not_o more_o deceive_v by_o this_o error_n we_o pray_v you_o mark_v that_o a_o thing_n command_v by_o our_o superioure_n in_o church_n or_o policy_n may_v be_v two_o way_n inexpedient_a to_o wit_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n who_o through_o weakness_n or_o malice_n do_v stumble_v at_o it_o or_o else_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n in_o general_a because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n if_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v inexpedient_a the_o first_o way_n only_o we_o may_v indeed_o in_o such_o a_o case_n for_o eschew_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la in_o some_o particular_a place_n and_o time_n provyde_v always_o we_o do_v this_o without_o offence_n of_o our_o supericure_n and_o without_o the_o scandal_n of_o other_o who_o by_o our_o forbearance_n may_v be_v make_v to_o vilipend_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n but_o we_o can_v not_o in_o such_o a_o case_n totallie_o and_o absolute_o deny_v obedience_n to_o a_o law_n as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v neither_o be_v your_o argument_n bring_v to_o the_o contrary_a valide_fw-la in_o respect_n we_o aught_o more_o to_o look_v to_o the_o utility_n and_o benefit_n which_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v by_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o by_o our_o obedience_n to_o our_o superioure_n than_o to_o the_o harm_n which_o some_o particular_a person_n may_v receive_v there-by_a 47._o if_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v in_o our_o private_a judgement_n inexpedient_a the_o second_o way_n we_o ought_v not_o for_o that_o to_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o the_o inexpediency_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v questionable_a &_o probable_a argument_n may_v be_v bring_v pro_fw-la and_o contra_fw-la concern_v the_o expediencie_n of_o it_o we_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o practice_v it_o if_o the_o church_n by_o her_o public_a decree_n have_v declare_v that_o she_o think_v it_o expedient_a your_o error_n who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a mind_n be_v very_o dangerous_a &_o may_v prove_v most_o pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n for_o it_o make_v the_o church_n obnoxious_a to_o perpetual_a schism_n &_o disconformitie_n in_o matter_n of_o external_a policy_n in_o respect_n man_n ordinary_o be_v divyde_v in_o judgement_n concern_v the_o expediencie_n of_o these_o thing_n suppone_v then_o that_o in_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o pastor_n threescore_o of_o they_o think_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a ceremony_n to_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o plurality_n of_o their_o voice_n make_v a_o act_n to_o be_v conclude_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o shall_v the_o remnant_n forty_o who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n because_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o thing_n conclude_v be_v inexpedient_a and_o shall_v they_o by_o do_v so_o rend_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n true_o if_o we_o be_v all_o of_o your_o mind_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v peace_n nor_o unity_n in_o this_o church_n you_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o this_o our_o argument_n be_v popish_a and_o lead_v man_n to_o acquiesee_v without_o trial_n or_o examination_n in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n we_o answer_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n the_o truth_n whereof_o may_v be_v infallible_o conclude_v out_o of_o god_n word_n we_o ought_v not_o without_o trial_n to_o acquiesce_v into_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o dissent_v from_o the_o papist_n who_o ascrybe_n too_o much_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o counsel_n as_o if_o their_o decree_n be_v infallible_a but_o in_o matter_n of_o policy_n if_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v indifferent_a and_o if_o the_o expediencie_n of_o they_o only_o be_v call_v in_o question_n see_v no_o certain_a conclusion_n concern_v their_o expediencie_n can_v be_v infallible_o draw_v out_o of_o god_n word_n which_o have_v not_o determine_v whether_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a rite_n be_v agreeable_a to_o order_n decency_n and_o aedification_n we_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v into_o the_o decree_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n