worship_n god_n for_o the_o seasi_fw-la be_v proclaim_v to_o jehova_n and_o to_o have_v a_o visible_a sign_n of_o his_o presence_n will_v the_o informer_n say_v that_o this_o have_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o warrant_n the_o breach_n of_o the_o second_o command_n though_o this_o practice_n be_v but_o forty_o day_n young_a than_o the_o promulgation_n if_o self_n so_o the_o case_n be_v here_o though_o he_o can_v show_v we_o human_a clear_a testimony_n nay_o more_o even_a scripture_n testimony_n as_o to_o the_o factum_fw-la that_o the_o diocesian_n yea_o and_o erastian_n prelate_n have_v be_v existent_a and_o set_v up_o in_o some_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n own_o time_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v from_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_v prove_v this_o officer_n to_o be_v a_o plant_n not_o of_o a_o divine_a plantation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a institutiones_fw-la he_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o though_o esteem_v golden_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v nehushtan_n reject_v and_o pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n the_o papist_n who_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v but_o a_o half-rule_a make_v up_o by_o tradition_n yet_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o own_o profess_o at_o least_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_v condemn_v in_o the_o word_n suppose_v he_o can_v bring_v thousand_o of_o testimony_n from_o ancient_a writer_n touch_v his_o prelate_n he_o plead_v for_o they_o be_v but_o hâ—…man_a testimony_n and_o therefore_o can_v beget_v a_o divine_a faith_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o word_n only_o surge_n veritas_fw-la ipsa_fw-la scripturas_fw-la tuas_fw-la inter_fw-la retare_fw-la quam_fw-la câ—…nsuetudo_fw-la non_fw-la nooit_n nam_fw-la si_fw-la nosset_n non-esset_a say_v tertullian_n arise_v o_o truth_n itself_o and_o expone_fw-la they_o scripture_n which_o custom_n have_v not_o know_v for_o have_v it_o know_v they_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o informer_n testimony_n may_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v bishop_n in_o the_o church_n but_o whither_o the_o office_n which_o these_o bishop_n be_v suppose_v to_o hold_v be_v of_o god_n yea_o or_o not_o this_o question_n must_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o high_a tribunal_n and_o god_n oracle_n must_v determine_v therein_o before_o the_o conscience_n can_v be_v satisfy_v as_o to_o the_o own_n of_o such_o a_o church_n officer_n and_o if_o god_n dissowne_v he_o i_o may_v be_v one_fw-mi athanasius_n contra_fw-la orbem_fw-la in_o withstand_v he_o it_o be_v still_o certain_a that_o these_o human_a witness_n be_v testesfacti_fw-la at_o most_o but_o not_o judices_fw-la very_fw-la &_o recti_fw-la attester_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o not_o judge_n of_o what_o be_v right_a and_o equal_a therein_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v that_o though_o all_o our_o informer_n plead_v from_o antiquity_n be_v grant_v his_o cause_n profliga_fw-la by_o scripture_n weapon_n lie_v grovel_v in_o the_o dust_n whereas_o he_o allege_n testimony_n as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o prelate_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n near_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o contemporary_a with_o they_o &_o that_o catalogue_n of_o a_o succession_n of_o prelate_n down_o from_o apostle_n and_o evangilist_n have_v be_v keep_v in_o church_n which_o he_o think_v speak_v convince_o for_o the_o episcopacy_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n etc._n etc._n ay_o ans._n although_o this_o be_v the_o very_a marrow_n and_o strength_n of_o all_o his_o argument_n from_o antiquity_n yet_o when_o try_v it_o will_v be_v find_v many_o way_n defective_a and_o unsound_a for_o clear_v whereof_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o thing_n both_o to_o the_o major_n and_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n which_o will_v be_v find_v quite_o to_o break_v the_o force_n of_o all_o his_o pretence_n this_o way_n for_o thus_o the_o argument_n must_v run_v if_o diocesian_n bishop_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v exist_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o catalogue_n of_o they_o be_v draw_v by_o these_o ancient_n from_o apostle_n and_o euangilist_n than_o i_o must_v believe_v these_o bishop_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n but_o thus_o it_o be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n ergo_fw-la i_o must_v believe_v diocesian_a bishope_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n now_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n in_o its_o genuine_a strength_n this_o pitiful_a pleader_n offer_v not_o a_o jott_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n who_o connexion_n he_o can_v but_o know_v the_o we_o all_o deny_v all_o that_o he_o offer_v be_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o assumption_n which_o be_v also_o denved_a &_o will_v be_v find_v very_o maim_v i._o to_o the_o major_n i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o make_v that_o which_o man_n call_v antiquity_n or_o ancient_a custom_n the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o commentary_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o church_n officer_n mention_v in_o scripture_n because_o 1._o if_o man_n practice_n must_v be_v the_o key_n and_o comment_n in_o this_o case_n so_o as_o we_o must_v not_o contradict_v or_o counteract_v it_o then_o why_o may_v not_o also_o human_a practice_n and_o profession_n of_o succeed_v age_n determine_v as_o to_o every_o scripture_n truth_n and_o duty_n therein_o hold_v out_o 2._o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o high_a rule_n and_o tribunal_n than_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o make_v our_o faith_n to_o stand_v in_o man_n wisdom_n not_o in_o god_n and_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n of_o a_o private_a interpretation_n as_o if_o the_o prophecy_n have_v come_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o if_o i_o must_v believe_v no_o otherways_o anent_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o the_o office_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n then_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o suppose_a bishop_n their_o successores_fw-la and_o that_o they_o hold_v no_o other_o office_n but_o such_o as_o these_o suppose_a successores_fw-la be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v than_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o fallible_a man_n become_v to_o i_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ratio_fw-la a_o priori_fw-la and_o the_o chief_a ground_n why_o i_o believe_v these_o scripture_n to_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n and_o no_o other_o and_o so_o i_o give_v man_n a_o dominion_n over_o my_o faith_n and_o my_o faith_n herein_o resolve_v ultimate_o into_o a_o human_a practice_n and_o testimony_n of_o fallible_a man_n which_o be_v a_o principle_n no_o protestant_n will_v allow_v next_o as_o to_o the_o asumption_n of_o the_o argument_n i_o will_v demand_v of_o this_o informer_n how_o i_o must_v be_v infallible_o assure_v anent_o this_o universal_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o of_o this_o true_a succession_n and_o how_o he_o will_v instruct_v the_o universal_a harmonious_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o this_o great_a point_n viz._n that_o such_o prelate_n as_o we_o have_v now_o