a_o absolute_a and_o autocratorick_n but_o a_o limit_a and_o hyperetic-power_n and_o that_o church_n decree_n and_o sentence_n be_v all_o of_o they_o regulae_fw-la regulatae_fw-la rule_n that_o be_v subordinate_v and_o do_v not_o bind_v but_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v conform_v to_o that_o first_o inflexible_a and_o unerring-rule_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o luke_n 22._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o gal._n 6._o 16._o 1_o peter_n 5._o 2_o 3._o â—…_z tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 12._o ephes._n 6._o 1._o calvin_n treat_v of_o church-power_n say_v well_o non_fw-la est_fw-la igitur_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la potestas_fw-la inâ—…inita_fw-la sed_fw-la subjecta_fw-la verbo_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o in_fw-la eo_fw-la quasi_fw-la inclusa_fw-la inst._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 8._o 4_o that_o all_o church-judicatory_n whether_o congregational-edership_n or_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n whether_o provincial_n or_o national_a or_o oecumenick_a be_v constitute_v of_o man_n that_o be_v weak_a frail_a and_o ignorant_a in_o part_n be_v in_o their_o detâ—…rminations_n fallible_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n isai._n 40_o 6_o 7_o 8._o rom._n 3._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o 5._o that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o these_o do_v actual_o err_v and_o decline_v from_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v in_o so_o far_o act_v without_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o they_o may_v do_v but_o not_o by_o his_o commission_n and_o warrant_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o the_o power_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o be_v to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 12._o 6._o sad_a experience_n almost_o in_o every_o generation_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o church-guide_n and_o church-judicatory_n do_v oftentimes_o decline_v from_o the_o streigâ—…t-wayes_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n and_o write_v grievous_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v isa._n 9_o 15_o 16._o ier._n 8._o 8_o 9_o mal._n 2._o 8_o 9_o ier._n 2._o 8._o and_o that_o while_o they_o be_v boast_v of_o the_o authority_n give_v to_o they_o of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o skill_n in_o the_o law_n and_o profess_v to_o walk_v according_a thereto_o they_o be_v pervert_v the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o persecuâ—…ing_v these_o who_o cleave_v thereunto_o ier_n 18._o 18._o isa._n 66._o 5._o ioh._n 7._o 48_o 49._o 7._o that_o the_o same_o lord_n who_o have_v command_v we_o not_o to_o despise_v prophesy_v 1_o thes._n 5._o 19_o have_v also_o command_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a ver._n 20._o and_o no_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o ioh._n 4._o 1._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14._o 15._o and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o that_o be_v to_o do_v thing_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o other_o warrant_n but_o the_o mear_z pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v live_v to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o not_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 2._o and_o that_o it_o be_v therefore_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o every_o church-member_n and_o of_o every_o inferior_a church-judicatory_n to_o examine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n every_o thing_n which_o the_o church-authority_n join_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o if_o after_o a_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n it_o be_v find_v repugnant_a they_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v their_o conscience_n in_o bondage_n thereto_o neither_o be_v the_o allow_v and_o exercise_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n by_o inferior_n the_o set_v they_o as_o judge_n over_o their_o superior_n or_o make_v they_o transgress_v the_o line_n or_o limit_n of_o that_o due_a subordination_n and_o submission_n appoint_v unto_o they_o of_o god_n protestant_n divine_v in_o their_o writing_n de_fw-la judice_fw-la controverstarum_fw-la have_v full_o answer_v this_o and_o show_v we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v a_o private_a man_n or_o a_o inferior_a judge_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o his_o superior_n but_o only_o of_o his_o own_o action_n have_v premise_v these_o thing_n we_o offer_v these_o reason_n against_o the_o submission_n so_o much_o plead_v for_o by_o our_o brethren_n first_o this_o submission_n we_o mean_v a_o absolute_a submission_n or_o such_o a_o submission_n as_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o subjection_n to_o such_o decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o church-judicatory_n as_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n say_v it_o have_v we_o desire_v he_o to_o bring_v it_o forth_o we_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v enjoin_v his_o people_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n under_o very_o severe_a punishment_n to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n which_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n in_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v deut._n 17._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o but_o calvin_n tell_v we_o well_o ubi_fw-la de_fw-la ijs_fw-la audiendis_fw-la agitur_fw-la ibi_fw-la nominatim_fw-la ponitur_fw-la ut_fw-la secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la dei_fw-la respondeant_fw-la that_o in_o the_o same_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v command_v to_o hear_v they_o that_o it_o be_v also_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v answer_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o also_o know_v that_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 12._o that_o which_o we_o call_v for_o be_v some_o precept_n or_o bind_a precedent_n in_o scripture_n that_o hold_v forth_o submission_n to_o aâ—…_n ecclesiastic_a determination_n or_o sentence_n that_o be_v unjust_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precept_n and_o scripture_n precedent_n to_o scripture_n precept_n such_o as_o these_o be_v not_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o stand_v fast_o therefore_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o be_v not_o entangle_v again_o with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n gal._n 5._o 1._o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n act._n 5._o 29._o preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 24._o to_o refrain_v from_o duty_n upon_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n unto_o man_n and_o to_o betray_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o to_o obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n and_o to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n nor_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n due_o qualify_v be_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o his_o press_n and_o hold_v forth_o some_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n which_o a_o kirk-judicatory_n condemn_v for_o a_o lie_n and_o pass_v such_o sentence_n and_o censure_n upon_o he_o because_o he_o do_v adhere_v thereunto_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o this_o man_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o communicate_v not_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n our_o brethren_n will_v haply_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v for_o peace_n sake_n so_o to_o do_v till_o his_o appeal_n be_v discuss_v but_o what_o shall_v the_o innocent_a man_n do_v when_o it_o be_v discuss_v against_o he_o and_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o the_o inferior_a judicatory_a confirm_v by_o the_o superior_a shall_v he_o go_v to_o a_o high_a and_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o the_o high_a and_o be_v condemn_v there_o too_o as_o christ_n be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n what_o will_v they_o now_o allow_v he_o will_v they_o have_v he_o still_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o man_n and_o still_o to_o be_v in_o bondage_n and_o though_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v command_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o woe_n unto_o thou_o if_o
