Basanistai. Or The triers, (or tormenters) tried and cast, by the laws both of God and of men. Or, arguments and grounds as well in reason as religion, clearly evincing the unlawfulnesse of those ordinances or commissions (at least as they have been from time to time declared and interpreted, aloud by the persons acting them, and tacitly by the authority enacting them) with all others of like import, by which the respective courts, or consistories of triers and ejectors (so called) amongst us, are established: together with the unwarrantablenesse of the acceptation and exercise of the powers delegated and granted in the said commissions, by any man, or company of men whatsoever, now in being. By John Goodwin, an aged minister of Jesus Christ, and pastor to that remnant of his sheep, usually assembling in Coleman-street, London.
         Goodwin, John, 1594?-1665.
      
       
         This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A85384 of text R21913 in the  English Short Title Catalog (Thomason E910_12). Textual changes  and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more  computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life.  The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with  MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.  This text has not been fully proofread 
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             Basanistai. Or The triers, (or tormenters) tried and cast, by the laws both of God and of men. Or, arguments and grounds as well in reason as religion, clearly evincing the unlawfulnesse of those ordinances or commissions (at least as they have been from time to time declared and interpreted, aloud by the persons acting them, and tacitly by the authority enacting them) with all others of like import, by which the respective courts, or consistories of triers and ejectors (so called) amongst us, are established: together with the unwarrantablenesse of the acceptation and exercise of the powers delegated and granted in the said commissions, by any man, or company of men whatsoever, now in being. By John Goodwin, an aged minister of Jesus Christ, and pastor to that remnant of his sheep, usually assembling in Coleman-street, London.
             Goodwin, John, 1594?-1665.
          
           [16], 33, [3] p.
           
             printed for Henry Eversden, at the Grey-hound in Pauls Church-yard,
             London :
             1657.
          
           
             First word of title transliterated from Greek.
             The words "or tormentors" are enclosed in square brackets on title page.
             Running title reads: The triers tried, and cast by the laws both of God and men.
             The first leaf is blank.
             The last leaf contains a postscript.
             With an errata slip.
             Annotation on Thomason copy: "May 23".
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Church of England -- Government -- Controversial literature -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A85384  R21913  (Thomason E910_12).  civilwar no Basanistai. Or The triers, (or tormenters) tried and cast, by the laws both of God and of men.:  Or, arguments and grounds as well in reason Goodwin, John 1657    16757 4 30 0 0 0 0 20 C  The  rate of 20 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
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        2008-03 Elspeth Healey
        Text and markup reviewed and edited
      
        2008-09 pfs
        Batch review (QC) and XML conversion
      
    
  
   
     
       
       
       
         
           ΒΑΣΑΝΙΣΤΑ'Ι
           .
           OR
           THE
           TRIERS
           ,
           [
           Or
           
             Tormenters
          
           ]
           TRIED
           and
           CAST
           ,
           By
           the
           Laws
           both
           of
           God
           and
           of
           Men
           .
           OR
           ,
           Arguments
           and
           grounds
           as
           well
           in
           Reason
           as
           Religion
           ,
           clearly
           evincing
           the
           unlawfulnesse
           of
           those
           Ordinances
           or
           Commissions
           (
           at
           least
           as
           they
           have
           been
           from
           time
           to
           time
           declared
           and
           interpreted
           ,
           aloud
           by
           the
           persons
           acting
           them
           ,
           and
           tacitly
           by
           the
           Authority
           enacting
           them
           )
           with
           all
           others
           of
           like
           import
           ,
           by
           which
           the
           respective
           Courts
           ,
           or
           Consistories
           of
           
             TRIERS
          
           and
           
             EJECTORS
          
           (
           so
           called
           )
           amongst
           us
           ,
           are
           established
           :
           together
           with
           the
           unwarrantablenesse
           of
           the
           acceptation
           and
           exercise
           of
           the
           powers
           delegated
           and
           granted
           in
           the
           said
           Commissions
           ,
           by
           any
           man
           ,
           or
           company
           of
           men
           whatsoever
           ,
           now
           in
           being
           .
        
         
           By
           
             John
             Goodwin
             ,
          
           an
           aged
           Minister
           of
           
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           and
           Pastor
           to
           that
           remnant
           of
           his
           Sheep
           ,
           usually
           assembling
           in
           
             Coleman-street
             ,
             London
             .
          
        
         
           That
           which
           is
           highly
           esteemed
           amongst
           men
           ,
           is
           abhomination
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           ,
           
             Luke
             16.
             15.
             
          
        
         
           And
           they
           please
           not
           God
           ,
           and
           are
           contrary
           to
           all
           men
           .
           
             1
             Thess.
             2.
             15.
             
          
        
         
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           
             Theog
             .
          
        
         
           
             Nulla
             potentia
             fida
             est
             ,
             si
             sit
             nimia
             .
          
           
             Sunt
             multi
             fidelium
             qui
             imperito
             zelo
             succenduntur
             ,
             &
             saepè
             dum
             quosdam
             ,
             quasi
             haereticos
             hos
             persequuntur
             ,
             haereses
             faciunt
             .
          
           
             
               Greg.
               l.
               9
               Epist.
            
             39.
             
          
        
         
           
             London
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           
             Henry
             Eversden
             ,
          
           at
           the
           Grey-hound
           in
           
             Pauls
          
           Church-yard
           ,
           1657.
           
        
      
       
       
       
         
           To
           the
           Reader
           .
        
         
           
             Good
             Reader
             ,
          
        
         
           BEing
           much
           stricken
           in
           years
           ,
           and
           not
           far
           from
           that
           turning
           in
           the
           course
           of
           mortality
           ,
           where
           
             Moses
          
           the
           man
           of
           God
           ,
           found
           in
           his
           dayes
           the
           ordinary
           period
           of
           the
           life
           of
           man
           
             a
          
           ;
           I
           am
           by
           the
           high
           and
           dreadfull
           concernment
           of
           my
           dissolution
           approaching
           ,
           importuned
           to
           the
           uttermost
           to
           bethink
           my self
           and
           consider
           ,
           what
           service
           I
           may
           do
           ,
           whilest
           my
           earthly
           tabernacle
           yet
           standeth
           ,
           to
           my
           dear
           Lord
           and
           Master
           
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           and
           for
           his
           sake
           ,
           to
           the
           world
           about
           me
           ,
           which
           is
           like
           to
           be
           of
           choicest
           acceptance
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           which
           will
           turn
           to
           the
           best
           account
           unto
           my self
           at
           my
           appearance
           before
           him
           .
           In
           my
           thoughts
           about
           this
           important
           affair
           ,
           I
           traversed
           much
           ground
           ,
           and
           had
           a
           great
           variety
           of
           particulars
           ,
           from
           time
           to
           time
           presented
           unto
           me
           ,
           which
           all
           commended
           themselves
           unto
           my
           conscience
           in
           both
           those
           respects
           ,
           which
           I
           made
           after
           with
           the
           greatest
           strength
           of
           my
           desire
           .
           Amongst
           others
           ,
           and
           with
           more
           rational
           importunity
           than
           the
           rest
           ,
           some
           brief
           
             Remonstrance
          
           or
           
             Testimony
          
           against
           the
           two
           
             Apocryphall
          
           Orders
           of
           
             Commissioned
             officers
          
           amongst
           us
           
           (
           whether
           Ecclesiastick
           or
           Civill
           ,
           can
           hardly
           be
           determined
           ,
           but
           by
           a
           
             Nemo
             scit
          
           )
           however
           known
           by
           the
           names
           of
           
             Triers
             ,
          
           and
           
             Ejectors
             ,
          
           much
           solicited
           and
           pressed
           me
           in
           that
           behalf
           .
           From
           the
           first
           day
           that
           I
           heard
           of
           these
           Commissions
           ,
           and
           understood
           ,
           though
           but
           in
           generall
           ,
           the
           purport
           of
           them
           ,
           my
           heart
           was
           troubled
           within
           me
           ,
           and
           began
           secretly
           to
           presage
           the
           many
           and
           great
           evils
           ,
           which
           through
           the
           Administration
           and
           execution
           of
           them
           ,
           they
           were
           like
           to
           bring
           upon
           the
           Gospel
           in
           the
           Ministry
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           upon
           many
           godly
           ,
           worthy
           ,
           and
           well
           deserving
           men
           .
           Of
           the
           truth
           of
           which
           presagements
           ,
           my self
           in
           part
           ,
           with
           severall
           others
           ,
           who
           have
           had
           better
           and
           more
           opportunity
           than
           I
           ,
           to
           understand
           the
           occasioned
           productions
           of
           the
           said
           Commissions
           ,
           are
           sad
           witnesses
           .
        
         
           I
           call
           God
           for
           a
           record
           upon
           my
           soule
           ,
           that
           as
           concerning
           the
           persons
           entrusted
           with
           the
           Administration
           of
           the
           said
           Commissions
           (
           some
           few
           of
           them
           being
           known
           unto
           me
           ,
           but
           far
           the
           greater
           part
           unknown
           )
           I
           bear
           not
           the
           least
           grudge
           of
           ill
           will
           against
           any
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           heart
           wish
           them
           all
           prosperity
           and
           peace
           ,
           as
           well
           in
           their
           temporall
           as
           spirituall
           affairs
           ;
           yea
           ,
           and
           with
           all
           Christian
           candor
           and
           clearnesse
           of
           spirit
           ,
           shall
           upon
           all
           occasions
           seek
           to
           promote
           them
           :
           Onely
           ,
           my
           soule
           hath
           no
           pleasure
           in
           their
           accepting
           the
           Office
           (
           such
           as
           it
           is
           )
           into
           which
           the
           mentioned
           Commissions
           (
           respectively
           )
           have
           tempted
           them
           ,
           much
           lesse
           in
           many
           strains
           and
           carriages
           
           in
           their
           managing
           of
           it
           :
           yea
           ,
           for
           those
           of
           them
           ,
           who
           are
           known
           unto
           me
           ,
           I
           believe
           them
           to
           be
           men
           of
           conscience
           and
           worth
           ,
           fearing
           God
           ,
           and
           lovers
           of
           Truth
           ,
           as
           far
           as
           God
           hath
           caused
           the
           light
           thereof
           to
           shine
           in
           their
           hearts
           and
           understandings
           ;
           and
           for
           the
           rest
           ,
           I
           charitably
           hope
           the
           same
           also
           .
           But
           as
           one
           observed
           ,
           that
           
             etiam
             ex
             timidissimis
             animalibus
             acris
             multitudo
             cogi
             potest
             ,
          
           some
           creatures
           that
           being
           very
           timerous
           and
           fearfull
           ,
           whilest
           single
           and
           alone
           ,
           are
           yet
           daring
           and
           fierce
           in
           herds
           and
           greater
           companies
           ;
           so
           frequent
           experience
           sheweth
           ,
           (
           and
           hath
           shewed
           in
           all
           ages
           )
           that
           many
           men
           ,
           who
           
             divisim
          
           and
           apart
           are
           of
           a
           sober
           and
           Christian
           temper
           ,
           inclineable
           unto
           things
           that
           are
           honest
           ,
           just
           and
           good
           ,
           yet
           
             conjunctim
          
           and
           in
           consort
           ,
           prove
           boysterous
           and
           peremptory
           ,
           apt
           to
           be
           acted
           and
           led
           by
           oppressive
           counsels
           and
           principles
           of
           much
           unworthinesse
           .
           The
           reason
           whereof
           may
           be
           ,
           because
           the
           guilt
           and
           shame
           of
           unworthy
           doings
           being
           divided
           amongst
           many
           ,
           weigh
           but
           light
           upon
           the
           apprehensions
           and
           consciences
           of
           particulars
           ;
           whereas
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           ,
           the
           old
           man
           ,
           or
           the
           flesh
           ,
           in
           these
           particulars
           ,
           may
           be
           as
           much
           or
           more
           gratified
           by
           what
           is
           done
           in
           consort
           ,
           and
           company
           ,
           as
           by
           the
           same
           things
           ,
           in
           case
           they
           were
           transacted
           and
           done
           personally
           onely
           and
           in
           particular
           ,
           by
           the
           same
           men
           .
           I
           shall
           not
           here
           insist
           upon
           any
           explication
           of
           this
           reason
           ,
           a
           considering
           man
           will
           see
           enough
           to
           satisfie
           him
           in
           this
           brief
           proposall
           of
           it
           .
        
         
         
           Concerning
           the
           Persons
           ,
           by
           whose
           authority
           the
           said
           Commissions
           have
           issued
           ,
           and
           been
           established
           ,
           I
           have
           (
           I
           presume
           )
           much
           lesse
           need
           to
           professe
           the
           Christian
           loyalty
           and
           intirenesse
           of
           my
           respects
           towards
           them
           ,
           than
           the
           fairnesse
           and
           friendlinesse
           of
           my
           spirit
           towards
           the
           other
           .
           The
           prosperity
           and
           peace
           both
           of
           the
           Parliamentary
           and
           present
           Government
           ,
           together
           with
           theirs
           ,
           who
           are
           intrusted
           with
           it
           ,
           have
           been
           the
           great
           contest
           and
           strife
           of
           my
           soul
           ,
           both
           with
           God
           and
           man
           ,
           ever
           since
           the
           day
           wherein
           God
           laid
           the
           foundations
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           this
           against
           disobliegments
           not
           a
           few
           ,
           nor
           inconsiderable
           .
           That
           I
           speak
           the
           truth
           in
           this
           ,
           and
           ly
           not
           ,
           I
           have
           many
           witnesses
           .
           But
           it
           hath
           been
           a
           kind
           of
           fatall
           unhappinesse
           incident
           to
           the
           Rulers
           of
           the
           Earth
           professing
           Christianity
           :
           whether
           out
           of
           their
           zeal
           of
           God
           ,
           without
           knowledge
           ,
           or
           out
           of
           a
           desire
           to
           make
           their
           power
           (
           I
           mean
           their
           authority
           ,
           or
           lawfull
           power
           )
           to
           be
           thought
           greater
           than
           (
           indeed
           )
           it
           is
           ;
           or
           else
           by
           the
           plausible
           suggestions
           and
           insinuations
           ,
           or
           by
           the
           importune
           or
           minatory
           puttings
           on
           ,
           or
           thrustings
           forward
           of
           others
           ,
           who
           under
           a
           pretence
           ,
           seek
           to
           serve
           themselves
           of
           their
           power
           ,
           to
           be
           drawn
           into
           this
           snare
           ,
           Namely
           ,
           to
           think
           it
           their
           duty
           ,
           and
           a
           service
           well
           pleasing
           unto
           God
           ,
           to
           employ
           that
           Authority
           and
           power
           which
           is
           vested
           in
           them
           ,
           for
           other
           purposes
           ,
           about
           making
           ,
           and
           enforcing
           by
           the
           civil
           sword
           additional
           Ordinances
           ,
           Provisions
           &
           Decrees
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           to
           supply
           that
           which
           is
           ,
           or
           seems
           
           to
           them
           to
           be
           ,
           wanting
           in
           that
           system
           or
           body
           of
           Councells
           ,
           Orders
           ,
           and
           Directions
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           himself
           hath
           drawn
           up
           ,
           and
           commended
           unto
           the
           Christian
           world
           ,
           to
           be
           practiced
           by
           those
           who
           professe
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           and
           the
           true
           worship
           of
           God
           ,
           for
           the
           best
           advancement
           of
           the
           interest
           of
           both
           amongst
           men
           .
           Whereas
           the
           truth
           is
           ,
           that
           multiplications
           in
           this
           kinde
           ,
           and
           substractions
           ,
           are
           of
           the
           same
           demerit
           and
           provocation
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           are
           accordingly
           censed
           and
           prohibited
           as
           it
           were
           with
           the
           same
           breath
           by
           him
           ,
           
             Ye
             shall
             not
             adde
             unto
             the
             Word
             ,
             which
             I
             command
             you
             ,
             neither
             shall
             ye
             diminish
             ought
             from
             it
             ,
             that
             ye
             may
             keep
             the
             Commandements
             of
             the
             Lord
             your
             God
             which
             I
             command
             you
          
           (
           Deut.
           4.
           2.
           )
           This
           last
           clause
           ,
           
             That
             ye
             may
             keep
             ,
          
           &c.
           clearly
           importeth
           ,
           that
           when
           any
           thing
           is
           
             added
          
           [
           in
           matters
           of
           Religion
           and
           appertaining
           to
           the
           conscience
           )
           unto
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           it
           is
           as
           impedimental
           or
           destructive
           to
           the
           keeping
           of
           
             Gods
             Commandements
             ,
          
           as
           the
           taking
           away
           of
           any
           thing
           from
           it
           would
           be
           Hereof
           I
           give
           some
           brief
           account
           in
           these
           Papers
           .
           So
           else
           where
           :
           
             What
             thing
             soever
             I
             command
             you
             ,
             observe
             to
             do
             it
             ;
             thou
             shalt
             not
             adde
             thereto
             ,
             nor
             diminish
             from
             it
             ,
          
           Deut.
           12.
           32.
           
           And
           
             Agurs
          
           advice
           by
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           is
           ;
           
             Adde
             thou
             not
             unto
             his
             words
             ,
             lest
             he
             reprove
             thee
             [
             viz.
          
           by
           punishing
           thee
           in
           one
           kinde
           or
           other
           ]
           
             and
             thou
             be
             found
             a
             lyar
          
           
             a
          
           [
           meaning
           unto
           thy self
           ,
           who
           promisedest
           unto
           thy self
           speciall
           favour
           
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           for
           thy
           imaginary
           service
           in
           supplying
           that
           ,
           which
           in
           thy
           conceit
           ,
           was
           wanting
           in
           his
           
             words
             ,
          
           whereas
           thou
           reapest
           his
           displeasure
           by
           it
           .
           ]
           This
           
             adding
          
           unto
           the
           words
           of
           God
           ,
           of
           which
           we
           now
           speak
           ,
           is
           elsewhere
           (
           I
           conceive
           )
           termed
           ,
           
             A
             turning
             aside
             on
             the
             right
             hand
          
           [
           from
           what
           God
           had
           commanded
           ]
           as
           a
           taking
           away
           from
           these
           words
           ,
           
             A
             turning
             aside
             to
             the
             left
             :
          
           And
           is
           voted
           by
           God
           himself
           an
           enemy
           to
           the
           prosperity
           and
           peace
           of
           men
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           this
           .
           
