visible_a kingdom_n of_o which_o the_o government_n be_v lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n against_o the_o heaven-daring_a usurpation_n &_o encroachment_n make_v thereupon_o both_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n &_o king_n &_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o he_o be_v god_n &_o universal_a king_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a prerogative_n to_o have_v a_o supremacy_n &_o sole_a sovereignty_n over_o his_o owned_a kingdom_n to_o institute_v his_o owned_a government_n to_o constitute_v his_o owned_a law_n to_o ordain_v his_o owned_a officer_n to_o appoint_v his_o owned_a ordinance_n which_o he_o will_v have_v observe_v without_o alteration_n addition_n or_o diminution_n until_o his_o second_o come_v this_o his_o prerogative_n have_v be_v &_o be_v invade_v by_o erastian_n prelacy_n sacrilegious_a supremacy_n and_o now_o by_o antichristian_a popery_n which_o have_v overturn_v his_o government_n invert_v his_o law_n subvert_v his_o officer_n &_o 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destructive_a this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o result_n &_o tendency_n of_o the_o testimony_n in_o all_o its_o part_n oppose_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n &_o liberty_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o their_o opposition_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o this_o crinomenon_fw-la who_o shall_v he_o king_n jesus_n or_o cesar_n let_v any_o serious_o search_v into_o all_o their_o proclamation_n &_o edict_n against_o religion_n &_o liberty_n this_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o soul_n &_o sense_n of_o they_o practical_o &_o real_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n especial_o since_o this_o man_n come_v to_o the_o throne_n j._n r._n james_z the_o 7_o 2_o by_o the_o v._o of_o g._n king_n of_o scotland_n england_n france_n &_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o antichristian_a faith_n to'all_a &_o sundry_a our_o good_a subject_n who_o these_o present_n do_v or_o many_o concern_n greeting_n we_o have_v take_v into_o our_o royal_a consideration_n the_o many_o &_o great_a inconvenience_n which_o 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these_o rebellious_a christian_n do_v never_o cease_v to_o assert_v &_o maintain_v strange_a paradox_n such_o principle_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o glory_n &_o interest_n of_o our_o government_n as_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n shall_v be_v hem_v in_o with_o limit_n and_o that_o their_o act_n &_o action_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o another_o rule_n than_o their_o owned_a authority_n to_o make_v they_o lawful_a that_o something_n in_o the_o kingdom_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o king_n authority_n that_o there_o be_v a_o kingdom_n within_o a_o kingdom_n not_o subordinate_a to_o the_o king_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o king_n superior_a to_o the_o supreme_a who_o they_o will_v rather_o obey_v than_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v either_o take_v law_n from_o he_o or_o otherwise_o we_o be_v not_o magistrate_n and_o consider_v also_o their_o practice_n be_v conform_v to_o their_o principle_n they_o will_v not_o obey_v our_o law_n but_o the_o law_n of_o another_o inconsistent_a with_o we_o and_o will_v calculate_v their_o religion_n according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o not_o according_a to_o we_o and_o continual_o make_v their_o address_n to_o and_o receive_v ambassador_n from_o a_o prince_n who_o we_o know_v not_o who_o our_o predecessor_n of_o true_o worthy_a memory_n do_v crucify_v one_o jesus_n who_o be_v dead_a who_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v alive_a who_o government_n they_o allege_v be_v supreme_a over_o all_o king_n who_o they_o acknowledge_v but_o as_o his_o vassal_n be_v now_o by_o favourable_a fortune_n not_o only_o bring_v to_o the_o imperial_a croun_n of_o these_o kingdom_n through_o the_o great_a difficulty_n but_o preserve_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o our_o royal_a ancestor_n which_o from_o our_o great_a founder_n nimrod_n of_o glorious_a memory_n and_o our_o illustrious_a predecessor_n pharaoh_n nabuchadnezzar_n herod_n the_o great_a nero_n caligula_n etc._n etc._n of_o bless_a &_o pious_a memory_n have_v be_v ever_o opposite_a to_o and_o project_v the_o destruction_n of_o that_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n do_v after_o their_o laudable_a example_n resolve_v to_o suppress_v that_o kingdom_n by_o all_o the_o mean_n &_o may_v we_o can_v use_v because_o his_o government_n be_v hateful_a to_o we_o his_o yoke_n heavy_a his_o say_n be_v hard_a his_o law_n be_v contrary_a to_o our_o lust_n therefore_o we_o will_v not_o let_v this_o man_n reign_n over_o we_o we_o will_v break_v his_o bond_n and_o cast_v away_o his_o cord_n from_o we_o and_o advance_v &_o exerce_fw-la our_o sovereign_a authority_n prerogative_n royal_a &_o absolute_a power_n which_o all_o our_o subject_n be_v to_o obey_v without_o reserve_n and_o as_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o supremacy_n whereby_o we_o be_v above_o all_o but_o such_o as_o we_o be_v please_v to_o subject_n ourselves_o to_o settle_v by_o law_n and_o lineal_o derive_v to_o we_o as_o a_o inherent_a right_n to_o the_o croun_n we_o have_v power_n to_o order_v all_o matter_n of_o church_n as_o well_o as_o state_n as_o we_o in_o our_o royal_a wisdom_n shall_v think_v fit_a all_o law_n &_o act_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o and_o according_o in_o our_o royal_a wisdom_n have_v overturn_v the_o platform_n of_o that_o government_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v raze_v all_o court_v fence_v in_o his_o name_n and_o severe_o interdict_v all_o meeting_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o entertainment_n of_o his_o ambassador_n many_o of_o who_o in_o contempt_n of_o he_o that_o send_v they_o we_o have_v punish_v according_a to_o law_n for_o negotiate_v his_o affair_n in_o our_o kingdom_n without_o our_o pleasure_n &_o require_v allegiance_n &_o obedience_n to_o he_o after_o we_o have_v exauctorate_v he_o we_o have_v also_o establish_v our_o right_a trusty_a &_o entire_o belove_a clerk_n in_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n and_o their_o underling_n by_o our_o authority_n to_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o impower_v our_o right_a trusty_a &_o well_o belove_v cousin_n &_o counsellor_n to_o compel_v all_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o by_o fining_n confining_n imprisonment_n banishment_n oath_n &_o bond_n and_o all_o legal_a mean_n so_o now_o have_v prosecute_v this_o war_n against_o christ_n to_o this_o length_n that_o we_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o a_o rally_n of_o his_o force_n again_o so_o often_o beat_v we_o be_v now_o engage_v with_o other_o antichristian_a prince_n to_o give_v our_o power_n to_o our_o holy_a father_n antichrist_n so_o far_o as_o may_v serve_v his_o purpose_n to_o oppse_n christ_n in_o his_o way_n but_o we_o reserve_v so_o much_o to_o our_o seeve_n as_o may_v encroach_v upon_o he_o in_o our_o capacity_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o restore_v to_o antichrist_n our_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n from_o who_o we_o borrow_v it_o and_o for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o use_n at_o present_a but_o we_o resolve_v to_o maintain_v &_o prosecute_v our_o sovereign_a authority_n prerogative_n royal_a and_o
other_o from_o concert_v that_o same_o necessary_a witness_n in_o the_o season_n thereof_o and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o will_v change_v both_o matter_n &_o manner_n in_o manage_v the_o war._n he_o will_v not_o now_o persecute_v for_o the_o old_a controvert_v head_n of_o popery_n with_o fire_n &_o faggot_n as_o former_o for_o refuse_v to_o worship_v our_o lady_n or_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o altar_n these_o weapon_n &_o engine_n be_v so_o wear_v out_o of_o use_n that_o they_o will_v not_o work_v now_o as_o they_o do_v before_o and_o that_o old_a bawd_n of_o babylon_n be_v become_v so_o ugly_a and_o out_o of_o date_n that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v her_o beauty_n can_v be_v so_o bewitch_a except_o she_o put_v on_o a_o new_a busk_n but_o her_o elder_a daughter_n the_o prelatical_a church_n of_o the_o same_o complexion_n with_o herself_o except_o that_o she_o be_v colour_v with_o protestant_a paint_n be_v fit_a for_o his_o service_n to_o allure_v our_o land_n into_o fornication_n and_o who_o will_v not_o be_v entyce_v must_v be_v force_v to_o communion_n with_o she_o by_o fining_n confyning_n exaction_n extortion_n &_o imposition_n of_o oath_n etc._n etc._n religion_n must_v be_v little_o concern_v here_o for_o there_o be_v preach_v enough_o and_o of_o protestant_a doctrine_n too_o and_o without_o the_o monkie-trick_n &_o montebank_n show_v &_o foppery_n of_o english-popish_a ceremony_n &_o lyturgical_a service_n what_o will_v they_o be_v at_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o yield_v to_o this_o than_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o scotish-spanish-inquisition_n that_o will_v rack_v the_o purse_n the_o body_n &_o conscience_n and_o all_o this_o be_v one_o complex_fw-la head_n of_o suffering_n and_o think_v a_o very_a small_a one_o by_o many_o but_o now_o find_v this_o will_v not_o do_v his_o business_n yet_o it_o look_v too_o like_o religion_n still_o he_o have_v therefore_o invent_v a_o new_a machine_n he_o will_v not_o now_o persecute_v nor_o force_v the_o conscience_n at_o all_o so_o good_a nature_a be_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o lieutenant_n grow_v in_o their_o old_a age_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n nay_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o who_o when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n speak_v it_o of_o his_o own_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o this_o long_a time_n but_o only_o in_o all_o the_o violent_a course_n exercise_v against_o these_o sufferer_n he_o have_v be_v magistratical_o chastise_v the_o disobedience_n &_o rebellion_n of_o a_o few_o turbulent_a traitor_n who_o will_v not_o oune_v the_o government_n and_o thus_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o rebellion_n &_o disow_a authority_n he_o