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and_o dignity_n above_o the_o rest_n than_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v set_v they_o down_o more_o distinct_o and_o precise_o than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o hiee_a place_n that_o one_o occupy_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o more_o necessity_n he_o be_v unto_o the_o kirk_n &_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o more_o careful_a will_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi have_v be_v in_o point_v he_o out_o and_o distinguish_v he_o from_o other_o we_o see_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o high_a priest_n his_o title_n office_n function_n and_o special_a administration_n and_o juris_fw-la diction_n be_v more_o particular_o and_o pray_v cise_o set_v down_o than_o the_o office_n of_o any_o of_o the_o inferior_a priest_n and_o levite_n and_o so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o any_o such_o have_v be_v above_o the_o rest_n their_o title_n power_n dignity_n and_o office_n more_o particular_o &_o precis_o have_v be_v point_a out_o then_o of_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n &c_n &c_n but_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v in_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o office_n ministery_n and_o power_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n &_o elder_n be_v clere_o set_v forth_o but_o no_o sick_a thing_n of_o papal_n bishop_n prelate_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o order_n therefore_o can_v these_o no_o way_n stand_v with_o scripture_n 3._o quhilk_fw-mi further_o be_v to_o be_v clear_v by_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o title_n dignity_n and_o domination_n of_o papal_n bischops_n prelate_n &c_n &c_n who_o follow_v the_o roman_a antichrist_n claim_v to_o themselves_o a_o twofold_a power_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a quhilk_n be_v the_o two_o horn_n of_o the_o secund_a beast_n apoc_n 13._o 11._o as_o some_o good_a divine_n do_v expond_v quhilk_fw-mi both_o power_n by_o the_o devise_n of_o satan_n as_o two_o sword_n have_v serve_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n that_o antichrist_n to_o tread_v down_o the_o great_a power_n on_o earth_n of_o emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n and_o
in_o parliament_n as_o likewise_o the_o general_a assembly_n his_o majesty_n be_v present_a thereat_o have_v find_v the_o same_o lawful_a &_o expedient_a we_o wall_v humble_o and_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v all_o such_o to_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o officebearer_n and_o law_n thereof_o nether_a shall_v nor_o can_v suffer_v any_o derogation_n addition_n diminution_n or_o alteration_n beside_o the_o prescript_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n by_o any_o invention_n or_o do_n of_o man_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o we_o be_v able_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o will_v offer_v ourselves_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o bishopprik_n to_o be_v erect_v be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o ancient_a father_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi the_o modern_a most_o learned_a &_o godly_a divine_n the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n since_o the_o first_o reformation_n of_o religion_n within_o the_o same_o country_n the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n ratifi_v the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n by_o the_o general_a and_o provincial_n assembly_n presbitery_n and_o session_n also_o against_o the_o weil_z and_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n the_o weal_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o quietness_n thereof_o the_o establish_a estate_n &_o weal_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi in_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o patrimony_n thereof_o the_o weal_n and_o honour_n of_o your_o ll._n the_o most_o ancient_a estate_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o final_o against_o the_o weil_z of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o good_a subject_n thereof_o in_o soul_n body_n and_o substance_n next_o that_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n grant_v vote_n in_o parliament_n to_o minister_n be_v with_o a_o special_a provision_n that_o nothing_o thereby_o be_v derogatory_n or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o present_a establish_a discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o jurisdiction_n thereof_o in_o general_a and_o synodall_n assembly_n presbitery_n and_o session_n three_o and_o last_o the_o general_a