the_o apostle_n be_v know_v and_o profess_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o the_o apostle_n be_v charge_v not_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o publish_v any_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o say_v they_o be_v more_o hard_a than_o their_o case_n under_o bishop_n who_o though_o they_o can_v endure_v the_o truth_n concern_v government_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o be_v content_a the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v and_o preach_v it_o themselves_o they_o add_v 3._o the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o their_o call_v and_o authority_n from_o man_n nor_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o alâ—o_o may_v not_o be_v restrain_v or_o depose_v by_o man_n whereas_o we_o though_o we_o exercise_v a_o function_n whereof_o god_n be_v the_o author_n yet_o we_o be_v call_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o may_v therefore_o by_o man_n be_v also_o depose_v and_o restrain_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministry_n where_o as_o their_o first_o and_o second_o difference_n speak_v clear_o to_o the_o second_o and_o three_o branch_n of_o our_o question_n so_o this_o last_o do_v full_o speak_v our_o mind_n in_o this_o as_o to_o what_o they_o and_o mr._n rutherfurd_n before_o they_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o survey_n say_v of_o private_a person_n be_v excommunicate_v their_o non-submission_n to_o abstain_v from_o public_a ordinance_n as_o excommunication_n be_v rare_o pronounce_v in_o this_o church_n except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o therefore_o may_v easy_o be_v prevent_v so_o we_o can_v understand_v how_o they_o can_v avoid_v non-submission_n unless_o either_o they_o will_v forcible_o obtrude_v themselves_o on_o ordinance_n till_o they_o be_v thrust-out_a and_o so_o must_v come_v to_o non-submission_n at_o last_o or_o unless_o they_o get_v minister_n who_o will_v admit_v of_o they_o and_o so_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o judicatories_n which_o will_v at_o last_o fall_n in_o with_o the_o former_a case_n though_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n will_v have_v such_o a_o person_n serious_o to_o consider_v whether_o his_o edification_n by_o these_o particular_a ordinance_n from_o which_o he_o be_v debar_v by_o the_o sentence_n mean_n simple_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n not_o be_v take_v from_o he_o and_o the_o want_n of_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o his_o affliction_n not_o his_o sin_n take_v the_o matter_n in_o his_o own_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o breach_n make_v on_o order_n in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o settle_v as_o be_v say_v with_o the_o contempt_n and_o scandal_n put_v upon_o the_o judicatories_n who_o yet_o stand_v invest_v with_o power_n to_o rule_v in_o christ_n house_n yea_o and_o with_o the_o stumble_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n upon_o who_o he_o obtrude_v himself_o who_o perhaps_o judge_v his_o sentence_n to_o be_v as_o just_a as_o he_o count_v it_o unjust_a 2._o as_o to_o the_o submission_n of_o inferior_a judicatories_n to_o superior_a concern_v which_o they_o argue_v arg._n 7._o pag._n 107._o and_o again_o arg._n 15._o pag._n 113_o 114._o we_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o superior_a judicatory_a be_v cumulative_a and_o not_o privative_a to_o the_o inferior_a judicatories_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o right_a sense_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n betwixt_o we_o that_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n every_o church-judicatory_a may_v not_o meddle_v with_o all_o thing_n but_o with_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o particular_a concernment_n within_o their_o bound_n leave_v thing_n of_o more_o general_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n to_o superior_a court_n yea_o within_o their_o own_o bound_n congregationall_a eldership_n do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o matter_n of_o adultery_n excommunication_n and_o ordination_n of_o minister_n but_o these_o thing_n come_v before_o the_o presbytery_n 2._o albeit_o inferior_a judicatories_n have_v intrinsic_a power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n and_o may_v exercise_v it_o independent_o where_o providence_n afford_v they_o no_o superior_a judicatorie_a yet_o in_o a_o nationall_n church_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o exercise_v that_o intrinsicall_a power_n with_o a_o subordination_n to_o the_o superior_a court_n so_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o hold_v the_o subordination_n and_o do_v not_o renounce_v