who_o have_v receive_v christ_n to_o salvation_n have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o enjoy_v he_o in_o his_o political_a ordinance_n by_o their_o own_o exercise_v of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o that_o independent_o this_o be_v more_o than_o either_o have_v be_v or_o can_v be_v prove_v object_n ibid._n the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v as_o straight_o and_o immediate_a as_o the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o vine_n and_o the_o branch_n betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n betwixt_o the_o husband_n &_o the_o wife_n therefore_o every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v direct_a &_o immediate_a interest_n in_o and_o title_n to_o christ_n himself_o &_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n and_o every_o ordinance_n of_o it_o answ._n the_o strait_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n express_v by_o these_o comparison_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n take_v political_o for_o then_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n may_v be_v dissolve_v as_o often_o as_o the_o church_n cease_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a republic_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n or_o at_o most_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n take_v metaphysical_o or_o entitative_o but_o i_o add_v withal_o it_o be_v to_o be_v likewise_o understand_v of_o every_o faithful_a christian_a so_o that_o not_o only_o every_o true_a church_n but_o every_o true_a member_n thereof_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o union_n have_v direct_a and_o immediate_a title_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n for_o his_o edification_n and_o salvation_n this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o argument_n can_v conclude_v and_o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o we_o ibid._n object_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o church_n even_o the_o minister_n themselves_o yea_o though_o they_o be_v paul_n cephas_n and_o apollo_n then_o may_v every_o church_n use_v and_o enjoy_v all_o thing_n immediate_o under_o christ._n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a 1_o cor._n 3.24_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n answ._n neither_o can_v this_o prove_v any_o thing_n against_o we_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o collective_o of_o the_o church_n but_o distributive_o of_o every_o believer_n who_o have_v right_a to_o the_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n and_o benefit_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v his_o salvation_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n i_o may_v say_v to_o the_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o session_n or_o presbyteris_fw-la or_o provincial_n or_o general_n assembly_n and_o what_o wonder_n god_n be_v our_o father_n christ_n our_o elder_a brother_n the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o comforter_n the_o angel_n our_o keeper_n heaven_n our_o inheritance_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o strange_a thing_n to_o hear_v that_o as_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n so_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o good_a and_o benefit_n 13.8.10_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o tyranny_n for_o hurt_n but_o a_o ministry_n for_o help_v these_o be_v the_o objection_n allege_v for_o the_o independent_a and_o absolute_a power_n of_o congregation_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o some_o seem_v to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o weapon_n against_o we_o make_v objection_n from_o the_o form_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o we_o take_v for_o a_o platform_n they_o say_v 344._o that_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o as_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v now_o for_o they_o be_v not_o entire_a church_n of_o themselves_o but_o member_n of_o the_o national_a church_n neither_o can_v they_o have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o most_o solemn_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o be_v then_o the_o sacrifice_n 161._o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v one_o church_n have_v reference_n to_o one_o temple_n one_o high_a priest_n one_o altar_n &_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o nation_n shall_v in_o the_o entire_a and_o personal_a part_n meet_v and_o communicate_v together_o in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n so_o dispose_v and_o order_v that_o that_o communion_n shall_v be_v have_v after_o a_o manner_n and_o in_o a_o sort_n and_o that_o be_v by_o way_n of_o representation_n for_o in_o the_o temple_n be_v daily_o sacrifice_v offer_v for_o the_o whole_a national_a church_n so_o the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o the_o ephod_n and_o upon_o the_o breastplate_n and_o the_o twelve_o loaf_n of_o show_n bread_n be_v for_o israel_n sign_n of_o remembrance_n before_o the_o lord_n 162._o that_o now_o the_o church_n consist_v not_o as_o then_o of_o a_o nation_n but_o of_o particular_a assembly_n ordinary_o communicate_v together_o in_o all_o the_o church_n holy_a thing_n whence_o it_o come_v that_o there_o be_v no_o representative_a church_n now_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o necessary_a absence_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v represent_v be_v take_v away_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 163.191_o that_o beside_o all_o this_o if_o we_o take_v the_o representative_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n then_o as_o there_o not_o only_o hard_a cause_n be_v open_v and_o declare_v according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o also_o the_o sacrifice_n daily_o offer_v and_o the_o most_o solemn_a service_n perform_v without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n so_o now_o in_o the_o representative_a church_n such_o as_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n consist_v of_o officer_n alone_o there_o must_v be_v not_o only_o the_o use_n of_o jurisdiction_n but_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n whether_o people_n be_v present_a or_o not_o for_o how_o can_v there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o officer_n for_o the_o use_n of_o one_o solemn_a ordinance_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o not_o of_o another_o answ._n 1._o to_o set_v aside_o the_o sacrifice_n &_o other_o ceremonial_a worship_n perform_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o synagogue_n among_o the_o jew_n have_v god_n moral_a worship_n ordinary_o therein_o as_o prayer_n and_o the_o read_n &_o expound_v of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o whatsoever_o the_o