be_v grant_v to_o general_n council_n but_o there_o must_v be_v liberty_n of_o appeal_n from_o they_o also_o such_o consequence_n do_v inevitable_o follow_v upon_o that_o which_o you_o suggest_v as_o a_o ground_n of_o appeal_n from_o particular_a congregation_n and_o by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o particular_a congregation_n have_v no_o such_o superior_a judicatory_n above_o they_o but_o according_a to_o your_o ground_n there_o may_v be_v liberty_n of_o appeal_n from_o the_o same_o and_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n against_o their_o independency_n as_o against_o the_o independency_n of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o israel_n because_o those_o synagogue_n have_v a_o judicatory_a above_o they_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n those_o may_v be_v dependent_a which_o have_v other_o above_o they_o which_o be_v supreme_a whereas_o they_o which_o have_v no_o such_o above_o they_o may_v be_v supreme_a themselves_o and_o consequent_o be_v independent_a obj._n if_o any_o shall_v here_o ask_v whether_o we_o think_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o particular_a congregation_n to_o err_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o cause_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o confess_v they_o may_v but_o in_o our_o judgement_n that_o need_v not_o to_o hinder_v but_o they_o may_v have_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o and_o not_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o other_o for_o that_o supreme_a synedrion_fw-mi at_o jerusalem_n do_v many_o time_n err_v and_o give_v corrupt_a judgement_n in_o cause_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o other_o judicatory_n when_o we_o be_v inquire_v in_o what_o judicatory_n the_o supremum_fw-la of_o church-power_n do_v lie_v it_o be_v not_o our_o best_a course_n to_o look_v for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o can_v err_v for_o such_o a_o one_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v but_o to_o look_v out_o where_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o to_o lie_v and_o therewith_o to_o rest_v content_v now_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o supremum_fw-la by_o god_n appointment_n be_v in_o that_o synedrion_fw-mi at_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o know_v of_o no_o appointment_n of_o god_n that_o the_o like_a supremum_fw-la must_v be_v in_o a_o synod_n but_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v a_o particular_a congregation_n may_v be_v answerable_a to_o that_o synedrion_fw-mi as_o well_o as_o any_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o power_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v constant_a and_o always_o ready_a to_o be_v have_v as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o synedrion_fw-mi whereas_o class_n and_o synod_n be_v more_o seldom_o and_o rare_a and_o can_v be_v gather_v so_o often_o as_o there_o may_v be_v need_n of_o the_o use_n of_o church_n power_n in_o regard_n of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n or_o censure_v of_o offender_n and_o the_o like_a therefore_o brief_o to_o wind_v up_o all_o sith_o congregation_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v complete_a church_n which_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n be_v not_o and_o sith_o the_o synagogue_n have_v a_o supreme_a judicatory_n above_o they_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n which_o our_o congregation_n have_v not_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o dependency_n of_o the_o synagogue_n upon_o that_o superior_a judicatory_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o our_o congregation_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o a_o synod_n especial_o this_o be_v consider_v withal_o that_o the_o judicatory_n upon_o which_o the_o synagogue_n do_v depend_v be_v not_o any_o synod_n but_o a_o assembly_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o though_o the_o supremacy_n must_v be_v somewhere_o even_o where_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o to_o be_v yet_o the_o particular_a congregation_n may_v show_v as_o much_o for_o that_o appointment_n as_o the_o synod_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o this_o first_o argument_n only_o we_o will_v add_v some_o observation_n upon_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o that_o which_o you_o write_v for_o removal_n of_o three_o exception_n which_o you_o say_v be_v give_v by_o some_o against_o this_o argument_n of_o you_o 1._o that_o that_o government_n be_v ccremoniall_a and_o typical_a 2._o that_o papist_n allege_v it_o against_o we_o for_o their_o hierarchy_n and_o appeal_n to_o the_o pope_n 3._o that_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v then_o judge_n in_o civil_a cause_n wherein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o government_n be_v then_o appealative_a and_o dependent_a pag._n 5._o if_o any_o do_v make_v such_o exception_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o that_o make_v they_o to_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o they_o or_o to_o clear_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n but_o for_o we_o the_o answer_n we_o have_v give_v to_o the_o argument_n be_v that_o wherein_o we_o do_v rest_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v one_o highpriest_n in_o who_o all_o appeal_n and_o judgement_n be_v to_o determine_v pag._n 6._o though_o there_o be_v to_o be_v one_o highpriest_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o that_o all_o appeal_n and_o judgement_n be_v to_o determine_v in_o he_o we_o suppose_v be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v prove_v sure_a mr._n paget_n pag._n 35_o 36._o who_o you_o seem_v in_o your_o discourse_n much_o to_o follow_v do_v say_v that_o the_o judgement_n speak_v of_o deut._n 17._o be_v not_o give_v by_o the_o highpriest_n alone_o but_o by_o a_o college_n or_o senate_n of_o priest_n note_v in_o the_o text_n and_o approve_v the_o judgement_n of_o doctor_n reynolds_n and_o doctor_n whitaker_n give_v this_o answer_n as_o a_o just_a refutation_n of_o the_o papist_n argue_v from_o this_o text_n to_o prove_v there_o shall_v be_v one_o supreme_a judge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v gradual_a judicatory_n wherein_o the_o aggrieve_a party_n may_v appeal_v from_o the_o lesser_a to_o the_o high_a there_o can_v be_v no_o ceremony_n or_o type_n in_o this_o this_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o jethro_n appeal_n say_v doctor_n whitaker_n be_v of_o divine_a and_o natural_a right_n pag._n 6._o if_o this_o be_v mean_v in_o civil_a cause_n where_o more_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o civil_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n not_o determine_v all_o particular_n so_o full_o as_o it_o do_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n then_o we_o for_o our_o part_n do_v full_o consent_v thereto_o and_o though_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n also_o yet_o this_o we_o suppose_v be_v clear_a likewise_o by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o both_o for_o civil_a cause_n and_o ecclesiastical_a