feminine_a quod_fw-la si_fw-la qua_fw-la yet_o our_o english_a translator_n and_o many_o good_a interpreter_n turn_v it_o in_o the_o masculine_a and_o sure_o it_o shall_v have_v more_o weight_n if_o it_o agree_v to_o man_n as_o well_o as_o woman_n say_v calvin_n upon_o that_o place_n now_o they_o who_o read_v in_o the_o masculine_a that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v there_o of_o widow_n will_v not_o we_o suppose_v blame_v we_o for_o read_v rom._n 12.8_o in_o the_o masculine_a also_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n we_o conclude_v our_o three_o argument_n thus_o whatsoever_o office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v different_a from_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o yet_o rule_v the_o church_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o roll_a elder_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v rom._n 12.8_o be_v different_a from_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o yet_o rule_v the_o church_n ergo._fw-la chap._n vi_o argument_n 4._o from_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o our_o four_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o where_o we_o find_v again_o a_o enumeration_n of_o sundry_a office_n in_o the_o church_n though_o not_o so_o perfect_a as_o that_o rom._n 12._o and_o among_o other_o help_n that_o be_v deacon_n and_o government_n that_o be_v rule_v elâ—ers_n where_o we_o can_v enough_o admire_v how_o the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a english_a translation_n be_v bold_a to_o turn_v it_o thus_o help_v in_o government_n so_o to_o make_v one_o of_o two_o and_o to_o elude_v our_o argument_n the_o original_n have_v they_o clear_o distinguish_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o find_v some_o late_a edition_n of_o the_o english_a translation_n to_o have_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a help_n government_n how_o this_o change_n have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o english_a bibles_n i_o know_v not_o chrysostome_n expound_v this_o place_n do_v not_o take_v help_n and_o governement_n to_o be_v all_o one_o as_o bilson_n have_v bold_o 204_o but_o false_o aver_v nay_o chrysostome_n make_v the_o meaning_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v ut_fw-la pauperes_fw-la suscipiamus_fw-la and_o the_o meaning_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o expound_v to_o be_v praeesse_fw-la ac_fw-la curam_fw-la gerere_fw-la &_o res_fw-la administrare_fw-la spirituales_fw-la the_o former_a belong_v to_o deacon_n the_o late_a to_o rule_v elder_n two_o answer_n be_v make_v to_o this_o place_n first_o 26._o d._n field_n answer_v that_o both_o here_o and_o rom._n 12.8_o we_o reason_n à _fw-la genere_fw-la ad_fw-la speciem_fw-la affirmatiuè_fw-la because_o the_o apostle_n mention_v governor_n who_o he_o require_v to_o rule_v with_o diligence_n therefore_o they_o be_v such_o elder_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o 114.115_o whitgift_n say_v the_o word_n governor_n 1._o cor._n 12.28_o and_o ruler_n rom._n 12.8_o be_v general_n and_o may_v either_o signify_v christian_a magistrate_n or_o ecclesiastical_a as_o archbishop_n bishop_n or_o whatsoever_o other_o by_o lawful_a authority_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n we_o reply_v 12.8_o first_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v mention_v ruler_n or_o governor_n alone_o then_o may_v we_o have_v indeed_o guess_v that_o he_o mean_v a_o general_a kind_n only_o and_o no_o particular_a species_n but_o since_o he_o have_v enumerate_v so_o many_o species_n as_o apostle_n prophet_n teacher_n gift_n of_o miracle_n gift_n of_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n sure_o they_o do_v either_o most_o ignorant_o or_o most_o malicious_o err_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n put_v a_o genus_fw-la in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o species_n second_o the_o apostle_n speak_v only_o of_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n what_o mean_v whitgift_n to_o extend_v his_o word_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n t._n c._n answer_v he_o that_o he_o can_v not_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o common-wealh_a and_o so_o betwixt_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n he_o reply_v that_o he_o can_v not_o put_v any_o such_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o that_o the_o one_o may_v not_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o apostle_n word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o i_o utter_o renounce_v say_v he_o that_o distinction_n invent_v by_o papist_n and_o maintain_v by_o you_o which_o be_v that_o christian_a magistrate_n govern_v not_o in_o the_o respect_n they_o be_v christian_n but_o in_o the_o respect_n they_o be_v man_n and_o that_o they_o govern_v christian_n not_o in_o that_o they_o be_v christian_n but_o in_o that_o they_o be_v man_n which_o be_v to_o give_v no_o more_o authority_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o to_o the_o great_a turk_n let_v our_o opposite_n here_o go_v by_o the_o ear_n among_o themselves_o for_o m._n io._n wemy_n hold_v 123._o that_o all_o king_n have_v alike_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o church_n infidel_n as_o well_o as_o christian_a king_n we_o hold_v that_o christian_a magistrate_n govern_v their_o subject_n neither_o as_o christian_n nor_o as_o man_n but_o as_o magistrate_n and_o they_o govern_v christian_a subject_n as_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o like_a manner_n christian_n be_v govern_v by_o magistrate_n neither_o as_o they_o be_v christian_n nor_o as_o they_o be_v man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v subject_n and_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o they_o be_v christian_a subject_n and_o we_o all_o maintain_v that_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v great_a authority_n over_o christian_a subject_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o conservation_n and_o purgation_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o great_a turk_n nor_o no_o infidel_n magistrate_n have_v or_o can_v have_v except_o he_o become_v christian._n but_o what_o do_v i_o digress_v after_o the_o impertinency_n of_o a_o rove_a disputer_n for_o what_o of_o all_o this_o let_v christian_n magistrate_n govern_v as_o you_o will_v will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o his_o office_n be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o apostle_n prophet_n teacher_n etc._n etc._n wherefore_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o other_o answer_n which_o be_v make_v by_o saravia_n 115._o he_o say_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o reckon_v out_o different_a gift_n we_o need_v not_o for_o that_o understand_v different_a person_n nor_o make_v different_a order_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n heal_a tongue_n and_o prophecy_n which_o may_v be_v and_o be_v in_o one_o man_n whereupon_o he_o resolve_v the_o text_n thus_o that_o first_o paul_n set_v down_o three_o distinct_a order_n apostle_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n then_o he_o reckon_v forth_o these_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o govern_v among_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o three_o 191._o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o governor_n but_o government_n say_v sutcliffe_n to_o show_v that_o he_o mean_v of_o faculty_n not_o of_o person_n so_o say_v bilson_n in_o like_a manner_n for_o confutation_n of_o all_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v first_o that_o the_o gift_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v give_v of_o god_n for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n second_o these_o gift_n the_o apostle_n consider_v not_o abstractâ—â—è_fw-la à _fw-la subjectis_fw-la but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o man_n endue_v with_o they_o as_o be_v plain_a for_o he_o have_v before_o reckon_v forth_o the_o gift_n themselves_o vers_fw-la 8.9.10_o and_o if_o here_o he_o do_v no_o more_o but_o reckon_v they_o over_o again_o this_o be_v actum_fw-la agere_fw-la he_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o these_o gift_n by_o the_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n vers_fw-la 27.29_o and_o though_o the_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 28._o speak_v concretive_o only_a of_o these_o three_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n yet_o the_o rest_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n per_fw-la metoxymiam_fw-la adjuncti_fw-la as_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n for_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n yea_o the_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 29.30_o so_o expound_v himself_o where_o he_o speak_v concretiuè_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n whereof_o he_o seem_v before_o to_o speak_v abstractiuè_fw-la he_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o different_a subject_n which_o be_v most_o evident_a both_o by_o his_o protasis_n wherein_o he_o do_v again_o press_v the_o same_o simile_n of_o the_o several_a office_n not_o of_o the_o same_o but_o of_o several_a member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o likewise_o by_o the_o word_n immediate_o subjoin_v be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n he_o will_v have_v stand_v here_o and_o say_v no_o more_o if_o he_o have_v mean_v to_o distinguish_v these_o three_o order_n only_o as_o saravia_n expound_v he_o but_o now_o to_o make_v it_o plain_o
