against_o all_o such_o negative_a interest_n in_o the_o election_n or_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o institution_n iu._n next_o bishop_n have_v no_o more_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n for_o such_o a_o interest_n and_o privilege_n than_o other_o have_v and_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v as_o gross_o abuse_v if_o not_o more_o and_o as_o scandalous_o offensive_a and_o i_o be_o sure_o more_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o thrive_a of_o religion_n when_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n than_o when_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o person_n and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o scripture_n either_o by_o precept_n promise_n or_o example_n that_o any_o one_o church_n officer_n shall_v ordinary_o be_v entrust_v with_o such_o a_o interest_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n and_o in_o the_o maintenance_n or_o live_v 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the_o prelate_n be_v successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o most_o ridiculous_o pretend_v since_o as_o we_o already_o clear_v it_o be_v impossible_a the_o design_n of_o their_o office_n can_v admit_v of_o any_o succession_n yet_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o this_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n they_o never_o do_v nor_o do_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o the_o election_n of_o mathias_n to_o be_v one_o of_o their_o number_n make_v use_v of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o concurrence_n both_o of_o the_o presbitry_n and_o people_n and_o if_o they_o join_v the_o presbitry_n and_o people_n and_o admit_v they_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o high_a act_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n they_o questionless_a also_o leave_v they_o a_o share_n 4.14_o 1_o tim_n 4.14_o in_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n nam_fw-la qui_fw-la vult_fw-la majus_fw-la vult_fw-la etiam_fw-la minus_fw-la 28_o act_n 15.2_o 25.27_o act_n 13.1_o 2.3_o act._n 14_o 27_o 28_o nay_o which_o be_v more_o the_o ordinary_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o other_o do_v concur_v in_o send_v out_o of_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o to_o some_o special_a piece_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n think_v it_o not_o below_o their_o dignity_n to_o give_v they_o a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v behave_v in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o let_v the_o prelate_n pretend_v succession_n to_o who_o they_o will_v they_o can_v never_o pretend_v to_o be_v successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o a_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o ordination_n be_v as_o much_o a_o stranger_n as_o to_o any_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o but_o last_o if_o by_o ecclesiastic_a patronage_n the_o lawful_a church_n judicatory_n be_v mean_v though_o in_o that_o case_n both_o the_o title_n of_o patronage_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o power_n thereby_o understand_v must_v be_v reject_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o very_a special_a hand_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v a_o power_n ministerial_o to_o authorise_v they_o for_o their_o office_n and_o to_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o lord_n vine_n yard_n and_o by_o consequence_n do_v also_o ministerial_o invest_v they_o with_o a_o right_a to_o meddle_v with_o their_o maintenance_n a_o minister_n only_o right_o thereto_o be_v a_o lawful_a call_n to_o the_o office_n and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o it_o as_o we_o have_v former_o mark_v sect_n xix_o a_o pretence_n from_o the_o fail_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o church_n judicatories_n etc._n etc._n i._o the_o last_o pretence_n that_o i_o shall_v notice_n be_v this_o that_o presbitry_n and_o people_n be_v not_o infallible_a but_o be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v and_o err_v in_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o pastor_n as_o well_o as_o the_o patron_n and_o therefore_o the_o patron_n be_v power_n of_o election_n be_v no_o more_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n than_o she_o be_v to_o herself_o ii_o for_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v first_o that_o the_o lawful_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o elect_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n on_o the_o contrary_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o useless_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o a_o most_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o clear_o inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n may_v very_o safe_o and_o confident_o rely_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o blessing_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o right_a