there_o must_v be_v some_o final_a and_o supreme_a judgement_n that_o controversy_n may_v not_o by_o appeal_n after_o appeal_n be_v spin_v out_o in_o infinitum_fw-la now_o unless_o it_o be_v determine_v where_o that_o supremacy_n do_v lie_v which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n in_o question_n the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o appeal_n may_v be_v grant_v and_o yet_o we_o shall_v be_v still_o at_o uncertainty_n about_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o as_o much_o to_o seek_v as_o before_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v appeal_n till_o you_o come_v to_o the_o high_a be_v one_o thing_n and_o that_o a_o synod_n and_o not_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o high_a be_v another_o and_o they_o be_v so_o far_o different_a that_o though_o the_o first_o be_v grant_v yet_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o thereby_o prove_v that_o renown_a martyr_n cranmer_n the_o form_n of_o his_o appeal_n to_o a_o council_n three_o time_n by_o he_o urge_v we_o have_v record_v by_o mr_n fox_n at_o large_a pag._n 6._o but_o how_o this_o example_n do_v suit_v the_o present_a question_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o his_o appeal_n be_v not_o from_o a_o particular_a congregation_n but_o from_o the_o pope_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o a_o synod_n but_o to_o the_o next_o general_a council_n which_o from_o that_o day_n to_o this_o have_v not_o yet_o assemble_v nor_o be_v call_v if_o we_o must_v hold_v a_o necessity_n of_o appeal_n to_o such_o a_o judicatory_n as_o cranmer_n appeal_v unto_o than_o the_o supremacy_n of_o synod_n provincial_n or_o national_a be_v utter_o take_v away_o general_o all_o that_o write_v against_o appeal_n to_o the_o pope_n acknowledge_v yet_o their_o necessary_a usefulness_n to_o a_o synod_n so_o do_v that_o reverend_a martyr_n cranmer_n so_o beside_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o antiquity_n ursin_n zepperus_n and_o to_o come_v near_o cartwright_n fenner_n nay_o barrow_n ainsworth_n johnson_n pag._n 6._o we_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o speech_n a_o good_a deal_n too_o large_a to_o say_v that_o all_o these_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o necessary_a usefulness_n of_o appeal_n to_o a_o synod_n especial_o if_o you_o mean_v of_o such_o appeal_n as_o you_o must_v needs_o mean_v or_o else_o you_o speak_v not_o to_o
a_o modest_a and_o brotherly_a answer_n to_o mr._n charles_n herle_n his_o book_n against_o the_o independency_n of_o church_n wherein_o his_o four_o argument_n for_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n over_o particular_a congregation_n be_v friendly_o examine_v and_o clear_o answer_v together_o with_o christian_a and_o love_a animadversion_n upon_o sundry_a other_o observable_a passage_n in_o the_o say_a book_n all_o tend_v to_o declare_v the_o true_a use_n of_o synod_n and_o the_o power_n of_o congregational_a church_n in_o the_o point_n of_o elect_v and_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o censure_v their_o offender_n by_o richard_n mather_z teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o dorchester_n and_o william_n tompson_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n at_o braintree_n in_o new-england_n send_v from_o thence_o after_o the_o assembly_n of_o elder_n be_v dissolve_v that_o last_o meet_v at_o cambridg_n to_o debate_v matter_n about_o church-government_n london_n print_v for_o henry_n overton_n in_o popes-head_n alley_n 1644._o reverend_a and_o dear_a sir_n the_o right_a form_n of_o church_n government_n be_v more_o search_v into_o of_o late_a time_n then_o former_o and_o yourself_o among_o other_o have_v write_v for_o the_o govern_a power_n or_o jurisdiction_n of_o synod_n over_o particular_a church_n we_o therefore_o know_v ourselves_o bind_v as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a have_v consider_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v holpen_v we_o those_o argument_n of_o you_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o your_o book_n against_o the_o indepency_n of_o church_n and_o not_o be_v satisfy_v therewith_o your_o book_n be_v publish_v in_o print_n we_o have_v therefore_o think_v meet_v in_o like_o fort_n to_o publish_v our_o answer_n and_o in_o that_o way_n to_o show_v unto_o yourself_o and_o other_o what_o yet_o hinder_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v your_o argument_n to_o be_v convince_a in_o which_o attempt_n we_o have_v be_v the_o more_o encourage_v by_o your_o profession_n which_o we_o dare_v not_o but_o believe_v that_o in_o what_o you_o have_v write_v you_o have_v aim_v at_o verity_n and_o not_o at_o victory_n whereof_o we_o be_v the_o rather_o persuade_v because_o we_o do_v perceive_v your_o whole_a discourse_n to_o be_v carry_v along_o without_o passion_n and_o bitterness_n in_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o love_n which_o also_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o acknowledge_v before_o all_o man_n to_o your_o just_a commendation_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o give_v you_o such_o a_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v our_o hope_n that_o sith_o you_o profess_v to_o aim_v at_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v dispute_v with_o such_o a_o spirit_n as_o if_o you_o mean_v so_o indeed_o that_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a to_o you_o if_o any_o weakness_n be_v discover_v in_o those_o ground_n whereon_o you_o build_v this_o persuasion_n that_o in_o the_o present_a question_n the_o truth_n do_v stand_v on_o your_o side_n and_o as_o your_o book_n do_v breathe_v forth_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n ingenuity_n and_o love_n so_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v find_v that_o we_o have_v aim_v at_o the_o like_a in_o our_o answer_n which_o as_o we_o have_v write_v and_o now_o publish_v it_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o help_n of_o those_o that_o can_v attain_v unto_o large_a and_o more_o learned_a treatise_n about_o this_o subject_a so_o in_o special_a manner_n in_o love_n to_o yourself_o and_o our_o dear_a country_n man_n and_o friend_n as_o in_o other_o place_n of_o lancashire_n so_o in_o your_o parish_n of_o winwick_n wherein_o one_o of_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o other_o be_v for_o sundry_a year_n together_o a_o unworthy_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n accept_v therefore_o we_o do_v beseech_v you_o this_o brotherly_a labour_n of_o we_o which_o here_o we_o send_v you_o divide_v into_o these_o few_o chapter_n we_o be_v also_o willing_a upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o testify_v our_o thankfulness_n for_o that_o love_a respect_n which_o we_o find_v from_o you_o when_o we_o live_v together_o in_o that_o country_n when_o you_o be_v please_v to_o own_o we_o in_o our_o sad_a time_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n be_v with_o you_o and_o with_o all_o those_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o bless_v that_o reverend_a and_o grave_a assembly_n whereof_o we_o hear_v yourself_o be_v a_o member_n that_o by_o