synagogue_n have_v or_o whatsoever_o they_o want_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a consistory_n and_o a_o certain_a order_n of_o church_n government_n else_o how_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o excommunication_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o which_o thing_n we_o have_v before_o speak_v i_o will_v not_o here_o dispute_v whether_o every_o sin_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v either_o appoint_v to_o be_v punish_v capital_o or_o else_o to_o be_v expiate_v by_o sacrifice_n but_o put_v the_o case_n it_o be_v so_o this_o prove_v that_o no_o excommunication_n or_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v not_o then_o necessary_a for_o beside_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v punishable_a by_o death_n and_o beside_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o guiltiness_n before_o god_n the_o expiation_n whereof_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v prefigure_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n in_o public_a sin_n which_o be_v punishable_a by_o spiritual_a censure_n and_o that_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o oblation_n of_o the_o delinquent_n but_o rather_o make_v worse_o thereby_o even_o as_o now_o a_o public_a offender_n do_v not_o take_v away_o but_o rather_o increase_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o join_n in_o the_o act_n of_o god_n worship_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n impose_v upon_o he_o neither_o yet_o to_o speak_v proper_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o public_a offence_n punishable_a by_o bodily_a punishment_n but_o the_o church_n be_v a_o political_a body_n have_v she_o own_o law_n and_o her_o own_o censure_n no_o less_o than_o the_o commonwealth_n 3._o as_o the_o synagogue_n be_v particular_a church_n political_o so_o all_o of_o they_o collective_o be_v one_o national_n church_n political_o govern_v by_o one_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a sanedrim_n which_o be_v the_o representative_a we_o mean_v of_o in_o our_o argument_n 4._o but_o if_o we_o take_v the_o national_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n metaphysical_o there_o be_v no_o representative_a thereof_o unless_o it_o be_v all_o the_o male_n who_o come_v thrice_o in_o the_o year_n to_o jerusalem_n the_o daily_a offering_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o by_o a_o representative_a church_n but_o by_o the_o priest_n and_o though_o there_o be_v twelve_o loaf_n of_o shewbread_n before_o
canon_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o respect_n of_o heresy_n schism_n obstinacy_n contempt_n and_o scandal_n vindex_n not_o by_o any_o external_a coactive_a power_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o magistrate_n but_o by_o spiritual_a censure_n the_o dogmaticke_a power_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o a_o power_n to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n nor_o new_a duty_n and_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o a_o power_n to_o apply_v and_o interpret_v those_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o we_o in_o his_o write_a word_n and_o to_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o emergent_a heresy_n and_o error_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 3.15_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v expound_v either_o in_o sensu_fw-la forensi_fw-la the_o church_n be_v the_o public_a witness_n notifier_n and_o keeper_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o in_o court_n and_o place_n of_o judgement_n there_o be_v pillar_n to_o which_o the_o edict_n of_o magistrate_n be_v affix_v that_o people_n may_v have_v notice_n thereof_o or_o in_o sensu_fw-la architectonico_fw-la as_o the_o church_n by_o her_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o christ_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o upon_o the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o lean_v thereto_o so_o by_o her_o ministry_n she_o uphold_v under-propeth_a and_o conserve_v this_o same_o truth_n lest_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v truth_n fall_v in_o the_o street_n &_o perish_v among_o man_n truth_n stand_v fast_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v keep_v firm_a while_o it_o be_v profess_v preach_v propugned_a and_o maintain_v against_o all_o contrary_a error_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o unto_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 3.2_o by_o they_o to_o be_v keep_v interpret_v propagate_v etc._n etc._n by_o the_o diatakticke_a power_n a_o synod_n may_v institute_v restore_v or_o change_v according_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o exigence_n of_o the_o church_n the_o external_a circumstance_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n i_o mean_v those_o circumstance_n which_o be_v common_a both_o to_o civil_a and_o sacred_a society_n the_o conveniency_n whereof_o be_v determinable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n always_o observe_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n which_o command_v that_o all_o be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o all_o be_v do_v to_o edify_v that_o all_o be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o we_o give_v none_o offence_n that_o we_o support_v the_o weak_a that_o we_o give_v no_o place_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n nor_o symbolize_v with_o idolater_n etc._n etc._n now_o for_o avoid_v disorder_n and_o disconformity_n in_o a_o nation_n profess_v one_o religion_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o national_n synod_n give_v certain_a direction_n and_o rule_n even_o concern_v these_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n not_o have_v therein_o a_o arbitrary_a or_o autocratorke_a power_n but_o be_v always_o tie_v to_o follow_v the_o rule_v aforesaid_a the_o critic_n power_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o a_o lordly_a imperious_a dominier_n over_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rule_v with_o force_n and_o cruelty_n but_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a censure_n as_o excommunication_n deposition_n and_o the_o like_a most_o necessary_a for_o the_o repress_v of_o heresy_n error_n obstinacy_n in_o wickedness_n and_o scandal_n otherwise_o incorrigible_a without_o this_o power_n schism_n and_o offence_n can_v not_o be_v cure_v but_o shall_v the_o more_o increase_n whileas_o liberty_n be_v leave_v to_o heretic_n schismatickes_n and_o obstinate_a person_n without_o any_o censure_n to_o pester_v and_o disturb_v a_o whole_a nation_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o national_n synod_n but_o may_v one_o say_v if_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o