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truth_n church_n error_n true_a 6,595 5 5.3882 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A45243 A review and examination of a pamphlet lately published bearing the title Protesters no subverters, and presbyterie no papacy, &c. / by some lovers of the interest of Christ in the Church of Scotland. Hutcheson, George, 1615-1674. 1659 (1659) Wing H3828; ESTC R36812 117,426 140

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the_o popish_a and_o prelatical_a synod_n they_o may_v have_v forbear_v all_o this_o obloquy_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o know_v we_o not_o only_o differ_v from_o they_o concern_v the_o subject_n invest_v with_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o in_o many_o other_o weighty_a circumstance_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n to_o be_v clear_v hereafter_o though_o yet_o all_o government_n do_v agree_v in_o some_o common_a principle_n and_o rule_n among_o which_o this_o submission_n for_o which_o we_o plead_v be_v one_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o go_v no_o further_o if_o we_o will_v but_o compare_v that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1648._o above_o repeat_v with_o this_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o prelate_n which_o they_o bring_v in_o to_o prove_v our_o opinion_n prelatical_a pag._n 111._o for_o the_o assembly_n judge_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o submission_n to_o be_v a_o sound_a maxim_n of_o government_n in_o a_o true_a church_n though_o they_o condemn_v 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a_o review_n and_o examination_n of_o a_o pamphlet_n late_o publish_v bear_v the_o title_n of_o protester_n no_o subverter_n and_o presbytery_n no_o papacy_n etc._n etc._n by_o some_o lover_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n edinburgh_n print_v anno_fw-la dom._n 1659._o a_o review_n and_o examination_n of_o a_o pamphlet_n late_o publish_v bear_v the_o title_n of_o protester_n no_o subverter_n and_o presbytery_n no_o papacy_n etc._n etc._n though_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a affliction_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n who_o love_n and_o thirst_n after_o peace_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o continual_a fire_n of_o contention_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o quench_v that_o flame_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o burn_v in_o this_o church_n meet_v with_o no_o better_a entertainment_n from_o these_o witness_n to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o protestation_n author_n of_o this_o pamphlet_n who_o be_v as_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o believe_v some_o of_o the_o prime_a contriver_n and_o promoter_n of_o these_o evil_n regret_v and_o complain_v of_o they_o do_v well_o not_o to_o trouble_v the_o rest_n many_o of_o who_o we_o believe_v will_v not_o have_v join_v in_o this_o answer_n to_o give_v any_o expression_n of_o their_o sense_n of_o the_o overture_n of_o union_n make_v to_o they_o nor_o put_v they_o to_o spend_v their_o spirit_n and_o time_n that_o way_n but_o this_o be_v their_o own_o more_o kindly_a element_n they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o put_v this_o piece_n in_o their_o hand_n print_v in_o such_o a_o volumn_n as_o it_o may_v be_v a_o vade_fw-la me●um_fw-la wherever_o they_o go_v that_o so_o honest-minded_n minister_n and_o people_n who_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o be_v weary_a of_o debate_n and_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o a_o union_n be_v it_o not_o for_o such_o who_o for_o their_o own_o end_n keep_v up_o the_o rent_n may_v in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v prevail_v not_o only_o be_v induce_v never_o to_o think_v of_o peace_n more_o upon_o the_o term_n offer_v as_o they_o express_v their_o design_n in_o the_o close_a of_o their_o postscript_n but_o may_v be_v affright_v as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v of_o we_o pag._n 15._o from_o their_o mother-church_n and_o brethren_n as_o monster_n as_o a_o company_n of_o arian_n deal_v with_o a_o athanasius_n and_o as_o tyrant_n pope_n and_o prelate_n who_o our_o father_n oppose_v and_o may_v drink-in_a these_o corrupt_a principle_n of_o church_n government_n here_o propine_v whereby_o every_o man_n be_v teach_v to_o do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n to_o call_v any_o thing_n of_o church-government_n which_o cross_v his_o humour_n but_o alterable_a and_o humane_a and_o when_o he_o please_v to_o think_v his_o judge_n do_v he_o wrong_n if_o he_o can_v thrust_v he_o out_o and_o set_v himself_o in_o his_o seat_n then_o to_o sleight_n and_o contemn_v he_o yea_o and_o to_o make_v every_o ordinary_a minister_n a_o apostle_n who_o have_v not_o their_o call_n by_o man_n and_o so_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o they_o in_o that_o matter_n as_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o pamphlet_n have_v quicken_v our_o desire_n yet_o more_o and_o more_o to_o mourn_v over_o the_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a case_n of_o this_o poor_a church_n so_o long_o afflict_v with_o these_o distemper_n and_o confusion_n without_o hope_n of_o heal_a and_o so_o grievous_o reproach_v and_o expose_v as_o a_o laughingstock_n to_o her_o enemy_n and_o a_o grief_n to_o her_o friend_n and_o to_o spread_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n who_o know_v her_o affliction_n and_o reproach_n so_o we_o desire_v these_o man_n may_v serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o account_n they_o have_v to_o make_v for_o their_o continue_v thus_o to_o disquiet_v and_o toss_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n and_o to_o ponder_v how_o true_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v give_v warn_v that_o division_n will_v breed_v error_n whereof_o they_o give_v sad_a proof_n in_o this_o piece_n as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o government_n and_o whereas_o they_o design_v themselves_o witness_n to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o protestation_n we_o wish_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o as_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o a_o untruth_n or_o wrong_a cause_n be_v a_o horrid_a sin_n so_o however_o they_o arrogate_v that_o stile_n of_o witness_n yet_o their_o conscience_n can_v tell_v they_o they_o give_v their_o testimony_n without_o any_o great_a hazard_n have_v verify_v that_o they_o be_v rather_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n than_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n however_o let_v they_o for_o we_o brook_v their_o title_n of_o witness_n and_o let_v the_o reader_n add_v such_o epithet_n thereunto_o as_o he_o think_v they_o deserve_v if_o we_o shall_v draw_v out_o a_o reply_n proportionable_a to_o their_o practice_n who_o have_v publish_v so_o many_o sheet_n in_o answer_n to_o little_o more_o than_o one_o sheet_n it_o may_v certain_o be_v say_v we_o have_v very_o little_a to_o do_v beside_o sure_o we_o be_v it_o shall_v be_v very_o little_a to_o edification_n and_o though_o we_o may_v have_v satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o some_o animadversion_n only_o upon_o their_o new_a principle_n leave_v other_o matter_n which_o either_o be_v speak_v to_o already_o in_o print_n or_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o however_o they_o busk_n they_o be_v see_v in_o their_o own_o colour_n by_o they_o who_o know_v we_o both_o and_o impartial_o observe_v we_o yet_o consider_v their_o great_a trade_n have_v be_v to_o make_v more_o use_n of_o story_n and_o reproach_n than_o argument_n and_o that_o those_o may_v be_v more_o take_v with_o the_o simple_a and_o unadvised_a than_o strong_a reason_n and_o withal_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o say_v somewhat_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o overture_n of_o union_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o render_v so_o odious_a therefore_o we_o shall_v with_o all_o the_o brevity_n we_o can_v take_v a_o view_n of_o this_o whole_a pamphlet_n hope_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v get_v prove_v to_o the_o world_n in_o print_n our_o assertion_n deserve_v no_o less_o credit_n in_o name_n of_o this_o poor_a church_n than_o they_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o defame_v she_o lest_o otherwise_o they_o incur_v the_o title_n of_o schismatic_n and_o disturber_n we_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o make-out_a before_o the_o judge_n competent_a the_o truth_n of_o our_o assertion_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v dwell_v on_o every_o thing_n they_o start_v here_o nor_o jangle_n on_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o by_o but_o