although_o it_o be_v not_o of_o infallible_a authority_n and_o that_o partly_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o otherway_n we_o can_v agree_v in_o one_o conclusion_n concern_v matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o partly_o because_o if_o we_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n our_o disobedience_n shall_v prove_v far_o more_o unexpedient_a and_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n than_o our_o obedience_n can_v be_v 48._o see_v then_o whatsoev_a you_o have_v hitherto_a say_v concern_v the_o question_n propon_v by_o we_o may_v be_v easy_o answer_v with_o a_o retortion_n of_o the_o argument_n upon_o yourselves_o that_o we_o may_v eschew_v all_o such_o logomachie_n we_o must_v take_v some_o other_o course_n and_o try_v which_o of_o these_o two_o precept_n be_v in_o itself_o of_o great_a moment_n and_o obligation_n for_o thence_o we_o may_v collect_v which_o of_o these_o two_o precept_n do_v obliedge_v we_o in_o the_o case_n foresay_v the_o other_o give_v place_n to_o it_o and_o not_o obliedge_v we_o at_o all_o in_o that_o case_n if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o precept_n which_o forbid_v we_o to_o do_v that_o where-by_a our_o weak_a brother_n may_v be_v scandalize_v be_v in_o itself_o more_o obligatorie_n or_o do_v more_o strict_o tie_v we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o as_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n you_o must_v bring_v a_o solid_a reason_n for_o you_o which_o we_o think_v you_o will_v hardly_o find_v we_o know_v you_o say_v that_o the_o precept_n concern_v scandal_n be_v more_o obligatorie_n and_o of_o great_a moment_n because_o it_o concern_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o brother_n but_o this_o reason_n be_v not_o valide_fw-la first_o in_o respect_n our_o brother_n if_o he_o be_v scandalize_v by_o our_o obedience_n to_o our_o superioure_n sin_v not_o by_o our_o default_n who_o do_v obey_v for_o our_o carriage_n in_o give_v obedience_n be_v such_o as_o may_v rather_o edify_v our_o brother_n secondlie_o the_o precept_n which_o forbid_v disobedience_n concern_v the_o loss_n both_o of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o who_o may_v be_v entyse_v to_o that_o sin_n by_o our_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a commandment_n of_o our_o superior_n thirdlie_o if_o that_o precept_n of_o eschew_v scandal_n causeleslie_o take_v do_v so_o strict_o obliedge_v we_o when_o our_o superioure_n require_v obedience_n of_o we_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o inextricable_a perplexity_n not_o know_v whether_o he_o shall_v obey_v or_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o his_o superioure_n in_o respect_n he_o may_v fear_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a whether_o he_o obey_v or_o deny_v obedience_n for_o as_o we_o say_v before_o many_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o be_v scandalize_v by_o our_o deny_v of_o obedience_n to_o our_o superioure_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o otherwise_o expedient_a and_o that_o because_o we_o by_o nature_n be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o be_v curb_v and_o to_o have_v our_o liberty_n restrain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o supeperioure_n for_o this_o cause_n as_o calvin_n judiciouslie_o note_v instit_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 8._o §_o 35._o god_n to_o allure_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o superiouree_n call_v all_o superioure_n parent_n in_o the_o five_o commandment_n 49._o but_o we_o with_o good_a warrant_n do_v aver_v that_o the_o precept_n which_o forbid_v resist_v of_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o in_o general_a the_o deny_v of_o obedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a commandment_n of_o our_o superioure_n be_v of_o great_a obligation_n and_o moment_n and_o first_o we_o prove_v this_o by_o a_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o dyverse_a degree_n of_o that_o care_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o for_o this_o care_n tie_v we_o to_o three_o thing_n to_o wit_n first_o to_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o may_v be_v aedificative_a and_o may_v give_v a_o good_a example_n to_o all_o secondlie_o to_o the_o eschew_v of_o that_o which_o may_v be_v scandalous_a or_o a_o evil_a example_n to_o all_o that_o be_v to_o the_o eschew_v of_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o sin_n or_o have_v a_o manifest_a show_n of_o sin_n thirdlie_o to_o abstain_v even_o from_o that_o which_o although_o it_o be_v lawful_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v to_o some_o particular_a person_n a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n of_o these_o the_o first_o two_o be_v most_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o respect_n they_o concern_v the_o good_a of_o