have_v have_v access_n &_o success_n to_o destroy_v almost_o a_o innumerable_a number_n of_o honest_a &_o innocent_a faithful_a &_o fruitful_a lover_n of_o christ_n who_o though_o indeed_o they_o have_v have_v their_o suffering_n state_v upon_o those_o point_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o shall_v be_v find_v among_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v overcome_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n &_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n not_o love_v their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n who_o blood_n be_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n against_o the_o shedder_n thereof_o and_o he_o will_v make_v inquisition_n for_o it_o when_o he_o come_v to_o overturn_v overturn_v &_o take_v his_o own_o right_n for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v contend_v nevertheless_o this_o be_v a_o prejudice_n too_o prevalent_a with_o many_o to_o misregard_n the_o case_n &_o cause_n of_o these_o contender_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o represent_v they_o favourablie_o and_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n difficulty_n &_o discouragement_n together_o consider_v will_v soon_o cool_v my_o courage_n and_o at_o first_o blush_n make_v i_o leave_v off_o before_o i_o begin_v be_v i_o not_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n these_o reproach_v people_n be_v suffer_v for_o and_o that_o their_o great_a suffering_n &_o reproach_n be_v both_o alike_o unjust_a from_o both_o which_o the_o lord_n will_v vindicate_v they_o &_o bring_v forth_o their_o righteousness_n as_o the_o light_n &_o their_o judgement_n as_o the_o noon_n day_n â—n_v his_o owned_a time_n in_o confidence_n of_o which_o depend_v on_o his_o conduct_n i_o shall_v undertake_v as_o brief_o as_o be_v possible_a for_o i_o to_o represent_v their_o case_n and_o clear_v the_o cause_n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o concern_v their_o contest_v with_o their_o pesecute_a enemy_n wiâ—h_v who_o i_o only_o deal_v at_o present_a it_o not_o be_v my_o purpose_n to_o descend_v particular_o into_o their_o necessitate_a contending_n with_o comply_v brethren_n partly_o because_o they_o will_v make_v the_o volume_n to_o excresce_fw-it unto_o too_o great_a a_o bulk_n &_o because_o they_o be_v to_o be_v see_v elsewhere_o yet_o in_o effect_n these_o also_o be_v not_o only_o here_o narrative_o deduce_v but_o whatever_n be_v odious_a in_o they_o be_v vindicate_v &_o what_o be_v difficult_a in_o some_o measure_n enodate_v but_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v and_o desiderated_a that_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o distinct_a deduction_n of_o all_o the_o step_v of_o this_o woeful_a defection_n against_o which_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o testimony_n have_v be_v state_v but_o i_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n advertise_v i_o touch_v only_o that_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o have_v be_v seal_v by_o severe_a suffering_n from_o enemy_n it_o be_v a_o task_n transcend_v my_o capacity_n and_o a_o theme_n wherein_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o my_o leisure_n to_o enlarge_v upon_o such_o a_o sad_a and_o shameful_a subject_n though_o the_o world_n indeed_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n that_o they_o that_o will_v do_v it_o can_v and_o they_o that_o will_v &_o shall_v do_v it_o will_v not_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a loss_n not_o only_o to_o scotland_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n that_o what_o have_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n already_o can_v see_v the_o light_n or_o rather_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v deprive_v of_o its_o light_n which_o through_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o time_n &_o the_o disingenuous_a prudence_n of_o some_o who_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o patron_n of_o defection_n be_v embezil_v &_o suppress_v i_o mean_v that_o excellent_a &_o faithful_a history_n of_o defection_n the_o posthumou_n work_v of_o famous_a mr._n m'ward_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o church_n which_o if_o they_o that_o have_v it_o in_o keep_v will_v do_v themselves_o the_o honour_n and_o the_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o publish_v it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o need_n to_o discover_v from_o whence_o to_o what_o and_o how_o that_o church_n have_v fall_v &_o degenerate_a nor_o so_o great_a dissicultie_n in_o that_o indisputable_a &_o indispensable_a duty_n that_o such_o a_o day_n call_v for_o in_o search_v &_o try_v our_o way_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v turn_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n nor_o any_o necessity_n for_o my_o poor_a essay_n to_o invite_v &_o incite_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o take_v cognizance_n &_o compassion_n of_o poor_a perish_a scotland_n i_o wish_v that_o they_o who_o have_v it_o may_v consult_v more_o their_o owned_a duty_n and_o credit_n and_o what_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o church_n edification_n the_o day_n testimony_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o continue_v rob_v the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o treasure_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o call_v treason_n against_o christ_n &_o sacrilege_n against_o the_o church_n &_o stick_v not_o to_o tell_v they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o publish_v it_o the_o world_n must_v know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n do_v but_o it_o not_o be_v my_o design_n now_o to_o detect_v or_o reflect_v upon_o all_o the_o defection_n of_o that_o decline_a &_o by_o declension_n divide_v &_o by_o division_n almost_o only_o not_o destroy_v church_n i_o shall_v meddle_v with_o they_o no_o further_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o clear_v the_o cause_n refer_v the_o knowledge_n and_o account_n of_o they_o either_o to_o the_o notoriety_n of_o the_o gross_a of_o they_o or_o to_o the_o more_o particular_a enarration_n of_o they_o to_o be_v find_v in_o paper_n emit_v &_o publish_v by_o the_o contender_n against_o they_o of_o which_o one_o be_v of_o this_o same_o year_n edition_n entitle_v the_o informatory_n vindication_n of_o a_o poor_a waste_v misrepresented_a remnant_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o may_v be_v evident_a that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o this_o darkness_n &_o distress_n defection_n &_o division_n under_o which_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v be_v so_o long_o &_o be_v still_o labour_v there_o be_v yet_o a_o poor_a
now_o for_o refuse_v such_o compel_v &_o impose_v devotion_n to_o pray_v or_o praise_v for_o the_o king_n poor_a people_n be_v much_o condemn_v i_o know_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o these_o faithful_a sufferer_n in_o those_o day_n be_v not_o so_o strict_a as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o submit_v to_o unjust_a sentence_n and_o obey_v &_o keep_v their_o confinement_n i_o shall_v grant_v there_o be_v much_o of_o this_o and_o much_o may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o their_o circumstance_n when_o the_o court_n procedure_v against_o they_o be_v not_o so_o illegal_a their_o authority_n be_v not_o so_o tyrannical_a nor_o so_o necessary_a to_o be_v disoun_v and_o they_o be_v so_o state_v that_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v guilt_n upon_o they_o in_o make_v their_o escape_n whereas_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o we_o yet_o we_o find_v very_o faithful_a man_n break_v their_o confinement_n as_o mr_n john_n murray_n confine_v about_o dumfreis_n perceive_v there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o bishop_n malice_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o no_o worse_a case_n than_o he_o be_v he_o resolve_v without_o licence_n either_o of_o king_n or_o council_n to_o transport_v himself_o so_o do_v also_o mr_n robert_n bruce_n iii_o for_o resistance_n of_o superior_a power_n we_o have_v in_o this_o period_n first_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o nobleman_n a_o ruthven_n anno_fw-la 1582._o who_o take_v the_o king_n and_o seize_v on_o that_o arrant_a traitor_n enemy_n to_o the_o church_n &_o country_n the_o earl_n of_o arran_n declare_v to_o the_o world_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o the_o king_n correspondence_n with_o papist_n his_o usurp_a the_o supremacy_n over_o the_o church_n and_o oppress_v the_o minister_n all_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o wicked_a councillor_n who_o therefore_o they_o remove_v from_o he_o the_o king_n himself_o emit_v a_o declaration_n allow_v this_o deed_n the_o general_a assembly_n approve_v of_o it_o and_o persuade_v to_o a_o concurrence_n with_o it_o and_o nothing_o be_v want_v to_o ratify_v it_o as_o a_o most_o lawful_a &_o laudable_a action_n at_o length_n the_o fox_n escape_v &_o change_v all_o and_o retract_v his_o former_a declaration_n the_o lord_n again_o rally_v and_o enterprise_n the_o take_n of_o the_o castle_n of_o stirling_n and_o gain_v it_o but_o afterward_o surrender_v it_o after_o which_o the_o earl_n of_o gowrie_n be_v execute_v and_o minister_n be_v command_v to_o retract_v the_o approbation_n of_o ruthven_n business_n but_o they_o refuse_v and_o many_o be_v force_v to_o flee_v to_o england_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v banish_v but_o in_o the_o year_n 1585._o they_o return_v with_o more_o success_n and_o take_v the_o castle_n of_o stirling_n the_o cowardly_a king_n do_v again_o acknowledge_v &_o justify_v their_o enterprise_n that_o they_o need_v no_o apology_n of_o word_n weapon_n have_v speak_v well_o enough_o and_o get_v they_o audience_n to_o clear_v their_o own_o cause_n but_o he_o after_o carriage_n declare_v he_o as_o crafty_a &_o false_a as_o he_o be_v cowardly_a &_o fearful_a again_o we_o have_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o resist_v when_o the_o minister_n be_v trouble_v upon_o mr_n blacks_n bussiness_n and_o there_o be_v a_o intention_n to_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o their_o pulpit_n they_o advise_v they_o to_o stand_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o call_v if_o their_o flock_n will_v save_v they_o from_o violence_n and_o yet_o