Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
truth_n	doctrine_n	faith_n	scripture_n	4,706	5	5.7256	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A46641	An apology for, or vindication of the oppressed persecuted ministers & professors of the Presbyterian Reformed Religion, in the Church of Scotland emitted in the defence of them, and the cause for which they suffer: & that for the information of ignorant, the satisfaction and establishment of the doubtful, the conviction (if possible) of the malicious, the warning of our rulers, the strengthening & comforting of the said sufferers under their present pressurs & trials. Being their testimony to the covenanted work of reformation in this church, and against the present prevailing corruptions and course of defection therefrom. Prestat sero, quàm nunquam sapere.	Smith, Hugh.; Jamieson, Alexander.	1677 (1677)	Wing J446; ESTC R31541	114,594	210

out_o of_o envy_n and_o malice_n for_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v the_o executer_n of_o her_o own_o act_n and_o sentence_n and_o not_o the_o magistrate_n who_o only_o put_v to_o execution_n his_o own_o law_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enact_v on_o her_o behalf_n 2._o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o we_o grant_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n a_o discretive_a judgement_n to_o cognosce_fw-la on_o the_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n and_o if_o he_o find_v they_o not_o to_o be_v just_a he_o have_v a_o definitive_a judgement_n anent_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o own_o law_n make_v about_o they_o for_o the_o obligation_n that_o arise_v from_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n on_o all_o in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o obey_v and_o further_a of_o they_o be_v only_o conditional_a and_o not_o absolute_a that_o be_v none_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o advance_v the_o church_n sentence_n except_o their_o matter_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a which_o must_v be_v first_o know_v before_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o this_o but_o here_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o exercise_n about_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n be_v proper_o civil_a and_o not_o ecclesiastical_a to_o wit_n whether_o he_o will_v execute_v his_o own_o law_n or_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v easy_a and_o plain_a and_o if_o ambition_n and_o worldly_a interest_n have_v not_o determine_v many_o to_o the_o contrare_fw-la there_o will_v be_v little_a controversy_n about_o they_o obj_fw-la 8._o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o exercise_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n be_v independent_a on_o the_o church_n what_o he_o do_v in_o relation_n to_o church_n concern_v determination_n and_o sentence_n he_o may_v do_v it_o antecedent_n to_o these_o without_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n to_o be_v universal_o true_a for_o some_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sentence_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n do_v necessary_o suppone_v the_o church_n sentence_n and_o act_n for_o their_o object_n as_o these_o of_o ordination_n excommunication_n act_n of_o regulation_n etc._n etc._n must_v necessary_o pass_v before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v reach_v the_o person_n and_o thing_n to_o which_o they_o be_v apply_v for_o instance_n before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v justice_n to_o a_o minister_n in_o his_o maintenance_n he_o must_v first_o be_v ordain_v &_o by_o it_o have_v right_a thereto_o on_o the_o church_n act_n of_o ordination_n which_o must_v first_o be_v know_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o by_o he_o give_v as_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o his_o sentence_n for_o the_o minister_n legal_a right_n to_o enjoy_v and_o use_v the_o provide_v and_o allow_v maintenance_n and_o so_o of_o many_o other_o we_o grant_v in_o some_o case_n and_o thing_n a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n which_o he_o may_v exercise_v antecedent_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n he_o may_v yea_o no_o doubt_n he_o ought_v to_o command_v minister_n when_o negligent_a to_o their_o work_n or_o duty_n without_o a_o church_n sentence_n yea_o contrare_fw-la to_o it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o case_n be_v not_o necessary_o subsequent_a to_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n be_v most_o absurd_a &_o abhorrent_n to_o all_o right_a reason_n see_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o do_v to_o and_o for_o the_o church_n that_o necessary_o suppone_v not_o only_o the_o be_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n without_o which_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v how_o shall_v he_o punish_v contumacious_a heretical_a and_o excommunicate_a person_n till_o they_o be_v first_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o church_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v such_o etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v weak_a for_o all_o create_a power_n suppones_fw-la its_o object_n and_o in_o its_o exercise_n must_v be_v subsequent_a and_o posteriour_a to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o independency_n of_o any_o power_n on_o another_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o marital_a power_n and_o other_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n about_o it_o