only_o that_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v most_o material_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o very_a entry_n we_o shall_v leave_v sober_a man_n to_o their_o own_o thought_n of_o the_o insolent_a and_o vain_a title_n of_o that_o pamphlet_n so_o injurious_o reflect_v upon_o this_o church_n and_o the_o government_n establish_v therein_o nor_o shall_v we_o descant_v much_o upon_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o resolutioner_n and_o resolution-party_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o confer_v upon_o we_o yea_o and_o upon_o this_o nationall_n church_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o her_o judicatories_n see_v to_o omit_v the_o injustice_n of_o brand_a we_o with_o the_o name_n of_o a_o party_n if_o they_o will_v add_v the_o epithet_n of_o public_a which_o they_o deny_v we_o not_o either_o to_o our_o resolution_n they_o will_v sound_v better_o in_o any_o indifferent_a ear_n than_o any_o private_a design_n of_o man_n destructive_a to_o the_o public_a and_o tend_v to_o advance_v their_o own_o particular_a interest_n and_o we_o can_v easy_o repay_v they_o with_o designation_n as_o true_a and_o more_o unsavoury_a to_o they_o be_v it_o our_o work_n to_o be_v so_o employ_v and_o though_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v these_o resolution_n rot_a resolution_n pag._n 85._o yet_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v be_v fragrant_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v dead_a and_o rot_a and_o their_o opposition_n thereunto_o unsavoury_a we_o shall_v as_o little_a trouble_n ourselves_o with_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o representation_n see_v we_o believe_v themselves_o do_v judge_v it_o be_v more_o easy_o traduce_v than_o solid_o answer_v and_o as_o to_o what_o they_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v of_o our_o reverend_a brother_n who_o they_o call_v our_o agent_n pag._n 15_o 16._o as_o that_o representation_n contain_v nothing_o unworthy_a to_o be_v own_v by_o he_o or_o whereof_o he_o need_v or_o will_v be_v ashamed_a so_o the_o innocency_n of_o his_o agency_n to_o prevent_v the_o evil_n they_o be_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v upon_o this_o church_n and_o his_o carriage_n and_o integrity_n in_o manage_v that_o trust_n be_v so_o
we_o shall_v search_v throughout_o the_o country_n for_o a_o answer_n to_o what_o they_o allege_v of_o some_o synod_n entertain_v their_o motion_n concern_v the_o declaration_n or_o of_o matter_n of_o fact_n about_o the_o way_n of_o own_v it_o especial_o when_o their_o general_a discourse_n leave_v we_o to_o our_o conjecture_n what_o judicatory_n in_o particular_a they_o will_v reflect_v upon_o this_o we_o will_v confident_o maintain_v that_o some_o presbytery_n not_o own_v of_o the_o declaration_n judicial_o as_o yet_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o will_v not_o own_v it_o or_o suppose_v they_o do_v not_o own_v it_o judicial_o nor_o tender_v it_o to_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v more_o peaceable_a than_o elsewhere_o and_o free_a from_o any_o accession_n to_o these_o disorder_n complain_v of_o that_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o it_o that_o though_o other_o presbytery_n do_v only_o own_o the_o overture_n of_o union_n at_o first_o wave_v the_o narrative_a if_o so_o be_v they_o may_v bring_v up_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o accept_v thereof_o yet_o this_o may_v well_o prove_v their_o peaceable_a temper_n but_o not_o their_o disallow_n of_o the_o narrative_a as_o their_o after_o approbation_n thereof_o have_v make_v manifest_a and_o that_o what_o ever_o they_o say_v of_o the_o dissatisfaction_n of_o some_o of_o our_o judgement_n with_o it_o or_o some_o part_n of_o it_o which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o prove_v yet_o we_o willing_o grant_v it_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o shall_v own_v all_o the_o particular_a expression_n in_o a_o conclude_a paper_n which_o they_o can_v alter_v nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a they_o shall_v do_v so_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o our_o brethren_n but_o they_o own_o the_o matter_n and_o do_v concur_v in_o condemn_v their_o declinatour_n irregular_a practice_n proposal_n and_o what_o else_o be_v condemn_v therein_o and_o in_o approve_v the_o overture_n of_o union_n nor_o do_v we_o see_v any_o cause_n why_o they_o shall_v quarrel_v that_o brethren_n appoint_v to_o tender_a the_o declaration_n to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o do_v not_o meet_v in_o presbytery_n with_o their_o brethren_n shall_v return_v a_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o their_o diligence_n to_o they_o who_o send_v they_o see_v that_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o diverse_a case_n without_o any_o imputation_n upon_o man_n and_o for_o what_o they_o say_v some_o declare_v of_o their_o dissent_n from_o the_o government_n though_o we_o can_v speak_v nothing_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n nor_o do_v we_o know_v from_o what_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o seek_v information_n and_o we_o know_v some_o presbytery_n challenge_v by_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n have_v vindicate_v themselves_o that_o they_o never_o mean_v to_o charge_v upon_o they_o that_o intentional_o they_o do_v dissent_v from_o it_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o soon_o satisfy_v and_o silence_v all_o who_o have_v that_o opinion_n that_o their_o principle_n and_o act_n tend_v that_o way_n 2._o another_o quarrel_n they_o have_v against_o the_o title_n be_v that_o hereby_o the_o author_n of_o the_o declaration_n do_v exclude_v they_o as_o not_o be_v for_o the_o government_n for_o so_o they_o complain_v of_o the_o title_n and_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o declaration_n pag_n 11_o 12._o to_o which_o this_o answer_n in_o the_o general_n may_v suffice_v that_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n we_o be_v for_o the_o settle_a government_n and_o judicatories_n of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v also_o true_a they_o have_v dissent_v from_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o government_n not_o only_o in_o quarrel_v and_o endeavour_v to_o overturn_v the_o constitution_n of_o two_o successive_a supreme_a judicatories_n of_o this_o church_n but_o as_o we_o will_v hear_v more_o full_o afterward_o in_o project_v and_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v aside_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o exercise_v that_o government_n by_o the_o judicatories_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o yet_o continue_v with_o we_o and_o to_o act_v in_o a_o new_a and_o extrajudiciall_a way_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o will_v not_o judge_v of_o their_o intention_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o declaration_n never_o mind_v that_o designation_n as_o exclusive_a of_o they_o yet_o we_o fear_v not_o to_o assert_v that_o these_o act_n and_o proposal_n of_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o work_n which_o be_v all_o they_o can_v fasten_v upon_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o declaration_n cite_v by_o they_o contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n and_o consequent_o have_v need_v to_o be_v the_o better_o look_v to_o by_o they_o who_o will_v clear_v themselves_o of_o any_o such_o imputation_n this_o in_o the_o particular_a prosecution_n of_o it_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o first_o head_n propound_v and_o see_v they_o spend_v much_o of_o this_o pamphlet_n in_o vindicate_v themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a we_o will_v therefore_o examine_v how_o they_o acquit_v themselves_o leave_v their_o defence_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o subordination_n till_o the_o close_a of_o all_o as_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o general_a they_o clear_v themselves_o of_o this_o charge_n partly_o by_o a_o solemn_a profession_n that_o their_o fear_n of_o our_o ruine_v the_o government_n and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o their_o desire_n to_o edify_v his_o body_n make_v they_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o act_v these_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v irregular_a disorderly_a and_o destructive_a partly_o by_o appeal_n to_o their_o act_n in_o profess_v preach_v print_v for_o this_o government_n and_o no_o other_o in_o own_v themselves_o as_o member_n obey_v just_a sentence_n etc._n etc._n and_o partly_o by_o solemn_a take_v god_n to_o record_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o pag_n 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o to_o this_o general_n we_o