the_o judicatories_n as_o heretical_a and_o corrupt_a they_o may_v indeed_o do_v all_o they_o have_v right_a to_o do_v yet_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v accountable_a to_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n or_o maladministration_n who_o may_v lay_v as_o great_a claim_n to_o that_o promise_n matth._n 18._o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o the_o superior_a judicatories_n judge_v their_o proceed_n to_o have_v be_v wrong_a in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o it_o be_v no_o more_o lawful_a for_o they_o than_o for_o private_a person_n to_o make_v a_o rupture_n by_o non-submission_n or_o not_o suffer_v and_o be_v passive_a which_o will_v prove_v a_o remedy_n worse_o than_o the_o disease_n nor_o do_v this_o subordination_n prove_v that_o these_o inferior_a judicatories_n must_v be_v fence_v in_o name_n of_o the_o superior_a see_v they_o know_v that_o even_o inferior_a civil_a court_n be_v not_o fence_v in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o parliament_n to_o who_o they_o be_v subordinate_a and_o if_o this_o hold_v not_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o superior_a judicatories_n to_o meet_v unless_o either_o to_o approve_v all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o else_o it_o please_v inferior_a judicatories_n to_o be_v convince_v by_o they_o and_o indeed_o now_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v one_o private_a presbytery_n not_o only_o reverse_v and_o declare_v null_a the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o judicial_o declare_v the_o assembly_n itself_o null_a far_o contrary_a to_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n where_o it_o be_v express_o provide_v that_o eldership_n or_o presbytery_n must_v alter_v no_o rule_n make_v by_o general_n or_o provincial_n assembly_n book_n 2._o chap._n 7._o pag._n 81._o and_o no_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o beza_n epist_n 44._o pag._n 244._o who_o judge_v it_o iniquissimum_fw-la &_o intolerabile_fw-la etc._n etc._n most_o injust_a and_o intolerable_a that_o thing_n conclude_v in_o a_o general_n synod_n shall_v be_v rescind_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o consistory_n unless_o the_o party_n pass_v from_o his_o right_n or_o thing_n be_v agree_v among_o party_n without_o any_o detriment_n to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n v._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o submission_n or_o manner_n of_o performance_n thereof_o two_o thing_n be_v worthy_a our_o consideration_n for_o further_a clear_v the_o truth_n in_o this_o particular_a 1._o that_o in_o plead_v for_o submission_n in_o matter_n of_o sentence_n as_o be_v above_o qualify_v we_o do_v not_o urge_v that_o man_n in_o conscience_n shall_v approve_v of_o all_o and_o every_o of_o these_o sentence_n as_o just_a however_o we_o do_v not_o therefore_o grant_v they_o be_v unjust_a as_o we_o shall_v after_o hear_v but_o only_a that_o what_o ever_o their_o judgement_n be_v they_o submit_v and_o suffer_v or_o be_v passive_a have_v do_v duty_n and_o exonered_a themselves_o without_o counteracting_a and_o that_o because_o 1._o however_o they_o count_v they_o unjust_a yet_o they_o look_v through_o the_o prospect_n of_o passion_n and_o interest_n may_v be_v deceive_v the_o judge_n think_v they_o just_a and_o it_o may_v be_v many_o other_o yea_o all_o except_o the_o party_n concern_v 2._o however_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v better_a one_o or_o a_o few_o person_n suffer_v somewhat_o than_o that_o a_o schism_n be_v make_v in_o a_o orthodox_n and_o well_o settle_a church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o indeed_o a_o safe_a remedy_n appoint_v by_o god_n that_o when_o man_n in_o a_o church_n can_v in_o conscience_n obey_v a_o command_n than_o they_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n submit_v and_o suffer_v for_o the_o lord_n be_v command_v we_o to_o submit_v and_o our_o engage_v thereunto_o do_v import_n there_o may_v be_v case_n wherein_o we_o can_v give_v active_a obedience_n it_o be_v a_o miserable_a mistake_v all_o along_o in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o this_o debate_n that_o obedience_n be_v confound_v with_o submission_n and_o suffer_v that_o because_o a_o church_n ought_v not_o in_o duty_n to_o domineer_v over_o the_o flock_n pag._n 52._o therefore_o none_o of_o the_o flock_n may_v lawful_o suffer_v a_o injury_n or_o suppose_v so_o rather_o than_o do_v a_o great_a injury_n by_o rent_v the_o flock_n that_o because_o prelate_n teach_v false_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o superior_n be_v a_o warrant_v sufficient_a to_o man_n conscience_n to_o give_v active_a obedience_n to_o their_o