their_o wise_a and_o holy_a endeavour_n the_o truth_n may_v be_v clear_v and_o all_o corruption_n remove_v in_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o church_n government_n in_o england_n to_o his_o praise_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o all_o those_o who_o unfeigned_o desire_v that_o the_o crown_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v glorious_o advance_v over_o all_o which_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o your_o love_a brethren_n richard_n mather_n and_o william_n tompson_n a_o modest_a and_o brotherly_a answer_n to_o mr._n charles_n herle_n his_o book_n against_o the_o independency_n of_o church_n chapt._n i._n contain_v observation_n upon_o sundry_a passage_n in_o your_o state_v the_o question_n the_o independent_n say_v you_o deny_v to_o a_o synod_n as_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n so_o all_o manner_n of_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n either_o to_o determine_v or_o any_o way_n oblige_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v any_o way_n represent_v pag._n 2._o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o in_o scripture_n the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n be_v give_v to_o a_o synod_n we_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v though_o we_o give_v not_o a_o synod_n that_o name_n sith_o we_o be_v command_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o scripture_n as_o sufficient_a 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o though_o for_o this_o we_o will_v not_o contend_v but_o for_o power_n to_o determine_v viz._n dogmatical_o or_o by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n this_o we_o deny_v not_o to_o a_o synod_n for_o that_o synod_n act._n 15._o do_v put_v forth_o such_o power_n and_o we_o acknowledge_v other_o synod_n may_v do_v the_o like_a upon_o like_o occasion_n and_o their_o determination_n be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n aught_o to_o bind_v all_o those_o who_o they_o represent_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o neighbour_n church_n may_v meet_v and_o consult_v and_o advise_v each_o other_o and_o withdraw_v all_o fellowship_n from_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v grow_v pertinacious_o scandalous_a pag._n 2._o and_o you_o may_v add_v further_o that_o by_o their_o messenger_n be_v meet_v in_o a_o synod_n they_o may_v determine_v by_o the_o scripture_n any_o matter_n of_o controversy_n that_o may_v arise_v but_o for_o matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o excommunication_n ordination_n or_o whatever_o censure_n they_o hold_v it_o be_v entire_o and_o only_o in_o every_o single_a congregation_n though_o but_o of_o 2_o or_o 3_o believer_n p._n 2._o if_o any_o hold_v so_o small_a a_o number_n as_o 2_o or_o 3_o to_o be_v a_o church_n so_o complete_a as_o to_o have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n ordination_n and_o whatever_o censure_n they_o may_v if_o they_o see_v cause_n declare_v their_o ground_n for_o so_o hold_v but_o for_o our_o part_n for_o aught_o we_o yet_o see_v a_o church_n that_o have_v such_o power_n as_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o have_v need_n to_o be_v a_o great_a number_n than_o two_o or_o three_o even_o so_o many_o as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a and_o requisite_a for_o the_o carry_n on_o of_o church-work_n in_o admonition_n and_o reprehension_n of_o one_o another_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_n to_o be_v seven_o or_o more_o for_o a_o brother_n that_o sin_v must_v so_o be_v deal_v withal_o for_o his_o recovery_n that_o if_o he_o remain_v impenitent_a the_o proceed_n against_o he_o be_v still_o to_o go_v on_o by_o degree_n till_o at_o last_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v unto_o the_o church_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o but_o in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o proceed_v against_o he_o the_o person_n before_o who_o he_o be_v call_v be_v in_o every_o latter_a step_n and_o degree_n more_o in_o number_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o former_a and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o last_o be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o all_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v three_o at_o the_o least_o that_o must_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o matter_n before_o it_o must_v be_v bring_v unto_o the_o church_n viz._n the_o brother_n offend_v the_o brother_n offend_v and_o one_o witness_n at_o the_o least_o so_o that_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o those_o three_o or_o four_o that_o deal_n in_o the_o matter_n before_o it_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o of_o another_o number_n great_a than_o they_o and_o distinct_a from_o they_o to_o who_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v
for_o a_o christian_a congregation_n to_o want_v neighbour_n congregation_n to_o who_o they_o may_v with_o convenience_n have_v recourse_n be_v not_o so_o unusual_a as_o some_o may_v imagine_v special_o if_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o time_n and_o place_n of_o general_a persecution_n of_o general_a profaneness_n and_o of_o new_a plantation_n in_o heathen_a country_n be_v consider_v for_o at_o those_o time_n and_o in_o those_o place_n it_o be_v well_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o congregation_n at_o all_o to_o be_v find_v as_o there_o be_v one_o in_o london_n in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n mary_n but_o it_o be_v not_o like_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o many_o of_o they_o that_o any_o one_o may_v have_v many_o neighbour_n one_o to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o and_o yourself_o do_v intimate_a in_o page_n 43_o of_o your_o book_n that_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o wales_n and_o of_o the_o north_n such_o congregation_n even_o at_o this_o day_n will_v be_v so_o rare_a that_o in_o all_o probability_n scarce_o one_o can_v be_v make_v up_o in_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o mile_n compass_n 2_o suppose_v the_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o rare_a will_v you_o say_v that_o therefore_o they_o may_v violate_v the_o ordinary_a rule_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o church_n administration_n and_o now_o lawful_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n entire_o within_o themselves_o which_o if_o they_o have_v neighbour_n be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v we_o suppose_v it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v heed_n how_o far_o we_o yield_v it_o lawful_a in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n to_o transgress_v and_o violate_v ordinary_a rule_n leave_v some_o body_n do_v thereupon_o infer_v that_o though_o according_a to_o ordinary_a rule_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n must_v be_v dispense_v only_o by_o man_n and_o by_o minister_n yet_o in_o the_o want_n of_o these_o the_o one_o may_v be_v dispense_v by_o a_o woman_n suppose_v the_o midwife_n or_o some_o other_o and_o both_o of_o they_o by_o such_o