Five disputations of church-government and worship

Prop. 11. He that disobeyeth the Word of God in the mouth of a Minister or Church governor, committeth a double sin, in comparison of him that disobeyeth the same word in the mouth of a private man: for besides the sin which he first committeth, he breaketh also the fifth Commandment, and despiseth Christ in his Messenger: As a man that shall refuse to worship God, to use his name reverently, &c. when a private man telleth him that it is his duty, doth sin by that refusal: but if he refuse it when his own Father or Mother, or Minister command him, he also breaks the fifth Commandment besides the rest. Ministerial Authority therefore doth aggravate the sins of persons that are disobedient.

Prop. 11. He that disobeyeth the Word of God in the mouth of a Minister or Church governor, committeth a double sin, in comparison of him that disobeyeth the same word in the mouth of a private man: for bsides the sin which he first committeth, he breaketh also the fifth Commandment, and despiseth Christ in his Messenger: As a man that shall refuse to worship God, to use his name reverently, &c. when a private man telleth him that it is his duty, doth sin by that refusal: but if he refuse it when his own Father or Mother, or Minister command him, he also breaks the fifth Commandment besides the rest. Ministerial Authority therefore doth aggravate the sins of persons that are disobedient.

Prop. 12. Yet for all this, one private man that evinceth out ⟨p. 12⟩of Scripture a sin or a duty contrary to the doctrine or commands of our Guides, must be regarded in that before them; and the evidence and divine verity which he bringeth must not be refused, because Church Governors are against it. Otherwise we should make Gods Officers to be greater then himself; and the Promulgators and Preachers of his Law, to have power to null or frustrate the known Law which they should proclaim, and that the means is to be preferred before the end, and when it destroys the end, and so ceaseth it self to be a means, which are things not to be imagined.