because_o one_o assembly_n will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o say_v our_o brethren_n how_o shall_v unity_n and_o order_n otherways_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v very_o well_o because_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v unjust_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v recognize_v and_o repeal_v if_o it_o be_v just_a and_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n if_o the_o person_n will_v not_o submit_v they_o be_v after_o due_a procedure_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o as_o those_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o so_o both_o unity_n and_o purity_n both_o order_n and_o truth_n be_v preserve_v will_v our_o brethren_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o order_n destroy_v christian-liberty_n and_o bring-in_n popish-tyranny_n it_o be_v christ_n order_n and_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n peace_n that_o every_o believer_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whether_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o whether_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v or_o submit_v or_o gainsay_v or_o counteract_v and_o what_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o no_o man_n can_v take_v from_o they_o their_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o and_o other_o church_n which_o as_o they_o affirm_v plead_v for_o this_o subordination_n and_o submission_n require_v by_o they_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n of_o the_o 16._o of_o november_n 1655._o they_o say_v that_o this_o submission_n have_v be_v establish_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n especial_o by_o the_o assembly_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o and_o practise_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1646._o in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n james_n morison_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkwall_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o judicatory_n and_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n ever_o since_o the_o late_a reformation_n until_o our_o present_a difference_n do_v arise_v and_o in_o their_o paper_n of_o the_o 24._o of_o novemb._n 1655._o they_o do_v cite_v for_o prove_v of_o this_o submission_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1647._o concerning_o the_o hundred_o and_o eleven_o proposition_n and_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrinâ—…_n therein_o contain_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o page_n and_o 43._o section_n of_o their_o representation_n they_o be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o tell_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n that_o their_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o this_o church_n nor_o we_o believe_v say_v they_o in_o any_o church_n where_o thâ—…_z officer_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o whatever_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n may_v do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a notwithstanding_o a_o appeal_n yet_o the_o appealer_n and_o inferior_a do_v always_o submit_v and_o sist_z their_o proceed_n till_o their_o cause_n waâ—…_n hear_v and_o try_v and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o both_o themselves_o and_o the_o prâ—…testing_a brethren_n be_v solemn_o engage_v to_o this_o submission_n at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o of_o her_o general_a assembly_n we_o do_v deny_v that_o ever_o they_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n or_o have_v declare_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a let_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n present_v unto_o the_o parliament_n and_o ratify_v by_o they_o in_o the_o year_n 1567._o bear_v witness_n artic._n 21._o concerning_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o council_n lawful_o gather_v the_o word_n be_v these_o so_o far_o as_o the_o council_n prove_v the_o determination_n and_o commandment_n that_o it_o give_v by_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n so_o sooâ—…_n do_v we_o reverence_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o but_o if_o man_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o council_n pretend_v to_o forge_v unto_o we_o new_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o to_o make_v constitution_n repugnâ—…ng_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o utter_o we_o must_v refuse_v the_o same_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o draw_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o only_a god_n to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n 1562._o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a ministry_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v that_o year_n sess._n 2._o that_o minister_n shall_v be_v subject_a in_o all_o lawful_a admonition_n as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n likewise_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o article_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o gen._n assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o march_n 1570._o sess._n 2._o concerning_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o the_o suspension_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o admit_v to_o function_n in_o the_o kirk_n charge_v of_o soul_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v for_o lawful_a cause_n in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n agree_v upon_o in_o divers_a precede_a general_n assembly_n and_o record_v in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o order_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n sess._n 9_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o which_o discipline_n the_o king_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o rank_n do_v then_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v which_o be_v also_o renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o it_o be_v express_o declare_v chap._n 7._o concerning_o eldership_n assembly_n and_o discipline_n that_o office-bearer_n be_v to_o be_v depose_v for_o good_a and_o just_a cause_n deserve_v deprivation_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o can_v cite_v more_o of_o this_o kind_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v other_o two_o testimony_n from_o very_o late_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o s._n andrews_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1642._o â—…ess_n 8._o in_o the_o overture_n for_o transplantation_n of_o minister_n do_v declare_v that_o no_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n shall_v pass_v a_o sentence_n for_o transportation_n of_o any_o minister_n till_o they_o give_v reason_n for_o the_o expediency_n of_o the_o same_o both_o tâ—…_n he_o and_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o the_o presbytery_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n that_o if_o they_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o reason_n give_v it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a if_o they_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v yet_o the_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n by_o give_v such_o reason_n before_o the_o pass_n of_o their_o sentence_n shall_v make_v it_o manifest_a that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la imperio_fw-la only_a but_o upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o edinburgh_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1647._o in_o their_o brotherly_a exhortation_n to_o their_o brethren_n of_o england_n do_v declare_v as_o follow_v we_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v our_o zeal_n for_o presbyterial_a government_n misunderstand_v as_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o any_o rigour_n or_o domineer_a over_o the_o flock_n or_o to_o hinder_v and_o exclude_v that_o instruct_n in_o meekness_n