be_v the_o first_o recipient_n of_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o government_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n as_o their_o only_a immediate_a &_o ordinary_a successor_n the_o topic_a of_o our_o informer_n argument_n do_v suppose_v the_o certanty_n of_o this_o mater_fw-la of_o fact_n but_o to_o clear_v this_o will_v be_v find_v a_o hard_a piece_n of_o work_n because_o 1._o it_o be_v certan_a that_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n write_v nothing_o many_o of_o their_o write_n be_v lose_v many_o write_n go_v under_o their_o name_n be_v counterfeit_v &_o most_o especial_o to_o this_o debate_n it_o be_v possible_o none_o of_o the_o hard_a task_n to_o discover_v some_o write_n here_o cite_v to_o be_v mere_a countersite_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v write_v be_v not_o contradict_v in_o this_o point_n by_o such_o man_n of_o their_o time_n who_o either_o have_v not_o write_v or_o who_o write_n be_v perish_v 2._o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o ancient_n speak_v of_o as_o derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v have_v one_fw-mi universal_a consent_n as_o far_o as_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o have_v come_v to_o we_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n as_o the_o error_n anent_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n that_o the_o saint_n sie_n not_o his_o face_n till_o the_o last_o day_n the_o error_n of_o free_a will_n which_o until_o augustin_n oppose_v it_o be_v universal_o receive_v the_o millenary_a error_n anent_o christ_n personal_a reign_n upon_o the_o earth_n a_o thousand_o year_n call_v by_o lactantius_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o christian_n wisdom_n which_o christian_n follow_v justin_n martyr_n hold_v they_o to_o be_v no_o christian_n that_o dissow_v this_o and_o this_o be_v own_v as_o one_fw-mi apostolic_a tradition_n so_o child_n partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n be_v by_o augustin_n
opposition_n to_o prelacy_n so_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o french_a church_n credimus_fw-la veram_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la &c_n &c_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o that_o policy_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v viz_o that_o there_o be_v pastor_n presbyter_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o again_o we_o believe_v that_o all_o true_a pastor_n wherever_o they_o be_v be_v endue_v with_o equal_a and_o the_o same_o power_n under_o one_o head_n and_o bishop_n christ_n jesus_n which_o strike_v our_o diocesian_n and_o erastian_n frame_v of_o government_n stark_o dead_a which_o be_v second_v thus_o by_o the_o belgic_a confess_v art_n 30._o all_o christ_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v the_o same_o and_o equal_a power_n and_o authority_n as_o be_v all_o minister_n of_o that_o only_a universal_a head_n and_o bishop_n christ._n to_o thesewe_v may_v add_v many_o other_o testimony_n of_o reform_a divine_n as_o calvin_n piscator_fw-la marlâ—…rat_fw-la on_o 1._o tim_n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o 3_o zanch._n de_fw-fr statu_fw-la pâ—…ccat_fw-la and_o legal_a in_o 4tum_fw-la praecep_v chemnitius_n loc._n com._n part._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles._n cap._n 4._o exam._n council_n trid._n part_n 2._o de_fw-fr sacram._n ordinis_fw-la pag._n 224_o 225._o prove_v also_o that_o election_n and_o vocation_n of_o minister_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n antonius_n sadael_n resp._n ad_fw-la repetita_fw-la turriani_n sophismata_fw-la par_fw-fr 2._o loâ—…_n 12._o beza_n the_o divers_a ministrorum_fw-la gradibus_fw-la junius_n controu._n 5._o l._n c_o 3_o n_o 3._o chamierus_n panstratia_n cathol_a tom_n 2._o de_fw-la occum_n pontis_fw-la cap._n 6._o a_o 3d._n great_a point_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n be_v the_o people_n interest_n in_o the_o election_n and_o call_v of_o minister_n and_o for_o this_o there_o be_v as_o full_a a_o consent_n of_o divine_n and_o church_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a several_a of_o the_o forementioned_a confession_n clear_v this_o the_o people_n election_n and_o call_v be_v take_v in_o together_o with_o presbyter_n ordination_n cyprian_n epist._n 68_o be_v full_a to_o this_o purpose_n plebs_fw-la ipsa_fw-la maxim_n habet_fw-la potestatem_fw-la vel_fw-la eligendi_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o ipsum_fw-la videmus_fw-la de_fw-la divina_fw-la authoritate_fw-la descendere_fw-la ut_fw-la sacerdos_n sub_fw-la omnium_fw-la oculis_fw-la plebe_fw-la present_n deligatur_fw-la &_o dignus_fw-la atque_fw-la idoneus_fw-la publicâ—…_n judicio_fw-la ac_fw-la testimonio_fw-la comprobetur_fw-la that_o be_v the_o people_n themselves_o have_v chief_o the_o power_n either_o of_o elect_v worthy_a priest_n or_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a which_o mater_fw-la we_o see_v even_o of_o itself_o to_o descend_v from_o the_o divine_a authority_n that_o the_o priest_n be_v set_v apart_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o in_o the_o people_n presence_n and_o as_o worthy_a and_o qualify_v be_v approve_v by_o a_o public_a judgement_n and_o testimony_n so_o lib_n 1._o epist_n 4._o be_v full_a for_o the_o church_n liberty_n and_o right_n in_o election_n the_o 4t_n council_n of_o carthage_n can._n 22._o require_v to_o the_o admission_n of_o every_o clergy_n man_n civium_fw-la assensum_fw-la &_o testimonium_fw-la &_o convenientiam_fw-la the_o consent_n of_o the_o citzen_n their_o testimony_n and_o agreement_n socrat_n l._n 4._o c._n 25._o say_v that_o ambrose_n be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o milan_n by_o the_o uniform_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o pretend_a apostolic_a but_o true_o old_a constitution_n of_o clement_n lib._n 8._o cap._n 4._o the_o bishop_n who_o must_v be_v ordain_v be_v appoint_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v unblameable_a choose_v by_o all_o the_o people_n unto_o who_o let_v the_o people_n be_v assemble_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n n._n b._n with_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o bishop_n there_o present_a give_v their_o consent_n and_o a_o bishop_n ask_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o presbytery_n &_o the_o peopleâ—…_n if_o they_o desire_v such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o the_o helvetick_a confession_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o right_a choose_n of_o minister_n be_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n so_o the_o belgic_a confession_n tell_v we_o that_o minister_n elder_n and_o deacon_n be_v to_o be_v advance_v to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o lawful_a election_n of_o the_o church_n greg._n nazian_n orat_fw-la 31._o commend_v athanasius_n his_o call_n as_o be_v after_o the_o apostolical_a example_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o all_o the_o people_n blondel_n clear_v this_o from_o a_o large_a consent_n of_o antiquity_n page_n 379._o to_o 473._o and_o this_o be_v clear_v also_o by_o a_o large_a consent_n of_o protestant_n divine_v luther_n de_fw-la potest_fw-la papae_fw-la calvin_n on_o act._n 6_o 3._o beza_n confess_v cap._n 5._o art_n 35._o musculus_fw-la in_fw-la loc._n come_v zanch._n on_o 4t_n come_v junius_n animadvers_fw-la on_o bellarm_n controu._n 5._o l._n c._n 7._o cartwright_n on_o act._n 14._o v._n 23._o wallaeus_n bullinger_n wittaker_n see_v mr_n gilesp_n misc._n quest_n pag_n 18_o 19_o our_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n