20._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o give_v it_o infer_v their_o infallibility_n and_o expose_v our_o government_n to_o the_o calumny_n of_o sectary_n who_o say_v we_o make_v synod_n as_o infallible_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 10._o this_o argue_v the_o scripture_n of_o imperfection_n and_o set_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o human_a tradition_n because_o every_o warrantable_a subordination_n and_o submission_n due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n must_v be_v give_v of_o christ_n but_o nowhere_o be_v it_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o a_o general_n assembly_n have_v power_n give_v of_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o enact_v such_o point_n and_o doctrine_n and_o inflict_v such_o censure_n as_o no_o man_n may_v or_o ought_v lawful_o to_o counteract_v or_o contradict_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n 11._o this_o submission_n do_v infer_v that_o if_o a_o general_n assembly_n lawful_o convene_v shall_v enact_v the_o mass_n and_o all_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n we_o may_v not_o preach_v nor_o write_v the_o contrary_a for_o that_o be_v to_o counteract_v and_o contradict_v but_o this_o be_v absurd_a therefore_o etc._n etc._n 12._o sentence_n of_o kirk_n judicatory_n that_o be_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o themselves_o null_a because_o all_o church-power_n and_o authority_n be_v include_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v regulate_v according_a thereto_o isa._n 8._o 20._o 2_o corinth_n 13._o 8_o 10._o and_o what_o be_v null_a in_o it_o â—…elf_a can_v bind_v unto_o submission_n and_o subjection_n therefore_o when_o kirk-judicatory_n act_v not_o in_o subordination_n to_o jesus_n christ_n from_o and_o under_o who_o they_o have_v all_o their_o power_n they_o may_v lawful_o be_v contradict_v and_o counteract_v 13_o this_o submission_n be_v prelatical_a and_o introduce_v a_o lordly_a and_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n over_o the_o flock_n and_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o very_a image_n and_o likeness_n of_o that_o subjection_n and_o submission_n that_o be_v require_v by_o prelate_n of_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n bishop_n spotswood_n in_o his_o sâ—…rmon_n at_o perth_n assembly_n tell_v his_o hearer_n that_o the_o sentence_n of_o superior_n as_o long_o as_o it_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o constitution_n though_o haply_o otherwise_o establish_v than_o it_o can_v set_v forward_a godliness_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o right_a nor_o well_o appoint_v yet_o ought_v to_o diâ—…ect_v we_o and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o our_o conscience_n for_o obey_v narrat_fw-la of_o the_o proceed_n of_o perth_n assembly_n by_o doctor_n lindsay_n page_n 29._o and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o judgement_n except_o this_o be_v say_v he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n and_o all_o must_v be_v fill_v with_o strife_n and_o contention_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o our_o brethren_n now_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o without_o this_o submission_n unity_n and_o and_o order_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o kirk_n doctor_n lindsay_n also_o himself_o afterwards_o bishop_n of_o edinb_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n prefix_v to_o his_o book_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o perth_n tell_v we_o that_o where_o a_o man_n have_v not_o a_o law_n his_o judgement_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o law_n the_o law_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o oath_n which_o be_v minister_v to_o the_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o church_n by_o the_o prelate_n they_o make_v the_o entrant_n to_o swear_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v peaceable_a minister_n in_o thiâ—…_n church_n subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n that_o therein_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v establish_v and_o that_o by_o all_o mean_n that_o they_o can_v use_v they_o shall_v procure_v other_o to_o the_o due_a reverence_n of_o the_o same_o which_o thing_n say_v the_o intrant_fw-la in_o that_o oath_n if_o we_o shall_v contraveen_v as_o god_n forbid_v we_o be_v content_a upon_o trial_n and_o cognition_n take_v by_o our_o ordinary_a without_o all_o reclamation_n or_o gainsay_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o our_o ministry_n and_o be_v repute_v infamous_a and_o perjure_a person_n for_o ever_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n there_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o constitution_n ecclesiastical_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n ratify_v and_o publish_v by_o authority_n 1636._o a_o canon_n appoint_v that_o if_o any_o person_n in_o holy_a order_n lawful_o suspend_v or_o depose_v that_o be_v in_o their_o sense_n suspend_v or_o depose_v by_o his_o ordinary_a for_o transgress_v any_o of_o these_o prelatical_a cannon_n shall_v presume_v to_o exercise_v any_o ecclesiastical_a function_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suspension_n or_o after_o he_o be_v degrade_v let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o â—…y-power_n as_o incorrigible_a just_o so_o our_o brethren_n will_v have_v the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o engage_v and_o promise_v absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a and_o because_o they_o do_v refuse_v it_o charge_v they_o with_o breach_n of_o their_o engagement_n at_o their_o entrance_n to_o â—…he_v ministry_n and_o as_o subverter_n of_o the_o very_a be_v â—…f_o the_o government_n and_o what_o they_o will_v do_v if_o â—…hey_n have_v the_o civil-power_n to_o concur_v be_v but_o too_o apparent_a from_o these_o hard_a representation_n they_o give_v of_o they_o to_o the_o civil-power_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o and_o â—…rewd_a hint_n and_o insinuation_n which_o they_o make_v â—…ereupon_o 14._o this_o submission_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o part_n of_o catholic_n truth_n much_o less_o of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o tenet_n pure_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a and_o plâ—…ades_v for_o a_o government_n that_o be_v not_o presbyterian_a but_o popish_a and_o anâ—…ichristian_a who_o know_v not_o that_o the_o favourite_n and_o emissary_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n do_v with_o might_n and_o main_a plead_v for_o this_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o pope_n wherein_o they_o be_v oppose_v by_o protestant_a divine_n debeâ—…_n excommunicatus_fw-la and_o si_fw-la innocens_fw-la say_v a_o popish_a author_n aliorum_fw-la consortia_fw-la fugere_fw-la et_fw-la a_fw-la sacris_fw-la abstinere_fw-la igitur_fw-la unproprte_fw-la christi_fw-la instrumentum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la papa_fw-la cum_fw-la aliquae_fw-la illius_fw-la actiones_fw-la a_fw-la christo_fw-la non_fw-la impellantur_fw-la nec_fw-la acceptantur_fw-la andr._n dâ—…valius_n in_o 22._o part_n quest_n 8._o he_o that_o be_v excommunicate_a say_v hâ—…_n albeit_o innocent_a yet_o aught_o to_o shâ—…n_n the_o fellowship_n of_o other_o and_o to_o abstain_v from_o holy_a thing_n therefore_o the_o pope_n be_v say_v he_o improper_o call_v christ_n instrument_n because_o some_o of_o his_o aâ—…tions_n be_v neither_o impel_v by_o he_o nor_o accept_v of_o he_o so_o our_o bâ—…ethren_n will_v have_v a_o man_n that_o be_v suspend_v froâ—…â—…he_a sacrament_n or_o depose_v from_o the_o ministry_n or_o excommunicate_v though_o unjust_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacraâ—…ent_n and_o from_o preach_v and_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o other_o and_o from_o holy_a thing_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v in_o the_o dispense_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o it_o bâ—…_n not_o indeed_o to_o play_v the_o pope_n and_o to_o set_v up_o minister_n and_o servant_n above_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o sober_a and_o unbiased_a man_n to_o judge_v 15._o this_o unlimited_a submission_n leave_v the_o church_n destitute_a of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a remedy_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o general_a defection_n and_o do_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n for_o make_v the_o government_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n degenerate_a into_o tyranny_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v a_o mean_a of_o purge_v and_o preserve_v of_o religion_n to_o be_v a_o mean_a of_o pollute_v and_o destroy_v the_o same_o and_o persecute_v and_o bear_v down_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o keep_v their_o garment_n pure_a whether_o minister_n or_o professor_n what_o be_v tyranny_n but_o when_o these_o that_o be_v in_o power_n will_v have_v inferior_n without_o gainsay_v or_o counâ—…eracting_n to_o yield_v subjection_n to_o their_o dictate_v and_o command_v though_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o sic_fw-la volo_fw-la sic_fw-la jubeo_fw-la