about_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o boaz_n and_o the_o other_o kinsman_n not_o as_o judge_n but_o as_o witness_n and_o beholder_n that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o more_o gravity_n and_o respect_n which_o do_v further_o appear_v from_o vers_fw-la 9.11_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o answer_v to_o deut._n 21.19_o the_o judge_n decide_v that_o cause_n with_o advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o so_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n in_o those_o place_n may_v be_v a_o name_n not_o of_o office_n but_o of_o dignity_n signify_v man_n of_o chief_a note_n for_o wisdom_n gravity_n and_o experience_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o word_n elder_n be_v take_v gen._n 50.7_o as_o tostatus_n and_o rivetus_n expound_v that_o place_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o say_v of_o deuter._n 19.12_o and_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o sacred_a designation_n and_o use_n for_o the_o altar_n itself_o be_v sometime_o a_o place_n of_o refuge_n exod._n 21.14_o and_o when_o the_o six_o city_n of_o refuge_n be_v appoint_v they_o be_v of_o the_o city_n of_o the_o levit_n numb_a 35.6_o that_o by_o the_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o levit_n who_o shall_v best_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n such_o controversy_n may_v be_v determine_v as_o pellicanus_fw-la on_o that_o place_n say_v well_o for_o this_o cause_n some_o read_v josh._n 20.7_o they_o sanctify_a kedesh_n etc._n etc._n beside_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o these_o cause_n be_v judge_v not_o in_o the_o city_n where_o the_o murder_n be_v commit_v but_o in_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n 3._o as_o serrarius_n hold_v with_o masius_n and_o montanus_n and_o allege_v for_o it_o some_o very_a considerable_a reason_n then_o do_v bilson_n argument_n from_o deut._n 19.12_o fail_v also_o in_o this_o respect_n for_o the_o elder_n there_o mention_v be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o city_n where_o the_o murder_n be_v commit_v chap._n iu._n the_o second_o argument_n take_v from_o matth._n 18.17_o our_o second_o argument_n we_o take_v from_o matth._n 18.17_o tell_v the_o church_n let_v a_o obstinate_a offender_n who_o no_o admonition_n do_v amend_v be_v bring_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o church_n where_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v condescend_v upon_o that_o though_o he_o speak_v by_o allusion_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o these_o word_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n yet_o he_o mean_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o he_o say_v tell_v the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o word_n follow_v whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o â—he_n gospel_n joh._n 20.23_o so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o send_v they_o to_o the_o synedrium_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o bid_v they_o tell_v the_o church_n nor_o 2._o do_v he_o mean_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a for_o than_o we_o shall_v have_v none_o of_o our_o wrong_n redress_v because_o we_o can_v assemble_v the_o church_n universal_a nay_o nor_o the_o representative_a of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o oecumenicke_n council_n nor_o 3_o can_v we_o underderstand_v it_o of_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n for_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n not_o of_o confusion_n have_v commit_v the_o exercise_n of_o no_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n to_o a_o promiscuous_a multitude_n nor_o 4._o can_v it_o be_v take_v of_o a_o prelate_n who_o be_v but_o one_o can_v no_o more_o be_v call_v the_o church_n nor_o one_o can_v be_v call_v many_o or_o a_o member_n be_v call_v a_o body_n non_fw-la enim_fw-la una_fw-la persona_fw-la potest_fw-la dici_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la say_v bell._n de_fw-fr eccles._n l._n 3._o c._n 17._o cum_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la sit_fw-la populus_fw-la &_o regnum_fw-la dei._n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n meet_v together_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o 70.71_o etc._n etc._n nor_o 5._o can_n we_o with_o erastus_n and_o bilson_n expound_v it_o of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n which_o exposition_n beside_o that_o in_o a_o new-fangled_a language_n it_o call_v the_o magistrate_n the_o church_n and_o go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n it_o be_v also_o utter_o contrary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o aim_n of_o that_o discipline_n which_o he_o recommend_v to_o be_v use_v which_o be_v the_o good_a of_o our_o brother_n and_o the_o gain_n of_o he_o from_o his_o offence_n whereas_o the_o exercise_n of_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o teâ—_n good_a of_o the_o offender_n and_o for_o the_o win_n of_o he_o to_o repentance_n but_o for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n order_n and_o justice_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n wherefore_o by_o the_o church_n whereof_o our_o master_n speak_v we_o must_v needs_o understand_v such_o a_o representative_a meeting_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o a_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a person_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v judge_v 23._o and_o what_o be_v that_o collegium_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la say_v camero_n the_o presbytery_n whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v 1_o tim._n 4.14_o tell_v the_o church_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v chrysostome_n expound_v the_o place_n he_o mean_v the_o presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o pastor_n and_o roll_a elder_n 6._o and_o so_o zanchius_n and_o junius_n expound_v he_o the_o pastor_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o of_o their_o preside_v in_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o church_n the_o roll_a elder_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o of_o their_o rule_v the_o flock_n 4._o whitgift_n say_v truth_n it_o be_v that_o the_o place_n of_o matthew_n may_v be_v understand_v of_o senior_n but_o it_o may_v be_v aswell_o understand_v of_o any_o other_o that_o by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n in_o the_o church_n his_o confession_n in_o behalf_n of_o senior_n we_o accept_v but_o that_o he_o make_v this_o scripture_n like_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n like_o the_o french_a fashion_n that_o we_o utter_o abhor_v but_o how_o be_v the_o presbytery_n call_v the_o church_n and_o why_o first_o even_o as_o the_o body_n be_v say_v to_o see_v when_o as_o the_o eye_n alone_o do_v see_v 26._o so_o say_v camero_n the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o hear_v that_o which_o they_o alone_o do_v hear_v who_o be_v as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o church_n second_o it_o be_v a_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n to_o give_v the_o name_n of_o that_o which_o be_v represent_v to_o that_o which_o represent_v it_o so_o we_o common_o say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o state_n of_o holland_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o senate_n at_o hague_n now_o though_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n alone_o can_v represent_v the_o church_n because_o hearer_n also_o belong_v to_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o presbytery_n can_v well_o represent_v the_o church_n because_o it_o contain_v beside_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n rule_v elder_n put_v in_o authority_n by_o the_o church_n for_o the_o government_n thereof_o as_o gerard_n right_o resolve_v 137._o our_o divine_n prove_v against_o papist_n that_o some_o of_o these_o who_o they_o call_v laicke_n ought_v to_o have_v place_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o argument_n among_o the_o rest_n because_o otherwise_o the_o whole_a church_n can_v not_o be_v thereby_o represent_v three_o 9.10_o the_o lord_n command_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levit_n at_o their_o consecration_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v be_v bring_v together_o for_o that_o effect_n this_o as_o some_o have_v observe_v out_o of_o aben-ezra_n 87._o can_v be_v so_o understand_v as_o if_o the_o many_o thousand_o which_o be_v then_o in_o the_o host_n of_o israel_n have_v all_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o but_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n only_o represent_v they_o so_o the_o lord_n say_v â—1_n speak_v to_o all_o the_o congregattion_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o command_n be_v express_v thus_o then_o moses_n call_v for_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n 4.5_o so_o josh._n 20.6_o four_o pastor_n and_o elder_n as_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o be_v they_o the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o his_o spouse_n the_o church_n from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v draw_v our_o argument_n in_o this_o form_n whatsoever_o court_n do_v
a_o reason_n of_o he_o or_o for_o write_v a_o justification_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o such_o as_o do_v desire_v to_o be_v more_o thorough_o resolve_v concern_v the_o same_o but_o that_o rather_o they_o will_v make_v use_n hereof_o as_o a_o key_n by_o divine_a providence_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n to_o open_v a_o door_n unto_o further_a light_n second_o there_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o reason_n for_o assert_v those_o two_o point_n by_o how_o much_o they_o have_v be_v main_o oppose_v by_o satan_n for_o he_o it_o be_v who_o cunning_a conveyance_n of_o old_a make_v the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n to_o come_v into_o dessuetude_n through_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n as_o ambrose_n complain_v and_o yet_o time_n have_v not_o so_o obliterate_v that_o ancient_a order_n 5._o but_o that_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o same_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v see_v in_o our_o official_o chancellor_n commissary_n churchwarden_n and_o high-commission_n man_n yea_o at_o rome_n itself_o in_o the_o cardinal_n the_o same_o old_a serpent_n it_o be_v who_o instigation_n make_v licinius_n while_o he_o do_v intend_v the_o total_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o fall_v upon_o this_o as_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n for_o his_o purpose_n that_o he_o shall_v straight_o inhibit_v all_o counsel_n meeting_n and_o conâ—erencies_n concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n be_v draw_v into_o one_o of_o two_o snare_n aut_fw-la enim_fw-la legem_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o say_v eusebius_n 44._o either_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n by_o violate_v the_o law_n or_o to_o overthrow_v the_o rite_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n by_o give_v obedience_n in_o that_o which_o the_o law_n do_v command_v for_o great_a and_o weighty_a deliberation_n undertake_v about_o thing_n controvert_v can_v proceed_v in_o any_o other_o manner_n or_o way_n but_o by_o the_o right_a manage_n of_o counsel_n the_o arminian_n in_o the_o netherlands_o find_v out_o another_o of_o satan_n wile_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o hinder_v the_o assemble_v of_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a synod_n but_o for_o their_o next_o best_a they_o require_v of_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n twelve_o