party_n which_o can_v be_v root_v out_o but_o will_v be_v always_o considerable_a either_o as_o friend_n or_o enemy_n especial_o when_o those_o term_n do_v comprise_v some_o part_n of_o their_o victory_n that_o shall_v accept_v they_o let_v the_o episcopal_a clergy_n observe_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n that_o they_o may_v right_o comprehend_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o own_o hope_n the_o english_a be_v a_o generous_a nation_n and_o as_o they_o delight_v in_o the_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o king_n so_o also_o in_o the_o splendid_a condition_n of_o subordinate_a governor_n that_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n conformable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o opulency_n of_o the_o nation_n according_o they_o seem_v to_o take_v pleasure_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n be_v uphold_v by_o a_o fair_a revenue_n and_o competent_a dignity_n yet_o with_o moderation_n for_o if_o the_o clergy_n do_v rise_v to_o princely_a or_o lordly_a wealth_n and_o power_n they_o may_v become_v the_o envy_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n let_v they_o remember_v they_o stand_v by_o grace_n not_o by_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o by_o their_o prince_n his_o favour_n the_o nation_n in_o general_n may_v be_v take_v with_o a_o grave_n and_o masculine_a decency_n in_o all_o sacred_a thing_n suitable_a to_o their_o spiritual_a majesty_n but_o i_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o in_o this_o noontide_a of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v fall_v in_o love_n with_o excessive_a gaudiness_n pompous_a show_n and_o various_a affect_a gesture_n in_o sacred_a administration_n and_o not_o rather_o esteem_v they_o vanity_n too_o much_o detract_n from_o the_o dignity_n and_o purity_n of_o gospel-worship_n in_o this_o noontide_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o bishop_n can_v magnify_v their_o office_n but_o by_o other_o course_n than_o what_o be_v take_v in_o former_a and_o dark_a time_n mere_a formality_n will_v no_o long_o dazzle_v our_o eye_n we_o shall_v think_v they_o have_v work_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n then_o to_o look_v only_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a form_n and_o rite_n ann_n ceremony_n they_o must_v make_v a_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a practice_n in_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o keep_v a_o true_a watch_n over_o the_o flock_n and_o in_o correct_v the_o real_a scandal_n that_o break_v forth_o in_o man_n conversation_n and_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o these_o path_n the_o prelatist_n and_o presbyterian_o will_v not_o be_v far_o asunder_o perhaps_o the_o friend_n of_o prelacy_n may_v imagine_v that_o in_o this_o coalition_n presbytery_n may_v at_o length_n undermine_v episcopacy_n but_o reason_n show_v that_o episcopacy_n will_v stand_v more_o firm_a in_o conjunction_n with_o presbytery_n then_o by_o itself_o alone_o in_o the_o body_n natural_a there_o be_v some_o predominant_a humour_n as_o sanguine_a choleric_a melancholy_a or_o phlegmatic_a yet_o none_o of_o these_o do_v subsist_v alone_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o due_a temperament_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o body_n ecclesiastical_a may_v be_v of_o several_a complexion_n or_o constitution_n as_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterial_a according_a to_o the_o predominant_a quality_n now_o if_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n will_v become_v more_o firm_a and_o stable_a by_o the_o superintendency_n of_o one_o grave_a precedent_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o all_o presbytery_n there_o appear_v some_o episcopacy_n either_o formal_a or_o virtual_a so_o a_o episcopal_a church_n may_v be_v judge_v more_o firm_a and_o stable_a by_o a_o bishop_n superintendency_n in_o consociation_n with_o assistant_n presbyter_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o encroachment_n of_o presbytery_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v that_o episcopacy_n if_o it_o contain_v itself_o within_o moderate_a bound_n will_v be_v always_o in_o this_o national_a church_n the_o predominant_a quality_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n let_v i_o offer_v these_o few_o essay_n concern_v the_o path_n of_o peace_n section_n xlv_o the_o glorify_v and_o please_v of_o the_o high_a potentate_n and_o universal_a monarch_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o immortal_a precious_a soul_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o bless_a end_n of_o government_n let_v his_o majesty_n reign_n be_v happy_a and_o glorious_a in_o attain_v these_o end_n a_o christian_a king_n esteem_v it_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n to_o hold_v and_o manage_v it_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v a_o protector_n of_o the_o true_a church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n for_o who_o redemption_n christ_n die_v and_o for_o who_o gather_v and_o perfect_v the_o world_n be_v continue_v it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o this_o true_a church_n to_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o spiritual_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n to_o the_o world_n to_o study_v holiness_n in_o sincerity_n to_o strive_v to_o advance_v it_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o to_o have_v influence_n upon_o other_o unto_o sound_a knowledge_n faith_n humility_n godliness_n justice_n temperance_n charity_n the_o true_a church_n lie_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o two_o extreme_n formalist_n and_o fanatic_n they_o be_v of_o circumspect_a and_o regular_a walk_n no_o way_n forward_o in_o attempt_v or_o desire_v alteration_n in_o a_o civil_a state_n a_o prince_n do_v hold_v they_o in_o obedience_n under_o a_o double_a bond_n for_o they_o know_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n indeed_o we_o will_v not_o conceal_v that_o in_o lawful_a way_n they_o assert_v that_o liberty_n which_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o know_a law_n and_o fundamental_a constitution_n the_o maintain_v whereof_o be_v the_o princ_n as_o much_o as_o the_o people_n safety_n section_n xlvi_o that_o be_v the_o happy_a polity_n that_o be_v found_v in_o true_a religion_n and_o most_o full_o suit_v to_o man_n everlasting_a concernment_n it_o great_o behove_v governor_n to_o mark_v and_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o bring_v religion_n into_o contempt_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n the_o many_o various_a sect_n and_o absurd_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n and_o pretend_a revelation_n of_o these_o latter_a time_n have_v much_o lessen_v the_o reverence_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n this_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o much_o observe_v and_o decry_v by_o the_o present_a time_n there_o be_v another_o evil_n no_o less_o injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o estimation_n of_o christian_a piety_n to_o wit_n ceremonial_a strictness_n with_o real_a profaneness_n or_o at_o the_o most_o but_o lukewarmness_n in_o the_o real_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o papacy_n by_o occasion_n whereof_o atheist_n have_v so_o abound_v in_o italy_n machiavelli_n observe_v in_o his_o time_n that_o christianity_n be_v no_o where_o less_o honour_v then_o in_o rome_n which_o be_v the_o pretend_a head_n thereof_o let_v this_o evil_n be_v see_v prevent_v and_o remedy_v that_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o a_o society_n not_o carnal_a but_o true_o spiritual_a according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n section_n xlvii_o it_o be_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o his_o majesty_n as_o general_a bishop_n of_o the_o land_n for_o so_o he_o be_v in_o a_o political_a sense_n to_o visit_v his_o people_n of_o all_o rank_n by_o his_o prudent_a inspection_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o chief_a care_n and_o search_v to_o know_v whether_o every_o pastor_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o do_v constant_o on_o every_o sabbath_n teach_v they_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n what_o pluralist_n do_v seize_v upon_o several_a congregation_n thrust_v or_o bar_v out_o laborious_a minister_n and_o leave_v the_o sheep_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o who_o be_v a_o mere_a mercenary_a and_o care_v not_o for_o they_o whether_o preach_v in_o cathedral_n church_n be_v more_o frequent_a since_o the_o revive_n of_o dean_n and_o chapter_n then_o before_o when_o those_o place_n be_v supply_v by_o one_o or_o two_o stipendiary_a minister_n whether_o the_o precinct_n of_o cathedral_n be_v the_o pure_a part_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o pure_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o in_o reason_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o his_o majesty_n superintendency_n there_o be_v