as_o be_v no_o minister_n for_o as_o you_o excuse_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o a_o single_a congregation_n even_o so_o may_v they_o excuse_v these_o dispensation_n here_o mention_v by_o say_v that_o the_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o fall_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v what_o person_n by_o ordinary_a rule_n may_v dispense_v sacrament_n wherefore_o for_o aught_o we_o yet_o see_v it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o hold_v that_o sith_o the_o dispensation_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o ordinary_a rule_n belong_v only_o to_o minister_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o these_o day_n wherein_o the_o dispense_n of_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v perform_v by_o other_o whether_o woman_n or_o man_n and_o sith_o entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n must_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o a_o congregation_n that_o want_v neighbour_n therefore_o the_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a unto_o ordinary_a rule_n and_o so_o may_v be_v allow_v in_o other_o case_n also_o because_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n forementioned_a be_v not_o allowable_a by_o ordinary_a rule_n therefore_o the_o extraordinariness_n of_o the_o case_n will_v not_o make_v it_o lawful_a and_o because_o the_o independent_a jurisdiction_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v lawful_a in_o the_o case_n aforementioned_a which_o you_o call_v extraordinary_a therefore_o the_o same_o be_v allowable_a by_o ordinary_a rule_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v synod_n or_o assembly_n with_o large_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o make_v decree_n ordain_v pastor_n excommunicate_a member_n or_o congregation_n pag._n 2._o answ._n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v synod_n when_o occasion_n require_v we_o free_o grant_v but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o their_o be_v but_o about_o their_o power_n wherein_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v and_o excommunicate_v any_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v it_o prove_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v whole_a congregation_n as_o here_o be_v affirm_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o a_o congregation_n be_v a_o church_n it_o have_v communion_n within_o itself_o out_o of_o which_o it_o can_v be_v cast_v no_o more_o than_o cast_v out_o itself_o ames_n cas._n consc._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 29._o and_o 11._o yet_o so_o as_o in_o every_o single_a congregation_n there_o be_v leave_v a_o power_n of_o public_a reprehension_n and_o if_o need_v be_v of_o suspension_n of_o its_o own_o member_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o in_o case_n upon_o such_o appeal_n to_o the_o synod_n there_o appear_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o matter_n or_o partiality_n in_o the_o carriage_n of_o it_o it_o be_v if_o between_o member_n of_o one_o congregation_n rather_o to_o be_v remit_v to_o the_o congregation_n itself_o to_o be_v there_o censure_v and_o end_v pa._n 2._o and_o 3._o this_o be_v not_o much_o less_o than_o a_o clear_a grant_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n for_o here_o be_v express_o leave_v to_o the_o congregation_n not_o only_o power_n of_o public_a reprehension_n but_o also_o power_n of_o suspension_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n yea_o and_o in_o some_o case_n power_n of_o censure_v and_o end_v matter_n within_o themselves_o have_v first_o consult_v and_o advise_v with_o the_o synod_n which_o course_n in_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n and_o weight_n we_o for_o our_o part_n acknowledge_v very_o meet_a to_o be_v take_v when_o synod_n can_v be_v have_v and_o when_o they_o can_v yet_o in_o such_o case_n of_o weight_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o consult_v with_o neighbour_n church_n church_n government_n ministerial_a independent_n say_v be_v equal_o and_o full_o in_o every_o congregation_n pa._n 3._o answ._n that_o it_o be_v equal_o in_o one_o as_o much_o as_o in_o another_o yourself_o do_v often_o grant_v though_o not_o equal_o in_o one_o as_o much_o as_o in_o all_o and_o for_o fullness_n when_o a_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o presbytery_n within_o itself_o by_o who_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v than_o we_o know_v no_o reason_n but_o you_o may_v be_v own_v also_o above_o and_o beside_o which_o namely_o the_o single_a congregation_n there_o be_v no_o ministerial_o govern_v church_n by_o any_o mean_n they_o say_v to_o be_v admit_v pag._n 3._o answ._n if_o the_o presbytery_n of_o a_o congregation_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n then_o sith_o they_o do_v admit_v the_o govern_a power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n they_o do_v admit_v a_o govern_a church_n beside_o the_o congregation_n if_o by_o congregation_n you_o mean_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o member_n and_o if_o a_o synod_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o if_o power_n by_o disputation_n and_o disquisition_n to_o clear_v up_o the_o rule_n and_o then_o to_o command_v obedience_n thereto_o may_v be_v call_v government_n than_o they_o also_o admit_v a_o synod_n to_o be_v a_o govern_a church_n for_o the_o power_n here_o mention_v they_o do_v allow_v unto_o synod_n but_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o that_o the_o power_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o a_o power_n of_o doctrine_n and_o so_o a_o synod_n be_v rather_o a_o teach_v then_o a_o govern_a church_n but_o that_o any_o other_o church_n be_v it_o synod_n or_o any_o other_o beside_o the_o congregation_n and_o its_o presbytery_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o govern_a power_n above_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o as_o that_o neither_o the_o congregation_n nor_o its_o presbytery_n may_v ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n nor_o excommunicate_v their_o own_o offender_n but_o both_o must_v be_v do_v by_o that_o other_o govern_v church_n this_o we_o do_v not_o admit_v indeed_o because_o hitherto_o we_o have_v see_v no_o convince_a proof_n for_o the_o same_o all_o and_o every_o member_n have_v say_v they_o a_o govern_a power_n as_o of_o ordain_v their_o pastor_n and_o officer_n so_o of_o depose_v and_o excommunicate_v pa._n 3._o govern_v proper_o so_o call_v we_o acknowledge_v not_o in_o any_o but_o in_o the_o elder_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o rom._n 12._o 8._o hebr._n 13._o 17._o if_o that_o word_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o people_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o more_o improper_a sense_n for_o that_o which_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n be_v more_o fit_o call_v liberty_n or_o privilege_n and_o yet_o the_o liberty_n when_o it_o be_v exercise_v about_o ordination_n deposition_n excommunication_n be_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n communiter_fw-la or_o in_o general_a but_o not_o of_o all_o and_o every_o member_n in_o particular_a as_o you_o conceive_v we_o to_o hold_v for_o woman_n and_o child_n be_v member_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o to_o act_v in_o such_o matter_n the_o one_o be_v debar_v by_o their_o sex_n and_o the_o other_o for_o want_v of_o understanding_n and_o discretion_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o