court_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o not_o to_o be_v submit_v unto_o yea_o in_o case_n such_o decree_n be_v publish_v we_o shall_v hold_v it_o a_o case_n of_o confession_n for_o minister_n to_o preach_v and_o people_n to_o frequent_a ordinance_n so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v liberty_n or_o opportunity_n and_o so_o though_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o prophet_n have_v be_v extraordinary_o call_v nor_o clothe_v with_o a_o commission_n unrepealable_a as_o have_v be_v say_v by_o any_o on_o earth_n their_o warrant_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a in_o that_o case_n to_o hold_v up_o the_o oppress_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o swear_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n who_o will_v neither_o preach_v christ_n nor_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v preach_v by_o any_o other_o as_o we_o hear_v from_o these_o worthy_a nonconformist_n author_n of_o the_o treatise_n against_o the_o brownist_n former_o mention_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o a_o church_n do_v own_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v no_o soon_o put_v out_o one_o from_o preach_v of_o christ_n but_o they_o provide_v another_o to_o make_v up_o that_o want_n and_o do_v dispense_v the_o ordinance_n in_o purity_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n which_o through_o mercy_n be_v the_o case_n of_o this_o church_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v suppose_v they_o do_v err_v in_o discharge_v one_o to_o preach_v and_o another_o to_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o person_n so_o suffer_v shall_v make_v a_o schism_n by_o their_o non-submission_n and_o counteracting_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o personal_a suffering_n or_o prejudice_n as_o the_o precede_a argument_n do_v abundant_o prove_v but_o have_v use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n of_o redress_n by_o appeal_n to_o superior_a judicatories_n they_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n call_v they_o to_o suffer_v rather_o than_o run_v upon_o the_o many_o inconvenience_n former_o mention_v but_o to_o clear_v this_o further_a 2._o we_o will_v distinguish_v duty_n command_v we_o by_o god_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v restrain_v by_o man_n for_o there_o be_v some_o moral_a duty_n incumbent_a to_o christian_n simple_o and_o absolute_o as_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o which_o be_v simple_o in_o their_o own_o power_n by_o themselves_o and_o independent_o from_o other_o and_o enjoin_v they_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o subordination_n or_o relation_n to_o other_o in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o to_o their_o performance_n of_o they_o they_o neither_o need_v a_o call_v impower_v they_o thereunto_o nor_o be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o in_o or_o to_o the_o same_o such_o as_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o confess_v of_o christ_n which_o be_v of_o moral_a natural_a right_n and_o there_o be_v other_o duty_n of_o moral_a positive_a institution_n which_o be_v not_o in_o man_n own_o power_n several_o and_o by_o themselves_o and_o independent_o from_o other_o in_o the_o church_n but_o some_o way_n in_o the_o power_n of_o other_o beside_o themselves_o and_o be_v incumbent_a to_o man_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n or_o subordination_n to_o other_o and_o be_v either_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n as_o they_o stand_v clothe_v with_o a_o office_n receive_v by_o the_o interveen_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o the_o ordinary_a ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o other_o public_a ordinance_n or_o privilege_n which_o they_o do_v enjoy_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o other_o who_o be_v to_o dispense_v they_o unto_o they_o or_o also_o by_o the_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o other_o with_o they_o therein_o such_o as_o the_o participation_n of_o sacrament_n public_a assembly-praying_a and_o praise_v the_o difference_n here_o be_v very_o considerable_a both_o as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o disciplinary_a sentence_n about_o they_o for_o sentence_n of_o church-censure_n be_v not_o conversant_a about_o performance_n of_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n but_o only_o of_o the_o second_o nor_o can_v there_o ever_o in_o any_o case_n a_o restraint_n be_v lawful_o put_v upon_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o pray_v and_o worship_v god_n or_o confess_v of_o christ_n as_o there_o lawful_o may_v be_v in_o some_o case_n in_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o