and_o advyse_v doubt_v as_o we_o say_v before_o concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n which_o concern_v matter_n of_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n neither_o do_v the_o confirmation_n of_o your_o minor_a trouble_n we_o for_o we_o have_v think_v ourselves_o free_a of_o perjury_n these_o twenty_o year_n bygone_a not_o for_o any_o certain_a persuasion_n which_o we_o have_v that_o pearth_n article_n be_v not_o abjure_v in_o the_o old_a covenant_n but_o because_o we_o do_v not_o personal_o swear_v that_o covenant_n and_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o it_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o those_o who_o do_v subscrybe_n it_o which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o demonstrate_v by_o irrefragable_a argument_n you_o see_v then_o your_o argument_n retort_v upon_o we_o pierce_v we_o not_o at_o all_o and_o the_o reader_n may_v perceive_v that_o our_o argument_n have_v be_v so_o forcible_o throw_v upon_o you_o that_o you_o have_v not_o take_v upon_o you_o to_o answer_v any_o part_n of_o it_o if_o you_o have_v have_v evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o you_o you_o will_v not_o only_o have_v retort_v our_o argument_n but_o also_o by_o answer_v it_o punctuallie_o show_v that_o it_o strayt_v not_o you_o and_o if_o you_o have_v be_v exact_a resolver_n you_o will_v not_o have_v go_v about_o to_o have_v satisfy_v we_o with_o a_o naked_a argument_n in_o contrarium_fw-la 24._o before_o we_o leave_v this_o point_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o all_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o insist_v in_o this_o our_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o that_o we_o have_v propon_v it_o not_o to_o catch_v advantage_n of_o you_o but_o to_o get_v satisfaction_n to_o our_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o your_o sincerity_n in_o urge_v we_o to_o subscrybe_n it_o we_o will_v collect_v out_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o say_v some_o interrogatory_n which_o we_o pray_v you_o to_o answer_v punctuallie_o if_o you_o intend_v to_o give_v we_o satisfaction_n the_o first_o be_v whether_o or_o not_o your_o declaration_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o late_a covemant_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o extend_v not_o itself_o to_o the_o abjuration_n of_o pearth_n article_n be_v not_o only_o vera_fw-la true_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o verax_n that_o be_v consonant_n to_o your_o mind_n and_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o chief_a contryver_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n wherefore_a we_o propone_v this_o question_n you_o will_v perceive_v by_o these_o that_o follow_v secondlie_o see_v you_o and_o other_o the_o chief_a contryver_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n have_v be_v ever_o of_o this_o mind_n that_o pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v in_o it_o we_o ask_v whether_o you_o all_o tie_v yourselves_o by_o this_o late_a covenant_n to_o the_o inviolable_a observation_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n have_v tie_v yourselves_o to_o it_o in_o all_o the_o particular_a point_n which_o you_o conceive_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o or_o only_o in_o some_o of_o they_o do_v you_o by_o mental_a reservation_n except_o any_o part_n of_o that_o old_a covenant_n or_o in_o particular_a do_v you_o except_o that_o part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o which_o perpetual_a continuance_n in_o the_o doctrine_n &_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n be_v promise_v or_o if_o that_o part_n be_v not_o except_v do_v you_o put_v any_o new_a gloss_n upon_o it_o which_o it_o have_v not_o before_o and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o whether_o or_o not_o you_o renew_v the_o oath_n of_o perpetual_a observation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n as_o it_o be_v anno_fw-la 1581._o have_v not_o only_o real_o but_o also_o according_a to_o your_o own_o