congregation_n in_o israel_n do_v depend_v on_o the_o ministerial_a government_n of_o a_o synod_n nor_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o we_o must_v be_v dependent_a as_o they_o be_v touch_v the_o former_a of_o these_o to_o speak_v first_o of_o the_o minor_a proposition_n suppose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o congregation_n in_o israel_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o the_o judicatory_n or_o assembly_n mention_v in_o those_o text_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o depend_v upon_o a_o synod_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o judicatory_n there_o mention_v be_v not_o any_o synod_n at_o all_o but_o assembly_n of_o another_o nature_n for_o first_o synod_n as_o yourselves_o describe_v they_o pag_n 2._o be_v assembly_n consist_v of_o the_o several_a pastor_n who_o together_o with_o such_o other_o member_n as_o shall_v be_v think_v fit_a the_o several_a congregation_n be_v respective_o to_o choose_v and_o send_v thereto_o but_o those_o judicatory_n in_o deut._n 17._o and_o the_o other_o scripture_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o any_o pastor_n or_o member_n who_o the_o several_a congregation_n do_v choose_v and_o send_v thereto_o but_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v constant_o resident_a at_o jerusalem_n the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v and_o the_o several_a congregation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o to_o choose_v they_o or_o send_v they_o second_o these_o jndicatories_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v stand_v court_n and_o be_v constant_o to_o continue_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o synod_n for_o synod_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o stand_v and_o continue_v but_o only_o till_o they_o have_v end_v the_o business_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o call_v they_o and_o then_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o end_v three_o mr._n page_n out_o of_o who_o it_o seem_v this_o argument_n and_o much_o of_o the_o discourse_n about_o it_o be_v take_v do_v confess_v pag._n 3._o that_o the_o authority_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o civil_a neither_o have_v they_o power_n to_o inflict_v civil_a pnnishment_n they_o only_o judge_v of_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o that_o in_o ecclesiastical_a manner_n use_v no_o other_o then_o spiritual_a censure_n in_o pag._n 29._o of_o his_o defence_n but_o the_o judicatory_n in_o these_o text_n as_o mr._n paget_n also_o confess_v pag._n 34._o 35._o be_v for_o civil_a cause_n as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastical_a and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v deut._n 21._o 5._o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n every_o controversy_n and_o every_o stroke_n must_v be_v try_v even_o in_o civil_a cause_n as_o that_o of_o try_v out_o a_o uncertain_a murder_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n speak_v of_o in_o that_o place_n by_o all_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o those_o superior_a judicatory_n in_o israel_n be_v not_o synod_n and_o than_o suppose_v their_o congregation_n do_v depend_v upou_fw-la those_o judicatory_n and_o that_o we_o must_v depend_v as_o they_o do_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o must_v depend_v upon_o synod_n and_o thus_o your_o minor_a fail_v this_o may_v be_v enough_o to_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o your_o argument_n nevertheless_o for_o further_a answer_n we_o may_v also_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o your_o major_a proposition_n for_o though_o it_o be_v yield_v that_o the_o congregation_n in_o israel_n do_v depend_v upon_o a_o superior_a judicatory_n it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o these_o day_n and_o our_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o particular_a congregation_n in_o israel_n viz._n their_o synagogue_n be_v not_o complete_a church_n as_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o entire_a and_o complete_a church_n may_v appear_v by_o this_o because_o the_o people_n can_v not_o lawful_o in_o they_o have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o most_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o parâ—s_n of_o his_o worship_n though_o such_o as_o be_v of_o ordinary_a and_o continual_a use_n but_o they_o must_v go_v upto_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o perform_v and_o enjoyment_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o weet_v stright_o command_v as_o not_o to_o keep_v the_o passover_n so_o not_o to_o offer_v any_o offering_n or_o sacrifice_n which_o yet_o be_v of_o very_o frequent_a use_n in_o any_o place_n within_o any_o of_o their_o gate_n but_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o place_n which_o god_n do_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o name_n there_o as_o we_o read_v at_o large_a deut._n 12._o and_o 16._o 5_o 6._o neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o chief_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o execute_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o office_n in_o those_o synagogue_n but_o only_o at_o jerusalem_n but_o now_o with_o congregation_n in_o these_o day_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o ordinary_a and_o continual_a use_n but_o in_o these_o congregation_n they_o may_v be_v enjoy_v nor_o any_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o in_o they_o they_o may_v be_v perform_v as_o preach_v prayer_n sacrament_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n which_o show_v they_o be_v entire_a church_n within_o themselves_o dr._n ames_n have_v the_o say_n the_o synagogue_n be_v not_o complete_a church_n because_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o sacred_a communion_n prescribe_v at_o that_o time_n can_v not_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o med._n theol._n lib._n 1._o ca._n 38._o thes._n 37._o and_o again_o there_o be_v nothing_o read_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o any_o great_a church_n on_o which_o the_o lesser_a shall_v depend_v nor_o any_o worship_n or_o sacred_a ordinance_n prescribe_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o every_o congregation_n nor_o any_o ordinary_a minister_n appoint_v who_o be_v not_o give_v to_o some_o one_o assembly_n of_o this_o kind_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 39_o thes._n 26._o now_o if_o their_o congregation_n can_v not_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o not_o be_v complete_a church_n there_o may_v be_v reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v dependent_a upon_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o synedrion_fw-mi and_o temple_n