they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o which_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n hold_v forth_o or_o as_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o such_o to_o be_v entrust_v with_o that_o government_n as_o be_v find_v not_o yet_o purge_v either_o from_o their_o old_a profaneness_n or_o from_o the_o prelatical_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v to_o put_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a cloth_n into_o a_o old_a garment_n and_o so_o to_o make_v the_o rent_n worse_o or_o to_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n and_o so_o to_o lose_v both_o wine_n and_o bottle_n from_o these_o passage_n impartial_o consider_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v judge_v that_o as_o it_o be_v rigor_n and_o a_o domineer_n over_o the_o lord_n flock_n for_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o determine_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la â—…mperio_fw-la or_o without_o give_v a_o reason_n thereof_o from_o the_o word_n so_o when_o they_o do_v thus_o determine_v and_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o submit_v thereunto_o or_o acquiesce_v therein_o as_o to_o what_o be_v cite_v by_o our_o brethren_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n just_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o be_v among_o the_o praecognita_fw-la or_o praesupposita_fw-la of_o all_o those_o that_o do_v make_v or_o require_v obedience_n to_o law_n that_o they_o make_v and_o mean_v of_o just_a law_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o speak_v of_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v just_o suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n or_o intromet_v with_o the_o stipend_n belong_v to_o those_o kirk_n they_o serve_v at_o as_o do_v
thou_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v command_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o his_o body_n and_o drink_v of_o his_o blood_n and_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v himself_o with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o man_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la et_fw-la imperio_fw-la yea_o because_o of_o his_o adhere_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v reject_v and_o condemn_v have_v forbid_v he_o so_o to_o do_v that_o be_v shall_v not_o obey_v god_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precedent_n jeremiah_n be_v often_o command_v by_o the_o authority_n both_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a to_o forbear_v speak_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o do_v he_o give_v no_o subjection_n to_o the_o sentence_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o inhibition_n and_o censure_n past_a against_o he_o chap._n 26._o ch._n 32._o ch._n 37._o and_o ch._n 38._o amos_n be_v command_v by_o amaziah_n the_o priest_n to_o prophesy_v no_o more_o at_o bethel_n because_o it_o be_v the_o king_n chapel_n and_o the_o king_n court_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o submit_v but_o do_v counteract_v that_o commandment_n and_o do_v continue_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n amos_n 5._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o daniel_n be_v command_v to_o make_v no_o petition_n to_o any_o god_n or_o man_n for_o thirty_o day_n save_v to_o king_n darius_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o counteract_v by_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o open_v his_o chamber-window_n towards_o jerusalem_n and_o kneel_v on_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v aforetime_o dan._n 6_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o jew_n do_v agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yet_o do_v the_o poor_a man_n who_o eye_n he_o have_v open_v confess_v he_o open_o and_o though_o he_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o for_o do_v of_o it_o yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o go_v on_o to_o confess_v he_o still_o joh._n 9_o 22_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v once_o and_o again_o by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n not_o to_o speak_v nor_o teach_v any_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v first_o threaten_v and_o afterwards_o imprison_v and_o three_o beat_v by_o they_o for_o so_o do_v yet_o do_v they_o not_o submit_v nor_o forbear_v but_o daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n act._n 4._o 19_o 20_o 21._o act._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 29_o 40_o 42._o paul_n be_v accuse_v first_o before_o festus_n and_o afterwards_o before_o felix_n the_o roman_a deputy_n that_o he_o be_v a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazaren_n who_o also_o have_v go_v about_o to_o profane_v the_o temple_n do_v not_o only_o appeal_v to_o cesar_n but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o course_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v that_o the_o jew_n kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o their_o own_o prophet_n and_o persecute_v the_o apostle_n and_o please_v not_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o man_n act._n 24._o 5_o 6._o act._n 25._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o 3._o this_o submission_n dethron_v jesus_n christ_n who_o only_o have_v power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o bind_v they_o by_o his_o authority_n by_o attribute_v such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o church-judicatoric_n as_o do_v bind_v man_n conscience_n upon_o their_o mere_a arbitrement_n and_o pleasure_n for_o we_o must_v be_v subject_a because_o they_o will_v have_v it_o so_o though_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o command_v this_o subjection_n to_o wit_n our_o suppose_a delinquency_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la ens_fw-la and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o truth_n and_o equity_n if_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o bind_v because_o the_o judgement_n be_v still_o leave_v free_a and_o the_o outward_a act_n only_o restrain_v we_o will_v have_v our_o brethren_n to_o remember_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o do_v oppose_v conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n do_v tell_v the_o prelate_n and_o their_o party_n when_o they_o use_v this_o defence_n against_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o wit_n that_o if_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n then_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o restrain_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a then_o be_v christian_a liberty_n take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o in_o thing_n necessary_a such_o as_o keep_v fellowship_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n etc._o etc._o the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v thing_n command_v of_o god_n unto_o person_n due_o qualify_v and_o instruct_v thereunto_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n cease_v to_o be_v oblige_v duty_n to_o such_o a_o person_n hic_fw-la et_fw-la nunc_fw-la and_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n command_v he_o to_o abstain_v lose_v he_o from_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o do_v otherwise_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n we_o desire_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o such_o doctrine_n as_o that_o which_o prefer_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v man_n than_o god_n shall_v the_o sole_a will_n and_o mere_a pleasure_n of_o man_n lose_v a_o man_n from_o the_o obligation_n he_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n if_o so_o let_v we_o no_o more_o blame_v the_o pope_n for_o dispense_v with_o divine_a law_n i_o can_v abstain_v from_o take_v christ_n body_n and_o blood_n or_o from_o preach_v the_o gospel_n say_v the_o innocent_a man_n unjust_o sentence_v because_o i_o be_o thereunto_o