presuppon_v the_o conjugal_a relation_n &_o its_o act_n before_o it_o can_v put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n anent_o it_o in_o application_n to_o the_o person_n under_o that_o relation_n the_o design_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v obvious_a which_o be_v to_o evert_v all_o church_n government_n the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o it_o but_o before_o it_o have_v its_o full_a intend_a force_n it_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v that_o church_n power_n and_o its_o act_n be_v competent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o may_v be_v do_v by_o he_o as_o that_o he_o may_v ordain_v depose_v receive_v into_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n preach_v the_o word_n dispense_v all_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n which_o not_o erastian_n have_v yet_o do_v for_o if_o these_o be_v incompetent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o other_o the_o former_a conclusion_n will_v hold_v conclus_fw-la have_v thus_o with_o all_o christian_a ingenuity_n and_o plainness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n &_o soberness_n discover_v our_o heart_n anent_o the_o foregoe_v particular_n we_o expect_v that_o much_o charity_n and_o justice_n from_o all_o even_o our_o antagonist_n that_o before_o they_o give_v out_o their_o censor_n they_o will_v serious_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v and_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o scripture_n and_o true_a reason_n impartial_o ponderat_fw-la the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lest_o in_o stead_n of_o fight_v against_o we_o they_o happy_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n for_o see_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o build_v be_v of_o common_a obligation_n on_o all_o christian_n and_o on_o which_o our_o christian_a profession_n lean_v none_o can_v refuse_v our_o conclusion_n but_o they_o must_v either_o contradict_v and_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o say_a profession_n or_o else_o show_v their_o inconsequence_n and_o inconsistancy_n with_o these_o we_o have_v not_o insist_v on_o nor_o much_o make_v use_n of_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n nor_o wrangle_v as_o many_o in_o their_o debait_n do_v about_o the_o sense_n and_o application_n of_o these_o nor_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o our_o argument_n from_o antiquity_n on_o citation_n from_o particular_a father_n and_o historian_n but_o on_o the_o series_n and_o thread_n of_o these_o ancient_a record_n to_o which_o we_o appeal_v anent_o the_o matter_n debate_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n as_o any_o that_o deal_v candid_o and_o impartial_o will_n on_o trial_n find_v the_o issue_n of_o our_o adversary_n argument_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o antithesis_n resolve_v in_o these_o three_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o manifest_a and_o violent_a pervert_n and_o wrest_v of_o they_o the_o profess_a and_o open_a contradict_v of_o their_o authority_n by_o hobbs_n leviathan_n and_o other_o more_o gross_a if_o grosser_n can_v be_v do_v sufficient_o declare_v what_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o contrare_fw-la opinion_n be_v and_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v will_v be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o same_o if_o thing_n continue_v for_o sometime_o in_o their_o present_a channel_n all_o protestant_n before_o these_o debat_n enter_v on_o the_o field_n esteem_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o chief_a and_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n and_o build_v thereon_o their_o doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n which_o the_o patroness_n of_o prelacy_n do_v now_o strict_a at_o and_o labour_n to_o shake_v in_o deny_v their_o sufficiency_n or_o perfection_n in_o matter_n of_o obedience_n or_o practice_n whereby_o they_o break_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o the_o protestant_n use_v against_o the_o papist_n for_o the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v prelacy_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o this_o assertion_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o most_o eminent_a assertor_n of_o it_o for_o if_o we_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o full_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o not_o to_o be_v recede_v from_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n the_o prelacy_n controvert_v have_v so_o little_a evidence_n from_o they_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o this_o sufficient_a regulation_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v refuse_v what_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v open_v to_o humane_a invention_n and_o what_o may_v not_o man_n bring_v in_o at_o it_o to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o pollute_v of_o all_o the_o church_n concern_v we_o grant_v the_o admit_v of_o the_o