synod_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o worship_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o sure_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o only_o to_o be_v receive_v when_o they_o do_v agree_v therewith_o and_o if_o also_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o synod_n in_o external_a circumstance_n do_v not_o bind_v except_o ex_fw-la aquo_fw-la &_o bono_fw-mi and_o propter_fw-la justas_fw-la mandandi_fw-la causas_fw-la or_o as_o divine_n speak_v in_o casu_fw-la scandali_fw-la &_o contemptus_fw-la and_o not_o for_o the_o mere_a will_n or_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n and_o if_o therefore_o all_o christian_n be_v by_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o christian_a discretion_n follow_v the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v all_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o any_o synod_n whatsoever_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o receive_v the_o same_o as_o our_o divine_n maintain_v and_o prove_v against_o papist_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o may_v seem_v contrary_a to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o protestant_a writer_n that_o synod_n shall_v exercise_v the_o foresay_a critic_n power_n or_o inflict_v any_o spiritual_a censure_n at_o least_o upon_o those_o who_o profess_v that_o after_o examination_n of_o the_o decree_n or_o constitution_n they_o can_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o same_o ans._n 1._o our_o divine_n by_o those_o their_o tenant_n mean_v not_o to_o open_v a_o door_n to_o disobedience_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o a_o synod_n but_o only_o to_o oppugn_v the_o popish_a error_n concern_v the_o bind_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n by_o the_o sole_a will_n and_o naked_a authority_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n &_o that_o christian_a people_n ought_v not_o to_o seek_v any_o further_a reason_n or_o motive_n of_o obedience_n 2._o a_o synod_n must_v ever_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o those_o who_o out_o of_o a_o real_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n do_v in_o a_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a way_n refuse_v obedience_n to_o their_o ordinance_n still_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o better_o information_n &_o those_o who_o contemptuous_o or_o factious_o disobey_v the_o same_o labour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o their_o error_n and_o to_o persuade_v other_o to_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n 3._o this_o objection_n do_v militate_v no_o less_o against_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n then_o in_o a_o national_n synod_n and_o they_o who_o do_v at_o all_o approve_v of_o church_n censure_v to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o contemptuous_a and_o obstinate_a shall_v put_v in_o our_o mouth_n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n of_o this_o kind_n chap._n v._o the_o first_o argument_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n and_o the_o subordination_n of_o presbytery_n thereto_o take_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v now_o describe_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a eldership_n which_o we_o call_v session_n of_o classical_a presbytery_n and_o of_o synod_n provincial_n and_o national_n it_o remain_v to_o confirm_v by_o argument_n the_o subordination_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o particular_a eldership_n to_o the_o classical_a or_o common_a presbytery_n of_o both_o to_o the_o provincial_n synod_n and_o of_o all_o these_o to_o the_o national_n assembly_n so_o that_o every_o one_o may_v perceive_v what_o reason_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v to_o give_v unto_o the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a court_n authority_n over_o the_o low_a i_o may_v insist_v long_o enough_o both_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o protestant_a writer_n and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o as_o also_o in_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a church_n all_o speak_n for_o this_o authority_n of_o synod_n but_o these_o i_o shall_v pass_v because_o i_o know_v argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n be_v require_v and_o such_o we_o have_v to_o give_v first_o of_o all_o i_o argue_v from_o the_o very_a light_n &_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o same_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v teach_v our_o commonwealth_n beside_o the_o magistrate_n and_o counsel_n of_o particular_a burgh_n to_o constitute_v high_a court_n for_o whole_a shire_n balivery_n stuartry_n regality_n and_o above_o all_o these_o the_o supreme_a court_n of_o parliament_n to_o govern_v the_o whole_a nation_n have_v also_o teach_v our_o church_n to_o constitute_v synod_n provincial_n and_o national_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n above_o presbytery_n we_o be_v far_o from_o their_o mind_n who_o will_v make_v policy_n the_o mistress_n and_o religion_n the_o handmaid_n and_o will_v have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n conform_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n as_o the_o fit_a pattern_n but_o this_o we_o say_v in_o all_o such_o
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
iâ—dicum_fw-la the_o court_n of_o judge_n and_o ruler_n which_o be_v call_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o mighty_a psal._n 80.2_o so_o that_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n be_v the_o seclude_v of_o those_o person_n from_o bear_v any_o office_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v member_n of_o those_o court_n which_o do_v represent_v israel_n the_o same_o sense_n be_v give_v by_o lyranus_fw-la cajetan_n oleaster_n tostatus_n and_o lorinus_n and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v think_v of_o ainsworth_n himself_o expound_v it_o so_o and_o further_o show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o join_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o israel_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n in_o that_o respect_n because_o exod._n 12.48_o 49._o num._n 15.14_o 15._o all_o stranger_n be_v upon_o their_o circumcision_n admit_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o court_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n which_o also_o appear_v from_o levit._n 22.18_o num_fw-la 9.14_o the_o point_n be_v now_o clear_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v the_o less_o need_n to_o trouble_v ourselves_o in_o the_o search_n of_o profane_a author_n yet_o pasor_n find_v demosthenes_n use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pro_fw-la concione_fw-la magnatum_fw-la as_o for_o that_o common_a expression_n of_o divine_n 