2. But if the matter be not fore-determined by God, but left to Man, then 1. If it be the Magistrates proper work, we must obey the Magistrate only. 2. If it be about the Pastors proper work, the Pastor is to be obeyed; though the Magistrate gainsay it, so be it he proceed according to the General Rules of his instructions, and the matter be of weight. As if the Magistrate and the Pastors of the Church, do command different translations or expositions of the Bible to be used, or one forbiddeth and another commandeth the same individual person to be baptized or receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, or to be esteemed a member of the Church, if the people know not which of them judgeth right, it seemeth to me, they should first obey their Pastors, because it is only in matters intimately pertaining to their office. I speak only of formal obedience, and that of the people only, for materially Prudence may require us rather to do as the Magistrate commandeth (quod, non quia) to avoid a greater evil. And its always supposed that we patiently bear the Magistrates penalties, when we obey not his Commands. 3. But in points common to them both, the case is more difficult: But here you must further distinguish, 1. Between points equally common, and points unequally common. 2. Between determinations of Good, or Bad, or Indifferent consequence as to the main End, and Interest of God and souls. 1. In points equally common to both, the Magistrate is to be obeyed against the Pastors: Because he is more properly a Commanding Governor, and they are but the Guides or Governors of Volunteers: And because in such cases the Pastors themselves should obey the Magistrate; and therefore the people should first obey him. 2. Much more in points unequally common which the Magistrate is more concerned in than the Pastors, the Magistrate is undoubtedly to be first obeyed. Of both there might instances be given about the Circumstantials or Adjuncts of Gods Worship. As the Place of public Worship, the Situation, Form, Bells, Fonts, Pulpits, Seats, precedency in Seats, Tables, Cups and other Utensils; Church Bounds by Parishes, Church Ornaments, Gestures, Habits, some Councils, and their Order, with other such like, in all which caeteris paribus 1for my part I would rather obey the Laws of the King than the Canons of the Bishops, if they should disagree. 3.
2. But if the matter be not fore-determined by God, but left to Man, then 1. If it be the Magistrates proper work, we must obey the Magistrate only. 2. If it be about the Pastors proper work, the Pastor is to be obeyed; though the Magistrate gainsay it, so be it he proceed according to the General Rules of his instructions, and the matter be of weight. As if the Magistrate and the Pastors of the Church, do command different translations or expositions of the Bible to be used, or one forbiddeth and another commandeth the same individual person to be baptized or receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, or to be esteemed a member of the Church, if the people know not which of them judgeth right, it seemeth to me, they should first obey their Pastors, because it is only in matters intimately pertaining to their office. I speak only of formal obedience, and that of the people only, for materially Prudence may require us rather to do as the Magistrate commandeth (quod, non quia) to avoid a greater evil. And its alwayes supposed that we patiently bear the Magistrates penalties, when we obey not his Commands. 3. But in points common to them both, the case is more difficult: But here you must further distinguish, 1. Between points equally common, and points unequally common. 2. Between determinations of Good, or Bad, or Indifferent consequence as to the main End, and Interest of God and souls. 1. In points equally common to both, the Magistrate is to be obeyed against the Pastors: Because he is more properly a Commanding Governour, and they are but the Guides or Governours of Volunteers: And because in such cases the Pastors themselves should obey the Magistrate; and therefore the people should first obey him. 2. Much more in points unequally common which the Magistrate is more concerned in than the Pastors, the Magistrate is undoubtedly to be first obeyed. Of both there might instances be given about the Circumstantials or Adjuncts of Gods Worship. As the Place of publick Worship, the Scituation, Form, Bells, Fonts, Pulpits, Seats, precedency in Seats, Tables, Cups and other Utensils; Church Bounds by Parishes, Church Ornaments, Gestures, Habits, some Councils, and their Order, with other such like, in all which caeteris paribus 1for my part I would rather obey the Laws of the King than the Canons of the Bishops, if they should disagree. 3.
- 1Bish. Andrews in Tart. Tort. p. 383. Cohibeat Regem Diaconus, si cum indignus sit, idque palam constet, accedat tamen ad Sacramentum: Cohibeat & Medicus si ad noxiam quid vel insalubre manum admoveat: Cohibeat & Equiso inter equitandum adigat equum per locum praeruptum, vel salebrosum, cui subsit periculum: Etiamne Medico? Etiamne Equisoni suo subjectus Rex? Sed de Majori potestate loquitur; sed •â, ad rem noxiam procul arcendam: qua in re Charitatis semper Potestas est maxima. Here you see what Church Government is, and how Kings are under it, and how not, in Bishop Andrews sense.