duty_n and_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o submission_n to_o sentence_n restrain_v man_n from_o and_o forbear_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v so_o entire_o in_o our_o own_o power_n that_o we_o neither_o need_v a_o call_n from_o any_o warrant_v we_o to_o go_v about_o they_o nor_o the_o concurrent_a act_n of_o any_o other_o for_o our_o enjoy_n the_o liberty_n thereof_o and_o they_o be_v so_o absolute_o command_v without_o respect_n to_o any_o dependence_n upon_o any_o other_o and_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a necessitate_v medii_fw-la for_o a_o man_n glorify_v of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n not_o to_o observe_v they_o constant_o as_o affirmative_a precept_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v yea_o a_o double_a sin_n not_o to_o adhere_v to_o they_o in_o a_o case_n of_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v when_o these_o duty_n be_v prohibit_v by_o man_n but_o as_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o duty_n albeit_o as_o have_v be_v say_v there_o can_v be_v no_o submit_v to_o forbear_v they_o upon_o any_o decree_n of_o man_n prohibit_v they_o in_o their_o very_a nature_n and_o kind_n yet_o be_v duty_n that_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a necessitate_v medii_fw-la and_o be_v as_o to_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o not_o whole_o in_o our_o own_o power_n of_o and_z by_o ourselves_o but_o some_o way_n dependent_a upon_o other_o also_o so_o that_o we_o can_v go_v about_o they_o without_o a_o call_n and_o warrant_v from_o other_o nor_o enjoy_v the_o exercise_n of_o they_o by_o ourselves_o therefore_o in_o case_n the_o church_n who_o call_v and_o ordain_v a_o minister_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o preach_v or_o a_o minister_n who_o have_v the_o trust_n of_o dispense_n ordinance_n will_v not_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n to_o a_o member_n the_o sufferer_n break_v no_o command_n in_o suffer_v that_o injury_n after_o he_o have_v assay_v all_o lawful_a mean_n of_o redress_n see_v his_o forbearance_n be_v not_o a_o voluntary_a and_o elective_a omission_n of_o the_o duty_n he_o be_v restrain_v from_o but_o a_o patient_a suffering_n of_o a_o injury_n under_o a_o necessity_n whereof_o providence_n have_v bring_v he_o unless_o he_o will_v commit_v a_o moral_a evil_n which_o he_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o do_v by_o natural_a right_n viz._n make_v a_o schism_n in_o a_o true_a church_n and_o bring_v contempt_n on_o lawful_a authority_n it_o be_v his_o affliction_n and_o not_o his_o sin_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o commandment_n but_o only_o a_o cessation_n from_o a_o duty_n command_v when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o violation_n of_o another_o command_n of_o more_o universal_a and_o necessary_a obligation_n neither_o be_v he_o by_o this_o cessation_n deprive_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o duty_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o honour_v of_o god_n enjoy_v of_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o save_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o if_o they_o deny_v these_o thing_n they_o must_v yield_v also_o that_o in_o some_o case_n beside_o that_o of_o a_o err_a conscience_n which_o be_v yield_v by_o all_o a_o man_n may_v be_v conclude_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v on_o all_o hand_n as_o that_o a_o minister_n must_v either_o sin_n by_o forbear_v to_o preach_v or_o sin_n in_o make_v a_o schism_n by_o continue_v to_o preach_v when_o he_o be_v depose_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n in_o a_o true_a church_n though_o err_v in_o that_o particular_a as_o such_o a_o case_n and_o snare_n upon_o man_n be_v hold_v by_o the_o learned_a to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o lawgiver_n so_o we_o find_v godly_a sufferer_n before_o we_o very_o far_o from_o judge_v their_o submission_n and_o suffering_n to_o be_v any_o violation_n of_o god_n command_v call_v they_o to_o their_o work_n parker_n on_o the_o cross_n chap._n 4._o sect._n 14._o clear_v that_o sufferer_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o nonconformity_n do_v not_o voluntary_o wilful_o or_o sinful_o give-ove_a their_o ministry_n add_v it_o be_v not_o the_o leave_v of_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v a_o sin_n but_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o end_n wherefore_o and_o the_o circumstance_n wherein_o that_o make_v the_o leave_v of_o it_o sinful_a to_o wit_n as_o he_o express_v both_o before_o and_o after_o in_o that_o section_n when_o man_n leave_v it_o for_o their_o gain_n