condition_n 25._o and_o the_o nine_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o that_o synod_n any_o determination_n or_o decree_n concern_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n but_o only_o a_o accommodation_n or_o conference_n and_o that_o still_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a to_o the_o particular_a church_n to_o accept_v or_o to_o reject_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o synod_n this_o be_v a_o way_n of_o endless_a controversy_n and_o just_o cry_v down_o in_o the_o synod_n moreover_o satan_n ever_o wise_a in_o his_o own_o principle_n find_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n like_o a_o invincible_a samson_n by_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o constitution_n and_o government_n as_o be_v preserve_v in_o integrity_n can_v neither_o admit_v heresy_n nor_o schism_n do_v make_v use_n of_o the_o prelacy_n as_o his_o traitorous_a dalilah_n to_o betray_v that_o samson_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o now_o adverse_a philistines_n the_o papist_n by_o steal_v away_o both_o their_o roll_a elder_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n for_o he_o have_v well_o observe_v that_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n do_v their_o great_a strength_n lie_v and_o that_o without_o these_o two_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v like_o so_o many_o scopae_fw-la dissolute_a both_o sparse_v and_o by_o themselves_o alone_a may_v easy_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o yoke_n when_o thus_o the_o romish-affected_n dalilah_n have_v take_v away_o their_o strength_n from_o they_o she_o be_v bold_a to_o uâ—tâ—r_v her_o insult_a voice_n in_o the_o service-book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o philistine_n be_v upon_o thou_o samson_n the_o papist_n be_v upon_o thou_o scotland_n in_o this_o case_n they_o do_v not_o as_o samson_n then_o presume_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o as_o at_o other_o time_n they_o know_v he_o be_v depart_v from_o they_o 15._o they_o cry_v out_o return_v we_o beseech_v thou_o o_o god_n of_o host_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n behold_v and_o visit_v this_o vine_n and_o the_o vineyard_n which_o thy_o own_o right_a hand_n have_v plant_v 50.5_o they_o do_v again_o ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o say_v come_v and_o let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v and_o now_o glory_n be_v to_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o generation_n they_o have_v by_o his_o heal_a hand_n quick_o recover_v their_o strength_n 1._o strength_n i_o may_v well_o call_v it_o for_o say_v a_o learned_a divine_a as_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o bodily_a strength_n so_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v manage_v by_o counsel_n vis_fw-la unita_fw-la fortior_fw-la power_n be_v put_v together_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o in_o this_o he_o do_v agree_v with_o bellarm._n that_o though_o god_n by_o his_o absolute_a power_n can_v preserve_v his_o church_n without_o synod_n yet_o according_a to_o ordinary_a providence_n they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o right_a government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o interweave_v and_o combine_v of_o strength_n by_o join_v the_o roll_a elder_n of_o every_o congregation_n with_o the_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n thereof_o into_o a_o particular_a eldership_n by_o join_v also_o commissioner_n pastor_n and_o eâ—ders_n from_o many_o particular_a eldership_n ordinary_o into_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n and_o more_o solemn_o provincial_a synod_n 6.4_o final_o by_o join_v commissioner_n pastor_n and_o elder_n from_o many_o classical_a ppresbytery_n into_o a_o national_n assembly_n this_o do_v indeed_o make_v a_o church_n beautiful_a as_o tirza_n comely_a as_o jerusalem_n terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o this_o form_n of_o church_n government_n shall_v still_o be_v dislike_v by_o some_o who_o dislike_n shall_v notwithstanding_o the_o more_o commend_v it_o to_o all_o pious_a mind_n i_o mean_v by_o profane_a man_n who_o escape_v not_o without_o censure_n under_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n as_o they_o do_v under_o the_o prelacy_n by_o heretic_n who_o can_v find_v favour_n with_o a_o national_n synod_n of_o many_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n as_o they_o do_v with_o a_o few_o popish_a prelate_n by_o matchavellians_n also_o who_o do_v foresee_v that_o presbyterial_a synodical_a government_n be_v conform_v not_o to_o the_o lesbian_a rule_n of_o humane_a authority_n but_o to_o the_o inflexible_a rule_n of_o divine_a institution_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o innovation_n in_o religion_n 3._o be_v they_o never_o so_o conducible_a to_o political_a intention_n some_o there_o be_v who_o whet_v their_o tongue_n like_o a_o sword_n and_o bend_v their_o bow_n to_o shoot_v their_o arrow_n even_o bitter_a word_n they_o will_v wound_v both_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n 22.21_o with_o this_o hateful_a imputation_n that_o they_o be_v in_o consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n and_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n sure_o i_o be_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v render_v unto_o câ—esar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n he_o do_v plain_o insinuate_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n need_v not_o to_o hinder_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v forget_v that_o the_o prelate_n do_v assume_v to_o themselves_o all_o that_o power_n of_o determine_v controversy_n make_v canon_n ordain_v suspend_v depose_v and_o excommunicate_v which_o now_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v claim_v as_o they_o by_o right_n to_o i_o it_o appear_v a_o grand_a mystery_n and_o worthy_a of_o deliberation_n in_o the_o wise_a consistory_n of_o rome_n that_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v mere_o ecclesiastical_a be_v right_o use_v and_o nothing_o encroach_a upon_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v notwithstanding_o a_o intolerable_a prejudice_n to_o king_n and_o prince_n but_o the_o very_a same_o power_n in_o prelate_n though_o both_o abuse_v and_o mix_v with_o civil_a power_n be_v not_o for_o aâ—l_o that_o prejudicial_a to_o sovereignty_n yet_o if_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n can_v moliâ—ie_v the_o tongue_n of_o thâ—se_a man_n one_o will_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v bridle_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n who_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o approve_v and_o ratify_v the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n perceive_v â—_o truâ—â—_n that_o god_n honour_n and_o his_o honour_n god_n law_n and_o his_o law_n may_v well_o subsist_v together_o last_o as_o in_o publish_v this_o
assertion_n i_o intend_v to_o satisfy_v the_o scrupulous_a 23._o and_o to_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o malicious_a so_o also_o to_o confirm_v the_o conscience_n of_o such_o as_o be_v friend_n and_o savourer_n to_o the_o right_a way_n of_o church_n government_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n iâ—_n sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o matter_n otherwise_o indifferent_a how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o halt_v not_o in_o our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o walk_v straight_o in_o the_o plerophory_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o same_o from_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o say_v again_o from_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o my_o meaning_n to_o commend_v this_o form_n because_o it_o be_v scotland_n 1.9_o so_o i_o hope_v assure_o that_o my_o countryman_n will_v not_o despise_v god_n ordinance_n because_o it_o be_v scotland_n practice_n but_o rather_o follow_v they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o follow_v christ_n and_o the_o scripture_n this_o therefore_o i_o pray_v 2.7_o that_o thy_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o thou_o may_v approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n amen_n the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o word_n elder_a lay-elder_n ruling-eld_a four_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n elder_a in_o scripture_n of_o the_o nickname_n of_o lay-elder_n that_o the_o popish_a distinction_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o laity_n ought_v to_o be_v banish_v of_o the_o name_n of_o ruling-elders_a and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o function_n of_o ruling-elders_a and_o what_o sâ—re_v of_o officer_n they_o be_v of_o the_o distinction_n of_o pastor_n doctor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o behaviour_n and_o conversation_n of_o ruling-elders_a of_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n that_o the_o ruling-eld_a his_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v to_o sit_v and_o voice_n in_o all_o the_o consistory_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n that_o his_o power_n of_o order_n be_v to_o do_v by_o way_n of_o authority_n those_o duty_n of_o edification_n which_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o way_n of_o charity_n chap._n iii_o the_o first_o argument_n for_o ruling-elders_a take_v from_o the_o jewish-church_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v the_o jewish_a church_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v not_o for_o any_o special_a reason_n proper_a to_o they_o but_o as_o they_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a republic_n that_o the_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v sit_v among_o the_o priest_n and_o voice_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a court_n according_a to_o baravias_n own_o confession_n but_o be_v not_o theirâ—_n will_v magistrate_n as_o he_o allege_v bilson_n objection_n answer_v chap._n iu._n the_o second_o argument_n take_v from_o math._n 18.17_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n tell_v the_o church_n why_o the_o presbytery_n may_v be_v call_v the_o church_n our_o argument_n from_o this_o place_n for_o ruling-elders_a chap._n v._o the_o three_o argument_n take_v from_o rom._n 12.8_o the_o word_n rom._n 12.8_o expound_v that_o by_o he_o that_o rume_v be_v mean_v the_o ruling-eld_a the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n answer_v chap._n vi_o the_o four_o argument_n take_v from_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o thâ—t_v by_o government_n the_o