appoint_v to_o the_o people_n their_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n in_o election_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o 4t_n head_n and_o the_o second_o book_n cap_n 3_o discharge_v any_o to_o intrude_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o without_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o eldership_n a_o 4t_n essential_a point_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o rule_a elder_n as_o appoint_v by_o christ._n this_o we_o clear_v from_o scripture_n and_o there_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o consent_n of_o antiquity_n for_o it_o and_o of_o modern_a reform_a church_n and_o divine_n exhibit_v by_o our_o writer_n for_o this_o ignatius_n epist_n ad_fw-la trallianos_fw-la ad_fw-la initium_fw-la pag._n 66._o edit_n oxon_n an._n 1644._o be_v cite_v likewise_o baronius_n in_o his_o annal_n anno_fw-la 103._o in_o the_o gesta_fw-la purgationis_fw-la caeciliani_n &_o felicis_n tertul._n apolog._n advers._fw-la gentes_fw-la cap._n 39_o origen_n ontra_fw-la celsum_fw-la lib._n 3._o cyprian_n epist._n 36._o optatus_n lib._n 1._o pag._n 41._o edit_n paris_n an._n 1631._o ambrose_n comment_n on_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 1._o and_o for_o modern_a writer_n whittaker_n contra_fw-la duraeum_n lib_n 9_o sect._n 47._o thorndicks_n discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n cap._n 4._o pag._n 117._o rivet_n cathol_a orthodox_n tract_n 2._o quest_n 22_o sect._n 4_o final_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o present_a prelacy_n in_o its_o erastian_n mould_n and_o maintain_v a_o spiritual_a authority_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a upon_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o world_n have_v as_o full_a a_o consent_n of_o the_o learned_a as_o erastianism_n be_v first_o hatch_v by_o thomas_n erastus_n physician_n in_o heidelberg_n about_o the_o year_n 1568._o and_o much_o catch_v up_o and_o plead_v for_o by_o arminian_n since_o so_o it_o have_v be_v impugn_a by_o a_o full_a consent_n of_o reform_a divine_n who_o have_v full_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o utter_o eversive_a of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o church_n the_o eminent_a divine_n who_o have_v write_v against_o it_o be_v beza_n who_o encounter_v with_o erastus_n himself_o upon_o this_o point_n zachriasursin_n wallaeus_n helmichius_fw-la triglandus_fw-la dr_n revius_n dr_n voetius_fw-la appollonius_n and_o many_o other_o especial_o the_o famous_a and_o learned_a mr_n gillespy_n in_o that_o elaborat_a piece_n entitle_v aaron_n rod_n blossom_a wherein_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o modern_a church_n as_o to_o this_o great_a point_n of_o truth_n be_v exhibit_v see_v 2._o book_n 1_o cap._n pâ—…g_n 167._o now_o from_o all_o that_o be_v say_v whither_o presbyterian_a government_n have_v not_o the_o patronage_n of_o the_o pure_a scripture_n antiquity_n and_o a_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o after_o pure_a time_n and_o of_o reform_a church_n and_o divine_n in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a point_n of_o its_o opposition_n to_o the_o prelacy_n now_o establish_v both_o in_o hold_v 1._o the_o identity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o to_o name_n and_o thing_n 2._o presbyter_n right_a of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n 3._o the_o people_n interest_n in_o the_o election_n and_o call_v o._n minister_n 4._o the_o rule_a elder_n office_n 5._o the_o church_n intrinsic_a power_n of_o government_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a to_o judge_v and_o consequent_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o new_a dialoguist_n his_o plead_n upon_o this_o point_n a_o confutation_n of_o the_o second_o dialogue_n anent_o the_o covenant_n against_o episcopacy_n wherein_o the_o informer_n reason_v against_o the_o
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and_o man_n begin_v to_o plead_v a_o jus_o divinum_fw-la for_o they_o for_o ignatius_n in_o epistola_fw-la ad_fw-la trallenses_n assert_n episcopum_fw-la venerandum_fw-la esse_fw-la sicut_fw-la christum_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la apostoli_fw-la praeceperunt_fw-la that_o the_o bishop_n must_v be_v have_v in_o veneration_n as_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v command_v and_o he_o cite_v the_o apostle_n word_n but_o such_o as_o do_v no_o where_o occur_v in_o our_o bibles_n and_o certanly_a if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o truth_n in_o that_o relation_n anent_o his_o retraction_n mention_v by_o that_o author_n than_o their_o be_v solidity_n in_o that_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o he_o allege_v it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o noticing_z for_o the_o confusion_n in_o england_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v charge_v upon_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o be_v never_o yet_o settle_v there_o and_o this_o informer_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o truth_n and_o unity_n &_o godliness_n which_o it_o have_v have_v in_o this_o land_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o church_n abroad_o and_o particular_o in_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o syntagma_n confessionum_fw-la which_o he_o cite_v in_o the_o last_o dialogue_n if_o blondel_n in_o callng_v episcopacy_n most_o ancient_a do_v except_o the_o more_o ancient_a apostolic_a time_n which_o he_o plead_v as_o exemplify_a presbyterian_a parity_n he_o give_v it_o but_o the_o spurious_a afterbirth_n of_o humane_a antiquity_n the_o same_o we_o say_v as_o to_o his_o passage_n cite_v out_o of_o moulin_n p._n 90._o and_o if_o something_o of_o the_o humane_a proestos_fw-la be_v grant_v to_o have_v creep_v in_o ere_o john_n go_v oft_o the_o stage_n will_v that_o commend_v it_o any_o more_o than_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o love_n of_o preeminence_n which_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o be_v in_o paul_n time_n and_o he_o sure_o by_o no_o mean_n beside_o we_o must_v here_o again_o tell_v our_o informer_n that_o this_o citation_n out_o of_o moulen_n be_v among_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o mute_n since_o he_o have_v neither_o note_a book_n nor_o page_n but_o now_o from_o our_o opinion_n of_o the_o unalterablenes_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o proestos_fw-la so_o early_o the_o informer_n will_v involve_v we_o he_o say_v in_o one_o of_o two_o great_a absurdity_n partur_fw-la montes_fw-la what_o be_v these_o the_o 1._o be_v that_o that_o generation_n who_o live_v short_o after_o john_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n mind_n anent_o presbyterian_a parity_n else_o they_o will_v not_o have_v adventure_v to_o change_v the_o government_n but_o this_o absurdity_n be_v easy_o discuss_v for_o it_o light_v equal_o upon_o the_o instance_n already_o give_v of_o israells_n defection_n in_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n forty_o day_n soon_o than_o 40._o year_n or_o more_o after_o the_o holy_a pattern_n of_o doctrine_n show_v they_o upon_o the_o mount_n how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v sudden_a change_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n how_o quick_o after_o joshua_n and_o the_o elder_n do_v all_o israel_n depart_v from_o god_n way_n and_o ordinance_n how_o quick_o