they_o the_o power_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n be_v but_o too_o notour_n in_o their_o judicial_a condemn_v the_o authority_n and_o constitution_n of_o general_n assembly_n but_o wherein_o this_o crime_n of_o synod_n take_v that_o power_n on_o they_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o we_o we_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n that_o now_o when_o general_a assembly_n do_v not_o meet_v yearly_a as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v synod_n do_v take-off_a the_o censure_n of_o some_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o order_n observe_v by_o general_a assembly_n themselves_o when_o they_o do_v open_v the_o mouth_n of_o any_o and_o this_o we_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v condemn_v but_o any_o unbiased_a person_n will_v judge_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v keep_v back_o because_o a_o general_n assembly_n who_o use_v to_o reserve_v such_o case_n to_o themselves_o can_v meet_v to_o give_v they_o liberty_n we_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o want_n of_o general_n assembly_n as_o in_o holland_n they_o will_v not_o judge_v that_o synod_n may_v not_o do_v more_o in_o thing_n within_o their_o own_o bound_n than_o if_o they_o have_v they_o yearly_o and_o to_o use_v their_o own_o argument_n here_o we_o think_v they_o shall_v not_o quarrel_v this_o who_o not_o only_o wait_v neither_o for_o presbytery_n nor_o synod_n but_o do_v themselves_o take-off_a their_o own_o censure_n inflict_v by_o general_a assembly_n but_o their_o extrajudicial_a meeting_n do_v transact_v and_o conclude_v thing_n of_o most_o important_a and_o general_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n iii_o to_o the_o complaint_n of_o their_o slander_v of_o we_o they_o make_v a_o large_a return_n pag._n 24_o 31._o and_o first_o they_o begin_z with_o recrimination_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o latin_a piece_n late_o publish_v which_o they_o father_n on_o a_o dead_a man_n reflect_v also_o on_o our_o preach_n and_o prayer_n and_o other_o pamphlet_n as_o they_o call_v they_o ans_fw-fr to_o add_v nothing_o to_o what_o be_v former_o say_v of_o their_o inhumanity_n towards_o the_o dead_a we_o shall_v only_o embrace_v their_o own_o overture_n and_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o any_o of_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o turn_v that_o piece_n in_o english_a and_o let_v it_o plead_v for_o itself_o and_o for_o our_o preach_n and_o prayer_n though_o we_o love_v not_o to_o justify_v ourselves_o or_o cry-up_a our_o ability_n and_o abundance_n of_o matter_n for_o that_o work_n for_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n yet_o we_o make_v conscience_n to_o speak_v nothing_o in_o public_a but_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o our_o hearer_n and_o who_o so_o reproach_v we_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o must_v leave_v it_o at_o our_o master_n foot_n in_o who_o name_n we_o speak_v however_o we_o have_v learn_v not_o to_o credit_v all_o the_o news_n they_o give_v we_o of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o ministry_n either_o with_o these_o of_o our_o or_o their_o own_o judgement_n be_v we_o hope_v approven_v not_o only_o to_o god_n but_o even_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o hearer_n and_o we_o may_v also_o say_v there_o be_v never_o more_o forbearance_n give_v in_o a_o constitute_v church_n to_o irregularity_n in_o preach_v than_o have_v be_v give_v to_o they_o though_o they_o be_v so_o unparalleled_a and_o all_o out_o of_o love_n to_o peace_n whatever_o we_o say_v or_o write_v against_o their_o cause_n and_o act_n therein_o yet_o we_o use_v not_o to_o slander_v their_o person_n in_o thing_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o cause_n as_o they_o do_v to_o we_o nor_o do_v we_o publish_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n till_o they_o by_o print_v and_o write_v have_v defame_v we_o at_o home_o and_o abroad_o which_o necessitate_v we_o to_o say_v something_o for_o ourselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o our_o hand_n second_o they_o justify_v these_o their_o act_n by_o show_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_o draw_v thereunto_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n wish_v we_o to_o have_v patience_n if_o these_o be_v slander_n till_o god_n clear_v our_o innocence_n and_o discover_v their_o malice_n and_o treachery_n but_o if_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o they_o they_o may_v lawful_o plead_v with_o their_o mother_n for_o good_a end_n answ_n 1._o though_o we_o indeed_o confess_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o walk_v submissive_o before_o god_n under_o most_o unjust_a aspersion_n yet_o