choice_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o they_o act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n which_o they_o who_o act_n in_o so_o unjust_a and_o unwarrantable_a a_o method_n as_o this_o of_o patronage_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v and_o though_o the_o lord_n for_o wise_a and_o holy_a end_n may_v some_o time_n leave_v his_o church_n and_o people_n to_o themselves_o and_o let_v they_o fall_v in_o error_n and_o mistake_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o case_n yet_o duty_n must_v not_o be_v forsake_v for_o fear_v of_o fail_n in_o the_o performance_n we_o must_v both_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o discovery_n of_o what_o be_v duty_n when_o it_o be_v unclear_a to_o we_o and_o when_o it_o be_v discover_v we_o must_v pray_v for_o strength_n and_o assistance_n to_o perform_v it_o a_o right_n and_o then_o set_v about_o it_o in_o the_o lord_n strength_n with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o for_o his_o blessing_n and_o direction_n who_o have_v never_o say_v to_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n in_o vain_a iii_o next_o though_o as_o be_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o institution_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o what_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o lay_v aside_o a_o institution_n that_o be_v either_o moral_o necessary_a or_o positive_o enjoin_v by_o god_n the_o only_a rule_n and_o remedy_n in_o this_o case_n be_v tollatur_fw-la abusus_fw-la et_fw-la maneat_fw-la usus_fw-la let_v the_o matter_n be_v regulate_v by_o act_v in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o full_o and_o clear_o discover_v what_o both_o church-judicatories_a and_o people_n may_v or_o may_v not_o do_v in_o the_o case_n but_o â—n_o the_o contrary_a the_o abuse_n and_o offensiveness_n of_o unnecessary_a &_o unwarrantable_a institution_n do_v strong_o militate_v against_o their_o far_a use_n if_o the_o presbitry_n do_v at_o any_o time_n miscarry_v in_o a_o way_n that_o they_o be_v warrant_v by_o god_n to_o follow_v we_o must_v pray_v that_o god_n may_v purge_v his_o own_o house_n and_o purify_v the_o son_n of_o levi_n and_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o superior_a church-judicatories_a must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o in_o case_n of_o general_a and_o public_a defection_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v employ_v his_o power_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la but_o those_o mistake_n can_v never_o warrant_v we_o to_o leave_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o our_o own_o weak_a and_o witless_a invention_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god._n christ_n promise_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o his_o people_n to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n whereas_o those_o who_o go_v astray_o and_o follow_v crooked_a path_n ingyre_v themselves_o as_o officious_a and_o busy_a body_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o lawful_a call_n can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o that_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n shall_v leave_v they_o to_o be_v a_o snare_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o certain_o be_v these_o thing_n real_o believe_v as_o all_o profess_v they_o do_v people_v practice_n will_v be_v very_o far_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v but_o such_o be_v the_o atheism_n of_o man_n heart_n thâ—â—_n while_o we_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n our_o heart_n be_v too_o oft_o far_o from_o he_o iv_o i_o begin_v now_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o notice_v such_o trifle_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o may_v be_v amaze_a to_o hear_v man_n otherways_o rational_a offer_v such_o empty_a pretence_n instead_o of_o solid_a and_o convince_v reason_n if_o the_o cause_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o better_a but_o it_o be_v vitium_fw-la causae_fw-la and_o so_o we_o need_v no_o more_o admire_v to_o see_v a_o weakness_n inevitable_o cleave_v to_o the_o able_a wit_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o what_o be_v unjustifiable_a than_o to_o see_v the_o strong_a of_o man_n succumb_v in_o raise_v a_o weight_n that_o be_v above_o his_o natural_a strength_n to_o undergo_v the_o strength_n of_o man_n spirit_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o body_n have_v their_o limit_n and_o be_v not_o infinite_a and_o since_o i_o mind_v nothing_o far_o that_o can_v be_v object_v but_o what_o with_o very_a much_o ease_n may_v receive_v a_o full_a solution_n from_o the_o ground_n already_o represent_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o give_v either_o the_o reader_n or_o myself_o any_o far_a trouble_n on_o this_o subject_a v._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o god_n people_n in_o this_o land_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n that_o he_o may_v