and_o their_o party_n to_o prelimit_v the_o presbyterian_a minister_n of_o this_o church_n especial_o which_o be_v our_o advantage_n in_o this_o comparison_n the_o child_n be_v suppose_v under_o no_o previous_a contrary_a obligation_n to_o that_o which_o in_o this_o case_n the_o father_n put_v upon_o they_o in_o relation_n to_o prelacy_n as_o the_o non-conformists'_a be_v under_o counter_a obligation_n to_o that_o which_o be_v now_o demand_v of_o they_o by_o their_o persecutor_n mr_n crofton_n in_o his_o analepsis_n pag._n 145._o tell_v we_o that_o consider_v the_o covenant_n as_o make_v by_o the_o people_n of_o england_n as_o a_o kingdom_n and_o a_o political_a body_n profess_v the_o reform_a religion_n it_o look_v like_o a_o national_a obligation_n that_o the_o confluence_n of_o public_a assent_n and_o authority_n by_o the_o people_n collective_o and_o distributive_o consider_v the_o accession_n of_o royal_a assent_n make_v it_o a_o public_a and_o national_a covenant_n bind_v all_o person_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o swear_v or_o swear_v not_o personal_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o in_o their_o particular_a place_n and_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v unto_o the_o public_a place_n and_o politic_a capacity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o preserve_v and_o pursue_v the_o thing_n therein_o promise_v so_o long_o as_o it_o remain_v a_o kingdom_n under_o one_o king_n and_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o one_o reform_a religion_n he_o enforce_v this_o with_o the_o lord_n chief_a baron_n speech_n to_o the_o condemn_a traitor_n at_o the_o old_a bailiff_n you_o be_v bind_v to_o bear_v allegiance_n to_o your_o king_n yea_o though_o you_o may_v not_o have_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o alleadgance_n yourselves_o yet_o you_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o recogintion_n of_o king_n james_n and_o his_o posterity_n make_v at_o his_o first_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n of_o this_o realm_n by_o the_o whole_a parliament_n be_v the_o whole_a collective_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n hence_o he_o infer_v that_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n must_v needs_o be_v bind_v who_o themselves_o have_v universal_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o who_o be_v entrust_v for_o they_o engage_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o i_o see_v not_o say_v he_o how_o they_o can_v give_v away_o our_o estate_n or_o take_v pardon_n in_o the_o name_n and_o to_o the_o security_n of_o the_o nation_n if_o they_o may_v not_o in_o our_o name_n make_v oath_n promise_n and_o covenant_n to_o bind_v we_o and_o our_o succeed_v generation_n and_o posterity_n in_o sense_n whereof_o i_o can_v but_o desire_v all_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o england_n to_o consider_v the_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n so_o that_o with_o mr_n crofton_n it_o be_v a_o uncontrovertible_a point_n that_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o sacred_a oath_n reach_v the_o posterity_n which_o he_o make_v good_a from_o the_o sense_n and_o plead_n of_o the_o lord_n chief_a baron_n in_o the_o point_n of_o alledgance_n and_o fealty_n to_o his_o majesty_n which_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o all_o lawyer_n and_o of_o the_o law_n itself_o so_o that_o what_o our_o informer_n call_v one_fw-mi odd_a fancy_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o most_o solid_a truth_n consonant_a both_o to_o scripture_n reason_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o for_o the_o next_o objection_n of_o his_o doubter_n anent_o the_o father_n oblige_v for_o the_o child_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o our_o argument_n nor_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n which_o be_v concern_v a_o covenant_n take_v for_o our_o seed_n all_o be_v well_o as_o for_o ourselves_o and_o if_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o father_n bind_v not_o in_o the_o name_n and_o room_n of_o the_o child_n than_o it_o touch_v not_o our_o point_n for_o our_o question_n be_v about_o father_n take_v on_o engadgement_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n as_o for_o what_o the_o informer_n add_v here_o its_o good_a that_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o one_fw-mi oblige_v force_n flow_v from_o the_o bind_a mater_fw-la in_o that_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o that_o the_o child_n obligation_n be_v strengthen_v by_o his_o vow_n which_o be_v enough_o in_o our_o case_n against_o he_o since_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o vow_n fall_v under_o divine_a precept_n to_o which_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n and_o vow_n be_v accessary_n so_o that_o have_v swear_v to_o keep_v these_o holy_a engadgement_n unto_o god_n we_o must_v perform_v and_o here_o he_o contradict_v his_o forleader_n the_o author_n of_o the_o seasonable_a case_n who_o will_v have_v we_o either_o acknowledge_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n indifferent_a or_o not_o plead_v the_o force_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n as_o superadded_a to_o that_o which_o be_v duty_n before_o the_o doubter_n next_o object_n that_o have_v swear_v against_o prelacy_n we_o must_v not_o any_o more_o dispute_n or_o question_v the_o obligation_n cite_v prov_n 20._o 25._o this_o objection_n he_o advantageous_o for_o himself_o but_o foolish_o propones_fw-la that_o he_o may_v make_v way_n for_o some_o discourse_n forsooth_o upon_o this_o scripture_n we_o acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o inquire_v into_o a_o oath_n and_o vow_n in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v bind_v nay_o this_o be_v command_v since_o we_o must_v both_o swear_v and_o perform_v in_o judgement_n which_o require_v a_o knowledge_n and_o inquiry_n as_o we_o say_v before_o and_o when_o a_o oath_n of_o vow_n be_v find_v materia_o unlawful_a and_o vinculum_fw-la iniquitatis_fw-la it_o be_v no_o transgression_n of_o this_o precept_n to_o quit_v it_o such_o a_o inquiry_n as_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o performance_n of_o this_o vow_n in_o faith_n we_o will_v allow_v whither_o to_o young_a or_o old_a only_o for_o what_o he_o say_v of_o many_o who_o be_v put_v to_o swear_v at_o school_n and_o college_n and_o engage_v in_o this_o covenant_n who_o can_v not_o do_v it_o in_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o calumny_n which_o he_o can_v justify_v all_o be_v exhort_v and_o instruct_v therein_o who_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n so_o as_o to_o be_v in_o capacity_n to_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n with_o judgement_n and_o if_o lesser_a young_a one_o present_v in_o congregation_n where_o it_o be_v swear_v do_v signify_v a_o spontaneous_a consent_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o israel_n little_a one_o do_v by_o their_o presence_n before_o the_o lord_n deut_n 29._o well_o but_o what_o be_v forbid_v ehre_fw-ge to_o make_v inquiry_n say_v he_o how_o the_o vow_n may_v be_v elude_v this_o be_v ingenuouslie_o say_v and_o hereby_o his_o own_o lip_n condemn_v he_o and_o all_o his_o party_n who_o have_v be_v now_o for_o many_o year_n rack_a their_o wit_n to_o find_v out_o evasion_n how_o to_o elude_v this_o sacred_a vow_n witness_v the_o many_o pamphlet_n on_o this_o subject_a since_o his_o majesty_n be_v return_n and_o this_o man_n among_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o doubter_n allead_v that_o upon_o enquiry_n we_o will_v find_v ourselves_o bind_v against_o prelacy_n both_o by_o the_o national_a &_o solemme_n league_n he_o fall_v upon_o his_o impugnation_n first_o of_o the_o national_a covenant_n tell_v we_o