call_v and_o command_v of_o god_n but_o say_v the_o synod_n or_o kirk-judicatory_n we_o have_v command_v you_o to_o abstain_v and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v abstain_v and_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o your_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v because_o our_o command_n lose_v you_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n hence_o a_o four_o argument_n 4._o this_o submission_n conclude_v a_o man_n under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n by_o omit_v those_o necessary_a duty_n that_o be_v command_v he_o of_o god_n upon_o a_o non-relevant_a reason_n to_o wit_n the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v no_o power_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n no_o power_n to_o destruction_n but_o to_o edification_n 5._o if_o such_o a_o submission_n be_v due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o be_v not_o also_o due_a unto_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o authoritative_a and_o juridical_a power_n belong_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n be_v threefold_a dogmatic_a diatactick_a and_o critic_n dogmatic_a in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v down_o and_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o heresy_n error_n and_o corruption_n therewith_o diatactick_n in_o reference_n to_o external_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o matter_n circumstantial_a relate_v to_o time_n place_n and_o person_n the_o conveniency_n whereof_o be_v determinable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n such_o as_o these_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o order_n and_o decency_n etc._n etc._n critic_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o repress_n of_o scandal_n error_n heresy_n schism_n obstinacy_n and_o contempt_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n and_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o exercise_v the_o spiritual_a
the_o church_n and_o so_o seem_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o all_o the_o public_a resolution_n party_n as_o its_o father_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o thing_n very_o doubtful_a who_o it_o be_v or_o who_o do_v own_o it_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o church-authority_n but_o from_o some_o person_n in_o a_o extrajudicial_a capacity_n whether_o these_o be_v entrust_v by_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n for_o that_o effect_n themselves_o best_o know_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o tell_v what_o we_o know_v that_o sundry_a of_o their_o brethren_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n do_v profess_v themselves_o stranger_n to_o the_o contrivement_n of_o it_o and_o disâ—…atis_o digest_o therewith_o some_o upon_o one_o account_n and_o some_o uâ—…on_n another_o and_o that_o a_o good_a while_n after_o it_o be_v publish_v and_o go_v abroad_o in_o print_n as_o the_o declaration_n of_o all_o that_o party_n many_o of_o they_o in_o seuâ—…rall_a part_n of_o the_o country_n be_v inquire_v what_o be_v it_o and_o what_o say_v it_o the_o truth_n be_v a_fw-la juncto_fw-la of_o some_o few_o who_o use_v to_o meet_v at_o eâ—…inburgh_n do_v in_o these_o thing_n what_o they_o judge_v convenient_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o all_o of_o their_o party_n do_v it_o while_o it_o be_v evident_a enough_o many_o of_o that_o party_n be_v witness_n that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v not_o priviâ—…_n to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v dissâ—…tisfied_v with_o it_o a_o thing_n hardly_o tolerable_a in_o a_o public_a declaration_n that_o pretend_v to_o speak_v the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o such_o concernment_n and_o contradiction_n and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o because_o though_o after_o the_o publâ—…shing_n of_o that_o declaration_n it_o be_v conâ—…idently_o give_v out_o by_o some_o of_o the_o public_a resolution_n brethren_n and_o general_o expect_v by_o these_o of_o the_o other_o judgement_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v own_v by_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n of_o that_o judgement_n and_o tender_v by_o they_o to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n in_o a_o judicial_a way_n as_o contain_v fit_a mean_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n yet_o can_v we_o hear_v that_o the_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n of_o that_o way_n have_v own_v it_o or_o approve_v thereof_o yea_o sundry_a synod_n be_v by_o man_n of_o the_o other_o judgement_n put_v to_o it_o to_o declare_v themselves_o whether_o they_o will_v own_v it_o or_o not_o do_v refuse_v some_o of_o they_o to_o declare_v themselves_o therein_o till_o the_o other_o brethren_n shall_v first_o declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v therewith_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n but_o to_o seek_v a_o shadow_n of_o some_o tolerable_a diversion_n thereby_o to_o wave_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n upon_o which_o they_o will_v probable_o have_v divide_v in_o their_o vote_n and_o other_o of_o they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o much_o as_o to_o take_v the_o desire_n in_o consideration_n how_o then_o can_v the_o protest_a brethren_n own_o it_o as_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o other_o party_n or_o return_v any_o answer_n to_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fetch_v its_o descent_n but_o from_o a_o few_o private_a person_n who_o name_n also_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o guess_v at_o and_o be_v not_o only_o not_o own_v by_o their_o judicatory_n but_o by_o some_o not_o acknowledge_v and_o speak_v against_o by_o other_o brethren_n of_o that_o party_n these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n do_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o protest_a party_n as_o to_o their_o sorbear_v any_o common_a answer_n to_o that_o unsavoury_a paper_n yet_o see_v not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o other_o side_n do_v please_v themselves_o in_o the_o crimination_n contain_v therein_o as_o unanswerable_a and_o in_o the_o proposal_n of_o peace_n which_o it_o do_v hold_v forth_o as_o very_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a whereby_o they_o heighten_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o in_o groundless_a prejudice_n against_o other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o stumble_v such_o as_o be_v weak_a we_o trust_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v service_n not_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o unpleasant_a to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n nor_o unprofitable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o resolution-way_n nor_o unedifying_a to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n if_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o paper_n not_o trace_v it_o word_n by_o word_n or_o line_n by_o line_n but_o first_o by_o clear_v innocent_a man_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n of_o these_o groundless_a prejudice_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v deep_o root_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o author_n and_o owner_n of_o that_o paper_n and_o be_v therein_o blaze_v abroad_o to_o the_o world_n against_o their_o brethren_n 2._o by_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n and_o inequality_n and_o iniquity_n of_o the_o proposal_n of_o peace_n that_o be_v make_v therein_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n so_o will_v these_o miserable_a mistake_n be_v remove_v they_o may_v see_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o attain_v some_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o allay_v their_o passion_n and_o cease_v from_o their_o persecution_n and_o to_o redintigrate_v their_o