assembly_n the_o king_n his_o majesty_n sit_v vote_v and_o consent_v therein_o fear_v the_o cor_fw-la ruption_n of_o that_o office_n have_v circumscribe_v and_o bound_v the_o same_o with_o a_o number_n of_o caution_n all_o which_o to_o gether_o with_o such_o other_o as_o shall_v be_v conclude_v upon_o by_o the_o assembly_n be_v think_v expedient_a to_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o vote_n in_o parliamen_n as_o most_o necessary_a &_o substantial_a part_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o say_a assembly_n have_v not_o agree_v to_o give_v thereunto_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n for_o fear_n of_o import_v the_o old_a corruption_n pomp_n &_o tyranny_n of_o papal_a bishop_n but_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v call_v commissioner_n for_o the_o church_fw-mi to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n and_o it_o be_v of_o verity_n that_o according_a to_o thes_n caution_n neither_o have_v those_o man_n now_o call_v by_o shop_n enter_v to_o that_o office_n of_o commissionarie_n to_o vote_n in_o parl_n iament_n neither_o since_o their_o ingyre_n have_v they_o behave_v themselves_o therein_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v hold_v that_o great_a court_n of_o parliament_n to_o judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a at_o his_o glorious_a manifesta_fw-la tion_n and_o in_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o general_a so_o happy_o &_o well_o establish_v with_o in_o this_o realm_n and_o whereof_o the_o say_a realm_n have_v reap_v the_o comfortable_a fruit_n of_o peace_n &_o unity_n free_a from_o heresy_n schism_n and_o dissension_n these_o 46_o year_n by_o past_a also_o in_o name_n of_o our_o presbytery_n from_o quhilk_n we_o have_v our_o commission_n and_o in_o our_o own_o name_n officebearer_n and_o pastor_n within_o the_o same_o for_o discharge_v of_o our_o necessary_a duty_n and_o disburden_v of_o our_o conscience_n in_o particular_a we_o except_v and_o protest_v against_o the_o say_v bishopprike_v &_o bishop_n and_o the_o erection_n confirmation_n or_o ratification_n thereof_o at_o this_o present_a parliament_n most_o humble_o crave_v that_o this_o our_o protestation_n may_v be_v admit_v by_o your_o honour_n and_o registrat_n among_o the_o act_n and_o statute_n of_o the_o same_o incaice_n as_o god_n forbid_v these_o bishopric_n be_v erect_v ratify_v or_o confirm_v therein_o a_o treatise_n of_o church_fw-mi government_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n whereof_o this_o former_a contain_v a_o demonstration_n of_o true_a christian_a discipline_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n use_v in_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n this_o writing_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o carry_v out_o invective_n speech_n with_o revile_v and_o wrathful_a word_n against_o any_o in_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o god_n know_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n accomplish_v not_o the_o righteousness_n 20_o of_o god_n but_o this_o write_v be_v appoint_v to_o be_v one_fw-mi pleader_n even_o in_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o zion_n sake_n and_o for_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n break_v forth_o from_o zion_n as_o the_o light_n and_o salvation_n 1._o as_o one_fw-mi burning_z lamp_n to_o all_o beleiver_n wish_v that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v of_o all_o with_o indifferency_n consider_v of_o all_o with_o wisdom_n &_o sobriety_n and_o embrace_v of_o all_o that_o love_n truth_n and_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n and_o sincere_a meaning_n thereof_o it_o shall_v be_v divide_v in_o to_o two_o principal_a head_n the_o one_o shall_v contain_v a_o demonstration_n of_o christian_a discipline_n &_o true_a kirk_n government_n by_o minister_n and_o assist_a elder_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n practise_v in_o the_o apostolic_a &_o primitive_a kirke_n use_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n these_o many_o year_n receive_v and_o embrace_v by_o all_o the_o professor_n within_o the_o same_o and_o establish_v by_o law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o the_o weill_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o whole_a church_fw-mi within_o this_o realm_n the_o other_o part_n shall_v contain_v a_o refutation_n of_o the_o episcopal_a domination_n and_o lordship_n begin_v to_o be_v urge_v in_o our_o kirk_n of_o late_a by_o conformity_n with_o england_n quhilk_n be_v of_o late_o greedy_o embrace_v even_o by_o those_o who_o not_o only_o have_v profess_v teach_v and_o practise_v the_o true_a discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n but_o