thereof_o from_o several_a consideration_n whether_o the_o conference_n for_o union_n in_o 〈◊〉_d 1655._o be_v break_v either_o by_o they_o or_o chief_o upoâ—…_n this_o account_n though_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o gainsay_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o now_o nor_o be_v it_o needful_a to_o stanâ—…_n to_o debate_n but_o that_o this_o overture_n will_v concludâ—…_n they_o to_o be_v adversary_n unto_o or_o projector_n againsâ—…_n the_o government_n that_o we_o do_v altogether_o deny_v noâ—…_n do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n allege_v by_o our_o 〈◊〉_d prove_v it_o it_o be_v tedious_a and_o little_a to_o edificatioâ—…_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o give_v a_o particular_a distinct_a answer_n to_o the_o heap_n of_o aggravation_n and_o bad_a consequent_n they_o load_v this_o overture_n with_o therefore_o we_o do_v offer_v unto_o our_o brother_n more_o sober_a and_o serious_a or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o worthy_a oâ—…_n their_o entertainment_n unto_o the_o sober_a and_o serious_a thought_n of_o other_o these_o few_o consideration_n for_o vindicate_v this_o overture_n from_o all_o those_o mistake_v our_o brethren_n have_v about_o it_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o sound_n or_o a_o healthful_a grow_v reform_v and_o a_o unsound_a sickly_a decay_a decline_a state_n of_o a_o church_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o trouble_a distemper_a and_o a_o quiet_a peaceable_a state_n of_o a_o church_n if_o our_o church_n be_v altogether_o sound_a and_o healthful_a if_o in_o a_o grow_a reform_v condition_n if_o in_o a_o peaceable_a and_o well-tempered_a state_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o overture_n and_o we_o believe_v the_o protest_a brethren_n will_v be_v in_o that_o case_n as_o far_o from_o press_v it_o as_o any_o other_o but_o her_o sickly_a decay_a decline_a trouble_a distemper_a condition_n do_v necessary_o call_v for_o and_o allow_v for_o something_o of_o that_o kind_n 2._o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v do_v conceive_v extraordinary_a commission_n and_o visitation_n to_o be_v needful_a when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o much_o better_a condition_n than_o she_o be_v now_o and_o though_o not_o a_o few_o in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v then_o speak_v the_o same_o language_n that_o our_o brethren_n do_v now_o to_o wit_n that_o it_o do_v lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o universal_a imputation_n upon_o the_o synod_n and_o other_o church-judicatory_n as_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o work_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o be_v a_o tyrannical_a imposition_n upon_o they_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o assembly_n so_o to_o do_v because_o they_o do_v see_v that_o such_o a_o way_n of_o commission_n and_o visitation_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o time_n when_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n many_o of_o they_o be_v either_o noâ—…_n able_a or_o not_o willing_a to_o do_v that_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corrupt_a officer_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o essential_n and_o circumstantial_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n the_o one_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a or_o scriptural_a institution_n and_o in_o themselves_o unalterable_a the_o other_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o positive_a human_a institution_n which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o that_o great_a end_n of_o edification_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v alter_v according_o as_o they_o do_v or_o do_v not_o contribute_v for_o that_o end_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o this_o and_o sundry_a other_o of_o their_o paper_n do_v in_o many_o of_o these_o challenge_n which_o they_o bring_v against_o the_o protestinâ—…_n brethren_n as_o proceed_v in_o their_o plant_n 〈◊〉_d church_n and_o ordain_v and_o admit_v of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o propound_v of_o overture_n for_o purginâ—…_n and_o plant_v the_o church_n in_o such_o a_o disorderly_a waâ—…_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o being_n of_o the_o government_n we_o say_v they_o do_v confound_v these_o thing_n and_o oftentimes_o take_v circumstantial_n for_o essential_n as_o 〈◊〉_d instance_n that_o a_o minister_n shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d plurality_n of_o presbyter_n we_o hold_v with_o they_o to_o 〈◊〉_d of_o scriptural_a divine_a institution_n but_o that_o he_o be_v ordain_v by_o such_o a_o number_n officiate_v in_o such_o bound_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o determine_v anâ—…_n therefore_o if_o the_o major_a part_n of_o a_o presbyteriâ—…_n conspire_v for_o keep_v out_o a_o godly_a man_n from_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v lawful_o call_v by_o the_o congregation_n and_o right_o qualify_v because_o he_o be_v not_o of_o theiâ—…_n judgement_n in_o decline_a course_n it_o be_v no_o breach_n upon_o the_o be_v and_o essential_n of_o the_o government_n 〈◊〉_d he_o receive_v his_o ordination_n and_o admission_n to_o thâ—…_z ministry_n from_o a_o neighbour_a presbytery_n especial_o when_o this_o conspiracy_n be_v general_o throughout_o the_o country_n and_o no_o remedy_n thereof_o can_v bâ—…_n have_v by_o a_o superior_a judicatory_n so_o in_o the_o case_n oâ—…_n the_o overture_n in_o hand_n though_o because_o of_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o synod_n and_o for_o edification_n there_o be_v a_o little_a alteration_n of_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o common_a way_n of_o order_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o involve_v any_o thing_n destructive_a to_o the_o being_n of_o the_o government_n no_o person_n be_v desire_v to_o be_v upon_o these_o visitationâ—…_n but_o minister_n and_o elder_n due_o qualify_v and_o member_n of_o the_o respective_a synod_n no_o power_n be_v desire_v to_o be_v give_v but_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o ecclesiastical_a nor_o be_v it_o desire_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o any_o fountain_n but_o from_o the_o synod_n itself_o nor_o to_o proceed_v by_o any_o rule_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a general_n assembly_n nor_o be_v they_o to_o exercise_v it_o independent_o but_o with_o subordination_n unto_o and_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o synod_n from_o whence_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o all_o which_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v impartial_o consider_v the_o overture_n itself_o and_o to_o put_v it_o above_o question_n there_o be_v express_a mention_n of_o their_o qualification_n and_o power_n and_o commission_n and_o subordination_n and_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o proceeâ—…_n in_o the_o overture_n the_o same_o for_o substance_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n novemb._n 8._o and_o 27._o 1655._o whence_o iâ—…_z appear_v that_o our_o brethren_n speak_v more_o passion_n than_o reason_n when_o they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o tyrannical_a imposition_n upon_o synod_n that_o they_o must_v give_v their_o power_n to_o person_n who_o they_o have_v not_o liberty_n to_o choose_v nor_o power_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n and_o must_v set_v up_o a_o jurisdiction_n above_o themselves_o with_o at_o least_o a_o negative_a voice_n to_o frustrate_v all_o their_o act_n if_o these_o delegate_n please_v be_v it_o tyrannical_o to_o impose_v to_o desire_v the_o synod_n for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o unanimous_a carrying-on_n the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o ratify_v the_o nomination_n of_o some_o of_o the_o choice_a of_o their_o own_o member_n make_v by_o no_o forinsick_a person_n or_o party_n or_o power_n but_o by_o the_o intrinsic_a member_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o distract_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o comptable_a be_v allege_v gratis_o the_o article_n as_o propound_v to_o our_o brethren_n do_v express_o provide_v that_o these_o committee_n shall_v in_o their_o proceed_n be_v comptable_a to_o the_o synod_n nor_o do_v that_o clause_n of_o the_o synod_n not_o reverse_v any_o thing_n â—…one_v by_o these_o committee_n without_o the_o previous_a advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o general_a committee_n of_o delegate_n import_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o the_o synod_n may_v take_v a_o account_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o their_o own_o committee_n and_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v they_o yea_o and_o take_v away_o their_o commission_n and_o power_n in_o the_o case_n of_o maladministration_n and_o give_v it_o to_o other_o of_o their_o number_n nominate_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o for_o a_o jurisdiction_n by_o this_o mean_n set_v up_o above_o themselves_o we_o can_v see_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o overture_n but_o only_o a_o power_n of_o advice_n upon_o the_o part_n of_o these_o delegate_n which_o yet_o the_o synod_n be_v not_o simple_o tie_v by_o the_o overture_n to_o follow_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o advise_v the_o synod_n to_o reverse_v the_o deed_n of_o these_o committee_n and_o a_o brotherly_a condescension_n in_o the_o synod_n in_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o reverse_v thing_n do_v by_o