conception_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n abjure_v all_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n add_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n since_o the_o foresaid_a year_n and_o consequent_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n and_o episcopacy_n thirdlie_o see_v you_o so_o confident_o aver_v that_o pearth_n article_n be_v abjure_v in_o the_o old_a covenant_n how_o can_v you_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v abjure_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n except_o you_o acknowledge_v a_o substantial_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o old_a and_o new_a covenant_n fourthlie_o if_o you_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v real_o and_o indeed_o abjure_v in_o the_o late_a covenant_n how_o can_v you_o faithful_o and_o sincere_o say_v to_o we_o or_o to_o any_o other_o that_o they_o be_v not_o abjure_v in_o it_o fiftlie_o how_o can_v you_o and_o all_o other_o who_o with_o you_o have_v real_o and_o also_o according_a to_o your_o own_o conception_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n abjure_v pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n by_o renew_v of_o it_o voice_n free_o in_o the_o intend_a assembly_n concern_v these_o thing_n see_v you_o be_v tie_v by_o your_o oath_n to_o condemn_v and_o abrogate_v they_o sixth_o how_o can_v we_o concur_v with_o you_o in_o a_o oath_n wherein_o we_o be_v infallible_o persuade_v that_o you_o have_v abjure_v pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n seaventhlie_a if_o we_o concur_v with_o you_o in_o that_o oath_n will_v you_o not_o as_o we_o object_v in_o our_o reply_n but_o you_o have_v not_o answer_v it_o think_v we_o bind_v by_o our_o oath_n to_o condemn_v pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n and_o will_v not_o you_o think_v yourselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o tell_v we_o and_o all_o other_o that_o which_o you_o think_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o may_v make_v much_o for_o your_o cause_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v but_o one_o sense_n and_o that_o in_o that_o one_o sense_n pearth_n article_n be_v abjure_v 25._o you_o and_o all_o other_o may_v now_o see_v how_o injustlie_o you_o say_v that_o we_o will_v have_v the_o covenanter_n against_o their_o intention_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o to_o disallow_a and_o condemn_v pearth_n article_n and_o episcopal_a government_n lest_o they_o be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a assembly_n god_n know_v how_o far_o we_o detest_v all_o such_o deal_n and_o this_o vindication_n of_o our_o two_o argument_n we_o add_v also_o a_o three_o but_o you_o have_v swallow_v it_o bring_v by_o we_o to_o prove_v that_o pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v in_o your_o late_a covenant_n will_v sufficient_o clear_v we_o of_o this_o imputation_n to_o all_o unpartial_a reader_n 26._o we_o do_v not_o only_o allege_v as_o you_o say_v that_o your_o supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n be_v full_o satisfy_v by_o the_o last_o proclamation_n but_o ground_v a_o argument_n upon_o your_o answer_n to_o our_o four_o demand_n we_o reason_v thus_o if_o in_o all_o your_o supplication_n you_o have_v only_o seek_v the_o remove_n of_o the_o service-booke_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o new_a high_a commission_n not_o complain_v of_o any_o other_o novation_n already_o introduce_v and_o see_v his_o majesty_n have_v grant_v this_o unto_o you_o what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o say_v that_o his_o majesty_n have_v not_o satisfy_v your_o supplication_n this_o our_o argument_n you_o have_v turn_v to_o a_o mere_a alleadgeance_n lest_o you_o shall_v have_v trouble_v yourselves_o with_o answer_v it_o whether_o or_o not_o we_o may_v forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o pearth_n article_n until_o they_o be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a assembly_n 27._o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o which_o your_o covenant_n by_o your_o own_o confession_n tie_v we_o to_o to_o wit_n the_o forbearance_n of_o pearth_n article_n until_o they_o be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o first_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o the_o urge_v of_o the_o service_n book_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o forbearance_n of_o pearth_n article_n till_o a_o assembly_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o can_v not_o see_v the_o