apostle_n mean_v ruling-elders_a two_o gloss_n give_v by_o our_o opposite_n confute_v chap._n vii_o the_o fiâ—st_a argument_n take_v from_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o our_o argument_n from_o this_o place_n vindicate_v against_o â—en_o false_a gloss_n devise_v by_o our_o opposite_n chap._n viii_o the_o testimony_n of_o ambrose_n for_o ruling-elders_a vindicate_v no_o certain_a ground_n allege_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o commentary_n upon_o the_o epistle_n ascribe_v to_o ambrose_n other_o answer_v make_v by_o our_o opposite_n to_o the_o place_n upon_o 1_o tim._n 5._o confute_v chap._n ix_o other_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n testimony_n for_o ruling-elders_a out_o of_o tertullion_n cyprian_n epiphanius_n bâ—sil_n chrysostome_n hierome_n eusâ—bius_n augustine_n origen_n isidore_n the_o first_o counsel_n of_o tâ—lido_n other_o testimony_n observe_v by_o justellus_n and_o voetius_fw-la bilson_n answer_v confute_v chap._n x._o the_o consent_n of_o protestant_a writer_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o opposite_n for_o ruling-elders_a citatâ—ons_n of_o sundry_a protestant_a writer_n to_o this_o purpose_n this_o truth_n have_v extort_a a_o confession_n from_o wâ—itgist_n saravia_n sultiffe_a camero_n and_o m._n io._n wemy_n of_o craigtown_n chap._n xi_o dr._n field_n five_o argument_n against_o ruling-elders_a answer_v his_o first_o reason_n that_o no_o foot-step_n of_o ruling-elders_a for_o many_o hundred_o year_n can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n answer_v five_o way_n footstep_n of_o ruling-elders_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n his_o second_o reason_n answer_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n not_o from_o 1_o tim._n 3._o only_a but_o from_o that_o and_o other_o place_n compare_v together_o his_o three_o reason_n answer_v by_o the_o câ—rtain_a bound_n of_o the_o power_n of_o ruling-elders_a his_o four_o reason_n answer_v by_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a sanedrim_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o civil_a sanedrim_n his_o last_o reason_n concern_v the_o name_n hold_v not_o chap._n xii_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o whitegift_n and_o saravia_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o ruling-elders_a the_o one_o allow_v of_o ruling-elders_a under_o a_o infidel_n magistrate_n but_o not_o under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o other_o allow_v of_o they_o under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o not_o under_o a_o infidel_n that_o ruling-elders_a do_v not_o prejudge_v the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o the_o prelacy_n do_v which_o confute_v whitegift_n that_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v not_o come_v in_o place_n of_o the_o jewish_a senior_n which_o confute_v saravia_n chap._n xiii_o whether_o ruling-elders_a have_v the_o power_n of_o decisive_a voice_n when_o they_o they_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n the_o affirmative_a prove_v by_o nine_o reason_n two_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n answer_v the_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14.32_o explain_v chap._n xiiii_o of_o the_o ordination_n of_o ruling-elders_a of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o office_n and_o of_o their_o maintenance_n that_o the_o want_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n the_o want_n of_o maintenance_n and_o the_o not_o continue_v always_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o office_n can_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o office_n itself_o of_o ruling-elders_a the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o part._n chap._n i._o of_o popular_a government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o this_o question_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v clear_v before_o the_o question_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o assembly_n that_o jurisdiction_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o congregation_n prove_v by_o 〈◊〉_d reason_n objection_n answer_v the_o controversy_n 〈◊〉_d chap._n ii_o of_o the_o independency_n of_o the_o eldership_n of_o particular_a congregation_n dr._n fields_n question_n whâ—ther_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o the_o eldership_n of_o every_o congregation_n or_o to_o a_o common_a presbytery_n make_v up_o out_o of_o many_o congregation_n answer_v by_o a_o eightfold_a distinction_n a_o threefold_a conformity_n of_o those_o parishional_a eldership_n to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n chap._n iii_o of_o great_a presbytery_n which_o some_o call_v class_n three_o false_a gloss_n on_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o confute_v that_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o presbytery_n aâ—_n assembly_n of_o presbyter_n whereof_o also_o father_n and_o counsel_n do_v speak_v the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n declare_v both_o by_o good_a reason_n and_o by_o the_o apostolical_a pattern_n for_o assertion_n of_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v prove_v 1._o that_o in_o many_o of_o those_o city_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n plant_v christian_n religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n then_o do_v or_o can_v ordinary_o assemble_v into_o one_o place_n 2._o that_o in_o these_o city_n there_o be_v a_o plurality_n of_o pastor_n 3._o that_o yet_o the_o whole_a within_o the_o city_n be_v one_o church_n 4._o that_o the_o whole_a be_v govern_v by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n from_o all_o which_o a_o corollary_n be_v draw_v for_o these_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n provincial_a and_o national_n that_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o synod_n differ_v from_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o presbytery_n the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n
and_o infirm_a bishop_n who_o can_v labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n answ._n 1._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o presbyter_n not_o of_o prelate_n 2._o to_o rule_v well_o import_v as_o great_a labour_n as_o preach_v and_o somewhat_o more_o as_o i_o show_v before_o so_o that_o they_o who_o can_v labour_v in_o preach_v can_v labour_v in_o rule_v neither_o 3._o they_o who_o have_v eviscerate_v and_o spend_v themselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n who_o have_v be_v as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v stand_v upon_o their_o foot_n valiant_a champion_n for_o the_o truth_n against_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o who_o have_v serve_v their_o time_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o the_o stain_n of_o heresy_n schism_n apostasy_n or_o unfaithfulnesse_n when_o they_o become_v old_a and_o infirm_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o less_o honour_v as_o the_o impious_a verdict_n of_o this_o prelate_n will_v have_v it_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o honour_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o their_o hoar_a head_n find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n another_o gloss_n be_v give_v by_o the_o same_o king_n namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v minister_n not_o only_o to_o live_v well_o but_o to_o feed_v also_o by_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n answ._n 1._o the_o rise_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n do_v not_o concern_v duty_n but_o person_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o 2._o to_o live_v well_o be_v not_o to_o rule_v well_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v all_o who_o live_v godly_a to_o rule_v well_o 3._o three_o this_o gloss_n do_v still_o leave_v a_o double_a honour_n to_o minister_n that_o live_v well_o though_o they_o do_v not_o preach_v we_o see_v now_o our_o opposite_n have_v be_v try_v all_o wind_n to_o fetch_v upon_o we_o but_o here_o we_o leave_v they_o betwixt_o wind_n and_o wave_n â—or_a this_o our_o last_o argument_n carry_v we_o away_o with_o full_a sail_n chap._n viii_o the_o testimony_n of_o ambrose_n for_o rule_v elder_n vindicate_v if_o we_o look_v back_o beyond_o the_o time_n of_o decline_v unto_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v find_v roll_a elder_n to_o be_v no_o new_a fangle_a device_n at_o geneva_n but_o that_o the_o primitive_a government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o they_o restore_v there_o be_v one_o place_n of_o ambrose_n which_o clear_v it_o sufficient_o he_o write_v on_o 1_o tim._n 5.1_o rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_a say_v vnde_fw-la &_o synagoga_fw-la etc._n etc._n wherefore_o both_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o after_o the_o church_n have_v senior_n or_o elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o negligence_n it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o except_o perhaps_o by_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n whiâ—es_v they_o alone_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o this_o sentence_n be_v also_o cite_v in_o glossa_fw-la ordinar_n and_o it_o show_v plain_o that_o as_o the_o jewish_a so_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v some_o elder_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o teacher_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o have_v a_o part_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o their_o shoulder_n but_o that_o this_o come_v into_o desuetude_n partly_o through_o the_o sloth_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n while_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o partly_o through_o their_o pride_n whilst_o they_o will_v do_v all_o by_o themselves_o and_o have_v no_o consort_n utinam_fw-la modo_fw-la nostra_fw-la redirent_fw-la in_o mores_fw-la tempora_fw-la priscos_fw-la but_o let_v we_o hear_v a_o triple_a divination_n which_o the_o non-friend_n of_o rule_v elder_n give_v forth_o upon_o this_o testimony_n 226._o first_o bishop_n hall_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o ambrose_n but_o a_o counterfeit_n who_o write_v that_o commentary_n upon_o the_o epistle_n and_o for_o this_o he_o allege_v our_o own_o parker_n against_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v bellaâ—mine_n and_o scultingius_n teach_v he_o this_o answer_n the_o place_n of_o parker_n he_o cit_v noâ—_n in_o the_o margin_n but_o i_o believe_v the_o place_n he_o mean_v of_o be_v de_fw-fr polit_fw-la eccles._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 13._o where_o he_o hold_v indeed_o that_o the_o author_n of_o these_o