             Turn
             not
             from
             it
          
           (
           saith
           God
           to
           
             Joshua
          
           concerning
           his
           Law
           )
           
             to
             the
             right
             hand
             ,
             or
             to
             the
             left
             ,
             that
             thou
             maiest
             prosper
             whethersoever
             thou
             goest
          
           (
           Josh.
           1.
           7.
           )
           Plainly
           implying
           ,
           that
           as
           well
           
             turning
             aside
             on
             the
             right
             hand
          
           [
           from
           the
           commands
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           which
           I
           know
           not
           ,
           as
           was
           even
           now
           hinted
           ,
           what
           can
           be
           meant
           ,
           but
           mens
           adding
           words
           and
           ordinances
           of
           their
           own
           ,
           to
           fill
           up
           that
           which
           they
           conceive
           to
           be
           defective
           and
           empty
           in
           his
           ]
           As
           
             turning
             aside
             on
             the
             left
             ,
          
           is
           provoking
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           obstructive
           to
           the
           peace
           and
           comforts
           of
           men
           .
           So
           again
           :
           
             Ye
             shall
             observe
             to
             do
             therefore
             ,
             as
             the
             Lord
             your
             God
             hath
             commanded
             you
             :
             you
             shall
             not
             turn
             aside
             TO
             THE
             RIGHTHAND
             ,
             or
             to
             the
             left
             ,
             you
             shall
             walk
             in
             all
             the
             waies
             ,
             which
             the
             Lord
             your
             God
             hath
             commanded
             you
             ,
             that
             ye
             may
             live
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             may
             be
             well
             with
             you
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
           Deut.
           5.
           32
           ,
           33.
           
           The
           wisdome
           of
           Kings
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Judges
           of
           the
           ]
           earth
           ,
           (
           as
           the
           great
           King
           and
           Prophet
           
             David
          
           informeth
           them
           )
           is
           ,
           to
           
             kisse
             the
             Son
             ,
             lest
             the
             be
             
             angry
             ,
             and
             they
             perish
             from
             the
             way
             ,
             i.
             e.
          
           to
           subject
           themselves
           unto
           the
           Laws
           and
           Ordinances
           made
           and
           established
           by
           
             Christ
             ,
          
           not
           to
           set
           their
           thresholds
           by
           his
           ,
           or
           by
           their
           authority
           to
           super-induce
           new
           Laws
           or
           Ordinances
           upon
           his
           ,
           to
           serve
           upon
           the
           same
           account
           ,
           with
           his
           ,
           or
           to
           regulate
           the
           judgements
           or
           consciences
           of
           men
           ,
           in
           matters
           of
           Faith
           ,
           or
           things
           appertaining
           unto
           God
           ,
           which
           is
           his
           appropriate
           Sovereigntie
           .
           The
           anger
           or
           displeasure
           of
           Christ
           against
           Rulers
           ,
           when
           they
           refuse
           to
           
             kisse
          
           him
           ,
           especially
           when
           they
           challenge
           and
           claim
           from
           men
           the
           same
           
             kisse
          
           with
           him
           ,
           is
           commonly
           expressed
           by
           such
           an
           interposure
           of
           his
           ,
           whereby
           they
           
             perish
             from
             the
             way
             .
             i.
          
           as
           Mr.
           
             Ainsworth
          
           well
           interprets
           the
           phrase
           ,
           wander
           and
           lose
           the
           right
           way
           ,
           and
           not
           know
           whether
           to
           go
           ,
           nor
           what
           to
           deliberate
           :
           and
           so
           they
           become
           intangled
           and
           ensnared
           in
           their
           own
           Counsels
           ,
           and
           run
           to
           confusion
           .
           This
           is
           the
           expresse
           doom
           that
           in
           all
           ages
           hath
           befallen
           Kings
           ,
           and
           Princes
           ,
           and
           States
           ,
           and
           Persons
           in
           power
           ,
           when
           they
           have
           lift
           up
           their
           hearts
           in
           a
           conceit
           ,
           as
           if
           that
           
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           had
           given
           unto
           them
           the
           right
           hand
           of
           fellowship
           ,
           as
           well
           in
           his
           Propheticall
           Office
           ,
           as
           his
           Kingly
           ,
           and
           accordingly
           have
           fallen
           upon
           making
           Laws
           ,
           Statutes
           ,
           and
           Ordinances
           ,
           as
           the
           furrows
           in
           the
           field
           ,
           for
           binding
           under
           severe
           mulcts
           and
           penalties
           ,
           the
           judgements
           and
           consciences
           of
           men
           .
           And
           whether
           the
           anger
           of
           
             Christ
          
           hath
           not
           uttered
           it self
           in
           that
           very
           kinde
           
           of
           judgement
           now
           described
           ,
           against
           the
           former
           Princes
           and
           Rulers
           of
           this
           Nation
           ,
           and
           more
           especially
           against
           our
           late
           Parliaments
           ,
           as
           oft
           as
           they
           presumed
           to
           meddle
           with
           his
           golden
           Scepter
           ,
           whereby
           he
           nurtures
           and
           rules
           the
           consciences
           of
           men
           ,
           I
           referre
           to
           the
           testimony
           of
           those
           amongst
           us
           ,
           who
           hath
           been
           diligent
           and
           constant
           observers
           from
           time
           to
           time
           between
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           and
           them
           ,
           at
           such
           turns
           .
           My
           hope
           is
           ,
           and
           my
           fervent
           prayer
           shall
           be
           ,
           that
           God
           in
           mercy
           will
           keep
           the
           present
           Rulers
           of
           the
           Nation
           from
           dashing
           their
           foot
           against
           this
           stone
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           shall
           not
           oppresse
           or
           vex
           ,
           by
           any
           Apocryphal
           Statutes
           or
           Decrees
           ,
           those
           consciences
           in
           the
           Nation
           ,
           which
           are
           full
           of
           goodness
           ,
           and
           zealous
           in
           their
           love
           and
           loyalty
           towards
           them
           .
           But
           of
           these
           things
           ;
           I
           have
           upon
           severall
           occasions
           ,
           written
           heretofore
           more
           at
           large
           .
        
         
           The
           Papers
           now
           in
           thy
           hand
           ,
           were
           at
           the
           Press
           some
           weeks
           since
           ,
           and
           in
           part
           printed
           :
           onely
           upon
           some
           overtures
           of
           report
           (
           which
           since
           vanished
           into
           nothing
           )
           as
           if
           the
           two
           Commissions
           here
           impleaded
           were
           under
           some
           relentings
           ,
           and
           meant
           to
           annoy
           and
           damnifie
           the
           Gospell
           no
           more
           ,
           as
           hitherto
           they
           have
           done
           ,
           the
           process
           of
           the
           Presse
           was
           for
           a
           while
           suspended
           .
           To
           what
           account
           ,
           whether
           for
           the
           benefit
           and
           good
           ,
           or
           of
           increase
           of
           guilt
           ,
           they
           will
           turn
           unto
           those
           who
           are
           most
           concern'd
           in
           the
           contents
           of
           them
           ,
           resteth
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           in
           conjunction
           with
           the
           wills
           and
           reasonings
           of
           these
           men
           .
           My
           hearts
           
           desire
           and
           prayer
           unto
           God
           for
           them
           is
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           incline
           them
           to
           consider
           what
           is
           here
           said
           ,
           and
           give
           them
           understanding
           in
           a
           matter
           of
           so
           great
           concernment
           unto
           them
           .
           For
           my selfe
           ,
           what
           inconvenience
           or
           trouble
           otherwise
           I
           shall
           gain
           by
           the
           hand
           ,
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           I
           think
           it
           not
           worth
           the
           putting
           to
           account
           ,
           being
           so
           near
           the
           line
           ,
           beyond
           which
           there
           are
           no
           sufferings
           to
           those
           that
           love
           God
           .
           Certain
           I
           am
           ,
           that
           by
           giving
           my
           testimony
           against
           two
           so
           great
           evills
           ,
           and
           dammagers
           to
           the
           Gospell
           of
           Christ
           ,
           &
           sundry
           his
           faithfull
           Ministers
           and
           Servants
           in
           the
           Nation
           ,
           as
           the
           two
           commissions
           against
           which
           I
           here
           contend
           ,
           I
           shall
           gain
           a
           departure
           in
           so
           much
           the
           more
           peace
           whensoever
           my
           change
           shall
           come
           .
           In
           which
           great
           blessing
           (
           good
           Reader
           )
           my
           soul
           wisheth
           thee
           part
           and
           fellowship
           with
           my selfe
           ,
           and
           resteth
        
         
           
             Devoted
             to
             thy
             soul
             ,
             and
             the
             dear
             interest
             thereof
             .
             John
             Goodwin
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           ARGVMENTS
           AND
           GROVNDS
           As
           well
           in
           REASON
           ,
           AS
           RELIGION
           ,
        
         
           Clearly
           evincing
           the
           unlawfulness
           of
           those
           Ordinances
           or
           Cōmmissions
           (
           especially
           as
           they
           have
           bin
           from
           time
           to
           time
           declared
           and
           interpreted
           ,
           aloud
           by
           the
           persons
           acting
           them
           and
           tacitly
           by
           the
           Authority
           enacting
           them
           )
           with
           all
           others
           of
           like
           import
           ,
           by
           which
           the
           respective
           Courts
           ,
           or
           Consistories
           of
           Triers
           and
           Ejectors
           (
           so
           called
           )
           amongst
           us
           ,
           are
           established
           ;
           together
           with
           the
           unwarrantableness
           of
           the
           acceptation
           and
           exercise
           of
           the
           powers
           delegated
           and
           granted
           in
           the
           said
           Commissions
           ,
           by
           any
           man
           ,
           or
           company
           of
           men
           whatsoever
           ,
           now
           in
           being
           .
        
         
           IT
           is
           a
           great
           indignity
           and
           affront
           put
           upon
           the
           Lord
           
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           
           Blessed
           for
           ever
           ,
           to
           charge
           or
           challenge
           him
           ,
           whether
           formally
           or
           constructively
           ,
           with
           want
           ,
           either
           of
           wisdom
           and
           understanding
           ,
           or
           of
           care
           and
           faithfulnesse
           ,
           in
           making
           sufficient
           provision
           for
           the
           due
           managing
           of
           his
           affairs
           ,
           or
           for
           the
           propagation
           and
           advancement
           of
           the
           Gospel
           upon
           the
           best
           ,
           and
           best
           becoming
           terms
           in
           the
           world
           .
           Now
           there
           being
           no
           Order
           or
           Direction
           ,
           nor
           any
           jot
           or
           tittle
           of
           either
           given
           by
           him
           to
           the
           Civil
           powers
           ,
           for
           the
           erecting
           of
           any
           such
           authority
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           over
           his
           servants
           ,
           as
           that
           wherewith
           either
           Triers
           ,
           or
           Ejectors
           ,
           amongst
           us
           ,
           are
           invested
           by
           the
           said
           Commissions
           (
           respectively
           )
           they
           who
           notwithstanding
           
           presumed
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           (
           I
           meane
           to
           make
           and
           establish
           such
           an
           erection
           in
           the
           Church
           )
           what
           do
           they
           lesse
           then
           obliquely
           ,
           yea
           and
           by
           a
           pregnant
           and
           near-hand
           consequence
           ,
           impute
           either
           oscitancy
           and
           forgetfulnesse
           ,
           or
           else
           weaknesse
           and
           defect
           of
           understanding
           unto
           the
           Lord
           
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           in
           his
           own
           greatest
           and
           most
           important
           affairs
           ?
           If
           either
           the
           Civil
           Magistrate
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           on
           his
           behalf
           ,
           will
           rise
           up
           to
           plead
           or
           shew
           an
           Order
           or
           Cōmission
           from
           
             Christ
          
           for
           him
           to
           grant
           such
           Commissions
           and
           authorities
           ,
           as
           those
           now
           impleaded
           ,
           unto
           men
           ,
           (
           besides
           that
           it
           had
           been
           more
           
             Christian
          
           and
           proper
           that
           this
           should
           have
           been
           done
           before
           the
           said
           Commissions
           had
           been
           issued
           ,
           and
           exercised
           ,
           to
           the
           great
           scandal
           and
           offence
           of
           the
           far
           greater
           part
           of
           the
           godly
           and
           understanding
           people
           in
           the
           Nation
           )
           I
           fear
           that
           neither
           the
           credit
           ,
           nor
           the
           conscience
           ,
           of
           the
           undertaker
           will
           rejoyce
           over
           the
           enterprise
           ,
           in
           as
           much
           as
           all
           attempts
           in
           this
           kind
           that
           have
           been
           made
           (
           as
           many
           within
           the
           compasse
           of
           a
           few
           years
           last
           past
           have
           been
           )
           have
           miscarried
           ,
           and
           turned
           to
           no
           account
           ,
           but
           of
           losse
           and
           disparagement
           to
           their
           undertakers
           .
           Do
           we
           provoke
           the
           Lord
           unto
           jealousie
           ?
           are
           we
           stronger
           then
           
             He
             ,
          
           that
           we
           dare
           say
           ,
           we
           are
           wiser
           then
           He
           ?
        
         
           The
           Lord
           
             Christ
          
           himself
           never
           assumed
           to
           himself
           ,
           
           nor
           ever
           exercised
           any
           interest
           of
           Authority
           or
           power
           so
           exorbitant
           or
           over-bearing
           ,
           as
           to
           give
           authority
           and
           power
           to
           any
           lesser
           or
           smaller
           number
           of
           men
           ,
           at
           least
           not
           of
           such
           men
           ,
           to
           whom
           he
           was
           not
           able
           ,
           his
           Fathers
           will
           standing
           to
           the
           contrary
           ,
           to
           give
           both
           infallibility
           of
           judgement
           ,
           and
           intemerable
           faithfulnesse
           ,
           in
           matters
           of
           Faith
           and
           supernatural
           concernment
           ,
           to
           exercise
           any
           such
           dominion
           over
           the
           faith
           ,
           judgements
           ,
           or
           consciences
           of
           far
           greater
           numbers
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           these
           every
           way
           equal
           ,
           at
           least
           many
           of
           them
           ,
           (
           if
           not
           superiour
           )
           to
           them
           ,
           both
           in
           gifts
           and
           graces
           ,
           and
           all
           spiritual
           endowments
           ,
           as
           the
           persons
           commissioned
           amongst
           us
           by
           the
           two
           Ordinances
           specified
           ,
           do
           by
           vertue
           hereof
           ,
           exercise
           over
           the
           judgements
           and
           faith
           of
           all
           the
           Ministers
           of
           the
           Gospel
           in
           this
           Nation
           ,
           yea
           and
           over
           the
           Faith
           of
           all
           those
           ,
           whom
           God
           ,
           (
           as
           both
           these
           Commissioners
           and
           others
           have
           cause
           to
           judge
           )
           calleth
           unto
           this
           ministery
           .
           For
           is
           not
           this
           the
           jurisdiction
           ,
           Lordship
           ,
           or
           dominion
           ,
           which
           they
           by
           vertue
           of
           their
           Commissions
           
           (
           respectively
           )
           exercise
           over
           the
           Faith
           of
           that
           great
           number
           of
           worthy
           persons
           now
           mentioned
           ,
           even
           to
           Eject
           them
           out
           of
           the
           possession
           and
           enjoyment
           of
           such
           livelyhoods
           which
           the
           merciful
           providence
           of
           God
           in
           conjunction
           with
           the
           Laws
           of
           their
           Nation
           ,
           have
           intituled
           them
           unto
           ?
           to
           cast
           them
           out
           (
           I
           say
           )
           of
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           their
           lawful
           subsistence
           to
           the
           extreme
           misery
           ,
           if
           not
           utter
           affamishing
           ,
           of
           themselves
           ,
           wives
           and
           children
           ,
           onely
           because
           they
           will
           not
           ,
           or
           rather
           because
           in
           conscience
           they
           cannot
           ,
           believe
           or
           professe
           as
           they
           ,
           being
           in
           this
           case
           made
           their
           Lords
           and
           masters
           ,
           require
           them
           upon
           the
           said
           penalty
           to
           believe
           ;
           the
           other
           ,
           upon
           a
           like
           account
           ,
           shutting
           against
           others
           by
           the
           iron
           bars
           of
           their
           authority
           ,
           the
           door
           of
           accesse
           unto
           such
           livelyhoods
           ,
           whereunto
           both
           the
           providence
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           faithfulnesse
           of
           men
           legally
           entrusted
           with
           such
           opportunities
           ,
           yea
           and
           their
           own
           signal
           worths
           and
           ministerial
           abilities
           ,
           do
           aloud
           call
           them
           ?
           Doubtlesse
           the
           Lord
           
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           never
           took
           upon
           him
           the
           exercise
           of
           any
           such
           Authority
           ,
           as
           to
           appoint
           a
           few
           men
           for
           the
           devesting
           of
           any
           sort
           of
           men
           whatsoever
           ,
           much
           lesse
           the
           ministers
           of
           his
           Gospel
           ,
           of
           their
           temporal
           rights
           or
           enjoyments
           ,
           onely
           because
           their
           faith
           in
           matters
           appertaining
           unto
           God
           ,
           is
           not
           the
           same
           in
           all
           points
           with
           the
           faith
           of
           other
           men
           .
        
         
           If
           it
           be
           replied
           ,
           that
           neither
           sort
           of
           Commissioners
           ,
           Trier
           ;
           or
           Ejectors
           ,
           are
           impowred
           by
           the
           tenor
           or
           words
           of
           their
           Commissions
           ,
           to
           punish
           any
           minister
           ,
           either
           
             poenâ
             sensus
             ,
          
           or
           
             poenâ
             damni
             ,
          
           simply
           for
           not
           believing
           ,
           or
           (
           which
           is
           the
           same
           in
           effect
           )
           for
           not
           professing
           ,
           or
           not
           teaching
           others
           to
           believe
           as
           themselves
           believe
           ;
           so
           that
           when
           they
           do
           any
           such
           thing
           as
           this
           ,
           they
           act
           besides
           their
           Commissions
           .
           I
           answer
           ,
           first
           ,
           The
           Commissioners
           themselves
           ,
           at
           least
           such
           of
           them
           as
           are
           generally
           knwon
           to
           understand
           their
           Commissions
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           ,
           or
           rather
           better
           then
           ,
           their
           fellowes
           ,
           do
           so
           construe
           and
           understand
           them
           ,
           as
           giving
           them
           power
           ,
           both
           to
           reject
           ,
           and
           eject
           for
           not
           finding
           their
           own
           sense
           and
           belief
           in
           those
           ,
           that
           come
           before
           them
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           Their
           frequent
           ,
           if
           not
           constant
           ,
           practise
           in
           this
           kind
           ,
           being
           sufficiently
           known
           unto
           ,
           and
           connived
           at
           ,
           if
           not
           approved
           of
           ,
           by
           those
           under
           whose
           authority
           and
           protection
           they
           thus
           practise
           ,
           clearly
           sheweth
           that
           the
           
           sense
           intended
           ,
           or
           at
           present
           owned
           ,
           in
           both
           the
           Commissions
           by
           those
           who
           are
           in
           authority
           ,
           and
           who
           have
           power
           to
           declare
           the
           sense
           of
           either
           Commission
           ,
           is
           that
           which
           hath
           been
           supposed
           in
           the
           argument
           ,
           though
           deposed
           ,
           or
           denied
           ,
           in
           the
           reply
           .
        