this_o violence_n be_v expect_v from_o the_o king_n and_o his_o emissary_n as_o to_o that_o point_n then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n iv._o there_o be_v little_a occasion_n for_o the_o question_n about_o the_o king_n authority_n in_o this_o period_n but_o general_o all_o acknowledge_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o his_o usurpation_n and_o his_o cowardice_n make_v he_o incapable_a of_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v raise_v commotion_n in_o civil_a thing_n yet_o we_o remark_n that_o whatsoever_o authority_n he_o usurp_v beyond_o his_o sphere_n that_o be_v disoun_v &_o decline_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a as_o the_o supremacy_n next_o that_o they_o resent_v &_o represent_v very_o harsh_o any_o aspire_n to_o absoluteness_n as_o mr_n andrew_n melvin_n can_v give_v it_o no_o better_a name_n nor_o entertain_v no_o better_a notion_n of_o it_o then_o to_o term_v it_o the_o bloody_a guillie_n as_o he_o inveigh_v against_o it_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1582._o and_o next_o in_o this_o same_o period_n we_o have_v a_o very_a good_a description_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o the_o king_n himself_o allow_v not_o to_o be_v ow_v which_o out_o of_o a_o king_n mouth_n abundant_o justify_v the_o disow_a of_o the_o present_a tyranny_n this_o same_o king_n james_n in_o a_o speech_n to_o the_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1609._o say_v a_o king_n degenerate_v into_o a_o tyrant_n when_o he_o leave_v to_o rule_v by_o 〈◊〉_d much_o more_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o invade_v his_o subject_n person_n right_n &_o liberty_n to_o set_v up_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n impose_v unlawful_a tax_n raise_v force_n make_v war_n upon_o his_o subject_n to_o pillage_n plunder_v waist_n and_o spoil_v his_o kingdom_n period_n v._o contain_v the_o testimony_n for_o the_o last_o reformation_n from_o prelacy_n in_o all_o its_o step_n from_o the_o year_n 1638_o to_o 1660._o the_o follow_a period_n from_o the_o year_n 1638._o to_o 1660_o continue_v &_o advance_v the_o testimony_n to_o the_o great_a height_n of_o purity_n &_o power_n that_o either_o this_o church_n or_o any_o other_o do_v ever_o arrive_v unto_o with_o a_o gradation_n succession_n &_o complication_n of_o wonder_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n power_n justice_n &_o mercy_n signal_o &_o singular_o oun_v &_o seal_v it_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o his_o enemy_n comfort_v of_o his_o people_n conviction_n of_o indifferent_a neutral_n and_o consternation_n of_o all._n now_o after_o a_o long_a winter_n and_o night_n of_o deadness_n &_o darkness_n the_o sun_n return_v with_o a_o amiable_a approach_n of_o light_n &_o life_n now_o the_o winter_n be_v past_a the_o rain_n be_v over_o &_o go_v the_o flower_n appear_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o time_n of_o sing_v of_o bird_n be_v come_v and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o turtle_n be_v hear_v in_o our_o land_n now_o the_o second_o time_n the_o testimony_n come_v to_o be_v manage_v in_o a_o active_a manner_n as_o before_o it_o be_v passive_a as_o the_o one_o have_v be_v always_o observe_v to_o follow_v interchangeable_o upon_o the_o other_o especial_o in_o scotland_n and_o the_o last_o always_o the_o great_a which_o give_v ground_n to_o hope_n though_o it_o be_v now_o our_o turn_n to_o suffer_v that_o when_o the_o summer_n come_v again_o after_o this_o winter_n and_o the_o day_n after_o this_o night_n the_o next_o active_a testimony_n shall_v be_v more_o notable_a than_o any_o that_o go_v before_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o testimony_n be_v the_o same_o as_o before_o for_o the_o concern_v of_o christ_n kingly_a prerogative_n but_o with_o some_o more_o increase_n as_o to_o its_o opposite_n for_o these_o grow_v successive_o in_o every_o period_n the_o last_o always_o include_v all_o that_o go_v before_o the_o first_o period_n have_v gentilism_n principal_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o second_o popery_n the_o three_o popery_n &_o tyranny_n the_o four_o prelacy_n &_o supremacy_n this_o five_o have_v all_o together_o and_o sectarianisme_n also_o to_o contend_v against_o the_o former_a have_v always_o the_o opposite_n on_o one_o hand_n but_o this_o have_v they_o in_o extreme_n on_o both_o hand_n both_o fight_v against_o one_o another_o and_o both_o fight_v together_o against_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o she_o against_o both_o till_o at_o length_n one_o of_o her_o opposite_n prevail_v viz._n the_o secterian_a party_n and_o that_o prevail_v bring_v in_o the_o other_o to_o wit_n the_o malignant_a which_o now_o domineer_v over_o all_o together_o wherefore_o because_o this_o period_n be_v in_o itself_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n the_o revolution_n therein_o emergent_a so_o eminent_a the_o reformation_n therein_o prosecute_v want_v little_a of_o its_o perfect_a compliment_n the_o deformation_n succeed_v in_o its_o deviation_n from_o the_o pattern_n be_v so_o destructive_a to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v be_v see_v from_o whence_o we_o have_v fall_v and_o whether_o or_o not_o the_o present_a reproach_v sufferer_n have_v lose_v or_o leave_v their_o ground_n we_o must_v give_v a_o short_a deduction_n of_o the_o rise_v progress_n &_o end_v of_o the_o contending_n of_o that_o period_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o forementioned_a misery_n &_o mischief_n that_o the_o pride_n of_o prelacy_n and_o tyrannical_a supremacy_n have_v multiply_v beyond_o measure_n upon_o this_o church_n &_o nation_n and_o at_o the_o height_n of_o all_o their_o haughtiness_n when_o they_o be_v set_v up_o their_o dagon_n and_o erect_v altar_n for_o he_o
contend_v against_o by_o professor_n and_o be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o cautionary_a bond_n in_o the_o indulgence_n after_o bothuel_n of_o which_o see_n pag._n 129._o and_o further_o they_o must_v be_v open_o &_o public_o hold_v and_o all_o person_n free_o admit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v for_o the_o inform_a trade_n expose_v to_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o jesuit_n and_o other_o spy_n &_o fly_v their_o delation_n in_o case_n any_o thing_n be_v speak_v reflect_v on_o the_o government_n a_o great_a tentation_n to_o minister_n 4_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o be_v upon_o their_o matter_n of_o preach_v which_o be_v so_o restricted_a &_o limit_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v say_v or_o do_v contrare_fw-la to_o the_o well_o &_o peace_n of_o his_o reign_n seditious_a or_o treasonable_a and_o in_o case_n any_o treasonable_a speech_n be_v utter_v the_o law_n be_v to_o take_v place_n against_o the_o guilty_a and_o none_o other_o present_a provide_v they_o reveal_v to_o any_o of_o the_o council_n the_o guilt_n so_o commit_v as_o in_o the_o former_a proclamation_n and_o in_o the_o last_o it_o be_v further_o declare_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v preach_v or_o teach_v which_o may_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o alienate_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n from_o he_o or_o his_o government_n here_o be_v the_o price_n at_o which_o they_o be_v to_o purchase_v their_o freedom_n a_o sad_a bargain_n to_o buy_v liberty_n &_o sell_v truth_n which_o yet_o hardly_o can_v be_v so_o exact_o pay_v but_o he_o may_v find_v a_o pretence_n for_o retrench_v it_o when_o he_o please_v for_o if_o a_o minister_n shall_v pray_v for_o the_o overturning_a of_o a_o throne_n of_o iniquity_n or_o for_o confound_v all_o that_o serve_v grave_v image_n and_o for_o destruction_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o that_o give_v their_o power_n to_o that_o beast_n there_o will_v be_v something_o say_v against_o the_o well_o of_o his_o government_n or_o if_o any_o shall_v hear_v this_o and_o not_o delate_v it_o than_o the_o same_o pretence_n be_v relevant_a or_o if_o he_o shall_v preach_v against_o the_o king_n religion_n as_o idolatry_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o babylon_n and_o discharge_v his_o conscience_n &_o duty_n in_o speak_v against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o time_n or_o let_v he_o preach_v against_o any_o public_a sin_n faithful_o a_o popish_a critic_n or_o romish_a bigot_n shall_v interpret_v it_o to_o be_v a_o alienation_n of_o the_o people_n heart_n from_o the_o king_n &_o his_o government_n but_o who_o can_v be_v faithful_a and_o preach_v in_o season_n &_o out_o of_o season_n now_o but_o he_o must_v think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o alienate_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n from_o such_o a_o enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o absolute_a tyranny_n so_o declare_o state_v against_o god_n what_o watchman_n must_v not_o see_v it_o his_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o warn_v all_o people_n of_o his_o devilish_a design_n to_o destroy_v the_o church_n &_o nation_n and_o preach_v so_o that_o people_n may_v hate_v the_o whore_n and_o this_o pimp_n of_o she_o sure_o if_o he_o preach_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n he_o must_v preach_v against_o popery_n &_o tyranny_n and_o if_o he_o think_v this_o indulgence_n from_o absolute_a prerogative_n grant_v &_o accept_v on_o these_o term_n can_v supercede_v he_o from_o this_o faithfulness_n than_o he_o be_v no_o more_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o pleaser_n of_o man_n therefore_o since_o it_o be_v so_o clog_v with_o so_o many_o restriction_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o duty_n so_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n so_o clear_o violatory_a of_o covenant-engagement_n so_o cross_a to_o the_o constant_a contending_n &_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o act_n of_o ass._n see_v pag._n 80._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o great_a defection_n to_o accept_v of_o it_o 11._o consider_v the_o scandal_n of_o it_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o offend_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a by_o the_o acceptance_n and_o dishonour_n god_n disgrace_n the_o protestant_a profession_n wrong_v the_o interest_n thereof_o and_o betray_v their_o native_a country_n as_o thus_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o