the_o roman_a church_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n their_o assert_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o papist_n and_o we_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n not_o to_o be_v fundamental_a nor_o on_o their_o part_n damnable_a etc._n etc._n all_o which_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n the_o native_a tendency_n of_o prelacy_n and_o what_o it_o will_v if_o 〈◊〉_d ●●nue_n ultimate_o resolve_v into_o 11._o do_v not_o the_o opinion_n of_o prelatist_n their_o practice_n the_o way_n take_v for_o bring_v in_o and_o establish_v of_o prelacy_n among_o we_o reflect_v upon_o and_o condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o their_o divine_n except_o scultetus_n who_o in_o their_o confession_n treatise_n &_o reformation_n conform_v thereto_o disclaim_v prelacy_n as_o no_o office_n of_o divine_a appointment_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o peruse_v they_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o pamphlet_n emit_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o prelacye_n last_o introduction_n that_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o contrare_fw-la but_o it_o be_v so_o destitute_a of_o all_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o we_o wonder_v exceed_o at_o the_o impudence_n &_o affrontedness_n of_o the_o author_n in_o allege_v of_o calvine_n beza_n bucer_n etc._n etc._n for_o prelacy_n who_o in_o their_o practice_n and_o writing_n have_v argue_v and_o debate_v against_o it_o do_v not_o this_o author_n know_v that_o their_o writing_n be_v extant_a and_o other_o as_o much_o verse_v therein_o as_o himself_o but_o the_o unjust_a know_v no_o shame_n 12._o as_o prelacy_n or_o prelatical_a government_n in_o its_o constitution_n and_o exercise_n be_v a_o compound_n of_o addition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o for_o want_v of_o its_o authority_n we_o reject_v so_o presbytery_n or_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o opposite_n be_v in_o all_o its_o part_n of_o divine_a institution_n or_o right_n which_o we_o offer_v to_o make_v out_o from_o scripture_n and_o the_o concession_n of_o our_o antagonist_n who_o first_o yield_v all_o our_o church_n officer_n except_o rule_v elder_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n doctor_n hammond_n only_o except_v grant_v that_o presbyter_n or_o ordinare_fw-la pastor_n and_o deacon_n to_o be_v institute_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o always_o use_v in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n they_o likewise_o grant_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o presbyter_n till_o of_o la●●_n as_o also_o the_o meeting_n of_o pastor_n lesser_a and_o great_a for_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o the_o particularity_n of_o power_n anent_o these_o assert_v by_o and_o former_o exer●●●●●_n among_o we_o we_o think_v strange_a of_o stillingfleet_n in_o deny_v of_o presbytery_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n who_o yield_v all_o we_o seek_v for_o if_o all_o the_o former_a be_v of_o scriptural_a institution_n and_o practice_n must_v it_o not_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n even_o as_o to_o its_o form_n we_o can_v for_o bear_v to_o declare_v our_o resentment_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o high_a indignity_n do_v to_o our_o royal_a and_o great_a master_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a word_n the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o that_o 1._o the_o form_n of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v mutable_a at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n and_o make_v capable_a of_o any_o form_n they_o please_v to_o assign_v to_o the_o same_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o form_n of_o any_o government_n be_v take_v from_o the_o officer_n thereof_o and_o not_o from_o the_o supreme_a head_n in_o who_o the_o legislative_a power_n be_v lodge_v all_o that_o ever_o treat_v of_o government_n and_o speak_v to_o their_o different_a form_n do_v always_o find_v their_o form_n on_o the_o head_n and_o not_o on_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v not_o christ_n jesus_n the_o supreme_a and_o only_a head_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a appointment_n be_v not_o ordinare_fw-la pastor_n or_o presbyter_n find_v institute_v in_o the_o word_n with_o all_o the_o part_n of_o their_o power_n that_o we_o afterward_o grant_v to_o they_o &c_n &c_n will_v it_o not_o then_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n both_o in_o the_o head_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v true_o monarchical_a and_o not_o alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o any_o 2._o for_o make_v way_n to_o this_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o obedience_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n be_v deny_v and_o thereby_o the_o fundation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v shake_v how_o inconsistent_a be_v this_o with_o their_o grant_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o all_o matter_n of_o obe●●●●●●_n be_v first_o and_o primary_o matter_n of_o faith_n must_v 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v perfect_a in_o these_o also_o how_o our_o opposites_n will_v defend_v our_o argument_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n against_o the_o papist_n who_o in_o this_o speak_v more_o consequential_o than_o the_o prelatist_n and_o maintain_v the_o former_a affertion_n be_v unintelligible_a to_o we_o for_o our_o argument_n plead_v as_o much_o and_o as_o strong_o for_o their_o perfection_n in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o but_o must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o desperate_a cause_n that_o need_v such_o a_o prop_n to_o support_v it_o 13._o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o humble_o offer_v the_o follow_a particular_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o all_o nothing_o doubt_v that_o when_o they_o be_v due_o and_o serious_o weight_v it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o