also_o with_o solemn_a oath_n have_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v to_o it_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n concern_v the_o true_a discipline_n and_o gubernation_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o kirk_n of_o the_o live_a god_n therefore_o o_o lord_n of_o light_a the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a donation_n 3._o send_v out_o thy_o light_n and_o thy_o truth_n and_o direct_v this_o heart_n this_o hand_n &_o pen_n aright_o unto_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o great_a name_n and_o clear_v of_o thy_o everlasting_a truth_n now_o all_o by_o matter_n be_v set_v a_o side_n it_o shall_v be_v expedient_a &_o needful_a for_o our_o proceed_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o positi_fw-la once_o &_o principal_n as_o ground_n to_o build_v upon_o enforce_v all_o that_o have_v forsake_v the_o roman_a synogogue_n to_o consent_v first_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o the_o appoint_v mean_v of_o his_o father_n be_v only_a head_n eph._n 1._o 21_o 22_o 23._o king_n lord_n and_o suprem_fw-la governor_n of_o his_o church_fw-mi quhilk_fw-mi with_o his_o blood_n here_o one_o earth_n he_o have_v sprinkle_v and_o wish_v apoc_fw-la 7_o 14._o and_o have_v lead_v captivity_n captive_a ascend_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n eph_n 4_o 8._o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o father_n col._n 3._o 1._o heb_n 1._o 3._o rule_v his_o kirk_n powerful_o by_o his_o spirit_n &_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n isa_n 11._o 1._o 2._o 4._o &_o 49._o 21._o psal_n 110._o 2._o heb_n 1._o 8._o only_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n have_v power_n only_o by_o his_o law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n isai._n 9_o 6_o 7._o &_o 33._o 22._o james._n 4._o 12._o revel_v 3_o 7._o 1_o tim_n 6._o 15_o and_o therefore_o let_v no_o mortal_a man_n equal_v himself_o in_o this_o high_a prerogative_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o his_o church_fw-mi only_a monarch_n and_o only_a head_n isa._n 29._o 13._o 14._o mich_n 4._o 7._o luc_n 1_o 32._o 33._o 1._o cor_n 3_o 18_o 19_o eph_n 1_n 22_o &_o 4_o 15_o col_n 1_n 18._o &_o 2_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 18_o 19_o 23._o second_o this_o supreme_a governor_n isai_n 9_o 6_o christ_n jesus_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o kirk_n which_o be_v his_o body_n maim_v or_o imperfect_a destitute_a of_o right_a covernement_n
cor_n 4_o 1._o furnish_v from_o above_o with_o gift_n eph_n 4_o 8._o rome_n 12_o 6._o 1._o pet_n 4._o 10._o calling_n rome_n 10._o 15._o heb._n 5_o 4_o and_o power_n joh_n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o scripture_n as_o say_v be_v for_o kirk_n government_n be_v set_v out_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o the_o person_n to_o who_o be_v give_v the_o charge_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n 2._o their_o call_v 3._o their_o gift_n 4._o their_o office_n &_o power_n distinct_o their_o power_n junct_o and_o manner_n thereof_o which_o all_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v clear_o be_v demonstrate_v by_o only_a scripture_n the_o person_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o ordinar_n extraordinary_a as_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n who_o office_n serve_v for_o a_o time_n have_v cease_v as_o for_o the_o person_n ordinar_n we_o shall_v find_v their_o institution_n with_o their_o office_n express_v in_o these_o place_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 2._o tit_n 1._o 5_o 6._o 7._o act._n 6_o 3._o 4._o &_o 14._o 23._o &_o 20._o 17._o 28._o etc_fw-la eph_n 4_o 11._o rome_n 6._o 7._o 8._o 1._o cor_n 12._o 5._o 8._o 1_o pet_n 5._o 2._o 3._o 2._o tim_n 4._o 2._o heb_n 13_o 17._o 2_o cor_n 5._o 20._o vocation_n or_o call_n be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o office_n bearer_n &_o minister_n with_o in_o the_o church_fw-mi quhilk_fw-mi be_v a_o lawful_a way_n whereby_o person_n grace_v with_o meet_a gift_n be_v admit_v to_o a_o spiritual_a office_n of_o one_o certain_a flock_n and_o congregation_n here_o three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a first_o without_o lawful_a call_n let_v none_o presume_v to_o this_o honour_n to_o exercise_v any_o spiritual_a function_n or_o ministry_n rome_n 10._o 15_o heb._n 5._o 4_o math._n 9_o 38_o second_o let_v no_o man_n presume_v to_o climb_v up_o by_o intrusion_n or_o to_o enter_v in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o the_o door_n joh_n 10._o 1._o three_o none_o ought_v to_o enter_v in_o without_o inward_a testimony_n of_o gift_n &_o grace_n and_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n