there_o where_o the_o ordinance_n may_v be_v enjoy_v and_o yet_o we_o be_v complete_a and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n within_o themselves_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o dependent_a and_o another_o reason_n why_o their_o congregation_n may_v be_v dependent_a and_o we_o not_o so_o may_v be_v this_o they_o have_v a_o superior_a judicatory_n to_o appeal_v unto_o which_o have_v the_o supremum_fw-la of_o church_n power_n within_o itself_o and_o from_o who_o sentence_n there_o be_v no_o appeal_n to_o any_o further_a judge_n upon_o earth_n for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o synedrion_fw-mi at_o jerusalem_n deut._n 17._o and_o reason_n require_v that_o some_o such_o supreme_a judicatory_n there_o shall_v be_v for_o controversy_n and_o case_n of_o doubt_n must_v not_o be_v draw_v out_o in_o infinitum_fw-la but_o of_o necessity_n standum_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la aliquo_fw-la supremo_fw-la we_o must_v rest_v in_o some_o supreme_a and_o proceed_v no_o further_o but_o now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o we_o once_o depart_v from_o a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n where_o or_o when_o shall_v we_o find_v such_o a_o supremum_fw-la sure_o not_o before_o we_o come_v to_o a_o ecumenical_a or_o general_n council_n for_o as_o for_o classical_a provincial_n and_o national_a synod_n there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o but_o those_o case_n which_o you_o put_v of_o deficiency_n and_o possibility_n of_o partiality_n may_v befall_v the_o best_a of_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o for_o these_o cause_n the_o single_a congregation_n must_v not_o be_v independent_a but_o there_o must_v be_v appeal_n from_o they_o the_o synod_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o like_a there_o must_v be_v liberty_n of_o appeal_n from_o they_o also_o for_o like_o as_o you_o do_v allege_v that_o congregation_n may_v be_v partial_a and_o err_v so_o we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o the_o classis_fw-la may_v err_v the_o provincial_n synod_n may_v err_v the_o national_a may_v err_v and_o therefore_o by_o this_o reason_n entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n must_v be_v grant_v to_o none_o of_o these_o and_o then_o whither_o shall_v we_o go_v but_o to_o a_o general_n council_n which_o as_o it_o have_v not_o be_v see_v for_o many_o by_o past_a generation_n so_o god_n know_v whether_o ever_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o so_o long_o as_o this_o world_n shall_v endure_v but_o how_o if_o the_o general_n council_n do_v err_v also_o sure_o learned_a doctor_n reynolds_n do_v abundant_o clear_v it_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o impossible_a thes._n 2._o sect._n 15._o and_o so_o by_o this_o reason_n entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n must_v not_o
place_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o council_n with_o threaten_n they_o go_v unto_o their_o own_o company_n and_o report_v what_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o vers._n 23._o and_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n with_o one_o accord_n vers._n 24._o and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v the_o place_n be_v shake_v where_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o vers._n 31._o by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o this_o company_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o all_o 5000._o or_o if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o so_o 5000._o beside_o the_o former_a number_n and_o so_o in_o all_o 8120._o yet_o still_o they_o be_v all_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o when_o after_o this_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n act_n 5._o 14._o yet_o all_o that_o time_n they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o salomon_n porch_n vers._n 12._o which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o so_o many_o but_o all_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n furthermore_o when_o after_o this_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v more_o multiply_v act_n 6._o 1._o yet_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n of_o they_o together_o to_o propose_v unto_o they_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n vers._n 2._o and_o the_o matter_n be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v seven_o who_o be_v there_o name_v vers._n 5._o which_o show_v that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v not_o so_o many_o but_o they_o may_v assemble_v and_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o hear_v matter_n propose_v and_o to_o make_v election_n of_o officer_n after_o this_o indeed_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o scatter_a by_o persecution_n except_o the_o apostle_n act_n 8._o 1._o but_o when_o a_o church_n be_v gather_v again_o by_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n that_o church_n even_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v all_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o congregation_n about_o the_o business_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o arise_v at_o antioch_n so_o it_o be_v plain_o say_v act_n 15._o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n come_v from_o antioch_n be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n vers._n 4._o and_o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v messenger_n to_o antioch_n vers._n 22._o and_o to_o that_o church_n letter_n be_v write_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n vers._n 23._o be_v all_o assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n verse_n 25._o which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n alone_o as_o a_o representative_a church_n but_o of_o other_o also_o who_o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o those_o officer_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o church_n do_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n last_o for_o that_o place_n 21._o where_o you_o say_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o the_o church_n meet_v collective_o it_o be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o that_o in_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o collective_a meeting_n be_v representative_a in_o their_o elder_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o elder_n may_v meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o so_o much_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o verse_n 18._o where_o it_o be_v say_v paul_n go_v in_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v present_a but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o all_o the_o member_n can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o but_o in_o several_a congregation_n nay_o that_o very_a place_n though_o it_o speak_v of_o many_o thousand_o jew_n that_o do_v believe_v verse_n 20._o yet_o as_o it_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v of_o that_o one_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n so_o there_o be_v good_a divine_n that_o do_v think_v they_o be_v not_o but_o if_o they_o be_v it_o nothing_o prejudice_v