incline_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o capacity_n to_o return_v to_o a_o hearty_a and_o cordial_a compliance_n with_o and_o a_o cheerful_a acquiescence_n in_o the_o just_a and_o rational_a determination_n that_o be_v once_o make_v by_o public_a authority_n in_o this_o nation_n both_o in_o this_o and_o other_o step_n of_o a_o true_a reformation_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v not_o be_v provoke_v by_o a_o too_o open_a contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n the_o cry_v sin_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o our_o sinful_a slight_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o suffer_v his_o church_n after_o so_o much_o wrestle_v to_o sink_v under_o her_o present_a bondage_n and_o captivity_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o and_o other_o unjust_a and_o grievous_a usurpation_n into_o which_o after_o so_o many_o and_o great_a deliverance_n we_o be_v again_o for_o our_o sin_n bring_v into_o subjection_n finis_fw-la
to_o the_o right_a reverend_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n the_o follow_a defence_n of_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o pretend_a right_o and_o usurpation_n of_o patronage_n be_v most_o humble_o dedicate_v by_o robert_n park_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o follow_a sheet_n be_v write_v many_o year_n ago_o main_o for_o the_o satisfy_a some_o scruple_n of_o a_o worthy_a friend_n of_o the_o author_n but_o the_o press_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v so_o well_o guard_v from_o the_o least_o breathe_v against_o the_o grievance_n this_o poor_a church_n and_o nation_n groan_v under_o that_o the_o publication_n be_v but_o little_a thought_n of_o it_o have_v now_o please_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o some_o worthy_a instrument_n to_o appear_v for_o the_o interest_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o break_a church_n and_o people_n and_o to_o endeavour_v a_o redress_n of_o their_o manifold_a oppression_n it_o be_v think_v convenient_a to_o offer_v these_o paper_n to_o the_o public_a view_n and_o consideration_n i_o stand_v in_o too_o near_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o author_n to_o be_v think_v impartial_a in_o his_o commendation_n and_o though_o i_o can_v wish_v this_o discourse_n have_v get_v his_o own_o last_o hand_n and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o run_v the_o common_a fate_n of_o other_o posthumou_n work_n yet_o i_o hope_v the_o main_a subject_n will_v be_v find_v satisfy_o handle_v there_o be_v beside_o some_o other_o purpose_n incident_o touch_v and_o many_o sountain_n for_o solution_n of_o several_a important_a debate_n of_o the_o time_n solid_o and_o succinct_o open_v which_o if_o well_o consider_v may_v be_v serviceable_a for_o advance_v a_o reformation_n of_o many_o more_o abuse_n than_o the_o particular_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n intend_v i_o shall_v offer_v no_o apology_n for_o the_o style_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v find_v distinct_a plain_a and_o easy_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a i_o know_v nothing_o a_o style_n serve_v for_o but_o to_o express_v man_n conception_n distinct_o and_o without_o harshness_n and_o if_o that_o may_v be_v attain_v without_o force_a and_o strain_a rhetorication_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n produce_v no_o other_o effect_n but_o a_o darken_v of_o knowledge_n with_o word_n i_o can_v see_v how_o a_o neglect_n of_o such_o useless_a trifle_n can_v be_v blame_v the_o native_a beauty_n of_o truth_n stand_v no_o way_n in_o need_n of_o these_o artificial_a disguise_n that_o be_v use_v to_o set_v off_o adulterate_a ware_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o in_o this_o age_n who_o have_v render_v both_o themselves_o and_o their_o discourse_n ridiculous_a by_o affect_v new_a strain_n of_o eloquence_n as_o they_o take_v it_o the_o think_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o sensible_a that_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o good_a old_a form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o safe_a expression_n have_v make_v people_n forget_v and_o mistake_v many_o ancient_a and_o solid_a truth_n it_o be_v pitiful_o mean_a and_o unbecoming_a to_o see_v the_o clergy_n as_o they_o must_v be_v term_v turn_v the_o pulpit_n to_o a_o theatre_n and_o to_o hear_v divine_n trick_v up_o and_o illustrate_v their_o discourse_n with_o the_o simile_n and_o expression_n of_o a_o comedy_n or_o romance_n go_v down_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o uncircumcised_a for_o sharpen_v of_o their_o tool_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o smith_n in_o israel_n the_o subject_n of_o these_o paper_n be_v but_o very_o little_o treat_v of_o by_o any_o especial_o in_o this_o way_n and_o therefore_o the_o publication_n may_v perhaps_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o seasonable_a if_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o