commentary_n be_v not_o ambrose_n bishop_n of_o milan_n but_o show_v withal_o that_o he_o nothing_o doubt_v of_o the_o catholic_a authority_n of_o the_o commentary_n themselves_o hoc_fw-la vero_fw-la etc._n etc._n this_o say_v he_o may_v befall_v the_o best_a author_n whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o some_o may_v ascribe_v his_o work_n to_o another_o but_o that_o he_o live_v before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a this_o add_v weight_n to_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o senior_n these_o commentary_n be_v common_o cite_v by_o our_o divine_n as_o ambrose_n i_o find_v they_o in_o erasmus_n his_o edition_n both_o at_o collen_n 1532._o and_o at_o paris_n 1551._o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o ambrose_n only_o the_o preface_n before_o the_o epistle_n be_v call_v in_o question_n they_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o edition_n of_o costerius_fw-la at_o basile_n 1555._o sixtuâ—_n senensis_n ascribe_v they_o to_o ambrose_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o edition_n of_o collen_n 1616._o have_v a_o observation_n prefix_v which_o repudiate_v many_o of_o his_o work_n and_o these_o commentary_n among_o the_o rest_n yet_o the_o last_o edition_n at_o paris_n 1632._o have_v expunge_v that_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v not_o do_v if_o they_o have_v approve_v the_o same_o howsoever_o that_o same_o observation_n make_v those_o commentary_n to_o be_v as_o old_a as_o 372._o or_o 373._o perkins_n in_o his_o preparative_n before_o his_o demonstration_n of_o the_o problem_n call_v in_o question_n the_o commentary_n upon_o the_o hebrew_n 18._o but_o no_o more_o rivet_n show_v that_o these_o who_o reject_v they_o do_v neither_o give_v good_a reason_n for_o their_o opinion_n neither_o yet_o do_v agree_v among_o themselves_o bellarmine_n ascribe_v they_o to_o hilarius_n diaconus_fw-la maldonat_fw-la to_o remigius_n lugdunensis_n the_o censor_n of_o louvain_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o question_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o believe_v that_o cook_n in_o his_o censura_fw-la scriptorum_fw-la veterum_fw-la 134._o have_v touch_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o these_o commentary_n be_v so_o much_o call_v in_o question_n which_o be_v the_o perfidiousness_n of_o papist_n who_o when_o they_o find_v any_o thing_n therein_o which_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n than_o they_o cry_v saint_n ambrose_n say_v thus_o but_o when_o they_o find_v any_o thing_n therein_o which_o make_v against_o they_o than_o they_o say_v as_o hall_n do_v it_o be_v not_o ambrose_n but_o a_o counterseit_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o hall_n be_v wise_a in_o disclaim_v the_o same_o than_o his_o fellow_n in_o acknowledge_v they_o yet_o because_o he_o find_v that_o the_o testimony_n may_v be_v of_o force_n though_o not_o ambrose_n and_o beside_o have_v no_o proof_n for_o this_o alledgeance_n he_o dare_v not_o trust_v to_o it_o but_o think_v upon_o another_o answer_n 26._o to_o proceed_v then_o to_o their_o next_o conjecture_n bilson_n sutcliffe_n and_o doctor_n field_n tell_v we_o that_o ambrose_n mean_v of_o bishop_n who_o exclude_v other_o clergy_n man_n from_o their_o consultation_n and_o that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o teacher_n he_o may_v fit_o understand_v the_o bishop_n see_v none_o but_o they_o have_v power_n to_o preach_v in_o their_o own_o right_n &_o other_o but_o only_a by_o permission_n from_o they_o this_o be_v a_o most_o desperate_a shift_n for_o a_o bad_a cause_n for_o first_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n neither_o from_o scripture_n nor_o antiquity_n to_o distinguish_v bishop_n from_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o name_n of_o teacher_n second_o as_o for_o that_o reason_n allege_v that_o none_o but_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o preach_v in_o their_o own_o right_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o field_n himself_o say_v in_o the_o very_a next_o chapter_n where_o he_o hold_v that_o presbyter_n be_v equal_a with_o bishop_n in_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o that_o they_o may_v preach_v and_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o order_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n three_o neither_o do_v the_o advise_v of_o bishop_n with_o presbyter_n cease_v in_o ambrose_n his_o time_n 27._o for_o as_o field_n himself_o note_v out_o of_o the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o be_v hold_v short_o after_o ambrose_n his_o writing_n hereof_o all_o sentence_n of_o bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v void_a which_o be_v not_o confirm_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o clergy_n let_v we_o also_o
knowledge_n â—nd_v at_o least_o tacit_a consent_v of_o the_o congregation_n itself_o then_o do_v we_o not_o only_o sufficient_o and_o abundant_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o congregation_n while_o as_o not_o the_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n thereof_o alone_o but_o sundry_a rule_v elder_n also_o represent_v the_o congregation_n do_v manage_v the_o affair_n aforesaid_a the_o congregation_n withal_o understand_v thereof_o and_o consent_v thereto_o tacitè_fw-fr if_z not_o expressè_n i_o do_v not_o think_v but_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n at_o this_o time_n will_v easy_o assent_v to_o this_o resolution_n and_o reconcilement_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o believe_v they_o themselves_o do_v seclude_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o congregation_n both_o child_n under_o age_n because_o of_o their_o defect_n of_o judgement_n and_o woman_n because_o they_o be_v forbid_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o whether_o they_o seclude_v any_o other_o i_o know_v â—ot_n but_o since_o according_a to_o their_o own_o tenet_n some_o must_v be_v seclude_v and_o the_o power_n give_v to_o the_o church_n 18.17_o must_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o some_o in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v better_a to_o say_v with_o aegidius_n hunnius_n that_o when_o christ_n remit_v we_o to_o the_o church_n mat._n 18.17_o he_o mean_v the_o prime_a and_o chief_a member_n which_o represent_v the_o church_n that_o be_v pastor_n aâ—d_a elder_n then_o to_o say_v that_o he_o send_v we_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n one_o scruple_n more_o may_v peradventure_o remain_v they_o will_v say_v it_o be_v well_o that_o we_o require_v the_o church_n consent_n before_o any_o weighty_a matter_n which_o concern_v all_o be_v finish_v but_o what_o if_o this_o consent_n be_v not_o have_v whether_o may_v the_o eldership_n cut_v off_o a_o offender_n renitente_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la 19_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n be_v this_o also_o we_o say_v with_o zepperus_n quod_fw-la si_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o if_o the_o church_n say_v he_o will_v not_o approve_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n nor_o hold_v it_o valid_a and_o they_o see_v many_o disagree_v among_o themselves_o and_o schism_n and_o great_a evil_n in_o the_o church_n to_o follow_v this_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n the_o elder_n shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o excommunication_n but_o shall_v patient_o suffer_v what_o can_v with_o the_o good_a leave_n of_o the_o church_n be_v amend_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o shall_v public_o and_o private_o admonish_v and_o exhort_v parmen_fw-la so_o say_v zanchius_n that_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v the_o b._n of_o spalleto_n and_o before_o he_o augustine_n have_v give_v the_o reason_n hereof_o because_o the_o end_n of_o excommunication_n can_v be_v attain_v if_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consent_v thereto_o for_o the_o end_n be_v that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v take_v with_o fear_n and_o shame_n when_o he_o find_v himself_o abhor_v and_o accurse_a by_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o excommunicate_v he_o from_o who_o the_o multitude_n in_o the_o church_n refuse_v to_o abstract_n their_o communion_n i_o conclude_v that_o in_o such_o case_n though_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n have_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n it_o be_v not_o to_o exercise_v the_o same_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o independency_n of_o the_o eldership_n of_o particular_a congregation_n we_o have_v now_o roll_v away_o one_o stone_n of_o offence_n but_o there_o be_v another_o in_o our_o way_n it_o be_v most_o strange_a if_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o a_o congregation_n consist_v it_o may_v be_v of_o 10_o 20_o 30_o or_o 40_o person_n according_a to_o the_o ground_n of_o these_o with_o who_o we_o deal_v shall_v be_v permit_v to_o exercise_v independent_o all_o eccleasisticall_a jurisdiction_n but_o it_o be_v almost_o as_o great_a a_o paradox_n to_o say_v that_o the_o representative_a of_o every_o congregation_n which_o be_v the_o eldership_n thereof_o consist_v it_o may_v be_v of_o a_o pastor_n and_o two_o or_o three_o rule_v elder_n ought_v independent_o to_o exercise_v the_o foresay_a jurisdiction_n in_o all_o point_n i_o be_o debtor_n to_o d._n field_n for_o answer_v one_o of_o those_o question_n before_o propound_v concern_v rule_v elder_n and_o here_o it_o fall_v in_o my_o hand_n he_o ask_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o church-government_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o every_o congregation_n or_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o many_o congregation_n join_v together_o in_o a_o common_a presbytery_n i_o believe_v his_o expectation_n be_v that_o while_n as_o we_o will_v sail_v through_o betwixt_o the_o charybdis_n of_o episcopal_a tyranny_n and_o the_o scylla_n of_o popular_a anarchy_n we_o shall_v not_o know_v hoâ—_n to_o direct_v our_o course_n but_o shall_v certain_o either_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o wave_n of_o mighty_a difficulty_n or_o split_v ourselves_o upon_o hide_a rock_n of_o division_n our_o danger_n i_o hope_v be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o he_o do_v imagine_v for_o we_o hold_v that_o the_o particular_a eldership_n of_o several_a congregation_n have_v their_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o church-government_n but_o with_o a_o subordination_n unto_o the_o common_a or_o great_a presbytery_n who_o power_n be_v superior_a and_o of_o a_o large_a extent_n