the_o interest_n of_o england_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n unfold_v in_o the_o solution_n of_o three_o qvestion_n the_o second_o impression_n write_a by_o john_n corbet_n london_n print_v for_o george_n thomason_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n 1661._o the_o preface_n the_o endeavour_n of_o pacification_n between_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n may_v be_v well_o take_v from_o one_o who_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n to_o be_v a_o ambassador_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n likewise_o it_o may_v well_o become_v any_o sincere_a protestant_n loyal_a subject_n and_o true_a lover_n of_o dear_a england_n to_o study_v and_o bring_v forth_o whatsoever_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o reconcile_v those_o party_n in_o who_o both_o the_o king_n and_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o protestant_a cause_n be_v so_o high_o concern_v i_o be_o therefore_o encourage_v upon_o this_o confidence_n that_o the_o offer_n of_o a_o willing_a mind_n in_o this_o service_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o good_a man_n the_o peace_n here_o propound_v be_v the_o friend_n and_o sister_n of_o truth_n it_o offer_v not_o to_o enthral_v or_o burden_v conscience_n of_o either_o persuasion_n by_o allow_v some_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n it_o take_v away_o the_o difference_n of_o party_n and_o permit_v the_o point_n of_o difference_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o speculation_n but_o not_o of_o practice_n as_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n some_o of_o the_o episcopal_a way_n hold_v that_o a_o bishop_n differ_v from_o a_o presbyter_n in_o regard_n of_o order_n that_o he_o be_v ordain_v ad_fw-la speciale_a ministerium_fw-la other_o of_o the_o same_o way_n do_v hold_v that_o they_o differ_v not_o in_o order_n but_o degree_n the_o presbyterian_o believe_v they_o be_v the_o same_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n yet_o that_o a_o difference_n in_o degree_n may_v be_v admit_v and_o so_o they_o accept_v of_o a_o president-bishop_n nevertheless_o all_o the_o episcopal_a divine_n do_v judge_v it_o ordinary_o necessary_a that_o a_o presbyter_n be_v ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n in_o conjunction_n with_o presbyter_n and_o none_o of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v do_v judge_v it_o unlawful_a that_o act_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n be_v administer_v by_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o like_a conjunction_n and_o consequent_o the_o person_n of_o these_o several_a persuasion_n need_v not_o divide_v but_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v one_o in_o practice_n by_o the_o regular_a consociation_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n the_o peace_n here_o pursue_v be_v earnest_o expect_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o late_a great_a revolution_n christian_n charity_n common_a honesty_n yea_o necessity_n plead_v for_o this_o peace_n they_o who_o now_o contemn_v it_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o may_v come_v to_o know_v the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o other_o let_v they_o who_o have_v get_v the_o advantage_n rejoice_v with_o tremble_a for_o who_o know_v what_o he_o be_v do_v and_o where_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o work_n who_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o who_o way_n be_v past_o find_v out_o the_o most_o subtle_a politician_n who_o write_n be_v not_o hold_v to_o savour_n much_o of_o religion_n have_v this_o religious_a observation_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o course_n of_o humane_a affair_n we_o shall_v many_o time_n see_v thing_n come_v to_o pass_v and_o chance_n happen_v for_o the_o prevent_n of_o which_o the_o heaven_n altogether_o will_v not_o that_o any_o order_n shall_v be_v take_v mach._n and_o for_o example_n he_o allege_v the_o great_a miscarriage_n of_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n in_o the_o war_n with_o the_o french_a insomuch_o that_o they_o do_v nothing_o like_o to_o themselves_o nor_o worthy_a of_o the_o roman_a discipline_n either_o for_o equity_n or_o industry_n or_o courage_n or_o foresight_n even_o until_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o brink_n of_o utter_a ruin_n certain_o if_o the_o voice_n of_o peace_n can_v be_v hear_v in_o this_o remarkable_a time_n when_o it_o call_v and_o cry_v unto_o we_o by_o so_o manifold_a press_a engagement_n it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v not_o give_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v nor_o a_o heart_n to_o consider_v i_o be_o far_o from_o presume_v upon_o the_o force_n of_o my_o own_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v the_o subject_n itself_o that_o be_v my_o confidence_n and_o my_o heart_n be_v in_o it_o let_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n inspire_v and_o prosper_v the_o king_n in_o his_o gracious_a inclination_n to_o the_o work_n of_o peace_n that_o all_o who_o fear_n god_n name_n may_v see_v that_o in_o he_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v rise_v upon_o they_o with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n let_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n prevail_v with_o a_o protestant_a english_a parliament_n let_v all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n by_o special_a office_n cease_v from_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o let_v they_o seek_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n be_v it_o far_o from_o any_o of_o they_o to_o smite_v their_o fellow-servant_n while_o they_o be_v do_v their_o master_n work_n if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n any_o comfort_n of_o love_n any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n let_v all_o good_a christian_n in_o their_o several_a place_n promote_v the_o peace_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o family_n by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a condescension_n and_o forbearance_n last_o let_v the_o candid_a reader_n accept_v this_o labour_n of_o love_n and_o not_o undervalue_v the_o weight_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o defect_n of_o these_o discourse_n j._n c._n i._o q._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n shall_v in_o justice_n or_o reason_n of_o state_n be_v reject_v and_o depress_v or_o protect_v and_o encourage_v ii_o q._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n may_v be_v protect_v and_o encourage_v and_o the_o episcopal_a not_o deserted_n nor_o disoblige_v iii_o q._n whether_o the_o uphold_v of_o both_o party_n by_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a accommodation_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o more_o desirable_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o england_n than_o the_o absolute_a exalt_v of_o the_o one_o party_n and_o the_o total_a subversion_n of_o the_o other_o the_o interest_n of_o england_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n unfold_v in_o the_o solution_n of_o three_o question_n section_n i._n the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n legal_o unite_v in_o one_o king_n but_o by_o violence_n subject_v to_o one_o usurp_v power_n of_o different_a form_n successive_o be_v for_o divers_a late_a year_n reel_v to_o and_o fro_o like_o a_o drunken_a man_n and_o drive_v hither_o and_o thither_o like_o a_o ship_n in_o a_o