we_o believe_v that_o do_v not_o hinder_v we_o to_o vindicate_v our_o own_o integrity_n and_o the_o integrity_n of_o a_o national_a church_n far_o less_o do_v it_o warrant_v they_o who_o put_v we_o to_o this_o exercise_n thus_o to_o insult_v over_o we_o with_o such_o ironic_a counsel_n as_o they_o account_v they_o we_o forbear_v to_o declare_v who_o they_o imitate_v in_o these_o prank_n and_o be_v true_o sorry_a that_o their_o pertinacious_a adhere_n to_o such_o divisive_a and_o destructive_a course_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o sad_a fruit_n which_o they_o may_v daily_o perceive_v to_o flow_v from_o they_o do_v discover_v they_o so_o much_o to_o all_o impartial_a observer_n 2._o our_o controversy_n be_v with_o they_o about_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o admit_v of_o person_n to_o employment_n in_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o army_n and_o about_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n we_o see_v not_o what_o can_v cast_v they_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o defence_n of_o traduce_v all_o the_o ministry_n in_o that_o cause_n see_v they_o be_v stand_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n before_o not_o declare_v uncapable_a of_o be_v in_o a_o gen._n assembly_n and_o sure_o they_o fall_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o question_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v well_o have_v debate_v these_o point_n without_o reflect_v upon_o the_o ministry_n save_v in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o please_v to_o quarrel_v so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v upon_o the_o commission_n and_o assembly_n for_o their_o approve_v the_o public_a resolution_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o answer_v already_o and_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v be_v still_o ready_a to_o defend_v and_o justify_v themselves_o the_o truth_n be_v after_o these_o debate_n about_o the_o resolution_n and_o assembly_n be_v become_v threadbare_a and_o invidious_a to_o all_o sober_a spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v keep_v up_o a_o rent_n because_o of_o they_o they_o fall_v to_o a_o new_a clamour_n about_o purge_v of_o which_o they_o here_o speak_v and_o in_o which_o we_o do_v not_o controvert_v with_o they_o neither_o before_o nor_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o rent_n yea_o nor_o since_o save_v in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v still_o complain_v that_o their_o disturb_v of_o church-unity_n and_o order_n make_v it_o ineffectual_a in_o many_o respect_n what_o their_o design_n be_v in_o it_o may_v clear_o appear_v from_o this_o pamphlet_n wherein_o often_o than_o once_o they_o insinuat_fw-la and_o declare_v that_o they_o hold_v our_o judicatories_n corrupt_v and_o will_v not_o join_v in_o a_o general_n assembly_n so_o long_o as_o man_n who_o as_o they_o allege_v have_v make_v a_o defection_n by_o approve_v the_o public_a resolution_n be_v the_o plurality_n in_o they_o so_o that_o to_o have_v themselves_o again_o in_o power_n and_o other_o out_o they_o make_v this_o clamour_n against_o we_o which_o be_v unjust_o say_v to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n but_o rather_o in_o prosecution_n of_o their_o design_n to_o overturn_v the_o church-judicatories_a as_o now_o constitute_v that_o so_o they_o may_v get_v all_o the_o power_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n as_o be_v tell_v they_o in_o the_o declaration_n 3._o it_o can_v be_v account_v a_o act_n of_o defence_n for_o they_o to_o divulge_v man_n suppose_a fault_n in_o stead_n of_o seek_v to_o have_v they_o judicial_o try_v and_o censure_v and_o when_o none_o be_v pursue_v they_o to_o blaze_v they_o abroad_o in_o another_o nation_n and_o church_n to_o make_v way_n for_o their_o obtain_n of_o power_n to_o themselves_o over_o their_o brethren_n 4._o albeit_o we_o shall_v be_v silent_a as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o charge_n yet_o that_o passage_n hos_fw-la 2.2_o will_v not_o justify_v their_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o make_v the_o state_n of_o this_o church_n parallel_n to_o the_o state_n of_o israel_n at_o that_o time_n when_o this_o command_n be_v give_v to_o the_o godly_a which_o they_o now_o pretend_v to_o imitate_v for_o than_o they_o must_v conclude_v this_o church_n not_o to_o be_v god_n wife_n but_o a_o harlot_n and_o though_o she_o have_v corrupt_v neither_o doctrine_n worship_n nor_o government_n yet_o she_o must_v be_v put_v in_o the_o same_o class_n with_o