affection_n to_o their_o brethren_n and_o to_o proffer_v unto_o they_o such_o term_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n as_o do_v beseem_v the_o man_n of_o god_n who_o do_v indeed_o deny_v themselves_o and_o seek_v not_o their_o own_o glory_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o who_o send_v they_o or_o if_o they_o will_v not_o see_v nor_o harken_v yet_o we_o may_v according_a to_o our_o measure_n bear_v record_n unto_o truth_n and_o innocency_n and_o let_v unbyasâ—…ed_v person_n know_v that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v not_o man_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o character_n who_o that_o paper_n point_v forth_o beside_o the_o inducement_n already_o mention_v there_o be_v one_o particular_a that_o have_v in_o a_o special_a way_n prevail_v on_o we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o paper_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o late_a representation_n do_v not_o only_o continue_v to_o plead_v for_o that_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n that_o be_v require_v by_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n novemb._n 1655._o but_o carry_v it_o so_o high_a as_o to_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o very_a esâ—…ence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n by_o which_o instead_o of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o ordinance_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n they_o have_v labour_v we_o fear_v to_o introduce_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n a_o kirk-government_n that_o be_v too_o nigh_o of_o kin_n to_o that_o which_o be_v popish_a prelatical_a and_o tyrannical_a there_o can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o more_o unhappy_a assertion_n concerning_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n fall_v upon_o and_o publish_v in_o these_o time_n not_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n by_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v sad_o suspicious_a that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a intention_n under_o the_o oâ—…fer_n when_o the_o strong_a party_n do_v so_o much_o press_v the_o absolute_a submission_n of_o the_o weak_a to_o all_o their_o sentence_n whatsoever_o whether_o jusâ—…_n or_o unjust_a but_o also_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o man_n of_o a_o prelatical_a spirit_n will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o press_v it_o on_o as_o subservient_n to_o the_o reintroduce_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a and_o independent_a judgement_n will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o render_v presbyterial_a government_n hateful_a and_o odious_a and_o bring_v it_o in_o suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n with_o the_o godly_a and_o whether_o some_o of_o the_o resolution_n party_n who_o do_v retain_v their_o old_a love_n to_o the_o prelatical_a way_n or_o other_o of_o they_o who_o if_o good_a testimonâ—…_n maâ—…_n be_v credit_v do_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o difference_n profess_v their_o dislike_n of_o the_o subordination_n of_o kirk_n judicatory_n and_o their_o respect_n to_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v for_o their_o own_o end_n have_v hand_n in_o this_o thing_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o wise_a man_n to_o consider_v but_o now_o to_o proceed_v in_o our_o work_n the_o first_o and_o great_a prejudice_n which_o that_o paper_n and_o as_o it_o seem_v these_o brother_n spirit_n be_v fill_v with_o against_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestaâ—…ion_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o dissent_v from_o but_o also_o have_v it_o in_o their_o thought_n and_o
they_o and_o do_v by_o the_o other_o take_v the_o matter_n simple_o and_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o number_n and_o we_o believe_v the_o protest_a brethren_n will_v be_v content_a to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o plurality_n of_o the_o number_n only_o we_o can_v account_v that_o â—…specially_o in_o a_o time_n of_o corruption_n a_o sufficient_a plea_n either_o for_o condemn_v the_o one_o or_o justify_v the_o other_o the_o three_o thing_n wherewith_o they_o labour_v to_o make_v out_o the_o design_n and_o endeavour_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o subvert_v the_o government_n be_v as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o in_o the_o four_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n that_o they_o have_v cast_v many_o and_o foul_a reproach_n upon_o they_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o both_o by_o word_n and_o writ_n that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v they_o hateful_a and_o purchase_v credit_n and_o power_n to_o their_o own_o party_n whereby_o also_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o render_v this_o national_a church_n odious_a in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v she_o to_o be_v a_o laughingstock_n to_o all_o her_o enemy_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o weapon_n if_o say_v they_o their_o foul_a slander_n deserve_v to_o have_v credit_n whereby_o to_o fight_v against_o she_o and_o justify_v their_o opposition_n to_o she_o when_o her_o own_o child_n bear_v such_o witness_n against_o she_o and_o as_o they_o express_v it_o in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o that_o paper_n their_o brand_a church-officer_n and_o inferior_a judicatory_n as_o general_o corrupt_a that_o so_o all_o of_o they_o may_v be_v cast_v loose_a or_o at_o least_o mould_v to_o their_o mind_n if_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o forewarn_v we_o herein_o we_o shall_v have_v wonder_v that_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v see_v a_o mote_n in_o their_o neighbour_n eye_n and_o not_o consider_v the_o beam_n in_o their_o own_o eye_n have_v it_o not_o be_v their_o work_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o in_o private_a and_o public_a in_o print_n and_o writ_n to_o cast_v foul_a reproach_n and_o slander_n upon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n that_o one_o scurril_a pamphlet_n publish_v under_o the_o name_n of_o uldericus_fw-la veridicus_fw-la which_o have_v be_v better_o style_v falsidicus_n may_v testify_v of_o what_o spirit_n some_o of_o our_o brethren_n be_v who_o know_v that_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o poor_a man_n the_o author_n thereof_o will_v be_v no_o slander_n at_o home_n so_o small_a be_v his_o credit_n in_o this_o church_n when_o he_o live_v that_o now_o after_o his_o death_n they_o have_v send_v his_o crazy_a discourse_n abroad_o in_o a_o latin_a dress_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o their_o cause_n among_o stranger_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v the_o protester_n be_v man_n fanatic_a and_o abominable_a like_o thomas_n munster_n or_o john_n of_o leyden_n but_o will_v any_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o turn_v it_o into_o the_o scotish_a tongue_n it_o shall_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o sufficient_a resutation_n of_o the_o manifold_a lie_n and_o calumny_n therein_o contain_v but_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v perceive_v by_o what_o pillar_n that_o cause_n be_v support_v but_o it_o do_v most_o grieve_v we_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o often_o take_v in_o vain_a by_o our_o brother_n fill_v their_o preach_n and_o prayer_n in_o the_o pulpit_n with_o such_o stuff_n as_o go_v abroad_o in_o other_o of_o their_o pamphlet_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o scarcity_n of_o other_o purpose_n or_o from_o the_o abundance_n of_o that_o humour_n predomine_v in_o their_o breast_n we_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o thereby_o not_o only_o many_o hungry_a soul_n be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o food_n but_o those_o ordinance_n