trouble_a sea_n the_o ancient_a fundamental_a constitution_n be_v overturn_v those_o who_o take_v to_o themselves_o the_o government_n have_v get_v a_o plenary_a possession_n of_o all_o the_o strength_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n detect_v all_o conspiracy_n quash_v all_o insurrection_n and_o by_o policy_n industry_n and_o wonderful_a success_n become_v formidable_a at_o home_n and_o abroad_o the_o people_n sore_o bruise_v by_o a_o tedious_a civil_a war_n be_v glad_a of_o some_o present_a ease_n and_o general_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o lie_v down_o in_o rest_n and_o peace_n likewise_o the_o more_o considerate_a part_n of_o man_n though_o little_o satisfy_v in_o the_o present_a state_n yet_o fear_v other_o extreme_n be_v nothing_o forward_o to_o endeavour_v a_o total_a change_n but_o think_v it_o most_o adviseable_a to_o take_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o bring_v they_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o some_o reasonable_a temper_n and_o consistence_n notwithstanding_o these_o advantage_n the_o power_n then_o in_o be_v can_v never_o settle_v in_o a_o fix_a stable_n posture_n and_o those_o who_o take_v the_o first_o turn_v namely_o that_o fragment_n of_o the_o commons_o house_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n advance_v or_o get_v ground_n in_o any_o degree_n towards_o it_o for_o beside_o the_o general_a hatred_n of_o their_o usurpation_n and_o selfish_a practice_n their_o republican_n form_n and_o their_o design_n touch_v religion_n be_v whole_o alien_n from_o the_o disposition_n of_o these_o nation_n he_o who_o put_v they_o down_o from_o their_o seat_n and_o exalt_v himself_o in_o their_o room_n reduce_v the_o government_n to_o a_o single_a person_n and_o a_o parliament_n set_v up_o a_o image_n of_o the_o ancient_a form_n unto_o which_o the_o great_a number_n be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o bow_v down_o not_o out_o of_o good_a will_n to_o the_o person_n but_o for_o the_o form_n sake_n
and_o pull_v down_o but_o not_o to_o build_v up_o they_o do_v not_o hang_v in_o the_o air_n burr_n build_v upon_o a_o firm_a ground_n they_o have_v settle_v principle_n consistent_a with_o the_o rule_n of_o stable_a policy_n contrariwise_o fanatic_n true_o and_o not_o abusive_o so_o call_v do_v build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o be_v fit_a instrument_n to_o disturb_v and_o destroy_v and_o root_v out_o but_o never_o to_o compose_v and_o plant_v and_o settle_v for_o which_o cause_n their_o kingdom_n can_v never_o hold_v long_o in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o ground_n presbytery_n not_o sectarian_a anarchy_n have_v be_v assault_v with_o great_a violence_n by_o the_o more_o observe_v prelatist_n against_o this_o they_o have_v raise_v their_o main_a battery_n this_o appear_v formidable_a for_o it_o be_v stable_n and_o uniform_a and_o like_a to_o hold_v if_o once_o settle_v in_o good_a earnest_n this_o party_n do_v not_o run_v so_o fast_o but_o they_o know_v where_o to_o stop_v they_o be_v a_o number_n of_o man_n so_o fix_v and_o constant_a as_o none_o more_o and_o a_o prince_n or_o state_n shall_v know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o they_o do_v not_o strain_v so_o high_a but_o they_o consider_v withal_o what_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n will_v bear_v and_o be_v willing_a to_o bring_v thing_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o political_a government_n they_o can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o commotion_n and_o alteration_n for_o order_n and_o regular_a unity_n be_v their_o way_n and_o therefore_o stability_n of_o government_n and_o public_a tranquillity_n be_v their_o interest_n it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o object_n that_o the_o late_a wild_a posture_n extravagancy_n and_o incongruity_n in_o government_n be_v the_o work_n of_o presbytery_n or_o presbyterian_o the_o nation_n have_v never_o proof_n of_o presbytery_n for_o it_o be_v never_o settle_v but_o rather_o decry_v and_o expose_v to_o prejudice_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o sway_n and_o that_o in_o the_o more_o early_a time_n of_o the_o late_a war_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n be_v clear_v by_o a_o passage_n of_o our_o late_a sovereign_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n that_o now_o be_v all_o the_o lesser_a faction_n be_v at_o first_o officious_a servant_n to_o presbytery_n their_o great_a master_n till_o time_n and_o military_a success_n discover_v to_o each_o their_o particular_a advantage_n invite_v they_o to_o part_v stake_n and_o leave_v the_o joint_a stock_n of_o uniform_a religion_n pretend_v each_o to_o drive_v for_o their_o party_n the_o trade_n of_o profit_n and_o preferment_n to_o the_o break_n and_o undo_v not_o only_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o of_o presbytery_n itself_o thus_o the_o joint_a stock_n of_o uniform_a religion_n be_v leave_v and_o presbytery_n neglect_v before_o the_o first_o war_n be_v end_v yea_o and_o those_o that_o stedsast_o adhere_v to_o it_o be_v malign_v and_o revile_v by_o the_o exorbitant_a party_n for_o oppose_v their_o new_a model_n or_o agreement_n of_o the_o people_n section_n xvii_o neither_o can_v sect_n or_o schism_n with_o any_o truth_n or_o justice_n be_v reckon_v the_o offspring_n of_o presbytery_n consider_v the_o french_a dutch_a helvetian_a church_n how_o entire_a they_o keep_v themselves_o in_o orthodox_n unity_n from_o the_o gangreen_n of_o sect_n and_o schism_n a_o wide_a breach_n be_v once_o make_v in_o the_o netherlands_o by_o arminius_n and_o his_o follower_n but_o after_o some_o year_n conflict_n it_o be_v heal_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v inferior_a to_o none_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o church-communion_n and_o their_o form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o method_n of_o discipline_n be_v very_o effectual_a to_o prevent_v the_o broach_n of_o error_n king_n james_n in_o discourse_n with_o a_o english_a bishop_n be_v report_v to_o have_v render_v this_o account_n why_o so_o few_o heresy_n and_o error_n of_o doctrine_n be_v unite_v and_o prosecute_v to_o the_o public_a disturbance_n of_o that_o church_n every_o parish_n have_v their_o pastor_n ever_o present_a with_o they_o and_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o he_o with_o his_o elder_n and_o deacon_n have_v a_o weekly_a meeting_n for_o censure_n of_o manner_n by_o which_o he_o perfect_o know_v his_o flock_n and_o every_o abberation_n of_o they_o in_o doctrine_n &_o practice_n and_o lest_o any_o heresy_n may_v seize_v upon_o the_o pastor_n they_o have_v their_o presbyter_n which_o meet_v together_o once_o also_o every_o week_n in_o the_o next_o chief_a town_n or_o city_n and_o there_o they_o have_v their_o exercise_n of_o prophesy_v after_o which_o the_o moderator_n ask_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o pastor_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n then_o deliver_v or_o of_o any_o other_o doubtful_a point_n then_o propound_v and_o if_o the_o presbytery_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n the_o question_n be_v under_o a_o enjoin_v silence_n put_v over_o 〈◊〉_d the_o next_o synod_n which_o be_v hold_v twice_o a_o 〈…〉_z which_o the_o pastor_n of_o that_o quarter_n or_o province_n do_v due_o resort_v accompany_v with_o their_o elder_n and_o any_o question_n of_o doubt_n be_v either_o decide_v by_o that_o assembly_n or_o with_o charge_n of_o silence_n reserve_v to_o a_o national_a synod_n which_o they_o hold_v every_o year_n once_o whither_o come_v not_o the_o pastor_n only_o but_o the_o king_n himself_o or_o his_o commissioner_n and_o some_o of_o all_o order_n and_o degree_n sufficient_o authorize_v for_o determine_v of_o any_o controversy_n that_o shall_v arise_v among_o they_o can_v the_o bishop_n in_o former_a time_n procure_v a_o great_a unity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whence_o therefore_o shall_v this_o charge_n arise_v peradventure_o some_o presbyterian_o have_v turn_v sectary_n sure_o it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o weak_a argue_v to_o say_v that_o prelacy_n be_v the_o way_n to_o popery_n because_o some_o prelatist_n have_v turn_v papist_n the_o truth_n be_v sectarianism_n grow_v up_o