first_o than_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a eldership_n and_o how_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v independent_a and_o how_o not_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v give_v four_o distinction_n out_o of_o parker_n and_o to_o these_o i_o shall_v add_v other_o four_o of_o my_o own_o 20_o the_o first_o distinction_n be_v betwixt_o thing_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o one_o congregation_n 〈…〉_z and_o thing_n which_o be_v common_a to_o many_o the_o former_a pertain_v to_o the_o particular_a eldership_n the_o latter_a to_o the_o common_a eldership_n whence_o it_o come_v that_o in_o scotland_n the_o case_n of_o ordination_n suspension_n deposition_n and_o excommunication_n be_v determine_v in_o the_o great_a presbytery_n because_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v one_o congregation_n alone_o but_o many_o who_o be_v take_v into_o the_o common_a presbytery_n and_o who_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o samâ—_n neither_o do_v the_o excommunication_n of_o a_o sinner_n concern_v only_o one_o congregation_n but_o the_o neighbour_a congregation_n also_o among_o who_o as_o be_v to_o be_v common_o suppose_v the_o sinner_n do_v often_o haunt_v &_o converse_v cyprian_n speak_v of_o the_o admission_n of_o some_o who_o have_v fall_v and_o who_o have_v no_o recommendation_n from_o the_o martyr_n to_o be_v receive_v again_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o common_a meeting_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o common_a cause_n and_o do_v not_o concern_v a_o few_o nor_o one_o church_n only_o see_v lib._n 2._o ep._n 14._o the_o second_o distinction_n be_v betwixt_o congregation_n which_o have_v a_o competent_a and_o well-qualified_a eldership_n &_o small_a congregation_n who_o have_v but_o few_o office-bearer_n and_o those_o it_o may_v be_v not_o sufficient_o able_a for_o church-government_n in_o this_o case_n of_o insufficiency_n a_o congregation_n may_v not_o independent_o by_o itself_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n and_o not_o in_o re_fw-mi propria_fw-la say_v parker_n 3._o he_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o case_n of_o right_a administration_n and_o the_o case_n of_o aberration_n whatsoever_o liberty_n a_o congregation_n have_v in_o the_o former_a case_n sure_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a and_o subordinate_a if_o particular_a eldership_n do_v right_o manage_v their_o own_o matter_n of_o church-government_n the_o great_a presbytery_n shall_v not_o need_v for_o a_o long_a time_n it_o may_v be_v for_o some_o year_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o any_o of_o their_o matter_n which_o we_o know_v by_o experience_n in_o our_o own_o church_n 4._o he_o make_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o the_o case_n of_o appellation_n and_o the_o case_n de_fw-fr nulla_fw-la administratione_fw-la mala_fw-la praesumpta_fw-la though_o the_o particular_a eldership_n have_v proceed_v aright_o though_o it_o consist_v of_o able_a and_o sufficient_a man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v in_o re_fw-mi propria_fw-la yet_o if_o one_o think_v himself_o wrong_v and_o so_o appeal_v then_o be_v it_o make_v obnoxious_a to_o a_o high_a consistory_n for_o say_v parker_n as_o the_o council_n of_o sardis_n ordain_v audience_n must_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o he_o who_o entreat_v for_o it_o 2._o so_o say_v zepperus_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o purpose_n cuivis_fw-la integrum_fw-la quoque_fw-la sit_fw-la ad_fw-la superiores_fw-la gradus_fw-la provocare_fw-la si_fw-la in_o inferioris_fw-la gradus_fw-la sententia_fw-la aut_fw-la decreto_fw-la aliquid_fw-la
of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n it_o iâ—_n say_v that_o paul_n kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v with_o they_o all_o and_o they_o all_o weep_v sore_o act_v 20.36.37_o compare_v with_o verse_n 28._o here_o be_v some_o good_a number_n import_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n that_o be_v to_o the_o pastor_n thereof_o collective_o take_v christ_n say_v the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n revel_v 2.10_o which_o if_o not_o only_o yet_o principal_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o pastor_n though_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v more_o plain_a of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n verse_n 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unto_o you_o i_o say_v &_o to_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n as_o if_o he_o will_v say_v say_v pareus_n tibi_fw-la â—spicopo_fw-la cum_fw-la collegis_fw-la &_o reliquo_fw-la coetui_fw-la dico_fw-la paul_n write_v to_o the_o bishop_n at_o philippi_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o be_v already_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o the_o apostle_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o send_v unto_o they_o epaphroditus_n also_o phil._n 2.25_o be_v short_o thereafter_o to_o send_v unto_o they_o timotheus_n verse_n 19_o yea_o to_o come_v himself_o verse_n 24._o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o labourer_n in_o that_o harvest_n epaphras_n and_o archippus_n be_v pastor_n to_o the_o church_n at_o colosse_n and_o who_o beside_o we_o can_v tell_v but_o paul_n send_v unto_o they_o also_o tychicus_n and_o onesimuâ—_n col._n 4.7.9_o now_o touch_v the_o three_o proposition_n no_o man_n who_o understand_v will_v imagine_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n within_o one_o of_o those_o great_a city_n be_v divide_v into_o as_o many_o parish_n as_o there_o be_v meet_v place_n for_o worship_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o controversy_n who_o do_v begin_v the_o division_n of_o parish_n but_o whosoever_o it_o be_v whether_o evaristus_n or_o higinus_n or_o dionysius_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o than_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v in_o every_o city_n or_o to_o say_v in_o every_o church_n that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tit._n 1.5_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 14.22_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o anti-prelaticall_a writer_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v and_o by_o the_o prelatical_a writer_n also_o the_o last_o proposition_n as_o it_o have_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o so_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o former_a for_o that_o which_o make_v the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n within_o one_o city_n to_o be_v one_o church_n be_v their_o union_n under_o and_o their_o subjection_n unto_o the_o same_o church_n government_n and_o governor_n a_o multitude_n may_v be_v one_o church_n though_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o example_n it_o may_v fall_v forth_o that_o a_o congregation_n can_v meet_v together_o into_o one_o but_o into_o divers_a place_n and_o this_o may_v continue_v so_o for_o some_o year_n together_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n or_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o plague_n or_o because_o they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o large_a parish-church_n as_o may_v contain_v they_o all_o so_o that_o a_o part_n of_o they_o must_v meet_v in_o some_o other_o place_n but_o a_o multitude_n can_v be_v one_o church_n unless_o they_o communicate_v in_o the_o same_o church_n government_n and_o under_o the_o same_o governor_n by_o one_o church_n i_o mean_v one_o ecclesiastical_a republic_n even_o as_o the_o like_a union_n under_o civil_a government_n and_o governor_n make_v one_o corporation_n when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n 20.28_o he_o exhort_v they_o all_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o hierome_n speak_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o say_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o amsterdam_n because_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a from_o all_o which_o have_v be_v say_v i_o infer_v this_o corollary_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a court_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o do_v ordain_v depose_v excommunicate_a etc._n etc._n do_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o pastor_n and_o elder_n as_o can_v with_o conveniency_n meet_v ordinary_o together_o which_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o warrant_n for_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n i_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o town_n no_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n notwithstanding_o whereof_o the_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o congregation_n might_n and_o do_v manage_v the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o and_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n therein_o i_o confess_v also_o that_o in_o those_o city_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o can_v meet_v together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o presbytery_n do_v consist_v of_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n within_o such_o a_o city_n for_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n any_o christian_a congregation_n in_o landward_o village_n the_o persecution_n force_v christian_n to_o choose_v the_o shelter_n of_o city_n for_o which_o reason_n many_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o infidel_n in_o those_o day_n be_v call_v pagani_n because_o they_o alone_o dwell_v in_o pagis_fw-la and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o adjacent_a to_o city_n we_o must_v think_v the_o same_o shall_v have_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o common_a presbytery_n their_o own_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v a_o part_n thereof_o howsoever_o it_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o for_o manage_v the_o ordinary_a matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o church-government_n the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o divers_a city_n can_v not_o convenient_o have_v such_o ordinary_a meeting_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n only_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n within_o one_o city_n have_v such_o conveniency_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v we_o do_v not_o forsake_v but_o follow_v the_o pattern_n when_o we_o join_v together_o a_o number_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n out_o of_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o convenient_a circuit_n to_o make_v up_o a_o common_a presbytery_n