as_o touch_v it_o that_o the_o term_n of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hiearchy_n will_v not_o include_v prelacy_n as_o the_o survey_n of_o naphtali_n full_o prove_v well_o let_v we_o hear_v these_o proof_n the_o first_o be_v because_o king_n james_n and_o his_o counsel_n the_o imposer_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o the_o taker_n of_o it_o anno_fw-la 1580_o do_v in_o anno_fw-la 1581._o ratify_v the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n make_v betwixt_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o state_n and_o church_n anno_fw-la 1581._o which_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o will_v the_o king_n and_o counsel_n the_o next_o year_n have_v act_v so_o contrary_a to_o it_o if_o they_o have_v think_v all_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v abjure_v therein_o ans._n be_v this_o the_o great_a demonstration_n which_o the_o survever_n and_o he_o have_v draw_v out_o to_o prove_v this_o point_n this_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o old_a musty_a store_n of_o the_o seasonable_a case_n better_o propound_v therein_o then_o it_o be_v here_o to_o this_o i_o say_v first_o it_o be_v a_o very_a weak_a or_o rather_o wild_a proof_n to_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o corruption_n as_o prelacy_n can_v not_o be_v import_v in_o that_o expression_n because_o the_o taker_n and_o imposer_n do_v some_o time_n after_o counteract_v and_o contradict_v their_o engadgement_n must_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o promissory_a oath_n and_o covenant_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o after_o practice_n of_o engadger_n sure_o he_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o admit_v this_o rule_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a topic_a of_o his_o argument_n i_o will_v but_o ask_v
certain_o attain_v by_o keep_v then_o break_v it_o than_o the_o ruler_n commute_v the_o oath_n or_o alter_v or_o break_v of_o it_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v sinful_a upon_o his_o own_o ground_n since_o they_o may_v have_v attain_v these_o good_a effect_n of_o obedience_n preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o unity_n by_o keep_v this_o oath_n and_o may_v have_v more_o sure_o and_o better_a eshew_v the_o foremention_v evil_n then_o by_o break_v it_o and_o then_o let_v he_o in_o the_o three_o place_n serious_o consider_v whither_o the_o ruler_n sin_n in_o commut_a or_o break_v this_o oath_n for_o neither_o a_o great_a nor_o more_o certain_a good_a will_v warrant_n my_o break_n of_o the_o oath_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o that_o sinful_a course_n and_o lose_v i_o from_o my_o obligation_n 4_o it_o will_v hence_o follow_v that_o he_o play_v the_o petty_a sophister_n here_o in_o call_v disobedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o this_o one_o point_n of_o a_o sinful_a command_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o oath_n which_o on_o the_o formentioned_a ground_n be_v prove_v sinful_a a_o disobey_v of_o authority_n for_o he_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o disobey_v a_o sinful_a command_n can_v come_v under_o this_o character_n and_o the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o question_n be_v not_o whither_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_a to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n or_o keep_v one_fw-mi oath_n but_o whither_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_a in_o this_o particular_a to_o obey_v he_o in_o embrace_v abjure_v prelacy_n or_o to_o stand_v to_o the_o oath_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o be_v whither_o it_o be_v best_a for_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o have_v or_o want_v prelate_n which_o from_o what_o be_v say_v be_v soon_o determine_v 5_o what_o if_o these_o pretend_a good_a issue_n be_v countervaild_v by_o great_a evil_n such_o as_o persecution_n of_o many_o thousand_o godly_a faithful_a minister_n and_o professor_n lay_v waste_n god_n heritage_n blood_n misery_n confusion_n schism_n the_o godly_a adherer_n to_o this_o oath_n be_v without_o all_o question_n this_o pure_a church_n famine_n of_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n nay_o according_a to_o dr_n sand._n rule_v mention_v where_o be_v the_o relaxation_n of_o all_o party_n engage_v in_o covenant_n one_o with_o another_o as_o well_o as_o with_o god_n be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o both_o nation_n nay_o in_o all_o the_o three_o kingdom_n engage_v to_o one_o another_o in_o this_o oath_n now_o think_v he_o not_o that_o this_o prospect_n of_o a_o great_a good_a in_o break_v this_o oath_n shall_v have_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o representative_a church_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n in_o order_n to_o the_o change_n of_o government_n and_o shall_v not_o all_o party_n engage_v in_o this_o covenant_n have_v dispense_v with_o it_o and_o with_o one_o another_o in_o contemplation_n of_o this_o great_a good_a and_o for_o obtain_v this_o better_a government_n think_v he_o that_o such_o a_o great_a question_n as_o this_o what_o be_v this_o great_a good_a in_o point_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o other_o question_n whither_o such_o great_a and_o solemn_a oath_n may_v be_v lay_v aside_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o be_v final_o decide_v by_o the_o magistrate_n law_n without_o the_o least_o own_v the_o church_n representative_a and_o beside_o he_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n in_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o subjection_n by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o most_o and_o even_o of_o his_o master_n the_o surveyer_n different_a from_o active_a obedience_n final_o as_o for_o what_o he_o say_v of_o minister_n the_o apologist_n tell_v he_o and_o his_o master_n the_o seasonable_a case_n and_o i_o do_v tell_v he_o again_o that_o god_n call_v no_o man_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o such_o one_fw-mi unlawful_a mean_v as_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o that_o in_o this_o case_n minister_n suffer_v for_o truth_n be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 1._o 12._o that_o in_o desert_v and_o not_o preach_v they_o be_v mere_o passive_a being_n persecute_v for_o their_o integrity_n so_o the_o charge_n and_o guilt_n of_o not_o preach_v lie_v upon_o their_o persecutor_n beside_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n in_o truth_n and_o in_o our_o principle_n import_v a_o competition_n betwixt_o sin_n and_o suffering_n and_o duty_n and_o sin_n not_o a_o lesser_a and_o great_a duty_n the_o folly_n and_o impertinency_n of_o his_o instance_n anent_o the_o lesser_a duty_n overrule_v by_o the_o great_a exemplify_v by_o that_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n repeat_v here_o ad_fw-la nauseam_fw-la as_o also_o that_o instance_n of_o paul_n and_o those_o with_o he_o their_o cast_v their_o good_n in_o the_o sea_n &c_n &c_n be_v most_o evident_a the_o sin_n and_o perjury_n of_o this_o course_n of_o conformity_n be_v our_o principle_n which_o he_o can_v disprove_v even_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v all_o his_o plead_n here_o which_o go_v but_o upon_o a_o beg_a supposition_n of_o prelacy_n indifferency_n and_o the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n what_o a_o flat_a folly_n be_v it_o to_o tell_v we_o of_o prefer_v great_a to_o lesser_a duty_n whereas_o with_o we_o the_o question_n and_o case_n be_v anent_o minister_n duty_n when_o the_o magistrate_n refuse_v