constitute_v church_n and_o how_o the_o contrary_a practice_n will_v bring_v confusion_n upon_o all_o society_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a on_o earth_n 5._o but_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o offer_v against_o this_o distinction_n and_o state_n of_o the_o question_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o submission_n and_o 1._o we_o find_v they_o argue_v arg._n 5._o pag._n 103_o 104_o 105._o that_o if_o submission_n be_v due_a in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n than_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n unless_o god_n have_v either_o put_v a_o great_a respect_n on_o the_o first_o than_o those_o last_o or_o have_v give_v great_a latitude_n in_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o answ_n to_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o submission_n due_a in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n as_o not_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n as_o be_v say_v before_o see_v passive_a obedience_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n betwixt_o we_o be_v relative_a only_o to_o the_o critical_a power_n of_o judicatories_n we_o can_v soon_o give_v they_o another_o ground_n of_o difference_n in_o these_o than_o what_o they_o be_v please_v to_o find_v out_o for_o we_o viz._n that_o however_o god_n have_v not_o put_v a_o great_a respect_n on_o discipline_n than_o on_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n nor_o have_v allow_v man_n to_o take_v a_o great_a latitude_n in_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o though_o yet_o in_o many_o thing_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n god_n have_v leave_v we_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o prudence_n common_a in_o like_a case_n in_o all_o court_n as_o he_o have_v not_o do_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o consequent_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n in_o a_o judicatorie_a be_v more_o to_o be_v respect_v than_o one_o who_o be_v loaden_v with_o a_o prejudice_n of_o passion_n and_o interest_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a yet_o to_o submit_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o discipline_n where_o the_o hazard_n be_v only_o personal_a and_o of_o a_o man_n suffering_n be_v not_o tanti_fw-la to_o disturb_v a_o well_o settle_a national_a church_n where_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v in_o their_o integrity_n whereas_o the_o case_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n when_o a_o national_a church_n in_o her_o judicatories_n introduce_v false_a doctrine_n and_o corrupt_a worship_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o a_o church_n 2._o they_o argue_v arg._n 6._o pag._n 105._o 106._o that_o submission_n to_o the_o critic_n power_n or_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n will_v infer_v submission_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n for_o which_o they_o instance_n the_o ratification_n of_o and_o censure_v ordain_v to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o athanasius_n of_o which_o before_o answ_n we_o see_v no_o cogency_n in_o this_o argument_n that_o because_o a_o church_n may_v censure_v heretic_n who_o submit_v not_o to_o their_o dogmatic_a determination_n which_o none_o of_o we_o ever_o doubt_v of_o therefore_o our_o question_n with_o they_o be_v not_o about_o matter_n of_o discipline_n only_o when_o we_o be_v settle_v in_o all_o other_o point_n and_o do_v profess_v our_o adherence_n thereunto_o but_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o resolution_n 1._o as_o we_o wonder_v with_o what_o face_n they_o can_v conclude_v all_o these_o man_n take_v in_o to_o be_v son_n of_o belial_n if_o it_o be_v for_o no_o more_o but_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o profess_a respect_n to_o many_o of_o they_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o good_a part_n yea_o and_o real_a piety_n of_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o who_o fail_v in_o a_o hour_n of_o trial_n so_o they_o must_v first_o prove_v these_o resolution_n to_o be_v a_o error_n before_o they_o can_v make_v the_o sentence_n concern_v they_o unjust_a this_o we_o be_v force_v to_o tell_v they_o often_o because_o they_o have_v the_o good_a manner_n so_o oft_o to_o say_v much_o and_o prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o 2._o this_o question_n be_v extrinsic_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n as_o have_v be_v say_v man_n may_v well_o be_v enjoin_v silence_n in_o it_o without_o entrinch_v upon_o the_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o man_n opinion_n we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o learned_a that_o man_n have_v declare_v their_o judgement_n concern_v some_o truth_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n they_o may_v be_v silent_a for_o peace_n sake_n and_o so_o contend_a divine_n have_v