539._o that_o the_o elder_n be_v the_o church_n representative_a we_o desire_v not_o to_o wrangle_v about_o name_n so_o that_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o officer_n sit_v and_o judge_v apart_o from_o the_o people_n be_v condescend_v upon_o yet_o let_v we_o see_v upon_o what_o ground_n the_o name_n of_o a_o representative_a church_n be_v by_o this_o man_n so_o supercilious_o reject_v first_o he_o say_v that_o no_o godly_a no_o nor_o reasonable_a man_n will_v affirm_v that_o this_o representation_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o any_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n than_o these_o which_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n but_o quo_fw-la warrantâ—_n shall_v a_o man_n be_v both_o ungodly_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o affirm_v that_o the_o elder_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o represent_v the_o church_n where_o they_o serve_v in_o prefer_v a_o petition_n to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o parliament_n for_o a_o reformation_n or_o in_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o desolate_a condition_n of_o the_o parish_n through_o the_o want_n of_o a_o ministry_n or_o in_o give_v counsel_n to_o a_o sister_n church_n though_o these_o be_v not_o act_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n well_o be_v it_o as_o he_o say_v what_o great_a absurdity_n shall_v fellow_n then_o forsooth_o it_o appertain_v to_o the_o people_n primary_o and_o original_o under_o christ_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n that_o be_v themselves_z but_o who_o say_v he_o will_v so_o say_v of_o a_o government_n not_o personal_a but_o public_a and_o institute_v as_o the_o church_n be_v sure_o they_o who_o think_v the_o power_n to_o be_v original_o in_o the_o people_n may_v here_o easy_o reply_v that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o strange_a than_o to_o say_v that_o the_o power_n which_o be_v primary_o and_o original_o in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v exercise_v by_o the_o parliament_n which_o be_v the_o representative_a thereof_o but_o because_o many_o learned_a man_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v original_o in_o the_o people_n though_o other_o and_o those_o very_a learned_a too_o do_v affirm_v it_o therefore_o to_o pass_v that_o i_o shall_v serve_v he_o with_o another_o answer_n for_o as_o we_o can_v defend_v the_o authority_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n without_o wrangle_v about_o the_o name_n of_o a_o representative_a church_n so_o can_v we_o defend_v the_o name_n of_o a_o representative_a church_n without_o debate_v the_o question_n whether_o the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n original_o or_o not_o may_v he_o therefore_o be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o other_o ground_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o name_n of_o a_o representative_a church_n as_o namely_o first_o what_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o tacit_a consent_v of_o the_o church_n do_v approve_v or_o dislike_v that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v approve_v or_o dislike_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o import_v that_o the_o church_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n represent_v by_o the_o senate_n of_o elder_n second_o as_o we_o say_v we_o have_v see_v a_o man_n when_o haply_o we_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o his_o head_n or_o his_o face_n which_o make_v he_o know_v unto_o we_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o painter_n represent_v man_n unto_o we_o ofttimes_o only_o from_o their_o shoulder_n upward_o so_o do_v we_o discern_v &_o know_v a_o visible_a political_a church_n when_o we_o see_v in_o the_o senate_n as_o it_o be_v the_o head_n and_o face_n thereof_o the_o officer_n be_v as_o eye_n ear_n nose_n mouth_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o chief_a member_n whereby_o the_o body_n be_v govern_v three_o the_o senate_n of_o elder_n be_v say_v to_o represent_v the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o affinity_n and_o likeness_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o senate_n which_o represent_v a_o city_n or_o some_o inferior_a civil_a corporation_n affinity_n i_o mean_v not_o every_o way_n but_o in_o this_o that_o the_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o but_o a_o few_o and_o that_o those_o few_o be_v choose_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a corporation_n four_o and_o if_o for_o these_o reason_n the_o eldership_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v call_v a_o representative_a church_n there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n for_o give_v this_o name_n to_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o to_o a_o synod_n provincial_a or_o national_a for_o these_o do_v result_v out_o of_o many_o particular_a church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o their_o commissioner_n his_o second_o reason_n he_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o representation_n allege_v that_o if_o the_o elder_n in_o their_o consistory_n represent_v the_o church_n than_o whatsoever_o they_o either_o decree_n or_o do_v agree_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o also_o the_o church_n decree_v and_o do_v though_o absent_a though_o ignorant_a both_o what_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o upon_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o elder_n and_o this_o how_o consonant_a it_o be_v to_o papist_n implicit_a faith_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o wise_a man_n to_o consider_v this_o argument_n be_v as_o much_o against_o the_o representation_n of_o king_n and_o state_n by_o their_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n it_o be_v against_o the_o representation_n of_o church_n by_o the_o consistory_n of_o elder_n and_o so_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o prince_n and_o state_n in_o their_o embassage_n shall_v turn_v to_o implicit_a faith_n because_o according_a to_o this_o ground_n what_o the_o represent_v do_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o commission_n that_o the_o represent_v do_v implicitè_fw-fr and_o now_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o wise_a man_n these_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o papist_n implicit_a faith_n and_o the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n govern_v by_o eldership_n 1._o the_o church_n assent_v not_o to_o that_o which_o the_o consistory_n of_o elder_n decree_v or_o do_v except_o it_o be_v agree_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o reasoner_n himself_o say_v but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o limitation_n in_o the_o papist_n implicit_a