         
           They
           who
           devise
           new
           stratagems
           ,
           
           methods
           ,
           or
           inventions
           to
           aid
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           to
           prevent
           dangers
           or
           inconveniencies
           incident
           to
           it
           ,
           beyond
           or
           besides
           all
           that
           Christ
           either
           prescribed
           or
           directed
           to
           be
           done
           upon
           any
           such
           account
           ,
           or
           for
           any
           such
           end
           ,
           do
           in
           effect
           deny
           what
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           expresly
           testifieth
           of
           him
           ,
           
             viz
             that
             he
             was
             faithful
             to
             him
             that
             appointed
             him
          
           [
           meaning
           ,
           God
           the
           Father
           ]
           
             as
             also
             Moses
             was
             faithful
             in
             all
             his
             house
             ,
             Heb.
          
           3.
           2.
           
           For
           if
           it
           be
           supposed
           that
           the
           two
           Commissions
           specified
           ,
           be
           advantagious
           and
           benedict
           to
           the
           interest
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           that
           this
           is
           more
           like
           to
           run
           and
           be
           glorified
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           because
           seconded
           and
           assisted
           by
           the
           said
           Commissions
           ,
           then
           was
           not
           Jesus
           Christ
           faithful
           unto
           God
           in
           all
           his
           house
           ,
           neglecting
           or
           forgetting
           to
           give
           any
           order
           to
           his
           Apostles
           or
           others
           concerning
           the
           levying
           or
           setting
           on
           foot
           any
           such
           meanes
           as
           these
           for
           the
           relief
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           nor
           is
           it
           easie
           to
           imagine
           (
           But
           much
           more
           difficult
           is
           it
           to
           prove
           )
           when
           ,
           unto
           whom
           ,
           or
           by
           whom
           ,
           Christ
           directed
           the
           making
           of
           any
           such
           Evangelical
           engines
           ,
           as
           either
           of
           the
           said
           Commissions
           are
           .
        
         
           The
           Lord
           
             Christ
          
           being
           (
           as
           was
           said
           )
           faithful
           ,
           
           as
           
             Moses
          
           also
           was
           ,
           in
           all
           the
           house
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           wisdome
           and
           providence
           every
           waies
           answerable
           to
           this
           his
           faithfulnesse
           ,
           it
           cannot
           be
           conceived
           but
           that
           with
           his
           precepts
           ,
           counsels
           ,
           and
           directions
           ,
           for
           the
           advancement
           and
           prosperity
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           he
           hath
           taken
           up
           and
           filled
           the
           whol
           roomth
           or
           space
           ,
           which
           is
           capable
           of
           receiving
           Injunctions
           ,
           Orders
           ,
           or
           Directions
           in
           that
           kind
           So
           that
           no
           man
           can
           add
           ,
           insert
           or
           thrust
           in
           any
           thing
           byway
           of
           advice
           ,
           or
           under
           the
           notion
           of
           a
           prudentiall
           contrivance
           for
           the
           promoting
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           but
           he
           must
           justle
           or
           thrust
           out
           ,
           and
           (
           in
           our
           Saviours
           phrase
           )
           make
           of
           none
           effect
           ,
           some
           or
           other
           of
           those
           precepts
           ,
           or
           directions
           ,
           which
           have
           been
           given
           by
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           himself
           ,
           for
           the
           same
           end
           .
           Even
           as
           the
           
             Pope
          
           cannot
           gratifie
           any
           new
           Saint
           with
           a
           day
           in
           the
           Kalendar
           but
           onely
           either
           by
           turning
           some
           
           of
           the
           more
           ancient
           out
           of
           their
           long-continued
           possessions
           ,
           or
           else
           by
           compelling
           them
           to
           take
           the
           other
           into
           part
           &
           fellowship
           with
           them
           in
           their
           honour
           ,
           because
           the
           Kalender
           is
           from
           the
           one
           end
           of
           it
           to
           the
           other
           ,
           already
           filled
           with
           the
           Names
           o●
           the
           more
           ancient
           :
           In
           like
           manner
           the
           whole
           latitude
           &
           compasse
           of
           wisdome
           and
           prudence
           for
           the
           due
           &
           successfull
           managing
           of
           the
           affaires
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           being
           spread
           with
           the
           orders
           and
           charges
           given
           by
           
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           in
           that
           behalf
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           possible
           for
           men
           to
           devise
           or
           se●…on
           foot
           any
           method
           ,
           meanes
           ,
           or
           device
           of
           theirs
           for
           the
           promoting
           of
           this
           end
           ,
           but
           by
           disauthorizing
           ,
           or
           with
           reflexion
           of
           disparagement
           upon
           ,
           some
           or
           other
           ,
           or
           all
           ,
           of
           the
           said
           prescriptions
           of
           
             Christ
          
           Nor
           is
           it
           possible
           for
           any
           man
           to
           invent
           or
           form
           any
           projection
           ,
           or
           make
           any
           provision
           ,
           which
           upon
           a
           true
           account
           will
           be
           found
           in
           any
           degree
           materiall
           ,
           or
           pertinent
           ,
           for
           the
           welfare
           or
           successe
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           wherein
           he
           hath
           not
           been
           prevented
           by
           the
           Great
           Authour
           and
           Father
           of
           the
           Gospel
           himself
           Otherwise
           it
           must
           be
           supposed
           that
           men
           are
           ,
           either
           (
           as
           hath
           been
           said
           )
           wiser
           then
           God
           ,
           and
           able
           to
           supply
           that
           ,
           which
           hath
           been
           wanting
           in
           him
           ;
           or
           else
           that
           they
           are
           more
           sollicitous
           and
           carefull
           over
           the
           interest
           of
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           more
           intent
           upon
           the
           salvation
           of
           the
           precious
           soules
           of
           men
           ,
           then
           He.
           
           Therefore
           the
           two
           Commissions
           we
           implead
           ,
           the
           one
           of
           Triers
           ,
           the
           other
           of
           Ejectors
           ,
           being
           neither
           of
           them
           given
           in
           charge
           by
           
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           for
           the
           promotion
           of
           the
           Gospel
           nor
           holding
           any
           true
           or
           reall
           communion
           with
           any
           of
           his
           Orders
           in
           that
           behalfe
           ,
           must
           needs
           be
           of
           another
           Spirit
           and
           tendency
           from
           these
           ,
           and
           rather
           counter-workers
           ,
           then
           co-workers
           with
           them
           :
           and
           this
           experience
           it self
           hath
           sufficiently
           discovered
           .
        
         
           To
           entrust
           an
           inconsiderable
           number
           of
           men
           ,
           
           subject
           to
           the
           like
           errours
           ,
           passions
           ,
           weaknesses
           ,
           miscarriages
           ,
           with
           all
           other
           men
           ,
           with
           a
           negative
           vote
           ,
           yea
           I
           had
           almost
           said
           with
           an
           affirmative
           also
           ,
           in
           and
           about
           the
           placing
           and
           displacing
           ,
           and
           disposing
           of
           all
           ministers
           over
           all
           the
           respective
           congregations
           ,
           (
           I
           mean
           Parochial
           )
           in
           a
           great
           nation
           ,
           is
           an
           unChristian
           and
           unheard
           of
           prodigie
           ,
           and
           must
           needs
           be
           of
           a
           sad
           abode
           and
           portendance
           unto
           the
           people
           ,
           especially
           unto
           the
           godly
           and
           well
           affected
           party
           of
           the
           people
           in
           that
           nation
           .
           
           For
           by
           this
           meanes
           ,
           in
           case
           the
           Triers
           shal
           at
           any
           time
           be
           froward
           ,
           or
           shall
           upon
           any
           pretence
           bear
           a
           private
           grudge
           against
           a
           parish
           or
           congregation
           ,
           or
           any
           considerable
           person
           ,
           whether
           for
           Religion
           ,
           or
           otherwise
           ,
           in
           it
           ;
           or
           shall
           judge
           him
           unsound
           in
           the
           faith
           ,
           whom
           the
           congregation
           shall
           desire
           for
           their
           Minister
           ,
           for
           some
           special
           opinion
           ,
           one
           ,
           or
           more
           ,
           for
           which
           (
           it
           is
           possible
           )
           the
           congregation
           may
           in
           speciall
           manner
           desire
           him
           ,
           and
           can
           desire
           or
           admit
           of
           none
           that
           is
           contrary-minded
           ;
           in
           all
           these
           cases
           (
           and
           possibly
           in
           many
           other
           the
           like
           )
           a
           congregation
           may
           never
           be
           permitted
           to
           enjoy
           such
           a
           Minister
           whom
           they
           can
           cordially
           reverence
           or
           affect
           ,
           or
           by
           whom
           they
           can
           edifie
           ,
           but
           must
           either
           be
           like
           sheep
           scattered
           ,
           and
           in
           danger
           of
           being
           lost
           for
           want
           of
           a
           shepherd
           ,
           or
           else
           content
           themselves
           to
           be
           in
           subjection
           to
           such
           a
           person
           in
           this
           great
           office
           ,
           whom
           the
           Triers
           ,
           
             pro
             libitu
             suo
          
           shall
           obtrude
           upon
           them
           ,
           be
           he
           never
           so
           froward
           ,
           never
           so
           unsufficient
           ,
           never
           so
           unsound
           in
           judgement
           ,
           or
           ill-conditioned
           otherwise
           .
        
         
           The
           said
           commissions
           ,
           
           especially
           as
           they
           have
           been
           ,
           and
           still
           are
           from
           time
           to
           time
           acted
           and
           administred
           ,
           entrench
           upon
           the
           spiritual
           rights
           and
           priviledges
           of
           the
           people
           of
           God
           .
           For
           whereas
           they
           are
           invested
           by
           
             Christ
             Jesus
          
           with
           a
           liberty
           or
           power
           to
           chuse
           for
           themselves
           (
           and
           accordingly
           to
           enjoy
           whilst
           they
           please
           ,
           and
           God
           give
           the
           opportunity
           )
           a
           spiritual
           shepherd
           ,
           a
           man
           to
           be
           over
           them
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           to
           take
           the
           charge
           and
           care
           of
           their
           souls
           ,
           the
           Commissioners
           we
           speak
           of
           take
           upon
           them
           by
           virtue
           of
           the
           said
           Commissions
           ,
           when
           ,
           and
           as
           oft
           as
           they
           plese
           ,
           to
           keep
           asunder
           those
           whom
           God
           would
           have
           joyned
           together
           ,
           and
           disgracefully
           reject
           and
           thrust
           by
           him
           ,
           though
           never
           so
           worthy
           ,
           whom
           the
           people
           have
           greatly
           desired
           ,
           and
           accordingly
           chosen
           ,
           to
           serve
           them
           in
           that
           great
           work
           :
           and
           refuse
           to
           grant
           the
           indulgence
           of
           their
           passe
           ,
           but
           unto
           such
           who
           will
           swallow
           their
           camels
           ,
           and
           yea
           it
           ,
           and
           nay
           it
           ,
           with
           them
           from
           the
           one
           end
           of
           their
           faith
           unto
           the
           other
           .
        
         
           The
           Commission
           of
           Triers
           ,
           
           strikes
           ,
           though
           not
           formally
           and
           directly
           ,
           yet
           materially
           and
           in
           effect
           ,
           at
           the
           civil
           Rights
           both
           of
           many
           Parishes
           or
           bodies
           of
           people
           ,
           and
           of
           many
           particular
           Persons
           likewise
           in
           the
           land
           ,
           viz.
           all
           theirs
           ,
           both
           in
           
           the
           one
           kind
           and
           the
           other
           ,
           who
           by
           law
           are
           invested
           with
           a
           law-right
           of
           Presentation
           unto
           Parochial
           demesns
           ,
           which
           are
           called
           Benefices
           ,
           or
           spiritual
           promotions
           .
           For
           though
           such
           Parishes
           and
           Persons
           ,
           still
           may
           (
           and
           I
           suppose
           do
           )
           present
           whom
           they
           judge
           meet
           ,
           to
           such
           preferments
           ,
           yet
           the
           men
           of
           their
           recommendation
           though
           never
           so
           deserving
           ,
           lye
           at
           the
           mercy
           of
           the
           Triers
           whether
           they
           shall
           ever
           possesse
           and
           enjoy
           such
           preferments
           collated
           upon
           them
           ,
           or
           no
           .
           By
           means
           whereof
           ,
           as
           often
           as
           these
           Triers
           shall
           please
           to
           act
           their
           power
           in
           quarrelling
           and
           opposing
           the
           Clerk
           presented
           unto
           them
           by
           either
           of
           the
           said
           Patrons
           (
           a
           practise
           whereof
           they
           are
           not
           over-tender
           ,
           whether
           there
           be
           any
           Christian
           or
           reasonable
           cause
           for
           their
           so
           acting
           ,
           or
           no
           )
           the
           Patrons
           are
           not
           simply
           defeated
           of
           those
           accommodations
           ,
           which
           the
           law
           intended
           them
           in
           their
           right
           of
           presentation
           :
           but
           this
           with
           disparagement
           and
           reflection
           ;
           and
           this
           both
           upon
           themselves
           ,
           as
           desirous
           to
           gratifie
           and
           perfer
           unworthy
           men
           ;
           and
           upon
           their
           friends
           also
           ,
           or
           persons
           presented
           by
           them
           ,
           whom
           in
           such
           cases
           ,
           they
           cast
           out
           as
           unsavoury
           salt
           upon
           the
           dunghil
           ,
           good
           for
           little
           but
           to
           be
           troden
           under
           foot
           by
           men
           .
           So
           that
           by
           means
           of
           the
           Commission
           we
           implead
           ,
           and
           her
           sons
           ,
           the
           right
           and
           priviledge
           ,
           of
           presenting
           is
           so
           far
           ,
           in
           the
           practick
           &
           exercise
           of
           it
           ,
           from
           being
           a
           royal
           priviledge
           ,
           or
           matter
           of
           conveniency
           unto
           men
           (
           as
           the
           law
           intended
           )
           that
           it
           is
           turned
           into
           a
           snare
           &
           occasion
           of
           dishonour
           &
           trouble
           onely
           ,
           both
           to
           themselves
           ,
           &
           those
           whom
           they
           in
           special
           manner
           desire
           to
           gratifie
           .
           Yea
           by
           meanes
           of
           that
           power
           which
           is
           invested
           in
           the
           triers
           by
           their
           Commissions
           ,
           in
           conjunction
           with
           their
           interest
           ,
           and
           subtilty
           of
           working
           and
           bringing
           about
           their
           ends
           ,
           they
           are
           found
           (
           
             effective
          
           )
           the
           Patrons
           of
           all
           spirituall
           livings
           in
           the
           Nation
           ;
           and
           accordingly
           receive
           the
           tribute
           of
           thanks
           and
           acknowledgements
           due
           to
           Patrons
           and
           Benefactors
           (
           if
           no
           baser
           mettal
           withall
           )
           from
           those
           ,
           who
           by
           the
           light
           of
           their
           countenance
           come
           to
           find
           the
           way
           to
           those
           preferments
           .
        
         
           And
           whereas
           in
           the
           daies
           of
           Prelacy
           ,
           
           in
           case
           the
           Bishops
           ,
           who
           were
           then
           the
           Triers
           ,
           were
           at
           any
           time
           sullen
           ,
           or
           froward
           ,
           or
           corrupt
           ,
           so
           as
           upon
           any
           illegall
           or
           any
           unjustifiable
           pretence
           to
           refuse
           to
           admit
           to
           a
           benefice
           any
           Clerk
           presented
           unto
           them
           ,
           there
           lay
           a
           
             quare
             impedit
          
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           
           they
           might
           be
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           
             de
             facto
          
           were
           ,
           compelled
           by
           Law
           ,
           to
           do
           that
           which
           became
           them
           in
           this
           case
           ,
           and
           to
           give
           their
           pass
           of
           Institution
           to
           those
           ,
           against
           whom
           there
           was
           no
           material
           or
           legall
           exception
           ,
           though
           otherwise
           never
           so
           much
           disrellished
           by
           their
           Lordships
           ;
           the
           Triers
           of
           the
           last
           edition
           are
           mounted
           upon
           thrones
           of
           power
           and
           authority
           far
           above
           the
           line
           and
           level
           of
           their
           Predecessors
           and
           forefathers
           (
           the
           Bishops
           )
           For
           these
           are
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           plenipotentiary
           in
           the
           highest
           in
           their
           proceedings
           ;
           they
           esteem
           all
           laws
           ,
           but
           as
           
             Leviathan
          
           esteems
           iron
           and
           brasse
           ,
           
             He
             esteemeth
             iron
             as
             straw
             ,
             and
             brasse
             as
             rotten
             wood
             ;
          
           they
           with
           the
           Pope
           ,
           laugh
           all
           appeals
           to
           scorn
           ,
           and
           
             with
             the
             wilde
             asse
          
           in
           
             Jeremy
             ,
          
           being
           
             used
             to
             the
             wilderness
             ,
             snuff
             up
             the
             winde
             at
             pleasure
             ,
          
           and
           fear
           not
           
             in
             their
             occasions
             to
             be
             turned
             away
          
           by
           any
           man
           .
           Never
           was
           there
           such
           a
           rule-less
           ,
           law-less
           ,
           controuleless
           generation
           of
           men
           set
           up
           in
           this
           Nation
           over
           the
           Lords
           people
           in
           it
           :
           never
           was
           there
           the
           like
           unsufferable
           yoak
           of
           slavery
           fastened
           about
           the
           necks
           of
           the
           free
           born
           people
           here
           ,
           as
           the
           power
           given
           by
           Commission
           unto
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           claimed
           and
           exercised
           by
           ,
           these
           men
           ,
           upon
           pretence
           of
           such
           Commission
           .
        