all_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a or_o agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v assert_v to_o be_v at_o all_o of_o kin_n or_o alliance_n to_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v far_o from_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n the_o man_n who_o in_o a_o rave_v fit_a of_o a_o notional_a spirit_n first_o preach_v and_o afterward_o print_v those_o shrewd_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o northern_a prâ—…sbyterie_n and_o the_o roman_a papacy_n may_v haply_o think_v himself_o now_o justify_v when_o he_o hear_v so_o great_a pretender_n to_o that_o government_n minister_n by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n of_o they_o such_o ground_n for_o some_o part_n of_o that_o comparison_n if_o presbyterial_a government_n have_v as_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v than_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o must_v derive_v itself_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o christ_n reveal_a will_n about_o the_o constitution_n and_o essential_n of_o that_o government_n but_o we_o know_v no_o tittle_n in_o his_o book_n that_o say_v as_o our_o brethren_n say_v or_o from_o which_o what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n can_v be_v deduce_v by_o good_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o government_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v his_o house_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o house_n shall_v submit_v unto_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n without_o any_o counteracting_n though_o their_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o till_o our_o brethren_n prove_v thiâ—…_n they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o deny_v it_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o subjection_n and_o submission_n be_v corelative_n and_o that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o superior_a can_v no_o more_o actual_o subsist_v without_o the_o subjection_n and_o submission_n of_o the_o inferior_a than_o one_o relative_a can_v subsist_v withouâ—…_n its_o correlative_a but_o all_o church-power_n and_o authority_n be_v bound_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o edification_n only_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o subjection_n that_o be_v due_a thereunto_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n only_o and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o subject_a the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v sufficient_o acknowledge_v and_o preserve_v but_o say_v our_o brethren_n without_o this_o submission_n which_o they_o plead_v for_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o this_o we_o also_o deny_v because_o what_o be_v resolve_v and_o determine_v by_o kirk-judicatory_n in_o a_o right_a way_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o intrinsical_a lawfulness_n thereof_o â—…t_o be_v for_o matter_n god_n word_n and_o by_o virtue_n oâ—…_n the_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o brethren_n and_o friend_n counsel_v right_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o church-governor_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v a_o ministerial_a and_o official_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o assemble_v in_o his_o name_n in_o the_o respective_a court_n appoint_v by_o himself_o for_o govern_v his_o house_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v authority_n or_o a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o no_o consultative_a meeting_n have_v so_o whosoever_o resist_v their_o power_n when_o put_v forth_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n do_v not_o only_o sin_n by_o despise_v that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o by_o despise_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o their_o brethren_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o hold_v forth_o light_a unto_o they_o but_o do_v also_o sin_n by_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o kirk-judicatory_a model_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o clothe_v with_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v their_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o without_o this_o submission_n and_o subordination_n they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o unity_n and_o order_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v of_o a_o remedy_n by_o superior_a judicatory_n without_o this_o the_o refuse_v thereof_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v all_o union_n void_a so_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n propound_v upon_o their_o overture_n novemb._n 16_o 1655._o and_o in_o their_o represent_v pag._n 39_o sect._n 4._o and_o pag._n 47._o sect._n 3._o answ._n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n and_o language_n of_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n whilst_o they_o plead_v the_o pope_n visible_a headship_n and_o irrefragable_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o church_n to_o which_o all_o aught_o to_o submit_v without_o gainsay_v or_o counteracting_n the_o very_a thing_n that_o have_v set_v up_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o sit_v aâ—…_n god_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o enslave_v both_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o require_v of_o they_o subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o his_o dictate_v without_o examine_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n if_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o submission_n in_o all_o case_n without_o counteracting_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v live_v before_o we_o in_o corrupt_a time_n must_v all_o their_o preach_n and_o other_o act_n though_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v 〈◊〉_d be_v indeed_o to_o set_v up_o a_o power_n over_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d god_n a_o power_n for_o destruction_n and_o not_o for_o 〈◊〉_d that_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o sinful_a unity_n aâ—…_n order_n and_o teach_v a_o way_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n a_o ready_o to_o obtain_v peace_n with_o man_n but_o with_o 〈◊〉_d loss_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o waâ—…_n to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o house_n of_o goâ—…_n be_v not_o to_o harken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n anâ—…_n blood_n by_o set_v up_o the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o a_o laâ—…_n and_o establish_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o tyrannicaâ—…_n power_n over_o conscience_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v bâ—…_n tie_v to_o submit_v to_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n for_o goâ—…_n have_v say_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o iniquity_n that_o frametâ—…_n mischief_n into_o a_o law_n shall_v have_v no_o fellowship_n witâ—…_n he_o and_o therefore_o that_o may_v destroy_v unity_n anâ—…_n order_n it_o will_v not_o preserve_v it_o but_o to_o let_v the_o worâ—…_n of_o god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o rule_n and_o bond_n of_o unitâ—…_n and_o order_n have_v place_n gal._n 6._o 16._o and_o judicatory_n proceed_v according_a to_o this_o be_v a_o effectua_fw-mi remedy_n actu_fw-la primo_fw-la and_o objective_n as_o in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n albeit_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la there_o be_v nâ—…_n efficacious_a remedy_n in_o either_o word_n sacrament_n admonition_n suspension_n deposition_n excommunication_n presbytery_n synod_n or_o any_o ordinance_n the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v or_o can_v exercise_v without_o the_o effectual_a blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o appointer_n oâ—…_n these_o and_o concur_v therewith_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n shall_v person_n sentence_v unjust_o submit_v yes_o say_v our_o brethren_n for_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n what_o remedy_n then_o say_v we_o for_o preserve_v the_o truth_n they_o may_v appeal_v say_v they_o but_o say_v we_o they_o have_v appeal_v and_o have_v therein_o succumb_v what_o remedy_n now_o no_o remedy_n but_o that_o at_o one_o stroke_n the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v bear_v down_o and_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bury_v under_o the_o rubbish_n thereof_o