faith_n 2._o the_o consistory_n of_o elder_n do_v not_o press_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o church_n imperious_o or_o by_o naked_a will_n and_o authority_n without_o any_o reason_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v with_o those_o from_o who_o she_o require_v implicit_a faith_n 3._o the_o papist_n know_v not_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o they_o believe_v by_o implicit_a faith_n so_o that_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v right_o call_v mera_fw-fr articulorum_fw-la fidei_fw-la ignorantia_fw-la 114._o a_o mere_a ignorance_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o decree_n of_o our_o eldership_n whereunto_o our_o church_n do_v consent_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o 4._o our_o church_n be_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o christian_a discretion_n to_o examine_v all_o thing_n propound_v unto_o they_o even_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o elder_n whereas_o papist_n may_v not_o examine_v what_o the_o church_n propound_v or_o command_v 5._o papist_n by_o their_o implicit_a faith_n believe_v whatsoever_o the_o church_n believe_v because_o they_o think_v the_o church_n can_v not_o err_v but_o our_o church_n conceive_v not_o only_o their_o particular_a eldership_n but_o ecumenical_a counsel_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n 11._o come_v we_o now_o to_o his_o three_o general_a reason_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v
upon_o the_o same_o string_n 26._o the_o first_o be_v thus_o if_o those_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostolic_a institution_n have_v power_n full_o in_o themselves_o immediate_o from_o christ_n to_o practice_v all_o his_o ordinance_n then_o have_v all_o church_n the_o like_a power_n now_o 28._o but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo._fw-la the_o three_o thus_o whatsoever_o be_v command_v by_o the_o seven_o church_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o each_o of_o they_o apart_z in_o and_o for_o themselves_o that_o no_o church_n of_o god_n must_v now_o omit_v but_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v command_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o each_o of_o they_o etc._n etc._n the_o four_o thus_o 29._o if_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n within_o herself_o to_o exercise_v ecclesiastical_a government_n then_o ought_v not_o particular_a congregation_n now_o to_o stand_v under_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n out_o of_o themselves_o but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a 30._o ergo._fw-la the_o six_o thus_o if_o the_o apostle_n give_v commandment_n unto_o the_o eldership_n of_o ephesus_n for_o the_o whole_a administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o that_o church_n then_o may_v the_o eldership_n of_o every_o particular_a congregation_n administer_v among_o themselves_o all_o god_n ordinance_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo._fw-la now_o for_o answer_v to_o these_o first_o i_o simple_o deny_v the_o connexion_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o four_o argument_n because_o it_o argue_v à _fw-la genere_fw-la ad_fw-la speciem_fw-la affirmative_a from_o the_o exercise_v of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o the_o exercise_v of_o it_o independent_o neither_o have_v he_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o proof_n hereof_o next_o the_o reader_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o both_o in_o the_o first_o and_o six_o argument_n his_o citation_n in_o proof_n both_o of_o the_o proposition_n and_o assumption_n have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o pertinency_n and_o far_o less_o of_o proof_n in_o both_o these_o argument_n when_o he_o will_v prove_v the_o proposition_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o assumption_n &_o contrariwise_o but_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o only_o i_o shall_v give_v two_o distinction_n any_o one_o of_o which_o much_o more_o both_o of_o they_o shall_v make_v these_o argument_n whole_o improfitable_a unto_o he_o first_o i_o distinguish_v his_o proposition_n that_o power_n &_o authority_n which_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o other_o apostolical_a church_n have_v to_o exercise_v ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o and_o for_o themselves_o the_o like_a have_v all_o church_n now_o which_o be_v of_o the_o like_a frame_n and_o condition_n but_o the_o most_o part_n of_o particular_a church_n now_o be_v of_o a_o different_a frame_n and_o condition_n from_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o so_o have_v not_o such_o fullness_n of_o power_n as_o they_o have_v put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v no_o great_a than_o might_n and_o do_v ordinary_o assemble_v together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o since_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o troubleâ—_n of_o those_o time_n which_o suffer_v not_o the_o christian_n to_o spread_v themselves_o abroad_o all_o the_o country_n over_o but_o confine_v they_o within_o city_n and_o safe_a place_n those_o church_n be_v not_o plant_v so_o thick_a and_o near_o together_o as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o conveniency_n of_o synodical_a consociation_n hence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o themselves_o which_o particular_a congregation_n now_o have_v the_o conveniency_n of_o consociation_n with_o neighbour_n church_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v in_o and_o by_o themselves_o but_o this_o i_o have_v say_v gratis_o have_v in_o my_o former_a treatise_n at_o length_n declare_v that_o the_o apostolic_a church_n at_o least_o the_o most_o and_o principal_a of_o they_o be_v great_a than_o can_v assemble_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o they_o be_v serve_v with_o sundry_a both_o pastor_n and_o elder_n &_o that_o therefore_o our_o parochial_a church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o point_n in_o question_n compare_v with_o their_o church_n nor_o our_o parochial_a presbytery_n with_o their_o presbytery_n the_o second_o distinction_n which_o i_o have_v to_o propound_v be_v concern_v the_o assumption_n of_o the_o argument_n now_o in_o hand_n the_o apostolic_a church_n do_v indeed_o ordinary_o exercise_v ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o for_o themselves_o yet_o so_o that_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o synod_n do_v occur_v for_o determine_v a_o question_n which_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o particular_a church_n and_o be_v also_o common_a to_o many_o church_n in_o that_o case_n they_o do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o synod_n which_o have_v also_o before_o be_v