o very_o near_o concern_v in_o the_o right_a choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n as_o be_v the_o most_o special_a ordinary_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n xv._o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v abundant_o evident_a that_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v proper_o and_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o no_o way_n to_o any_o single_a person_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o privilege_n or_o otherways_o call_v he_o patron_n or_o what_o you_o please_v and_o that_o the_o negative_a interest_n of_o patronage_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a of_o that_o unlimited_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o election_n grant_v to_o and_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o church_n for_o provide_v herself_o with_o such_o as_o may_v be_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o bear_v office_n therein_o xvi_o i_o need_v not_o add_v after_o this_o that_o the_o method_n of_o enter_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o patron_n mar_v that_o beautiful_a constant_a and_o uniform_a order_n that_o appear_v in_o all_o these_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o which_o our_o blesed_a lord_n who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n be_v the_o author_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v very_o just_o conclude_v it_o can_v be_v none_o of_o he_o for_o by_o this_o method_n of_o patronage_n some_o pastor_n be_v oblige_v to_o enter_v by_o patron_n and_o some_o without_o they_o as_o in_o case_n where_o it_o be_v doubtful_a who_o have_v right_a to_o present_v or_o where_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o last_o patron_n be_v not_o enter_v as_o we_o term_v it_o or_o as_o the_o civilian_n term_v it_o nondum_fw-la adierunt_fw-la haereditatem_fw-la and_o in_o many_o other_o case_n which_o oft_o time_n put_v both_o presbitry_n and_o people_n to_o a_o stand_n not_o know_v how_o to_o behave_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o congregation_n must_v unavoidable_o lie_v desolate_a at_o lest_o for_o half_a a_o year_n for_o during_o that_o time_n the_o patron_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o present_v again_o some_o must_v enter_v by_o those_o they_o call_v ecclesiastical_a patron_n as_o bishop_n &c_n &c_n other_o by_o laic_a patron_n whereof_o some_o be_v courtier_n other_o soldier_n or_o mean_v and_o ignorant_a mechanic_n etc._n etc._n some_o must_v enter_v by_o patron_n reside_v at_o a_o distance_n in_o the_o country_n other_o by_o those_o that_o reside_v neither_o in_o the_o country_n nor_o nation_n yea_o and_o some_o by_o woman_n as_o have_v be_v former_o observe_v some_o by_o one_o patron_n other_o by_o many_o etc._n etc._n ministri_fw-la say_v doctor_n ames_n dati_fw-la sunt_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la a_o chrisâ—o_fw-la ut_fw-la eadem_fw-la or_o dinaria_fw-la et_fw-la
can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o have_v to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o such_o a_o abuse_n when_o it_o may_v be_v take_v away_o as_o it_o be_v once_o well_o take_v away_o be_v a_o consequence_n beyond_o all_o rational_a comprehension_n those_o minister_n ordinary_o have_v the_o voluntar_n consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n interest_v which_o make_v up_o the_o substance_n of_o election_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o this_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o they_o can_v have_v be_v free_a of_o the_o guilt_n of_o have_v run_v unsent_a ubi_fw-la libertas_fw-la electionis_fw-la say_v doctor_n ames_n ab_fw-la episcopis_fw-la 29._o de_fw-fr casibus_fw-la cons_n cap_n 25_o 25_o 29._o magistratu_fw-la patronis_fw-la imminuitur_fw-la quamvis_fw-la electio_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la eo_fw-la modo_fw-la et_fw-la gradu_fw-la libera_fw-la quo_fw-la oportet_fw-la consensus_fw-la tamen_fw-la voluntarius_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o conjugio_fw-la sic_fw-la in_o ministerio_fw-la licet_fw-la iniquis_fw-la rationibus_fw-la procuretur_fw-la essentiam_fw-la habet_fw-la electionis_fw-la et_fw-la vocationis_fw-la necessario_fw-la requisitae_fw-la that_o be_v though_o in_o such_o case_n the_o election_n be_v not_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o to_o that_o degree_n so_o free_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v yet_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o these_o interest_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n so_o in_o this_o of_o the_o ministry_n have_v the_o necessary_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o one_fw-mi election_n and_o call._n sect_n xv_o patronage_n be_v a_o symbolise_n with_o idolater_n and_o against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n i._o the_o last_o ground_n that_o we_o shall_v insist_v upon_o against_o the_o interest_n of_o