be_v enjoin_v silence_n by_o church-judicatories_a and_o if_o any_o will_v but_o have_v a_o touch_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o equity_n of_o these_o proceed_n of_o the_o judicatories_n against_o the_o opposer_n of_o these_o resolution_n let_v they_o but_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o man_n way_n and_o let_v these_o witness_n but_o re-act_n a_o few_o of_o their_o former_a prank_n let_v they_o but_o oppose_v any_o of_o these_o public_a resolution_n of_o conjunction_n of_o force_n with_o either_o malignant_n or_o very_a papist_n that_o may_v be_v in_o practice_n in_o these_o nation_n let_v they_o refuse_v to_o act_v or_o enjoy_v their_o public_a office_n under_o a_o authority_n own_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n these_o resolution_n let_v they_o not_o only_o write_v and_o preach_v against_o they_o as_o a_o defection_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o let_v they_o protest_v against_o judicatories_n as_o not_o lawful_a who_o own_v they_o let_v they_o draw_v a_o faction_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o rent_n till_o they_o be_v repent_v of_o or_o at_o least_o make_v void_a and_o assurance_n give_v against_o they_o for_o the_o future_a let_v they_o we_o say_v but_o show_v forth_o a_o little_a of_o this_o their_o wont_a spirit_n and_o we_o hope_v other_o will_v see_v what_o they_o be_v as_o well_o as_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n have_v feel_v it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v true_a to_o their_o principle_n they_o must_v do_v so_o still_o in_o all_o time_n and_o case_n in_o these_o confederate_a nation_n otherwise_o man_n will_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o little_a conscience_n in_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v do_v but_o 3._o this_o instance_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o our_o question_n for_o in_o our_o overture_n wherein_o subordination_n be_v require_v it_o be_v also_o offer_v that_o all_o debate_n and_o censurableness_n about_o these_o matter_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o make_v void_a and_o so_o have_v they_o accept_v the_o union_n that_o will_v have_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o subordination_n require_v for_o the_o future_a iv_o as_o to_o the_o person_n of_o who_o submission_n be_v require_v two_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v consider_v which_o may_v further_o clear_v the_o question_n 1._o that_o submission_n be_v require_v of_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o church-member_n only_o so_o that_o their_o argument_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n pag._n 47._o and_o arg._n 2._o pag._n 100_o 101._o might_n well_o have_v be_v spare_v for_o to_o omit_v what_o further_a may_v be_v say_v afterward_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n their_o call_v be_v neither_o of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o office_n itself_o nor_o by_o man_n as_o to_o their_o call_n to_o it_o but_o be_v immediate_o call_v by_o christ_n himself_o without_o the_o interveen_a ministerial_a power_n of_o church-judicatories_a we_o assert_v they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o church-judicatory_a on_o earth_n as_o to_o their_o continuance_n or_o noncontinuance_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n but_o ordinary_a minister_n as_o they_o have_v their_o call_n mediate_o by_o the_o church_n without_o who_o authoritative_a mission_n no_o inward_a call_n can_v warrant_v they_o to_o thrust-out_a themselves_o so_o in_o their_o continuance_n in_o that_o office_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o church_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o will_v assert_v a_o warrant_n for_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o ministry_n whether_o the_o church_n will_v or_o not_o tub_n preacher_n may_v as_o well_o improve_v it_o to_o thrust_v themselves_o in_o over_o the_o church_n belly_n and_o here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o author_n of_o that_o treatise_n publish_v by_o mr._n rathband_n former_o mention_v who_o speak_v of_o their_o yield_v to_o suspension_n and_o deprivation_n by_o bishop_n and_o their_o court_n pag._n 41._o they_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o lie_v in_o they_o to_o depose_v who_o may_v ordain_v and_o they_o may_v shut_v that_o may_v open_v and_o afterward_o and_o pag._n 42._o they_o answer_v that_o very_a objection_n from_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 4.19_o 20._o urge_v by_o the_o brownist_n against_o their_o submission_n by_o show_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o apostle_n case_n and_o they_o 1._o that_o they_o who_o inhibit_v