         
           Where
           there
           are
           great
           numbers
           of
           men
           in
           a
           State
           or
           Nation
           ,
           
           and
           a
           great
           part
           of
           these
           very
           considerable
           for
           true
           and
           reall
           worth
           ,
           as
           for
           piety
           ,
           holiness
           ,
           zeal
           of
           God
           &c.
           on
           the
           one
           hand
           ;
           and
           so
           for
           choiceness
           of
           parts
           ,
           endowments
           ,
           and
           abilities
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           ,
           who
           are
           divided
           in
           judgement
           about
           many
           great
           questions
           and
           controversies
           in
           Christian
           Religion
           ;
           it
           is
           broadly
           contrary
           to
           all
           approved
           principles
           of
           State-policy
           ,
           and
           much
           more
           of
           Christian
           piety
           ,
           to
           set
           up
           and
           arm
           one
           of
           these
           parties
           with
           power
           and
           authority
           to
           judge
           and
           sentence
           the
           other
           ,
           yea
           to
           tread
           and
           trample
           them
           under
           their
           feet
           like
           clay
           and
           mire
           in
           the
           streets
           ,
           and
           this
           without
           all
           remedy
           or
           relief
           ,
           either
           by
           appeal
           ,
           or
           otherwise
           ,
           from
           any
           man
           .
           For
           is
           not
           such
           a
           course
           or
           practice
           as
           this
           ,
           of
           a
           direct
           and
           manifest
           tendency
           to
           beget
           a
           spirit
           of
           insolency
           ,
           extravagancy
           ,
           and
           oppression
           ,
           in
           the
           party
           thus
           exorbytantly
           advanced
           and
           impowred
           ;
           and
           consequently
           to
           engender
           ,
           nourish
           and
           foment
           in
           the
           party
           oppressed
           ,
           a
           spirit
           of
           discontent
           ,
           disaffection
           ,
           and
           of
           waiting
           
           an
           opportunity
           for
           a
           rescue
           and
           deliverance
           ?
           Or
           are
           not
           the
           Commissions
           we
           speak
           of
           ,
           of
           this
           calculation
           ?
           Do
           they
           not
           set
           up
           a
           generation
           of
           men
           to
           be
           judges
           over
           those
           ,
           who
           dissent
           from
           them
           in
           some
           weighty
           matters
           of
           faith
           ?
           Or
           do
           not
           the
           men
           thus
           set
           up
           exercise
           a
           bloudy
           dominion
           over
           their
           Adversaries
           onely
           for
           dissenting
           from
           them
           (
           although
           they
           nick-naming
           the
           same
           ,
           call
           it
           ,
           a
           dissenting
           from
           the
           Truth
           )
           dooming
           them
           and
           theirs
           from
           time
           to
           time
           ,
           with
           the
           Prophet
           
             Micaiahs
          
           doom
           )
           to
           
             be
             fed
             with
             the
             bread
             of
             affliction
             ,
             and
             water
             of
             affliction
             ,
          
           or
           to
           suffer
           cold
           ,
           hunger
           ,
           nakedness
           and
           all
           extremity
           ,
           if
           God
           will
           not
           look
           after
           them
           ,
           and
           by
           his
           more
           than
           ordinary
           providence
           ,
           provide
           better
           than
           so
           for
           them
           ?
        
         
           To
           spread
           snares
           and
           temptations
           in
           the
           way
           of
           mens
           consciences
           ,
           
           so
           as
           to
           expose
           them
           to
           danger
           of
           pollution
           and
           defilement
           ,
           and
           of
           offering
           violence
           to
           themselves
           ,
           is
           not
           consistent
           with
           a
           good
           conscience
           in
           any
           man
           ,
           or
           with
           the
           approved
           principles
           of
           Christianity
           .
           
             But
             judge
             this
             rather
             ,
             that
             no
             man
             put
             a
             stumbling
             block
             ,
             or
             an
             occasion
             to
             fall
             in
             his
             brothers
             way
             ,
          
           Rom.
           14
           27.
           
           Now
           whether
           the
           men
           armed
           with
           the
           power
           and
           authority
           of
           the
           two
           Commissions
           protested
           ,
           do
           not
           either
           by
           vertue
           ,
           or
           colour
           ,
           of
           the
           said
           Commissions
           frequently
           perpetrate
           and
           practice
           the
           said
           high
           unchristian
           misdemeanor
           ,
           I
           could
           be
           content
           to
           make
           themselves
           judges
           ,
           if
           they
           would
           but
           make
           their
           own
           proceedings
           the
           law
           ,
           and
           rule
           of
           their
           sentence
           .
           For
           1.
           is
           not
           the
           simple
           professing
           and
           owning
           of
           those
           great
           and
           important
           truths
           of
           God
           that
           
             Christ
          
           dyed
           ,
           or
           
             gave
             himself
             a
             ransome
             for
             all
             men
          
           (
           as
           the
           Scripture
           saith
           )
           that
           God
           reprobated
           no
           man
           under
           a
           personall
           consideration
           ,
           nor
           intended
           so
           to
           reprobate
           any
           man
           ,
           from
           eternity
           ,
           that
           he
           vouchsafeth
           a
           sufficiency
           of
           means
           unto
           all
           men
           whereby
           to
           repent
           and
           be
           saved
           ,
           that
           he
           neither
           constraineth
           ,
           nor
           necessitateth
           ,
           any
           man
           to
           believe
           ,
           or
           to
           be
           saved
           ,
           that
           those
           who
           at
           present
           truly
           believe
           ,
           may
           put
           [
           or
           thrust
           ]
           away
           a
           good
           conscience
           from
           them
           ,
           and
           hereby
           make
           shipwreck
           of
           their
           Faith
           ,
           and
           perish
           ;
           is
           not
           (
           I
           say
           )
           the
           professing
           and
           owning
           of
           these
           most
           worthy
           truths
           (
           with
           others
           confederate
           with
           them
           )
           a
           bar
           against
           all
           spirituall
           or
           ecclesiastick
           promotion
           in
           the
           course
           and
           processe
           of
           
           their
           consistory
           ?
           And
           may
           not
           thieves
           and
           murderers
           as
           soon
           (
           or
           sooner
           )
           purchase
           the
           seal
           of
           their
           approbation
           ,
           and
           (
           
             solutis
             solvendis
          
           )
           obtain
           their
           passe
           unto
           any
           benefice
           ,
           or
           augmentation
           ,
           as
           men
           whose
           faces
           are
           but
           set
           towards
           any
           the
           said
           Tenents
           ,
           though
           otherwise
           never
           so
           signally
           
             qualified
             ,
          
           both
           with
           moralls
           and
           intellectualls
           for
           the
           Ministry
           ?
           Again
           2
           is
           it
           not
           their
           guise
           and
           manner
           to
           scrue
           and
           dive
           as
           far
           and
           as
           deep
           as
           they
           know
           how
           ,
           into
           the
           judgements
           and
           conscience
           of
           those
           who
           come
           before
           them
           (
           at
           least
           if
           they
           be
           not
           known
           vassalls
           to
           their
           sense
           in
           the
           points
           mentioned
           ,
           before
           hand
           )
           to
           discover
           ,
           whether
           there
           be
           not
           some
           touch
           or
           tincture
           (
           at
           least
           )
           of
           some
           propension
           or
           verging
           of
           judgement
           towards
           those
           erroneous
           opinions
           (
           erroneously
           so
           called
           )
           to
           be
           found
           there
           ?
           If
           they
           answer
           any
           whit
           tenderly
           in
           the
           case
           ,
           or
           but
           whisper
           the
           least
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           construable
           in
           favour
           of
           any
           of
           those
           opinions
           ,
           
             actum
             est
             ilicet
             ,
             perierunt
             ,
          
           they
           are
           lost
           and
           undone
           men
           :
           they
           are
           presently
           condemned
           (
           they
           and
           theirs
           )
           by
           these
           consistorian
           judges
           ,
           to
           the
           spade
           ,
           or
           flail
           ,
           or
           else
           to
           cleaness
           of
           teeth
           ,
           or
           begging
           their
           bread
           where
           they
           can
           finde
           it
           .
           So
           that
           when
           young
           men
           who
           are
           fair
           for
           preferment
           ,
           &
           want
           nothing
           but
           these
           mens
           ,
           good
           will
           in
           wax
           and
           paper
           to
           the
           possession
           and
           enjoyment
           of
           it
           ,
           shall
           come
           before
           them
           ,
           knowing
           that
           they
           are
           not
           like
           to
           be
           supplyed
           with
           that
           which
           they
           want
           in
           this
           case
           ,
           but
           by
           a
           professed
           disowning
           those
           great
           truths
           of
           God
           [
           lately
           specified
           ]
           let
           the
           regret
           of
           their
           judgements
           and
           consciences
           in
           the
           act
           be
           never
           so
           strong
           ,
           are
           they
           not
           now
           under
           a
           sore
           temptation
           ,
           and
           hard
           to
           be
           resisted
           by
           flesh
           and
           bloud
           ,
           to
           dissemble
           both
           with
           God
           and
           man
           ,
           and
           to
           pollute
           their
           consciences
           ,
           in
           case
           they
           stand
           inwardly
           convinced
           of
           the
           clearness
           of
           those
           truths
           ,
           which
           they
           are
           thus
           sorely
           tempted
           openly
           to
           renounce
           and
           disclaim
           ?
           And
           may
           not
           such
           faultring
           and
           dissembling
           with
           God
           as
           this
           ,
           prove
           ,
           yea
           hath
           it
           not
           oft
           proved
           ,
           of
           that
           sad
           consequence
           ,
           as
           to
           occasion
           such
           a
           breath
           between
           him
           ,
           and
           his
           creature
           ,
           as
           was
           never
           repaired
           afterwards
           ?
           Woe
           to
           such
           a
           generation
           of
           men
           that
           shall
           spread
           such
           snares
           of
           death
           ,
           lay
           such
           stumbling
           blocks
           ,
           as
           these
           in
           their
           Brethrens
           way
           .
           If
           they
           stumble
           and
           fall
           by
           them
           ,
           shall
           not
           their
           bloud
           be
           required
           at
           their
           hands
           ?
           Or
           
           did
           
             Balaam
          
           escape
           the
           revenging
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           taught
           
             Balack
          
           to
           
             cast
             a
             stumbling
             block
             before
             the
             children
             of
             Israell
             ?
          
           See
           
             Josh.
          
           13.
           22.
           
           Or
           is
           it
           regular
           ,
           or
           worthy
           persons
           professing
           Christianity
           ,
           to
           reward
           men
           with
           their
           favour
           and
           approbation
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           their
           preferment
           ,
           who
           shall
           do
           unworthily
           by
           sinning
           against
           their
           judgements
           and
           consciences
           ;
           and
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           to
           obstruct
           those
           in
           their
           way
           ,
           and
           hereby
           set
           a
           black
           brand
           of
           reproach
           upon
           them
           ,
           who
           shall
           deal
           clearly
           ,
           candidly
           ,
           and
           Christianly
           with
           them
           ?
           Or
           is
           not
           this
           the
           way
           when
           occasion
           serves
           ,
           of
           those
           men
           ,
           who
           have
           not
           lifted
           up
           themselves
           upon
           the
           wings
           of
           the
           two
           Commissions
           mentioned
           ,
           to
           make
           their
           nests
           among
           the
           Stars
           ?
        
         
           According
           to
           the
           best
           principles
           of
           
             Christian
          
           policy
           ,
           
           such
           men
           ,
           who
           are
           like
           to
           thrust
           the
           best
           of
           those
           back
           from
           working
           in
           the
           Lords
           harvest
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           of
           the
           harvest
           thrusts
           forward
           to
           his
           work
           there
           ,
           are
           not
           to
           be
           invested
           with
           any
           such
           authority
           or
           power
           ,
           by
           which
           they
           shall
           be
           enabled
           to
           do
           this
           great
           disservice
           both
           unto
           God
           and
           men
           .
           But
           such
           are
           the
           Persons
           ,
           at
           least
           the
           far
           greater
           part
           of
           them
           (
           and
           such
           were
           they
           before
           their
           intrustment
           )
           who
           by
           the
           Commissions
           aforesaid
           ,
           are
           made
           the
           authorized
           Judges
           of
           the
           judgements
           of
           all
           the
           Ministers
           (
           at
           least
           of
           all
           the
           publick
           Ministers
           )
           of
           the
           Nation
           ;
           they
           are
           ,
           and
           were
           ,
           by
           a
           true
           and
           solid
           estimate
           of
           them
           (
           in
           respect
           of
           their
           spirit
           ,
           principles
           ,
           and
           Tenents
           ,
           )
           not
           onely
           ,
           like
           to
           presume
           and
           undertake
           to
           prescribe
           unto
           God
           and
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           who
           ,
           and
           what
           manner
           of
           persons
           they
           should
           do
           well
           to
           authorize
           and
           imploy
           in
           the
           publick
           Ministry
           in
           this
           Nation
           ;
           and
           again
           ,
           who
           ,
           and
           what
           manner
           of
           persons
           it
           would
           be
           expedient
           for
           them
           to
           reject
           and
           put
           by
           from
           that
           imployment
           ;
           but
           further
           ,
           more
           generally
           to
           recommend
           and
           order
           unto
           them
           (
           that
           I
           say
           not
           ,
           obtrude
           upon
           them
           )
           for
           the
           service
           ,
           men
           far
           less
           competent
           ,
           than
           many
           of
           those
           ,
           whom
           they
           (
           God
           I
           mean
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           )
           recommend
           daily
           ,
           and
           providentially
           send
           unto
           them
           for
           their
           approbation
           ,
           and
           yet
           are
           disallowed
           and
           rejected
           by
           them
           .
           For
           certainly
           they
           who
           know
           ,
           understand
           ,
           and
           believe
           ,
           and
           are
           excellently
           qualified
           to
           teach
           the
           just
           compass
           and
           extent
           of
           the
           Grace
           [
           or
           free
           Grace
           ]
           of
           God
           in
           the
           Death
           and
           Gospell
           of
           his
           Son
           (
           and
           so
           are
           uniform
           
           and
           consistent
           in
           their
           teachings
           )
           other
           endowments
           ,
           as
           of
           meekness
           ,
           humility
           ,
           love
           ,
           zeal
           ,
           good
           will
           to
           the
           work
           
             &c.
          
           concurring
           ,
           are
           persons
           more
           competent
           for
           the
           work
           of
           the
           ministry
           ,
           than
           those
           ,
           who
           confining
           the
           said
           Grace
           of
           God
           within
           the
           narrow
           sphere
           of
           their
           own
           apprehensions
           ,
           are
           hereby
           inevitably
           entangled
           in
           the
           course
           of
           their
           ministry
           ,
           so
           as
           ever
           and
           anon
           to
           pull
           down
           ,
           what
           even
           now
           they
           built
           up
           ;
           and
           again
           ,
           presently
           to
           build
           up
           ,
           what
           a
           very
           little
           before
           they
           pulled
           down
           .
           And
           yet
           such
           is
           the
           spirit
           ,
           such
           the
           principles
           and
           Tenents
           of
           the
           men
           now
           under
           censure
           (
           and
           the
           nature
           and
           property
           of
           all
           these
           accordingly
           might
           easily
           have
           been
           known
           by
           those
           who
           put
           them
           into
           Commission
           ,
           before
           this
           grand
           and
           unhappy
           oversight
           was
           committed
           )
           that
           they
           take
           themselves
           bound
           in
           conscience
           to
           admit
           the
           latter
           onely
           ,
           with
           the
           two
           grand
           incompetencies
           mentioned
           ,
           into
           the
           work
           of
           the
           ministry
           ,
           and
           to
           say
           unto
           the
           former
           ,
           notwithstanding
           those
           signall
           characters
           upon
           them
           (
           lately
           mentioned
           )
           with
           other
           qualifications
           comporting
           ,
           notably
           marking
           them
           out
           for
           the
           said
           great
           work
           ,
           you
           are
           not
           fit
           to
           serve
           at
           the
           Altar
           ,
           not
           meet
           to
           have
           part
           or
           fellowship
           in
           this
           business
           of
           the
           ministry
           ;
           you
           are
           not
           of
           our
           judgements
           in
           all
           points
           ,
           wherein
           we
           are
           infallible
           :
           therefore
           we
           must
           smite
           you
           with
           the
           rod
           of
           our
           power
           ,
           and
           break
           you
           in
           pieces
           like
           potters
           vessels
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           learn
           not
           to
           
             Remonstrate
             ,
          
           nor
           take
           up
           the
           truth
           in
           contestation
           with
           us
           .
        
         
           The
           Commission
           for
           Triers
           ,
           
           as
           the
           Sons
           of
           the
           womb
           thereof
           glosse
           it
           by
           their
           practice
           ,
           is
           of
           a
           very
           hard
           ,
           yea
           mischievous
           calculation
           ,
           whensoever
           the
           Patron
           ,
           whether
           Person
           ,
           Parish
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           company
           of
           men
           ,
           who
           have
           the
           right
           of
           nomination
           or
           presentation
           of
           a
           Minister
           ,
           shall
           be
           found
           of
           differing
           (
           though
           of
           a
           better
           ,
           and
           more
           sound
           )
           judgement
           from
           the
           said
           Triers
           .
           For
           in
           case
           he
           be
           orthodox
           in
           the
           great
           Doctrines
           of
           universal
           Attonement
           by
           
             Christ
             ,
          
           of
           conditional
           Perseverance
           (
           with
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           same
           band
           of
           association
           )
           wherein
           it
           is
           sure
           enough
           that
           the
           Triers
           are
           heterodox
           (
           or
           at
           least
           professe
           to
           hold
           that
           ,
           which
           is
           interpretatively
           as
           much
           ,
           for
           I
           know
           not
           well
           how
           they
           should
           escape
           an
           inward
           conviction
           )
           he
           should
           not
           answer
           the
           law
           or
           dictate
           
           of
           a
           good
           conscience
           to
           offer
           or
           present
           unto
           the
           Triers
           a
           man
           dissenting
           in
           such
           weighty
           points
           from
           himself
           ,
           especially
           ,
           when
           he
           knoweth
           a
           person
           like
           minded
           with
           himself
           ,
           regularly
           capable
           in
           all
           other
           respects
           of
           such
           a
           presentation
           ,
           and
           willing
           to
           be
           presented
           .
           Yea
           very
           possibly
           the
           judgement
           and
           conscience
           of
           a
           Patron
           may
           (
           through
           a
           mistake
           )
           resent
           it
           as
           a
           thing
           unlawfull
           ,
           for
           him
           to
           present
           any
           man
           ,
           whom
           he
           judgeth
           not
           sound
           in
           these
           great
           Doctrines
           of
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           or
           that
           doubteth
           of
           ,
           or
           denyeth
           the
           universal
           extent
           of
           Christs
           death
           .
           In
           this
           case
           ,
           the
           people
           destitute
           (
           at
           present
           )
           of
           a
           Minister
           or
           spiritual
           shepheard
           ,
           are
           like
           to
           be
           destitute
           still
           :
           and
           for
           six
           months
           at
           east
           to
           be
           exposed
           to
           all
           the
           evils
           &
           dangers
           that
           are
           incident
           to
           a
           people
           ,
           like
           unto
           sheep
           scattered
           ,
           and
           not
           having
           a
           shepheard
           :
           and
           at
           the
           six
           months
           end
           the
           Patron
           ,
           whoever
           he
           was
           (
           
             primum
             in
             unoquoque
             genere
             est
             excipiendum
          