answer_v 1._o whatever_o they_o retain_v of_o respect_n to_o that_o government_n yet_o this_o piece_n will_v abundant_o clear_v that_o they_o will_v never_o own_v it_o in_o any_o hand_n but_o their_o own_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o judicatories_n nor_o allow_v of_o a_o general_n assembly_n so_o long_o as_o the_o plurality_n be_v opposite_a to_o they_o as_o we_o will_v after_o hear_v and_o as_o their_o act_n be_v not_o only_o real_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v and_o exercise_v in_o this_o church_n which_o way_n of_o express_v our_o grievance_n we_o know_v not_o why_o they_o carp_n at_o pag._n 18._o see_v their_o acknowledge_a themselves_o member_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 13._o seem_v to_o we_o to_o import_v a_o approbation_n of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o our_o judicatories_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o exercise_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o any_o reform_a church_n no_o less_o than_o in_o this_o so_o we_o fear_v that_o those_o tentation_n they_o allege_v to_o have_v be_v cast_v in_o their_o way_n pag._n 16._o though_o we_o deny_v that_o ever_o any_o just_a provocation_n have_v be_v give_v have_v prevail_v more_o to_o hide_v the_o tendendencie_n of_o their_o way_n from_o some_o of_o they_o than_o they_o be_v aware_a be_v but_o too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v impatient_a of_o any_o contradiction_n 2._o as_o to_o what_o they_o allege_v of_o their_o fear_n of_o we_o this_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a place_n to_o discuss_v the_o other_o particular_n concern_v our_o ruine_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o whatever_o they_o allege_v of_o this_o yet_o no_o desire_n of_o they_o to_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n nor_o any_o wrong_n suppose_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o can_v warrant_v they_o to_o do_v a_o real_a wrong_n to_o the_o government_n and_o so_o sin_n against_o god_n who_o need_v not_o their_o sinful_a course_n either_o to_o promove_v any_o of_o his_o holy_a end_n or_o to_o prevent_v hurt_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o but_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o government_n which_o be_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n and_o their_o fear_n of_o we_o as_o we_o be_v confident_a they_o will_v get_v no_o compurgator_n in_o this_o cause_n among_o unbiased_n man_n friend_n to_o this_o government_n so_o we_o hope_v impartial_a observer_n will_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v know_v they_o the_o better_a in_o other_o thing_n who_o dare_v assert_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o overturn_v judicatory_n act_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a contrary_n to_o the_o establish_a order_n and_o out_o of_o the_o roadway_n as_o themselves_o afterward_o confess_v do_v drive_v design_n to_o have_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o government_n turn_v out_o of_o the_o right_a channel_n in_o the_o most_o material_a thing_n entrust_v to_o the_o judicatories_n by_o christ_n and_o
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 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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
vile_a idolater_n withal_o if_o even_o when_o a_o church_n be_v not_o god_n wife_n but_o idolatrous_a yet_o her_o child_n be_v bind_v by_o that_o command_n to_o plead_v with_o she_o as_o a_o mother_n before_o she_o get_v a_o actual_a bill_n of_o divorce_n then_o certain_o a_o true_a church_n keep_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v her_o nakedness_n discover_v to_o the_o world_n by_o divulge_v the_o faultinesse_n of_o some_o of_o her_o member_n or_o teacher_n without_o deal_v with_o herself_o to_o take_v course_n therewith_o and_o it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o observation_n pag._n 17._o that_o mr._n burrough_n be_v of_o another_o spirit_n who_o advise_v that_o we_o shall_v plead_v with_o a_o church_n orderly_o in_o so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v and_o by_o her_o judicatories_n and_o minister_n which_o be_v her_o mouth_n and_o peaceable_o sit_v down_o when_o we_o have_v discharge_v our_o conscience_n but_o they_o have_v observe_v no_o such_o rule_n nor_o moderation_n three_o but_o to_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o charge_n they_o make_v a_o long_a deduction_n of_o a_o story_n that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o ministry_n have_v be_v corrupt_a under_o prelate_n that_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v acknowledge_v this_o remain_a corruption_n and_o therefore_o judge_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o able_a or_o willing_a to_o purge_v themselves_o they_o find_v it_o necessary_a for_o several_a year_n to_o appoint_v commission_n to_o try_v and_o censure_v minister_n and_o elder_n as_o be_v according_o do_v that_o these_o visitation_n again_o appoint_v in_o the_o year_n 1650._o be_v not_o keep_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o war_n and_o that_o since_o that_o time_n few_o or_o none_o have_v be_v purged-out_a by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n but_o many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v former_o purged-out_a be_v taken-in_a without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n answ_n as_o we_o be_v very_o unwilling_o 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as_o they_o assert_v in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o make_v complaint_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o ministry_n who_o do_v only_o in_o a_o external_a way_n renounce_v prelacy_n the_o case_n must_v needs_o now_o be_v alter_v when_o as_o be_v say_v these_o man_n be_v general_o go_v 3._o because_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o do_v appoint_v visitation_n for_o trial_n and_o censure_n which_o do_v not_o meet_v must_v we_o therefore_o conclude_v the_o body_n of_o the_o ministry_n corrupt_v sure_o their_o commission_n be_v to_o try_v before_o they_o censure_v and_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o be_v suppose_v they_o may_v have_v try_v and_o yet_o find_v nothing_o like_o the_o clamour_n these_o man_n raise_v and_o will_v not_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n have_v approven_v they_o if_o they_o have_v use_v diligence_n unless_o also_o they_o have_v cast_v out_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o minister_n as_o this_o charge_n must_v bear_v it_o where_o they_o visit_v this_o seem_v to_o we_o strange_a 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he_o not_o of_o their_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o will_v count_v it_o good_a service_n to_o christ_n to_o stone_n some_o of_o the_o most_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n not_o of_o their_o judgement_n who_o praise_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v throughout_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o say_v some_o have_v make_v such_o proficiency_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o have_v prevail_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o body_n of_o the_o ministry_n they_o have_v if_o they_o will_v consider_v it_o a_o heavy_a account_n to_o make_v for_o their_o misguide_n of_o people_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o for_o mis-employing_a their_o zeal_n and_o affection_n which_o shall_v be_v take_v up_o main_o about_o their_o own_o condition_n upon_o these_o controversy_n and_o debate_n and_o by_o teach_v they_o to_o reject_v their_o teacher_n who_o be_v neither_o erroneous_a insufficient_a nor_o scandalous_a have_v learn_v they_o we_o fear_v to_o run_v too_o wild_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o even_o to_o weary_a of_o those_o who_o they_o account_v good_a man_n upon_o a_o apprehension_n that_o comparative_o they_o be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o other_o whereas_o diversity_n of_o gift_n have_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o man_n ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v contemn_v because_o they_o can_v equal_v other_o though_o real_o it_o be_v so_o since_o christ_n appoint_v his_o weak_a disciple_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o own_o ministry_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v appoint_v ordinary_a minister_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o their_o own_o day_n and_o as_o to_o what_o they_o say_v of_o malignant_n we_o be_v often_o in_o this_o piece_n cry_v out_o upon_o as_o huggers_n of_o the_o malignant_n countenance_n of_o and_o countenance_v by_o they_o and_o yet_o the_o world_n see_v that_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n be_v the_o great_a courtier_n with_o diverse_a