appear_v from_o the_o passage_n before_o cite_v if_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o admit_v this_o gloss_n then_o sure_o the_o meaning_n must_v be_v this_o whatsoever_o minister_n just_o or_o unjust_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o his_o ministry_n shall_v continue_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o to_o intromet_v with_o his_o stipend_n we_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n do_v appoint_v that_o because_o of_o his_o disobedience_n to_o our_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o we_o abhor_v to_o fasten_v such_o a_o meaning_n upon_o that_o reverend_a and_o grave_a assembly_n so_o we_o desire_v to_o think_v that_o our_o brethren_n upon_o sober_a and_o serious_a thought_n will_v abhor_v it_o also_o and_o will_v acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o just_a sentence_n only_o and_o if_o so_o we_o do_v willing_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v that_o who_o so_o be_v just_o suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v process_v with_o excommunication_n what_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1646._o in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n james_n morison_n because_o we_o have_v not_o the_o record_n of_o that_o assembly_n concerning_o that_o matter_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o speak_v positive_o to_o their_o determination_n what_o it_o be_v or_o to_o the_o reason_n thereof_o in_o that_o particular_a it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v long_o ago_o and_o clothe_v with_o many_o circumstance_n some_o of_o which_o have_v haply_o escape_v our_o memory_n but_o as_o we_o remember_v and_o can_v collect_v from_o the_o print_a index_n of_o the_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n not_o print_v the_o case_n be_v this_o mr._n james_n morison_n be_v sentence_v with_o suspension_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkwall_n do_v appeal_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o go_v on_o in_o his_o ministerial_a function_n for_o which_o the_o presbytery_n do_v pronounce_v against_o he_o the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n the_o process_n come_v before_o the_o assembly_n they_o do_v sustean_fw-fr his_o appeal_n and_o rebuke_v both_o he_o and_o the_o presbytery_n for_o their_o contentious_a and_o litigious_a carriage_n one_o towards_o another_o in_o that_o business_n do_v without_o so_o far_o as_o we_o remember_v any_o ratification_n of_o the_o presbytery_n sentence_n of_o deposition_n or_o appoint_v of_o mr._n james_n morison_n to_o make_v any_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o offence_n for_o violate_v the_o just_a submission_n and_o subordination_n due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o doubtless_o they_o will_v have_v do_v before_o his_o reposition_n if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o our_o brethren_n judgement_n do_v appoint_v he_o to_o be_v repone_v again_o to_o his_o ministry_n if_o the_o case_n be_v this_o our_o brethren_n have_v no_o advantage_n but_o rather_o disadvantage_n in_o allege_v of_o it_o because_o the_o assembly_n be_v so_o far_o from_o proceed_v to_o a_o further_a sentence_n against_o mr._n james_n morison_n for_o counteracting_n the_o sentence_n of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o they_o do_v appoint_v he_o to_o be_v again_o repone_v to_o his_o ministry_n when_o our_o brethren_n shall_v make_v it_o appear_v from_o the_o register_n to_o have_v be_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v lay_v the_o weight_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o do_v deserve_v our_o brethren_n overshoot_v when_o they_o say_v that_o thus_o to_o submit_v have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o member_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n ever_o since_o the_o late_a reformation_n if_o they_o mean_v of_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o church_n from_o popery_n they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a for_o the_o member_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n than_o not_o to_o submit_v unto_o but_o to_o counteract_v the_o determination_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o synod_n and_o assembly_n not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o also_o of_o discipline_n and_o government_n it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o godly_a man_n who_o be_v depose_v by_o they_o and_o their_o court_n to_o preach_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o sentence_n some_o of_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o do_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o prelate_n be_v not_o a_o lawful_a authority_n nor_o church-officer_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o our_o brethren_n do_v very_o well_o know_v that_o as_o the_o prelate_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o their_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n do_v sometime_o in_o the_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n of_o minister_n associate_n to_o themselves_o the_o ministry_n of_o those_o bound_n where_o the_o suppose_a delinquent_n serve_v that_o be_v the_o presbytery_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_o authority_n and_o that_o as_o they_o do_v plead_v for_o such_o a_o submission_n to_o their_o decree_n and_o sentence_n as_o these_o brethren_n do_v now_o plead_v for_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o its_o be_v essential_a to_o government_n and_o preserve_n of_o unity_n and_o order_n and_o shun_v of_o confusion_n etc._n etc._n so_o also_o that_o those_o who_o do_v refuse_v and_o decline_v that_o submission_n do_v it_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o want_n of_o lawful_a authority_n but_o also_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o no_o obedience_n nor_o subjection_n be_v due_a to_o ecclesiastic_a law_n thatare_fw-la unjust_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o shall_v read_v the_o treatise_n that_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o hour_n of_o temptation_n concerning_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o member_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o reformation_n begin_v in_o anno_fw-la 1638._o until_o these_o difference_n do_v arise_v when_o our_o brethren_n shall_v bring_v instance_n of_o unjust_a sentence_n pronounce_v in_o that_o time_n by_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o bring_v instance_n of_o not_o submit_v thereto_o or_o counteracting_n the_o same_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v just_a submission_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o and_o they_o do_v but_o trifle_v to_o make_v that_o submission_n a_o precedent_n to_o that_o unlimited_a submission_n which_o they_o do_v now_o plead-for_a their_o citation_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o anno_fw-la 1647._o concerning_o the_o hundred_o and_o eleven_o proposition_n and_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v do_v make_v against_o our_o brethren_n and_o not_o for_o they_o 1._o because_o the_o foregoing_a word_n of_o that_o act_n do_v clear_a that_o the_o assembly_n speak_v of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n commit_v and_o entrust_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o christ_n have_v commit_v no_o power_n to_o any_o assembly_n to_o tyrannize_v nor_o have_v he_o command_v any_o church-member_n or_o any_o inferior_a church-judicatory_a to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n 2._o because_o the_o proposition_n themselves_o to_o which_o that_o act_n do_v relate_v do_v confine_v the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o decree_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n to_o lawful_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a say_v they_o to_o particular_a church_n or_o as_o common_o they_o be_v call_v parochial_a eitherto_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o class_n or_o synod_n where_o they_o be_v lawful_o settle_v or_o may_v be_v have_v much_o less_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o authority_n if_o they_o have_v once_o acknowledge_v it_o or_o to_o refuse_v such_o lawful_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o class_n or_o synod_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v with_o authority_n impose_v upon_o they_o act._n 15._o 2_o 6_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 28_o 29._o act._n 16._o 4._o prop._n 32._o it_o seem_v it_o come_v not_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o brethren_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o prepare_v these_o article_n and_o proposition_n though_o they_o do_v well_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o tender_v they_o unto_o the_o assembly_n nor_o into_o the_o assembly_n mind_n who_o after_o hear_v of_o they_o public_o read_v do_v unanimous_o vote_n and_o agree_v to_o the_o eight_o general_a head_n of_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v and_o assert_v that_o man_n shall_v submit_v to_o unlawful_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n of_o