equity_n and_o force_v of_o this_o reason_n for_o the_o service-booke_n may_v be_v hold_v out_o albeit_o pearth_n article_n be_v not_o forbear_v at_o this_o time_n yea_o although_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v remove_v and_o the_o more_o obedient_a subject_n be_v at_o this_o time_n to_o his_o majesty_n law_n already_o establish_v the_o great_a hope_n may_v they_o have_v of_o obtain_v their_o desire_n 28._o you_o bring_v 2_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o forbearance_n of_o novation_n already_o introduce_v one_o be_v that_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n establish_v they_o be_v conclude_v only_o for_o satisfy_v the_o king_n and_o not_o to_o press_v any_o man_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o because_o the_o act_n itself_o you_o mean_v the_o act_n concern_v kneel_v give_v warrant_n to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o at_o this_o time_n when_o the_o memory_n of_o superstition_n be_v revive_v but_o this_o reason_n do_v no_o way_n satisfy_v our_o conscience_n for_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o last_o part_n of_o your_o answer_n
thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wyse_n and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n even_o so_o o_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n beside_o if_o you_o compare_v the_o divyne_n ancient_a and_o modern_a who_o be_v of_o our_o judgement_n with_o these_o who_o favour_n your_o opinion_n either_o in_o number_n or_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o gift_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o this_o the_o advantage_n be_v great_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o we_o can_v bring_v far_o better_a reason_n to_o free_v ourselves_o of_o prejudice_n than_o these_o which_o you_o have_v bring_v against_o we_o to_o wit_n the_o solidity_n of_o our_o argument_n which_o have_v put_v you_o to_o such_o strait_n pardon_v we_o to_o say_v that_o which_o every_o one_o who_o have_v eye_n may_v see_v that_o oft-time_n you_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o 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calling_n 4._o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o canon_n of_o counsel_n do_v so_o permit_v to_o pastor_n the_o care_n of_o the_o whole_a church_fw-mi as_o they_o must_v remember_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n decentlie_o and_o in_o order_n and_o not_o to_o interpone_v themselves_o in_o their_o brethren_n charge_n and_o against_o their_o will_n and_o praise_v be_v god_n there_o be_v not_o any_o combustion_n error_n or_o confusion_n in_o these_o place_n of_o our_o charge_n as_o you_o do_v allege_v neither_o do_v our_o people_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o help_n from_o you_o and_o if_o you_o mean_v the_o combustion_n of_o our_o national_n kirke_n we_o do_v think_v your_o remeede_n not_o convenient_a as_o be_v in_o our_o judgement_n not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o right_a way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n 5._o whereas_o you_o allege_v that_o if_o some_o member_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi have_v not_o care_v more_o kyndlie_o in_o this_o time_n of_o common_a danger_n than_o other_o have_v do_v the_o whole_a body_n have_v be_v ere_o now_o dangerous_o if_o not_o desperate_o disease_v we_o answer_v that_o we_o most_o hearty_o wish_v any_o disease_n of_o this_o church_n to_o be_v tymouslie_o prevent_v and_o cure_v but_o withal_o we_o wish_v this_o to_o be_v do_v without_o a_o rupture_n and_o such_o a_o dangerous_a division_n chief_o see_v our_o church_n be_v not_o infect_v with_o any_o such_o error_n nor_o be_v in_o such_o danger_n as_o may_v give_v just_a occasion_n of_o so_o fearful_a a_o division_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v a_o sore_a disease_n and_o from_o which_o in_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v often_o and_o very_o earnest_o dehort_v dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o novatus_n record_v by_o eusebius_n lib._n 6._o historiae_fw-la cap._n 37._o worthy_o say_v you_o ought_v rather_o to_o have_v suffer_v any_o thing_n