make_v plain_a from_o act._n 15._o to_o practice_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o a_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o practice_v they_o independant_o so_o as_o neuâ—r_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v another_o thing_n my_o antagonist_n do_v after_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v &_o say_v that_o all_o learned_a man_n have_v grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o apostolic_a constitution_n be_v independent_a body_n 32._o but_o whence_o be_v you_o sir_n that_o will_v make_v your_o reader_n believe_v there_o be_v no_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n france_n the_o low-country_n and_o the_o other_o reform_a church_n which_o have_v the_o government_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n conceive_v it_o to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o apostolical_a pattern_n have_v you_o put_v out_o of_o the_o category_n of_o learned_a man_n all_o protestant_a writer_n who_o in_o the_o controversy_n about_o counsel_n dispute_v against_o papist_n from_o act_n 15.2_o why_o do_v you_o not_o among_o all_o your_o imeprtinent_a allegation_n cite_v some_o few_o of_o those_o learned_a man_n who_o grant_v the_o apostolic_a church_n to_o have_v be_v independent_a body_n but_o we_o must_v hear_v what_o more_o you_o have_v to_o say_v your_o first_o eight_o and_o ten_o argument_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n coincident_a 29._o the_o first_o you_o frame_v thus_o such_o action_n the_o church_n may_v lawful_o do_v wherein_o no_o law_n of_o god_n be_v break_v but_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n break_v when_o particular_a church_n do_v in_o and_o among_o themselves_o exercise_v all_o god_n ordinance_n ergo._fw-la the_o eight_o thus_o whatsoever_o government_n can_v be_v find_v command_v in_o the_o write_a word_n oâ—_n god_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o the_o government_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a congregation_n can_v be_v find_v command_v 34._o etc._n etc._n the_o ten_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o that_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o order_v church_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o to_o subject_v particular_a congregation_n under_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n out_o of_o themselves_o be_v to_o add_v etc._n etc._n now_o the_o word_n independant_o must_v be_v add_v to_o the_o assumption_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n else_o it_o can_v conclude_v what_o he_o affirm_v and_o we_o deny_v for_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o particular_a church_n may_v exercise_v in_o and_o among_o themselves_o all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o those_o case_n and_o with_o those_o distinction_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o before_o part_v 2._o chap._n 2._o this_o be_v clear_v i_o deny_v the_o assumption_n in_o all_o these_o three_o argument_n i_o expect_v proof_n for_o it_o but_o he_o have_v give_v none_o except_o that_o it_o can_v for_o shame_n be_v deny_v i_o have_v think_v it_o rather_o a_o shameful_a thing_n for_o a_o writer_n to_o trouble_v his_o reader_n with_o argument_n which_o he_o can_v make_v good_a 62._o but_o what_o say_v he_o to_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n who_o hold_v the_o institution_n of_o synod_n not_o to_o be_v humane_a but_o divine_a which_o they_o prove_v from_o mat._n 18._o &_o act._n 15._o nay_o what_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o protestant_a writer_n then_o the_o apply_v of_o those_o word_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o unto_o synod_n and_o counsel_n and_o hence_o they_o condemn_v the_o popish_a counsel_n in_o so_o much_o that_o bellarmin_n salmeron_n and_o other_o jesuit_n have_v in_o this_o contradict_v all_o our_o writer_n tell_v we_o as_o these_o man_n do_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v not_o of_o counsel_n in_o these_o word_n moreover_o that_o
commandment_n whereby_o we_o stand_v oblige_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v not_o for_o any_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o be_v transgress_v by_o the_o withdraw_n of_o congregation_n from_o subjection_n unto_o synod_n of_o which_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o before_o it_o be_v now_o but_o a_o poor_a beg_n of_o that_o which_o be_v in_o question_n to_o object_v that_o the_o government_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n have_v no_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v we_o then_o to_o examine_v his_o other_o argument_n his_o second_o he_o compose_v thus_o 27._o if_o christ_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o where_o he_o say_v tell_v the_o church_n do_v mean_v a_o particular_a congregation_n then_o have_v every_o particular_a congregation_n a_o entire_a power_n in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o exercise_v eclesiasticall_a government_n and_o all_o other_o god_n spiritual_a ordinance_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo_fw-la for_o the_o proposition_n he_o cit_v some_o writer_n who_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o connexion_n as_o he_o have_v to_o prove_v the_o assumption_n he_o prove_v thus_o that_o church_n which_o christ_n intend_v in_o matth._n 18._o have_v absolute_a power_n in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o perform_v all_o god_n ordinance_n but_o christ_n intend_v in_o mat._n 18._o a_o particular_a congregation_n therefore_o every_o particular_a congregation_n have_v absolute_a power_n etc._n etc._n how_o brave_o do_v he_o conclude_v the_o point_n spectatum_fw-la admissi_fw-la risum_fw-la teneatis_fw-la amici_fw-la we_o will_v not_o examine_v our_o examinator_n logic_n we_o know_v what_o he_o will_v say_v and_o we_o woulâ—_n have_v he_o to_o know_v again_o that_o christ_n in_o mat._n 18._o mean_v indeed_o some_o sort_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n but_o neither_o only_a nor_o independant_o nay_o he_o mean_v all_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o church_n high_o and_o low_a respective_o as_o parker_n conceive_v who_o word_n i_o have_v before_o set_v down_o and_o to_o this_o sense_n the_o thread_n of_o the_o text_n do_v lead_v we_o for_o as_o in_o the_o precede_a word_n there_o be_v a_o gradation_n from_o one_o to_o two_o or_o three_o more_o then_o to_o the_o church_n so_o be_v there_o a_o gradation_n by_o the_o like_a order_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o church_n tostatus_n upon_o this_o place_n acknowledge_v that_o diae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la reach_v as_o far_o as_o to_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n when_o particular_a church_n err_v in_o their_o