1650._o and_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n follow_v against_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o 5._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o authoritative_a approbation_n of_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n by_o provincial_n synod_n and_o presbytery_n many_o of_o which_o have_v make_v and_o past_a particular_a act_n for_o that_o effect_n 6._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o saint_n andrews_n dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n against_o minister_n elder_n and_o expectant_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n 7._o in_o order_n to_o the_o taking-in_n of_o many_o disaffect_v and_o malignant_a person_n and_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o ecclesiastic_a privilege_n and_o trust_n such_o have_v vote_n in_o congregation_n in_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n and_o sit_v as_o elder_n in_o kirk-judicatory_n in_o a_o wrong_a way_n 8._o they_o do_v continue_v in_o all_o these_o sad_a fruit_n and_o evidence_n of_o defection_n which_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v long_o ago_o represent_v to_o the_o several_a synod_n and_o have_v since_o that_o time_n collect_v together_o in_o one_o and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o this_o declaration_n do_v give_v their_o reader_n but_o word_n and_o wrong_v the_o protest_a brethren_n when_o they_o tell_v they_o of_o toss_v about_o a_o debate_n now_o so_o far_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o so_o do_v other_o of_o their_o party_n when_o they_o do_v discourse_n and_o write_v in_o such_o a_o strain_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o obstruction_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o a_o agreement_n from_o any_o thing_n pâ—…rtaining_v to_o these_o resolution_n that_o be_v now_o in_o be_v or_o that_o be_v urge_v by_o these_o who_o do_v adhere_v thereunto_o upon_o or_o against_o the_o protest_a brethren_n but_o that_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o continue_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v because_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n will_v not_o quit_v their_o judgement_n and_o profess_v repentance_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v when_o as_o beside_o repentance_n and_o change_n of_o their_o judgement_n which_o though_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v wish_v and_o pray_v for_o and_o hold_v forth_o as_o their_o duty_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n without_o which_o they_o will_v have_v no_o union_n and_o peace_n with_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o these_o resolution_n that_o be_v still_o in_o be_v and_o be_v adhere_v unto_o and_o prosecute_v by_o these_o brethren_n that_o do_v prove_v hindrance_n and_o impediment_n of_o a_o agreement_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o protest_a brethren_n which_o as_o it_o be_v partly_o manifest_a from_o what_o be_v already_o say_v so_o shall_v it_o more_o evident_o and_o full_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v when_o we_o shall_v take_v in_o consideration_n the_o overture_n of_o union_n propound_v by_o they_o in_o this_o paper_n another_o of_o their_o prejudice_n be_v that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n affect_v pre-eminence_n and_o will_v set_v up_o a_o domination_n of_o their_o party_n in_o this_o church_n and_o over_o their_o brethren_n decl._n pag._n 4._o and_o pag._n 6._o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o root_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n in_o the_o protest_a brethren_n that_o take_v hold_v on_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n and_o have_v from_o they_o be_v derive_v unto_o all_o the_o posterity_n descend_v from_o they_o by_o ordinary_a generation_n and_o keep_v some_o foot_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o who_o a_o body_n of_o death_n dwell_v we_o shall_v but_o flatter_v they_o and_o lie_v against_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n as_o much_o of_o that_o bitter_a root_n in_o they_o as_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o bitter_a mourning_n and_o humiliation_n unto_o they_o before_o god_n neither_o will_v they_o we_o believe_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o will_v wish_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n and_o the_o judicatory_n thereof_o to_o be_v of_o their_o judgement_n in_o these_o point_n of_o difference_n though_o we_o hope_v not_o upon_o the_o account_n that_o it_o be_v they_o but_o because_o they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o consonant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n but_o that_o they_o do_v affect_v pre-eminence_n and_o will_v set_v up_o a_o domination_n of_o their_o party_n over_o the_o church_n and_o over_o their_o brethren_n we_o have_v confidence_n and_o clearness_n to_o deny_v it_o and_o have_v their_o work_n to_o witness_v the_o contrary_a our_o brethren_n do_v well_o know_v that_o in_o their_o judgement_n the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o may_v they_o not_o if_o they_o have_v be_v a_o party_n affect_v pre-eminence_n have_v exercise_v the_o power_n contain_v therein_o these_o year_n past_a but_o how_o soon_o those_o of_o their_o number_n who_o be_v member_n thereof_o have_v with_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o brethren_n of_o that_o judgement_n holden-forth_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n against_o the_o land_n they_o do_v abstain_v and_o have_v hithertill_v abstain_v from_o act_v in_o that_o capacity_n how_o frequent_o also_o have_v they_o offer_v unto_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n that_o if_o they_o will_v by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o without_o they_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o to_o look_v on_o and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o work_n and_o if_o when_o they_o have_v long_o wait_v for_o it_o and_o see_v they_o like_a to_o do_v nothing_o in_o it_o yea_o that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v adverse_a to_o it_o and_o be_v pollute_v in_o stead_n of_o purge_v must_v it_o be_v a_o affect_n of_o domination_n for_o minister_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o propound_v such_o mean_n and_o overture_n as_o do_v carry_v in_o they_o some_o probability_n towards_o do_v somewhat_o in_o that_o necessary_a work_n wherein_o they_o be_v yet_o still_o willing_a that_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n shall_v have_v more_o than_o equal_a share_n with_o themselves_o it_o have_v be_v ordinary_a for_o righteous_a man_n who_o conscience_n can_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o to_o couch_v under_o public_a corruption_n without_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o and_o endeavour_v a_o remedy_n thereof_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o reproach_n from_o oppress_v and_o loose_a party_n and_o person_n that_o have_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n that_o they_o will_v needs_o be_v judge_n and_o do_v take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o and_o be_v seek_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o it_o be_v among_o the_o policy_n of_o satan_n wherein_o not_o only_o the_o common_a world_n but_o even_o good_a man_n may_v sometime_o through_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n be_v subservient_n unto_o he_o because_o he_o can_v find_v in_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o those_o who_o god_n call_v to_o witness_v against_o or_o pull_v down_o his_o kingdom_n sufficient_a ground_n of_o challenge_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v make_v odious_a to_o the_o world_n therefore_o he_o think_v it_o for_o his_o advantage_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o inward_a abomination_n such_o as_o hypocrisy_n and_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n and_o mischievous_a project_n and_o design_n etc._o etc._o know_v that_o though_o they_o may_v just_o deny_v these_o thing_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a easy_o to_o refute_v they_o there_o be_v always_o somewhat_o in_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o best_a action_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o innocent_a man_n that_o may_v by_o a_o uncharitable_a judgement_n be_v construe_v to_o spring_v from_o such_o root_n it_o remain_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o those_o proposal_n and_o overture_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n that_o be_v tender_v to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n in_o that_o declaration_n concerning_o which_o before_o we_o descend_v into_o particular_n we_o offer_v these_o general_a observation_n 1._o that_o in_o the_o very_a entry_n they_o lie_v such_o a_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n as_o seem_v to_o render_v union_n very_o hopeless_a for_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o union_n propound_v by_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o of_o the_o pretend_a injury_n do_v by_o they_o to_o the_o government_n they_o do_v the_o in_o eight_o page_n conclude_v thus_o for_o our_o part_n say_v they_o we_o resolve_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n grace_n never_o to_o accord_v thereunto_o nor_o to_o recedâ—…_n from_o the_o estbalish_a government_n be_v the_o hazard_n what_o it_o will_v that_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a we_o resolve_v never_o to_o condescend_v to_o any_o overture_n of_o purge_v of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v in_o it_o any_o circumstance_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o do_v it_o by_o the_o plurality_n of_o corrupt_a man_n in_o presbytery_n and_o