in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o state_n policy_n and_o it_o be_v not_o well_o discern_v till_o it_o become_v almost_o triumphant_a by_o military_a success_n but_o after_o that_o its_o growth_n and_o strength_n do_v manifest_o appear_v presbytery_n begin_v to_o struggle_v with_o it_o and_o so_o continue_v until_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o army_n it_o be_v enforce_v to_o sit_v down_o but_o never_o to_o comply_v whereupon_o the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o sectary_n be_v employ_v against_o none_o more_o than_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v of_o such_o bitter_a invective_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o prelatist_n not_o that_o i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o other_o but_o that_o the_o protestant_a friend_n of_o prelacy_n might_n more_o incline_v to_o their_o protestant_a presbyterian_a brethren_n sure_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o two_o utmost_a extreme_n be_v for_o the_o two_o middle_a party_n to_o draw_v up_o and_o close_v together_o but_o however_o the_o world_n go_v the_o presbyterian_o shall_v ever_o keep_v as_o good_a a_o distance_n from_o the_o sectary_n or_o fanatic_n as_o the_o prelatist_n shall_v from_o papist_n and_o very_o there_o be_v no_o great_a bar_n against_o fanaticism_n then_o the_o right_a presbyterian_a principle_n as_o not_o to_o sever_v but_o join_v the_o write_a word_n and_o spirit_n for_o direction_n the_o spirit_n and_o use_v of_o ordinance_n for_o edification_n to_o erect_v a_o state_v church-order_n and_o discipline_n to_o allow_v to_o the_o church_n a_o directive_n and_o to_o every_o christian_a a_o discretive_a judgement_n to_o insist_v only_o upon_o divine_a scripture_n warrant_n and_o to_o wave_v humane_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o such_o be_v the_o temperament_n of_o these_o maxim_n that_o they_o commend_v and_o require_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o illumination_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o affection_n lively_a motion_n and_o stir_n against_o formality_n and_o blind_a devotion_n and_o so_o do_v satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o conceive_v that_o in_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v spiritual_a light_n and_o life_n and_o power_n and_o also_o they_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o constant_a public_a ordinance_n and_o private_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o direction_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o do_v serve_v to_o settle_v the_o mind_n against_o dilusive_a impulse_n and_o wild_a fancy_n and_o rapture_n section_n xviii_o but_o of_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o scandal_n take_v against_o this_o way_n there_o be_v none_o great_a than_o this_o that_o it_o be_v represent_v as_o tyrannical_a and_o domineer_a and_o that_o those_o who_o live_v under_o it_o must_v like_o issachar_n crouch_v under_o the_o burden_n in_o
will_v make_v a_o accord_n between_o the_o augustine_n confession_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o also_o of_o a_o certain_a romish_a ecclesiastic_a who_o will_v make_v the_o like_a accord_n between_o the_o say_a council_n and_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o vain_a for_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o violent_a wrest_n of_o those_o decree_n and_o article_n to_o a_o force_a sense_n against_o the_o propriety_n of_o language_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o the_o apparent_a judgement_n of_o both_o party_n and_o so_o it_o can_v never_o heal_v the_o breach_n for_o if_o both_o party_n be_v draw_v to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o form_n of_o confession_n but_o with_o meaning_n so_o far_o distant_a from_o each_o other_o as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o roman_a church_n they_o will_v not_o real_o advance_v one_o step_n the_o near_a to_o peace_n and_o concord_n section_n viii_o such_o design_n as_o these_o sometime_o proceed_v from_o lukewarmness_n or_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o a_o undervalue_v of_o main_a truth_n together_o with_o a_o contempt_n of_o godly_a zeal_n as_o a_o thing_n superfluous_a and_o impertinent_a and_o sometime_o they_o proceed_v from_o vastness_n of_o mind_n whereby_o some_o through_o too_o great_a a_o sense_n of_o their_o vast_a ability_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o dictatorship_n in_o religion_n to_o approve_v or_o condemn_v admit_v or_o reject_v according_a to_o their_o own_o estimation_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o dangerous_a kind_n of_o ambition_n and_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n speak_v be_v to_o take_v up_o the_o office_n of_o a_o umpire_n between_o god_n and_o man_n but_o many_o time_n such_o a_o design_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n with_o much_o craftiness_n for_o the_o undo_n of_o one_o of_o the_o party_n as_o it_o have_v be_v undertake_v by_o some_o romish_a spirit_n for_o the_o undermine_a of_o the_o protestant_a church_n a_o divine_a of_o chief_a rank_n observe_v the_o art_n and_o stratagem_n of_o some_o popish_a preacher_n even_o of_o those_o order_n that_o have_v be_v hold_v most_o implacable_a whereby_o far_o otherwise_o than_o the_o accustom_a manner_n they_o extenuate_v the_o controversy_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o too_o much_o rigour_n have_v be_v use_v in_o some_o point_n and_o in_o other_o too_o little_a sincerity_n yea_o some_o jesuit_n go_v about_o make_v fair_a promise_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n abate_v no_o point_n of_o the_o chief_a foundation_n of_o papal_a authority_n which_o stand_v firm_a they_o know_v that_o the_o other_o concession_n grant_v for_o a_o time_n may_v easy_o be_v draw_v back_o and_o the_o opposite_a rigour_n impose_v on_o those_o that_o have_v be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n by_o a_o pretend_a yield_v to_o some_o reformation_n philip_n melancthon_n as_o the_o same_o author_n observe_v be_v a_o most_o pious_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o zealous_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n at_o first_o whilst_o he_o conceive_v that_o some_o reformation_n may_v be_v hope_v for_o from_o a_o general_n council_n be_v free_a and_o forward_o in_o some_o point_n of_o yield_v to_o the_o papist_n but_o when_o he_o find_v that_o such_o a_o benefit_n be_v neither_o hopeful_a nor_o possible_a he_o testify_v by_o his_o write_n how_o far_o distant_a he_o be_v from_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o conciliator_n section_n ix_o but_o the_o pacification_n here_o propound_v be_v not_o by_o aggregate_a thing_n inconsistent_a nor_o by_o devise_v mongrel_n way_n and_o opinion_n make_v up_o out_o of_o both_o extreme_n which_o can_v satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o neither_o party_n but_o by_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n such_o extreme_n on_o both_o side_n as_o both_o may_v well_o spare_v and_o part_v with_o be_v such_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v no_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n nor_o yet_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o mutable_a according_a to_o time_n and_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v of_o that_o importance_n as_o to_o break_v unity_n among_o brethren_n that_o agree_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n this_o desire_a union_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o apostle_n commandment_n and_o the_o pursue_v thereof_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o urge_n of_o st._n paul_n doctrine_n throughout_o the_o whole_a fourteen_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n that_o none_o judge_v or_o despise_v another_o about_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o ceremonious_a observance_n wherein_o as_o several_a man_n will_v abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n so_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o every_o one_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v his_o particular_a practice_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n his_o majesty_n wisdom_n have_v right_o comprehend_v this_o matter_n in_o his_o declaration_n