of_o who_o &_o for_o who_o service_n be_v the_o call_n isa_n o_o 67._o 8._o 9_o jer_n 1._o 6._o 9_o math_n 10_o 1._o joh_n 20_o 22._o 23._o this_o ordinar_n lawful_a call_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n election_n &_o ordination_n election_n be_v the_o lawful_a choice_n of_o the_o person_n grace_v with_o meet_a gift_n for_o the_o office_n whereunto_o he_o be_v call_v election_n shall_v be_v after_o triell_n act_n 1_n 21._o 22_o et_fw-la 6â—_n 1._o tim_n 3._o 10._o by_o free_a choice_n and_o at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n act_n 1._o 21_o 23._o et_fw-la 6._o 3._o 5._o et_fw-la 14_o 23._o the_o ceremony_n thereof_o by_o humiliation_n fast_v and_o prayer_n act_n 1._o 24._o et_fw-la 14._o 23._o ordination_n be_v the_o separate_n and_o design_v of_o that_o person_n choose_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n act_n 13._o 2._o likewise_o to_o be_v use_v with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n &_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n act_n 13._o 3._o et_fw-la 14._o 23._o 1._o tim._n 4._o 14._o et_fw-la 5._o 22._o their_o gift_n property_n and_o condition_n in_o doctrine_n &_o manner_n be_v distinct_o set_v down_o &_o limit_v in_o scripture_n prescrive_v what_o man_n every_o one_o must_v be_v the_o pastor_n must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v deut_n 33._o 12._o mal_fw-fr 2._o 7._o rome_n 12._o 8._o 1._o cor_n 12._o 8._o 1._o tim_n 3._o 2._o no_o young_a scholar_n 1_o tim_n 3._o 6._o able_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o 2._o tim_n 2._o 15._o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n tit_n 1._o 9_o able_a to_o exhort_v rebuke_n reprove_v by_o wholesome_a doctrine_n 2_o tim_n 4._o 2._o in_o manner_n he_o must_v be_v a_o lover_n of_o goodness_n tit_n 1._o 8._o wise_a righteous_a holy_a temperate_a in_o his_o life_n unreprovable_a of_o good_a report_n &c_n &c_n 1_o tim_n 3._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 7._o tit_n 1._o 6._o 7._o 8._o the_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n likewise_o must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v malipiero_n 2_o 7_o rome_n 12_o 7._o 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o 8._o and_o to_o deliver_v sound_a and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o word_n tit_n 1._o 9_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n act_n 18._o 24._o able_a to_o revince_v the_o gain_n sayer_n &c_n &c_n act_n 6_o 9_o 10._o tit_n 1_o 9_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n in_o scripture_n be_v use_v diverse_o sometime_o for_o the_o name_n of_o age_n 1._o tim_n 5_o 1._o sometime_o for_o office_n 1_o tim_n 5._o 17._o 19_o jam._n 514._o again_o signifi_v office_n sometime_o large_o it_o comprehend_v pastor_n doctor_n and_o those_o that_o be_v call_v morespecial_o presbyter_n senior_n or_o elder_n act._n 14._o 23._o 1._o tim._n 5._o 17._o 1._o pet._n 5._o 1._o here_o speak_v of_o elder_n particular_o we_o understand_v those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n who_o the_o apostle_n call_v precedent_n and_o governor_n rome_n 12._o 8._o 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o 18._o then_o elder_n must_v be_v man_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n &_o sound_a judgement_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n num_fw-la 11._o 25._o deut._n 1._o 13._o able_a to_o discern_v vigilant_a and_o diligent_a in_o overse_v act._n 20._o 28._o rome_n 12._o 8._o sober_a gentle_a modest_a love_a temperate_a &c_n &c_n 1._o tim_n 3._o et_fw-la 5._o the_o deacon_n must_v be_v man_n of_o good_a report_n keep_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n endue_v also_o with_o the_o ho_o lie_v ghost_n grave_n temperate_a not_o give_v to_o excess_n of_o filthy_a lucre_n act_n 16._o 3._o 1._o tim_n 3._o 8._o 9_o 12._o 13._o this_o far_o concern_v their_o gift_n and_o property_n their_o office_n care_n function_n &_o charge_n be_v several_o set_v out_o in_o scripture_n as_o follow_v the_o pastor_n shall_v feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o green_a and_o wholesome_a pasture_n of_o the_o word_n sheew_v they_o the_o water_n and_o way_n to_o life_n psal_n 23._o 1._o 2._o deut_n 33_o 10._o rome_n 12_o 8._o joh._n 21._o 15._o act_n 20_o 28._o 1._o pet_n 5_o 1._o &c_n &c_n have_v continual_a care_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o soul_n of_o these_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o heb_n 13._o 17._o discern_v the_o disease_n &_o ap_fw-mi ply_v the_o word_n according_a to_o every_o disease_n and_o every_o time_n and_o occurrant_fw-la danger_n ezech._n 33._o et_fw-la 34._o chapt_n pray_v and_o blessing_n and_o seal_v up_o to_o the_o faithful_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n