our_o cause_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o when_o james_n and_o the_o elder_n speak_v to_o paul_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v tell_v he_o the_o multitude_n must_v needs_o come_v together_o for_o they_o will_v hear_v that_o thou_o be_v come_v verse_n 22._o it_o appear_v thereby_o that_o their_o multitude_n be_v not_o such_o but_o they_o may_v all_o assemble_v and_o come_v together_o if_o any_o say_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n shall_v all_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o show_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o many_o thousand_o yea_o miriads_o be_v gather_v together_o luke_n 12._o 12._o and_o christ_n speak_v unto_o they_o all_o though_o unto_o his_o disciple_n first_o verse_n 1_o 14_o 15_o 54._o and_o that_o parish_n in_o england_n in_fw-la or_o about_o london_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o stepney_n giles_n sepulcher_n and_o other_o have_v many_o thousand_o inhabitant_n in_o they_o all_o member_n of_o one_o parishional_a church_n and_o yet_o all_o but_o one_o congregation_n and_o that_o of_o chrysostome_n on_o matth._n 24._o who_o as_o mr._n bayn_n report_v dioe_fw-la trial_n pag._n 16._o do_v esteem_v the_o company_n that_o hear_v his_o voice_n in_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v about_o 5000._o person_n and_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o scaffold_n and_o gallery_n a_o man_n lift_v up_o his_o voice_n may_v so_o speak_v as_o to_o be_v hear_v of_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n all_o which_o be_v consider_v do_v make_v it_o less_o incredible_a that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o such_o a_o great_a multitude_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o one_o ordinary_a congregation_n next_o for_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n style_v everywhere_o in_o that_o epistle_n by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n not_o church_n pag._n 13._o answ._n we_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a mistake_n that_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n be_v everywhere_o in_o that_o epistle_n style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n for_o aught_o we_o remember_v in_o that_o epistle_n it_o be_v never_o so_o style_v at_o all_o and_o yet_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o one_o church_n but_o say_v you_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o a_o church_n in_o such_o a_o city_n can_v be_v famous_a throughout_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 1._o 8._o and_o 16._o 19_o and_o yet_o but_o one_o single_a independent_a congregation_n answ._n we_o know_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a but_o it_o may_v be_v so_o for_o the_o church_n at_o thessalonica_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o yet_o from_o they_o sound_v out_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n but_o also_o in_o every_o place_n their_o faith_n to_o godward_o be_v spread_v abroad_o 1_o thess._n 1._o 8._o and_o there_o may_v be_v other_o mean_n to_o make_v their_o faith_n famous_a as_o well_o as_o plurality_n of_o congregation_n as_o the_o resort_n and_o confluence_n of_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o nation_n to_o the_o place_n where_o this_o church_n dwell_v rome_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o the_o lady_n of_o kingdom_n at_o that_o time_n also_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o malice_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o newfangledness_n of_o most_o will_v open_v the_o mouth_n of_o many_o to_o talk_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a roman_n though_o they_o be_v no_o more_o but_o one_o congregation_n those_o very_a person_n and_o family_n name_v in_o the_o apostle_n salutation_n of_o that_o church_n even_o those_o choice_a family_n be_v able_a to_o fill_v several_a congregation_n answ._n we_o dare_v not_o say_v so_o for_o there_o be_v not_o name_v above_o 30._o in_o all_o sure_o if_o 30._o family_n fill_v several_a congregation_n than_o those_o congregation_n must_v be_v very_o small_a one_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o city_n be_v at_o least_o half_a christian_a and_o cornelius_n tell_v we_o that_o beside_o himself_o there_o be_v in_o that_o church_n 45._o presbyter_n answ._n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o many_o congregation_n be_v frequent_o call_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n these_o testimony_n be_v not_o from_o scripture_n do_v not_o suit_v the_o
the_o government_n of_o synod_n nor_o that_o many_o congregation_n be_v in_o scripture_n usual_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o be_v already_o perform_v in_o that_o which_o we_o have_v answer_v we_o therefore_o now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v of_o your_o three_o argument_n chap._n four_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o your_o three_o argument_n from_o act_n 15._o if_o that_o all_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n of_o all_o sort_n except_v only_o some_o few_o of_o these_o last_o fifty_o year_n engage_v by_o their_o own_o tenet_n of_o independency_n have_v with_o one_o voice_n conclude_v this_o chapter_n a_o formal_a precedent_n for_o synod_n will_v weigh_v any_o thing_n herein_o the_o matter_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o however_o the_o â—ext_n itself_o be_v so_o pregnant_a of_o this_o truth_n that_o it_o have_v of_o itself_o strength_n enough_o to_o deliver_v itself_o of_o it_o here_o be_v all_o that_o go_v to_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a synod_n first_o here_o be_v the_o occasion_n second_o here_o be_v a_o designation_n both_o of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o place_n three_o here_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o synod_n four_o here_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o synod_n five_o here_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o synod_n last_o here_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o a_o synod_n pag._n 19_o if_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v yet_o the_o thing_n in_o difference_n as_o yourself_o have_v state_v the_o question_n in_o pa._n 2_o 3_o 4._o of_o your_o book_n be_v not_o conclude_v thereby_o for_o all_o this_o that_o be_v here_o say_a go_v no_o further_a but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v synod_n whereas_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n and_o how_o far_o the_o same_o do_v reach_v whether_o so_o far_o as_o that_o a_o synod_n only_o and_o not_o a_o particular_a congregation_n ought_v to_o ordain_v officer_n and_o excommunicate_a offender_n and_o between_o these_o two_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n so_o that_o many_o a_o man_n may_v acknowledge_v the_o former_a which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v here_o conclude_v and_o yet_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o main_a point_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v clear_v for_o our_o part_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v synod_n and_o