determination_n or_o when_o the_o cause_n be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o church_n for_o example_n when_o the_o pope_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v his_o seven_o argument_n follow_v in_o my_o order_n 31._o and_o it_o run_v after_o this_o manner_n such_o office_n and_o calling_n without_o which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a for_o government_n be_v superfluous_a and_o humane_a but_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v be_v complete_a &_o perfect_a for_o government_n without_o presbyterial_a and_o synodical_a office_n and_o calling_n ergo._fw-la i_o answer_v by_o a_o distinction_n such_o office_n and_o calling_n without_o which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n or_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n perfect_a and_o complete_a for_o government_n be_v indeed_o superfluous_a and_o humane_a but_o that_o such_o office_n and_o calling_n without_o which_o the_o church_n by_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n or_o at_o some_o time_n &_o in_o some_o case_n be_v perfect_a &_o complete_a be_v superfluous_a &_o humane_a we_o utter_o deny_v now_o for_o the_o point_n of_o synod_n i_o shall_v produce_v no_o other_o witness_n then_o those_o which_o this_o disputer_n here_o take_v to_o be_v for_o he_o 29._o whittaker_n acknowledge_v of_o counsel_n that_o secundum_fw-la ordinariam_fw-la providentiam_fw-la necessaria_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la bonam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernationem_fw-la 131._o according_o to_o ordinary_a providence_n they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o well_o govern_v of_o the_o church_n parker_n acknowledge_v synod_n to_o be_v sometime_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n and_o he_o give_v example_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a without_o which_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n can_v not_o have_v be_v remedy_v the_o nine_o argument_n remain_v 33._o which_o be_v this_o that_o government_n which_o mere_o tend_v unto_o the_o take_n away_o from_o particular_a congregation_n their_o due_a power_n be_v unlawful_a but_o the_o government_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n as_o they_o now_o be_v do_v mere_o tend_v unto_o the_o take_n away_o from_o particular_a congregation_n their_o due_a power_n ergo._fw-la i_o do_v expect_v some_o strong_a proof_n for_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n but_o we_o must_v take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v he_o tell_v we_o out_o of_o master_n barlow_n that_o no_o man_n under_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o apostle_n may_v prescribe_v god_n church_n and_o child_n pattern_n our_o synod_n be_v further_o from_o prescribe_v pattern_n either_o of_o worship_n or_o church_n government_n than_o himself_o be_v the_o pattern_n and_o whole_a manner_n of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n those_o circumstance_n except_v which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o church_n with_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o be_v therefore_o determinable_a by_o nature_n light_n synod_n may_v not_o prescribe_v new_a pattern_n no_o more_o may_v particular_a church_n but_o synod_n may_v in_o common_a cause_n and_o extraordinary_o prescribe_v unto_o particular_a church_n such_o thing_n as_o particular_a church_n may_v in_o particular_a cause_n and_o ordinary_o prescribe_v to_o their_o own_o member_n if_o he_o will_v believe_v parker_n who_o he_o think_v his_o own_o the_o authority_n which_o particular_a church_n have_v several_o be_v not_o lose_v 124._o but_o augment_v when_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o synod_n but_o we_o have_v before_o abundant_o declare_v how_o presbyterial_a &_o synodical_a government_n do_v not_o at_o all_o prejudge_v the_o right_n of_o congregation_n ult_n as_o for_o that_o which_o here_o he_o add_v by_o way_n of_o supposition_n put_v the_o case_n that_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n will_v not_o permit_v a_o congregation_n to_o reject_v some_o convict_a heretic_n nor_o to_o choose_v any_o except_o unfit_a minister_n this_o be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v object_v against_o parliament_n that_o as_o they_o be_v now_o they_o do_v mere_o tend_v to_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o then_o for_o proof_n shall_v put_v the_o case_n that_o parliament_n will_v protect_v and_o maintain_v monopolist_n projectorer_n etc._n etc._n now_o in_o this_o drove_n of_o argument_n 35._o the_o drover_n have_v set_v some_o like_o the_o weak_a of_o the_o flock_n to_o follow_v up_o behind_o the_o first_o two_o be_v blind_a and_o see_v not_o where_o they_o be_v go_v for_o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o we_o either_o that_o the_o eldership_n of_o one_o congregation_n have_v not_o authority_n over_o the_o eldership_n of_o another_o congregation_n or_o that_o a_o minister_n shall_v not_o undertake_v the_o care_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o his_o three_o 124._o that_o presbyterial_a power_n be_v never_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o beg_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n &_o be_v answer_v before_o yet_o i_o must_v put_v he_o again_o in_o mind_n of_o parker_n who_o speak_v of_o church_n say_v legitur_fw-la in_o scripture_n the_o conjunct_a a_o earum_fw-la auct_n oritate_fw-la quando_fw-la in_o synodis_fw-la congregantur_fw-la we_o read_v in_o their_o scripture_n of_o their_o joint_a authority_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o into_o synod_n but_o there_o be_v a_o speech_n of_o zuinglius_fw-la against_o representative_a church_n which_o he_o may_v not_o omit_v zuingâ—ius_n do_v indeed_o just_o ask_v of_o the_o antichristian_a prelate_n who_o have_v give_v they_o the_o name_n of_o a_o representative_a church_n &_o who_o have_v give_v they_o power_n to_o make_v canon_n etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o add_v expla_fw-la the_o his_o duntaxat_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o speak_v of_o they_o only_o that_o be_v such_o other_o who_o put_v themselves_o under_o not_o above_o the_o scripture_n my_o write_n shall_v nothing_o prejudge_v in_o the_o four_o place_n he_o object_v 36._o that_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v their_o assertion_n must_v hold_v two_o distinct_a form_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v lawful_a one_o where_o particular_a congregation_n do_v in_o &_o of_o themselves_o exercise_v all_o god_n ordinance_n 2._o the_o other_o where_o they_o stand_v under_o another_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n out_o of_o themselves_o i_o answer_v it_o
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