patronage_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o popish_a device_n without_o any_o use_n or_o necessity_n ought_v even_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v reject_v i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a argument_n simple_o to_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v devise_v or_o practise_v by_o the_o popish_a church_n if_o it_o be_v found_v on_o any_o necessity_n either_o of_o mean_n or_o precept_n that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v either_o moral_o necessary_a or_o positive_o command_v but_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o the_o comply_v and_o symbolise_v with_o idolater_n in_o thing_n unnecessary_a or_o even_o thing_n simple_o indifferent_a be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a thus_o we_o find_v the_o lord_n prohibit_v his_o people_n from_o comply_v with_o or_o imitation_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o cut_v the_o hair_n 27_o lev_n 19_o 27_o or_o round_v the_o corner_n of_o the_o head_n &c_n &c_n which_o be_v thing_n in_o themselves_o at_o worst_a but_o indifferent_a and_o therefore_o a_o fortiori_fw-la and_o much_o more_o be_v it_o unjustifiable_a to_o comply_v with_o idolater_n in_o keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v such_o popish_a device_n as_o be_v not_o only_o in_o themselves_o useless_a and_o unnecessary_a but_o be_v likeways_o clear_o prejudcial_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o interest_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v moreover_o a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o foster_v superstition_n and_o a_o anti-evangelical_a opinion_n of_o merit_n ii_o and_o that_o this_o power_n of_o patronage_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n be_v abundant_o clear_a from_o what_o be_v already_o say_v in_o the_o begin_n and_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o to_o this_o day_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v maintain_v in_o its_o â—ull_a latitude_n as_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n daily_a experience_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o charge_n for_o as_o superstition_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o merit_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n that_o give_v birth_n and_o life_n to_o this_o corrupt_a and_o useless_a invention_n and_o have_v multiply_v patronage_n to_o so_o vast_a a_o number_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v peruse_v the_o popish_a writer_n so_o it_o be_v but_o little_a wonder_n that_o this_o power_n still_o retain_v a_o native_a tendency_n to_o foster_v these_o breast_n from_o which_o it_o draw_v its_o first_o strength_n and_o aliment_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a than_o for_o a_o thing_n both_o to_o preserve_v and_o be_v preserve_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o begin_v at_o first_o to_o have_v a_o be_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o consideration_n but_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v abundant_o clear_a i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n be_v own_o consideration_n that_o will_v furnish_v he_o with_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o set_v down_o in_o this_o discourse_n which_o have_v already_o exceed_v the_o brevity_n at_o first_o design_v iii_o there_o be_v many_o other_o ground_n that_o may_v be_v insist_v on_o against_o the_o interest_n of_o patronage_n but_o these_o already_o propose_v i_o hope_v upon_o due_a consideration_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o our_o assertion_n and_o the_o intend_a brevity_n of_o this_o essay_n will_v not_o allow_v i_o to_o enlarge_v any_o far_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o power_n of_o patronage_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n receive_v from_o the_o first_o dawn_v of_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o entry_n of_o this_o discourse_n &_o shall_v not_o now_o be_v resume_v which_o the_o whole_a nation_n have_v so_o often_o and_o solemn_o vow_v and_o engage_v to_o maintain_v and_o it_o be_v hope_v that_o none_o who_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a in_o this_o national_a church_n will_v upon_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a reflection_n think_v this_o device_n which_o be_v so_o unwarrantable_a useless_a and_o offensive_a and_o so_o prejudicial_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n of_o so_o much_o worth_n and_o value_n as_o to_o run_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n by_o the_o defence_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o under_o the_o hazard_n that_o the_o breach_n of_o such_o solemn_a eagagment_n may_v bring_v upon_o they_o iv_o and_o what_o ever_o disorder_n may_v bepretend_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v in_o go_v about_o the_o reformation_n either_o in_o this_o 〈◊〉_d other_o country_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v