of_o they_o even_o of_o these_o who_o receive_v by_o the_o 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bless_v god_n that_o any_o do_v own_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o respect_v this_o poor_a church_n when_o they_o be_v so_o busy_a to_o ruin_v it_o we_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o anabaptist_n quaker_n antiscripturist_n and_o the_o like_a sectary_n a_o whit_n the_o better_a that_o they_o can_v object_v that_o profane_a man_n do_v countenance_n their_o opposer_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v oppugn_v by_o they_o and_o take_v the_o case_n as_o they_o state_n it_o let_v themselves_o be_v as_o good_a and_o holy_a and_o other_o as_o bad_a as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o the_o more_o cause_n to_o mourn_v that_o they_o shall_v let_v such_o man_n outstrip_v they_o in_o a_o good_a turn_n and_o be_v founder_n in_o their_o principle_n and_o way_n than_o they_o be_v we_o suppose_v it_o be_v no_o small_a aggravation_n of_o david_n fault_n in_o number_v the_o people_n that_o he_o be_v so_o violent_a in_o the_o matter_n when_o even_o a_o bloody_a joab_n be_v opposite_a thereunto_o and_o do_v not_o only_o witness_v against_o it_o but_o it_o be_v abominable_a unto_o he_o 1_o chron._n 21.3_o 4_o 6._o we_o do_v also_o acknowledge_v that_o government_n and_o discipline_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o defence_n and_o comfort_n of_o godly_a man_n follow_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v it_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o defence_n and_o comfort_n even_o of_o godly_a man_n in_o every_o course_n they_o take_v in_o hand_n save_v in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v appoint_v as_o god_n own_o medicine_n to_o cure_v they_o when_o in_o a_o distemper_n and_o his_o rod_n to_o reclaim_v they_o when_o they_o be_v wander_v and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v wrong_v be_v it_o employ_v against_o
their_o evil_a course_n though_o we_o know_v nothing_o do_v but_o the_o naked_a testimony_n of_o judicatories_n against_o they_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o repine_v iv_o as_o to_o their_o vindication_n of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o set_v up_o extrajudiciall_a committee_n of_o equal_a number_n for_o manage_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o church_n to_o which_o they_o speak_v pag._n 31._o 39_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v a_o notable_a piece_n of_o nimbleness_n in_o their_o manage_n of_o this_o defence_n for_o they_o bring-in_a this_o challenge_n mention_v in_o the_o declaration_n only_o as_o it_o be_v complain_v of_o that_o the_o not_o grant_v of_o that_o overture_n of_o extrajudiciall_a committee_n of_o equal_a number_n of_o both_o judgement_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o respective_a party_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o breaking-up_a the_o conference_n for_o union_n without_o mention_v that_o other_o part_n of_o the_o complaint_n that_o they_o endeavour_v and_o with_o much_o eagerness_n 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therefore_o may_v cure_v it_o whenever_o they_o please_v to_o weary_a of_o these_o course_n so_o for_o the_o suppose_a corruption_n thereof_o we_o have_v already_o consider_v how_o they_o have_v make_v it_o out_o only_o we_o bless_v god_n they_o will_v find_v no_o unsound_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n nor_o scandal_n in_o conversation_n approven_v in_o this_o church_n nor_o yet_o that_o this_o church_n be_v upon_o the_o decline_a hand_n since_o our_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o plant_n of_o able_a and_o honest_a minister_n and_o we_o do_v again_o assert_v that_o whatever_o corruption_n there_o be_v in_o member_n of_o this_o church_n yet_o this_o remedy_n once_o admit_v of_o turn_v the_o government_n out_o of_o the_o channel_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v of_o god_n will_v be_v far_o worse_o than_o the_o disease_n and_o a_o preparative_n of_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n whenever_o any_o party_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o yea_o if_o upon_o the_o supposal_n of_o our_o corruption_n they_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o extrajudicial_a committee_n may_v not_o other_o gather_v much_o more_o from_o such_o premise_n be_v it_o even_o a_o separation_n from_o we_o or_o a_o prelacy_n as_o their_o committee_n be_v in_o effect_n in_o some_o honest_a hand_n to_o control_v we_o in_o our_o act_n they_o again_o inculcate_v pag._n 33._o that_o general_a assembly_n conceive_v extraordinary_a visitation_n needful_a when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o now_o and_o when_o not_o a_o few_o in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v say_v it_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o imputation_n upon_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n answ_n but_o to_o repeat_v nothing_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o present_a case_n of_o this_o church_n any_o body_n with_o half_a a_o eye_n may_v see_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o general_n assembly_n the_o supreme_a nationall_n church-judicatory_a their_o appoint_v their_o own_o delegate_n choose_v without_o respect_n to_o faction_n by_o plurality_n of_o suffrage_n for_o go_v about_o a_o work_n and_o this_o extrajudicial_a committee_n choose_v by_o party_n to_o do_v the_o affair_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n must_v it_o not_o be_v strange_a argue_v that_o because_o general_a assembly_n appoint_v visitation_n to_o try_v and_o censure_v therefore_o they_o shall_v conclude_v guilt_n be_v find_v on_o the_o plurality_n of_o minister_n whereas_o themselves_o have_v find_v it_o otherwise_o where_o they_o have_v power_n and_o make_v trial_n of_o man_n and_o where_o they_o make_v as_o great_a a_o clamour_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n of_o our_o judgement_n as_o now_o they_o raise_v of_o they_o in_o other_o place_n and_o therefore_o also_o either_o must_v they_o who_o be_v a_o divide_v party_n have_v matter_n try_v in_o a_o extrajudiciall_a way_n without_o order_n otherwise_o they_o will_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o overturn_v the_o church_n they_o retort_v pag._n 37_o 38._o that_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o power_n the_o general_n assembly_n have_v so_o to_o do_v yet_o the_o assembly_n ground_n and_o reason_n move_v they_o to_o appoint_v these_o visitation_n do_v yet_o remain_v viz._n that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o so_o healthy_a as_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n of_o themselves_o which_o be_v much_o more_o true_a now_o when_o malignant_a man_n be_v get_v above_o hatch_n and_o sundry_a of_o they_o set_v to_o the_o helm_n answ_n but_o 1._o be_v it_o not_o great_a presumption_n to_o parallel_v visitation_n appoint_v by_o assembly_n and_o choose_v by_o themselves_o according_a to_o order_n and_o these_o committee_n choose_v by_o party_n do_v synod_n choose_v such_o visitation_n according_a to_o order_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o occasion_n within_o their_o own_o bound_n who_o will_v condemn_v it_o but_o for_o party_n to_o impose_v a_o nomination_n on_o a_o synod_n be_v another_o matter_n
up_o former_o five_o diocese_n of_o our_o prelate_n further_n if_o he_o but_o give_v his_o simple_a opinion_n upon_o demand_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o a_o projecter_n and_o procurer_n of_o it_o what_o need_v any_o opposition_n to_o make_v he_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o not_o prosecute_v it_o any_o further_a and_o how_o will_v he_o or_o they_o either_o convince_v know_v man_n that_o it_o flow_v from_o his_o condescendence_n that_o that_o order_n be_v lay_v aside_o when_o it_o be_v the_o deed_n of_o these_o in_o power_n here_o who_o perceive_v the_o inexpediency_n thereof_o and_o the_o prejudice_n redound_v to_o many_o minister_n thereby_o procure_v the_o annul_v thereof_o this_o also_o we_o may_v say_v further_o it_o be_v no_o soon_o lay_v aside_o but_o they_o be_v upon_o new_a project_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v assert_v in_o the_o declaration_n 3._o they_o say_v that_o we_o have_v do_v worse_a ourselves_o for_o bring_v the_o ministry_n into_o bondage_n by_o clandestine_v capitulation_n about_o intrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n answ_n we_o wish_v they_o have_v speak_v out_o what_o they_o think_v needless_a to_o mention_v and_o if_o they_o have_v speak_v truth_n it_o will_v have_v appear_v how_o false_o they_o have_v charge_v we_o with_o any_o such_o clandestine_v capitulation_n and_o how_o much_o more_o false_o they_o have_v charge_v we_o with_o bring_v the_o ministry_n under_o