our_o exception_n against_o prelacy_n be_v not_o light_a and_o groundless_a as_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o good_a to_o the_o church_n and_o immortal_a soul_n attainable_a by_o prelacy_n that_o may_v not_o be_v win_v at_o without_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a truth_n that_o every_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a institution_n have_v its_o proper_a good_a to_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o which_o as_o its_o end_n it_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o reachable_a by_o other_o ordinance_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o on_o a_o particular_a condescension_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o defective_a in_o divine_a institution_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o redundant_fw-la and_o superfluous_a now_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v that_o good_a to_o the_o church_n and_o immortal_a soul_n that_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o prelacy_n let_v our_o antagonist_n give_v instance_n if_o they_o think_v that_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v the_o good_a that_o the_o church_n have_v by_o prelacy_n we_o offer_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n as_o have_v be_v do_v before_o we_o without_o a_o reply_n yea_o and_o grant_v by_o many_o of_o they_o that_o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v never_o question_v by_o any_o but_o yield_v by_o all_o till_o of_o late_a for_o we_o have_v not_o only_a instance_n in_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n for_o presbyter_n exercise_v ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o the_o reason_n that_o all_o give_v for_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ministry_n confer_v by_o ordination_n consist_v of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o it_o be_v integral_a constituent_a part_n person_n ordain_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o both_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n have_v these_o by_o presbyter_n as_o much_o to_o her_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n as_o by_o prelate_n but_o son_n e_o say_v there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n or_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n without_o prelacy_n the_o contrare_fw-la be_v evident_a from_o the_o church_n experience_n in_o former_a &_o late_a time_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v never_o more_o rend_v and_o fill_v with_o contention_n and_o schism_n then_o under_o &_o by_o prelate_n of_o which_o there_o be_v innumerable_a instance_n in_o history_n so_o there_o have_v be_v much_o flourish_a unity_n and_o peace_n under_o presbyter_n in_o church_n that_o want_v prelate_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o see_v in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n what_o unity_n &_o peace_n have_v the_o church_n of_o britan_n and_o ireland_n beyond_o other_o reform_a church_n yea_o be_v there_o not_o more_o of_o these_o among_o they_o than_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n but_o what_o say_v unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v not_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n for_o their_o cement_n and_o foundation_n which_o be_v seldom_o the_o attendant_n of_o prelacy_n but_o some_o place_n the_o good_a of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o oversight_n and_o inspection_n it_o take_v of_o minister_n

and_o the_o person_n qualify_v for_o and_o call_v thereto_o in_o his_o own_o way_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v thereby_o constitute_v his_o ambassador_n and_o messenger_n and_o in_o special_a delegation_n send_v from_o he_o as_o such_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o treat_v with_o sinner_n for_o reconciliation_n and_o obedience_n they_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o institution_n and_o their_o special_a delegation_n or_o mission_n from_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n &c_n &c_n office_n they_o be_v invest_v with_o till_o it_o be_v take_v from_o they_o in_o the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o covey_v and_o confer_v the_o same_o upon_o they_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o no_o christian_a that_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o its_o light_n and_o direction_n will_v get_v refuse_v will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o minister_n in_o their_o ministerial_a capacity_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o man_n in_o their_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o as_o his_o ambassador_n have_v and_o derive_a all_o their_o power_n from_o he_o be_v oblige_v on_o high_a pain_n be_v reason_n of_o their_o special_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o their_o commission_n from_o he_o which_o contain_v all_o their_o instruction_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n &_o can_v be_v supersede_v therein_o by_o any_o far_o less_o by_o they_o that_o acknowledge_v christ_n authority_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n to_o be_v superior_a to_o and_o above_o all_o other_o authority_n whatsoever_o if_o they_o have_v their_o power_n and_o mission_n from_o man_n well_o may_v they_o submit_v to_o these_o in_o take_v it_o from_o they_o but_o it_o not_o be_v so_o they_o can_v think_v themselves_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n but_o in_o the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o confer_v the_o same_o upon_o they_o