by_o the_o sacrament_n love_a cherish_v and_o defend_v the_o flock_n from_o ravenous_a beast_n joh_n 10._o 11._o 12._o the_o office_n of_o a_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n have_v be_v mention_v before_o who_o chief_a and_o special_a charge_n be_v to_o teach_v plain_n pure_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n preserve_v knowledge_n resist_v error_n build_v upon_o the_o only_a true_a ground_n stone_n which_o be_v christ_n jesus_n gold_n silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor_n 3._o 11._o 12._o et_fw-la 1._o 17._o 12._o 8._o 1._o tim_n 4._o 16._o et_fw-la 6._o 20._o eph_n 2_o 20._o heb_n 6._o 1._o 1._o pet_n 2._o 2._o the_o elder_a or_o presbyter_n his_o office_n and_o distinct_a charge_n before_o also_o be_v mention_v their_o chief_a care_n be_v to_o be_v ready_a assistant_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o the_o pastor_n &_o teacher_n help_v to_o bear_v their_o birding_n care_v for_o the_o weil_z quietness_n peace_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o church_fw-mi take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o &_o the_o people_n 2._o chron_n 19_o 8._o act_n 20._o 17._o 28._o and_o 21._o 18._o rome_n 12._o 8._o 1._o pet_n 5._o 2._o 1._o cor_n 12._o 28._o the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o collect_v the_o benevolence_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o faithful_o to_o distribute_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o kirk_n act_n 6._o 3._o rom._n 12._o 8._o this_o much_o anent_o the_o office_n and_o ministery_n institute_v and_o prescrive_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n which_o albeit_o be_v diverse_a &_o distinct_a both_o in_o gift_n &_o functi_fw-la once_o yet_o they_o as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n serve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n rome_n 12_o 4_o 5_o &c_n &c_n eph_n 4_o 11_o 12._o 13_o 16._o 1._o cor_n 12_o 7._o 12_o 25._o unto_o these_o office-bearer_n and_o governor_n christ_n have_v give_v also_o a_o certain_a limitate_v power_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o according_a to_o the_o word_n in_o his_o kirk_n a_o power_n several_o math_n 16._o 19_o 20._o rome_n 12._o 3._o 6._o 7._o 8._o and_o a_o power_n joint_o with_o parity_n
and_o mutual_a consent_n to_o be_v exercise_v for_o avoid_v of_o tyranny_n math_n 18_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o 1._o cor_n 5_o 4._o 5._o both_o have_v one_o authority_n from_o the_o same_o head_n and_o author_n christ_n jesus_n both_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n both_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v joint_o to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi that_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n math_n 18._o 18._o this_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o their_o arbitrement_n and_o will_n but_o at_o the_o will_n &_o according_a to_o the_o testament_n of_o he_o who_o have_v give_v this_o power_n and_o have_v limit_v it_o in_o his_o write_a word_n prescive_v the_o order_n usage_n and_o end_v thereof_o math_n 18._o 15._o 16._o 17._o 18._o 20._o the_o order_n and_o usage_n be_v this_o if_o the_o offence_n of_o thy_o brother_n be_v private_a admonish_v he_o private_o between_o he_o &_o thou_o with_o love_a admonition_n with_o a_o brotherly_a care_n to_o win_v the_o brother_n offender_n if_o he_o refuse_v to_o harken_v unto_o thou_o take_v two_o or_o three_o brethren_n with_o thou_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n if_o he_o weil_z not_o harken_v unto_o they_o show_v the_o matter_n unto_o the_o church_fw-mi the_o care_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi in_o like_a manner_n be_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o with_o one_fw-mi brother_n not_o to_o hold_v he_o as_o a_o enemy_n 2._o thes._n 3._o 15._o but_o grau_o and_o love_o to_o admonish_v persuade_v he_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o to_o prove_v if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o lord_n will_v give_v unto_o he_o repentance_n 2._o cor._n 10._o 8._o et_fw-la 13._o 10._o 2._o tim_n 2_o 25._o 26._o if_o the_o offender_n be_v obstinate_a &_o can_v not_o be_v drown_v unto_o repentance_n then_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n reverent_o and_o with_o prayer_n excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o the_o kirk_n and_o give_v he_o over_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v as_o one_fw-mi heathen_a and_o publican_n etc._n etc._n math_n 19_o 17._o 1._o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5._o thus_o far_o touch_v private_a offence_n if_o the_o fault_n be_v public_a the_o falter_v be_v public_o