admire_v if_o in_o such_o a_o horrid_a confusion_n and_o darkness_n as_o the_o affair_n of_o both_o church_n and_o state_n be_v bring_v to_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v something_o of_o a_o unavoidable_a superpurge_n upon_o a_o body_n full_a of_o so_o gross_a humour_n and_o fix_v and_o inveterate_a disease_n where_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o best_a physician_n at_o the_o first_o to_o know_v the_o quantum_fw-la sufficit_fw-la and_o the_o just_a and_o true_a do_v requisite_a for_o such_o a_o untractable_a patient_n especial_o after_o all_o that_o they_o call_v regular_n and_o orderly_a method_n have_v be_v so_o often_o attempt_v with_o out_o the_o least_o success_n omne_fw-la enim_fw-la pharmacum_fw-la habet_fw-la in_o se_fw-la aliquid_fw-la veneni_fw-la et_fw-la omne_fw-la medicum_fw-la aliquid_fw-la violenti_fw-la et_fw-la nullum_fw-la est_fw-la magnum_fw-la exemplum_fw-la sine_fw-la aliqua_fw-la mixtura_fw-la injustitiae_fw-la there_o be_v no_o drug_n without_o some_o mixture_n of_o poison_n no_o physic_n without_o something_o violent_a in_o it_o nor_o any_o great_a example_n or_o advantage_n without_o some_o small_a loss_n which_o yet_o our_o adversary_n will_v be_v very_o much_o straighten_a to_o instruct_v so_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o the_o present_a case_n this_o corrupt_a power_n of_o patronage_n be_v once_o take_v away_o not_o in_o any_o disorderly_a manner_n nor_o so_o sudden_o as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v but_o after_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n and_o much_o trouble_n and_o pain_n be_v abolish_v by_o public_a authority_n in_o the_o most_o calm_a and_o deliberate_a method_n imaginable_a sect_n xvi_o a_o pretence_n that_o the_o patron_n meddle_v with_o nothing_o of_o election_n or_o what_o be_v proper_o ecclesiastical_a i._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o method_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o examine_v such_o pretence_n as_o may_v be_v offer_v to_o extenuate_v the_o injury_n that_o we_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o church_n sustain_v by_o occasion_n of_o the_o corrupt_a and_o useless_a privilege_n of_o patronage_n and_o to_o clear_v that_o the_o church_n prejudice_n thereby_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o be_v ii_o the_o first_o pretence_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o the_o privilege_n acclaim_v in_o the_o call_v of_o a_o minister_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v any_o right_n of_o election_n for_o when_o a_o patron_n present_v a_o minister_n he_o make_v no_o formal_a election_n but_o leave_v that_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a part_n viz._n trial_n and_o admission_n entire_o to_o the_o presbytery_n so_o
there_o be_v still_o a_o hazard_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o christian_a prudence_n oblidge_n we_o to_o shun_v even_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_n as_o far_o as_o we_o may_v the_o true_a rule_n in_o such_o case_n as_o i_o already_o mark_v be_v to_o abolish_v a_o useless_a and_o dangerous_a custom_n or_o rather_o corruption_n since_o vetustas_fw-la erroris_fw-la non_fw-la consuetudo_fw-la sed_fw-la corruptela_fw-la dicenda_fw-la est_fw-la and_o then_o indeed_o the_o consequence_n will_v be_v good_a that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v at_o no_o loss_n by_o it_o mortui_fw-la non_fw-la mordent_fw-la say_v the_o proverb_n iu._n and_o next_o beside_o that_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n do_v unnecessar_o expose_v intrant_n to_o discouragement_n by_o be_v reject_v for_o insufficiency_n and_o also_o expose_v the_o church-judicatories_a to_o a_o unjust_a and_o causeless_a odium_fw-la and_o reproach_n of_o too_o much_o rigour_n and_o severity_n which_o if_o the_o right_n of_o election_n be_v in_o the_o church_n own_o hand_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v will_v be_v very_o much_o prevent_v i_o say_v beside_o this_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v what_o true_a liberty_n this_o power_n of_o patronage_n leave_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n and_o trial_n of_o her_o pastor_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o presbytery_n reject_v the_o person_n present_v upon_o any_o head_n that_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o his_o insufficiency_n and_o scandal_n the_o patron_n look_v upon_o his_o privilege_n as_o high_o injure_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o stand_v to_o no_o such_o determination_n and_o when_o ever_o they_o reject_v upon_o scandal_n or_o insufficiency_n unless_o it_o be_v most_o palpable_o and_o clear_o manifest_a which_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a for_o a_o pastor_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v free_a of_o scandal_n 1._o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o 7._o tit._n 