which_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v those_o congregation_n for_o if_o the_o presbytery_n which_o we_o find_v in_o those_o city_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n be_v a_o sure_a pattern_n for_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v than_o it_o follow_v undeniable_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o church-government_n of_o excommunication_n ordination_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v belong_v to_o that_o primitive_a presbytery_n do_v also_o belong_v to_o those_o our_o classical_a or_o great_a presbytery_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n provincial_n and_o national_n touch_v synod_n i_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o their_o power_n be_v and_o thereafter_o give_v argument_n for_o the_o same_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o we_o ascribe_v unto_o synod_n be_v the_o same_o in_o nature_n and_o kind_n with_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o presbytery_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o presbytery_n do_v exercise_v it_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o in_o matter_n proper_a to_o the_o congregation_n within_o their_o circuit_n synod_n do_v exercise_v this_o power_n in_o matter_n which_o be_v common_a to_o a_o whole_a province_n or_o nation_n or_o if_o in_o matter_n proper_a to_o the_o bound_n of_o one_o presbytery_n it_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o either_o presbytery_n have_v err_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o their_o own_o matter_n or_o when_o such_o thing_n be_v transfer_v to_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o presbytery_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o appellation_n or_o by_o reference_n the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n whereof_o i_o speak_v be_v threefold_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v distinguish_v by_o our_o writer_n and_o all_o these_o three_o do_v in_o manner_n foresay_a belong_v unto_o synod_n in_o respect_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o worship_n a_o synod_n be_v judex_n or_o testis_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o external_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o circumstance_n a_o contriver_n of_o a_o
the_o elder_n do_v decreee_v ordain_v and_o conclude_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n possit_fw-la and_o not_o the_o apostle_n only_o now_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o impose_v their_o decree_n upon_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n with_o who_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v as_o mr._n robinson_n say_v true_o since_o therefore_o these_o thing_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o the_o decree_n ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o do_v necessary_o import_v that_o there_o be_v in_o that_o meeting_n delegate_n and_o commissioner_n from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o do_v represent_v the_o same_o chap._n ix_o the_o five_o argument_n take_v from_o geometrical_a proportion_n as_o be_v the_o proportion_n of_o 3._o to_o 9_o so_o be_v the_o proportion_n of_o 9_o to_o 27._o of_o 21._o to_o 81._o etc._n etc._n this_o rule_n of_o giometricall_a proportion_n afford_v we_o a_o five_o argument_n for_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n if_o we_o shall_v grant_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v popular_a then_o by_o what_o proportion_n one_o or_o two_o be_v subject_n to_o a_o whole_a congregation_n by_o the_o same_o proportion_n be_v that_o congregation_n subject_a to_o a_o provincial_a or_o a_o national_a congregation_n i_o mean_v if_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o province_n or_o a_o nation_n be_v assemble_v into_o one_o collective_a body_n as_o all_o the_o male_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v assemble_v thrice_o in_o the_o year_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n 20.1_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v assemble_v together_o in_o mizpeh_n as_o one_o man_n from_o dan_n even_o to_o beersheba_n four_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n to_o try_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o levite_n and_o to_o resolve_v what_o to_o do_v there-anent_a which_o meet_v of_o the_o nation_n be_v order_v by_o tribe_n the_o tribe_n by_o family_n the_o family_n by_o person_n in_o that_o case_n any_o one_o particular_a congregation_n behove_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o general_a congregation_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n whereby_o one_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n because_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o part_n and_o the_o body_n more_o than_o a_o member_n now_o the_o same_o rule_n hold_v in_o the_o representatives_n of_o church_n whether_o we_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o collective_n or_o among_o themselves_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o representative_n with_o the_o collective_n then_o as_o one_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o particular_a eldership_n represent_v the_o â—ame_n by_o the_o like_a proportion_n be_v 14._o or_o 16._o congregation_n govern_v by_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n represent_v they_o all_o by_o the_o same_o proportion_n be_v all_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o province_n subject_a to_o a_o provincial_n synod_n by_o the_o same_o aught_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o nation_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o national_a assembly_n all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o represent_v in_o the_o same_o 331.332_o for_o as_o parker_n say_v well_o many_o church_n be_v combine_v into_o one_o in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n as_o many_o member_n be_v combine_v into_o one_o church_n if_o we_o compare_v the_o representative_n among_o themselves_o then_o by_o what_o proportion_n a_o particular_a eldership_n represent_v only_o one_o congregation_n be_v less_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n than_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n which_o represent_v many_o congregation_n by_o the_o same_o proportion_n be_v a_o classical_a presbytery_n less_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n than_o a_o provincial_n synod_n and_o it_o less_o in_o authority_n then_o a_o national_n synod_n so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o presbytery_n whether_o parochial_a or_o classical_a be_v once_o grant_v this_o shall_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o proportion_n infer_v the_o authority_n of_o synod_n i_o know_v that_o synod_n be_v not_o ordinary_a court_n as_o presbytery_n be_v but_o this_o and_o other_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o i_o pass_v the_o argument_n hold_v for_o the_o point_n of_o authority_n that_o synod_n when_o they_o be_v have_v authority_n over_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o province_n or_o a_o nation_n even_o as_o presbytery_n have_v over_o the_o congregation_n within_o their_o bound_n chap._n x._o the_o six_o argument_n take_v from_o necessity_n we_o have_v another_o reason_n to_o add_v and_o it_o be_v borrow_v from_o lawless_a necessity_n for_o without_o a_o subordination_n among_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o high_a above_o the_o inferior_a it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o preserve_v unity_n or_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o controversy_n in_o a_o nation_n a_o particular_a congregation_n may_v happy_o end_v question_n and_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o so_o keep_v unity_n within_o itself_o and_o not_o so_o neither_o if_o the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o congregation_n be_v against_o the_o other_o but_o how_o shall_v controversy_n betwixt_o several_a congregation_n be_v determine_v if_o both_o of_o they_o be_v independent_a how_o shall_v plurality_n of_o religion_n be_v avoid_v how_o shall_v a_o apostatise_v congregation_n be_v amend_v it_o be_v answer_v 1._o if_o a_o particular_a congregation_n neglect_v their_o duty_n or_o do_v wrong_v to_o another_o the_o civil_a sword_n may_v proceed_v against_o they_o to_o make_v they_o do_v their_o duty_n 2._o a_o particular_a congregation_n ought_v in_o difficult_a case_n to_o consult_v with_o her_o sister_n church_n for_o so_o much_o reason_n dictate_v that_o in_o difficult_a case_n counsel_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o a_o great_a number_n 3._o sister_n church_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a congregation_n do_v amiss_o out_o of_o that_o relation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o she_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o body_n under_o the_o same_o head_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o admonish_v she_o and_o in_o case_n of_o general_a apostasy_n they_o may_v withdraw_v that_o communion_n from_o she_o which_o they_o hold_v with_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n but_o these_o answer_n be_v not_o satisfactory_a the_o first_o of_o they_o agree_v not_o to_o all_o time_n for_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o church_n have_v not_o the_o help_n of_o the_o civil_a sword_n a_o persecute_v magistrate_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o see_v either_o division_n or_o apostasy_n in_o a_o congregation_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n have_v povide_v a_o remedy_n both_o for_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o disease_n of_o his_o church_n and_o at_o all_o time_n the_o church_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v a_o republic_n and_o have_v her_o law_n court_n and_o spiritual_a censure_n within_o herself_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o not_o the_o second_o answer_n leave_v the_o rectify_v of_o a_o err_a congregation_n to_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o own_o discretion_n in_o seek_v counsel_n from_o a_o great_a number_n and_o moreover_o if_o this_o be_v a_o dictate_v of_o reason_n to_o ask_v counsel_n of_o a_o great_a number_n when_o the_o counsel_n of_o a_o few_o can_v resolve_v we_o than_o reason_n be_v ever_o like_o itself_o will_v dictate_v so_o much_o to_o a_o congregation_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o great_a number_n when_o their_o own_o authority_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o end_v a_o controversy_n among_o they_o to_o the_o three_o answer_n we_o say_v that_o every_o private_a christian_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n either_o of_o one_o man_n or_o of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n in_o the_o case_n of_o general_a apostasy_n and_o shall_v a_o apostatise_v congregation_n be_v suffer_v to_o run_v to_o hell_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o remedy_n shall_v be_v use_v beside_o that_o common_o ineffectual_a remedy_v which_o any_o private_a christian_a may_v use_v god_n forbid_v what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o congregation_n i_o say_v also_o of_o classical_a presbytery_n how_o shall_v sentence_n be_v give_v betwixt_o two_o presbytery_n at_o variance_n how_o shall_v a_o divide_a presbytery_n be_v reunite_v in_o itself_o how_o shall_v a_o heretical_a presbytery_n be_v reclaim_v how_o shall_v a_o negligent_a presbytery_n be_v make_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n how_o shall_v a_o despise_a presbytery_n have_v their_o wound_a authority_n heal_v again_o in_o these_o and_o such_o like_a contingent_a case_n what_o remedy_n can_v be_v have_v beside_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n chap._n xi_o objection_n make_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n answer_v they_o who_o dislike_v the_o subordination_n of_o particular_a congregation_n unto_o high_a ecclesiastical_a court_n object_n