touch_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n wherein_o he_o say_v we_o be_v the_o rather_o induce_v to_o take_v this_o upon_o we_o that_o be_v to_o give_v some_o determination_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n by_o find_v upon_o a_o full_a conference_n that_o we_o have_v have_v with_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o several_a persuasion_n that_o the_o mischief_n under_o which_o both_o church_n and_o state_n do_v at_o present_a suffer_v do_v not_o result_v from_o any_o form_a doctrine_n or_o conclusion_n which_o either_o party_n maintain_v or_o avow_v but_o from_o the_o passion_n and_o appetite_n and_o interest_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o contract_v great_a prejudice_n to_o each_o other_o by_o those_o affection_n than_o will_v natural_o arise_v from_o their_o opinion_n in_o old_a time_n there_o be_v a_o partition_n wall_n of_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o ordinance_n raise_v up_o between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v wherein_o god_n will_v make_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o in_o christ_n he_o be_v please_v to_o take_v down_o that_o partition_n wall_n which_o himself_o have_v rear_v up_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n there_o have_v be_v a_o partition_n wall_n of_o man_n building_n namely_o controvert_v mutable_a rite_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v keep_v asunder_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o nation_n and_o of_o the_o same_o reform_a protestant_a profession_n both_o reason_n and_o charity_n plead_v for_o the_o remove_n of_o these_o offence_n that_o brethren_n may_v dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n and_o to_o transgress_v this_o rule_n of_o charity_n be_v not_o only_o to_o lay_v a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_n but_o also_o to_o lay_v snare_n for_o their_o conscience_n section_n x._o nor_o will_v any_o defect_n in_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a ensue_v upon_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o controversy_n for_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n acknowledge_v by_o both_o party_n be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o ample_a foundation_n for_o the_o edification_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o rest_v upon_o for_o which_o we_o can_v have_v a_o full_a testimony_n than_o what_o be_v give_v by_o his_o majesty_n in_o his_o aforesaid_a declaration_n we_o must_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o all_o those_o of_o either_o persuasion_n with_o who_o we_o have_v confer_v declare_v that_o the_o profession_n and_o desire_n of_o all_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o true_a godliness_n be_v the_o same_o their_o profession_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o of_o affection_n and_o duty_n to_o we_o the_o same_o they_o all_o approve_v episcopacy_n they_o all_o approve_v a_o set_a form_n of_o liturgy_n and_o they_o all_o disapprove_v and_o dislike_v the_o sin_n of_o sacrilege_n &_o the_o alienation_n of_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o upon_o these_o excellent_a foundation_n in_o submission_n to_o which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o harmony_n of_o affection_n any_o superstructure_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o the_o shake_n of_o these_o foundation_n and_o to_o the_o contract_n and_o lessen_v of_o the_o bless_a gift_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v a_o vital_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o very_o unfortunate_a and_o even_o suspect_v that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o that_o administration_n of_o government_n with_o which_o god_n have_v entrust_v we_o these_o his_o majesty_n word_n i_o receive_v with_o much_o veneration_n for_o they_o be_v a_o divine_a sentence_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o king_n and_o they_o fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o this_o grand_a business_n it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a as_o from_o reason_n so_o from_o his_o majesty_n testimony_n that_o those_o unhappy_a discord_n do_v not_o result_v from_o any_o form_a doctrine_n or_o conclusion_n that_o either_o touch_v or_o border_n upon_o the_o foundation_n and_o that_o excellent_a foundation_n be_v contain_v in_o those_o point_n in_o submission_n to_o which_o there_o be_v find_v
good_a will_n but_o also_o for_o perpetual_a necessity_n section_n xx._n moreover_o a_o wise_a state_n be_v busy_a in_o find_v out_o but_o not_o in_o make_v enemy_n who_o can_v produce_v one_o solid_a reason_n that_o render_v this_o party_n enemy_n to_o the_o government_n or_o the_o person_n govern_v they_o be_v lover_n of_o monarchy_n and_o of_o the_o royal_a family_n from_o neither_o of_o these_o have_v they_o any_o cause_n of_o distrust_n or_o dis-satisfaction_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o hold_v in_o derogation_n to_o his_o majesty_n authority_n safety_n or_o benefit_n and_o his_o majesty_n have_v nothing_o to_o hold_v that_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o their_o security_n there_o have_v be_v indeed_o unhappy_a difference_n but_o whence_o proceed_n not_o from_o any_o thing_n intrinsical_a to_o his_o majesty_n government_n or_o to_o their_o condition_n but_o from_o thing_n very_o remote_a from_o the_o interest_n of_o sovereignty_n the_o king_n affair_n do_v allow_v he_o to_o extend_v favour_n and_o clemency_n to_o they_o as_o to_o any_o other_o of_o his_o subject_n and_o his_o condescension_n towards_o they_o will_v work_v as_o happy_a effect_n to_o his_o satisfaction_n section_n xxi_o some_o man_n resolve_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o detract_v from_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v say_v that_o they_o promote_v the_o king_n return_v not_o out_o of_o good_a will_n to_o his_o majesty_n or_o a_o love_n of_o order_n and_o unity_n but_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o fanatic_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o surmise_n and_o the_o evil_a design_n thereof_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o debate_v this_o question_n whether_o the_o presbyterian_o closure_n with_o the_o king_n in_o all_o avow_a subjection_n and_o service_n be_v sincere_a and_o solid_a that_o his_o majesty_n may_v safe_o confide_v in_o they_o the_o pretend_a reason_n of_o their_o insincerity_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o add_v much_o to_o their_o reputation_n in_o that_o behalf_n for_o if_o the_o fanatic_n will_v destroy_v they_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o fanatic_n will_v not_o destroy_v themselves_o willing_o the_o several_a various_a sect_n will_v wrangle_v with_o each_o other_o in_o verbal_a contest_v but_o they_o never_o know_o plot_v or_o band_v against_o each_o other_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o different_a opinion_n but_o do_v all_o unite_v in_o one_o common_a principle_n of_o pretend_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o in_o one_o common_a cause_n of_o universal_a toleration_n be_v it_o also_o grant_v that_o self-preservation_n engage_v the_o presbyterian_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o obviate_v and_o overturn_v the_o design_n of_o the_o sectary_n it_o show_v that_o the_o sectarian_n interest_n and_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a as_o also_o that_o they_o be_v not_o unreconcilable_a to_o the_o episcopal_a part_n of_o protestant_n and_o that_o they_o have_v pacific_a inclination_n willing_a to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o these_o contention_n let_v man_n surmise_v the_o worst_a they_o can_v of_o their_o intention_n in_o declare_v for_o the_o king_n yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v a_o choice_n before_o they_o to_o turn_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o will_v betake_v themselves_o to_o that_o way_n that_o have_v the_o lesser_a evil_a and_o the_o fair_a show_n of_o good_a and_o can_v any_o think_v that_o they_o will_v know_o make_v a_o choice_n of_o that_o which_o shall_v destroy_v their_o just_a liberty_n wherefore_o be_v it_o no_o more_o than_o this_o it_o may_v gain_v they_o some_o regard_n for_o that_o they_o hope_v for_o some_o good_a in_o