           )
           being
           non-suited
           in
           the
           plea
           of
           his
           priviledg
           the
           people
           ,
           if
           their
           sacerdotal
           demeansbe
           any
           thing
           considerable
           ,
           are
           like
           to
           have
           some
           favourite
           of
           the
           times
           ,
           wearing
           black
           ,
           instead
           of
           a
           Minister
           ,
           thrust
           upon
           them
           ,
           or
           otherwise
           to
           remain
           spiritually
           waste
           and
           desolate
           For
           the
           Patron
           ,
           in
           the
           case
           we
           now
           speak
           of
           ,
           cannot
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           his
           conscience
           ,
           present
           a
           man
           passeable
           in
           respect
           of
           his
           judgment
           ,
           with
           the
           Triers
           :
           and
           the
           Triers
           again
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           theirs
           (
           at
           least
           as
           they
           pretend
           )
           cannot
           passe
           any
           man
           of
           a
           passeable
           judgement
           with
           the
           other
           .
           And
           thus
           by
           means
           of
           this
           un-christrian
           and
           irreconcileable
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           between
           the
           Patron
           and
           the
           Triers
           ,
           unhappily
           occasioned
           by
           the
           Commission
           ,
           the
           poore
           people
           are
           miserably
           distracted
           and
           oppressed
           in
           their
           spirituall
           estates
           ,
           being
           fed
           with
           the
           ayre
           instead
           of
           the
           bread
           of
           life
           ;
           and
           the
           Patron
           suffers
           an
           illegall
           defeature
           of
           his
           just
           desire
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           the
           worthy
           Person
           presented
           by
           him
           :
           and
           the
           person
           rejected
           ,
           an
           uncivill
           (
           that
           I
           say
           not
           ,
           an
           unchristian
           )
           affront
           ,
           and
           undeservered
           blot
           in
           his
           reputation
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           maxime
           the
           truth
           whereof
           is
           avouched
           by
           the
           experience
           of
           all
           ages
           ,
           (
           in
           most
           cases
           at
           least
           )
           
             Nulla
             potentia
             fida
             est
             ,
             si
             sit
             nimia
             ;
          
           no
           power
           is
           trusty
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           over
           great
           .
           The
           reason
           may
           be
           ,
           because
           all
           power
           being
           matter
           of
           trust
           and
           depositure
           ,
           for
           the
           use
           and
           benefit
           of
           those
           ,
           who
           depone
           it
           ,
           and
           
           those
           who
           are
           entrusted
           ,
           accountable
           to
           the
           Trustees
           ;
           when
           either
           it
           is
           at
           first
           conferred
           in
           too
           large
           a
           proportion
           ,
           and
           without
           such
           cautions
           ,
           limits
           ,
           and
           provisos
           ,
           which
           are
           necessary
           for
           the
           regulation
           and
           due
           ordering
           of
           it
           in
           its
           exercise
           and
           administration
           ;
           or
           else
           in
           the
           course
           and
           exercise
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           from
           time
           to
           time
           permitted
           to
           stretch
           it self
           beyond
           the
           line
           of
           its
           original
           grant
           ,
           and
           so
           by
           degrees
           to
           swell
           and
           grow
           out
           of
           all
           shape
           ,
           to
           a
           prodigeous
           kinde
           of
           enormity
           ,
           it
           is
           apt
           to
           become
           unweildy
           and
           unruly
           in
           his
           hand
           that
           holds
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           teach
           him
           things
           that
           are
           exorbitant
           and
           uncomely
           :
           Yea
           he
           that
           understands
           himself
           armed
           with
           power
           incompetent
           for
           men
           ,
           greater
           then
           subjection
           to
           give
           an
           account
           of
           its
           actings
           unto
           any
           man
           ,
           is
           not
           like
           to
           be
           far
           from
           such
           an
           intoxication
           ,
           which
           inclines
           men
           to
           think
           that
           they
           are
           some
           Demi-gods
           ,
           &
           that
           it
           is
           but
           reason
           that
           both
           the
           natural
           and
           civill
           rights
           and
           priviledges
           ,
           and
           comforts
           ,
           yea
           and
           consciences
           also
           of
           other
           men
           ,
           should
           be
           sacrificed
           upon
           the
           service
           of
           their
           interest
           ,
           or
           pleasure
           onely
           .
           It
           is
           generally
           known
           what
           monstrous
           and
           blasphemous
           conceits
           with
           practices
           sutable
           ,
           the
           overgrown
           power
           claimed
           and
           exercised
           by
           the
           Pope
           ,
           hath
           dictated
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           ingaged
           him
           to
           justifie
           and
           maintain
           .
           And
           is
           not
           the
           power
           ,
           claimed
           and
           acted
           by
           the
           Triers
           ,
           whether
           by
           vertue
           of
           their
           foundation
           ,
           or
           by
           the
           underhand
           indulgence
           and
           connivence
           of
           their
           founders
           ,
           very
           superlative
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           house
           and
           lineage
           of
           the
           Papall
           ?
           The
           Popes
           (
           saith
           
             Thuanus
          
           )
           held
           it
           for
           a
           principle
           inviolable
           not
           to
           confesse
           themselves
           to
           err
           in
           any
           thing
           :
           and
           Pope
           
             Nicholas
          
           made
           a
           Decree
           ,
           That
           none
           presume
           to
           reprehend
           his
           judgment
           ,
           nor
           to
           judge
           of
           it
           :
           It
           hath
           been
           a
           long
           time
           obtruded
           upon
           the
           world
           ,
           to
           believe
           the
           infallibility
           of
           the
           Papall
           Chair
           .
           The
           absolute
           anomie
           and
           lawlesnesse
           of
           the
           Pope
           is
           such
           ,
           or
           claimed
           for
           such
           ,
           that
           no
           man
           may
           judge
           of
           him
           ,
           no
           man
           may
           dispute
           of
           his
           judgement
           ,
           or
           call
           it
           in
           question
           ,
           though
           he
           draw
           millions
           of
           souls
           with
           him
           into
           hell
           .
           When
           the
           Emperour
           
             Charls
          
           came
           to
           
             Rome
          
           to
           reform
           the
           abuses
           of
           the
           Pope
           ,
           and
           began
           to
           enquire
           of
           them
           ,
           Answer
           was
           made
           by
           all
           here
           ,
           that
           the
           Apostolique
           See
           being
           the
           head
           of
           all
           Churches
           ,
           ought
           to
           be
           judged
           of
           none
           ;
           especially
           ,
           not
           by
           a
           lay
           man
           .
           
             The
             spirituall
             man
             judgeth
             all
             things
             ,
             but
             he
             himself
             is
             judged
             of
             no
             man
             ,
          
           is
           pleaded
           for
           the
           Popes
           priviledge
           of
           exemption
           
           from
           all
           censure
           or
           question
           .
           The
           Popes
           in
           their
           Decretals
           and
           Canonists
           ,
           arrogate
           and
           assume
           to
           themselves
           
             plenitudinem
             potestatis
             &
             scientiae
             ;
          
           and
           teach
           that
           they
           have
           one
           and
           the
           same
           tribunall
           with
           
             God
          
           and
           
             Christ
             Jesus
             .
          
           They
           suffer
           none
           to
           buy
           or
           sell
           (
           as
           the
           Scripture
           speaketh
           )
           but
           onely
           those
           that
           wonder
           after
           them
           ,
           or
           that
           have
           the
           mark
           ,
           or
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Beast
           ,
           or
           the
           number
           of
           his
           name
           .
           Is
           there
           not
           an
           eye
           of
           these
           principles
           ,
           practises
           ,
           and
           usurpations
           in
           the
           spirits
           and
           practises
           of
           our
           Tryers
           ?
           If
           any
           Minister
           that
           comes
           before
           them
           shall
           dispute
           ,
           or
           call
           into
           question
           their
           judgments
           ,
           though
           never
           so
           erroneous
           and
           destructive
           to
           the
           precious
           souls
           of
           men
           (
           as
           in
           the
           points
           of
           Election
           ,
           Reprobation
           ,
           the
           death
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
             &c.
          
           )
           is
           he
           not
           made
           a
           grand
           delinquent
           for
           so
           doing
           ,
           and
           the
           doore
           of
           preferment
           ,
           
             ipso
             facto
             ,
          
           shut
           up
           with
           bars
           of
           Iron
           against
           him
           ?
           If
           any
           man
           wonders
           not
           after
           them
           and
           their
           leanring
           and
           tenents
           ,
           do
           they
           not
           presently
           set
           the
           black
           brand
           of
           their
           Reprobation
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           interdict
           him
           all
           communion
           in
           all
           Ecclesiasticall
           matters
           ,
           where
           they
           have
           to
           do
           ?
           And
           as
           the
           Popes
           parasites
           have
           a
           saying
           in
           gratification
           of
           their
           great
           Master
           and
           his
           greatnesse
           ,
           
             What
             the
             Pope
             doth
             ,
             is
             done
             ;
          
           meaning
           ,
           is
           so
           done
           ,
           as
           not
           to
           be
           reversed
           or
           undone
           by
           any
           authority
           whatsoever
           ;
           so
           are
           the
           proceedings
           of
           these
           men
           in
           their
           lawlesse
           Consistory
           ;
           so
           auto-cratoricall
           and
           sacred
           ,
           that
           they
           magnifie
           themselves
           against
           all
           appeal
           and
           reversall
           by
           men
           If
           they
           shut
           ,
           no
           man
           can
           open
           .
           Now
           their
           power
           ,
           whether
           by
           investiture
           ,
           Usurpation
           ,
           or
           connivance
           ,
           being
           thus
           vast
           ,
           and
           disproportioned
           to
           the
           weaknesse
           and
           obnoxiousnesse
           of
           flesh
           and
           blood
           ,
           it
           is
           no
           otherwise
           like
           ,
           but
           that
           it
           should
           miscarry
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           be
           found
           treacherous
           and
           disloyall
           to
           the
           interest
           and
           comforts
           of
           those
           ,
           who
           are
           subject
           unto
           it
           ,
           unto
           whom
           notwithstanding
           it
           oweth
           the
           best
           of
           its
           service
           and
           administration
           .
           And
           is
           not
           the
           generation
           of
           Tryers
           accordingly
           troublesome
           and
           burdensome
           with
           their
           power
           ,
           to
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           the
           Nation
           ;
           yea
           to
           far
           the
           greater
           part
           of
           the
           truly
           godly
           and
           well
           affected
           here
           ?
           Do
           they
           not
           use
           it
           to
           the
           making
           and
           maintaining
           of
           parties
           and
           factions
           ,
           to
           the
           gaining
           and
           multiplying
           of
           disciples
           to
           themselves
           ,
           to
           the
           avenging
           themselves
           upon
           their
           enemies
           (
           so
           supposed
           by
           them
           
           for
           not
           subjecting
           their
           judgements
           and
           consciences
           unto
           them
           )
           to
           the
           ingratiating
           of
           themselves
           with
           some
           men
           ,
           affronting
           and
           trampling
           others
           under
           their
           feet
           ?
           Do
           they
           not
           use
           it
           to
           the
           wringing
           and
           straining
           of
           many
           mens
           Consciences
           ,
           by
           imposing
           the
           bloudy
           law
           of
           a
           necessity
           upon
           them
           ,
           either
           to
           praise
           their
           sayings
           and
           commend
           them
           for
           orthodox
           ,
           by
           professing
           themselves
           of
           the
           same
           sense
           and
           judgement
           with
           them
           (
           though
           they
           be
           really
           and
           inwardly
           of
           an
           other
           )
           or
           else
           to
           feell
           the
           weight
           of
           their
           loyns
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           cast
           into
           their
           hell
           fire
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           weeping
           and
           wailing
           for
           want
           of
           bread
           ,
           and
           other
           things
           needfull
           for
           the
           life
           of
           man
           ?
           Yea
           do
           they
           not
           use
           it
           to
           the
           spiritual
           affamishing
           and
           starving
           of
           some
           parishes
           by
           obstructing
           the
           entrance
           and
           accesse
           of
           such
           worthy
           persons
           ,
           onely
           because
           they
           are
           not
           of
           their
           faction
           and
           party
           ,
           who
           are
           designed
           for
           the
           feeding
           of
           them
           with
           the
           bread
           of
           life
           ,
           by
           those
           ,
           who
           judge
           themselves
           bound
           in
           conscience
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           trust
           by
           law
           ,
           to
           make
           provision
           for
           them
           in
           this
           kinde
           ?
           The
           day
           would
           fail
           me
           to
           rehearse
           and
           insist
           upon
           all
           the
           particulars
           of
           the
           irregular
           and
           erroneous
           deportments
           of
           persons
           lifted
           up
           to
           a
           height
           of
           power
           ,
           above
           what
           their
           heads
           and
           hearts
           are
           able
           to
           bear
           ,
           upon
           the
           wings
           of
           an
           unhappy
           commission
           .
        
         
           The
           Gospel
           stands
           in
           no
           need
           of
           any
           commission
           or
           constitution
           of
           humane
           devise
           or
           contrivance
           ,
           
           to
           promote
           or
           carry
           on
           the
           interest
           of
           it
           in
           the
           world
           .
           The
           fervent
           and
           constant
           prayers
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           with
           their
           proper
           fruits
           and
           effects
           ,
           thorough
           the
           gracious
           audience
           and
           condescention
           of
           God
           vouchsafed
           unto
           them
           ,
           are
           sufficient
           to
           render
           the
           state
           and
           condition
           of
           the
           Gospel
           flourishing
           and
           prosperous
           on
           the
           earth
           ;
           at
           least
           in
           conjunction
           with
           the
           observance
           of
           such
           other
           Orders
           and
           Directions
           ,
           as
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           hath
           plainly
           and
           in
           perspicuous
           terms
           left
           us
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           in
           order
           hereunto
           .
           
             a
          
           
             Pray
             ye
             therefore
             the
             Lord
             of
             the
             harvest
             that
             he
             will
             send
          
           [
           or
           thrust
           ,
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ]
           
             forth
             labourers
             into
             his
             harvest
             .
          
           Labourers
           thrust
           forth
           into
           the
           Lords
           harvest
           ,
           will
           ,
           through
           the
           ordinary
           blessing
           of
           God
           upon
           their
           labours
           ,
           advance
           the
           interest
           of
           the
           Gospel
           amongst
           men
           ,
           as
           our
           Saviour
           himself
           in
           this
           passage
           of
           Scripture
           clearly
           supposeth
           ;
           because
           
           otherwise
           it
           were
           not
           worth
           the
           while
           to
           pray
           for
           their
           thrusting
           forth
           ,
           as
           viz.
           in
           case
           their
           thrusting
           forth
           were
           like
           to
           turn
           to
           no
           account
           either
           of
           glory
           unto
           God
           ,
           or
           benefit
           and
           blessing
           unto
           men
           .
           And
           yet
           we
           see
           that
           Christ
           prescribes
           no
           other
           course
           or
           means
           for
           the
           obtaining
           of
           this
           high
           favour
           from
           God
           ,
           but
           prayer
           onely
           :
           therefore
           certainly
           this
           is
           sufficient
           for
           the
           obtaining
           of
           it
           at
           his
           hand
           .
           By
           the
           way
           ;
           our
           Triers
           are
           so
           far
           from
           being
           co-workers
           ,
           or
           co-actors
           with
           God
           in
           his
           gracious
           act
           of
           thrusting
           forth
           labourers
           into
           his
           harvest
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           counter-workers
           against
           him
           many
           times
           ,
           and
           when
           he
           thrusts
           forth
           labourers
           indeed
           ,
           they
           thrust
           them
           back
           ,
           thrusting
           loiterers
           and
           unworthy
           men
           upon
           him
           in
           their
           stead
           .
           And
           doubtlesse
           the
           Lord
           
             Christ
             ,
          
           who
           when
           time
           was
           ,
           desired
           nothing
           in
           this
           world
           (
           at
           least
           comparatively
           )
           before
           his
           departure
           from
           it
           ,
           but
           onely
           to
           
             see
             that
             fire
             kindled
             which
             he
             came
             to
             send
             on
             the
             earth
             ,
          
           (
           Luke
           12.
           49.
           )
           .
           
             i.
             
          
           To
           see
           the
           Gospel
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           to
           have
           gotten
           some
           footing
           ,
           and
           taken
           some
           good
           hold
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           was
           sollicitous
           and
           provident
           enough
           by
           himself
           ,
           or
           by
           his
           Apostles
           (
           at
           least
           )
           to
           order
           and
           enjoyn
           all
           things
           necessary
           or
           meet
           for
           the
           propagation
           and
           spreading
           of
           it
           upon
           terms
           of
           the
           best
           advantage
           after
           him
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           leave
           so
           important
           an
           affair
           to
           the
           umpirage
           ,
           care
           ,
           or
           contrivance
           of
           the
           secular
           powers
           ;
           yea
           ,
           the
           truth
           is
           ,
           and
           the
           experience
           of
           many
           ages
           hath
           demonstrated
           it
           ,
           that
           as
           for
           men
           to
           blend
           the
           grace
           and
           merits
           of
           Christ
           with
           the
           righteousnesse
           of
           the
           law
           and
           their
           own
           works
           ,
           for
           the
           procurement
           and
           obtaining
           of
           justification
           ,
           is
           a
           certain
           way
           or
           means
           never
           to
           be
           justified
           (
           
             Gal.
          
           5.
           2
           ,
           3
           ,
           4.
           )
           in
           like
           manner
           for
           men
           ,
           whoever
           they
           be
           ,
           to
           compound
           the
           wisedome
           ,
           counsells
           and
           institutions
           of
           Christ
           for
           the
           advancement
           of
           the
           Gospell
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           with
           their
           own
           devises
           and
           inventions
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           incumber
           and
           intangle
           them
           ,
           is
           the
           next
           way
           to
           obstruct
           the
           course
           of
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           and
           to
           keep
           it
           from
           running
           so
           as
           to
           be
           glorified
           in
           the
           world
           .
           And
           yet
           the
           professing
           powers
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           have
           in
           all
           times
           had
           itching
           desires
           to
           be
           officious
           unto
           Jesus
           Christ
           in
           this
           kinde
           ,
           and
           to
           obtrude
           upon
           him
           their
           own
           projections
           and
           inventions
           to
           accommodate
           and
           help
           him
           through
           the
           world
           with
           
           his
           worship
           and
           Gospell
           :
           A
           course
           ,
           which
           however
           it
           still
           may
           have
           gratified
           the
           flesh
           of
           some
           ignorant
           professors
           ,
           together
           with
           many
           such
           ,
           who
           have
           been
           inordina●e
           lovers
           of
           this
           present
           world
           ,
           and
           the
           darlings
           of
           the
           times
           ,
           yet
           never
           did
           the
           heart
           of
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           nor
           the
           serious
           and
           hearty
           profession
           thereof
           ,
           ever
           prosper
           or
           rejoyce
           in
           it
           .
           Unto
           which
           of
           the
           Kings
           or
           Potentates
           of
           the
           earth
           did
           the
           Lord
           
             Christ
          
           ever
           say
           ,
           I
           have
           ordained
           you
           by
           your
           wisedome
           power
           ,
           and
           Authority
           ,
           to
           supply
           that
           ,
           which
           hath
           been
           wanting
           in
           me
           and
           my
           Apostles
           ,
           for
           the
           propagation
           of
           my
           Gospell
           in
           your
           dominions
           ?
        