to_o be_v rebook_v and_o admonish_v 1_o tim_n 5_o 10._o the_o admonition_n always_o must_v be_v do_v circumspect_o season_v with_o truth_n gravity_n love_n and_o peace_n ever_o aim_v for_o the_o safitie_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o notthe_a destruction_n and_o a_o special_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o every_o weak_a offender_n with_o discretion_n of_o offence_n mat_n 18_o 15._o gal._n 6_o 1_o 2._o 2._o tim_n 2._o 24._o rom._n 14._o 13_o 19_o jam_fw-la 5_o 19_o 20._o if_o admonition_n prevail_v not_o to_o draw_v he_o to_o repentance_n they_o to_o proceid_v to_o excommunication_n as_o say_v be_v if_o the_o offender_n be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n let_v the_o repentance_n &_o receive_v again_o to_o the_o kirk_n be_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o offence_n if_o the_o offence_n be_v public_a the_o repentance_n and_o recep_a tion_n public_a if_o private_a private_a always_o let_v the_o repentance_n be_v in_o submis_fw-la sion_fw-la without_o hypocrisy_n give_v glory_n unto_o god_n math_n 18._o 15._o luk_n 17._o 4._o 2._o cor._n 2._o 6._o 7._o moreover_o there_o be_v give_v liberty_n and_o power_n to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o exercise_v this_o christian_a discipline_n according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o according_a to_o the_o occurrant_fw-la danger_n and_o disease_n in_o assem_fw-la bly_n convene_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n consist_v chief_o of_o minister_n doctor_n and_o elder_n assembly_n be_v particular_a or_o general_n particular_a as_o presbytery_n or_o provincial_n assembly_n general_n consist_v of_o on_o nation_n convocat_n together_o for_o the_o common_a weil_z peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi the_o warrant_n of_o these_o assembly_n with_o the_o practice_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o word_n math._n 18._o 17._o 18._o 1._o tim._n 4._o 14._o 1._o cor_n 5_o 4._o etc._n etc._n and_o 14_o 32._o act_n 15_o 6_o 12._o 22._o 25._o and_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o kirkes_n at_o all_o time_n and_o necessity_n as_o say_v be_v before_o this_o much_o short_o anent_o the_o power_n office_n and_o ministery_n in_o the_o kirk_n government_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n express_v clear_o in_o his_o word_n and_o all_o for_o the_o edification_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n &_o for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o sancte_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n through_o all_o generation_n for_o ever_o eph_n 4._o 12._o i_o add_v hereunto_o two_o demonstration_n needful_a viz._n that_o these_o office_n &_o ministery_n as_o they_o have_v be_v set_v down_o be_v perpetual_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o christ._n the_o first_o thus_o i_o prove_v 1._o the_o apostle_n paul_n command_v timothy_n to_o keep_v this_o government_n and_o precept_n give_v there_o anent_o to_o that_o glorious_a come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1._o tim._n 3._o 21._o &_o 6._o 14._o 15._o second_o all_o the_o office_n within_o the_o kirk_n mention_v rom._n 12._o 6_o 7._o 8._o be_v call_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o kirk_n ver_fw-la 4._o 5._o 1._o cor._n 12._o 27._o 28._o 29._o which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n jesus_n eph_n 1_n 22_o 23_o et_fw-la 4_o 12._o whereupon_o follow_v this_o probation_n if_o the_o kirk_n of_o christ_n quhilk_fw-mi be_v his_o body_n be_v perfect_a and_o must_v continue_v un_o to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n these_o office_n &_o ministery_n must_v have_v the_o same_o continuance_n except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o christ_n his_o body_n be_v imperfect_a or_o maim_v or_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o christ_n shall_v cease_v here_o upon_o earth_n before_o his_o come_n quhilk_fw-mi both_o be_v absurd_a thrid_o if_o christ_n jesus_n be_v only_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o kirk_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n heir_n on_o earth_n and_o see_v he_o must_v rule_v and_o govern_v his_o kingdom_n unto_o his_o come_n by_o his_o own_o officer_n and_o by_o his_o law_n by_o himself_o institute_v &_o prescrive_v in_o his_o word_n rome_n 12._o 3._o 6._o 7._o 8._o 1._o cor._n 12._o 28._o &_o 14._o 37._o eph._n 4._o 8._o 11._o 12._o it_o follow_v that_o these_o office_n and_o law_n continue_v unto_o his_o come_n except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o christ_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v governor_n of_o his_o kirk_n and_o those_o law_n to_o be_v imperfect_a ferd_o see_v the_o object_n