design_n of_o antichrist_n and_o partake_v of_o this_o cruel_a tender_a mercy_n of_o the_o beast_n who_o have_v always_o mischief_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o intend_v this_o as_o a_o preparative_a for_o induce_v or_o enforce_v all_o that_o be_v hereby_o lull_v asleep_o either_o to_o take_v on_o his_o mark_n or_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o fiery_a fury_n afterward_o for_o hereby_o foreign_a church_n may_v think_v we_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o antichrist_n when_o we_o so_o kind_o accept_v his_o harbinger_n favour_n and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o stumble_v to_o see_v the_o minister_n of_o scotland_n who_o testimony_n use_v to_o be_v terrible_a to_o the_o popish_a and_o renown_v through_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n purchase_v a_o liberty_n to_o themselves_o at_o the_o rate_n of_o bury_v &_o betray_v the_o cause_n into_o bondage_n &_o restraint_n and_o thus_o to_o be_v lay_v by_o from_o all_o active_a &_o open_a opposition_n to_o antichrist_n design_n in_o such_o a_o season_n the_o world_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o govern_v by_o principle_n but_o their_o owned_a interest_n in_o this_o juncture_n seek_v their_o owned_a thing_n more_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o late_a usurpation_n upon_o &_o overturning_a of_o religion_n &_o liberty_n that_o offend_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o persecution_n they_o sustain_v thereby_o but_o if_o that_o arbitrary_a power_n have_v be_v exert_v in_o their_o favour_n though_o with_o the_o same_o prejudice_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v have_v comply_v with_o it_o as_o they_o do_v now_o alas_o sad_a &_o dolorous_a have_v be_v the_o scandal_n give_v &_o take_v by_o &_o from_o the_o decline_a minister_n of_o scotland_n heretofore_o which_o have_v rend_v &_o rack_v the_o poor_a remnant_n and_o offend_v many_o both_o at_o home_n &_o abroad_o but_o none_o so_o stumble_v as_o this_o and_o therefore_o the_o tender_a will_v be_v rich_a to_o meddle_v with_o it_o 12._o consider_v the_o address_n make_v thereupon_o with_o such_o a_o stain_n of_o foulsome_a &_o blasphemous_a flattery_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o reproach_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o betray_n of_o the_o church_n and_o detriment_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o the_o poor_a persecute_a party_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o seem_v to_o incorporate_v with_o they_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o first_o of_o their_o address_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n whether_o there_o be_v not_o cause_n of_o stand_v aloof_o from_o every_o appearance_n of_o be_v of_o their_o number_n it_o be_v date_v at_o edinburgh_n julj_fw-la 21._o 1687._o of_o this_o tenor_n to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n the_o humble_a address_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n of_o his_o majesty_n kingdom_n of_o scotland_n we_o your_o maj._n most_o loyal_a subject_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n in_o your_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n from_o the_o due_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o your_o maj._n gracious_a &_o surprise_a favour_n in_o not_o only_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o our_o long_a sad_a suffering_n for_o nonconformity_n but_o grant_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o public_a &_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o our_o ministerial_a function_n without_o any_o hazard_n as_o we_o bless_v the_o great_a god_n who_o have_v put_v this_o in_o your_o royal_a heart_n do_v with_o all_o find_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o offer_v our_o most_o humble_a &_o hearty_a thanks_o to_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n the_o favour_n bestow_v be_v to_o we_o and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o our_o persuasion_n valuable_a above_o all_o our_o earthly_a comfort_n especial_o since_o we_o have_v ground_n from_o your_o maj._n to_o believe_v that_o our_o loyalty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o be_v presbyterian_o who_o as_o we_o have_v amid_o all_o former_a tentation_n endeavour_v so_o we_o be_v firm_o resolve_v still_o to_o preserve_v a_o entire_a loyalty_n in_o our_o doctrine_n &_o practice_n consonant_a to_o our_o know_a principle_n which_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n general_o ow_v by_o presbyterian_o in_o all_o your_o maj._n dominion_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n so_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o as_o your_o maj._n may_v find_v cause_n rather_o to_o enlarge_v than_o to_o diminish_v your_o favour_n towards_o we_o thorough_o persuade_v ourselves_o from_o your_o maj._n justice_n &_o
absolute_a power_n foresay_a against_o christ_n and_o without_o subordation_n to_o he_o from_o who_o as_o we_o seek_v none_o so_o we_o receive_v no_o power_n by_o his_o warrant_n &_o grant_v and_o against_o who_o we_o mind_n to_o manage_v it_o to_o the_o utter_v most_o of_o out_o power_n yet_o reflect_v upon_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o four_o last_o reign_n how_o after_o all_o the_o frequent_a &_o press_a endeavour_n that_o be_v use_v in_o each_o of_o they_o to_o reduce_v our_o kingdom_n to_o antichrist_n the_o subject_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o stubborn_a that_o the_o success_n have_v not_o answer_v the_o design_n we_o must_v now_o change_v our_o method_n alittle_o and_o tolerate_v that_o profession_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o can_v yet_o get_v overturn_v his_o subject_n be_v so_o numerous_a but_o always_o upon_o these_o term_n that_o they_o take_v aspecial_a care_n that_o nothing_o be_v preach_v or_o teach_v among_o they_o which_o may_v be_v a_o testimony_n for_o christ_n prerogative_n in_o opposition_n to_o our_o usurpation_n or_o may_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o alienate_v the_o heart_n of_o our_o people_n from_o we_o or_o our_o government_n or_o preach_v his_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v condemn_v as_o seditious_a &_o treasonable_a under_o the_o high_a pain_n these_o crime_n will_v import_v hereby_o we_o shall_v establish_v our_o government_n on_o such_o a_o foundation_n on_o the_o ruin_n of_o christ_n as_o may_v make_v our_o subject_n happy_a and_o unite_v they_o to_o we_o by_o inclination_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n in_o a_o belief_n that_o we_o will_v not_o constrain_v conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n for_o which_o we_o have_v a_o dispensation_n from_o our_o holy-father_n and_o also_o from_o our_o owned_a absoluteness_n to_o be_v slave_n to_o this_o promise_v no_o long_o then_o consist_v with_o our_o interest_n and_o which_o we_o have_v power_n to_o interpret_v as_o we_o please_v and_o will_v have_v all_o to_o understand_v that_o no_o testimony_n for_o christ_n supremacy_n against_o our_o encroachment_n thereupon_o shall_v be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o matter_n of_o mere_a religionâ—or_n â—or_z which_o the_o conscience_n shall_v not_o be_v constrain_v but_o we_o will_v have_v the_o conscience_n of_o such_o subject_n of_o he_o that_o dare_v assert_v it_o bring_v to_o a_o test_n &_o probation_n how_o they_o stand_v affect_v in_o this_o competition_n betwixt_o we_o &_o this_o king_n jesus_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o will_v oune_v or_o decline_v our_o authority_n because_o not_o of_o he_o nor_o for_o he_o nor_o to_o he_o but_o against_o he_o &_o all_o his_o interest_n our_o will_n be_v therefore_o that_o all_o who_o will_v countenance_v any_o other_o meeting_n of_o his_o subject_n than_o we_o have_v allow_v or_o connive_v at_o they_o shall_v be_v prosecute_v according_a to_o the_o utmost_a severity_n of_o our_o law_n make_v against_o they_o which_o we_o leave_v in_o full_a force_n &_o vigour_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o premise_n and_o for_o this_o effect_n we_o further_o command_v all_o our_o judge_n magistrate_n &_o officer_n of_o our_o force_n to_o prosecute_v all_o these_o subject_n &_o follower_n of_o christ_n who_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o treat_v with_o or_o pay_v homage_n to_o that_o exauctorate_v king_n of_o they_o in_o their_o assembly_n with_o his_o ambassador_n in_o the_o field_n with_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n as_o they_o will_v avoid_v our_o high_a displeasure_n for_o we_o be_v confident_a none_o will_v after_o these_o liberty_n &_o freedom_n we_o have_v give_v to_o all_o without_o reserve_n to_o serve_v god_n public_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o we_o by_o our_o sovereign_a authority_n prerogative_n royal_a &_o absolute_a power_n foresay_a have_v prescribe_v &_o allow_v presume_v to_o meet_v in_o these_o assembly_n except_o such_o who_o loyalty_n to_o christ_n do_v alienate_v they_o from_o we_o &_o our_o government_n as_o also_o under_o the_o same_o certification_n by_o the_o same_o sovereign_a authority_n prerogative_n royal_a &_o absolute_a power_n foresay_a we_o charge_v empower_v warrant_v &_o authorize_v against_o all_o hazard_n hell_n except_v all_o our_o foresay_a judge_n &_o officer_n in_o their_o respective_a place_n to_o prosecute_v &_o execute_v our_o law_n against_o all_o that_o may_v be_v suspect_v or_o convict_v of_o their_o adherence_n to_o christ_n or_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o oun_v their_o allegiance_n to_o he_o as_o their_o liege_n lord_n by_o solemn_a covenant_n which_o we_o have_v cause_v burn_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o hangman_n and_o declare_v criminal_a to_o oune_v it_o or_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o decline_a allegiance_n to_o we_o &_o our_o absolute_a authority_n state_v in_o opposition_n to_o he_o &_o he_o or_o of_o maintain_v that_o pernicious_a principle_n inconsistent_a with_o our_o government_n that_o their_o life_n be_v their_o owned_a which_o they_o will_v preserve_v without_o surrender_n to_o our_o mercy_n all_o which_o we_o command_v to_o be_v execute_v to_o death_n or_o banish_v as_o slave_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v most_o conducible_a to_o our_o interest_n and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o few_o that_o