bondage_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o our_o part_n we_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o mr._n rutherfurd_n who_o in_o his_o late_a preface_n to_o his_o survey_n charge_v this_o on_o a_o meeting_n of_o correspondent_o from_o synod_n have_v give_v in_o print_n as_o much_o under_o his_o hand_n as_o that_o engagement_n he_o speak_v of_o amount_n to_o so_o that_o if_o the_o rest_n be_v of_o his_o mind_n they_o quarrel_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o credit_n to_o do_v it_o alone_o vi_o in_o answer_n to_o 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their_o thumb_n upon_o they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o they_o here_o and_o then_o cry_v how_o weak_o be_v it_o argue_v to_o conclude_v their_o attempt_v the_o ruin_n of_o this_o church_n &c_n &c_n because_o they_o desire_v a_o commission_n of_o plantation_n have_v power_n of_o dispose_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n as_o if_o because_o one_o of_o they_o and_o possible_o the_o weak_a of_o the_o three_o do_v not_o conclude_v it_o therefore_o all_o the_o three_o together_o will_v not_o and_o as_o if_o to_o endeavour_v the_o impose_v upon_o ecclesiasticall-judicatories_a in_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n by_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v but_o a_o peccadillo_n not_o worth_a the_o noticing_z by_o man_n who_o be_v write_v apologetick_n of_o their_o respect_n to_o the_o government_n and_o answer_v calumny_n as_o they_o call_v they_o cast_v upon_o they_o in_o that_o matter_n and_o when_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o particular_a and_o weighty_a charge_n lay_v at_o their_o door_n we_o believe_v it_o be_v no_o incivility_n to_o desiderate_a ingenuity_n and_o candour_n here_o and_o to_o suspect_v that_o this_o tergiversation_n speak_v no_o excess_n of_o honesty_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o they_o know_v that_o if_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o way_n in_o prosecute_a these_o proposal_n and_o other_o project_n at_o london_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o world_n it_o will_v give_v such_o a_o character_n of_o their_o respect_n to_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o will_v be_v little_a please_a to_o they_o but_o what_o do_v they_o say_v even_o as_o to_o that_o proposal_n 1._o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o find_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o put_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o peculiar_a court_n and_o then_o of_o the_o council_n they_o do_v supplicate_v to_o have_v all_o that_o way_n alter_v and_o that_o minister_n may_v have_v full_a access_n to_o their_o stipend_n without_o bond_n or_o engagement_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o church_n who_o may_v also_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n anent_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o have_v never_o hear_v more_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o supplication_n which_o we_o hearty_o wish_v be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o here_o and_o therefore_o fides_fw-la penes_fw-la authores_fw-la and_o if_o they_o have_v do_v good_a service_n in_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o take_v a_o good_a testimony_n to_o themselves_o with_o a_o reflection_n upon_o their_o neighbour_n unbiased_a man_n do_v perceive_v their_o proposal_n do_v witness_n and_o one_o day_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o we_o can_v get_v decline_v will_v declare_v but_o why_o do_v they_o huddle-up_a so_o dark_o the_o matter_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n to_o be_v give_v to_o that_o commission_n under_o these_o general_n that_o th●y_o may_v do_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n anent_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o term_n they_o give_v we_o of_o their_o supplication_n or_o why_o do_v they_o make_v only_o a_o supposition_n of_o their_o desire_v it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o terminis_fw-la in_o their_o proposal_n we_o shall_v wish_v they_o more_o candour_n than_o thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o and_o the_o world_n in_o print_n speak_v so_o to_o the_o thing_n upon_o supposition_n as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o they_o have_v do_v it_o or_o not_o and_o if_o their_o supplication_n be_v so_o general_a there_o have_v be_v more_o injury_n than_o one_o in_o it_o to_o desire_v that_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o reference_n to_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o that_o one_o commission_n for_o such_o a_o power_n take_v in_o its_o latitude_n may_v not_o only_o include_v the_o late_a order_n to_o which_o we_o speak_v last_o in_o a_o new_a dress_n and_o all_o the_o power_n which_o the_o prelate_n have_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o high_a commission_n but_o all_o the_o power_n which_o civil_a court_n or_o any_o magistrate_n do_v exercise_n in_o ecclesiasticis_fw-la 2._o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o endeavour_v to_o translate_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n from_o one_o subject_n to_o another_o the_o council_n be_v otherways_o necessary_o divert_v that_o they_o can_v convenient_o attend_v it_o answ_n but_o upon_o supposal_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n not_o to_o alter_v the_o former_a way_n of_o dispose_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n which_o they_o have_v not_o only_o account_v inconvenient_a but_o even_o now_o pag._n 62._o have_v tax_v it_o as_o a_o bondage_n upon_o the_o ministry_n by_o our_o capitulation_n it_o have_v be_v more_o honesty_n for_o they_o not_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o in_o what_o they_o allow_v than_o thus_o to_o meddle_v to_o involve_v more_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o draw_v minister_n into_o such_o bondage_n the_o council_n be_v behold_v to_o they_o for_o care_v for_o their_o ease_n though_o few_o minister_n be_v weary_v with_o long_a attendance_n in_o that_o matter_n but_o we_o know_v these_o witness_n better_o than_o to_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v so_o officious_a as_o to_o go_v to_o london_n and_o prosecute_v this_o proposal_n so_o vigorous_o only_a for_o the_o council_n ease_v if_o they_o have_v not_o their_o own_o interest_n wrap_v in_o it_o 3._o they_o say_v that_o suppose_v their_o design_n in_o that_o proposal_n have_v be_v to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n as_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o in_o the_o declaration_n yet_o not_o only_o that_o but_o
the_o pronounce_v they_o null_a will_v not_o bring_v utter_a ruin_n to_o the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o plead_v for_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o see_v any_o inconsistencie_n betwixt_o that_o commission_n exercise_v their_o power_n and_o the_o stand_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n answ_n we_o must_v tell_v they_o again_o that_o have_v they_o taken-in_a all_o the_o proposal_n here_o the_o consequence_n have_v not_o be_v so_o dark_a and_o yet_o even_o that_o of_o their_o pronounce_v the_o late_a assembly_n null_n have_v give_v a_o sore_a stroke_n to_o the_o church_n than_o they_o will_v know_v well_o how_o to_o answer_v for_o as_o we_o have_v say_v and_o elsewhere_o clear_v and_o keep_v man_n who_o plead_v for_o these_o assembly_n under_o the_o imputation_n of_o a_o defection_n and_o tyrannical_a usurpation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o gen._n assembly_n in_o this_o church_n and_o this_o they_o will_v have_v still_o keep_v on_o foot_n be_v it_o but_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o this_o till_o they_o be_v at_o leisure_n or_o have_v power_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o and_o though_o we_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o commission_n or_o any_o other_o civil_a court_n may_v exercise_v their_o lawful_a power_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n or_o from_o the_o stand_n thereof_o yet_o any_o who_o please_v may_v see_v that_o their_o desire_n concern_v the_o rule_n and_o way_n of_o that_o commission_n exercise_v of_o their_o power_n do_v conclude_v they_o controvert_v assembly_n 4._o in_o answer_n to_o that_o charge_n that_o the_o design_n be_v to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o from_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v opposite_a to_o themselves_o they_o be_v please_v to_o recriminate_a upon_o the_o act_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n to_o which_o we_o have_v answer_v already_o and_o may_v meet_v with_o it_o again_o hereafter_o for_o they_o be_v afraid_a we_o forget_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v