and_o end_n whair_n about_o these_o office_n be_v occupy_v &_o whairunto_o they_o be_v destinat_fw-la quhilk_n before_o have_v be_v declare_v must_v have_v continuance_n therefore_o the_o office_n and_o ministery_n appoint_v for_o those_o use_n &_o end_n must_v also_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n quhilk_fw-mi necessity_n no_o man_n can_v avoid_v or_o elude_v as_o for_o example_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o offence_n &c_n &c_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o correct_a power_n in_o the_o kirk_n 1._o cor._n 11._o 19_o with_o office_n &_o ministery_n meet_v for_o prevent_v restrain_v and_o expel_v the_o foresay_a or_o like_a corruption_n as_o for_o the_o second_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o foresay_a office_n &_o ministery_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o regiment_n of_o christ_n his_o kirk_n heir_n on_o earth_n thus_o i_o prove_v it_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a than_o christ_n can_v not_o be_v honour_v as_o perfect_a governor_n of_o his_o kirk_n neither_o be_v his_o word_n perfect_a but_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v thereunto_o which_o be_v absurd_a deut._n 4._o 2._o et_fw-la 12._o 32._o 2._o if_o these_o be_v imperfect_a then_o man_n may_v erect_v new_a office_n &_o add_v new_a ministery_n and_o give_v new_a gift_n and_o grace_n according_o and_o if_o man_n may_v add_v he_o may_v also_o detract_v which_o both_o be_v false_a and_o absurd_a 111._o these_o office_n &_o function_n before_o mention_v have_v gift_n and_o grace_n needful_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o discipline_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n eph_n 4_o 11_o 12._o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v sufficient_a iv._o if_o these_o office_n and_o ministery_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi under_o the_o gospel_n be_v insufficient_a &_o imperfect_a than_o the_o
estate_n of_o christ_n his_o church_fw-mi under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v inferior_a unto_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi under_o the_o law_n which_o have_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o office_n ministery_n and_o law_n needful_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o regiment_n thereof_o but_o none_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o christ_n be_v inferior_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o kirk_n under_o the_o law_n therefore_o the_o aforesaid_a office_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o this_o form_n &_o order_n of_o government_n by_o the_o foresay_a office_n and_o ministery_n of_o preacher_n and_o assist_v elder_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n &_o practice_v of_o the_o apostle_n &_o kirkes_n in_o their_o time_n rome_n 12._o 6_o 7_o 8._o eph_n 4._o 11_o 12._o act_n 14_o 23._o et_fw-la 20._o 17._o 28._o 1._o tim_n 5._o 17._o tit_n 1_o 5_o etc._n etc._n it_o can_v admit_v no_o prescription_n or_o change_v by_o any_o mortal_a man_n or_o by_o any_o humane_a tradition_n whatsoever_o which_o form_n of_o discipline_n as_o it_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a kirke_n quhilk_n be_v evident_a by_o scripture_n afore_o allege_v so_o have_v it_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n in_o the_o ancient_a kirkes_n as_o be_v collect_v not_o very_o obscure_o out_o of_o ignatius_n epist_n ad_fw-la trallen_n tertul_n in_o apoc._n cap._n 39_o et_fw-la lib_n the_o baptism_n christian._n cyprian_n lib_n 2._o epist._n 5_o et_fw-la lib._n 3_o epist._n 10._o 18._o 22._o et_fw-la lib._n 4._o 5._o augusti_fw-la de_fw-fr verb._n dom._n in_o math_n serm._n 19_o but_o more_o clear_o out_o of_o ambrose_n in_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 1_o jerom_n in_o isai_n 2._o et_fw-la ad_fw-la rustic_a epist_n 16._o possidonius_fw-la in_o vita_fw-la augustini_fw-la socrates_n eccle._n hist._n lib._n 5._o ca._n 20._o and_o other_o also_o allege_v be_v the_o defender_n of_o this_o christian_n and_o true_a church_fw-mi government_n among_o the_o quhilk_n i_o can_v pass_v by_o for_o proof_n sake_n the_o clear_a say_n of_o ambrose_n and_o jerom._n ambrose_n write_v thus_o upon_o 1_o tim._n 5_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o both_o the_o synagage_n and_o afterward_o the_o kirk_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o kirk_n quhilk_fw-mi by_o what_o negligence_n it_o be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o perhaps_o by_o the_o slothfulness_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n whilst_o they_o alone_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o jerom_n ad_fw-la tit._n cap._n 1._o until_o schism_n be_v make_v