1._o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n positive_o require_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o a_o entire_a fame_n and_o know_v good_a report_n i_o say_v if_o such_o insufficiency_n be_v not_o palpable_o manifest_a there_o be_v present_o a_o terrible_a outcry_n and_o a_o constant_a foundation_n lay_v of_o many_o tedious_a appeal_n and_o litigious_a debate_n concern_v the_o quantum_fw-la sufficit_fw-la of_o a_o pastor_n qualification_n etc._n etc._n from_o one_o church-judicatory_a to_o another_o with_o little_a credit_n to_o the_o patron_n and_o far_o less_o to_o the_o intrant_fw-la and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n alone_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o the_o church_n freedom_n in_o the_o trial_n and_o admission_n of_o her_o pastor_n be_v very_o much_o hinder_v as_o the_o liberty_n of_o marriage_n in_o the_o case_n of_o waird_a vassal_n be_v abridge_v by_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o superior_a and_o the_o nicety_n of_o the_o feudal_a custom_n and_o certain_o as_o their_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o contract_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o a_o perfect_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o choice_n aught_o more_o to_o predomine_fw-la if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v then_o in_o that_o of_o marriage_n so_o the_o church_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n have_v much_o freedom_n in_o the_o election_n of_o her_o pastor_n which_o be_v his_o spiritual_a husband_n and_o as_o any_o force_n or_o undue_a influence_n in_o the_o one_o case_n be_v very_o odious_a so_o in_o the_o other_o likewise_o it_o be_v no_o less_o so_o the_o simile_n be_v easy_o understand_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v urge_v it_o no_o far_o a_o waird_a hold_v in_o such_o case_n as_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a hard_a and_o dangerous_a tenure_n v._o but_o beside_o when_o a_o person_n present_v by_o the_o patron_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o presbytery_n the_o patron_n be_v right_a stand_v still_o entire_a to_o elect_a and_o present_a de_fw-fr novo_fw-la some_o other_o person_n ejusdem_fw-la farinae_fw-la with_o the_o former_a and_o so_o the_o church_n most_o of_o new_a again_o be_v inviegle_v in_o the_o same_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n and_o all_o to_o no_o purpose_n or_o use_v vi_o again_o in_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n by_o the_o patron_n the_o church_n and_o people_n interest_v have_v little_a or_o no_o power_n to_o withstand_v the_o admission_n or_o to_o nullify_v the_o election_n more_o than_o any_o mere_a stranger_n that_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o insufficiency_n or_o scandalous_a carriage_n of_o the_o person_n present_v vii_o and_o to_o say_v that_o a_o institution_n under_o which_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n have_v so_o long_o groan_v and_o which_o be_v force_v and_o obtrude_v upon_o she_o without_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o usefulness_n for_o promot_v their_o spiritual_a good_a and_o edification_n be_v no_o way_n injurious_a to_o the_o church_n imply_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n viii_o last_o and_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o though_o the_o patron_n shall_v present_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v some_o way_n fit_a yet_o the_o church_n liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o election_n remain_v still_o under_o restraint_n for_o though_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o reject_v never_o so_o many_o yet_o a_o people_n shall_v never_o come_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pastor_n they_o chief_o desire_v and_o that_o will_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o they_o so_o long_o as_o the_o patron_n and_o not_o the_o church_n herself_o retain_v the_o right_a or_o power_n of_o election_n and_o certain_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o grievous_a oppression_n can_v but_o make_v all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n tender_a or_o concern_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o those_o that_o have_v be_v witness_n of_o a_o far_o different_a state_n of_o affair_n and_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o attend_v it_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o remove_v and_o avert_v such_o a_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n from_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n for_o the_o future_a sect_n xviii_o another_o pretence_n from_o the_o distinction_n of_o laic_a and_o ecclesiastic_a patronage_n i._o there_o be_v another_o pretence_n make_v use_v of_o to_o extenuate_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o pretend_a power_n of_o patronage_n that_o be_v much_o boast_v of_o by_o many_o though_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o