to_o admit_v to_o preach_v but_o upon_o sinful_a term_n which_o one_o consideration_n make_v all_o his_o tattle_n here_o evanish_v in_o wind_n suppose_v the_o ruler_n of_o a_o land_n discharge_v all_o preach_v but_o upon_o the_o term_n that_o minister_n shall_v commit_v some_o horrid_a act_n of_o wickedness_n will_v this_o man_n admit_v any_o to_o plead_v as_o he_o do_v for_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o and_o to_o tell_v what_o a_o weighty_a duty_n it_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o lesser_a duty_n of_o forbear_v that_o evil_a command_v be_v overruld_v by_o the_o great_a obligation_n to_o preach_v etc._n etc._n well_o he_o and_o his_o party_n like_o the_o pharisaik_fw-mi teacher_n betwixt_o who_o and_o we_o he_o insinuat_v a_o comparison_n be_v sure_o blind_a informer_n and_o leader_n and_o may_v be_v set_v to_o learn_v better_a thou_o that_o teach_v another_o teach_v thou_o not self_o for_o they_o have_v vent_v such_o principle_n anent_o sacred_a oath_n as_o some_o heathen_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o which_o banish_v all_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o what_o he_o add_v anent_o the_o rechabite_v when_o he_o shall_v equiparat_fw-la the_o matter_n of_o their_o vow_n a_o thing_n mere_o civil_a relate_v to_o their_o abstinence_n from_o wine_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o dwell_n with_o the_o weighty_a and_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o public_a and_o personal_a reformation_n and_o withal_o prove_v that_o hazart_n will_v equal_o plead_v for_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o last_o as_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v warrant_v a_o dispense_n with_o some_o part_n of_o the_o first_o the_o parallel_n shall_v be_v admit_v but_o till_o then_o it_o must_v pass_v among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o informer_n gratis_n dicta_fw-la the_o dutch_a annot_n on_o jer._n 35._o 7._o show_v that_o jonadab_n probable_o put_v this_o ingadgment_n on_o his_o posterity_n upon_o his_o foresight_n by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o desolation_n to_o come_v upon_o israel_n in_o order_n to_o their_o inoffensive_a walk_n and_o for_o inure_v they_o to_o parsimony_n and_o as_o for_o their_o dwell_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o case_n of_o hazard_n they_o show_v on_o 11._o v._o that_o the_o rechabit_v lay_v aside_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n their_o father_n command_n because_o it_o be_v but_o a_o humane_a ordinance_n which_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o may_v in_o some_o case_n wave_n which_o be_v also_o jonadabs_n intention_n and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o that_o in_o give_v this_o account_n to_o the_o prophet_n of_o their_o practice_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o dwell_n now_o at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o assyrian_n invasion_n they_o do_v show_v that_o their_o father_n charge_n and_o their_o vow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o this_o case_n so_o that_o in_o their_o sense_n there_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o the_o vow_n proper_o and_o strict_o take_v but_o only_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o a_o part_n of_o a_o humane_a ordinance_n in_o case_n of_o extreme_a hazart_n and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o vow_n itself_o and_o the_o first_o institution_n thereof_o chap._n v._n the_o informer_n answer_n to_o our_o argument_n for_o the_o covenant_n obligation_n take_v from_o the_o oath_n to_o the_o gibeonite_n and_o zedikiahs_n oath_n to_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n weigh_v upon_o the_o
first_o argument_n after_o a_o foolish_a traverse_n about_o the_o consonancy_n of_o the_o oath_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n he_o yield_v the_o cause_n in_o grant_v that_o the_o oath_n do_v oblige_v the_o first_o taker_n and_o their_o posterity_n upon_o the_o second_o he_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o admit_v its_o chief_a scope_n and_o nerve_n likewise_o his_o answer_n to_o psalm_n 15._o 4._o his_o reflection_n on_o the_o assembly_n 1638_o and_o his_o argument_n offer_v by_o way_n of_o retortion_n anent_o our_o own_n of_o comissary_n though_o abjure_v in_o the_o covenant_n large_o scan_v thus_o we_o have_v see_v into_o what_o a_o fascination_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o absurd_a inconsistent_a notion_n this_o new_a proctor_n have_v involve_v himself_o while_o endeavour_v to_o loose_v these_o sacred_a bond_n of_o our_o solemn_a vow_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v run_v cross_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o cafuist_n yea_o to_o himself_o in_o this_o enterprise_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o examine_v what_o strength_n be_v in_o the_o remnant_n of_o his_o reason_n upon_o this_o head_n and_o how_o he_o acquit_v himself_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o some_o pregnant_a passage_n of_o scripture_n plead_v for_o the_o covenant_n the_o first_o that_o follow_v in_o this_o dialogue_n be_v that_o remarkable_a transaction_n of_o joshua_n and_o israel_n with_o the_o gibeonite_n large_o and_o unanswerable_o press_v and_o improven_v by_o such_o as_o have_v write_v for_o thecovenant_n which_o this_o man_n think_v he_o can_v not_o for_o very_a shame_n pass_v over_o but_o sure_o he_o have_v better_a do_v so_o then_o to_o have_v make_v such_o a_o pitiful_a and_o superficial_a return_n well_o let_v we_o hear_v it_o the_o doubter_n now_o assault_v he_o as_o to_o this_o notion_n anent_o the_o great_a good_a in_o quit_v the_o oath_n with_o that_o instance_n of_o the_o oath_n to_o the_o gibeonite_n who_o god_n have_v command_v to_o make_v no_o peace_n with_o but_o enjyond_a israel_n to_o root_v they_o out_o to_o who_o josua_n and_o the_o prince_n may_v have_v say_v god_n command_n lose_v we_o from_o our_o oath_n and_o it_o will_v hinder_v a_o great_a good_a yet_o in_o that_o particular_a they_o rather_o dispense_v with_o god_n command_n then_o with_o their_o oath_n the_o acceptablness_n whereof_o to_o god_n appear_v in_o his_o punish_a saul_n a_o long_a time_n after_o for_o kill_v these_o gibeonite_n to_o who_o predecessor_n joshua_n &_o the_o prince_n have_v suorn_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o he_o run_v out_o a_o great_a length_n anent_o that_o transaction_n to_o infringe_v this_o argument_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o i_o will_v premise_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o this_o trifle_a informer_n have_v so_o mould_v our_o argument_n from_o this_o text_n as_o quite_o to_o divert_v it_o from_o its_o true_a channel_n and_o scope_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o oblige_a force_n of_o one_fw-mi oath_n or_o covenant_n lawful_a upon_o the_o matter_n both_o upon_o the_o taker_n and_o their_o posterity_n notwithstanding_o of_o many_o circumstantial_a sinful_a aberration_n from_o the_o divine_a rule_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o enter_v into_o it_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o this_o instance_n as_o i_o shall_v after_o show_v and_o this_o man_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o this_o text_n be_v thus_o improven_v by_o timorcus_n and_o other_o who_o have_v write_v for_o the_o covenant_n and_o this_o argument_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o text_n which_o he_o present_v be_v but_o a_o man_n of_o straw_n of_o his_o ownupsetting_n second_o