horn_n of_o it_o still_o towards_o you_o you_o far_o insinuate_v that_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o solid_a and_o grave_a but_o velitation_n of_o such_o a_o sort_n as_o you_o look_v not_o for_o let_v the_o judicious_a reader_n pronounce_v his_o sentence_n of_o this_o only_o we_o wish_v that_o you_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o satisfy_v than_o to_o contemn_v our_o reason_n that_o which_o you_o here_o again_o add_v concern_v the_o change_n of_o commissioner_n be_v answer_v in_o our_o four_o duplye_n 8._o to_o give_v light_n to_o your_o former_a discourse_n you_o subjoyne_v a_o distinction_n of_o discipline_n into_o three_o member_n first_o you_o say_v it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o censure_n of_o manner_n by_o office-bearer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o thus_o you_o say_v it_o be_v unchangeable_a secondlie_o for_o constitution_n of_o counsel_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o you_o say_v it_o be_v alterable_a or_o constant_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a objecte_n thirdlie_o for_o the_o order_n of_o circumstance_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o action_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o so_o you_o say_v it_o be_v variable_a first_o by_o these_o distinction_n the_o matter_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v obscure_v than_o clear_v for_o you_o do_v not_o express_v in_o which_o of_o these_o sense_n the_o discipline_n mention_v in_o the_o negative_a confession_n be_v to_o be_v take_v which_o be_v the_o point_n require_v of_o you_o 9_o secondlie_o you_o seem_v by_o this_o distinction_n to_o entangle_v yourselves_o yet_o more_o for_o first_o if_o you_o take_v the_o name_n of_o discipline_n in_o any_o one_o or_o any_o two_o of_o these_o sense_n what_o say_v you_o to_o these_o follow_a word_n of_o your_o dispute_n against_o the_o english_a popish_a ceremony_n parte_fw-la 4._o cap._n 8._o sect._n 8_o the_o bishop_n do_v but_o needleslie_o question_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o discipline_n whereof_o the_o oath_n speak_v for_o howsoever_o in_o ecclesiastical_a use_n it_o signify_v oftentime_n that_o policy_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o censure_v of_o manner_n yet_o in_o the_o oath_n it_o must_v be_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n namely_o for_o the_o whole_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n for_o 1._o the_o whole_a policy_n of_o this_o church_n do_v at_o that_o time_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o discipline_n and_o those_o two_o book_n wherein_o this_o policy_n be_v contain_v be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n they_o who_o swear_v the_o oath_n mean_v by_o discipline_n that_o whole_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n 10._o second_o when_o that_o little_a confession_n be_v frame_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o by_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o bishop_n and_o therefore_a if_o you_o think_v that_o the_o name_n of_o discipline_n in_o that_o confession_n comprehend_v under_o it_o the_o first_o part_n of_o your_o distinction_n which_o as_o we_o conceive_v you_o will_v not_o deny_v you_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v urge_v by_o you_o to_o swear_v and_o subscrybe_n against_o our_o conscience_n since_o we_o think_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o then_o be_v to_o be_v changeable_a and_o that_o the_o government_n be_v lawful_o change_v by_o follow_v assembly_n and_o parliamente_n from_o presbyter_n to_o bishop_n 11._o thirdlie_o if_o these_o constitution_n of_o counsel_n concern_v object_n alterable_a mention_v in_o the_o second_o member_n of_o your_o distinction_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o order_v of_o variable_a circumstance_n mention_v in_o the_o three_o member_n why_o have_v you_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o if_o they_o be_v different_a than_o you_o grant_v that_o ecclesiastic_a constitution_n may_v be_v make_v concern_v some_o alterable_a matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o bare_a circumstance_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o your_o ordinary_a doctrine_n 5._o where-by_a you_o maintain_v that_o nothing_o changeable_a be_v lest_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a circumstance_n of_o action_n we_o can_v not_o see_v how_o you_o can_v maintain_v this_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o oppose_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v ceremony_n which_o be_v indifferent_a 12._o we_o have_v reason_n to_o inquyre_v your_o judgement_n concern_v rite_n or_o ceremony_n which_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o though_o you_o still_o shun_v the_o declare_v of_o it_o since_o