unable_a to_o discover_v where_o its_o strength_n lie_v who_o grant_v that_o indeed_o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a argument_n against_o laic_a patronage_n as_o they_o term_v they_o and_o that_o these_o may_v be_v and_o have_v be_v very_o injurious_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o yet_o ecclesiastic_a patronage_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a if_o you_o ask_v they_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o these_o they_o can_v tell_v but_o still_o they_o tell_v you_o ecclesiastic_a patronage_n be_v very_o useful_a because_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n own_o hand_n as_o the_o very_a word_n import_v however_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o this_o if_o it_o have_v any_o i_o take_v to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a this_o privilege_n shall_v be_v entrust_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o bishop_n who_o be_v ecclesiastic_a officer_n and_o governor_n but_o not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o ii_o i_o can_v stay_v to_o examine_v this_o distinction_n though_o i_o can_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v it_o be_v good_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o use_v since_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o patronage_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n may_v true_o be_v term_v laic_a patronage_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o original_a the_o most_o of_o they_o have_v be_v at_o first_o settle_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n as_o they_o be_v term_v and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o conveyance_n which_o be_v by_o a_o grant_n from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o right_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n etc._n etc._n and_o beside_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o distinction_n pass_v by_o the_o notion_n and_o use_v that_o lawyer_n have_v and_o make_v of_o it_o be_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v take_v not_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n in_o who_o hand_n a_o patronage_n be_v settle_v whether_o they_o be_v person_n in_o a_o civil_a or_o in_o a_o ecclesiastic_a capacity_n but_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o stock_n and_o fond_a out_o of_o which_o the_o kirk_n be_v build_v or_o the_o benefice_n settle_v for_o â—f_o the_o stock_n be_v out_o of_o the_o private_a patrimony_n of_o any_o man_n whether_o he_o be_v of_o the_o clergy_n or_o of_o the_o laity_n the_o patronage_n must_v be_v laic_a and_o if_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n the_o patronage_n must_v be_v ecclesiastic_a iii_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o topic_n this_o pretence_n be_v absolute_o groundless_a 1._o because_o the_o argument_n adduce_v strike_v equal_o against_o all_o for_o of_o patronage_n and_o
against_o all_o such_o negative_a interest_n in_o the_o election_n or_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o institution_n iu._n next_o bishop_n have_v no_o more_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n for_o such_o a_o interest_n and_o privilege_n than_o other_o have_v and_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v as_o gross_o abuse_v if_o not_o more_o and_o as_o scandalous_o offensive_a and_o i_o be_o sure_o more_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o thrive_a of_o religion_n when_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n than_o when_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o person_n and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o scripture_n either_o by_o precept_n promise_n or_o example_n that_o any_o one_o church_n officer_n shall_v ordinary_o be_v entrust_v with_o such_o a_o interest_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n and_o in_o the_o maintenance_n or_o live_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._n but_o to_o cut_v of_o all_o far_a debate_n we_o utter_o disclaim_v any_o such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o bishop_n in_o a_o sense_n superior_a to_o or_o distinct_a from_o a_o ordinary_a preach_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n these_o term_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o signification_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v the_o text_n where_o ever_o the_o word_n bishop_n be_v mention_v and_o i_o know_v no_o man_n or_o angel_n that_o have_v power_n to_o separate_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v join_v and_o make_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o consequent_o a_o bishop_n can_v have_v no_o such_o privilege_n non_fw-la entis_fw-la nulla_fw-la sunt_fw-la accidentia_fw-la nullae_fw-la affectiones_fw-la nullae_fw-la proprietates_fw-la vi_o and_o though_o prelacy_n be_v a_o lawful_a office_n as_o it_o be_v not_o and_o though_o the_o prelate_n be_v successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o