the_o lord_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n upon_o the_o breastplate_n this_o prove_v not_o a_o church_n representative_a but_o sign_n representative_a 5._o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o as_o then_o necessary_o absent_a from_o the_o consistorial_n action_n of_o debate_v and_o decide_v matter_n of_o church_n government_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n and_o so_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o representative_a church_n do_v still_o remain_v now_o before_o i_o make_v a_o end_n i_o must_v answer_v yet_o other_o two_o objection_n which_o have_v be_v late_o make_v 57.58_o there_o be_v one_o who_o object_v that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15._o can_v be_v no_o precedent_n nor_o pattern_n for_o succeed_a age_n first_o because_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o whole_o guide_v they_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n so_o as_o in_o that_o their_o determination_n they_o say_v express_o 15.28_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n now_o what_o synod_n in_o any_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n can_v ever_o say_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o inspire_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o that_o injunction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o that_o present_a time_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o the_o like_a we_o read_v not_o afterward_o in_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n ans._n 1._o i_o say_v with_o whittaker_n posse_fw-la alia_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o other_o lawful_a counsel_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n affirm_v their_o decree_n to_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 6._o if_o they_o be_v like_a unto_o this_o council_n and_o if_o they_o keep_v the_o same_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v keep_v and_o follow_v in_o this_o council_n for_o if_o they_o decree_v and_o determine_v nothing_o but_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v do_v in_o this_o council_n and_o if_o they_o examine_v all_o question_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o all_o their_o decree_n follow_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n then_o may_v they_o affirm_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v so_o decree_v 2._o if_o the_o doctrine_n or_o exhortation_n of_o a_o pastor_n well_o ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o much_o more_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o a_o synod_n well_o ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n the_o decree_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n neither_o do_v the_o decree_n proceed_v from_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n act_n 16.4_o and_o 21.25_o and_o in_o the_o place_n which_o be_v now_o object_v act_v 15.28_o not_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o the_o elder_n with_o they_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o what_o the_o elder_n do_v then_o the_o elder_n may_v do_v now_o for_o time_n have_v not_o diminish_v their_o authority_n 4._o nay_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o that_o synod_n the_o elder_n may_v do_v in_o a_o synod_n now_o for_o the_o apostle_n than_o do_v nothing_o but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a way_n of_o dispute_v and_o debate_v compare_v reason_n with_o reason_n and_o sentence_n with_o sentence_n and_o thereafter_o frame_v the_o decree_n according_a to_o the_o light_n which_o they_o have_v by_o reason_v and_o by_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o which_o be_v most_o observable_a the_o sentence_n of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o that_o synod_n be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o defective_a for_o he_o only_o dissuade_v from_o impose_v the_o yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o overture_n for_o avoid_v the_o offence_n betwixt_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o convert_a gentile_n at_o that_o time_n which_o i_o may_v suppose_v he_o will_v have_v do_v if_o his_o light_n and_o judgement_n have_v carry_v he_o that_o far_o in_o this_o the_o apostle_n james_n supply_v the_o defect_n of_o peter_n sentence_n supra_fw-la and_o propound_v a_o overture_n which_o please_v the_o whole_a council_n and_o according_a to_o which_o the_o decree_n be_v give_v forth_o this_o make_v luther_n to_o say_v that_o james_n do_v change_v the_o sentence_n of_o peter_n and_o all_o this_o it_o please_v god_n so_o to_o dispose_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o synod_n to_o be_v indeed_o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n for_o ordinary_a synod_n in_o succeed_v age_n 5._o henry_n jacob_n in_o his_o three_o argument_n for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o the_o church_n say_v it_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a that_o the_o text_n matth._n 18._o be_v never_o understand_v for_o 1500_o year_n after_o christ._n sure_a this_o text_n act._n 15._o be_v never_o understand_v for_o that_o whole_a space_n if_o the_o assembly_n there_o mention_v be_v not_o a_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n 6._o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o we_o that_o he_o say_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o elder_n be_v for_o that_o present_a time_n only_o nay_o it_o make_v for_o we_o for_o in_o this_o also_o that_o synod_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o succeed_a age_n forasmuch_o as_o synod_n now_o have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v a_o perpetual_a restraint_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v then_o the_o eat_n of_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v but_o only_a during_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o moreover_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o that_o synod_n be_v also_o perpetual_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v against_o the_o press_n of_o circumcision_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n 25.26_o one_o objection_n more_o i_o find_v in_o another_o late_a piece_n which_o strike_v not_o at_o the_o authority_n alone_o but_o at_o the_o very_a reputation_n of_o synod_n this_o author_n allege_v that_o the_o ordinary_a government_n by_o synod_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a confusion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o parity_n and_o equality_n the_o voice_n be_v number_v not_o weigh_v equidem_fw-la say_v a_o wise_a father_n at_o veer_fw-la etc._n etc._n to_o say_v the_o truth_n i_o be_o utter_o determine_v never_o to_o come_v to_o any_o council_n of_o bishop_n for_o i_o never_o yet_o see_v good_a end_n of_o any_o council_n for_o counsel_n abate_v not_o ill_a thing_n but_o rather_o increase_v they_o answ._n 1._o if_o the_o parity_n and_o equality_n make_v a_o great_a confusion_n in_o the_o ordinary_a government_n by_o synod_n it_o shall_v make_v no_o less_o but_o rather_o great_a confusion_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a synod_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o his_o restriction_n to_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a 2._o if_o the_o number_n of_o voice_n and_o the_o parity_n of_o those_o that_o do_v voice_n make_v a_o confusion_n in_o synod_n why_o not_o in_o parliament_n also_o and_o in_o other_o civil_a court_n 3._o that_o testimony_n do_v only_o strike_v at_o the_o counsel_n of_o bishop_n and_o so_o make_v not_o against_o parity_n but_o against_o imparity_n in_o counsel_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n we_o have_v find_v in_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o prelatical_a synod_n have_v not_o abate_v but_o rather_o increase_v evil_n in_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o word_n of_o nazianzen_n for_o he_o be_v the_o father_n here_o mean_v of_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v against_o synod_n but_o against_o the_o abuse_n of_o synod_n at_o that_o time_n 1._o and_o in_o this_o we_o must_v pardon_v he_o say_v whittaker_n that_o he_o shun_v all_o synod_n in_o those_o evil_a time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o emperor_n valens_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o catholic_a faith_n and_o when_o the_o faction_n of_o heretic_n do_v most_o prevail_v in_o that_o case_n indeed_o synod_n shall_v have_v produce_v great_a evil_n but_o we_o trust_v it_o shall_v be_v now_o see_v that_o well_o constitute_v and_o free_a synod_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n shall_v not_o increase_v but_o abate_v evil_a thing_n finis_fw-la a_o postscript_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o treatise_n very_o late_o publish_v which_o be_v entitle_v the_o presbyterial_a government_n examine_v when_o the_o printer_n have_v do_v all_o except_o two_o sheet_n of_o my_o former_a treatise_n there_o come_v to_o my_o hand_n a_o piece_n against_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o promise_v much_o but_o perform_v little_a though_o my_o time_n be_v very_o short_a yet_o i_o trust_v to_o make_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o as_o full_a as_o it_o deserve_v it_o have_v a_o magisteriall_a and_o high_a sound_a title_n undertake_v the_o examination_n of_o presbyterial_a