thou_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v command_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o his_o body_n and_o drink_v of_o his_o blood_n and_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v himself_o with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o man_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la et_fw-la imperio_fw-la yea_o because_o of_o his_o adhere_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v reject_v and_o condemn_v have_v forbid_v he_o so_o to_o do_v that_o be_v shall_v not_o obey_v god_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precedent_n jeremiah_n be_v often_o command_v by_o the_o authority_n both_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a to_o forbear_v speak_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o do_v he_o give_v no_o subjection_n to_o the_o sentence_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o inhibition_n and_o censure_n past_a against_o he_o chap._n 26._o ch._n 32._o ch._n 37._o and_o ch._n 38._o amos_n be_v command_v by_o amaziah_n the_o priest_n to_o prophesy_v no_o more_o at_o bethel_n because_o it_o be_v the_o king_n chapel_n and_o the_o king_n court_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o submit_v but_o do_v counteract_v that_o commandment_n and_o do_v continue_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n amos_n 5._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o daniel_n be_v command_v to_o make_v no_o petition_n to_o any_o god_n or_o man_n for_o thirty_o day_n save_v to_o king_n darius_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o counteract_v by_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o open_v his_o chamber-window_n towards_o jerusalem_n and_o kneel_v on_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v aforetime_o dan._n 6_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o jew_n do_v agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yet_o do_v the_o poor_a man_n who_o eye_n he_o have_v open_v confess_v he_o open_o and_o though_o he_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o for_o do_v of_o it_o yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o go_v on_o to_o confess_v he_o still_o joh._n 9_o 22_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v once_o and_o again_o by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n not_o to_o speak_v nor_o teach_v any_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v first_o threaten_v and_o afterwards_o imprison_v and_o three_o beat_v by_o they_o for_o so_o do_v yet_o do_v they_o not_o submit_v nor_o forbear_v but_o daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n act._n 4._o 19_o 20_o 21._o act._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 29_o 40_o 42._o paul_n be_v accuse_v first_o before_o festus_n and_o afterwards_o before_o felix_n the_o roman_a deputy_n that_o he_o be_v a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazaren_n who_o also_o have_v go_v about_o to_o profane_v the_o temple_n do_v not_o only_o appeal_v to_o cesar_n but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o course_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v that_o the_o jew_n kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o their_o own_o prophet_n and_o persecute_v the_o apostle_n and_o please_v not_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o man_n act._n 24._o 5_o 6._o act._n 25._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o 3._o this_o submission_n dethron_v jesus_n christ_n who_o only_o have_v power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o bind_v they_o by_o his_o authority_n by_o attribute_v such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o church-judicatoric_n as_o do_v bind_v man_n conscience_n upon_o their_o mere_a arbitrement_n and_o pleasure_n for_o we_o must_v be_v subject_a because_o they_o will_v have_v it_o so_o though_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o command_v this_o subjection_n to_o wit_n our_o suppose_a delinquency_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la ens_fw-la and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o truth_n and_o equity_n if_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o bind_v because_o the_o judgement_n be_v still_o leave_v free_a and_o the_o outward_a act_n only_o restrain_v we_o will_v have_v our_o brethren_n to_o remember_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o do_v oppose_v conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n do_v tell_v the_o prelate_n and_o their_o party_n when_o they_o use_v this_o defence_n against_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o wit_n that_o if_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n then_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o restrain_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a then_o be_v christian_a liberty_n take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o in_o thing_n necessary_a such_o as_o keep_v fellowship_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n etc._o etc._o the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v thing_n command_v of_o god_n unto_o person_n due_o qualify_v and_o instruct_v thereunto_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n cease_v to_o be_v oblige_v duty_n to_o such_o a_o person_n hic_fw-la et_fw-la nunc_fw-la and_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n command_v he_o to_o abstain_v lose_v he_o from_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o do_v otherwise_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n we_o desire_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o such_o doctrine_n as_o that_o which_o prefer_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v man_n than_o god_n shall_v the_o sole_a will_n and_o mere_a pleasure_n of_o man_n lose_v a_o man_n from_o the_o obligation_n he_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n if_o so_o let_v we_o no_o more_o blame_v the_o pope_n for_o dispense_v with_o divine_a law_n i_o can_v abstain_v from_o take_v christ_n body_n and_o blood_n or_o from_o preach_v the_o gospel_n say_v the_o innocent_a man_n unjust_o sentence_v because_o i_o be_o thereunto_o call_v and_o command_v of_o god_n but_o say_v the_o synod_n or_o kirk-judicatory_n we_o have_v command_v you_o to_o abstain_v and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v abstain_v and_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o your_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v because_o our_o command_n lose_v you_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n hence_o a_o four_o argument_n 4._o this_o submission_n conclude_v a_o man_n under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n by_o omit_v those_o necessary_a duty_n that_o be_v command_v he_o of_o god_n upon_o a_o non-relevant_a reason_n to_o wit_n the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v no_o power_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n no_o power_n to_o destruction_n but_o to_o edification_n 5._o if_o such_o a_o submission_n be_v due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o be_v not_o also_o due_a unto_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o authoritative_a and_o juridical_a power_n belong_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n be_v threefold_a dogmatic_a diatactick_a and_o critic_n dogmatic_a in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v down_o and_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o heresy_n error_n and_o corruption_n therewith_o diatactick_n in_o reference_n to_o external_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o matter_n circumstantial_a relate_v to_o time_n place_n and_o person_n the_o conveniency_n whereof_o be_v determinable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n such_o as_o these_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o order_n and_o decency_n etc._n etc._n critic_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o repress_n of_o scandal_n error_n heresy_n schism_n obstinacy_n and_o contempt_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n and_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o exercise_v the_o spiritual_a