be_v render_v irksome_a even_o to_o many_o hearer_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d sort_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o common_a theme_n for_o the_o tavern_n but_o to_o leave_v this_o and_o answer_v that_o which_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o protester_n our_o brethren_n as_o we_o conceive_v do_v by_o these_o reproach_n and_o slander_n and_o branding_n mean_v a_o paper_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n which_o hold_v forth_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o grow_a defection_n in_o the_o land_n with_o another_o paper_n that_o hold_v forth_o a_o corrupt_a party_n among_o the_o ministry_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prelate_n who_o by_o the_o late_a public_a resolution_n for_o bringing-in_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n have_v get_v up_o the_o head_n and_o carry_v the_o vote_n and_o sway_n in_o many_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n with_o some_o 〈◊〉_d paper_n and_o conference_n of_o that_o kind_n 〈◊〉_d these_o brethren_n have_v be_v necessary_o draw_v in_o 〈◊〉_d own_o defence_n concerning_o which_o we_o say_v 〈◊〉_d that_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v indeed_o slander_n and_o false_a 〈◊〉_d themselves_o and_o have_v be_v coin_v and_o vent_v 〈◊〉_d the_o protest_a brethren_n for_o the_o end_n allege_v 〈◊〉_d lie_v they_o be_v great_a transgressor_n and_o wretched_a 〈◊〉_d who_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n have_v at_o a_o 〈◊〉_d advantage_n and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o a_o little_a wait_n 〈◊〉_d possess_v their_o soul_n with_o patience_n god_n will_v 〈◊〉_d their_o innocency_n and_o discover_v the_o other_o malice_n against_o they_o and_o their_o treachery_n against_o his_o cause_n but_o second_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v no_o invention_n 〈◊〉_d they_o but_o have_v real_a and_o sad_a truth_n in_o the_o bottom_n and_o have_v be_v vent_v by_o they_o not_o out_o of_o malice_n against_o the_o person_n nor_o for_o render_v the_o church_n odious_a or_o subvert_v the_o government_n or_o any_o such_o sinistrous_a end_n as_o these_o but_o that_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n they_o may_v plead_v with_o their_o mother_n hos._n 2._o 2._o that_o free_a and_o faithful_a warning_n be_v give_v of_o her_o backslide_n revolt_a condition_n the_o sin_n may_v be_v repent_v of_o and_o reform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a and_o the_o danger_n avoid_v by_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o keep_v their_o garment_n pure_a and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o without_o just_a reason_n call_v and_o cry_v for_o purge_v of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a man_n be_v remove_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o government_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n the_o government_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o improve_v to_o edification_n and_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n be_v purify_v and_o purge_v they_o may_v offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o offering_n in_o righteousness_n and_o â—…hat_o the_o offering_n of_o his_o people_n may_v be_v please_v â—…o_o he_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o as_o in_o former_a year_n if_o we_o say_v there_o be_v truth_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o in_o speak_v and_o write_v thereof_o they_o have_v these_o good_a end_n before_o they_o which_o they_o have_v profess_v then_o may_v the_o lord_n through_o grace_n therein_o accept_v and_o hear_v and_o have_v compassion_n upon_o they_o and_o his_o people_n by_o find_v out_o the_o mean_n to_o purge_v his_o house_n though_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v nor_o pity_o but_o account_v they_o foul_a slanderer_n and_o subtle_a subverter_n for_o discover_v and_o complain_v of_o these_o thing_n thâ—…rdly_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o they_o have_v frequent_o acknowledge_v and_o testify_v that_o there_o be_v a_o precious_a gospel-godly_a ministry_n in_o scotland_n which_o they_o do_v not_o confine_v to_o these_o of_o their_o own_o judgement_n only_o but_o extend_v also_o to_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o other_o judgement_n also_o though_o they_o dare_v not_o approve_v of_o their_o way_n as_o to_o these_o late_a revolution_n and_o be_v much_o grieve_v in_o spirit_n and_o judge_v it_o a_o matter_n to_o be_v lament_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o far_o mistake_v their_o old_a friend_n who_o strive_v though_o in_o much_o weakness_n to_o keep_v the_o good_a old_a way_n wherein_o both_o be_v wont_a to_o walk_v for_o carrying-on_n of_o the_o woâ—…k_n of_o reformation_n as_o to_o account_v they_o the_o waster_n and_o destroyer_n of_o the_o lord_n vine_n and_o become_v so_o kindly_a companion_n and_o patron_n to_o man_n of_o another_o stamp_n that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o wound_v if_o their_o sore_n be_v touch_v but_o fourthly_a be_v the_o protest_a brethren_n in_o fault_n if_o they_o have_v often_o bemoan_v it_o before_o god_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o unto_o man_n both_o to_o our_o brethren_n and_o other_o when_o call_v thereunto_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o ignorant_a insufficient_a and_o
all_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a or_o agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v assert_v to_o be_v at_o all_o of_o kin_n or_o alliance_n to_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v far_o from_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n the_o man_n who_o in_o a_o rave_v fit_a of_o a_o notional_a spirit_n first_o preach_v and_o afterward_o print_v those_o shrewd_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o northern_a prâ—…sbyterie_n and_o the_o roman_a papacy_n may_v haply_o think_v himself_o now_o justify_v when_o he_o hear_v so_o great_a pretender_n to_o that_o government_n minister_n by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n of_o they_o such_o ground_n for_o some_o part_n of_o that_o comparison_n if_o presbyterial_a government_n have_v as_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v than_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o must_v derive_v itself_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o christ_n reveal_a will_n about_o the_o constitution_n and_o essential_n of_o that_o government_n but_o we_o know_v no_o tittle_n in_o his_o book_n that_o say_v as_o our_o brethren_n say_v or_o from_o which_o what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n can_v be_v deduce_v by_o good_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o government_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v his_o house_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o house_n shall_v submit_v unto_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n without_o any_o counteracting_n though_o their_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o till_o our_o brethren_n prove_v thiâ—…_n they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o deny_v it_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o subjection_n and_o submission_n be_v corelative_n and_o that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o superior_a can_v no_o more_o actual_o subsist_v without_o the_o subjection_n and_o submission_n of_o the_o inferior_a than_o one_o relative_a can_v subsist_v withouâ—…_n its_o correlative_a but_o all_o church-power_n and_o authority_n be_v bound_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o edification_n only_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o subjection_n that_o be_v due_a thereunto_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n only_o and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o subject_a the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v