be_v serviceable_a for_o free_v the_o church_n of_o any_o part_n of_o her_o bondage_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o design_n both_o of_o its_o write_n and_o publication_n will_v be_v full_o attain_v i_o hope_v there_o will_v be_v few_o find_v so_o fond_a of_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n as_o to_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o diego_n lainez_n one_o of_o the_o father_n at_o trent_n who_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v a_o motion_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o offer_v to_o reduce_v election_n to_o the_o ancient_a course_n and_o that_o the_o antiquity_n of_o that_o method_n be_v a_o bad_a argument_n for_o revive_v of_o it_o â—ut_fw-la that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v suppress_v because_o it_o be_v the_o ancient_a custom_n for_o if_o the_o church_n as_o he_o ridiculous_o enough_o pretend_v have_v not_o find_v it_o inconvenient_a she_o will_v not_o have_v quite_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o wish_v that_o people_n in_o their_o several_a capacity_n may_v serious_o consider_v what_o the_o present_a conduct_n of_o providence_n seem_v to_o call_v they_o to_o and_o that_o they_o may_v act_n both_o in_o this_o and_o other_o matter_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n in_o the_o settle_n of_o affair_n upon_o the_o solid_a and_o last_a foundation_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n lest_o they_o verify_v the_o proverb_n sero_fw-la sapiunt_fw-la phryges_n which_o i_o need_v not_o translate_v and_o repent_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o the_o loss_n of_o such_o a_o golden_a opportunity_n so_o wonderful_o and_o unexpected_o bring_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o give_v the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n cause_n to_o say_v why_o be_v there_o a_o price_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n to_o get_v wisdom_n see_v he_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o edinburgh_n febr._n 16â—9_n the_o content_n sect._n i._o of_o the_o original_a of_o patronage_n pag._n 1_o sect._n ii_o a_o general_a view_n of_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n 17._o sect._n iii_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o reformer_n etc._n etc._n concern_v patronage_n 26._o sect._n iu._n the_o ground_n and_o argument_n for_o patronage_n from_o a_o reservation_n by_o the_o first_o founder_n examine_v 31._o sect._n v._o a_o far_a examination_n of_o this_o reservation_n from_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o pious_a and_o charitable_a deed_n 38._o sect._n vi_o the_o reservation_n pretend_v can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o jus_fw-la utile_fw-la of_o patronage_n 53._o sect._n vii_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o discouragement_n in_o gratify_v of_o the_o church_n something_o obiter_fw-la of_o the_o dilapidation_n of_o the_o church_n patrimony_n 56._o sect._n viii_o the_o ground_n of_o patronage_n from_o a_o grant_n or_o concession_n of_o the_o church_n examine_v 63._o sect._n ix_o afarth_a examination_n of_o this_o pretend_a concession_n 69_o sect._n x._o another_o ground_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o patronage_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o jus_fw-la onerosum_fw-la examine_v 73._o sect._n xi_o patronage_n be_v no_o institution_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o a_o mannife_a usurpation_n 81._o sect._n xii_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o election_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n 97._o sect._n xiii_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n be_v against_o the_o freedom_n and_o interest_n of_o common_a society_n 113._o sect._n fourteen_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v gross_o abuse_v &_o scandalous_o offensive_a without_o any_o necessity_n or_o use_n 120._o sect._n xv._o patronage_n be_v a_o symbolise_n with_o idolater_n and_o against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n 142._o sect._n xvi_o a_o pretence_n that_o the_o patron_n meddle_v with_o nothing_o of_o election_n or_o what_o be_v proper_o ecclesiastical_a 146._o sect._n xvii_o another_o pretence_n that_o the_o church_n may_v reject_v the_o person_n present_v in_o case_n of_o insufficiency_n 157._o sect._n xviii_o another_o pretence_n from_o the_o distinction_n of_o laic_a and_o ecclesiastic_a patronage_n 162._o sect._n xix_o apretence_n from_o the_o fail_n and_o mistake_v of_o church_n judicatories_n etc._n etc._n 167._o errata_fw-la page_n 17_o line_n 14_o for_o the_o vandal_n read_v and_o since_o the_o vandal_n p._n 28._o l._n 21_o for_o prelacy_n it_o be_v r._n prelacy_n i_o say_v it_o be_v p._n 80._o l._n 14._o for_o all_o civil_a read_v all_o other_o civil_a p._n 82._o l._n 22._o for_o as_o a_o most_o r._n be_v a_o most_o p._n 115._o l._n 26._o for_o there_o r._n other_o p._n 160._o l._n 11_o for_o much_o r._n as_o much_o a_o defence_n of_o the_o right_n &_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o election_n and_o maintenance_n of_o her_o pastor_n against_o the_o negative_a interest_n of_o patronage_n section_n i._o a_o account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o patronage_n i._o the_o design_n i_o have_v in_o these_o few_o page_n be_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o ground_n of_o scripture_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n the_o unwarrantablness_n and_o injustice_n of_o these_o privilege_n claim_v
