C459,) the filencing of the Preachers, and diftìpatingof the flocks, and cáfling out that worfhip, or hindring that Edification that was pretended to be their end, ryas prepofterous both in the com- manders and obeyers; and proved not convenient means to the ends pretended. S. 4. If I be enjoyned by the Magiflrates(whom I mentionas of more undoubted authority then our Bithops,)- to read fuch and fuchchapters,^nd preach on fuch and, fuch texts through the year;I am in reafon to interpret their commands with this exce- ption [when it loth not apparently crofs the main end.] So that if in my courfe I fhouldbe commanded to read and preach of an aliene fubjec`b, when my hearers are running into fchifm, fedi- tnon, berefie, &c. I will fuppofe that if the Magiftrate were prefent , he would allowme to read or preach according to the matter of prefent neceffity. And if I were commanded to read theCommon prayer in a Surplice and other formalities, I hope ifthe Church were all in an uproar, and the {Tools flying about my ears, as the women at Edinburgh ufed the Bifhop, I might think it wouldnot tend in that Congregation to order orEdifica.. tion, to ufe fuchCeremonies. Were they things of Gods inftitu. tion, they would not cdifie the people till they were prepared to receive them ; and therefore that preparation fhould go f rft. g. 5. Indeed it is the Paftors office tobe the guide of his flock in the worfhipof God, and therefore to judge pro re nata, what fubjed to fpeak on to them, and what circumftances to choofe, that may be moft fuitable to time,and place,and.perfons, to promote his ends, even the good of fouls : And therefore no Magiftrates fhould take the work or power of Paftors from them ; though they may overfee them in the ufeofit. hInn a CHAP.
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