sufficient_o acknowledge_v and_o preserve_v but_o say_v our_o brethren_n without_o this_o submission_n which_o they_o plead_v for_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o this_o we_o also_o deny_v because_o what_o be_v resolve_v and_o determine_v by_o kirk-judicatory_n in_o a_o right_a way_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o intrinsical_a lawfulness_n thereof_o â—…t_o be_v for_o matter_n god_n word_n and_o by_o virtue_n oâ—…_n the_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o brethren_n and_o friend_n counsel_v right_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o church-governor_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v a_o ministerial_a and_o official_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o assemble_v in_o his_o name_n in_o the_o respective_a court_n appoint_v by_o himself_o for_o govern_v his_o house_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v authority_n or_o a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o no_o consultative_a meeting_n have_v so_o whosoever_o resist_v their_o power_n when_o put_v forth_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n do_v not_o only_o sin_n by_o despise_v that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o by_o despise_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o their_o brethren_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o hold_v forth_o light_a unto_o they_o but_o do_v also_o sin_n by_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o kirk-judicatory_a model_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o clothe_v with_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v their_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o without_o this_o submission_n and_o subordination_n they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o unity_n and_o order_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v of_o a_o remedy_n by_o superior_a judicatory_n without_o this_o the_o refuse_v thereof_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v all_o union_n void_a so_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n propound_v upon_o their_o overture_n novemb._n 16_o 1655._o and_o in_o their_o represent_v pag._n 39_o sect._n 4._o and_o pag._n 47._o sect._n 3._o answ._n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n and_o language_n of_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n whilst_o they_o plead_v the_o pope_n visible_a headship_n and_o irrefragable_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o church_n to_o which_o all_o aught_o to_o submit_v without_o gainsay_v or_o counteracting_n the_o very_a thing_n that_o have_v set_v up_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o sit_v aâ—…_n god_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o enslave_v both_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o require_v of_o they_o subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o his_o dictate_v without_o examine_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n if_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o submission_n in_o all_o case_n without_o counteracting_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v live_v before_o we_o in_o corrupt_a time_n must_v all_o their_o preach_n and_o other_o act_n though_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v 〈◊〉_d be_v indeed_o to_o set_v up_o a_o power_n over_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d god_n a_o power_n for_o destruction_n and_o not_o for_o 〈◊〉_d that_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o sinful_a unity_n aâ—…_n order_n and_o teach_v a_o way_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n a_o ready_o to_o obtain_v peace_n with_o man_n but_o with_o 〈◊〉_d loss_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o waâ—…_n to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o house_n of_o goâ—…_n be_v not_o to_o harken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n anâ—…_n blood_n by_o set_v up_o the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o a_o laâ—…_n and_o establish_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o tyrannicaâ—…_n power_n over_o conscience_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v bâ—…_n tie_v to_o submit_v to_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n for_o goâ—…_n have_v say_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o iniquity_n that_o frametâ—…_n mischief_n into_o a_o law_n shall_v have_v no_o fellowship_n witâ—…_n he_o and_o therefore_o that_o may_v destroy_v unity_n anâ—…_n order_n it_o will_v not_o preserve_v it_o but_o to_o let_v the_o worâ—…_n of_o god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o rule_n and_o bond_n of_o unitâ—…_n and_o order_n have_v place_n gal._n 6._o 16._o and_o judicatory_n proceed_v according_a to_o this_o be_v a_o effectua_fw-mi remedy_n actu_fw-la primo_fw-la and_o objective_n as_o in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n albeit_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la there_o be_v nâ—…_n efficacious_a remedy_n in_o either_o word_n sacrament_n admonition_n suspension_n deposition_n excommunication_n presbytery_n synod_n or_o any_o ordinance_n the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v or_o can_v exercise_v without_o the_o effectual_a blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o appointer_n oâ—…_n these_o and_o concur_v therewith_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n shall_v person_n sentence_v unjust_o submit_v yes_o say_v our_o brethren_n for_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n what_o remedy_n then_o say_v we_o for_o preserve_v the_o truth_n they_o may_v appeal_v say_v they_o but_o say_v we_o they_o have_v appeal_v and_o have_v therein_o succumb_v what_o remedy_n now_o no_o remedy_n but_o that_o at_o one_o stroke_n the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v bear_v down_o and_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bury_v under_o the_o rubbish_n thereof_o
expectant_n be_v call_v be_v thereby_o barrâ—…_n from_o proceed_v to_o their_o trial_n and_o sundry_a rulinâ—…_n elder_n be_v exclude_v from_o sit_v and_o vote_v iâ—…_z presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o sundry_a hopefuâ—…_n youngman_n have_v be_v necessitate_v to_o remove_v from_o the_o presbytery_n and_o province_n wherein_o they_o dâ—…_n live_v before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o their_o gift_n for_o preach_v which_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n throughout_o the_o country_n do_v veâ—…_n well_o know_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v verify_v bâ—…_n instruct_v of_o particular_n in_o several_a presbyteriâ—…_n and_o synod_n but_o beside_o those_o sad_a effect_n of_o theâ—…_n act_n which_o be_v here_o bury_v in_o silence_n it_o seemeâ—…_n that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o paper_n though_o they_o wouâ—…â—…ain_o deny_v yet_o can_v get_v it_o avoid_v that_o thesâ—…_n act_n have_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n for_o they_o aâ—…_n force_v to_o confess_v that_o some_o few_o presbytery_n haâ—…_n require_v these_o bond_n of_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n only_o they_o say_v that_o they_o have_v be_v require_v of_o meâ—…_n of_o whatsoever_o judgement_n as_o if_o they_o have_v require_v of_o man_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o who_o be_v for_o the_o protestation_n so_o serious_a be_v our_o brethren_n in_o these_o matter_n that_o it_o seem_v they_o love_v to_o jest_v but_o who_o give_v they_o this_o power_n to_o require_v these_o bond_n of_o man_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n see_v the_o act_n speak_v only_o of_o man_n of_o the_o other_o judgement_n or_o if_o they_o do_v exercise_v it_o do_v they_o mean_v to_o bind_v up_o man_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n from_o debate_v for_o the_o protestation_n and_o against_o the_o public_a resolution_n or_o to_o bind_v they_o up_o from_o