         
           The
           Kings
           and
           Princes
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           
           cannot
           regularly
           ,
           or
           with
           a
           good
           conscience
           ,
           assume
           or
           exercise
           any
           further
           ,
           or
           other
           power
           ,
           or
           authority
           ,
           than
           what
           hath
           been
           regularly
           vested
           in
           them
           ,
           or
           conferred
           upon
           them
           by
           the
           people
           ,
           by
           whom
           God
           hath
           called
           or
           advanced
           them
           to
           their
           respective
           entrustments
           .
           For
           as
           God
           in
           these
           daies
           doth
           not
           make
           Kings
           or
           supreme
           Rulers
           immediately
           ,
           or
           by
           divine
           dictate
           ,
           designation
           ,
           or
           order
           extraordinary
           ,
           but
           mediately
           by
           those
           that
           are
           to
           be
           ruled
           and
           governed
           by
           them
           ;
           so
           niether
           doth
           he
           give
           them
           their
           power
           immediately
           ,
           but
           by
           those
           who
           call
           them
           unto
           their
           trust
           of
           government
           .
           Now
           God
           never
           gave
           any
           commission
           or
           authority
           unto
           these
           to
           confer
           upon
           their
           Rulers
           ,
           either
           any
           other
           kinde
           ,
           or
           further
           degree
           of
           power
           ,
           than
           what
           by
           the
           law
           of
           nature
           himself
           hath
           seated
           in
           them
           ,
           or
           in
           their
           communities
           (
           respectively
           )
           in
           order
           to
           the
           regular
           government
           of
           themselves
           .
           So
           that
           Regularly
           vested
           by
           the
           people
           with
           any
           such
           authority
           or
           power
           Rulers
           cannot
           be
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           vested
           in
           them
           by
           God
           ,
           or
           nature
           .
           And
           if
           any
           people
           should
           derive
           (
           or
           rather
           intend
           or
           declare
           to
           derive
           )
           unto
           their
           Prince
           or
           chief
           Ruler
           ,
           whom
           they
           set
           over
           them
           ,
           any
           such
           power
           ,
           which
           they
           have
           not
           themselves
           ,
           either
           formally
           ,
           or
           eminently
           ,
           their
           act
           of
           delegation
           or
           derivation
           in
           this
           kinde
           is
           null
           and
           void
           ;
           as
           any
           donation
           of
           what
           is
           not
           the
           givers
           own
           ,
           or
           which
           he
           hath
           no
           right
           to
           give
           ,
           is
           a
           nullity
           ,
           and
           nothing
           passeth
           to
           another
           by
           vertue
           of
           it
           .
           And
           yet
           more
           evident
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           chief
           Rulers
           and
           Magistrates
           have
           no
           right
           of
           claim
           to
           any
           such
           authority
           ,
           nor
           can
           with
           a
           good
           conscience
           exercise
           or
           act
           
           any
           such
           power
           or
           Authority
           ,
           which
           never
           was
           conferred
           ,
           nor
           intended
           to
           be
           conferred
           upon
           them
           ,
           by
           their
           people
           .
           Now
           1.
           certain
           it
           is
           that
           no body
           (
           much
           less
           any
           politick
           or
           civill
           body
           )
           or
           community
           of
           people
           ,
           hath
           any
           authority
           or
           power
           from
           God
           ,
           either
           by
           the
           law
           of
           nature
           ,
           or
           otherwise
           ,
           to
           establish
           any
           such
           Rule
           or
           law
           ,
           one
           ,
           or
           more
           ,
           amongst
           them
           ,
           no
           not
           by
           or
           with
           the
           universall
           consent
           of
           every
           individual
           member
           of
           this
           body
           ,
           according
           unto
           which
           they
           shall
           all
           stand
           bound
           to
           believe
           every
           man
           the
           same
           things
           with
           an
           other
           in
           all
           points
           of
           Christian
           Religion
           ,
           or
           that
           any
           one
           mans
           judgement
           ,
           or
           the
           judgement
           of
           any
           number
           of
           men
           amongst
           them
           ,
           shall
           be
           the
           standard
           unto
           which
           all
           the
           rest
           shall
           conform
           their
           judgements
           in
           matters
           of
           Faith
           or
           worship
           ,
           or
           else
           incurre
           some
           civill
           punishment
           .
           The
           reason
           is
           ,
           because
           God
           never
           gives
           a
           power
           unto
           any
           man
           ,
           or
           any
           number
           of
           men
           ,
           to
           enslave
           or
           subject
           the
           consciences
           of
           men
           in
           matters
           appertaining
           unto
           himself
           ,
           either
           unto
           themselves
           &
           their
           judgement
           ,
           or
           unto
           any
           others
           ;
           or
           to
           inflict
           any
           civill
           mulct
           or
           punishment
           upon
           any
           man
           ,
           for
           thinking
           that
           they
           are
           mistaken
           in
           some
           of
           their
           Tenents
           concerning
           God
           ,
           and
           Christ
           ,
           and
           consequently
           that
           he
           ought
           to
           dissent
           from
           them
           .
           God
           reserves
           the
           legislative
           power
           over
           the
           consciences
           of
           men
           unto
           himself
           alone
           :
           Therefore
           in
           case
           any
           people
           should
           conferre
           ,
           or
           do
           what
           lies
           in
           them
           to
           conferre
           ,
           such
           a
           power
           as
           this
           upon
           their
           Soveraign
           Magistrate
           or
           Ruler
           ,
           this
           Magistrate
           or
           Ruler
           should
           have
           no
           right
           at
           all
           ,
           either
           to
           own
           ,
           or
           exercise
           this
           power
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           intended
           collation
           of
           it
           upon
           them
           by
           his
           people
           .
           Yet
           a
           It
           is
           at
           no
           hand
           probable
           ,
           nor
           have
           I
           so
           much
           as
           ever
           heard
           ,
           or
           read
           ,
           it
           insisted
           upon
           ,
           or
           pleaded
           ,
           by
           the
           Rulers
           in
           chief
           in
           this
           Nation
           ,
           or
           on
           their
           behalf
           ,
           that
           the
           people
           of
           this
           land
           ever
           gave
           unto
           them
           ,
           or
           invested
           in
           them
           ,
           any
           such
           power
           as
           that
           now
           declared
           ,
           
             viz
          
           whereby
           they
           might
           invest
           any
           one
           ,
           or
           more
           of
           their
           subjects
           (
           muchlesse
           of
           forreigners
           or
           strangers
           )
           with
           power
           and
           authority
           to
           mold
           and
           form
           the
           judgements
           and
           consciences
           of
           their
           fellow
           subjects
           in
           matters
           of
           faith
           ,
           or
           (
           which
           is
           the
           same
           )
           to
           inflict
           any
           civill
           mulct
           or
           punishment
           ,
           or
           to
           set
           any
           brand
           of
           publick
           infamy
           and
           reproach
           upon
           them
           ,
           as
           by
           excluding
           
           them
           as
           unworthy
           ,
           from
           places
           of
           publick
           trust
           ,
           yea
           from
           all
           means
           of
           livelihood
           and
           subsistance
           ,
           of
           which
           they
           are
           (
           in
           an
           ordinary
           way
           )
           capable
           ,
           and
           ever
           likely
           to
           obtain
           ,
           onely
           because
           they
           cannot
           set
           their
           judgements
           by
           theirs
           ,
           or
           make
           one
           lip
           with
           them
           in
           some
           controverted
           points
           of
           
             Christian
          
           Religion
           .
           Therefore
           the
           Commission
           ,
           by
           vertue
           or
           pretence
           wherof
           our
           
             Triers
          
           (
           and
           there
           is
           not
           a
           much
           differing
           consideration
           of
           their
           Brethren
           in
           iniquity
           ,
           our
           
             Ejectors
             ,
          
           and
           their
           Commission
           )
           sell
           their
           Brethren
           (
           many
           of
           them
           persons
           not
           inferiour
           in
           any
           point
           of
           Christian
           worth
           to
           the
           best
           of
           themselves
           )
           into
           the
           hand
           of
           poverty
           and
           disgrace
           ,
           onely
           because
           they
           will
           not
           prostitute
           their
           judgements
           to
           the
           lust
           and
           ambition
           of
           theirs
           ,
           stands
           not
           upon
           any
           regular
           foundation
           of
           power
           or
           authority
           :
           nor
           is
           there
           any
           person
           ,
           or
           number
           of
           persons
           under
           heaven
           ,
           competent
           or
           duly
           qualified
           to
           enjoyn
           such
           an
           execution
           of
           this
           Commission
           ,
           as
           that
           ,
           which
           that
           occupied
           part
           of
           our
           Triers
           ,
           who
           keep
           the
           stage
           ,
           lift
           up
           their
           hearts
           and
           hands
           unto
           from
           time
           to
           time
           ,
           and
           are
           more
           (
           it
           is
           greatly
           feared
           )
           than
           connived
           at
           ,
           by
           those
           who
           have
           power
           to
           restrain
           them
           from
           their
           evill
           .
        
         
           The
           Spanish
           Inquisition
           accuseth
           aloud
           the
           Romish
           Religion
           of
           cruelty
           and
           bloud
           ,
           
           and
           so
           of
           a
           pregnant
           and
           fiery
           antipathy
           to
           the
           Genius
           and
           spirit
           of
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           which
           magnifie
           themselves
           in
           their
           high
           attempts
           of
           working
           the
           hearts
           and
           spirits
           of
           men
           to
           all
           meekness
           ,
           sweetness
           ,
           and
           love
           .
           If
           so
           much
           of
           the
           Commission
           of
           Triers
           ,
           wherein
           no
           son
           thereof
           is
           named
           ,
           is
           so
           far
           innocent
           ,
           as
           not
           to
           fimbolize
           with
           the
           spirit
           or
           Genius
           of
           the
           said
           Inquisition
           ,
           yet
           the
           names
           of
           some
           of
           the
           Children
           in
           the
           womb
           of
           it
           ,
           presaged
           that
           by
           such
           an
           interpretation
           as
           they
           meant
           to
           give
           unto
           it
           in
           their
           way
           of
           execution
           ,
           they
           would
           reduce
           it
           to
           a
           near
           affinity
           therewith
           .
           And
           what
           the
           names
           persaged
           ,
           the
           men
           have
           effected
           and
           brought
           to
           passe
           (
           yea
           it
           seems
           that
           the
           minde
           and
           intent
           ,
           whether
           Antecedent
           ,
           or
           subsequent
           ,
           or
           both
           ,
           of
           those
           who
           armed
           them
           with
           that
           power
           and
           authority
           ,
           by
           which
           they
           act
           so
           Inquisition
           ,
           like
           ,
           that
           not
           milk
           to
           milk
           ,
           not
           egge
           to
           egg
           ,
           more
           like
           ,
           was
           .
           I
           wish
           I
           could
           say
           ,
           but
           is
           not
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           understand
           their
           commission
           
           to
           signifie
           as
           much
           as
           they
           practice
           .
           )
           For
           what
           do
           the
           bloudy
           Fathers
           of
           the
           Inquisition
           more
           than
           feed
           men
           better
           ,
           and
           more
           orthodox
           and
           sound
           in
           the
           Faith
           ,
           than
           themselves
           ,
           with
           the
           bread
           of
           sore
           affliction
           ,
           under
           the
           pretence
           of
           heresie
           and
           dangerousnesse
           of
           opinion
           ?
           And
           what
           do
           our
           Consistory
           ,
           or
           Inquisition
           of
           Triers
           yea
           of
           Ejectors
           also
           ●lesse
           ?
           Do
           they
           not
           from
           time
           to
           time
           (
           in
           effect
           )
           grinde
           the
           faces
           ,
           and
           break
           the
           bones
           of
           men
           of
           signall
           piety
           and
           worth
           ,
           who
           know
           more
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           Gospell
           ,
           and
           Grace
           here
           ,
           than
           themselves
           ,
           under
           a
           pretence
           of
           errour
           ,
           unsoundnesse
           in
           Doctrine
           ,
           holding
           dangerous
           Opinions
           ,
           and
           such
           calumniating
           and
           unchristian
           imputations
           ?
           Do
           they
           not
           expose
           such
           persons
           with
           their
           wives
           and
           children
           ,
           and
           all
           depending
           on
           their
           hand
           for
           outward
           supplies
           ,
           to
           the
           suffering
           of
           all
           extremities
           of
           hunger
           ,
           cold
           ,
           nakednesse
           ,
           famine
           ,
           ignominy
           ,
           disgrace
           ,
           
             &c.
          
           by
           thrusting
           them
           back
           in
           a
           contumelious
           and
           disgracefull
           manner
           ,
           from
           such
           livelihood
           and
           means
           of
           subsistance
           ,
           which
           both
           God
           and
           man
           had
           agreed
           to
           provide
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           bestow
           upon
           them
           ;
           and
           this
           onely
           for
           not
           complying
           with
           the
           lusts
           of
           their
           ignorance
           and
           ambition
           ,
           and
           not
           imbasing
           their
           consciences
           by
           professing
           the
           same
           profession
           of
           an
           erroneous
           and
           misgrounded
           Faith
           with
           them
           ?
           For
           let
           this
           be
           but
           done
           ,
           the
           men
           are
           satisfied
           and
           overcome
           ,
           the
           door
           of
           entrance
           is
           opened
           immediately
           :
           and
           let
           the
           Clerk
           or
           Register
           be
           but
           a
           little
           over-considered
           ,
           the
           
             Dedimus
             potestatem
          
           will
           be
           given
           with
           the
           heaped
           measure
           of
           expedition
           .
        
         
           When
           the
           trees
           of
           the
           forrest
           (
           in
           
             Jothams
          
           parable
           )
           went
           forth
           to
           annoint
           a
           King
           over
           them
           ,
           
           the
           Olive-tree
           ,
           the
           Fig-tree
           and
           the
           Vine
           ,
           refused
           the
           honour
           ,
           though
           offered
           unto
           them
           ,
           alleadging
           ,
           that
           if
           they
           should
           accept
           it
           ,
           they
           must
           part
           with
           their
           severall
           serviceablenesses
           (
           respectively
           )
           both
           unto
           God
           and
           men
           ,
           which
           they
           pleaded
           was
           not
           meet
           for
           them
           to
           do
           .
           Onely
           when
           the
           trees
           came
           to
           the
           Bramble
           ,
           and
           made
           their
           motion
           unto
           it
           ,
           the
           Bramble
           accepted
           it
           ,
           but
           withall
           enjoyned
           them
           (
           Prince-like
           )
           to
           put
           their
           trust
           in
           his
           shadow
           ;
           threatening
           them
           ,
           that
           if
           they
           should
           not
           ,
           
             fire
          
           would
           
             come
             out
             of
             the
             Bramble
             ,
             and
             devoure
             the
             Cedars
             of
             Lebanon
             .
          
           The
           honour
           (
           such
           as
           it
           is
           )
           which
           is
           delegated
           
           by
           the
           two
           Commissions
           of
           
             Triers
          
           and
           
             Ejectors
             ,
          
           was
           not
           proper
           to
           be
           entertained
           by
           men
           ,
           who
           were
           conscious
           of
           any
           usefulnesse
           in
           themselves
           for
           the
           service
           ,
           either
           of
           God
           or
           man
           ,
           unlesse
           they
           mean
           to
           part
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           take
           this
           honour
           in
           exchange
           for
           it
           .
           Nor
           was
           it
           like
           to
           be
           accepted
           but
           onely
           by
           
             Brambles
             ,
          
           who
           had
           a
           minde
           to
           scratch
           ,
           and
           rend
           ,
           and
           tear
           the
           flesh
           ,
           of
           those
           who
           should
           come
           near
           them
           ,
           and
           withall
           refuse
           to
           put
           their
           trust
           in
           their
           shadow
           ,
           [
           I
           mean
           in
           their
           learning
           and
           judgement
           touching
           matters
           of
           Faith
           ]
           And
           there
           is
           a
           fire
           come
           out
           from
           these
           brambles
           ,
           [
           the
           Consistory
           of
           Triers
           ,
           and
           Consistory
           of
           Ejectors
           .
           ]
           which
           hath
           
             devoured
             the
             Cedars
             of
             Lebanon
             :
          
           they
           have
           consumed
           and
           undone
           persons
           of
           eminent
           growth
           and
           stature
           in
           all
           
             Christian
          
           worth
           and
           excellency
           ;
           and
           if
           their
           Kingdome
           be
           continued
           unto
           them
           ,
           are
           like
           to
           devoure
           more
           .
           Men
           of
           Christian
           and
           sweet
           principles
           would
           have
           bethought
           themselves
           of
           better
           opportunities
           for
           the
           exercise
           and
           improvement
           of
           them
           ,
           than
           a
           fitting
           upon
           a
           Consistorian
           throne
           to
           the
           great
           grievance
           and
           offence
           (
           in
           a
           manner
           )
           of
           a
           whole
           Nation
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           selling
           of
           their
           Brethren
           into
           the
           hand
           of
           poverty
           ,
           disgrace
           ,
           and
           all
           manner
           of
           misery
           ,
           and
           this
           for
           no
           other
           crime
           or
           misdemeanor
           ,
           than
           this
           conceit
           of
           their
           own
           ,
           that
           their
           Brethrens
           Faith
           in
           some
           points
           (
           and
           these
           by
           their
           own
           confession
           ,
           very
           obscure
           ,
           mysterious
           ,
           and
           abstruse
           )
           is
           not
           so
           good
           and
           commendable
           ,
           as
           theirs
           .
           Men
           of
           modest
           and
           Christianly
           ingenuous
           spirits
           would
           never
           endure
           it
           ,
           that
           their
           Brethren
           ,
           some
           of
           them
           (
           it
           may
           be
           )
           every
           waies
           ?
           equall
           to
           the
           best
           of
           themselves
           ,
           should
           take
           long
           ,
           wearisome
           ,
           and
           chargeable
           journies
           ,
           from
           the
           remotest
           part
           of
           the
           land
           to
           give
           attendance
           upon
           them
           ,
           sitting
           upon
           their
           seats
           of
           honour
           ,
           and
           with
           patience
           ,
           reverence
           and
           submission
           ,
           to
           wait
           their
           leisure
           and
           pleasure
           ,
           (
           I
           know
           not
           how
           long
           )
           for
           the
           dispatch
           of
           their
           occasions
           ,
           yea
           the
           leisure
           and
           pleasure
           of
           their
           underlings
           ,
           whether
           Register
           ,
           Clarks
           ,
           or
           by
           what
           other
           name
           they
           call
           them
           .
        