believe_v we_o in_o this_o lie_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o difficulty_n we_o be_v sure_a minister_n be_v christ_n messenger_n send_v by_o he_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o dispense_n of_o ordinance_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n from_o which_o obligation_n none_o can_v loose_v they_o but_o christ_n jesus_n their_o only_a master_n and_o head_n in_o this_o work_n 2._o it_o do_v also_o native_o flow_v from_o the_o former_a truth_n that_o all_o especial_o those_o in_o and_o of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n supereminent_a supreme_a and_o absolute_a authority_n and_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o he_o indispensible_o bind_v to_o subject_a to_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o its_o exercise_n in_o the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o he_o send_v and_o that_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o ministerial_a power_n &_o office_n which_o be_v true_o christ_n and_n not_o they_o they_o act_v according_o to_o the_o instruction_n contain_v i●_n their_o commission_n for_o they_o be_v christ_n servant_n serve_v he_o by_o special_a delegation_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o they_o be_v impower_v commissionated_a and_o instruct_v by_o he_o they_o bear_v his_o name_n stand_v in_o his_o stead_n and_o represent_v he_o to_o his_o people_n as_o his_o ambassador_n be_v send_v by_o he_o to_o all_o finner_n for_o attain_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n th●●r_v conversion_n edification_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o we_o must_v first_o renunce_n christ_n authority_n and_o dominon_n over_o his_o church_n before_o we_o can_v refuse_v and_o reject_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v thus_o send_v by_o he_o to_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v th●_n not_o receive_v of_o they_o be_v a_o reject_v of_o he_o a_o matter_n that_o shall_v be_v tender_o &_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o for_o it_o draw_v exceed_o deep_a upon_o all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n high_a and_o low_a so_o that_o they_o not_o depend_v on_o any_o other_o inferior_a authority_n and_o power_n except_o that_o by_o which_o they_o be_v send_v their_o obligation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v annul_v by_o man_n let_v we_o say_v it_o in_o this_o we_o contend_v not_o mere_o for_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n that_o for_o the_o fountain_n and_o end_n thereof_o shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o but_o for_o the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o right_a it_o be_v as_o king_n of_o his_o church_n to_o constitute_v &_o send_v ambassador_n in_o his_o own_o name_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n this_o be_v one_o which_o be_v the_o native_a consequent_a of_o it_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v shall_v we_o allow_v this_o in_o point_n of_o right_a to_o earthly_a sovereign_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o only_a head_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n second_o moreover_o minister_n in_o this_o relation_n they_o stand_v under_o to_o christ_n jesus_n have_v the_o gospel_n &_o its_o ordinance_n commit_v &_o entrust_v to_o they_o to_o be_v dispense_v in_o his_o name_n for_o the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o sinner_n for_o which_o they_o be_v call_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4_o 1._o this_o be_v a_o talon_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n of_o which_o they_o must_v short_o give_v a_o account_n and_o which_o while_o they_o have_v it_o they_o be_v command_v in_o all_o high_a pain_n to_o use_v for_o the_o gain_n of_o sinner_n to_o he_o in_o the_o way_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o in_o his_o word_n now_o let_v all_o judge_n what_o a_o strait_a minister_n be_v cast_v into_o in_o these_o time_n if_o they_o forbear_v on_o the_o inhibition_n of_o man_n to_o dispense_v the_o gospel_n and_o its_o ordinance_n to_o sinner_n thus_o commit_v to_o they_o they_o prove_v unfaithful_a to_o their_o master_n betray_v their_o trust_n and_o incur_v his_o heavy_a displeasure_n and_o wrath_n if_o they_o answer_v their_o trust_n and_o aim_v at_o faithfulness_n therein_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o labour_v in_o the_o work_n thereof_o to_o gain_v sinner_n they_o provock_n man_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o suffering_n but_o they_o know_v the_o love_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v on_o mature_a consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n choose_v and_o purpose_v in_o their_o master_n strength_n to_o venture_v on_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n see_v they_o can_v in_o this_o juncture_n both_o please_v their_o master_n &_o they_o resolve_a to_o prefer_v the_o necessity_n of_o suffering_n to_o that_o of_o sin_n the_o much_o commend_v and_o cryed-up_a choice_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o like_a ●ase_n propose_v to_o all_o in_o the_o word_n for_o their_o imitation_n three_o beside_o this_o trust_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v likewise_o the_o heavy_a trust_n of_o immortal_a soul_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v commit_v to_o they_o of_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o for_o who_o blood_n they_o must_v answer_v when_o they_o resign_v and_o give_v up_o their_o stewardship_n and_o lay_v down_o their_o office_n