this_o way_n when_o they_o can_v hope_v for_o none_o at_o all_o from_o the_o wild_a way_n and_o fancy_n of_o fanatic_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o turn_v not_o to_o a_o lesser_a evil_n but_o to_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o desirable_a for_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a case_n to_o man_n of_o sound_a mind_n and_o sober_a principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o lead_v we_o out_o of_o that_o wilderness_n wherein_o we_o wander_v but_o the_o unite_n of_o all_o sound_n and_o sober_a protestant_n in_o thing_n wherein_o all_o agree_v and_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o thing_n not_o necssary_a to_o peace_n and_o edification_n the_o presbyterian_o know_v their_o single_a interest_n will_v not_o settle_v the_o nation_n and_o the_o episcopalian_o may_v know_v as_o well_o that_o their_o single_a interest_n will_v prove_v dificient_a in_o such_o a_o case_n what_o well-minded_a person_n affect_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n will_v not_o promote_v the_o restitution_n of_o the_o royal_a family_n that_o the_o king_n in_o who_o alone_o the_o whole_a nation_n can_v settle_v may_v pare_v off_o the_o superfluity_n of_o particular_a partial_a interest_n and_o make_v a_o union_n in_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o of_o great_a britain_n this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a design_n in_o that_o particular_a and_o as_o touch_v their_o cordial_a affection_n to_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o government_n we_o have_v their_o own_o more_o affectionate_a and_o solemn_a profession_n for_o it_o which_o be_v gracious_o own_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o if_o any_o persist_v to_o gainsay_v those_o expression_n see_v they_o be_v not_o searcher_n of_o heart_n it_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v this_o pretend_a disaffection_n by_o something_o discernible_a in_o the_o outward_a behaviour_n but_o suppose_v that_o a_o people_n conscience_n and_o good_a inclination_n and_o disposition_n be_v call_v into_o question_n yet_o this_o be_v a_o maxim_n unquestionable_a that_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o sure_a and_o constant_a benevolence_n between_o prince_n and_o people_n be_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v the_o mntual_a interest_n of_o each_o other_o his_o majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o his_o princely_a virtue_n be_v amiable_a to_o we_o he_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n to_o the_o english_a nation_n but_o that_o which_o get_v the_o mastery_n over_o all_o difficulty_n in_o restore_v he_o to_o his_o dominion_n be_v a_o undoubted_a knowledge_n that_o the_o nation_n interest_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o he_o our_o indubitable_a sovereign_a lord_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o mere_a compulsion_n that_o drive_v the_o unwilling_a and_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o interest_n that_o draw_v a_o willing_a people_n when_o this_o latter_a necessity_n do_v bring_v a_o prince_n and_o people_n together_o ingenuous_a mind_n will_v turn_v this_o necessity_n into_o a_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o join_n of_o interest_n draw_v after_o it_o the_o joy_v of_o heart_n the_o presbyterian_o enjoin_v the_o same_o protection_n and_o benefit_n which_o other_o sober_a protestant_n and_o loyal_a subject_n will_v see_v no_o other_o probable_a nor_o possible_a way_n of_o repose_n and_o safety_n but_o under_o his_o majesty_n happy_a government_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o necessity_n of_o present_a force_n but_o of_o constant_a interest_n which_o be_v here_o commend_v as_o so_o great_a a_o bond_n of_o loyalty_n and_o which_o prince_n use_v to_o take_v for_o their_o best_a security_n the_o wise_a way_n be_v not_o to_o reject_v and_o slight_v a_o party_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o hand_n and_o make_v for_o a_o prince_n interest_n upon_o a_o suspicion_n that_o they_o may_v prove_v inconstant_a but_o to_o use_v the_o know_a mean_n of_o prevent_v such_o inconstancy_n as_o be_v pretend_v and_o to_o manifest_v that_o regard_n to_o their_o encouragement_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o that_o they_o may_v rest_v assure_v that_o their_o own_o and_o the_o public_a peace_n do_v run_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n from_o the_o reason_n aforego_v i_o conclude_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v fit_a and_o worthy_a to_o be_v embody_a with_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o good_a people_n of_o england_n i_o proceed_v to_o persuade_v this_o union_n by_o several_a argument_n section_n xxii_o england_n have_v endure_v conflict_n of_o almost_o twenty_o year_n by_o war_n division_n commotion_n and_o manifold_a change_n it_o be_v abase_v enfeeble_v and_o bring_v very_o low_a all_o which_o do_v show_v that_o some_o great_a distemper_n have_v take_v hold_n of_o this_o body_n politic_a before_o these_o thing_n can_v break_v forth_o there_o be_v at_o length_n by_o the_o late_a revolution_n a_o providential_a offer_n of_o rest_n and_o peace_n after_o those_o sad_a conflict_n and_o this_o happy_a offer_n of_o providence_n shall_v the_o seed_n of_o discord_n lodge_v perpetual_o in_o this_o land_n i_o fear_v passion_n of_o bitterness_n be_v too_o ready_a to_o stir_v and_o provoke_v take_v away_o this_o fuel_n of_o strife_n the_o urge_n of_o thing_n to_o uphold_v distinction_n of_o party_n while_o thing_n be_v at_o such_o a_o pass_n animosity_n will_v arise_v upon_o every_o occasion_n discontent_n and_o quarrel_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o break_v forth_o in_o
inveterate_a malice_n by_o good_a turn_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o true_a say_n but_o pervert_v by_o mis-application_n in_o this_o case_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o thing_n that_o differ_v let_v a_o prince_n consider_v diligent_o whether_o the_o present_a averseness_n proceed_v from_o root_a principle_n and_o a_o fix_a interest_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o security_n of_o his_o estate_n or_o from_o the_o pressure_n of_o the_o grieve_a party_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o the_o necessary_a prop_n of_o his_o power_n and_o without_o which_o his_o greatness_n may_v well_o consist_v and_o let_v he_o never_o question_v the_o gain_n of_o such_o a_o people_n who_o principle_n and_o design_n be_v not_o against_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a interest_n of_o his_o estate_n whatsoever_o their_o present_a distemper_n be_v for_o the_o grievance_n be_v redress_v time_n will_v wear_v out_o those_o distemper_n and_o in_o that_o case_n a_o people_n will_v not_o less_o value_v their_o prince_n because_o he_o yield_v to_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o concernment_n for_o they_o will_v not_o judge_v it_o a_o force_v yield_v because_o that_o proceed_v from_o force_n which_o be_v yield_v for_o present_a necessity_n and_o against_o the_o main_a interest_n but_o they_o will_v cleave_v to_o he_o the_o more_o by_o discern_v that_o his_o and_o their_o good_a do_v agree_v in_o one_o for_o it_o make_v they_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v seek_v their_o good_a as_o his_o own_o when_o governor_n resent_v the_o non-compliances_a of_o a_o party_n their_o best_a remedy_n be_v to_o remove_v the_o occasion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o cross_v the_o interest_n of_o state_n or_o maxim_n of_o government_n then_o will_v the_o honest-minded_n be_v mollify_v and_o mould_v and_o towards_o the_o residue_n of_o obstinate_a person_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o severity_n will_v be_v use_v more_o successful_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o ruler_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o lessen_v offence_n and_o to_o contract_v the_o number_n of_o offender_n for_o where_o there_o be_v many_o sufferer_n upon_o a_o religious_a account_n whether_o in_o truth_n or_o pretence_n there_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o glory_n in_o suffer_v and_o soon_o or_o late_a it_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o ruler_n detriment_n