by_o your_o covenant_n you_o intend_v a_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o recover_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o you_o speak_v if_o you_o in_o your_o judgement_n condemn_v such_o ceremony_n as_o you_o insinuate_v we_o can_v not_o expect_v but_o that_o if_o you_o obtain_v your_o desire_n all_o such_o rite_n shall_v be_v expel_v and_o condemn_v especial_o since_o by_o this_o your_o late_a covenant_n you_o tie_v yourselves_o to_o that_o old_a covenant_n wherein_a you_o disclaim_v and_o detest_v all_o rite_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n etc._n without_o the_o word_n of_o god._n now_o we_o can_v not_o concur_v with_o you_o for_o promove_v this_o end_n because_o such_o a_o judgement_n be_v plain_a contrary_a to_o we_o yea_o contrary_a to_o the_o universal_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_fw-mi repugnant_a also_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n and_o most_o famous_a divyne_n therein_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o quotation_n on_o the_o margin_n but_o if_o you_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o we_o and_o think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n of_o that_o kind_n lawful_a why_o do_v you_o hide_v your_o mind_n from_o we_o and_o other_o since_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o manifest_v of_o this_o truth_n will_v be_v no_o small_a advancement_n to_o your_o cause_n by_o remove_v this_o great_a offence_n of_o matrimonial_a benediction_n and_o godfather_n in_o baptism_n 13._o as_o for_o solemn_a blessing_n of_o marriage_n we_o ask_v what_o warrant_v you_o have_v for_o it_o by_o precept_n or_o practice_n set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n in_o your_o answer_n you_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v a_o blessing_n of_o the_o people_n command_v in_o the_o law_n and_o more_o plain_o we_o find_v this_o set_v down_o in_o the_o dispute_n against_o the_o english_a popish_a ceremony_n part_n 3._o cap._n 2._o sect_n 10._o yet_o plain_n it_o be_v from_o scripture_n itself_o that_o matrimonial_a benediction_n aught_o to_o be_v give_v by_o a_o pastor_n for_o god_n have_v command_v his_o minister_n to_o bless_v his_o people_n num_fw-la 6._o first_o who_o ever_o before_o you_o do_v ground_n the_o necessity_n of_o solemn_a blessing_n of_o marriage_n upon_o these_o word_n num_fw-la 6.23_o speak_v unto_o aaron_n and_o unto_o his_o son_n say_v on_o this_o wise_n you_o shall_v bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v unto_o they_o the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o etc._n etc._n learned_a melanchton_n be_v not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o scripture_n as_o to_o see_v this_o for_o he_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n pag._n 328._o you_o see_v that_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v that_o the_o brydegroome_n and_o bride_n be_v join_v before_o the_o altar_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o incal_v of_o god._n which_o custom_n undoubtedlie_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o the_o first_o father_n that_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o this_o conjunction_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n and_o be_v assist_v by_o he_o 14._o secondlie_o by_o this_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o people_n num_n 6._o either_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o the_o church_n to_o bless_v marriage_n solemn_o or_o not_o if_o you_o say_v there_o be_v not_o a_o necessity_n than_o there_o be_v no_o commandment_n of_o god_n there-anent_a for_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o obey_v god_n commandment_n if_o you_o say_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n what_o say_v you_o then_o to_o your_o friend_n didoclave_n who_o in_o his_o altar_n of_o damascus_n pag._n 866_o affirm_v that_o neither_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o congregation_n nor_o blessing_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v necessary_a to_o this_o action_n and_o if_o you_o dissent_v herein_a from_o he_o you_o be_v hold_v to_o prove_v your_o opinion_n by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v 15._o thirdlie_o the_o commandment_n to_o bless_v the_o people_n be_v no_o less_o if_o not_o more_o general_a than_o that_o 1._o cor._n 14.40_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decentlie_o and_o in_o order_n on_o the_o which_o word_n both_o ancient_a and_o recent_a