remain_v of_o that_o way_n may_v be_v total_o exterminate_v we_o strait_o command_v all_o our_o soldier_n horse_n &_o foot_n to_o be_v ready_a upon_o order_n to_o march_v &_o make_v search_n pursue_v &_o follow_v seize_v &_o apprehend_v kill_v &_o slay_v &_o cause_n to_o perish_v all_o such_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v at_o meeting_n or_o in_o their_o wander_n wherever_o they_o may_v be_v apprehend_v and_o ordain_v all_o our_o good_a subject_n to_o be_v assistant_n to_o these_o our_o force_n in_o prosecute_a this_o war_n against_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n and_o contribute_v their_o best_a help_n &_o encouragement_n in_o give_v they_o their_o require_a maintinance_n &_o due_o pay_v the_o cess_n &_o locality_n impose_v for_o that_o end_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o countenance_n converse_v with_o resett_n harbour_n supply_n or_o keep_v any_o manner_n of_o correspondence_n with_o any_o of_o these_o traitor_n that_o adhere_v to_o christ_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o be_v find_v airt_n &_o part_n with_o they_o and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o punishment_n to_o which_o they_o be_v liable_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o assist_v our_o force_n to_o apprehend_v and_o raise_v the_o hue_n &_o cry_n after_o they_o wherever_o they_o shall_v be_v see_v that_o they_o may_v be_v forthwith_o pursw_v seize_v cut_v off_o &_o destroy_v which_o we_o order_n to_o be_v instant_o do_v upon_o the_o place_n where_o â—â—ey_n or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v apprehend_v &_o that_o without_o any_o delay_n or_o mercy_n to_o age_n or_o sex_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o any_o will_v take_v a_o look_n of_o the_o declaration_n &_o testimony_n of_o the_o other_o party_n without_o prejudice_n or_o stumble_v at_o some_o expression_n which_o may_v be_v offensive_a to_o critic_n he_o will_v find_v the_o scope_n &_o strain_n of_o they_o to_o have_v this_o importance_n we_o a_o poor_a company_n of_o persecute_a reproach_v &_o despise_a christian_n who_o indeed_o have_v not_o many_o wise_a man_n among_o we_o after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a but_o be_v a_o few_o foolish_a weak_a base_a &_o despise_a nothing_o in_o the_o world_n yet_o have_v this_o ambition_n to_o be_v his_o call_v choose_a &_o faithful_a soldier_n who_o be_v king_n of_o glory_n king_n of_o heaven_n king_n of_o saint_n king_n of_o nation_n king_n of_o king_n who_o kingdom_n be_v everlasting_a &_o universal_a consider_v the_o many_o insolent_a indignity_n affront_n &_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o his_o name_n &_o glory_n and_o the_o many_o usurpation_n encroachment_n &_o invasion_n make_v upon_o his_o croun_n &_o dignity_n by_o a_o pestilent_a generation_n of_o his_o atheistical_a papistical_a prelatical_a &_o tyrannical_a enemy_n who_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o and_o have_v renounce_v corrupt_v &_o subvert_v his_o royal_a government_n both_o in_o the_o church_n &_o in_o the_o world_n both_o in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o power_n do_v bear_v witness_n &_o testimony_n against_o these_o rebel_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a and_o assert_v the_o interest_n &_o title_n of_o our_o princely_a master_n and_o oune_a allegiance_n &_o absolute_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o his_o government_n to_o which_o he_o have_v all_o undoubted_a right_n a_o essential_a right_n by_o his_o eternal_a god_n head_n be_v the_o everlasting_a father_n who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v of_o old_a from_o everlasting_a a_o covenant_n right_n by_o compact_n with_o the_o father_n to_o bear_v the_o glory_n and_o rule_n upon_o his_o throne_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o council_n of_o peace_n between_o they_o both_o a_o donative_n right_n by_o the_o father_n right_a of_o delegation_n by_o which_o he_o have_v
gospel_n &_o destruction_n of_o many_o poor_a soul_n but_o through_o the_o ignorance_n &_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o try_v who_o we_o shall_v hear_v by_o seek_v some_o satisfie_v evidence_n of_o their_o be_v clothe_v with_o authority_n from_o christ_n the_o world_n have_v be_v leave_v louse_n in_o a_o licence_n to_o hear_v what_o they_o please_v and_o so_o have_v receive_v the_o poison_n of_o error_n from_o monte_fw-fr bank_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a &_o wholesome_a potion_n of_o christ_n prescript_n from_o they_o that_o have_v power_n &_o skill_n to_o administer_v they_o hence_o the_o many_o sect_n &_o schism_n &_o error_n that_o have_v pester_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n proceed_v from_o this_o latitude_n &_o laxness_n of_o promiscous_a hear_n of_o all_o who_o they_o please_v who_o either_o the_o world_n authority_n impower_v or_o by_o other_o mean_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o place_n of_o preach_v without_o take_v any_o cognizance_n whether_o they_o have_v the_o character_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n or_o not_o if_o this_o have_v be_v observe_v and_o people_n have_v scruple_v &_o refuse_v to_o hear_v these_o who_o they_o may_v know_v shall_v not_o have_v preach_v neither_o the_o great_a antichrist_n nor_o the_o many_o lesser_a antichrist_n will_v have_v have_v such_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o have_v this_o day_n it_o be_v then_o of_o no_o small_a consequence_n to_o have_v this_o question_v clear_v neither_o be_v it_o of_o small_a difficulty_n to_o solve_v the_o intricacy_n of_o it_o what_o character_n to_o fix_v for_o a_o discovery_n of_o christ_n true_a minister_n who_o we_o shall_v submit_v to_o &_o obey_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o love_n &_o esteem_v they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o for_o their_o quality_n sake_n as_o stand_v in_o christ_n stead_n have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o how_o we_o may_v discern_v those_o character_n what_o judgement_n be_v incumbent_n to_o private_a christian_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o theiroun_n conscience_n in_o the_o case_n and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o in_o their_o practice_n with_o out_o scandal_n on_o either_o hand_n or_o sin_n against_o their_o owned_a conscience_n how_o to_o avoid_v the_o rock_n &_o extreme_n that_o inadvertency_n or_o precipitancy_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v rush_v upon_o so_o as_o to_o escape_v &_o sail_v by_o the_o scylla_n of_o sinful_a separation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o charybdis_n of_o sinful_a union_n &_o communion_n on_o the_o other_o which_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a especial_o how_o these_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v in_o a_o break_a and_o disturb_v &_o divide_a case_n of_o the_o church_n the_o question_n also_o be_v the_o more_o difficult_a that_o as_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o question_v before_o this_o time_n and_o never_o so_o much_o seek_v to_o be_v obscure_v by_o the_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o find_v out_o evasion_n to_o cover_v sin_n &_o escape_v suffering_n upon_o this_o account_n so_o it_o have_v never_o be_v discuss_v by_o divine_n either_o at_o home_n or_o abroad_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o case_n except_o what_o have_v be_v of_o late_a by_o some_o faithful_a man_n who_o have_v suffer_v upon_o this_o head_n from_o who_o i_o shall_v gather_v the_o most_o of_o my_o argument_n in_o as_o compendious_a a_o way_n as_o i_o can_v without_o wrong_v they_o the_o reason_n i_o fancy_n that_o we_o be_v at_o such_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o help_n from_o the_o learned_a on_o this_o head_n be_v partly_o that_o they_o have_v write_v with_o relation_n to_o their_o owned_a time_n in_o a_o constitute_v case_n of_o the_o church_n when_o corruption_n &_o disorder_n may_v be_v orderly_o rectify_v and_o people_n may_v have_v access_n to_o get_v their_o scruple_n remove_v in_o a_o legal_a way_n by_o church-order_n in_o which_o case_n the_o learned_a &_o judicious_a mr_n durham_n have_v write_v excellent_o in_o his_o book_n on_o scandal_n but_o therein_o neither_o he_o nor_o other_o do_v consult_v nor_o can_v have_v a_o prospect_n of_o such_o a_o case_n as_o we_o be_v and_o partly_o that_o foreign_a divine_n not_o have_v this_o for_o their_o exercise_n can_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o circumstantiate_a case_n and_o so_o be_v not_o fit_v nor_o competent_a arbiter_n to_o decide_v this_o contraversie_n hence_o many_o of_o they_o do_v wonder_n at_o our_o suffering_n upon_o this_o head_n every_o church_n be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o her_o owned_a testimony_n yet_o we_o want_v not_o the_o suffrage_n of_o some_o of_o the_o learn_a of_o they_o as_o the_o great_a gisb._n voetius_fw-la in_o his_o polit_n eccles._n in_o several_a place_n come_v near_o to_o favour_v we_o where_o he_o allow_v people_n to_o leave_v some_o &_o hear_v such_o minister_n as_o they_o profit_v most_o by_o from_o these_o ground_n that_o people_n shall_v choose_v the_o best_a &_o most_o edify_a gift_n and_o from_o that_o scripture_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o answer_v objection_n to_o the_o contrare_fw-la and_o grant_v that_o upon_o several_a occasion_n one_o may_v abstain_v from_o explicit_a communion_n with_o a_o corrupt_a church_n for_o these_o reason_n that_o such_o communion_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a necessitate_v either_o medii_fw-la or_o precepti_fw-la where_o the_o christian_a shall_v have_v more_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o free_a exercise_n of_o christian_a duty_n elsewhere_o and_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v communion_n with_o more_o purity_n in_o other_o place_n polit._n ecces_n quest._n 17._o pag._n 68_o and_o he_o approve_v of_o people_n refuse_v to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v by_o such_o corrupt_a minister_n because_o they_o may_v wait_v until_o they_o have_v occasion_n of_o a_o minister_n for_o if_o the_o best_a gift_n be_v to_o be_v covet_v why_o shall_v not_o the_o best_a minister_n be_v prefer_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o christian_n show_v by_o their_o deed_n that_o they_o honour_v