and_o trust_n a●_n his_o foot_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v it_o do_v any_o think_v the_o threat_n and_o inhibition_n of_o man_n will_v discharge_v they_o of_o this_o trust_n at_o their_o master_n hand_n if_o they_o think_v so_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o produce_v something_o from_o he_o that_o will_v signify_v so_o much_o to_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v judge_v themselves_o exeem_v from_o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o soul_n who_o blood_n will_v cry_v aloud_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o their_o master_n if_o they_o do_v not_o their_o part_n in_o what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o for_o save_a of_o such_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o nothing_o yet_o from_o our_o ruler_n to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o peremptory_a law_n and_o act_n command_v they_o to_o obey_v the_o same_o under_o great_a penalty_n if_o we_o be_v assure_v upon_o clear_a rational_a ground_n that_o their_o voice_n and_o command_n be_v the_o voice_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n jesus_n relieve_v we_o of_o this_o press_a burden_n of_o immortal_a soul_n once_o lay_v on_o we_o how_o quick_o and_o cheerful_o shall_v we_o obey_v their_o present_a law_n but_o nothing_o can_v we_o learn_v from_o they_o or_o any_o other_o to_o ascertane_v we_o of_o this_o let_v any_o that_o have_v any_o true_a feel_n of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o soul_n judge_n what_o a_o cruelty_n it_o must_v be_v in_o we_o to_o behold_v soul_n perish_v throw_v ignorance_n wickedness_n hypocrisy_n &_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n

in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n while_o we_o have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n commit_v to_o we_o the_o mean_a that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o house_n and_o use_v to_o bless_v with_o power_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n will_v not_o our_o neglect_n in_o slight_v of_o this_o make_v we_o guilty_a of_o their_o blood_n and_o accessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a perdition_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n while_o we_o reflect_v and_o think_v on_o this_o we_o there_fw-mi not_o for_o fear_v of_o man_n and_o the_o suffering_n that_o threaten_v we_o from_o ●●●m_n stand_v by_o and_o look_v on_o but_o labour_n as_o we_o can_v in_o our_o ministerial_a capacity_n to_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n we_o see_v come_v on_o immortal_a soul_n come_v of_o we_o what_o will_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o we_o that_o our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o he_o have_v command_v we_o in_o h●s_n word_n be_v antecedent_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o tie_n on_o we_o for_o obedience_n to_o man_n and_o that_o the_o command_n of_o man_n shall_v and_o ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n as_o we_o expect_v will_v not_o be_v deem_v by_o any_o that_o entertain_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n head_n much_o less_o by_o they_o that_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n than_o our_o practice_n can_v be_v condemn_v but_o must_v be_v justify_v which_o be_v but_o a_o necessare_fw-la consequence_n of_o this_o truth_n so_o universal_o receive_v and_o close_v with_o by_o all_o man_n except_o those_o who_o have_v debauch_v their_o conscience_n throw_v the_o predominant_a love_n of_o temporal_a thing_n to_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o sinful_a command_n of_o other_o for_o be_v not_o minister_n command_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o people_n to_o hear_v it_o to_o assemble_v and_o gather_v themselves_o together_o for_o that_o end_n how_o many_o be_v the_o command_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n about_o this_o matter_n in_o a_o thing_n so_o clear_a and_o evident_a through_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v astonish_v to_o we_o to_o think_v that_o man_n profess_v themselves_o christian_n dare_v issue_n out_o command_v so_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o christian_n to_o obey_v he_o before_o all_o other_o we_o grant_v when_o there_o be_v another_o duty_n on_o foot_n and_o call_v to_o hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la the_o magistrate_n may_v yea_o ought_v to_o super_fw-la cede_fw-la the_o practice_n of_o that_o that_o will_v hinder_v the_o duty_n necessare_fw-la and_o call_v to_o for_o the_o time_n to_o which_o in_o the_o circumstantiat_fw-la case_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n and_o call_v antecedent_n to_o the_o magistrate_n command●_n bu●_n 〈◊〉_d lie_v on_o and_o fix_v a_o state_v cessation_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o command_v duty_n on_o those_o that_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o matter_n forbid_v by_o man_n be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o any_o to_o do_v so_o be_v to_o frame_v and_o state_n a_o war_n with_o god_n and_o to_o fix_v ourselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o be_v not_o minister_n and_o professor_n then_o in_o a_o puss_n straight_o who_o must_v either_o disobey_v god_n or_o man_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v we_o why_o do_v we_o preach_v and_o hear_v to_o the_o offend_n of_o our_o ruler_n and_o the_o cause_v of_o so_o much_o trouble_n to_o the_o country_n our_o answer_n be_v god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v