so_o oft_o tell_v of_o it_o to_o make_v the_o volumn_n the_o big_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o can_v but_o tell_v they_o that_o have_v the_o church_n make_v use_v of_o those_o act_n as_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o the_o comparison_n be_v odious_a betwixt_o a_o church_n take_v course_n with_o those_o who_o renounce_v her_o authority_n and_o be_v opposite_a to_o her_o just_a determination_n and_o a_o party_n endeavour_v to_o crush_v their_o mother-church_n and_o such_o as_o adhere_v to_o truth_n in_o she_o that_o they_o may_v promote_v themselves_o they_o tell_v we_o again_o that_o though_o they_o can_v say_v they_o be_v so_o selfdenied_n as_o not_o to_o have_v wish_v it_o so_o which_o we_o as_o easy_o believe_v as_o we_o be_v sure_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v wish_v it_o so_o yet_o they_o never_o expect_v nor_o propose_v that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o commission_n as_o may_v whole_o consist_v of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n answ_n neither_o do_v any_o charge_n that_o upon_o they_o for_o sure_o the_o maintenance_n may_v have_v be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n although_o that_o commission_n do_v not_o whole_o consist_v of_o such_o it_o may_v have_v suffice_v for_o secure_v that_o if_o they_o have_v keep_v but_o such_o a_o proportion_n as_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n keep_v in_o that_o order_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o section_n and_o though_o they_o put_v we_o off_o with_o this_o handsome_a shift_n yet_o we_o be_v sure_o they_o do_v not_o labour_v so_o hard_o in_o it_o to_o play_v a_o uncertain_a game_n to_o themselves_o by_o admit_v a_o equality_n of_o party_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o in_o that_o commission_n but_o they_o say_v further_o that_o though_o the_o commission_n have_v consist_v most_o or_o whole_o of_o such_o there_o will_v have_v be_v room_n and_o encouragement_n for_o man_n of_o our_o judgement_n both_o to_o continue_v and_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n answ_n why_o they_o mention_v our_o continuance_n in_o the_o ministry_n here_o not_o to_o insist_v how_o much_o it_o will_v encroach_v upon_o the_o just_a power_n of_o congregation_n and_o presbytery_n if_o our_o room_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n do_v depend_v upon_o such_o a_o commission_n we_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o project_n also_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o maintenance_n of_o settle_a minister_n and_o to_o have_v the_o stipend_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n admit_v since_o the_o year_n 1650._o sequestrate_n till_o they_o shall_v come_v before_o such_o a_o commission_n and_o though_o we_o do_v think_v than_o there_o be_v sober-minded_n man_n of_o their_o judgement_n let_v alone_o by_o such_o as_o these_o witness_n and_o teach_v to_o meddle_v more_o with_o what_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o not_o to_o embark_v themselves_o in_o controversy_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o receive_v all_o kindness_n from_o they_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o make_v it_o their_o trade_n to_o stir-up_a all_o who_o will_v give_v they_o any_o credit_n to_o traduce_v even_o the_o best_a of_o those_o who_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o we_o will_v be_v spare_v of_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o their_o assertion_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o ambiguity_n intend_v here_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o encouragement_n which_o honest_a minister_n will_v never_o want_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o though_o maintenance_n be_v withhold_v from_o they_o have_v consider_v what_o they_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n of_o their_o own_o vindication_n except_o what_o they_o say_v here_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o subordination_n which_o we_o leave_v to_o come_v in_o with_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v on_o that_o subject_n we_o shall_v brief_o consider_v how_o they_o remove_v two_o other_o prejudices_fw-la before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o overture_n of_o union_n i._o whereas_o it_o be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o begin_v a_o needless_a rent_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o question_n so_o extrinsic_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o toss_n of_o a_o debate_n now_o so_o far_o remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n mean_v the_o debate_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n to_o this_o they_o give_v several_a answer_n pag._n 67_o 68_o 69_o 70_o 71._o and_o first_o they_o tell_v we_o we_o begin_v the_o rent_n in_o that_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n without_o give_v timous_a warning_n to_o other_o do_v in_o the_o year_n 1651._o sudden_o take_v these_o resolution_n when_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o scotland_n be_v in_o possession_n of_o and_o by_o covenant_n and_o vow_n engage_v to_o the_o truth_n to_o which_o these_o resolution_n be_v contrary_a and_o destructive_a answ_n as_o to_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n in_o take_v these_o resolution_n as_o they_o need_v not_o go_v into_o corner_n with_o that_o question_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o though_o all_o of_o their_o judgement_n have_v be_v present_a they_o will_v not_o have_v make_v any_o considerable_a part_n of_o that_o commission_n for_o stop_v their_o procedure_n to_o any_o such_o conclusion_n so_o they_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v that_o there_o be_v no_o surreptitious_a deal_n in_o that_o matter_n but_o that_o before_o that_o question_n come_v to_o be_v debate_v that_o party_n have_v desert_v their_o trust_n in_o the_o commission_n in_o that_o time_n of_o strait_a and_o will_v not_o come_v to_o it_o but_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n itself_o though_o their_o have_a truth_n on_o their_o side_n will_v not_o justify_v they_o from_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o rent_n if_o it_o be_v not_o relevant_a or_o tanti_fw-la as_o to_o bear_v all_o the_o sad_a consequent_n of_o a_o schism_n yet_o we_o be_v content_v the_o rent_n be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n who_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o the_o error_n in_o this_o debate_n and_o we_o must_v again_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o fair_a deal_n to_o stuff_n so_o many_o page_n on_o all_o occasion_n with_o loud_a outcry_n against_o these_o resolution_n without_o so_o much_o as_o one_o argument_n to_o make_v good_a their_o assertion_n or_o any_o endeavour_n to_o answer_v what_o be_v write_v against_o they_o in_o this_o mater_fw-la let_v they_o make_v it_o good_a that_o there_o be_v a_o error_n in_o these_o resolution_n that_o they_o be_v condemn_v either_o in_o our_o covenant_n or_o in_o the_o solemn_a engagement_n concern_v which_o it_o have_v already_o be_v tell_v they_o that_o that_o paper_n be_v so_o contrive_v of_o purpose_n as_o it_o may_v not_o precondemn_v these_o resolution_n if_o
we_o love_v to_o jest_v in_o our_o speak_n of_o what_o some_o presbytery_n require_v of_o man_n of_o whatsoever_o judgement_n inquire_v if_o they_o lay_v bond_n on_o man_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o debate_v for_o the_o protestation_n and_o who_o give_v they_o power_n to_o lay_v bond_n on_o man_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n see_v the_o assembly_n act_n speak_v only_o of_o man_n of_o the_o other_o judgement_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v only_o answer_v with_o silence_n see_v the_o matter_n be_v plain_a enough_o to_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v please_v to_o come_v to_o it_o at_o last_o and_o presbytery_n may_v do_v all_o that_o have_v there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o assembly_n in_o these_o matter_n confess_v that_o indeed_o this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o sport_n and_o if_o we_o be_v very_o merry_a we_o have_v not_o so_o much_o cause_n as_o some_o of_o our_o neighbour_n if_o we_o reckon_v by_o outward_a advantage_n 3._o they_o break_v high_a upon_o we_o that_o some_o presbytery_n shall_v impose_v silence_n upon_o man_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o yet_o we_o give_v they_o so_o ill_a example_n in_o our_o representation_n and_o declaration_n pag._n 79._o and_o what_o do_v all_o this_o amount_v to_o but_o that_o we_o will_v be_v peaceable_a but_o they_o will_v not_o let_v we_o but_o either_o we_o must_v let_v they_o run_v all_o down_o or_o say_v somewhat_o for_o our_o own_o defence_n