such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n &_o contemn_v a_o vile_a person_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o 11._o eph._n 5._o 11._o they_o shall_v not_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o make_v sad_a the_o godly_a the_o authority_n of_o such_o minister_n shall_v not_o be_v strengthen_v voet._n polit_n eccles._n pag._n 637._o to_o 640._o but_o though_o it_o labour_v under_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o necessary_a to_o say_v somewhat_o to_o clear_v it_o with_o dependence_n upon_o light_n from_o the_o fountain_n and_o with_o the_o help_n of_o those_o faithful_a man_n who_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v it_o up_o to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o conscience_n not_o blind_v or_o bribe_v with_o some_o prejudices_fw-la by_o which_o more_o light_n have_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n in_o this_o point_n of_o withdraw_a from_o corrupt_a minister_n 〈◊〉_d ever_o be_v attain_v in_o former_a time_n which_o be_v all_o the_o good_a we_o have_v get_v of_o prelacy_n in_o so_o much_o that_o i_o may_v spare_v labour_n in_o add_v any_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o will_v make_v the_o argument_n vindicate_v this_o cause_n of_o suffer_v alittle_o more_o public_a and_o take_v occasion_n to_o show_v that_o the_o ground_n espouse_v by_o the_o present_a &_o reproach_v party_n for_o their_o withdrawing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v stretch_v be_v no_o other_o than_o have_v be_v ow_v by_o our_o writer_n on_o this_o head_n to_o the_o intent_n it_o may_v appear_v there_o be_v no_o discrepancy_n but_o great_a likeness_n &_o harmony_n between_o the_o argument_n &_o ground_n of_o withdraw_a in_o the_o late_a informatorie_n vindication_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o that_o be_v find_v in_o other_o write_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o touch_v this_o subject_n now_o that_o not_o only_o this_o have_v be_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o our_o suffering_n but_o many_o that_o suffer_v a_o while_n for_o it_o now_o have_v faint_v and_o condemn_v all_o their_o former_a contending_n for_o this_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n call_v in_o question_n all_o these_o reason_n that_o former_o satisfy_v satisfy_v they_o but_o to_o proceed_v with_o some_o distinctness_n in_o this_o thorny_a point_n some_o concessory_a assertion_n must_v first_o be_v premit_v and_o then_o our_o ground_n propound_v first_o i_o willing_o yield_v to_o &_o cordial_o close_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o assertion_n i._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o endeavour_n of_o all_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n partaker_n of_o his_o one_o spirit_n
at_o all_o to_o be_v ow_v or_o receive_v as_o his_o lawful_a ambassador_n but_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n have_v all_o their_o power_n from_o a_o mere_a usurper_n on_o christ_n prerogative_n who_o be_v neither_o member_n nor_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la 2._o it_o confound_v the_o mediatory_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n with_o &_o subject_n it_o to_o the_o kingly_a government_n of_o the_o world_n remove_v the_o scripture_n land_n mark_v &_o limit_n between_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastic_a power_n in_o make_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o state_n to_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o deny_v all_o church_n government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n distinct_a from_o &_o independent_a upon_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o clear_o derogat_n from_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n mediatory_a kingdom_n which_o be_v altogether_o distinct_a from_o &_o not_o subordinate_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n &_o in_o the_o new._n for_o they_o have_v distinct_a fountain_n whence_o they_o flow_v civil_a government_n flow_v from_o god_n creator_n church_n government_n from_o christ_n the_o lord_n redeemer_n head_n &_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n john_n 18._o 36._o though_o for_o this_o end_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o kingdom_n there_o vers_n 37._o they_o have_v distinct_a object_n civil_a government_n have_v a_o civil_a object_n the_o out_o ward_v man_n church_n government_n a_o spiritual_a object_n man_n consider_v as_o christian_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clear_o distinguish_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o king_n 2_o chron._n 19_o ult_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v matter_n of_o church_n cognizance_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o offence_n they_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n not_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n math._n 18._o 15._o 20._o in_o the_o case_n of_o excommunication_n the_o church_n be_v to_o act_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o not_o by_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o the_o case_n of_o absolution_n the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v what_o punishment_n be_v sufficient_a and_o what_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v it_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o 7._o so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o trial_n &_o ordination_n of_o minister_n etc._n etc._n none_o of_o these_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n they_o have_v distinct_a nature_n the_o civil_a be_v a_o magisterial_a the_o ecclesiastic_a be_v a_o minsterial_a government_n the_o one_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n the_o other_o of_o the_o key_n the_o one_o put_v forth_o in_o political_a punishment_n the_o other_o in_o ecclesiastic_a censure_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v coactive_a by_o death_n banishment_n confiscation_n etc._n etc._n ezra_n 7._o 26._o the_o church_n by_o put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n interdiction_n from_o sacred_a thing_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v describe_v rom._n 13._o to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o sword_n by_o punishment_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n only_o in_o bind_v &_o loose_v math._n 16._o 19_o they_o have_v distinct_a end_n the_o end_n of_o the_o one_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o common_a wealth_n the_o other_o the_o church_n edification_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o end_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o church_n another_o to_o wit_n to_o warn_v not_o to_o trespass_v against_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o forecited_a 2._o chron._n 19_o 10._o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o end_n of_o magistratical_a power_n be_v to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n &_o a_o praise_n te_fw-la the_o good_a rom._n 13._o 3._o but_o the_o end_n of_o church_n power_n be_v edification_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o 2._o cor._n 13._o 10._o they_o have_v distinct_a court_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastic_a sanhedrin_n be_v know_v where_o there_o be_v distinct_a cause_n &_o person_n set_v over_o they_o to_o judge_v they_o respective_o 2._o chron._n 19_o ult_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v officer_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o with_o no_o mention_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n at_o all_o and_o church-assembly_n distinct_a from_o parliament_n or_o senate_n yea_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o enemy_n determine_v question_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n at_o all_o act._n 15._o we_o have_v ruler_n distinct_a from_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 12._o who_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v ourselves_o as_o those_o who_o be_v accountable_a to_o christ_n only_o for_o to_o who_o else_o can_v they_o give_v account_n of_o soul_n heb._n 13._o 17._o we_o have_v ruler_n inferior_a to_o labourer_n in_o word_n &_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v honour_v so_o much_o as_o they_o sure_a these_o can_v be_v civil_a ruler_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o we_o have_v ruler_n commend_v for_o try_v impostor_n which_o be_v not_o magistrate_n rev._n 2._o 2._o and_o other_o who_o be_v rebuke_v for_o suffer_a heretic_n ibid._n vers_fw-la 14_o 15_o 20._o which_o suppose_v they_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o distinct_a from_o &_o not_o depend_v on_o the_o magistrate_n beside_o from_o this_o confusion_n of_o the_o two_o government_n together_o and_o make_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o be_v supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v follow_v many_o absurdity_n as_o that_o they_o who_o be_v not_o church_n member_n shall_v be_v church_n officer_n even_o heathen_a magistrate_n yea_o woman_n shall_v be_v church_n officer_n and_o none_o shall_v be_v choose_v for_o magistrate_n but_o such_o as_o have_v the_o qualification_n of_o church_n officer_n sic_fw-la apol._n relat._n sect._n 12._o pag._n 190._o rectius_fw-la instruen_n confut._n 1_o dial._n chap._n 6._o pag._n 50._o hence_o they_o that_o in_o derive_v their_o authority_n do_v confound_v the_o tuo_fw-la government_n civil_a &_o ecclesiastic_a and_o take_v it_o all_o from_o a_o mere_a civil_a power_n can_v be_v ow_v as_o have_v any_o authority_n of_o christ_n institution_n but_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n in_o derive_v their_o authority_n do_v confound_v the_o tuo_fw-la government_n civil_a &_o ecclesiastic_a and_o take_v it_o all_o from_o a_o mere_a civil_a power_n this_o same_o argument_n equal_o militate_v against_o hear_v the_o indulge_v minister_n who_o have_v take_v a_o licence_n &_o warrant_n from_o the_o usurper_n of_o this_o supremacy_n because_o it_o be_v high_o injurious_a to_o christ_n headship_n very_o contrary_a to_o to_o presbyterian_a principle_n clear_o homologatorie_n of_o the_o supremacy_n plain_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n very_o much_o establish_v erastianisme_n sad_o obstructive_a &_o destructive_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n wrong_v our_o cause_n &_o ground_n of_o suffer_v strengthen_v the_o prelate_n hand_n