they_o that_o sus●ean_v the_o relevancy_n of_o this_o reason_n but_o yet_o deny_v the_o consequence_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v we_o something_o that_o take_v off_o our_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n in_o our_o case_n sure_a we_o be_v they_o be_v command_v but_o nothing_o can_v we_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o answer_v our_o argument_n and_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n but_o the_o cry_n of_o hazard_n from_o some_o and_o sharp_a severity_n from_o other_o five_o we_o hold_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o as_o the_o magistrate_n can_v jure_v magistra●ico_n exautorat_fw-la the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o take_v their_o power_n and_o office_n from_o they_o so_o he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o untie_v the_o obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o professor_n for_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o the_o least_o of_o his_o command_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o politic_n hold_v by_o all_o that_o no_o inferior_a power_n can_v disannul_v a_o power_n or_o hinder_v its_o exercise_n that_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o and_o dependent_a on_o a_o power_n superior_a except_o they_o show_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o same_o but_o in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v so_o we_o know_v all_o will_v grant_v that_o god_n supreme_a authority_n and_o dominion_n be_v superior_a to_o and_o above_o all_o authority_n and_o ●owers_n see_v they_o derive_v the_o same_o from_o and_o hold_v they_o of_o he_o who_o be_v true_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o see_v the_o ministerial_a power_n as_o to_o 〈◊〉_d ●●ing_n and_o exercise_n in_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_o ●●om_n god_n throw_v his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n by_o positive_a institution_n and_o appointment_n in_o his_o word_n no_o other_o power_n can_v exautorat_a these_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o it_o but_o they_o must_v show_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o from_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n by_o which_o god_n make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v let_v it_o be_v show_v and_o this_o will_v end_v the_o debait_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o quiet_a and_o cheirful_a subjection_n to_o the_o present_a law_n about_o the_o matter_n controvert_v we_o meet_v with_o confident_a assertion_n but_o no_o proof_n without_o which_o we_o can_v look_v on_o ourselves_o as_o loose_v from_o the_o obligation_n lie_v on_o we_o to_o use_v and_o exercise_v the_o ministerial_a power_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o god_n give_v anent_o it_o in_o the_o word_n we_o know_v the_o ministry_n be_v institute_v without_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n and_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o his_o will_n and_o command_v and_o god_n be_v obey_v while_o the_o magistrate_n do_v countermand_v &_o oppose_v himself_o thereto_o to_o his_o outmost_a which_o say_v that_o minister_n and_o professor_n do_v not_o then_o dream_v of_o a_o dependence_n on_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o give_v the_o magistrate_n a_o power_n to_o dissolve_v power_n institute_v by_o god_n and_o to_o supercede_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v command_v be_v to_o make_v he_o equal_a with_o if_o not_o to_o exalt_v he_o above_o the_o almighty_a god_n the_o only_a absolute_a and_o universal_a sovereign_n of_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v not_o this_o to_o substitute_v the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o put_v he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o pope_n that_o anti-christ_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n who_o in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o this_o now_o under_o debat_fw-la exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o be_v worship_v as_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o 2_o thess_n 2.4_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o usurp_a power_n now_o give_v to_o and_o assume_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o &_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v such_o that_o we_o tremble_v to_o think_v on_o that_o which_o will_v if_o thing_n continue_v in_o this_o present_a course_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n that_o luther_n do_v prophecy_n in_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o civil_a pope_n in_o the_o church_n who_o shall_v extend_v his_o power_n over_o the_o same_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pope_n have_v do_v so_o we_o fear_v that_o the_o trouble_n trial_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v come_v near_o to_o that_o hieght_n they_o be_v at_o under_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n this_o strange_a enhance_a of_o thing_n divine_a and_o humane_a speak_v some_o thing_n to_o fall_v out_o that_o will_v make_v the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n to_o tremble_v for_o god_n will_v not_o always_o be_v mock_v nor_o suffer_v his_o glory_n to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o six_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o sinful_a and_o evil_a consequence_n that_o will_v of_o themselves_o follow_v upon_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o mater_fw-la now_o controvert_v we_o there_fw-mi not_o