that_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o order_n to_o the_o evince_a the_o premise_a truth_n for_o the_o proof_n whereof_o we_o adduce_v this_o text_n peremptorly_a to_o determine_v this_o question_n whither_o this_o oath_n do_v contradict_v god_n positive_a law_n and_o how_o far_o any_o piece_n or_o circumstance_n of_o the_o divine_a precept_n anent_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o cannanite_n make_v no_o league_n with_o they_o justle_v with_o this_o covenant_n and_o oath_n and_o be_v find_v overrule_v by_o its_o oblgation_n for_o our_o argument_n stand_v good_a and_o entire_a though_o we_o abstract_n from_o any_o positive_a determination_n in_o this_o point_n so_o that_o in_o trace_v our_o informer_n extravagant_a discourse_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n of_o his_o own_o mould_v we_o shall_v rather_o discover_v the_o slippery_a ground_n he_o walk_v upon_o and_o the_o inconsistency_n wherein_o he_o be_v involve_v by_o his_o answer_n and_o confident_a assertion_n of_o the_o oath_n conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n then_o positive_o to_o resolve_v and_o determine_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o debate_n which_o this_o man_n have_v no_o less_o ridiculous_o handle_v then_o impertinent_o bring_v in_o but_o to_o the_o point_n first_o he_o wonder_v that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o this_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o obligation_n of_o our_o oath_n against_o bishop_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v one_fw-mi argument_n very_o suitable_a if_o one_fw-mi oath_n into_o which_o joshua_n and_o all_o israel_n be_v cheat_v one_fw-mi oath_n to_o heathen_n and_o which_o have_v at_o leastwise_a a_o very_a apparent_a inconsistencie_n with_o god_n command_n to_o root_v out_o these_o canaanite_n and_o not_o to_o pity_v or_o spare_v they_o be_v find_v so_o high_o obligatorie_n and_o even_o bind_v the_o posterity_n how_o much_o more_o the_o nation_n covenant_v with_o god_n and_o with_o one_o another_o for_o public_a and_o personal_a reformation_n but_o he_o say_v that_o we_o mistake_v this_o place_n why_o so_o first_o if_o we_o think_v joshua_n be_v forbid_v upon_o any_o term_n to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o these_o canaanite_n but_o to_o root_v they_o all_o out_o and_o yet_o because_o of_o this_o oath_n spare_v they_o than_o he_o say_v we_o run_v in_o a_o most_o wild_a and_o gross_a opinion_n severe_a censure_n why_o so_o what_o be_v that_o opinion_n that_o one_fw-mi oath_n say_v he_o can_v bind_v against_o a_o command_n of_o god_n whither_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a or_o particular_a command_n it_o be_v all_o one_o so_o that_o as_o we_o say_v before_o that_o one_fw-mi oath_n can_v bind_v against_o command_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n now_o we_o go_v a_o great_a length_n in_o make_v they_o bind_v against_o command_n of_o god_n but_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o command_n of_o god_n to_o cut_v off_o these_o canaanite_n without_o pity_v or_o spare_v they_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v and_o if_o he_o do_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v produce_v exo._n 23._o 32_o 33._o exo._n 34._o 12._o deut._n 7._o 2._o nay_o more_o god_n command_v herein_o be_v so_o peremptory_a that_o where_o he_o appoint_v his_o people_n to_o tender_a peace_n to_o other_o city_n before_o they_o proceed_v to_o destroy_v they_o there_o be_v one_fw-mi exception_n make_v as_o jackson_n observe_v upon_o joshua_n 9_o 7._o of_o the_o city_n of_o canaan_n deut._n 20._o 15_o 16._o thus_o shall_v thou_o do_v unto_o all_o the_o city_n which_o be_v very_o far_o off_o from_o thou_o which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o city_n of_o these_o nation_n but_o of_o the_o city_n of_o the_o people_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o for_o one_fw-mi inheritance_n thou_o shall_v save_v alive_a nothing_o that_o breathe_v to_o this_o place_n jackson_n point_v we_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n 2_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o these_o gibeonite_n have_v their_o safety_n from_o this_o oath_n and_o covenant_n for_o upon_o this_o we_o have_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o congregation_n josh._n 9_o 19_o in_o determine_v that_o question_n about_o their_o safety_n we_o have_v swear_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n therefore_o we_o may_v not_o touch_v they_o because_o of_o the_o oath_n which_o we_o swear_v unto_o they_o yea_o more_o when_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o injury_n of_o saul_n be_v mention_v in_o slay_v they_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o right_n to_o live_v and_o dwell_v among_o the_o lord_n people_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o canaanite_n be_v attribute_v express_o and_o sole_o to_o this_o oath_n 2._o sam._n 21._o 2._o now_o the_o gibeonite_n be_v not_o of_o israel_n but_o of_o the_o amorites_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v swear_v unto_o they_o and_o saul_n seek_v to_o slay_v they_o wherefore_o david_n say_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v for_o you_o now_o the_o command_n be_v so_o express_v to_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n their_o safety_n be_v first_o and_o last_o attribute_v so_o clear_o to_o the_o oath_n that_o which_o this_o man_n call_v a_o wild_a and_o gross_a opinion_n he_o must_v either_o impute_v to_o the_o scripture-account_n of_o this_o matter_n or_o resolve_v and_o accommodat_fw-la this_o difficulty_n which_o he_o
opposition_n in_o our_o capacity_n to_o all_o prelatic_a malignant_a enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o interest_n but_o how_o be_v it_o perform_v when_o we_o thus_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o their_o avow_a opposition_n thereunto_o 7._o how_o assist_v we_o and_o defend_v in_o this_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n such_o as_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n when_o we_o thus_o divide_v from_o our_o suffer_a brethren_n wound_n and_o offend_v they_o and_o shake_v off_o a_o faithful_a covenant-keeping_a ministry_n 8_o how_o maintain_v we_o our_o reform_a doctrine_n worship_n and_o union_n when_o thus_o own_v false_a prophet_n and_o the_o instruction_n that_o cause_v to_o err_v from_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n and_o such_o as_o cause_v division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v learnt_a prov._n 19_o 27._o rom._n 16._o 17_o 18._o 9_o how_o maintain_v we_o the_o privilege_n of_o our_o church_n and_o her_o reform_a government_n when_o own_v intrude_a prelate_n and_o their_o creature_n as_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n and_o disow_v her_o true_a minister_n now_o take_v she_o by_o the_o hand_n this_o practice_n be_v one_fw-mi approve_v of_o curate_n call_v and_o mission_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o presbyterian_a minister_n which_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n next_o own_v and_o adhere_v to_o curate_n in_o this_o our_o case_n and_o according_a to_o our_o principle_n have_v a_o accession_n to_o much_o guilt_n otherwise_o such_o as_o 1._o the_o own_n of_o a_o palpable_o blast_v and_o disow_v a_o palpable_o seal_v ministry_n 2_o a_o high_a reflection_n on_o the_o suffering_n of_o many_o godly_a upon_o this_o ground_n 3._o a_o shut_n of_o our_o eye_n against_o ministerial_a discovery_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o time_n 4._o a_o cast_v of_o ourselves_o on_o tentation_n of_o great_a