debate_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o against_o the_o protestation_n if_o so_o why_o do_v they_o themselves_o show_v they_o so_o bad_a example_n in_o their_o representation_n and_o declaration_n which_o be_v fraught_v with_o debate_n of_o that_o nature_n why_o do_v they_o that_o teach_v other_o not_o teach_v they_o ownselve_n but_o what_o rational_a man_n who_o read_v these_o act_n will_v think_v that_o they_o be_v equal_o make_v for_o or_o that_o they_o can_v be_v equal_o extend_v against_o man_n of_o both_o judgement_n their_o last_o refuge_n be_v that_o to_o their_o best_a knowledge_n none_o of_o these_o act_n have_v be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la a_o bar_n to_o hold_v out_o any_o godly_a man_n who_o be_v lawful_o and_o orderly_o call_v and_o try_v we_o have_v already_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v a_o bar_n to_o keep_v some_o from_o be_v call_v and_o other_o from_o be_v try_v and_o therefore_o this_o though_o true_a be_v but_o a_o sophistication_n as_o to_o the_o point_n they_o speak_v unto_o but_o there_o be_v not_o truth_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o because_o godly_a man_n lawful_o and_o orderly_o call_v and_o try_v have_v be_v bar_v from_o enter_v the_o ministry_n by_o this_o act_n as_o themselves_o do_v well_o know_v and_o whereof_o we_o can_v give_v the_o instance_n as_o to_o what_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n that_o they_o may_v but_o too_o just_o complain_v that_o they_o have_v be_v industrious_a and_o active_a to_o thrust-in_v man_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o to_o crush_v godly_a and_o able_a man_n who_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o they_o it_o be_v but_o a_o groundless_a complaint_n that_o be_v as_o easy_o deny_v as_o assert_v for_o our_o part_n we_o think_v that_o there_o be_v cause_n to_o wish_v there_o be_v more_o industry_n and_o activity_n among_o the_o protest_a brethren_n for_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o there_o be_v more_o ability_n and_o godliness_n among_o the_o expectant_n who_o be_v of_o the_o resolution_n judgement_n next_o they_o tell_v the_o protest_a brethren_n that_o though_o they_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n of_o the_o censure_n inflict_v on_o some_o of_o their_o number_n by_o the_o assembly_n 1651._o yet_o they_o may_v say_v much_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o assembly_n their_o proceed_n at_o that_o time_n and_o of_o their_o lenity_n who_o do_v only_o censure_v four_o of_o their_o number_n who_o yet_o have_v never_o submit_v to_o these_o censure_n and_o consequent_o have_v the_o less_o cause_n to_o complain_v it_o seem_v they_o do_v still_o resolve_v to_o justify_v all_o their_o unlucky_a proceed_n to_o a_o tittle_n and_o that_o they_o do_v rather_o repent_v that_o they_o have_v do_v so_o little_a in_o persecute_v the_o protest_a brethren_n then_o that_o they_o have_v do_v so_o much_o be_v it_o lenity_n first_o to_o suspend_v and_o depose_v innocent_a man_n from_o their_o ministry_n because_o of_o their_o witness_n against_o covenant-breache_n and_o then_o to_o ordain_v the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o proceed_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o submit_v to_o their_o unjust_a censure_n that_o they_o have_v not_o submit_v be_v not_o because_o of_o any_o abatement_n of_o rigor_n upon_o the_o part_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n they_o have_v cause_v some_o of_o these_o sentence_n to_o be_v public_o intimate_v four_o or_o five_o year_n time_n after_o the_o enact_n of_o they_o and_o have_v deny_v to_o admit_v other_o of_o they_o as_o correspondent_n though_o clothe_v with_o a_o commission_n from_o their_o own_o synod_n for_o that_o effect_n but_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o innocâ—…ncie_n and_o of_o the_o iniquity_n and_o nullity_n of_o these_o sentence_n as_o be_v unjust_a in_o themselves_o and_o proceed_v from_o these_o who_o have_v no_o authority_n and_o yet_o have_v they_o great_a cause_n to_o complain_v because_o they_o have_v thereby_o not_o only_o be_v violent_o thrust_v out_o of_o these_o kirk_n judicatory_n where_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n can_v carry_v the_o vote_n but_o also_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o rail_v and_o reproach_n and_o hazard_v from_o profane_a and_o malignant_a man_n throughout_o the_o land_n and_o sundry_a of_o they_o to_o suffer_v and_o persâ—…cution_n from_o ill-affected_a person_n in_o their_o own_o congregation_n who_o have_v upon_o that_o account_n not_o only_o separate_v themselves_o from_o their_o ministry_n and_o set_v up_o other_o according_a to_o their_o own_o heart_n in_o their_o stead_n but_o do_v their_o utmost_a to_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o their_o station_n and_o when_o that_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o make_v their_o life_n a_o burden_n and_o comfortless_a unto_o they_o in_o all_o which_o for_o aught_o that_o ever_o we_o do_v hear_v they_o have_v be_v connive_v at_o by_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n and_o in_o most_o of_o these_o thing_n countenance_v and_o assist_v by_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o who_o have_v think_v it_o good_a service_n to_o god_n so_o to_o do_v but_o blesâ—…ed_v be_v his_o holy_a majesty_n that_o have_v not_o herein_o accomplish_v their_o desire_n but_o have_v uphold_v his_o weak_a servant_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o faint_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o trouble_n and_o though_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n do_v now_o seem_v to_o proffer_v some_o mitigation_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o censure_n yet_o be_v it_o be_v due_o weigh_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o upon_o such_o hard_a condition_n as_o make_v it_o nothing_o upon_o the_o matter_n for_o why_o they_o do_v not_o offer_v that_o these_o censure_n shall_v be_v declare_v void_a or_o null_a or_o that_o these_o minister_n notwithstanding_o thereof_o shall_v be_v declare_v stand_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o after_o a_o preface_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o these_o censure_n they_o be_v content_a that_o the_o synod_n do_v take_v off_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v upon_o their_o respective_a member_n which_o do_v suppose_v and_o lay_v for_o a_o ground_a that_o they_o have_v be_v real_a and_o just_a sentence_n right_o inflict_v for_o real_a and_o just_a cause_n and_o be_v now_o take_v off_o as_o these_o brethren_n explain_v themselves_o at_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o stead_n of_o make_v they_o void_a in_o effect_n to_o establish_v and_o fix_v they_o as_o to_o the_o equity_n of_o they_o however_o a_o dispensation_n be_v grant_v to_o these_o brethren_n who_o they_o concern_v to_o exercise_v their_o ministry_n for_o peace_n sake_n and_o neither_o be_v even_o this_o to_o be_v do_v but_o upon_o their_o give_a assurance_n of_o their_o submission_n to_o the_o judicatory_n that_o be_v in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n never_o to_o counteract_v any_o of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n judicatory_n hereafter_o but_o to_o submit_v thereunto_o whether_o they_o be_v just_a or_o unjust_a the_o