contradictory_n to_o our_o covenant_n prejudging_a the_o meeting_n of_o god_n people_n and_o heinous_o scandalous_a &_o offensive_a as_o be_v clear_a by_o &_o unanswerable_o poven_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n iv._o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o any_o man_n who_o we_o may_v join_v with_o as_o a_o minister_n must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o minister_n and_o a_o minister_n clothe_v with_o christ_n commission_n then_o when_o we_o join_v with_o he_o but_o he_o must_v also_o have_v a_o right_a to_o administer_v there_o where_o we_o join_v with_o him._n else_o we_o can_v look_v upon_o he_o no_o otherwise_o than_o a_o thief_n &_o a_o robber_n who_o christ_n sheep_n shall_v not_o hear_v io._n 10._o 15_a now_o the_o prelate_n &_o curate_n though_o they_o shall_v he_o account_v &_o acknowledge_v minister_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o a_o right_a to_o officiate_v where_o they_o have_v intrude_v themselves_o hence_o we_o have_v several_a argument_n as_o 1._o they_o who_o have_v no_o just_a authority_n nor_o right_a to_o officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n as_o the_o proper_a pastor_n of_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o withdraw_v from_o but_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n have_v no_o just_a authority_n or_o right_o to_o officiate_v in_o this_o church_n as_o her_o proper_a pastor_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o withdraw_v from_o all_o the_o debate_n be_v about_o the_o minor_a which_o may_v thus_o be_v make_v good_a they_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o &_o do_v officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n &_o consent_n have_v no_o right_a so_o to_o do_v but_o the_o prelate_n
&_o their_o curate_n have_v enter_v into_o &_o officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n &_o consent_n ergo_fw-la the_o major_n be_v manifest_a for_o if_o this_o church_n have_v a_o just_a right_n &_o power_n of_o elect_v &_o call_v of_o minister_n than_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o &_o officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n &_o consent_n have_v no_o just_a authority_n or_o right_n so_o to_o do_v but_o this_o church_n have_v a_o just_a right_n &_o power_n of_o elect_v &_o call_v of_o minister_n as_o all_o true_a church_n have_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o what_o be_v say_v above_o may_v be_v easy_o demonstrate_v from_o scripture_n the_o minor_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n have_v enter_v into_o &_o officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n &_o consent_n be_v evident_a from_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o there_o be_v no_o church_n judicatory_a call_v or_o convocate_v for_o bring_v of_o prelate_n in_o to_o this_o church_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a her_o judicatories_n be_v all_o cashier_a &_o discharge_v and_o all_o her_o officer_n turn_v out_o to_o let_v they_o in_o and_o all_o be_v do_v immediate_o by_o the_o king_n &_o act_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o church_n a_o practice_n want_v a_o precedent_n in_o this_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v in_o all_o other_o church_n all_o that_o the_o curate_n can_v say_v be_v that_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n &_o patron_n who_o be_v not_o the_o church_n nor_o have_v any_o power_n from_o she_o for_o what_o they_o do_v all_o their_o right_n &_o power_n be_v found_v upon_o &_o derive_v from_o the_o supremacy_n whereby_o the_o diocesan_n erastian_n prelat_n be_v make_v the_o king_n delegate_n &_o substitute_n only_o impower_v thereto_o by_o his_o law._n this_o be_v mr_n smith_n 1_o sy_n &_o 6_o argum._n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o particular_a congregation_n acknowledge_v their_o owned_a lawful_a pastor_n and_o a_o few_o violent_a person_n arise_v and_o bring_v in_o a_o minister_n by_o plain_a force_n and_o cast_v out_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n be_v not_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o church_n oblige_v to_o relinquish_v the_o intruder_n and_o not_o only_o discountenance_v he_o but_o endeavour_v his_o ejection_n this_o be_v our_o case_n napth_n pag._n 106._o 106._o 5._o prio_fw-la edit_fw-la 2._o if_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o these_o curate_n without_o consent_v to_o the_o great_a encroachment_n make_v upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n than_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o they_o without_o sin_n but_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o they_o without_o consent_v to_o the_o great_a encroachment_n make_v upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n therefore_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o they_o without_o sin_n the_o minor_a be_v all_o the_o question_n but_o instance_n will_v make_v it_o out_o as_o first_o the_o rob_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o election_n of_o her_o pastor_n and_o substitute_v the_o bondage_n of_o patron_n presentation_n be_v a_o great_a encroachment_n upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n but_o accept_v of_o curate_n as_o minister_n lawful_o call_v notwithstanding_o that_o they_o want_v the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o have_v nothing_o for_o their_o warrant_n but_o a_o presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n be_v a_o consent_v to_o that_o robbery_n and_o wicked_a substitution_n it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o say_v our_o forefather_n do_v submit_v to_o this_o and_o to_o a_o ministry_n who_o have_v no_o other_o call._n this_o be_v answer_v above_o in_o the_o narrative_a it_o be_v a_o poor_a consequence_n to_o say_v the_o posterity_n may_v return_v backward_o because_o their_o forefather_n can_v not_o advance_v further_o forward_o second_o the_o thrust_v out_o of_o lawful_a minister_n without_o any_o cause_n but_o their_o adhere_n to_o the_o covenant_v work_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o thrust_v in_o other_o in_o their_o room_n who_o deny_v the_o same_o be_v a_o great_a encroachment_n on_o the_o church_n privilege_n but_o embrace_v &_o encourage_v curate_n by_o countenance_v their_o pretend_a ministry_n be_v a_o consent_n to_o this_o violent_a extrusion_n &_o intrusion_n the_o minor_a be_v prove_v thus_o they_o who_o leave_v the_o extrude_v &_o countenance_v the_o intrude_v they_o consent_v to_o the_o extrusion_n &_o intrusion_n and_o declare_v they_o confess_v the_o intrude_v his_o right_n be_v better_a than_o he_o who_o be_v extrude_v but_o they_o who_o embrace_v &_o encourage_v curate_n by_o countenance_v their_o pretend_a ministry_n do_v leave_v the_o extrude_v to_o wit_n their_o old_a minister_n and_o countenance_v the_o intrude_v ergo_fw-la to_o say_v that_o people_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v protest_v against_o these_o encroachment_n be_v frivolous_a for_o withdraw_v be_v the_o best_a protestation_n and_o if_o after_o their_o protestation_n they_o still_o countenance_v the_o encroachment_n they_o shall_v undo_v their_o owned_a protestation_n the_o same_o argument_n will_v militate_v against_o countenance_v the_o indulge_v or_o any_o that_o obtain_v authority_n to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n by_o a_o power_n encroach_a on_o the_o church_n liberty_n there_o be_v a_o objection_n to_o be_v remove_v here_o from_o math._n 23._o 2_o 3._o the_o scribe_n &_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n therefore_o whatever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v &_o do_v therefore_o they_o who_o without_o a_o title_n usurp_v the_o office_n may_v be_v hear_v ans._n 1._o the_o case_n be_v no_o way_n alike_o for_o then_o the_o lord_n have_v no_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v confine_v in_o its_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n to_o that_o place_n where_o they_o intrude_v themselves_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o institute_v the_o new_a testament_n form_n of_o administration_n in_o its_o ordinance_n &_o officer_n therefore_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v present_a may_v give_v a_o toleration_n durante_fw-la beneplacito_fw-la but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o now_o but_o 2._o our_o lord_n word_n bear_v no_o command_n for_o the_o people_n to_o hear_v they_o at_o all_o but_o only_o not_o to_o reject_v sound_a doctrine_n because_o it_o come_v from_o they_o sure_o he_o will_v not_o bid_v they_o hear_v such_o as_o he_o call_v plant_n that_o his_o father_n have_v never_o plant_v who_o he_o bid_v let_v alone_o math._n 15._o 13_o 14._o and_o who_o be_v thief_n &_o robber_n who_o his_o sheep_n shall_v not_o hear_v v._o they_o must_v not_o only_o be_v minister_n &_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o then_o and_o there_o when_o &_o where_o we_o join_v with_o they_o but_o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v oune_v church_n communion_n with_o in_o the_o ordinance_n administrate_v by_o they_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o otherwise_o if_o they_o pervert_v &_o corrupt_v their_o ministry_n by_o preach_v &_o maintain_v error_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n or_o government_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o scripture_n our_o confession_n &_o principle_n of_o our_o covenant_v reformation_n and_o contradictory_n to_o our_o testimony_n found_v thereupon_o &_o agreeable_a thereunto_o maintain_v error_n condemn_v thereby_o or_o condemn_v truth_n maintain_v thereby_o we_o must_v withdraw_v from_o they_o for_o if_o any_o seek_v to_o turn_v we_o away_o from_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n we_o most_o put_v away_o that_o evil_a &_o not_o consent_v nor_o hearken_v to_o they_o deut._n 13._o 5_o 8._o we_o must_v cease_v to_o hear_v the_o instruction_n that_o cause_v to_o err_v from_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n prov._n 19_o 27._o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o these_o leader_n that_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o err_v lest_o we_o be_v destroy_v with_o they_o isa._n 9_o 16._o we_o must_v mark_v these_o who_o contradict_v the_o doctrine_n that_o we_o have_v learned_a &_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o we_o must_v withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o such_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 3_o 5._o if_o there_o come_v any_o &_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o receive_v he_o nor_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n in_o that_o work_n of_o his_o preach_n or_o practise_v against_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o word_n 2_o john_n 10_o 11._o hence_o we_o most_o not_o hear_v false_a teacher_n who_o in_o preach_v &_o prayer_n bring_v forth_o false_a doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reformation_n but_o the_o curate_n be_v false_a teacher_n who_o in_o preach_v &_o prayer_n bring_v forth_o false_a doctrine_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o hear_v they_o the_o minor_a be_v certain_a in_o that_o not_o only_o many_o of_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o point_n of_o popery_n &_o arminianism_n but_o all_o of_o they_o do_v teach_v false_a doctrine_n