and_o yet_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o these_o paper_n be_v to_o draw_v they_o and_o with_o they_o ourselves_o to_o lay_v by_o the_o debate_n 4._o as_o to_o what_o they_o deny_v of_o their_o activity_n for_o strengthen_v their_o party_n and_o do_v insinuate_v of_o a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o expectant_n of_o our_o judgement_n the_o particular_n be_v so_o notoure_n through_o the_o church_n both_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o what_o many_o of_o these_o expectant_n of_o our_o judgement_n be_v we_o shall_v rest_v confident_a that_o such_o assertion_n as_o these_o will_v gain_v they_o but_o little_a credit_n where_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n be_v know_v 6._o they_o take_v it_o ill_a that_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o assembly_n proceed_v to_o censure_v any_o of_o their_o number_n which_o yet_o they_o can_v condemn_v till_o they_o make_v good_a their_o charge_n against_o these_o resolution_n and_o assembly_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v lay_v any_o weight_n upon_o their_o non-submission_n see_v we_o be_v not_o to_o thank_v that_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v they_o have_v suffer_v so_o many_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n and_o with_o our_o connivance_n but_o it_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o innocency_n and_o the_o iniquity_n and_o nullity_n of_o these_o sentence_n pag._n 80_o 81._o answ_n but_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o many_o other_o do_v not_o judge_v of_o these_o sentence_n as_o they_o do_v nor_o it_o may_v be_v will_v they_o so_o look_v upon_o they_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o think_v serious_o of_o make_v a_o account_n for_o their_o carriage_n both_o before_o and_o since_o these_o censure_n so_o it_o be_v true_a notwithstanding_o all_o they_o say_v that_o they_o have_v not_o submit_v and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o their_o not_o submit_v and_o not_o harken_v to_o term_n of_o peace_n have_v breed_v themselves_o and_o we_o both_o some_o trouble_n or_o that_o many_o in_o the_o land_n do_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o turbulent_a and_o implacable_a man_n yet_o all_o they_o can_v true_o complain_v of_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o a_o synod_n do_v not_o to_o refuse_v to_o admit_v but_o take_v time_n to_o deliberate_v if_o they_o shall_v admit_v one_o of_o they_o for_o a_o correspondent_a see_v it_o will_v import_v their_o condemn_v of_o a_o sentence_n inflict_v by_o a_o lawful_a judicatory_a though_o his_o spirit_n can_v neither_o submit_v to_o such_o delay_n nor_o suffer_v he_o to_o go_v away_o without_o such_o a_o carriage_n towards_o a_o judicatory_a of_o christ_n as_o we_o believe_v himself_o may_v find_v cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o that_o judicatories_n of_o which_o some_o of_o they_o former_o be_v member_n can_v not_o own_v they_o as_o minister_n who_o have_v be_v depose_v by_o a_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n but_o do_v intimate_v their_o sentence_n when_o they_o find_v they_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o term_n of_o union_n and_o that_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n who_o can_v not_o own_v they_o for_o their_o minister_n when_o they_o can_v not_o be_v rid_v of_o they_o do_v seek_v to_o themselves_o a_o lawful_a pastor_n to_o who_o they_o may_v submit_v and_o for_o what_o have_v be_v between_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n and_o they_o we_o believe_v their_o pursue_v of_o their_o people_n criminal_o though_o they_o be_v assoil_v in_o law_n and_o it_o be_v find_v they_o have_v pursue_v they_o unjust_o will_v speak_v who_o expose_v other_o to_o suffer_v most_o however_o all_o these_o inconvenience_n may_v easy_o be_v help_v by_o a_o union_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o humour_n to_o force_v themselves_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o 7._o albeit_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o these_o sentence_n we_o be_v content_a they_o shall_v be_v taken-off_a in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v not_o bind_v upon_o they_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o two_o late_a assembly_n or_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o justice_n of_o these_o censure_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o please_v they_o see_v the_o censure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v declare_v void_a and_o null_a which_o as_o themselves_o interpret_v the_o meaning_n pag._n 81_o and_o 82._o import_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v declare_v not_o only_o unjust_a sentence_n upon_o the_o matter_n but_o no_o real_a sentence_n as_o proceed_v from_o those_o who_o have_v no_o authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o equal_a mean_a of_o union_n without_o impose_v upon_o our_o judgement_n to_o condemn_v that_o authority_n let_v indifferent_a man_n judge_v 8._o albeit_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o act_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v render_v of_o none_o effect_v as_o to_o censure_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v allege_v against_o they_o as_o the_o definitive_a judgement_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o any_o effect_n and_o albeit_o it_o be_v offer_v as_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o two_o late_a assembly_n that_o though_o we_o for_o a_o salvo_fw-la of_o our_o judgement_n assert_v that_o no_o unwarrantable_a prelimitation_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o these_o assembly_n no_o unwarrantable_a prelimitation_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o future_a election_n but_o that_o these_o matter_n shall_v be_v carried-on_a as_o in_o former_a assembly_n proceed_v our_o difference_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o satisfy_v they_o pag_n 82_o 83_o 84_o 85._o they_o count_v it_o insufficient_a that_o there_o be_v a_o cessation_n from_o execute_v act_n relate_v to_o censure_n till_o they_o be_v make_v void_a and_o null_a by_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n answ_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v no_o judicatory_n far_o less_o private_a minister_n who_o have_v power_n to_o repeal_v their_o act_n but_o themselves_o they_o count_v it_o a_o mock-remedy_n that_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n be_v remit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n answ_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o only_a competent_a judge_n in_o that_o matter_n but_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v a_o mock-remedy_n because_o by_o the_o act_n they_o be_v seclude_v from_o be_v member_n answ_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v express_o provide_v in_o the_o overture_n for_o union_n at_o our_o conference_n that_o none_o of_o the_o particular_n of_o our_o late_a difference_n shall_v be_v allege_v on_o either_o part_n against_o the_o sit_v of_o person_n as_o commissioner_n in_o ensue_a general_n assembly_n they_o allege_v further_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mock-remedy_n because_o we_o will_v be_v the_o plurality_n in_o a_o assembly_n answ_n and_o we_o desire_v a_o remedy_n for_o this_o unless_o they_o will_v have_v we_o renounce_v our_o judgement_n or_o cast_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o corrupt_v and_o gather_v a_o new_a one_o out_o of_o the_o rubbish_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v offer_v and_o assure_v in_o the_o conference_n that_o upon_o a_o union_n we_o shall_v in_o our_o judicial_a act_n abstract_a from_o these_o bygone_a difference_n they_o think_v it_o strange_a we_o shall_v judge_v it_o a_o quit_n of_o our_o judgement_n to_o condescend_v that_o the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v not_o be_v lookedon_a as_o the_o public_a definitive_a judgement_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o see_v we_o agree_v to_o repeal_v act_n