your_o argument_n conclude_v no_o more_o yea_o yourself_o do_v testify_v pag._n 2._o that_o those_o who_o you_o deal_v against_o do_v acknowledge_v as_o much_o in_o effect_n as_o here_o by_o you_o be_v conclude_v for_o there_o you_o say_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o neighbour_n church_n may_v meet_v consult_v and_o advise_v etc._n etc._n and_o if_o they_o acknowledge_v all_o this_o than_o they_o acknowledge_v a_o use_n of_o synod_n because_o these_o thing_n we_o suppose_v can_v be_v do_v by_o many_o church_n at_o once_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o their_o messenger_n and_o deputy_n assemble_v together_o which_o assembly_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o synod_n wherefore_o sith_o no_o more_o be_v here_o conclude_v than_o be_v by_o the_o independent_n party_n as_o you_o call_v they_o acknowledge_v we_o need_v not_o insist_v long_o in_o give_v answer_n to_o this_o argument_n we_o will_v therefore_o only_o brief_o mention_v some_o ground_n that_o incline_v we_o to_o think_v that_o this_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15._o be_v a_o synod_n and_o then_o give_v some_o annotation_n upon_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o your_o discourse_n about_o this_o place_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o argument_n touch_v the_o former_a when_o we_o say_v this_o meeting_n in_o act._n 15._o be_v a_o synod_n we_o mean_v at_o least_o such_o a_o one_o as_o mr._n parker_n pol._n eccl._n lib._n 2._o c._n 23._o sect._n 1._o understand_v it_o to_o be_v viz._n a_o consociation_n or_o combination_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o even_o of_o two_o at_o least_o or_o as_o doctor_n whitakar_n who_o count_v it_o neither_o a_o general_a council_n nor_o yet_o a_o national_a or_o provincial_n but_o a_o particular_a council_n as_o he_o call_v it_o less_o than_o either_o of_o the_o other_o de_fw-fr concil._n q._n 1._o c._n 2._o and_o that_o matter_n be_v carry_v in_o it_o in_o way_n of_o a_o ordinary_a synod_n may_v appear_v by_o two_o thing_n 1_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o it_o which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o apostle_n those_o extraordinary_a officer_n but_o also_o the_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o jerusalem_n ver._n 6_o 22_o 23._o and_o beside_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n certain_a other_o that_o be_v send_v with_o they_o from_o antioch_n v._n 2._o second_o the_o mean_n use_v for_o clear_v the_o controversy_n then_o in_o hand_n be_v not_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n nor_o any_o extra_fw-la ordinary_a revelation_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o such_o extra_fw-la ordinary_a person_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n mention_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o the_o mean_n they_o use_v be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v common_a to_o ordinary_a synod_n viz._n much_o disputation_n v._n 7._o peter_n experience_n of_o god_n blessing_n upon_o his_o ministry_n to_o cornelius_n and_o his_o company_n v._n 7._o and_o the_o like_a be_v do_v by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n for_o their_o part_n ver._n 12._o and_o as_o for_o james_n he_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n amos_n v._n 15_o 16._o and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n read_v and_o preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n v._n 21._o now_o all_o these_o mean_n be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v use_v in_o ordinary_a synod_n therefore_o we_o see_v no_o other_o but_o this_o meeting_n may_v be_v such_o a_o one_o here_o be_v a_o designation_n say_v you_o of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o place_n p._n 19_o answ._n but_o these_o commissioner_n and_o this_o place_n be_v design_v only_o by_o they_o of_o antioch_n v._n 2._o which_o show_v that_o this_o meeting_n be_v not_o of_o any_o more_o but_o two_o church_n antioch_n and_o jerusalem_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v more_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o only_o they_o of_o antioch_n determine_v the_o place_n reason_n will_v have_v require_v that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v other_o they_o also_o shall_v have_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o determine_v the_o place_n of_o meeting_n here_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o synod_n not_o only_o apostle_n but_o elder_n and_o of_o several_a church_n pag._n 20._o answ._n true_o but_o these_o church_n be_v not_o mention_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o only_o antioch_n and_o jerusalem_n both_o thus_o meet_v to_o determine_v so_o great_a a_o matter_n consequent_o all_o matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o single_a congregation_n pag._n 20._o answ._n the_o matter_n determine_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n viz._n whether_o circumcision_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n v._o 1._o and_o there_o fore_o no_o matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n unless_o jurisdiction_n and_o doctrine_n be_v the_o same_o and_o though_o they_o that_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n if_o they_o perfi_v pertinacious_o therein_o deserve_v to_o be_v censure_v as_o you_o do_v true_o allege_v from_o tit._n 3._o 10._o reject_v a_o heretic_n the_o dispense_n of_o which_o censure_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n yet_o for_o aught_o that_o do_v appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a both_o these_o church_n may_v concur_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o one_o only_o even_o that_o congregation_n whereof_o the_o offender_n be_v proper_o member_n may_v dispense_v the_o censure_n that_o be_v due_a for_o their_o pertinacious_a defence_n of_o such_o doctrine_n the_o concurrence_n of_o both_o to_o clear_v up_o the_o doctrine_n do_v argue_v want_n of_o light_n in_o the_o one_o but_o nevertheless_o there_o may_v be_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o each_o but_o if_o church_n have_v then_o be_v independent_a antioch_n have_v undertake_v and_o be_v able_a herself_n sufficient_o and_o final_o to_o have_v judge_v the_o cause_n and_o prevent_v the_o danger_n answ._n antioch_n do_v undertake_v to_o have_v end_v the_o matter_n among_o themselves_o and_o spend_v much_o time_n about_o it_o before_o there_o be_v any_o speech_n of_o seek_v out_o for_o help_v elsewhere_o as_o appear_v vers._n 2._o and_o this_o do_v sufficient_o declare_v it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_o dependent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n but_o have_v right_a to_o have_v end_v the_o matter_n within_o themselves_o if_o ability_n have_v serve_v thereto_o or_o else_o this_o undertake_n of_o they_o have_v be_v sinful_a as_o be_v a_o attempt_n to_o do_v that_o whereto_o they_o have_v no_o right_a and_o though_o by_o reason_n of_o much_o dissension_n among_o themselves_o they_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v for_o help_v for_o end_v the_o cause_n this_o may_v argue_v want_n of_o ability_n and_o light_n but_o