         
           No
           argument
           that
           yet
           hath
           been
           ,
           or
           (
           there
           is
           sufficient
           ground
           to
           believe
           )
           can
           be
           alledged
           for
           the
           necessity
           of
           that
           establishment
           of
           
             Triers
             ,
          
           
           which
           hath
           been
           hitherto
           opposed
           
           is
           much
           considerable
           .
           For
           what
           reason
           can
           there
           be
           for
           any
           necessity
           to
           exchange
           or
           put
           by
           such
           a
           way
           or
           method
           ,
           which
           is
           generally
           known
           ,
           for
           another
           ,
           which
           besides
           that
           it
           threatens
           a
           disturbance
           and
           discontent
           through
           the
           novelty
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           not
           like
           to
           obviate
           or
           prevent
           those
           inconveniencies
           ,
           that
           are
           sometimes
           found
           in
           the
           former
           ,
           unlesse
           it
           be
           with
           introducing
           or
           occasioning
           greater
           in
           their
           stead
           ?
           For
           what
           if
           Patrons
           of
           benefices
           ,
           whether
           parochiall
           congregations
           ,
           or
           single
           persons
           ,
           have
           sometimes
           recommended
           or
           preserted
           unworthy
           men
           to
           some
           of
           these
           places
           ,
           have
           not
           the
           Triers
           been
           as
           great
           or
           greater
           Delinquents
           in
           this
           kinde
           ,
           as
           they
           ?
           Have
           not
           they
           approved
           of
           ,
           and
           given
           wings
           unto
           birds
           of
           as
           unclean
           a
           feather
           ,
           as
           any
           that
           were
           wont
           to
           fly
           from
           the
           others
           hand
           ?
           I
           alwaies
           judged
           it
           beneath
           a
           spirit
           of
           ingenuity
           to
           hold
           intelligence
           with
           any
           man
           for
           information
           of
           the
           sinister
           ,
           and
           undue
           practices
           of
           men
           ,
           or
           to
           give
           encouragement
           unto
           those
           ,
           who
           love
           to
           be
           the
           messengers
           of
           such
           tidings
           ;
           nor
           did
           I
           ever
           bestow
           the
           fourth
           part
           of
           an
           hour
           in
           following
           the
           scent
           of
           any
           report
           I
           have
           occasionally
           met
           with
           concerning
           the
           Triers
           ,
           and
           their
           unhandsome
           and
           unhallowed
           doings
           in
           their
           way
           ,
           although
           I
           have
           met
           with
           many
           in
           this
           kinde
           :
           Nor
           have
           I
           kept
           a
           Register
           either
           with
           my
           pen
           or
           memory
           ,
           of
           such
           stories
           .
           Onely
           I
           cannot
           but
           be
           sensible
           of
           the
           smart
           ,
           which
           ever
           and
           anon
           I
           suffer
           ,
           with
           having
           both
           my
           ears
           beaten
           with
           the
           loud
           complaints
           ,
           clamours
           ,
           and
           out-cries
           ,
           which
           I
           hear
           from
           many
           of
           their
           
             transeats
          
           or
           passe-ports
           granted
           to
           the
           first-born
           of
           undeserving
           men
           ,
           and
           of
           their
           being
           denied
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           to
           persons
           excellently
           qualified
           ,
           and
           commended
           unto
           them
           by
           God
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           by
           men
           ,
           for
           that
           great
           work
           of
           the
           ministry
           .
           In
           this
           latter
           ,
           they
           are
           much
           more
           irregular
           and
           obnoxious
           ,
           than
           the
           other
           Patrons
           we
           spake
           of
           ;
           yea
           ,
           even
           when
           they
           stumble
           at
           the
           stone
           of
           unworthy
           presentations
           .
           For
           though
           in
           these
           cases
           they
           behave
           themselves
           amisse
           in
           helping
           Chaplains
           ,
           taken
           out
           the
           Devils
           school
           ,
           to
           imployment
           in
           Gods
           house
           ;
           yet
           do
           they
           not
           (
           thus
           far
           )
           contumeliously
           entreat
           more
           deserving
           men
           ,
           nor
           obstruct
           their
           way
           to
           any
           preferment
           ,
           unto
           which
           God
           hath
           called
           them
           .
           Therefore
           they
           are
           much
           lesse
           peccant
           
           of
           the
           two
           ,
           than
           our
           Commissioned
           Triers
           .
           The
           truth
           is
           ,
           the
           generality
           of
           the
           Triers
           ,
           being
           men
           bent
           in
           their
           dispositions
           and
           desires
           to
           promote
           a
           faction
           under
           the
           name
           and
           pretence
           of
           countenancing
           Orthodox
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           to
           suppresse
           all
           of
           a
           contrary
           judgement
           to
           themselves
           as
           erroneous
           men
           ,
           corrupt
           and
           dangerous
           in
           their
           principles
           
             &c.
          
           it
           was
           none
           otherwise
           like
           from
           the
           beginning
           ,
           but
           that
           they
           would
           steer
           that
           crooked
           course
           ,
           which
           now
           they
           have
           steered
           ;
           and
           that
           they
           would
           shine
           the
           light
           of
           their
           countenance
           upon
           men
           of
           the
           greatest
           demerit
           otherwise
           ,
           if
           they
           were
           right
           for
           the
           design
           ;
           especially
           if
           it
           should
           so
           fall
           out
           (
           as
           I
           suppose
           it
           hath
           done
           )
           that
           men
           of
           a
           more
           regular
           behaviour
           and
           better
           fame
           ,
           should
           not
           come
           in
           unto
           them
           fast
           enough
           ,
           to
           compleat
           the
           number
           of
           Disciples
           ,
           and
           to
           augment
           the
           party
           to
           their
           minde
           .
        
         
           If
           it
           be
           argued
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           the
           Commission
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           neither
           meet
           in
           point
           of
           conscience
           or
           Religion
           ,
           nor
           yet
           prudentiall
           or
           safe
           in
           point
           of
           policy
           ,
           that
           all
           Patrons
           ,
           authorized
           for
           such
           by
           the
           law
           ,
           should
           be
           suffered
           to
           prefer
           to
           the
           work
           of
           the
           ministry
           ,
           in
           all
           places
           where
           they
           have
           to
           do
           ,
           whom
           ,
           or
           what
           manner
           of
           persons
           they
           please
           .
           For
           by
           this
           means
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           Parochicall
           Congregations
           in
           the
           land
           should
           (
           in
           all
           likelihood
           )
           have
           either
           Popish
           ,
           or
           ignorant
           ,
           or
           ungodly
           ,
           or
           malignant
           persons
           set
           over
           them
           in
           the
           work
           of
           the
           Lord
           :
           the
           sad
           consequence
           whereof
           is
           every
           mans
           apprehension
           .
           I
           answer
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           in
           the
           case
           in
           hand
           ,
           our
           
             English
          
           Proverb
           is
           of
           too
           commodious
           an
           application
           ;
           
             The
             remedy
             is
             worse
             than
             the
             disease
             .
          
           For
           by
           means
           of
           the
           Commission
           ,
           and
           Commissioners
           ,
           operating
           together
           ,
           not
           onely
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           Parishes
           of
           the
           Nation
           are
           ministerially
           supplyed
           with
           persons
           of
           all
           ,
           or
           the
           most
           of
           ,
           those
           evill
           characters
           mentioned
           in
           the
           plea
           ,
           but
           many
           of
           them
           are
           defrauded
           also
           ,
           or
           disappointed
           ,
           of
           men
           of
           Christian
           worth
           and
           choicely
           qualified
           for
           the
           office
           and
           work
           of
           the
           ministry
           ,
           whom
           God
           had
           graciously
           provided
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           men
           worse
           than
           barely
           insufficient
           obtruded
           upon
           them
           in
           their
           stead
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           To
           prevent
           the
           dangers
           and
           inconveniences
           insisted
           on
           in
           the
           argument
           ,
           it
           is
           no
           waies
           necessary
           ;
           either
           the
           same
           
           missioners
           should
           be
           entrusted
           with
           the
           inspection
           of
           the
           business
           throughout
           the
           whole
           Nation
           ,
           or
           that
           those
           that
           now
           occupie
           the
           places
           of
           Commissioners
           ,
           should
           put
           no
           difference
           between
           the
           vile
           ,
           and
           the
           precious
           ,
           but
           joyn
           both
           together
           in
           their
           decrees
           of
           Reprobation
           ;
           if
           yet
           they
           do
           not
           put
           an
           unnaturall
           and
           left-handed
           difference
           between
           them
           ,
           respecting
           the
           
             vile
          
           many
           times
           more
           than
           the
           
             precious
             ,
          
           and
           making
           reprobates
           of
           these
           ,
           when
           they
           approve
           of
           the
           other
           .
           And
           doubtlesse
           it
           had
           been
           a
           course
           much
           more
           promising
           a
           prevention
           of
           those
           evills
           ,
           which
           the
           argument
           suggests
           and
           insinuates
           ,
           to
           have
           framed
           the
           Commission
           of
           Triers
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           modell
           and
           tenour
           of
           the
           Commission
           for
           Ejectors
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           appointed
           men
           for
           that
           service
           in
           each
           County
           ,
           (
           respectively
           .
           )
           So
           should
           the
           grandure
           of
           their
           authority
           and
           power
           have
           been
           some
           what
           more
           competent
           and
           tolerable
           ,
           and
           not
           so
           hyper-archepiscopall
           ,
           so
           supermetropolitan
           and
           Roming
           as
           now
           it
           is
           .
           And
           (
           as
           hath
           been
           already
           offered
           to
           consideration
           )
           a
           competency
           of
           power
           ,
           for
           the
           most
           part
           acquits
           it self
           with
           more
           diligence
           and
           faithfulness
           ,
           than
           an
           extravagancy
           and
           excesse
           .
           A
           cup
           that
           is
           filled
           to
           the
           brim
           ,
           is
           hardly
           carried
           without
           spilling
           .
           Besides
           the
           device
           of
           Triers
           ,
           had
           it
           distributed
           it self
           into
           the
           respective
           Counties
           ,
           had
           been
           lesse
           burdensome
           by
           many
           degrees
           unto
           those
           ,
           who
           live
           in
           the
           remote
           parts
           of
           the
           Nation
           ,
           when
           their
           occasions
           should
           necessitate
           them
           to
           do
           their
           homage
           of
           attendance
           unto
           them
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           In
           case
           a
           project
           of
           trying
           all
           that
           should
           :
           passe
           into
           the
           publick
           ministry
           of
           the
           Nation
           ,
           be
           judged
           necessary
           to
           keep
           the
           people
           of
           the
           land
           free
           from
           infection
           by
           their
           Teachers
           ,
           as
           by
           drinking
           in
           doctrines
           dangerous
           ,
           either
           to
           the
           soul
           ,
           or
           to
           the
           state
           and
           present
           
           Government
           ,
           the
           work
           is
           more
           proper
           for
           the
           congregated
           Churches
           through
           the
           Nation
           ,
           than
           for
           a
           petty
           handfull
           of
           Clergy
           men
           (
           as
           they
           are
           called
           )
           unto
           whom
           alone
           it
           is
           now
           upon
           the
           matter
           devolved
           (
           and
           was
           like
           to
           be
           from
           the
           beginning
           )
           sitting
           in
           one
           angle
           onely
           of
           the
           Nation
           :
           Yea
           ,
           and
           was
           much
           more
           like
           to
           prosper
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           the
           former
           ,
           than
           of
           the
           latter
           .
           For
           besides
           that
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           made
           use
           of
           Churches
           ,
           not
           of
           Clergy
           men
           ,
           to
           send
           forth
           men
           to
           preach
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           
             Act.
             11.
             22.
             
             Act.
          
           13.
           4.
           hereby
           declaring
           it
           to
           be
           a
           work
           more
           proper
           for
           them
           ;
           Churches
           are
           like
           ,
           First
           to
           be
           more
           considerate
           in
           what
           they
           should
           do
           in
           this
           kinde
           ,
           than
           the
           sealed
           knot
           of
           
             Triers
             ;
          
           these
           all
           being
           but
           a
           few
           ,
           and
           making
           but
           one
           Consistory
           ,
           and
           so
           the
           whole
           businesse
           of
           trying
           throughout
           the
           Nation
           lying
           on
           their
           hand
           ,
           are
           in
           no
           capacity
           (
           especially
           meeting
           so
           seldome
           consistorywise
           ,
           as
           they
           do
           )
           to
           allow
           a
           meet
           proportion
           of
           time
           for
           the
           regular
           traversing
           of
           matters
           committed
           unto
           them
           ,
           at
           least
           not
           without
           constraining
           many
           of
           their
           Suitors
           to
           dance
           a
           troublesome
           and
           burthensome
           attendance
           upon
           them
           for
           their
           dispatch
           ;
           whereas
           the
           Churches
           being
           many
           ,
           the
           work
           and
           businesse
           of
           trying
           being
           distributed
           amongst
           them
           (
           as
           it
           is
           like
           it
           would
           be
           ,
           in
           case
           it
           were
           committed
           unto
           them
           )
           would
           have
           leisure
           to
           make
           a
           due
           inquiry
           into
           matters
           that
           should
           come
           before
           them
           ,
           and
           this
           without
           any
           tedious
           or
           chargeable
           delay
           unto
           the
           Persons
           .
           2.
           
           It
           is
           like
           the
           Churches
           would
           be
           more
           faithfull
           in
           the
           transaaction
           of
           the
           affair
           ,
           as
           being
           lesse
           under
           tentation
           or
           secular
           inducements
           to
           miscarry
           ,
           or
           act
           unworthily
           .
           They
           in
           their
           respective
           communities
           or
           bodies
           ,
           have
           no
           relations
           of
           dependances
           upon
           ,
           or
           expectations
           from
           ,
           Great
           men
           ,
           nor
           are
           like
           to
           be
           swayed
           by
           recommendations
           ,
           or
           other
           applications
           of
           Persons
           claiming
           
           interest
           in
           them
           .
           How
           of
           the
           Triers
           have
           dashed
           their
           foot
           at
           these
           ,
           and
           such
           like
           stones
           ,
           is
           known
           unto
           ,
           and
           lamented
           by
           many
           .
           Thirdly
           ,
           neither
           are
           the
           Church-bodies
           accomplished
           with
           any
           such
           politick
           reaches
           ,
           deep
           methods
           ,
           or
           subtil
           ,
           contrivancies
           for
           the
           bringing
           about
           secular
           projects
           ,
           or
           by-ends
           ,
           as
           our
           
             Triers
          
           are
           Neither
           (
           indeed
           )
           are
           they
           in
           respect
           of
           their
           numbers
           ,
           and
           complicated
           variety
           of
           interests
           and
           conditions
           in
           their
           respective
           members
           ,
           very
           capable
           of
           conspiring
           or
           combinging
           so
           much
           as
           in
           the
           proposall
           of
           any
           unworthy
           or
           undue
           ends
           to
           themselves
           ;
           and
           in
           these
           respects
           are
           like
           to
           be
           more
           sincere
           and
           plain
           hearted
           in
           their
           proceedings
           ,
           than
           they
           .
           Fourthly
           ,
           the
           Churches
           being
           of
           different
           judgements
           touching
           discipline
           and
           worship
           ,
           and
           some
           other
           opinions
           much
           controverted
           and
           debated
           amongst
           godly
           ,
           sober
           ,
           and
           worthy
           men
           in
           the
           Nation
           ,
           may
           amongst
           them
           ,
           and
           this
           with
           a
           full
           concurrence
           and
           consent
           of
           their
           judgements
           ,
           and
           without
           the
           least
           regret
           or
           check
           of
           conscience
           ,
           accommodate
           all
           pious
           and
           godly
           persons
           of
           what
           judgement
           soever
           otherwise
           ,
           in
           all
           their
           just
           desires
           or
           requests
           .
           Whereas
           indignation
           and
           wrath
           against
           men
           dissenting
           in
           judgement
           from
           them
           ,
           have
           lac'd
           the
           consciences
           of
           our
           Triers
           so
           strait
           ,
           that
           themselves
           professe
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           at
           liberty
           ,
           they
           cannot
           without
           sin
           open
           the
           door
           of
           entrance
           into
           the
           ministry
           unto
           any
           man
           ,
           though
           otherwise
           never
           so
           well
           qualified
           thereunto
           ,
           but
           onely
           unto
           those
           ,
           whose
           thoughts
           are
           their
           thoughts
           ,
           and
           who
           can
           make
           one
           spirit
           of
           judgement
           with
           them
           all
           along
           in
           the
           matters
           of
           Christian
           Faith
           and
           Religion
           .
           Fifthly
           (
           and
           lastly
           )
           the
           Churches
           are
           by
           the
           good
           providence
           of
           God
           ,
           commodiously
           dispersed
           (
           as
           hath
           been
           lately
           hinted
           )
           through
           the
           Nation
           ,
           for
           persons
           from
           all
           quarters
           thereof
           to
           repain
           unto
           
           one
           or
           other
           of
           them
           ,
           without
           the
           trouble
           or
           charge
           of
           any
           tedious
           and
           long
           journey
           :
           Whereas
           our
           English
           Inquisitors
           [
           sirnamed
           ,
           Triers
           ]
           having
           their
           chamber
           of
           Audience
           fixed
           some
           hundreds
           of
           miles
           from
           the
           skirts
           and
           frontiers
           of
           the
           Nation
           (
           in
           severall
           parts
           of
           it
           )
           impose
           an
           hard
           necessity
           (
           differing
           little
           from
           a
           formall
           oppression
           )
           upon
           all
           the
           candidate
           Minister
           of
           these
           parts
           )
           who
           must
           ,
           by
           order
           of
           the
           Commission
           ,
           passe
           thorough
           their
           Purgatory
           ,
           or
           else
           never
           come
           at
           the
           
             Elysian
          
           fields
           of
           a
           fair
           benefice
           )
           to
           take
           journies
           so
           longsome
           ,
           wearisome
           ,
           and
           expensive
           ,
           to
           come
           at
           them
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           a
           matter
           of
           doubtfull
           disputation
           ,
           whether
           the
           sweet
           of
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           a
           good
           Benefice
           ,
           or
           the
           sowre
           of
           getting
           accesse
           to
           it
           ,
           be
           preponderant
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           If
           a
           triall
           of
           ministers
           before
           admission
           to
           a
           place
           of
           publick
           service
           ,
           be
           admitted
           as
           necessary
           ,
           and
           the
           Churches
           of
           God
           in
           the
           nation
           not
           deemed
           competent
           to
           take
           ,
           or
           make
           ,
           a
           regular
           triall
           of
           them
           ,
           yet
           why
           should
           not
           those
           ,
           who
           are
           authorized
           as
           competent
           for
           the
           ordination
           ,
           or
           creation
           of
           ministers
           ,
           be
           judged
           competent
           for
           their
           triall
           ?
           Or
           is
           it
           any
           good
           harmony
           in
           reason
           ,
           either
           that
           they
           who
           are
           judged
           meet
           to
           be
           invested
           with
           the
           office
           of
           a
           minister
           ,
           should
           not
           without
           a
           new
           and
           further
           triall
           ,
           be
           entrussted
           with
           the
           work
           of
           a
           minister
           ?
           Or
           that
           they
           ,
           who
           are
           judged
           sufficient
           and
           meet
           to
           try
           men
           in
           reference
           to
           the
           former
           ,
           should
           not
           be
           as
           sufficient
           for
           their
           triall
           in
           reference
           to
           the
           latter
           ?
           What
           need
           was
           there
           then
           of
           our
           new
           Colledge
           of
           Triers
           ,
           the
           erection
           wherof
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           irregular
           deportments
           of
           the
           masters
           of
           it
           ,
           hath
           (
           I
           dare
           say
           )
           more
           disaffected
           the
           generality
           of
           the
           Nation
           ,
           and
           more
           especially
           of
           the
           better
           party
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           the
           present
           Government
           ,
           than
           any
           
           other
           State
           transaction
           whatsoever
           .
           Nor
           do
           I
           know
           any
           one
           Act
           besides
           ,
           whereby
           the
           Government
           is
           more
           like
           to
           commend
           it self
           unto
           the
           people
           (
           especially
           the
           people
           of
           God
           )
           in
           the
           land
           ,
           than
           by
           plucking
           up
           by
           roots
           ,
           that
           which
           hath
           been
           so
           unhappily
           planted
           .
           But
           ,
        
         
           5.
           