censure_n of_o admonition_n suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n excommunication_n and_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n from_o the_o ministry_n now_o all_o these_o power_n be_v authoritative_a and_o in_o their_o determination_n and_o exercise_v confine_v unto_o and_o circumscribe_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n we_o will_v desire_v from_o our_o brethren_n a_o reason_n why_o the_o critic-power_n shall_v be_v more_o bind_v than_o the_o other_o or_o why_o submission_n be_v due_a to_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n proceed_v from_o the_o critic-power_n while_o it_o be_v not_o due_a to_o any_o erroneous_a or_o corrupt_a decree_n proceed_v from_o the_o dogmatic_a or_o diatactick_a power_n have_v god_n put_v more_o honour_n and_o respect_n upon_o the_o last_o than_o upon_o the_o two_o first_o or_o have_v he_o give_v great_a latitude_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o last_o nor_o of_o the_o two_o first_o or_o be_v the_o last_o bind_v by_o thâ—…_z mere_a will_n and_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n whilâ—…st_v the_o two_o fiâ—…st_v bind_v only_o when_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o our_o brethren_n do_v so_o judge_v we_o desire_v to_o know_v where_o these_o foundation_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o power_n be_v write_v or_o what_o they_o do_v bring_v for_o they_o from_o the_o book_n of_o god_n or_o how_o in_o reason_n they_o can_v consist_v when_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o two_o first_o and_o if_o this_o submission_n be_v equal_o due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o all_o the_o three_o then_o if_o they_o shall_v determine_v that_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o be_v a_o error_n that_o communion_n under_o both_o kind_n be_v not_o necessary_a that_o kneel_v be_v a_o necessary_a gesture_n at_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o forbear_v work_v on_o yuleday_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o holy_a and_o such_o like_a we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o profess_v nor_o preach_v nor_o act_v conâ—…rary_a to_o these_o their_o determination_n which_o be_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o word_n before_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v upon_o our_o soul_n the_o dreadful_a gospel-curse_n of_o his_o deny_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o before_o his_o father_n and_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 10._o 33._o mark_n 8._o 38._o luke_n 26._o 6._o but_o upon_o supposal_n that_o this_o submission_n be_v not_o due_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o external_a order_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o dogmatic_a and_o diatactick_a power_n in_o themselves_o yet_o the_o assert_n of_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n shall_v also_o necessary_o infer_v the_o assert_n of_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o external_a order_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n 1650._o do_v declare_v that_o a_o great_a company_n and_o faction_n of_o wicked_a man_n son_n of_o belial_n be_v subject_n may_v and_o aught_o in_o the_o case_n of_o necessity_n be_v employ_v in_o a_o christian_a army_n and_o covenant_v nation_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o country_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1651._o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o dogmatic-power_n approve_v of_o and_o ratify_v this_o doctrine_n and_o declaration_n and_o do_v withal_o by_o their_o critic-power_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o determination_n but_o shall_v oppose_v by_o profess_v or_o preach_v otherwise_o shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n we_o ask_v whether_o these_o censure_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n against_o these_o who_o profess_v otherwise_o or_o by_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n from_o the_o ministry_n against_o those_o who_o preach_v otherwise_o if_o this_o submission_n which_o be_v require_v be_v give_v to_o these_o censure_n will_v not_o necessary_o infer_v that_o they_o must_v not_o continue_v to_o profess_v or_o preach_v any_o more_o so_o and_o if_o this_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o dogmatic-power_n aswell_o as_o to_o the_o critic_n or_o let_v we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n who_o be_v depose_v and_o excommunicate_v for_o profess_v and_o preach_v and_o plead_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o consubstantial_a son_n of_o god_n or_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o person_n suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o depose_v from_o the_o ministry_n because_o of_o their_o profess_v and_o preach_v against_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n will_v not_o such_o submission_n to_o these_o sentence_n as_o exclude_v all_o counteracting_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o appeal_v necessary_o infer_v submission_n to_o the_o decree_n themselves_o so_o as_o the_o person_n censure_v must_v be_v silence_v and_o not_o profess_v nor_o preach_v nor_o plead_v any_o more_o for_o the_o one_o truth_n nor_o against_o the_o other_o error_n 7._o to_o wave_v a_o little_a that_o which_o concern_v private_a and_o particular_a person_n we_o offer_v it_o to_o consideration_n whether_o inferior_a kirk-judicatory_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o great_a and_o superior_a simple_o and_o absolute_o because_o they_o be_v great_a and_o superior_a or_o because_o the_o inferior_a have_v no_o intrinsical_a power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o in_o and_o wiâ—…h_a subordination_n to_o the_o great_a because_o great_a if_o so_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o all_o the_o inferior_a judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n congregational-eldership_n presbytery_n and_o provincial_a synod_n must_v befenced_a and_o act_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o all_o those_o civil_a court_n that_o have_v no_o intrinsic_a power_n in_o themselves_o but_o in_o and_o with_o subordination_n to_o the_o supreme_a civil_a magistrate_n be_v fence_v in_o his_o name_n and_o act_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n inferior_a kirk-judicatory_n be_v ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o they_o when_o they_o meet_v in_o his_o name_n and_o do_v adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n mat._n 18_o 18_o 19_o and_o if_o so_o shall_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n when_o wrong_a upon_o the_o matter_n oblige_v they_o to_o submission_n if_o a_o presbytery_n or_o a_o synod_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n do_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o procedure_n cast-out_a a_o heterodox_a and_o scandalous_a minister_n must_v they_o because_o the_o synod_n or_o general_a assembly_n do_v sustain_v his_o unjust_a appeal_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n again_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o lawful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o have_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o procedure_n admit_v a_o able_a orthodox_a godly_a man_n to_o the_o ministry_n must_v they_o because_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v cease_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o or_o own_v he_o for_o one_o of_o their_o number_n or_o as_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o ill-grounded_a truth_n that_o be_v common_o deliver_v by_o some_o divine_n write_v of_o synod_n that_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n be_v not_o corruptive_a privative_a or_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o single_a congregation_n but_o perfective_a acumulative_a and_o conservative_a thereunto_o 8._o what_o be_v deny_v jure_fw-la to_o oecomenick_a counsel_n and_o so_o lawful_o call_v prophet_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o nathan_n to_o david_n to_o paul_n to_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o 8._o can_v warrantable_o be_v give_v to_o general_a assembly_n if_o oecomenick_a counsel_n lawful_o call_v minister_n if_o nathan_n if_o samuel_n if_o paul_n if_o a_o angel_n teach_v or_o decree_v but_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v to_o counteract_v and_o to_o contradict_v gal._n 1._o 8._o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v to_o you_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o beside_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1._o 8._o therefore_o etc._n etc._n 9_o what_o be_v proprium_fw-la quarto_fw-la modo_fw-la to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n it_o can_v warrantable_o be_v give_v to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o not_o to_o be_v counteract_v nor_o contradict_v be_v proprium_fw-la quarto_fw-la modo_fw-la to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n these_o be_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n isa._n 8._o