most_o ridiculous_o pretend_v since_o as_o we_o already_o clear_v it_o be_v impossible_a the_o design_n of_o their_o office_n can_v admit_v of_o any_o succession_n yet_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o this_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n they_o never_o do_v nor_o do_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o the_o election_n of_o mathias_n to_o be_v one_o of_o their_o number_n make_v use_v of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o concurrence_n both_o of_o the_o presbitry_n and_o people_n and_o if_o they_o join_v the_o presbitry_n and_o people_n and_o admit_v they_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o high_a act_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n they_o questionless_a also_o leave_v they_o a_o share_n 4.14_o 1_o tim_n 4.14_o in_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n nam_fw-la qui_fw-la vult_fw-la majus_fw-la vult_fw-la etiam_fw-la minus_fw-la 28_o act_n 15.2_o 25.27_o act_n 13.1_o 2.3_o act._n 14_o 27_o 28_o nay_o which_o be_v more_o the_o ordinary_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o other_o do_v concur_v in_o send_v out_o of_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o to_o some_o special_a piece_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n think_v it_o not_o below_o their_o dignity_n to_o give_v they_o a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v behave_v in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o let_v the_o prelate_n pretend_v succession_n to_o who_o they_o will_v they_o can_v never_o pretend_v to_o be_v successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o a_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o ordination_n be_v as_o much_o a_o stranger_n as_o to_o any_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o but_o last_o if_o by_o ecclesiastic_a patronage_n the_o lawful_a church_n judicatory_n be_v mean_v though_o in_o that_o case_n both_o the_o title_n of_o patronage_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o power_n thereby_o understand_v must_v be_v reject_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o very_a special_a hand_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v a_o power_n ministerial_o to_o authorise_v they_o for_o their_o office_n and_o to_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o lord_n vine_n yard_n and_o by_o consequence_n do_v also_o ministerial_o invest_v they_o with_o a_o right_a to_o meddle_v with_o their_o maintenance_n a_o minister_n only_o right_o thereto_o be_v a_o lawful_a call_n to_o the_o office_n and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o it_o as_o we_o have_v former_o mark_v sect_n xix_o a_o pretence_n from_o the_o fail_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o church_n judicatories_n etc._n etc._n i._o the_o last_o pretence_n that_o i_o shall_v notice_n be_v this_o that_o presbitry_n and_o people_n be_v not_o infallible_a but_o be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v and_o err_v in_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o pastor_n as_o well_o as_o the_o patron_n and_o therefore_o the_o patron_n be_v power_n of_o election_n be_v no_o more_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n than_o she_o be_v to_o herself_o ii_o for_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v first_o that_o the_o lawful_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o elect_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n on_o the_o contrary_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o useless_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o a_o most_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o clear_o inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n may_v very_o safe_o and_o confident_o rely_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o blessing_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o right_a choice_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o they_o act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n which_o they_o who_o act_n in_o so_o unjust_a and_o unwarrantable_a a_o method_n as_o this_o of_o patronage_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v and_o though_o the_o lord_n for_o wise_a and_o holy_a end_n may_v some_o time_n leave_v his_o church_n and_o people_n to_o themselves_o and_o let_v they_o fall_v in_o error_n and_o mistake_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o case_n yet_o duty_n must_v not_o be_v forsake_v for_o fear_v of_o fail_n in_o the_o performance_n we_o must_v both_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o discovery_n of_o what_o be_v duty_n when_o it_o be_v unclear_a to_o we_o and_o when_o it_o be_v discover_v we_o must_v pray_v for_o strength_n and_o assistance_n to_o perform_v it_o a_o right_n and_o then_o set_v about_o it_o in_o the_o lord_n strength_n with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o for_o his_o blessing_n and_o direction_n who_o have_v