a_o absolute_a and_o autocratorick_n but_o a_o limit_a and_o hyperetic-power_n and_o that_o church_n decree_n and_o sentence_n be_v all_o of_o they_o regulae_fw-la regulatae_fw-la rule_n that_o be_v subordinate_v and_o do_v not_o bind_v but_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v conform_v to_o that_o first_o inflexible_a and_o unerring-rule_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o luke_n 22._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o gal._n 6._o 16._o 1_o peter_n 5._o 2_o 3._o â—…_z tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 12._o ephes._n 6._o 1._o calvin_n treat_v of_o church-power_n say_v well_o non_fw-la est_fw-la igitur_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la potestas_fw-la inâ—…inita_fw-la sed_fw-la subjecta_fw-la verbo_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o in_fw-la eo_fw-la quasi_fw-la inclusa_fw-la inst._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 8._o 4_o that_o all_o church-judicatory_n whether_o congregational-edership_n or_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n whether_o provincial_n or_o national_a or_o oecumenick_a be_v constitute_v of_o man_n that_o be_v weak_a frail_a and_o ignorant_a in_o part_n be_v in_o their_o detâ—…rminations_n fallible_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n isai._n 40_o 6_o 7_o 8._o rom._n 3._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o 5._o that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o these_o do_v actual_o err_v and_o decline_v from_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v in_o so_o far_o act_v without_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o they_o may_v do_v but_o not_o by_o his_o commission_n and_o warrant_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o the_o power_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o be_v to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 12._o 6._o sad_a experience_n almost_o in_o every_o generation_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o church-guide_n and_o church-judicatory_n do_v oftentimes_o decline_v from_o the_o streigâ—…t-wayes_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n and_o write_v grievous_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v isa._n 9_o 15_o 16._o ier._n 8._o 8_o 9_o mal._n 2._o 8_o 9_o ier._n 2._o 8._o and_o that_o while_o they_o be_v boast_v of_o the_o authority_n give_v to_o they_o of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o skill_n in_o the_o law_n and_o profess_v to_o walk_v according_a thereto_o they_o be_v pervert_v the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o persecuâ—…ing_v these_o who_o cleave_v thereunto_o ier_n 18._o 18._o isa._n 66._o 5._o ioh._n 7._o 48_o 49._o 7._o that_o the_o same_o lord_n who_o have_v command_v we_o not_o to_o despise_v prophesy_v 1_o thes._n 5._o 19_o have_v also_o command_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a ver._n 20._o and_o no_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o ioh._n 4._o 1._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14._o 15._o and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o that_o be_v to_o do_v thing_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o other_o warrant_n but_o the_o mear_z pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v live_v to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o not_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 2._o and_o that_o it_o be_v therefore_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o every_o church-member_n and_o of_o every_o inferior_a church-judicatory_n to_o examine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n every_o thing_n which_o the_o church-authority_n join_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o if_o after_o a_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n it_o be_v find_v repugnant_a they_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v their_o conscience_n in_o bondage_n thereto_o neither_o be_v the_o allow_v and_o exercise_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n by_o inferior_n the_o set_v they_o as_o judge_n over_o their_o superior_n or_o make_v they_o transgress_v the_o line_n or_o limit_n of_o that_o due_a subordination_n and_o submission_n appoint_v unto_o they_o of_o god_n protestant_n divine_v in_o their_o writing_n de_fw-la judice_fw-la controverstarum_fw-la have_v full_o answer_v this_o and_o show_v we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v a_o private_a man_n or_o a_o inferior_a judge_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o his_o superior_n but_o only_o of_o his_o own_o action_n have_v premise_v these_o thing_n we_o offer_v these_o reason_n against_o the_o submission_n so_o much_o plead_v for_o by_o our_o brethren_n first_o this_o submission_n we_o mean_v a_o absolute_a submission_n or_o such_o a_o submission_n as_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o subjection_n to_o such_o decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o church-judicatory_n as_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n say_v it_o have_v we_o desire_v he_o to_o bring_v it_o forth_o we_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v enjoin_v his_o people_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n under_o very_o severe_a punishment_n to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n which_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n in_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v deut._n 17._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o but_o calvin_n tell_v we_o well_o ubi_fw-la de_fw-la ijs_fw-la audiendis_fw-la agitur_fw-la ibi_fw-la nominatim_fw-la ponitur_fw-la ut_fw-la secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la dei_fw-la respondeant_fw-la that_o in_o the_o same_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v command_v to_o hear_v they_o that_o it_o be_v also_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v answer_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o also_o know_v that_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 12._o that_o which_o we_o call_v for_o be_v some_o precept_n or_o bind_a precedent_n in_o scripture_n that_o hold_v forth_o submission_n to_o aâ—…_n ecclesiastic_a determination_n or_o sentence_n that_o be_v unjust_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precept_n and_o scripture_n precedent_n to_o scripture_n precept_n such_o as_o these_o be_v not_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o stand_v fast_o therefore_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o be_v not_o entangle_v again_o with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n gal._n 5._o 1._o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n act._n 5._o 29._o preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 24._o to_o refrain_v from_o duty_n upon_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n unto_o man_n and_o to_o betray_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o to_o obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n and_o to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n nor_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n due_o qualify_v be_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o his_o press_n and_o hold_v forth_o some_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n which_o a_o kirk-judicatory_n condemn_v for_o a_o lie_n and_o pass_v such_o sentence_n and_o censure_n upon_o he_o because_o he_o do_v adhere_v thereunto_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o this_o man_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o communicate_v not_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n our_o brethren_n will_v haply_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v for_o peace_n sake_n so_o to_o do_v till_o his_o appeal_n be_v discuss_v but_o what_o shall_v the_o innocent_a man_n do_v when_o it_o be_v discuss_v against_o he_o and_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o the_o inferior_a judicatory_a confirm_v by_o the_o superior_a shall_v he_o go_v to_o a_o high_a and_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o the_o high_a and_o be_v condemn_v there_o too_o as_o christ_n be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n what_o will_v they_o now_o allow_v he_o will_v they_o have_v he_o still_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o man_n and_o still_o to_o be_v in_o bondage_n and_o though_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v command_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o woe_n unto_o thou_o if_o