economical_a mr._n gee_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n pag._n 36_o 37._o urge_v that_o indeed_o lawful_a power_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v it_o lawful_o but_o yet_o assert_v it_o as_o yield_v by_o all_o that_o this_o be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o lawful_a power_n but_o a_o power_n that_o be_v unlawful_a only_o as_o to_o exercise_v may_v be_v for_o its_o habit_n and_o be_v include_v in_o the_o text_n rom._n 13._o and_o its_o irregular_a act_n only_o discard_v from_o it_o 4._o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n submission_n or_o passive_a obedience_n be_v require_v and_o commend_v in_o some_o case_n and_o that_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o suffering_n of_o guilty_a person_n matth._n 5.10_o 11._o 1_o pet._n 4.15_o 16._o and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v call_v to_o suffer_v without_o resist_v as_o have_v be_v the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o saint_n and_o assert_v by_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v write_v upon_o subjection_n as_o contradistinct_a to_o obedience_n 5._o that_o as_o schism_n be_v a_o evil_n disapproven_v and_o never_o warrant_v of_o god_n so_o a_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n who_o not_o only_o make_v a_o rent_n and_o cause_v disorder_n upon_o a_o cause_n destitute_a of_o truth_n but_o also_o upon_o a_o cause_n not_o weighty_a and_o relevant_a though_o true_a in_o itself_o this_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o all_o who_o be_v anything_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n or_o latter_a divine_n upon_o the_o nature_n and_o evil_n of_o schism_n that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v on_o the_o probation_n of_o it_o whoso_o please_v to_o peruse_v mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o explication_n of_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o worcester-shire_n pag._n 119._o will_v find_v much_o to_o this_o purpose_n in_o few_o word_n and_o among_o other_o these_o passage_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v conscionable_o observe_v man_n will_v take_v church-division_n for_o a_o great_a sin_n than_o adultery_n or_o theft_n mutiny_n and_o division_n do_v more_o infallible_o destroy_v a_o army_n than_o almost_o any_o other_o fault_n or_o weakness_n and_o therefore_o all_o general_n punish_v mutineer_n with_o death_n as_o well_o as_o flat_a traitor_n and_o a_o little_a after_o common_o they_o that_o divide_v for_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o any_o inferior_a truth_n or_o practice_n do_v but_o destroy_v that_o truth_n and_o piety_n that_o be_v there_o before_o we_o may_v upon_o these_o ground_n multiply_v argument_n as_o they_o have_v take_v pleasure_n it_o seem_v that_o way_n to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o many_o which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o very_a few_o but_o we_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o with_o these_o 1._o if_o there_o be_v a_o submission_n and_o passive_a obedience_n due_a by_o christian_n in_o any_o case_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o judicatory_a and_o commend_v of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v presuppose_v and_o can_v without_o contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v deny_v then_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v due_a to_o unjust_a sentence_n for_o unto_o just_a sentence_n require_v a_o duty_n under_o pain_n of_o censure_n active_a obedience_n and_o not_o passive_a be_v due_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o sentence_n inflict_v censure_n it_o be_v true_a submission_n to_o such_o just_a sentence_n be_v due_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o passive_a obedience_n require_v and_o so_o much_o commend_v in_o saint_n in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o that_o suffering_n which_o be_v contra-distinct_a to_o suffer_v as_o evil_a doer_n or_o for_o just_a cause_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o 1_o pet._n 2.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o 4.14_o 15_o 16_o 19_o so_o that_o unless_o they_o will_v banish_v a_o command_n to_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o clean_o suffer_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n they_o can_v avoid_v this_o 2._o as_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o authority_n and_o submission_n be_v correlative_a pag._n 45._o and_o that_o in_o just_a sentence_n beside_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o matter_n there_o be_v a_o formal_a obligation_n by_o its_o come_n from_o such_o a_o authority_n pag._n 46._o so_o in_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n albeit_o judge_n have_v no_o authority_n nor_o warrant_n from_o god_n to_o do_v that_o act_n and_o it_o be_v null_a before_o he_o nor_o do_v it_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v the_o stand_a authority_n of_o a_o church_n somewhat_o be_v due_a to_o they_o relative_a to_o that_o authority_n and_o that_o be_v submission_n if_o they_o can_v make_v they_o simpliciter_fw-la no_o judges_n because_o they_o err_v in_o a_o particular_a fact_n they_o will_v say_v somewhat_o but_o see_v they_o be_v still_o lawful_a judge_n even_o when_o they_o pronounce_v that_o sentence_n though_o they_o fail_v in_o it_o it_o must_v be_v hold_v as_o of_o general_a verity_n that_o while_o person_n continue_v invest_v with_o lawful_a authority_n obedience_n or_o if_o obedience_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v give_v submission_n be_v due_a to_o their_o act_n by_o private_a person_n for_o if_o submission_n and_o passive_a obedience_n or_o clean_o suffer_v be_v due_a in_o any_o case_n and_o that_o not_o to_o just_o but_o to_o unjust_a sentence_n and_o if_o the_o submission_n be_v due_a not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o warrant_v give_v by_o god_n to_o pronounce_v that_o sentence_n for_o there_o be_v none_o then_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o submission_n due_a to_o the_o stand_a authority_n of_o a_o judge_n or_o court_n as_o they_o continue_v still_o god_n ordinance_n though_o they_o err_v in_o that_o particular_a this_o consequence_n be_v not_o only_o own_v and_o urge_v by_o mr._n durham_n on_o the_o revelation_n pag._n 100_o that_o submit_v unto_o church-power_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o concern_v duty_n and_o that_o without_o this_o submission_n there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n nor_o exercise_n of_o power_n but_o their_o own_o very_a concession_n former_o mention_v pag._n 45_o 46._o do_v put_v it_o beyond_o all_o controversy_n for_o if_o authority_n and_o submission_n be_v correlative_a and_o the_o one_o can_v subsist_v without_o the_o other_o more_o than_o one_o relative_a can_v actual_o subsist_v without_o its_o correlative_a then_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o slander_n to_o say_v that_o submission_n be_v essential_a to_o presbyterial_a government_n see_v logician_n have_v teach_v we_o and_o they_o grant_v it_o that_o take_v away_o a_o relative_a and_o the_o correlative_a cease_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o also_o either_o must_v the_o authority_n of_o judicatories_n when_o they_o pronounce_v some_o unjust_a sentence_n be_v total_o annul_v or_o submission_n must_v be_v pay_v as_o due_a to_o that_o authority_n as_o have_v be_v say_v this_o may_v 3._o be_v further_o confirm_v à_fw-la pari_fw-la magistrate_n be_v bound_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v not_o by_o their_o commission_n judge_v unjust_o nor_o pronounce_v a_o unjust_a sentence_n more_o than_o church-judicatories_a and_o yet_o albeit_o magistrate_n do_v decree_v a_o unrighteous_a sentence_n they_o may_v not_o be_v resist_v but_o must_v be_v submit_v unto_o by_o private_a person_n unless_o they_o will_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n though_o come_v short_a of_o the_o rule_n in_o that_o particular_a act_n now_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o stand_a authority_n of_o magistrate_n err_v in_o a_o particular_a fact_n and_o grant_v it_o must_v be_v unless_o man_n will_v blow_v the_o trumpet_n of_o rebellion_n to_o every_o private_a person_n and_o condemn_v saint_n in_o former_a age_n in_o their_o suffering_n under_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n even_o of_o wicked_a magistrate_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v either_o to_o the_o stand_a authority_n of_o church-judicatories_a see_v the_o case_n be_v alike_o as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o both_o to_o do_v evil_a and_o subjection_n be_v due_a only_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o here_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o passage_n of_o mr._n burrough_n in_o his_o lecture_n on_o hosea_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 10._o pag._n 111._o cite_v by_o mr._n gee_o treatise_n of_o the_o magist_n pag._n 257_o 258._o where_o have_v deny_v that_o submission_n active_a or_o passive_a be_v due_a to_o the_o command_v of_o man_n till_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o law_n and_o they_o be_v a_o power_n he_o subjoin_v when_o thing_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o law_n understand_v a_o lawful_a authority_n establish_v according_a to_o the_o agreement_n and_o covenant_n of_o the_o place_n where_o we_o live_v as_o the_o follow_a word_n be_v and_o then_o suppose_v this_o authority_n
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