           If
           neither
           Churches
           ,
           nor
           Presbyteries
           ,
           be
           wood
           of
           which
           to
           make
           the
           
             Mercury
          
           of
           Trying
           ,
           yet
           why
           might
           not
           this
           image
           have
           been
           carved
           in
           smoother
           timber
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           better
           grain
           ,
           than
           that
           ,
           wherein
           it
           is
           now
           formed
           ?
           Why
           should
           the
           children
           of
           great
           assumings
           ,
           and
           such
           who
           pretend
           their
           judgements
           be
           fairer
           than
           the
           moon
           ,
           without
           spot
           ,
           or
           stain
           of
           errour
           ,
           or
           mistake
           ;
           who
           cannot
           with
           a
           good
           conscience
           give
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           in
           his
           servants
           any
           tolerable
           quarter
           ,
           unlesse
           he
           will
           declare
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           their
           opinions
           ,
           who
           spread
           snares
           of
           death
           in
           mens
           way
           ,
           and
           (
           Sathan-like
           )
           tempt
           men
           to
           offer
           violence
           to
           their
           own
           judgements
           and
           consciences
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           condemn
           themselves
           in
           that
           which
           they
           do
           allow
           ,
           who
           count
           the
           crushing
           of
           godly
           men
           ,
           to
           be
           godliness
           ,
           if
           they
           understand
           more
           than
           themselves
           in
           the
           things
           of
           God
           ;
           why
           (
           I
           say
           )
           should
           men
           of
           this
           mold
           ,
           rather
           than
           any
           other
           ,
           be
           the
           proper
           materiall
           of
           which
           to
           form
           the
           Trier
           ?
           Is
           no
           vein
           of
           men
           meet
           to
           make
           
             Triers
             ,
          
           but
           they
           that
           can
           persecute
           the
           innnocent
           and
           harmless
           with
           a
           good
           ,
           conscience
           ,
           and
           think
           they
           do
           God
           service
           ,
           when
           they
           keep
           out
           of
           his
           vineyard
           ,
           those
           which
           he
           sends
           to
           labour
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           who
           are
           like
           to
           make
           the
           best
           and
           faithfulest
           labourers
           here
           ?
        
         
           6.
           
           Why
           the
           respective
           Congregations
           in
           the
           Nation
           should
           not
           be
           allowed
           Triers
           of
           those
           ,
           that
           are
           to
           serve
           them
           in
           the
           work
           of
           the
           ministry
           ,
           and
           
           to
           whom
           ,
           upon
           that
           account
           ,
           they
           are
           to
           allow
           maintenance
           ,
           I
           believe
           no
           reason
           ,
           that
           will
           hold
           water
           better
           than
           a
           Sieve
           ,
           can
           be
           given
           ;
           especially
           if
           it
           be
           but
           granted
           withall
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           in
           a
           capacity
           to
           have
           Ministers
           over
           them
           ,
           or
           (
           which
           is
           tantamont
           )
           that
           they
           are
           in
           duty
           bound
           to
           maintain
           them
           .
           For
           if
           it
           be
           against
           reason
           that
           the
           State
           ,
           or
           civill
           Magistrate
           ,
           should
           be
           any
           law
           ,
           or
           Edict
           ,
           restrain
           men
           from
           hiring
           or
           entertaining
           such
           servants
           for
           their
           civill
           or
           domestick
           affairs
           ,
           which
           they
           judge
           are
           like
           to
           prove
           most
           serviceable
           and
           usefull
           unto
           them
           in
           these
           ,
           or
           to
           appoint
           others
           to
           assign
           them
           what
           servants
           in
           this
           kinde
           they
           please
           ;
           much
           more
           unreasonable
           is
           it
           ,
           that
           greater
           bodies
           or
           societies
           of
           men
           should
           not
           be
           permitted
           to
           have
           such
           to
           serve
           them
           in
           their
           spirituall
           affairs
           ,
           whom
           (
           upon
           advise
           and
           consultation
           had
           with
           those
           ,
           whom
           they
           judge
           most
           faithfull
           unto
           them
           ,
           and
           best
           able
           to
           give
           advise
           in
           such
           cases
           )
           they
           are
           really
           and
           conscienciously
           perswaded
           are
           most
           like
           to
           build
           them
           up
           in
           the
           sound
           and
           saving
           knowledge
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           promote
           the
           interest
           of
           their
           souls
           ;
           especially
           it
           being
           pretended
           or
           alledged
           (
           and
           accordingly
           submitted
           freely
           unto
           by
           them
           )
           that
           they
           are
           bound
           to
           maintain
           those
           ,
           that
           shall
           minister
           unto
           them
           in
           this
           kinde
           .
           And
           as
           the
           Magistrate
           is
           no
           waies
           accessary
           unto
           ,
           or
           responsible
           for
           ,
           the
           errour
           or
           weaknesse
           of
           such
           a
           man
           ,
           who
           shall
           of
           himself
           entertain
           a
           negligent
           or
           unfaithfull
           servant
           ,
           by
           whom
           he
           is
           much
           endammaged
           in
           his
           outward
           affairs
           ;
           but
           in
           case
           he
           had
           a
           servant
           authoritatively
           obtruded
           by
           the
           Magistrate
           upon
           him
           ,
           by
           whom
           he
           should
           suffer
           in
           this
           kinde
           ,
           the
           Magistrate
           were
           justly
           chargeable
           here
           :
           In
           like
           manner
           when
           a
           Congregation
           shall
           be
           permitted
           either
           the
           choice
           ,
           or
           
           allowance
           ,
           of
           their
           Minister
           ,
           themselves
           onely
           (
           with
           such
           their
           Minister
           )
           are
           culpable
           for
           what
           spirituall
           danger
           or
           detriment
           soever
           they
           shall
           incurre
           and
           sustain
           ,
           either
           by
           his
           inability
           for
           ,
           or
           unfaithfulness
           in
           ,
           his
           work
           ;
           but
           in
           case
           the
           Magistrate
           shall
           take
           this
           power
           from
           them
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           suffer
           them
           to
           be
           the
           approvers
           or
           allowers
           of
           their
           Ministers
           ,
           but
           will
           by
           his
           power
           take
           this
           upon
           himself
           ,
           now
           in
           what
           kinde
           or
           degree
           soever
           ,
           the
           people
           shall
           spiritually
           suffer
           or
           miscarry
           ,
           either
           by
           the
           ignorance
           or
           insufficiency
           ,
           or
           by
           the
           negligence
           or
           unfaithfulness
           of
           him
           that
           teacheth
           them
           ,
           the
           Magistrate
           is
           justly
           chargeable
           before
           God
           with
           it
           .
           Nor
           doth
           his
           guilt
           ,
           or
           crime
           ,
           in
           this
           case
           ,
           lie
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           deceived
           or
           mistaken
           in
           the
           man
           ,
           whom
           he
           caused
           the
           people
           to
           receive
           for
           their
           Minister
           ,
           but
           in
           this
           rather
           ,
           that
           voluntarily
           and
           without
           a
           call
           ,
           he
           would
           be
           medling
           with
           such
           sacred
           edge-tools
           ,
           as
           an
           authoritative
           and
           forcible
           imposing
           of
           Ministers
           upon
           them
           .
           This
           is
           a
           direct
           way
           to
           bring
           all
           the
           bloud
           of
           all
           the
           souls
           that
           perish
           ,
           either
           thorough
           the
           weakness
           ,
           or
           wickedness
           ,
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           in
           all
           the
           Parochiall
           Congregagations
           in
           the
           land
           ,
           upon
           the
           head
           of
           the
           Magistrate
           :
           Whereas
           if
           the
           people
           perish
           either
           by
           the
           insufficiency
           ,
           or
           unfaithfulness
           ,
           of
           a
           ministry
           of
           their
           own
           choice
           and
           approbation
           ,
           in
           case
           they
           were
           vigilant
           ,
           and
           circumspect
           in
           their
           act
           of
           choosing
           ,
           or
           approving
           in
           this
           kinde
           ,
           their
           bloud
           shall
           be
           chiefly
           required
           at
           the
           hand
           of
           their
           Ministers
           :
           neither
           shall
           they
           contract
           any
           guilt
           ,
           or
           incurre
           any
           further
           degree
           of
           condemnation
           ,
           by
           their
           choosing
           ,
           or
           approving
           such
           Ministers
           ,
           who
           afterwards
           prove
           negligent
           and
           unfaithfull
           in
           the
           work
           and
           charge
           committed
           unto
           them
           ,
           because
           in
           
           these
           actions
           they
           put
           their
           sickles
           into
           their
           own
           corn
           ,
           and
           not
           into
           other
           mens
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           (
           And
           lastly
           )
           For
           danger
           likely
           to
           befall
           ,
           the
           State
           ,
           or
           Government
           ,
           by
           allowing
           the
           Parochial
           Congregations
           in
           the
           Land
           the
           right
           of
           approving
           their
           own
           Ministers
           (
           respectively
           )
           the
           truth
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           danger
           is
           like
           to
           be
           the
           greater
           by
           their
           being
           denyed
           so
           just
           and
           equitable
           a
           priviledge
           ,
           than
           by
           a
           permission
           to
           enjoy
           it
           .
           States
           never
           suffered
           by
           indulging
           their
           people
           in
           things
           reasonable
           and
           just
           ;
           but
           a
           forcible
           wresting
           out
           of
           their
           hand
           ,
           or
           withholding
           from
           them
           ,
           their
           due
           interests
           and
           rights
           ,
           hath
           still
           been
           exasperating
           and
           provoking
           .
           And
           in
           case
           a
           Minister
           allowed
           by
           the
           people
           ,
           should
           prove
           of
           a
           malignant
           humour
           ;
        
         
           First
           ,
           So
           may
           a
           Minister
           though
           with
           the
           
             Triers
          
           passe
           :
           this
           is
           no
           amulet
           or
           charm
           against
           malignancy
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           if
           a
           Ministers
           tongue
           prove
           at
           any
           time
           malignant
           in
           the
           pulpit
           ,
           there
           is
           another
           Minister
           of
           God
           at
           hand
           to
           restrain
           him
           (
           I
           mean
           the
           Magistrate
           )
           who
           beareth
           not
           the
           sword
           in
           vain
           .
           But
           though
           men
           who
           have
           committed
           murder
           or
           theft
           ,
           may
           be
           put
           in
           prison
           for
           their
           misdemeanours
           perpetrated
           ,
           yet
           may
           not
           others
           ,
           who
           have
           not
           committed
           such
           facts
           ,
           be
           imprisoned
           to
           prevent
           their
           committing
           them
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           the
           greatest
           danger
           threatening
           the
           State
           from
           malignant
           Ministers
           ,
           is
           not
           by
           the
           opportunity
           they
           have
           ,
           or
           may
           have
           ,
           of
           preaching
           publickly
           ,
           but
           by
           clandestine
           insinuations
           ,
           consultations
           ,
           irritations
           ,
           
             &c
             ,
          
           for
           the
           plotting
           and
           practising
           whereof
           they
           have
           both
           the
           more
           leisure
           ,
           and
           may
           have
           the
           more
           opportunties
           ,
           by
           being
           taken
           off
           ,
           
           or
           put
           by
           their
           imployment
           in
           preaching
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           (
           And
           lastly
           )
           VVhen
           persons
           somewhat
           (
           it
           may
           be
           )
           malignantly
           inclined
           ,
           shall
           be
           contumeliously
           entreated
           by
           the
           State
           ,
           or
           by
           their
           Officers
           ,
           as
           suppose
           any
           of
           them
           should
           be
           made
           to
           drink
           of
           the
           Triers
           cup
           of
           reprobation
           (
           as
           many
           a
           worthy
           man
           hath
           been
           )
           is
           not
           this
           a
           direct
           way
           or
           means
           to
           awaken
           and
           set
           on
           work
           such
           an
           inclination
           ?
           Therefore
           the
           politick
           consideration
           suggested
           in
           the
           argument
           in
           countenance
           of
           the
           Triers
           ,
           and
           their
           Constitution
           ,
           is
           clearly
           anti-politick
           ,
           and
           frowns
           rather
           than
           smiles
           upon
           their
           consistory
           .
           And
           if
           Policy
           having
           weighed
           them
           in
           her
           ballance
           ,
           finde
           them
           wanting
           ;
           and
           Religion
           having
           weighed
           them
           in
           the
           ballance
           of
           the
           Sanctuary
           ,
           hath
           found
           them
           yet
           wanting
           more
           :
           let
           their
           Kindome
           be
           divided
           ,
           and
           given
           to
           the
           Congregations
           of
           the
           Land
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
       
         
           THese
           Books
           following
           sold
           by
           
             H.
             Eversden
          
           at
           the
           
             Grey-hound
          
           in
           
             Pauls
          
           Church-yard
           .
        
         
           Truth
           Defended
           ;
           Innocency
           Cleared
           ,
           
             being
             the
             Declaration
             of
             the
             Judgement
             of
          
           James
           Arminius
           ,
           
             Dr.
             in
             Divinity
             at
          
           Leyden
           .
        
         
           The
           Grand
           Inquiery
           who
           is
           the
           Righteous
           man
           ,
           (
           in
           80
           )
           by
           
             William
             Moore
             ,
          
           at
           
             Whalley
          
           in
           
             Lancashire
             .
          
        
         
           The
           
             Seventh
             day
             Sabbath
          
           sought
           out
           and
           Celibrated
           ,
           by
           
             Thomas
             Tillam
          
           in
           80
           
             Imputatio
             Fidei
             ,
          
           or
           a
           Treatise
           of
           
             Justification
             ,
          
           wherein
           the
           Imputation
           of
           Faith
           for
           Righteousnesse
           (
           mentioned
           in
           
             Romans
          
           4
           ,
           5
           ,
           6th
           .
           )
           is
           explained
           by
           Mr.
           
             John
             Goodwin
          
           in
           40.
           
        
         
           
             Mercy
          
           in
           her
           
             Exaltation
             ,
          
           a
           Sermon
           Preached
           at
           the
           Funerall
           of
           Mr.
           
             Thomas
             Tay
             lor
             ,
          
           by
           
             Mr.
             John
             Goodwin
             .
          
        
         
           
             Anabaptists
             Meribab
             ,
          
           or
           Waters
           of
           Strife
           ,
           being
           an
           Answer
           to
           Mr
           
             Thomas
             Lamb
          
           Merchant
           ,
           by
           Mr.
           
             Price
          
           one
           of
           Mr.
           
             Goodwins
          
           Congregation
           .
        
      
       
       
       
         
           Postscript
           to
           the
           Reader
           .
        
         
           IF
           there
           be
           any
           thing
           found
           in
           the
           Papers
           now
           in
           thy
           hand
           ,
           which
           some
           may
           please
           to
           construe
           as
           favouring
           more
           of
           an
           undue
           liberty
           or
           plainnesse
           of
           speech
           ,
           then
           of
           that
           reverence
           and
           respects
           ,
           which
           are
           due
           unto
           Authority
           ,
           and
           more
           especially
           to
           that
           authority
           ,
           from
           whence
           the
           two
           Commissions
           impleaded
           therein
           ,
           were
           issued
           ;
           the
           Author
           desireth
           that
           it
           may
           be
           considered
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           the
           great
           men
           of
           the
           earth
           are
           in
           nothing
           more
           exposed
           to
           danger
           and
           disaster
           ,
           then
           through
           want
           of
           seasonable
           smitings
           and
           reproofs
           of
           faithful
           men
           ,
           upon
           their
           misdoings
           .
           2.
           
           That
           all
           evictions
           and
           reproofs
           of
           irregular
           actions
           ,
           being
           seasonably
           and
           duly
           administred
           ,
           are
           more
           the
           reproofs
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           then
           of
           the
           men
           ,
           who
           ever
           they
           be
           ,
           by
           whom
           they
           are
           administred
           .
           3.
           
           That
           Kings
           and
           Princes
           ,
           and
           the
           greatest
           Rulers
           of
           the
           earth
           ,
           are
           ,
           in
           their
           miscarriages
           ,
           liable
           to
           the
           reproofs
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           meaner
           men
           .
           4.
           
           That
           those
           that
           reprove
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           stead
           ,
           are
           not
           in
           this
           service
           to
           respect
           persons
           ,
           but
           only
           the
           nature
           and
           demerit
           of
           the
           cause
           or
           thing
           reproved
           .
           5.
           and
           lastly
           ,
           That
           the
           Author
           stands
           particularly
           and
           publickly
           engaged
           to
           the
           Nation
           ,
           to
           take
           and
           use
           all
           Christian
           boldnesse
           and
           freedome
           ,
           in
           declaring
           unto
           the
           Rulers
           of
           his
           people
           their
           errors
           and
           mistakes
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           his
           zeal
           and
           faithfulness
           ,
           so
           often
           publickly
           testified
           ,
           in
           asserting
           not
           only
           the
           justifiablenesse
           of
           their
           authority
           and
           power
           ,
           but
           of
           their
           actings
           also
           ,
           when
           ,
           and
           as
           far
           ,
           as
           justifiable
           ;
           and
           were
           impeached
           and
           condemned
           by
           their
           greatest
           adversaries
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A85384e-280
           
             a
             Psal.
             90.
             10.
             
          
           
             a
             Prov.
             30.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             2
             ,
             10
             ,
             12.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A85384e-820
           
             a
             Mat
             9.
             38.
             
             Luke
             10.
             2.