all_o power_n give_v to_o he_o in_o heaven_n &_o in_o earth_n and_o all_o authority_n even_o because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n a_o institute_n right_a by_o the_o father_n inauguration_n which_o have_v set_v he_o as_o king_n in_o zion_n a_o acquisite_a right_n by_o his_o owned_a purchase_n by_o which_o he_o have_v merit_v &_o obtain_v not_o only_a subject_n to_o govern_v but_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sole_a sovereignty_n over_o they_o in_o that_o relation_n a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n a_o bellical_a right_n by_o conquest_n make_v the_o people_n fall_v under_o he_o and_o be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n and_o overcome_v those_o that_o make_v war_n with_o he_o a_o hereditary_a right_n by_o proximity_n of_o blood_n &_o primogeniture_n be_v the_o first_o bear_v high_o than_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o preeminence_n a_o elective_a right_n by_o his_o people_n choice_n &_o surrender_n a_o croun_n wherewith_o his_o mother_n crow_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o espousal_n in_o a_o humble_a recognizance_n of_o all_o which_o right_n we_o oune_v &_o avouch_v that_o he_o have_v that_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o sole_a sovereignty_n over_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o invisible_a without_o a_o copartner_n or_o competitor_n either_o coordinate_a or_o subordinate_a in_o prescribe_v law_n by_o no_o humane_a authority_n to_o be_v reverse_v in_o appoint_v ordinance_n immutable_a without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n for_o matter_n or_o manner_n institute_v a_o government_n which_o no_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v without_o blasphemy_n arrogate_v a_o power_n either_o to_o invert_v or_o evert_v change_n or_o overturn_v and_o constitute_v officer_n which_o must_v depend_v only_o on_o his_o authority_n and_o his_o alone_a and_o must_v be_v clothe_v only_o with_o his_o commission_n and_o his_o alone_a guide_v by_o his_o instruction_n &_o his_o alone_a act_v according_a to_o his_o law_n &_o prescribe_v platform_n and_o his_o alone_a without_o any_o dependence_n on_o subordination_n to_o licence_n warrant_v or_o indulgence_n from_o any_o mortal_a and_o therefore_o we_o disoune_v &_o detest_v every_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o the_o stamp_n of_o his_o authority_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n or_o government_n and_o will_v discountenance_v prelacy_n supremacy_n popery_n and_o all_o corruption_n contrary_a to_o his_o institution_n who_o be_v sole_a &_o supreme_a lawgiver_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o will_v submit_v to_o or_o comply_v with_o nothing_o that_o may_v direct_o or_o indirect_o signify_v our_o respect_n unto_o they_o hence_o we_o will_v take_v none_o of_o their_o oath_n subscribe_v none_o of_o their_o bond_n yield_v to_o none_o of_o their_o imposition_n pay_v none_o of_o their_o exaction_n neither_o will_v we_o hear_v or_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o any_o minister_n but_o the_o faithful_a authorize_v ambassador_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n whatever_o either_o rage_n or_o reproach_n we_o suffer_v for_o it_o we_o assert_v &_o affirm_v also_o that_o our_o exalt_v prince_n be_v king_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o who_o king_n reign_n &_o prince_n decree_n justice_n as_o his_o minister_n of_o justice_n in_o subordination_n to_o he_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o rule_v over_o we_o with_o just_a boundary_n that_o they_o may_v not_o exceed_v and_o true_a character_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o &_o pay_v they_o deference_n and_o therefore_o who_o soever_o shall_v arrogate_v to_o themselves_o and_o extend_v their_o power_n beyond_o &_o above_o his_o prescript_n be_v neither_o call_v to_o nor_o qualify_v for_o nor_o improve_n the_o office_n for_o the_o end_n he_o have_v appoint_v we_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o usurp_a tyrant_n &_o not_o magistrate_n nor_o minister_n of_o justice_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v the_o sword_n by_o his_o preceptive_a will_n only_o as_o lion_n bear_n wolf_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v a_o rod_n by_o his_o providential_a will_n in_o that_o case_n we_o may_v be_v passive_o subject_a when_o we_o can_v do_v better_a but_o will_v never_o oune_v conscientious_a allegiance_n to_o they_o nor_o oune_v they_o as_o our_o lawful_a magistrar_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o bow_v to_o their_o idol_n they_o have_v set_v up_o nor_o prostitute_v either_o conscience_n or_o liberty_n to_o their_o lust_n but_o will_v endeavour_v under_o our_o master_n banner_n &_o conduct_v to_o preserve_v whatever_o he_o have_v entrust_v to_o we_o religion_n life_n liberty_n estate_n and_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o possess_v as_o they_o unjust_o possess_v what_o their_o god_n give_v they_o and_o will_v maintain_v a_o war_n of_o constant_a opposition_n to_o they_o against_o who_o our_o lord_n have_v declare_v a_o war_n for_o ever_o without_o parley_n treaty_n of_o peace_n capitulation_n composition_n truce_n or_o any_o transaction_n we_o will_v neither_o meddle_v nor_o make_v with_o they_o less_o or_o more_o nor_o seek_v their_o favour_n nor_o embrace_v it_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v on_o any_o term_n that_o may_v imply_v any_o obligation_n to_o surcease_v from_o our_o duty_n to_o our_o king_n and_o irreconcilable_a opposition_n to_o they_o etc._n etc._n now_o i_o shall_v come_v more_o distinct_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o offer_v a_o short_a vindication_n of_o the_o head_n &_o ground_n of_o our_o great_a suffering_n divide_v they_o into_o their_o principal_a part_n which_o i_o reduce_v to_o two_o viz_o negative_n &_o positives_n the_o negative_a ground_n i_o reckon_v three_o principal_o 1._o for_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o corrupt_a ministry_n 2._o for_o refuse_v to_o oune_v a_o tyrannical_a magistracy_n 3._o for_o refuse_v to_o swear_v &_o subscribe_v their_o unlawful_a impose_v oath_n chief_o that_o of_o abjuration_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o suffer_v unto_o death_n the_o positive_a ground_n be_v also_o three_o 1._o for_o frequent_v field-meeting_n to_o receive_v gospel-ordinancs_a from_o faithful_a minister_n 2._o for_o maintain_v the_o principle_n &_o practice_n of_o defensive_a resistance_n of_o superior_a power_n 3._o for_o maintain_v the_o privilege_n &_o duty_n of_o offensive_a revenge_n in_o execute_v justice_n upon_o murder_v enemy_n of_o mankind_n in_o case_n of_o extreme_a necessity_n in_o prosecute_a which_o i_o shall_v intertexe_v some_o subordinate_a question_n relate_v to_o their_o respective_a head_n and_o endeavour_v to_o discuss_v they_o brief_o head_n i._o where_o the_o suffering_n of_o many_o for_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o corrupt_a ministry_n be_v vindicated_n and_o the_o question_n of_o hear_v curate_n be_v clear_v this_o question_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v nice_a and_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n to_o person_n of_o gallio_n or_o laodiceds_n temper_n indifferent_a &_o lukwarm_a disposition_n consult_v their_o owned_a more_z they_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n which_o make_v it_o pass_v without_o any_o enquiry_n with_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o to_o all_o who_o be_v true_o tender_a in_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n free_a of_o the_o time_n contagion_n to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o true_a impression_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o be_v jealous_a especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o true_a zeal_n of_o god_n eat_v they_o up_o in_o a_o just_a indignation_n at_o the_o indignity_n do_v to_o he_o in_o usurp_v the_o office_n &_o corrupt_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o all_o who_o true_o love_v the_o gospel_n and_o put_v a_o due_a value_n on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n the_o corruption_n whereof_o this_o question_n touch_v it_o will_v be_v account_v of_o great_a importance_n there_o be_v three_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n concern_v which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v we_o very_o weighty_a caution_n viz_o what_o we_o shall_v hear_v mark._n 4._o 24._o how_o we_o shall_v hear_v luk._n 8._o 18._o and_o who_o we_o shall_v hear_v the_o last_o of_o which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_o state_v as_o the_o other_o two_o yet_o the_o searcher_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v find_v it_o as_o clear_o determine_v and_o as_o many_o caution_n to_o guard_v from_o err_v in_o it_o as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n and_o that_o the_o concern_v of_o conscience_n in_o it_o be_v very_o weighty_a and_o certain_a it_o be_v if_o there_o have_v be_v more_o advertency_n in_o this_o point_n there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v such_o inconsideration_n and_o licentiousness_n in_o the_o matter_n &_o manner_n of_o hear_v nor_o will_v that_o itch_a humour_n &_o luxuriancy_n of_o lust_n in_o heap_v up_o teacher_n to_o please_v the_o fancy_n have_v be_v so_o much_o encourage_v to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o the_o church_n disgrace_n of_o the_o