compliance_n 5._o a_o break_n of_o fellowship_n with_o these_o that_o be_v contend_v for_o god_n work_n and_o deny_v a_o sympathy_n with_o they_o yea_o a_o trample_n on_o their_o blood_n which_o have_v be_v shed_v on_o this_o ground_n 6._o a_o disow_v the_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o tear_v the_o commission_n of_o christ_n faithful_a ambassador_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o their_o labour_n etc._n etc._n 5._o this_o practice_n of_o deny_v a_o subjection_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o conformist_n and_o of_o our_o ruler_n demand_v conformity_n therein_o unto_o the_o present_a course_n of_o defection_n will_v be_v find_v to_o fall_v under_o great_a scripture_n obligation_n such_o as_o 1._o the_o obligation_n of_o persevere_v in_o integrity_n and_o hold_v it_o fast_o colos._n 1._o 23._o heb._n 10_o 23._o psal._n 25._o 21._o suppose_v prelacy_n unlawful_a and_o the_o bind_a force_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o it_o stand_v establish_v this_o practice_n be_v clear_o cross_v to_o the_o premise_a obligation_n both_o as_o one_fw-mi acknowledgement_n of_o prelacy_n and_o erastiani_fw-la i_o and_o also_o as_o a_o disow_n of_o faithful_a minister_n 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o keep_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o sin_n express_v judas_n 23._o 1_o thess._n 5._o 22._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o will_v infer_v disow_v curate_n in_o this_o case_n 1._o all_o direct_v or_o interpretative_a consent_n to_o sin_n be_v here_o discharge_v 2._o a_o practice_n otherwise_o lawful_a will_v on_o this_o ground_n become_v inexpedient_a hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la we_o must_v not_o eat_v in_o the_o case_n of_o offence_n though_o we_o may_v free_o eat_v all_o meat_n rom._n 14._o 14._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 25._o now_o on_o the_o forementiond_v supposition_n the_o own_n of_o curate_n have_v a_o accession_n to_o their_o sin_n beyond_o that_o of_o one_fw-mi apearance_n or_o a_o touch_n it_o be_v both_o a_o desert_v the_o presbyterian_a ministry_n and_o a_o badge_n of_o conformity_n to_o erastian_n prelacy_n and_o all_o the_o corruption_n and_o defection_n of_o the_o time_n which_o be_v thereby_o advance_v &_o promote_v it_o be_v also_o in_o this_o case_n of_o competition_n a_o deliberate_a adherence_n to_o the_o prelatic_a rather_o than_o presbyterian_a interest_n 3._o the_o great_a obligation_n of_o a_o testimony_n to_o truth_n and_o duty_n express_v heb._n 10._o 23._o mat._n 10._o 32._o will_v plead_v for_o this_o practice_n all_o truth_n must_v be_v avow_v &_o practical_o avow_v we_o must_v walk_v circumspect_o or_o exact_o as_o the_o word_n import_v &_o we_o must_v avow_v truth_n &_o duty_n on_o the_o great_a hazard_n even_o the_o small_a mater_fw-la be_v great_a when_o a_o testimony_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o be_v it_o but_o the_o circumstance_n of_o a_o open_a window_n daniel_n dare_v not_o ommit_v it_o upon_o the_o great_a hazard_n and_o as_o this_o testimony_n must_v be_v full_a so_o must_v it_o also_o be_v constant_a demas_n shame_n be_v that_o the_o afliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v he_o forsake_v the_o apostle_n after_o great_a appearance_n for_o christ_n and_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n and_o beside_o whatever_o truth_n or_o duty_n be_v oppose_v that_o become_v the_o special_a object_n of_o this_o testimony_n hence_o minister_n and_o professor_n in_o their_o capacity_n be_v call_v to_o contend_v for_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o minister_n silence_v as_o to_o a_o ministerial_a testimony_n against_o this_o course_n of_o backslide_v and_o people_n disow_a they_o and_o adhere_v to_o conformist_n be_v so_o palpable_o cross_v thereunto_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o 4._o this_o practice_n be_v infer_v from_o the_o scripture_n obligation_n to_o guard_v against_o the_o slumble_a and_o offend_v our_o brethren_n express_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 3._o math._n 18._o 6._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o here_o be_v discharge_v any_o dictum_fw-la vel_fw-la factum_fw-la quo_fw-la alius_fw-la deterior_fw-la redditur_fw-la say_v polanus_fw-la whatever_o practice_n give_v occasion_n of_o our_o brother_n sin_v of_o call_v truth_n in_o question_n of_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o which_o weaken_v his_o plerophory_n or_o assurance_n be_v here_o discharge_v and_o neither_o the_o lawfulness_n nor_o indifferency_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o nor_o man_n authority_n command_v it_o nor_o the_o weakness_n yea_o or_o wickedness_n of_o those_o in_o hazard_n to_o be_v stumble_v will_v warrant_v the_o do_v of_o that_o out_o of_o which_o offence_n arise_v paul_n declare_v all_o meat_n lawful_a yet_o will_v not_o eat_v in_o case_n of_o offence_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 25._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o this_o declare_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o practice_n be_v equivalent_a to_o any_o civil_a declarator_n or_o law_n which_o alter_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n paul_n will_v not_o have_v the_o weak_a stumble_v rom._n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 11_o 12._o nor_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o malicious_a who_o desire_a occasion_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 12._o now_o own_v of_o curate_n as_o the_o case_n be_v now_o circumstantiat_fw-la do_v harden_v they_o in_o their_o apostasy_n and_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o wound_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o dare_v not_o own_v they_o or_o may_v provoke_v they_o to_o act_v against_o their_o light_n and_o therefore_o unless_o own_v they_o can_v be_v prove_v a_o necessary_a duty_n as_o matter_n now_o stand_v the_o premisd_a scripture_n obligation_n will_v infer_v it_o to_o be_v sinful_a 5._o disow_a conformist_n will_v clear_o follow_v from_o the_o scripture_n obligation_n to_o turn_v away_o from_o seducer_n and_o such_o as_o turn_v aside_o from_o god_n way_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 1._o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v a_o large_a induction_n of_o evil_n adhere_v to_o these_o in_o the_o last_o day_n put_v among_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o black_a theta_n covenant_n break_v conclude_v his_o discovery_n with_o this_o grand_a precept_n ver_fw-la 5._o from_o such_o turn_n away_o we_o must_v beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n the_o concision_n and_o of_o such_o as_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o receive_a ordinance_n math._n 7._o 15._o rom._n 16._o 17._o philip._n 3._o 2._o 2_o thess._n 3._o 6._o christ_n sheep_n do_v flee_v from_o the_o stranger_n and_o hear_v not_o his_o voice_n john_n 10_o 27._o 1._o all_o promoter_n of_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v here_o command_v to_o be_v eschew_v 2._o we_o must_v know_v and_o discover_v such_o by_o their_o fruit_n and_o practical_a unfaithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o false_a doctrine_n mat._n 7._o 16._o compare_v with_o 2_o tim._n 3._o these_o that_o practical_o act_v the_o fox_n cant._n 2._o 15._o be_v to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o consequent_o eschew_v the_o saint_n must_v be_v fortify_v against_o these_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v god_n disow_v these_o that_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o