in_o religion_n by_o the_o dively_a suggestion_n the_o kirkes_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o elder_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o corruption_n that_o follow_v thereafter_o add_v this_o but_o this_o be_v rather_o by_o custom_n than_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n dispose_v this_o form_n of_o discipline_n according_a to_o the_o word_n the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n have_v use_v many_o year_n by_o past_a be_v authorise_v and_o ratify_v by_o the_o three_o estate_n in_o parliament_n receive_v and_o practise_v by_o all_o the_o preacher_n within_o the_o whole_a realm_n with_o on_o consent_n &_o concord_n even_o by_o they_o also_o who_o now_o have_v make_v defection_n from_o it_o take_v upon_o they_o episcopal_a authority_n siclik_a it_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a kirkes_n in_o europe_n in_o france_n in_o freisland_n in_o geneva_n in_o helvetia_n polonia_n vngaria_n in_o palatinatu_fw-la in_o germania_n saxonia_n bohemia_n in_o suedia_n dania_n and_o all_o other_o reform_v kirkes_n except_o england_n alone_o siclik_a also_o it_o have_v the_o testimony_n general_o of_o the_o divine_n of_o late_a time_n as_o zuinglius_fw-la martyr_n aretius_n calvinus_n bucer_n hiperius_n bullingerius_fw-la musculus_fw-la hemingius_n beza_n olevianus_n junius_n sadael_n nowell_n fulke_n whitaker_n with_o all_o other_o learned_a &_o famous_a preacher_n in_o the_o country_n reform_v profess_v true_o the_o gospel_n only_a england_n except_v wherein_o also_o the_o best_a yea_o the_o great_a part_n have_v seek_v and_o daily_a seik_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o same_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n &_o most_o clear_o have_v defend_v it_o with_o their_o pen_n and_o most_o pithy_a writing_n and_o most_o constant_o have_v avouch_v it_o by_o their_o manifold_a suffering_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o for_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n and_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n jesus_n all_o that_o afore_o have_v be_v brief_o say_v anent_o the_o deduction_n of_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v more_o large_o entreat_v and_o more_o particular_o handle_v if_o any_o within_o this_o land_n will_v prove_v so_o obstinate_a as_o to_o refuse_v consent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o second_o part_n of_o church_fw-mi government_n contain_v arefutation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n by_o lord_n bishopes_n it_o please_v our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o compass_v we_o with_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n when_o we_o be_v lie_v in_o darkness_n and_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n by_o sen_fw-mi ding_o his_o own_o dear_a son_n christ_n jesus_n 2_o with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o gospel_n deliver_v we_o from_o idolatry_n and_o super_fw-la stition_n and_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o former_a time_n under_o the_o bondage_n and_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o few_o not_o the_o great_a to_o the_o great_a admiration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o further_o of_o the_o same_o mercy_n it_o have_v please_v he_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o multiply_v the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o increase_v his_o grace_n among_o man_n for_o the_o beutifi_a of_o his_o kirk_n within_o this_o land_n and_o final_o to_o crown_n his_o own_o 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this_o wind_n of_o discord_n schism_n and_o dissension_n be_v not_o come_v from_o the_o wilderness_n but_o rise_v from_o our_o own_o bowel_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o temple_n despoil_v not_o by_o assyri_n ans_fw-fr chaldean_n or_o arabian_n but_o by_o the_o preiste_n and_o minister_n themselves_o hom-bredd_a and_o bear_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o our_o church_fw-mi and_o foster_v sometime_o by_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o also_o have_v make_v avoumemt_fw-mi of_o the_o same_o sincerity_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n not_o only_o in_o preach_v and_o practise_v but_o also_o with_o solemn_a oath_n bind_v themselves_o thereto_o from_o quhilk_n a_o manifest_a slide_n back_o and_o apostasy_n be_v see_v this_o day_n &_o lament_v with_o greiff_n by_o the_o godly_a and_o mock_v be_v the_o enemy_n the_o papist_n and_o atheist_n who_o number_n strength_n and_o power_n daily_a in_o cress_v by_o this_o lamentable_a rent_v &_o inbr_v of_o episcopal_a 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godly_a and_o hindrance_n