section_n xxxii_o another_o great_a impediment_n of_o public_a concord_n be_v a_o erroneous_a confidence_n in_o the_o more_o numerous_a party_n that_o they_o need_v not_o seek_v nor_o mind_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n for_o they_o reckon_v themselves_o sure_a to_o carry_v it_o by_o the_o major_a vote_n in_o all_o council_n and_o convention_n they_o see_v wind_n and_o tide_n serve_v they_o but_o they_o who_o consider_v but_o few_o thing_n do_v make_v a_o sudden_a judgement_n which_o common_o fall_v short_a great_a prosperity_n ofttimes_o blind_v the_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o fool_n and_o great_a advantage_n divert_v the_o mind_n from_o hee_v many_o important_a circumstance_n of_o a_o business_n that_o the_o judgement_n make_v concern_v it_o be_v most_o imperfect_a wherefore_o in_o the_o present_a case_n it_o shall_v be_v mind_v that_o the_o dissent_v party_n be_v not_o small_a that_o it_o be_v not_o make_v up_o of_o the_o rabble_n multitude_n nor_o yet_o of_o phanatique_a spirit_n but_o of_o honest_a and_o sober_a people_n who_o act_n from_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o can_v render_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o practice_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o conscience_n with_o as_o much_o discretion_n as_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o nation_n that_o the_o instance_n which_o they_o make_v do_v not_o concern_v by-matter_n and_o mutable_a occasion_n but_o matter_n of_o conscience_n that_o will_v never_o cease_v nor_o vary_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o party_n far_o distant_a but_o very_o near_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o place_n for_o so_o the_o papist_n that_o live_v among_o we_o can_v be_v far_o from_o we_o but_o of_o agreement_n in_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o can_v be_v well_o sever_v nor_o keep_v in_o a_o divide_a state_n nor_o yet_o be_v root_v out_o but_o they_o will_v grow_v up_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n profess_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o in_o many_o deliberation_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o put_v thing_n to_o a_o stand_n and_o in_o debate_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o lead_v the_o indifferent_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o also_o many_o temperate_a spirit_n of_o the_o other_o persuasion_n by_o the_o apparent_a equity_n of_o their_o proposal_n all_o these_o thing_n and_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v challenge_v a_o due_a regard_n from_o those_o that_o will_v see_v through_o a_o business_n and_o make_v a_o perfect_a judgement_n beside_o the_o judicious_a shall_v consider_v not_o only_o the_o bulk_n and_o corpse_n of_o a_o party_n but_o what_o spirit_n do_v quicken_v they_o and_o with_o what_o vivacity_n and_o constancy_n their_o motion_n do_v proceed_v and_o their_o interest_n be_v pursue_v it_o come_v also_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o inquiry_n to_o know_v the_o intrinsic_a strength_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n and_o what_o they_o can_v do_v when_o they_o stand_v by_o themselves_o alone_o for_o their_o adventitious_a strength_n may_v fail_v they_o we_o need_v not_o tell_v they_o that_o on_o their_o side_n at_o present_a the_o advantage_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o haply_o it_o may_v appear_v in_o show_n great_a than_o it_o be_v indeed_o though_o the_o english_a nation_n appear_v to_o affect_v a_o state_v order_n in_o the_o church_n nevertheless_o they_o may_v not_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n nor_o yet_o be_v conscious_a thereof_o upon_o the_o late_a great_a revolution_n the_o multitude_n do_v easy_o run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o a_o other_o think_v they_o can_v run_v too_o far_o from_o those_o trouble_n and_o discomposure_n which_o last_o oppress_v they_o but_o as_o the_o prudent_a ponder_v their_o path_n at_o present_a so_o the_o passionate_a multitude_n may_v at_o length_n know_v where_o they_o be_v and_o discern_v alike_o the_o evil_n of_o both_o extreme_n many_o that_o be_v lift_v up_o may_v give_v offence_n and_o fall_v under_o great_a displeasure_n they_o that_o be_v cast_v down_o may_v be_v better_o advise_v by_o their_o suffering_n and_o remove_v the_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o so_o become_v if_o not_o endear_v yet_o inoffensive_a to_o the_o nation_n such_o vicissitude_n of_o love_n and_o hatred_n do_v happen_v in_o every_o age_n and_o there_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n section_n xxxiii_o another_o obstacle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o conjunction_n be_v a_o opinion_n of_o many_o that_o the_o sure_a and_o only_o mean_v of_o prevent_a schism_n and_o maintain_v unity_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o multiply_v ceremonial_a injunction_n and_o canon_n by_o require_v full_a conformity_n to_o controvert_v form_n which_o may_v well_o be_v spare_v by_o exact_v not_o only_a submission_n of_o practice_n but_o assent_n of_o judgement_n declare_v by_o subscription_n to_o all_o particular_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n thereof_o but_o in_o very_a deed_n this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o endless_a dissension_n among_o a_o people_n that_o be_v not_o bottom_v on_o this_o principle_n of_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v this_o kind_n of_o impose_v have_v discompose_v all_o christendom_n and_o rend_v the_o several_a church_n from_o each_o other_o and_o make_v the_o rent_n incurable_a it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o foul_a schism_n that_o be_v ever_o make_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a say_n of_o chillingworth_n not_o protestant_n for_o reject_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o impose_v on_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n unwritten_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o for_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o divide_v unity_n in_o such_o matter_n be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n presumptuous_a and_o schismatical_a god_n be_v jealous_a for_o his_o worship_n and_o conscience_n well_o inform_v and_o due_o tender_a be_v likewise_o jealous_a concern_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v provoke_v god_n to_o jealousy_n mind_n true_o religious_a do_v set_v a_o high_a price_n on_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o will_v expose_v all_o to_o sale_n rather_o than_o cross_v their_o principle_n wherefore_o if_o in_o matter_n of_o perpetual_a controversy_n between_o godly_a wise_a person_n the_o church_n shall_v make_v peremptory_a decree_n and_o severe_a injunction_n it_o must_v needs_o dissolve_v the_o band_n of_o unity_n but_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a mean_n of_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v schism_n be_v to_o prevent_v corrupt_a administration_n and_o real_a scandal_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o seasonable_o to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o not_o to_o interpose_v in_o