of_o friend_n and_o servant_n and_o many_o time_n from_o motive_n and_o to_o end_n of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o send_v presentation_n in_o favour_n of_o such_o as_o they_o never_o see_v in_o the_o face_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o ever_o hear_v of_o either_o before_o or_o after_o that_o time_n without_o make_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o previous_a inquiry_n into_o the_o qualification_n and_o condition_n of_o either_o preacher_n or_o people_n they_o be_v as_o unfit_a and_o incapable_a to_o discern_v in_o either_o as_o they_o be_v unable_a and_o inconcerned_a to_o improve_v any_o discovery_n they_o shall_v make_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n by_o look_v out_o and_o present_v a_o pastor_n that_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o proper_a for_o they_o vbi_fw-la ille_fw-la canon_n say_v athanasius_n ut_fw-la a_fw-la palatio_fw-la mittatur_fw-la be_v qui_fw-la futurus_fw-la est_fw-la episcopus_fw-la agentes_fw-la in_o epist_n ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la solit._n agentes_fw-la neither_o need_v we_o forget_v how_o many_o that_o enter_v to_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o method_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o no_o small_a trouble_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o nation_n sect_n fourteen_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v gross_o abuse_v and_o scandalous_o offensive_a without_o any_o necessity_n or_o use_n i._o the_o next_o ground_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o against_o the_o pretend_a right_n of_o patronage_n be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v no_o divine_a institution_n but_o clear_o destructive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o natural_a freedom_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o a_o society_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o useless_a and_o unnecessary_a invention_n and_o have_v be_v the_o fountain_n and_o occasion_n of_o many_o gross_a abuse_n and_o most_o scandalous_o offensive_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god._n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerat_a and_o allow_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n or_o state._n ii_o as_o for_o its_o usefulness_n or_o necessity_n i_o can_v understand_v neither_o have_v i_o ever_o hear_v any_o thing_n pretend_v in_o its_o defence_n from_o this_o head._n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o end_n or_o use_v of_o it_o can_v be_v think_v on_o but_o what_o may_v very_o well_o and_o far_o better_a be_v attain_v by_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a method_n of_o election_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o and_o much_o better_o provide_v for_o in_o that_o method_n by_o she_o infinite_o wise_a and_o love_a king_n and_o head_n so_o there_o need_v no_o other_o right_n to_o give_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o lawful_a title_n to_o his_o maintenance_n and_o live_v but_o his_o spiritual_a capacity_n and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o function_n the_o workman_n say_v our_o lord_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n so_o that_o unless_o the_o patron_n will_v pretend_v that_o he_o can_v state_n a_o minister_n in_o a_o spiritual_a capacity_n and_o so_o assume_v a_o power_n of_o ordination_n as_o well_o as_o of_o election_n and_o true_o he_o have_v as_o good_a ground_n to_o claim_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o he_o can_v give_v he_o no_o right_n to_o his_o maintenance_n as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v and_o therefore_o such_o a_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n by_o any_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o ought_v to_o use_v all_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o people_n by_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a doer_n and_o remove_v of_o such_o corrupt_a and_o useless_a institution_n as_o put_v a_o obstruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o call_v of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o ministerial_a charge_n as_o be_v the_o most_o special_a ordinary_a mean_n both_o of_o his_o own_o and_o his_o people_n eternal_a happiness_n iii_o and_o the_o church_n have_v in_o her_o pure_a time_n enjoy_v she_o lawful_o call_v pastor_n ere_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o patronage_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o