Five disputations of church-government and worship

Sect. 9. Perhaps some will ask, What should be done, in case that these three parties disagree: If the Magistrate would have one man, and the Ordainers another, and the people a third, or if two of them go one way, and the third another? To which I answer, There are many things that must be taken into consideration for the right resolving of the case. Either the persons nominated are equal or unequal: Either they are all capable, or some of them uncapable: Either the welfare of that Church dependeth on the choice: or else it may be somewhat an indifferent case. •. If there be but one Minister to be had, and the Dissenters ⟨p. 256⟩would have none, then it is past controversy, that the Dissenters are to be disobeyed. 2. If one party would have a Godly, Able Minister, and the other would have an incapable, intolerable person, then it is past doubt, that the party that is for the worthy person ought to prevail, and it is his duty to insist upon it, and the duty of the rest to yield to him. 3. If any will make a controversy in this case where there is none, and say, [You say this man is fittest, and I say the other man (that is uncapable) is fittest, and who shall be judge?] The party that is in the right must hold to their duty, till they are persecuted from it, and appeal to God, who will judge in equity. If a blind man say to a man that hath his eye-sight [You say that you see; and I say that I see; you say that it is day, and I say it is night; who shall be believed?] It is not such words that will warrant a wise man to renounce his eye-sight. God will judge him to be in the right that is so indeed. 4. But if really the several parties are for several Ministers that are all tolerable, yet if there be any notable difference in their fitness, the parties that are for the less fit, should yield to the party that is for the more fit. If you say, They discern it not, I answer, that is their sin, which will not justify them in a further sin, or excuse them from a duty. They might discern, if they were not culpable, in so great a difference, at least whom they are bound to take for the most fit. 5. But if there be no great inequality, then these Rules should be observed. 1. The Magistrate should not deny the people their Liberty of choice, nor the Ministers their Liberty in Approbation or disallowance:

Sect. 9. Perhaps some will ask, What should be done, in case that these three parties disagree: If the Magistrate would have one man, and the Ordainers another, and the people a third, or if two of them go one way, and the third another? To which I answer, There are many things that must be taken into consideration for the right resolving of the case. Either the persons nominated are equal or unequal: Either they are all capable, or some of them uncapable: Either the welfare of that Church dependeth on the choice: or else it may be somewhat an indifferent case. . If there be but one Minister to be had, and the Dissenters