lesser_a difference_n section_n xxxiv_o furthermore_o a_o great_a prejudice_n be_v take_v up_o against_o bishop_n rule_v in_o consoâ—iation_n with_o presbyter_n and_o against_o classical_a or_o presbyterian_a meeting_n as_o incline_v to_o faction_n and_o likely_a to_o produce_v alteration_n which_o evil_n be_v suppose_v to_o follow_v tbe_n distribute_v of_o the_o power_n among_o many_o whereupon_o the_o government_n of_o a_o single_a person_n or_o a_o bishop_n have_v sole_a jurisdictson_n be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v the_o sure_a mean_n of_o keep_v church_n affair_n in_o a_o fix_a state_n this_o prejudice_n have_v a_o great_a show_n of_o truth_n we_o must_v stoop_v to_o pry_v into_o it_o more_o narrow_o and_o first_o we_o have_v this_o political_a maxim_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o this_o inquiry_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o discern_v the_o apt_a form_n of_o government_n and_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n we_o resolve_v that_o absolute_a prelacy_n be_v the_o only_a government_n to_o hold_v a_o people_n that_o content_n themselves_o with_o a_o customary_a service_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o of_o their_o forefather_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v all_o discourse_n debate_n disputation_n and_o all_o occasion_n of_o contest_v touch_v religion_n and_o particular_o that_o exercise_n which_o be_v call_v prophesy_v must_v be_v avoid_v but_o this_o government_n be_v not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o a_o people_n that_o be_v give_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v doctrine_n in_o england_n where_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n or_o parochial_a ministry_n be_v not_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a but_o in_o a_o great_a part_n learned_a and_o conscientious_a where_o the_o common_a people_n in_o a_o great_a part_n try_v all_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n can_v convenient_o reside_v in_o a_o prelate_n alone_o govern_v by_o severe_a canon_n and_o denounce_v excommunication_n against_o all_o those_o that_o express_v any_o dissent_n from_o any_o particular_n of_o the_o receive_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n for_o among_o such_o a_o people_n this_o be_v a_o likely_a way_n to_o beget_v some_o great_a distemper_n then_o to_o keep_v all_o in_o quietness_n and_o deep_a silence_n but_o a_o form_n of_o government_n more_o free_a by_o distribute_v the_o power_n among_o many_o and_o regular_a meeting_n for_o free_a debate_n with_o in_o certain_a limit_n will_v be_v much_o more_o peaceable_a and_o successful_a it_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o such_o a_o order_n of_o thing_n dissension_n may_v arise_v and_o cause_v some_o interruption_n nevertheless_o no_o great_a inconvenience_n but_o sometime_o much_o advantage_n may_v follow_v the_o stir_n of_o warm_a contest_v may_v be_v unadvised_o condemn_v for_o as_o thunder_n purge_v the_o air_n so_o these_o stir_n may_v purge_v the_o church_n from_o corruption_n engender_v in_o it_o let_v the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o establish_v that_o both_o party_n may_v be_v make_v hopeless_a concern_v factious_a attempt_n of_o promote_a this_o or_o that_o extreme_a that_o the_o contest_v may_v not_o be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n for_o dominion_n nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o inordinate_a liberty_n but_o on_o both_o side_n for_o truth_n due_a freedom_n and_o then_o they_o will_v end_v in_o peace_n if_o great_a mistake_n shall_v arise_v in_o such_o meeting_n and_o seem_v for_o a_o while_n to_o pass_v current_o there_o may_v be_v find_v some_o person_n of_o that_o wisdom_n integrity_n and_o reputation_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o show_v the_o fallacy_n and_o to_o convince_v those_o of_o both_o side_n that_o intend_v upright_o in_o which_o case_n if_o they_o perceive_v a_o evil_a spirit_n on_o work_n and_o a_o evil_a design_n hatch_n among_o some_o they_o will_v turn_v away_o with_o indignation_n from_o the_o contriver_n of_o such_o mischief_n wherefore_o let_v the_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n lean_a neither_o towards_o tyranny_n nor_o anarchy_n but_o be_v set_v upright_o for_o just_a liberty_n let_v good_a order_n be_v keep_v and_o privilege_n not_o violate_v and_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o who_o mean_v honest_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o faction_n and_o selfish_a ambitious_a pragmatic_n spirit_n that_o trouble_v they_o will_v easy_o be_v detect_v and_o abandon_v section_n xxxv_o unto_o this_o reason_n let_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o eminent_a pacifique_a bishop_n be_v superad_v concern_v the_o way_n of_o order_n and_o stability_n in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n bishop_n hall_n in_o his_o discourse_n entitle_v a_o modest_a offer_n of_o some_o meet_a consideration_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n commend_v the_o method_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o prevention_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n by_o a_o gradual_a proceed_n from_o the_o parochial_a meeting_n to_o the_o presbytery_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o provincial_a synod_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o general_a assembly_n for_o determine_v any_o controversy_n say_v thus_o bear_v the_o face_n of_o a_o very_a fair_a and_o laudable_a course_n and_o such_o as_o deserve_v the_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o well-willer_n to_o that_o discipline_n but_o let_v i_o add_v that_o either_o we_o have_v or_o may_v have_v in_o this_o very_a state_n of_o thing_n with_o some_o small_a variation_n in_o effect_v the_o very_a same_o government_n with_o we_o instead_o of_o presbytery_n consist_v of_o several_a pastor_n we_o have_v our_o combination_n of_o minister_n in_o our_o several_a deanery_n over_o who_o the_o rural_a dean_n be_v choose_v every_o year_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o division_n as_o their_o moderator_n this_o deanery_n or_o presbytery_n may_v be_v enjoin_v to_o meet_v every_o month_n or_o often_o in_o some_o city_n or_o town_n next_o to_o they_o and_o there_o they_o may_v have_v their_o exercise_n of_o prophesy_v as_o i_o have_v know_v it_o practise_v in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v earnest_o wish_v and_o recommend_v by_o that_o excellent_o learned_a lord_n verulam_n in_o his_o prudent_a consideration_n where_o if_o any_o question_n fail_v of_o determination_n it_o may_v be_v refer_v gradual_o from_o the_o lesser_a to_o the_o great_a assembly_n till_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o national_a synod_n in_o the_o same_o discourse_n the_o say_a bishop_n commend_v one_o constant_a prudent_a vigilant_a overseer_n superad_v to_o a_o grave_a judicious_a presbytery_n without_o concurrence_n of_o which_o presbytery_n the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n shall_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o inflict_v excommunication_n or_o any_o other_o important_a censure_n have_v discover_v certain_a general_a impediment_n i_o proceed_v to_o argue_v upon_o the_o particular_a concernment_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n and_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n section_n xxxvi_o his_o majesty_n concernment_n in_o this_o grand_a affair_n transcend_v the_o particular_a concernment_n of_o all_o other_o whether_o party_n or_o person_n and_o that_o beyond_o all_o comparison_n other_o may_v advance_v themselves_o and_o family_n by_o the_o present_a occasion_n and_o give_v over_o in_o time_n when_o they_o have_v build_v their_o own_o house_n many_o and_o perhaps_o the_o most_o if_o change_v come_v may_v retreat_v and_o serve_v the_o time_n for_o their_o own_o security_n but_o the_o king_n never_o descend_v from_o the_o stage_n of_o public_a action_n and_o can_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v interest_v in_o his_o people_n other_o have_v much_o to_o get_v and_o little_a to_o lose_v may_v make_v themselves_o by_o present_a advantage_n but_o the_o king_n have_v little_a to_o get_v but_o much_o to_o secure_v and_o not_o the_o present_a occasional_a and_o mutable_a advantage_n put_v perpetual_a stability_n be_v his_o inrerest_n his_o majesty_n have_v worthy_o gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o gracious_a prince_n of_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n and_o temper_n for_o these_o time_n and_o true_o a_o prince_n as_o wise_a as_o solomon_n have_v no_o wisdom_n to_o spare_v from_o the_o weight_n of_o these_o business_n let_v the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o the_o father_n of_o light_n continual_o give_v to_o his_o majesty_n a_o large_a heart_n and_o comprehensive_a understanding_n that_o may_v see_v far_o and_o near_o and_o fetch_v within_o its_o compass_n all_o circumstance_n consequent_n and_o moment_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o perfect_a judgement_n concern_v these_o great_a affair_n section_n xxxvii_o after_o so_o long_a a_o war_n between_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o after_o all_o the_o change_n in_o government_n the_o king_n be_v at_o length_n restore_v to_o his_o full_a power_n and_o greatness_n and_o the_o people_n be_v satiate_v with_o civil_a war_n tumult_n and_o