she_o have_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v she_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v wonderful_a quorsum_fw-la or_o for_o what_o end_n such_o a_o invention_n shall_v now_o be_v maintain_v in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v christian_a magistrate_n who_o virtute_fw-la officij_fw-la be_v bind_v to_o plead_v for_o and_o defend_v she_o in_o her_o right_n and_o liberty_n see_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o call_v of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o to_o their_o true_a right_n and_o maintenance_n be_v far_o better_a provide_v for_o by_o method_n of_o divine_a appointment_n the_o right_a of_o patronage_n be_v as_o little_a and_o less_o useful_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a far_a more_o prejudicial_a in_o this_o cafe_z than_o in_o the_o call_n and_o maintenance_n of_o man_n of_o other_o profession_n such_o as_o lawyer_n physician_n and_o common_a mechanic_n only_a man_n have_v still_o a_o great_a itch_n to_o be_v meddle_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n without_o a_o lawful_a call_n than_o in_o other_o thing_n that_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v subject_n and_o by_o divine_a appointment_n be_v leave_v to_o a_o humane_a regulation_n nitimur_fw-la in_o vetitum_fw-la and_o therefore_o as_o we_o have_v once_o good_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o year_n 1649._o have_v abolish_v this_o corrupt_a custom_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v to_o be_v regret_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v that_o same_o sense_n of_o justice_n since_o with_o a_o suitable_a acquiescence_n to_o their_o so_o just_a and_o rational_a determination_n especial_o consider_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o prejudice_n or_o loss_n of_o patrimony_n sustain_v it_o be_v on_o the_o church_n part_n and_o not_o on_o the_o patron_n be_v as_o the_o act_n 1649._o will_v easy_o clear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v it_o iv_o in_o this_o manner_n do_v all_o protestant_n divine_n and_o our_o own_o writer_n in_o particular_a argue_v against_o the_o superstitious_a corruption_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o romish_a and_o english_a church_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v but_o allow_v ourselves_o calm_o and_o without_o heat_n and_o prejudice_n to_o consider_v the_o matter_n it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o surpryse_v to_o see_v that_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o act_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v yet_o hazard_v her_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o scandalize_a and_o offend_v or_o the_o mar_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o their_o poor_a brethren_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n by_o force_v and_o violent_o impose_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o only_a term_n of_o communion_n under_o the_o pain_n both_o of_o church_n censure_n and_o legal_a punishment_n the_o practice_n of_o what_o themselves_o confess_v to_o be_v at_o best_a but_o indifferent_a and_o no_o way_n necessary_a either_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n or_o moral_a use_n and_o which_o their_o brethren_n upon_o solid_a and_o undeniable_a ground_n take_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n believe_v to_o be_v superstitious_a and_o sinful_a especial_o since_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o institution_n in_o which_o they_o both_o agree_v be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o do_v likewise_o abundant_o satisfy_v all_o the_o necessary_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v there_o be_v nothing_o allege_v in_o favour_n of_o these_o superstitious_a and_o unnecessary_a addition_n but_o a_o pityful_a and_o empty_a shadow_n of_o worldly_a decency_n and_o fashionablness_n so_o much_o decry_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o you_o conform_v to_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o which_o in_o no_o equity_n can_v ever_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o least_o hazard_n of_o lose_v the_o church_n unity_n or_o offend_v the_o mean_a of_o christ_n follower_n these_o practice_n must_v certain_o render_v such_o man_n just_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o heavy_a charge_n of_o schism_n and_o to_o that_o woe_n denounce_v by_o our_o bless_a lord_n against_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v instrumental_a 18.7_o see_v matth._n 18.7_o in_o bring_v division_n and_o offence_n into_o the_o church_n v._n but_o to_o leave_v this_o and_o come_v to_o the_o next_o brench_n of_o this_o consideration_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o as_o there_o be_v few_o or_o no_o institution_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a but_o what_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v and_o one_o way_n or_o another_o