never_o say_v to_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n in_o vain_a iii_o next_o though_o as_o be_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o institution_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o what_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o lay_v aside_o a_o institution_n that_o be_v either_o moral_o necessary_a or_o positive_o enjoin_v by_o god_n the_o only_a rule_n and_o remedy_n in_o this_o case_n be_v tollatur_fw-la abusus_fw-la et_fw-la maneat_fw-la usus_fw-la let_v the_o matter_n be_v regulate_v by_o act_v in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o full_o and_o clear_o discover_v what_o both_o church-judicatories_a and_o people_n may_v or_o may_v not_o do_v in_o the_o case_n but_o â—n_o the_o contrary_a the_o abuse_n and_o offensiveness_n of_o unnecessary_a &_o unwarrantable_a institution_n do_v strong_o militate_v against_o their_o far_a use_n if_o the_o presbitry_n do_v at_o any_o time_n miscarry_v in_o a_o way_n that_o they_o be_v warrant_v by_o god_n to_o follow_v we_o must_v pray_v that_o god_n may_v purge_v his_o own_o house_n and_o purify_v the_o son_n of_o levi_n and_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o superior_a church-judicatories_a must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o in_o case_n of_o general_a and_o public_a defection_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v employ_v his_o power_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la but_o those_o mistake_n can_v never_o warrant_v we_o to_o leave_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o our_o own_o weak_a and_o witless_a invention_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god._n christ_n promise_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o his_o people_n to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n whereas_o those_o who_o go_v astray_o and_o follow_v crooked_a path_n ingyre_v themselves_o as_o officious_a and_o busy_a body_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o lawful_a call_n can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o that_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n shall_v leave_v they_o to_o be_v a_o snare_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o certain_o be_v these_o thing_n real_o believe_v as_o all_o profess_v they_o do_v people_v practice_n will_v be_v very_o far_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v but_o such_o be_v the_o atheism_n of_o man_n heart_n thâ—â—_n while_o we_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n our_o heart_n be_v too_o oft_o far_o from_o he_o iv_o i_o begin_v now_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o notice_v such_o trifle_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o may_v be_v amaze_a to_o hear_v man_n otherways_o rational_a offer_v such_o empty_a pretence_n instead_o of_o solid_a and_o convince_v reason_n if_o the_o cause_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o better_a but_o it_o be_v vitium_fw-la causae_fw-la and_o so_o we_o need_v no_o more_o admire_v to_o see_v a_o weakness_n inevitable_o cleave_v to_o the_o able_a wit_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o what_o be_v unjustifiable_a than_o to_o see_v the_o strong_a of_o man_n succumb_v in_o raise_v a_o weight_n that_o be_v above_o his_o natural_a strength_n to_o undergo_v the_o strength_n of_o man_n spirit_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o body_n have_v their_o limit_n and_o be_v not_o infinite_a and_o since_o i_o mind_v nothing_o far_o that_o can_v be_v object_v but_o what_o with_o very_a much_o ease_n may_v receive_v a_o full_a solution_n from_o the_o ground_n already_o represent_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o give_v either_o the_o reader_n or_o myself_o any_o far_a trouble_n on_o this_o subject_a v._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o god_n people_n in_o this_o land_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n that_o he_o may_v incline_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o capacity_n to_o return_v to_o a_o hearty_a and_o cordial_a compliance_n with_o and_o a_o cheerful_a acquiescence_n in_o the_o just_a and_o rational_a determination_n that_o be_v once_o make_v by_o public_a authority_n in_o this_o nation_n both_o in_o this_o and_o other_o step_n of_o a_o true_a reformation_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v not_o be_v provoke_v by_o a_o too_o open_a contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n the_o cry_v sin_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o our_o sinful_a slight_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o suffer_v his_o church_n after_o so_o much_o wrestle_v to_o sink_v under_o her_o present_a bondage_n and_o captivity_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o and_o other_o unjust_a and_o grievous_a usurpation_n into_o which_o after_o so_o many_o and_o great_a deliverance_n we_o be_v again_o for_o our_o sin_n bring_v into_o subjection_n finis_fw-la