in_o synod_n be_v threefold_a dogmatic_a diataktick_a and_o critic_n whether_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o synod_n may_v be_v press_v upon_o such_o as_o profess_v scruple_n of_o conscience_n there_o anent_o chap._n v._o the_o first_o argument_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n and_o the_o subordination_n of_o presbytery_n â—â—erto_o take_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o republic_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v common_a to_o she_o with_o other_o society_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o guide_v they_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v her_o assembly_n chap._n vi_o the_o second_o argument_n take_v from_o christ_n institution_n the_o will_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n be_v show_v two_o way_n 1._o because_o else_o he_o have_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o church_n 2._o he_o have_v commit_v spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o court_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a yet_o have_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n all_o the_o particular_a kind_n degree_n and_o bound_n thereof_o and_o that_o for_o three_o reason_n the_o particular_a kind_n of_o synod_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o general_a warrant_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n be_v mix_v though_o not_o mere_a divine_a ordinance_n chap._n vii_o the_o three_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n that_o there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n aâ—_n lest_o two_o ecclesiastical_a court_n the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o sanedrim_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o synagogical_a consistory_n be_v not_o civil_a but_o spiritual_a prove_v against_o sutliffe_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a sanedrim_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a sanedrim_n prove_v against_o the_o same_o sutliffe_n both_o from_o the_o institution_n thereof_o deuâ—_n 17._o and_o from_o the_o restitution_n 2_o chron._n 19_o and_o from_o the_o practice_n jer._n 26._o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o argument_n prove_v against_o such_o as_o deny_v it_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v the_o jewish_a church_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o have_v not_o as_o it_o be_v jewish_n but_o under_o the_o common_a respect_n and_o account_v of_o a_o political_a church_n chap._n viii_o the_o four_o argument_n take_v from_o act_n 15._o that_o we_o find_v act_n 15._o a_o synod_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o authority_n impose_v their_o decree_n upon_o many_o particular_a congregation_n four_o answer_n make_v to_o this_o argument_n find_v not_o to_o be_v satisfactory_a chap._n ix_o the_o six_o argument_n token_n from_o the_o geometrical_a proportion_n this_o argument_n from_o proportion_n do_v hold_v whether_o we_o compare_v the_o collective_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o or_o the_o representative_n among_o themselves_o or_o the_o representative_n and_o collective_n together_o chap._n x._o the_o six_o argument_n take_v from_o necessity_n that_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o preserve_v unity_n or_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o controversy_n other_o remedy_n declare_v to_o be_v ineffectual_a chap._n xi_o objection_n make_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n answer_v the_o place_n math._n 18.17_o discuss_v that_o one_o visible_a political_a church_n may_v comprehend_v many_o congregation_n prove_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v not_o rob_v the_o congregation_n of_o their_o liberty_n as_o the_o prelacy_n do_v a_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o metaphysical_o or_o political_o this_o distinction_n explain_v serve_v to_o obviate_v sundry_a argument_n alledgeâ—_n for_o the_o independent_a power_n of_o congregation_n other_o two_o objection_n answer_v which_o have_v be_v late_o make_v the_o first_o part_n concern_v rul_a elder_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o word_n elder_a lay_v elder_a rule_v elder_a the_o word_n elder_a answer_v to_o zaken_v in_o the_o hebrew_n &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a it_o have_v four_o different_a signification_n 1._o it_o note_v age._n 2_o antiquity_n 3._o venerability_n 4._o a_o office_n in_o the_o first_o signification_n elder_a be_v oppose_v to_o young_a as_o 1_o tim._n 5.1_o rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_a but_o entreat_v he_o as_o a_o father_n &_o the_o young_a man_n as_o brethren_n 1_o pet._n 5.5_o likewise_o you_o young_a submit_v yourselves_o unto_o the_o elder_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o apostle_n john_n call_v the_o elder_a because_o he_o outlive_v the_o other_o apostle_n 2_o john_n 1._o and_o 3._o vers_fw-la 1._o in_o the_o second_o signification_n elder_a be_v oppose_v to_o modern_a mat._n 15.2_o why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n that_o be_v of_o they_o of_o old_a time_n mat._n 5.21_o in_o the_o three_o signification_n we_o find_v the_o word_n isa._n 3._o where_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o from_o israel_n the_o prudent_a and_o the_o ancient_a vezaken_v that_o be_v the_o worthy_n among_o they_o and_o such_o as_o be_v respect_v for_o wisdom_n the_o same_o word_n and_o peradverture_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v turn_v elder_a exod._n 2.16_o eth-zikne_a israel_n the_o elder_n of_o israel_n so_o the_o spanish_a seijor_n the_o french_a seigneur_n the_o italian_a signore_v all_o come_n from_o the_o latin_a senior_n signify_v a_o man_n of_o respect_n or_o one_o venerable_a for_o dignity_n gift_n prudence_n or_o piety_n contrariwise_o man_n of_o no_o worth_n nor_o wisdom_n man_n despicable_a for_o lack_v of_o gift_n and_o understanding_n be_v call_v child_n isa._n 3.4.12_o ephes._n 4.14_o but_o it_o be_v the_o four_o signification_n which_o we_o have_v now_o to_o do_v withal_o and_o so_o a_o elder_n be_v a_o spiritual_a officer_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o call_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n act_v 14.23_o when_o they_o have_v by_o voice_n make_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o elder_n because_o of_o the_o maturity_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n gift_n and_o gravity_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n also_o the_o name_n of_o senator_n be_v borrow_v from_o senes_fw-la before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v particular_o of_o those_o elder_n of_o which_o our_o purpose_n be_v to_o treat_v it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o right_a name_n lest_o we_o nickname_v and_o miscall_a they_o some_o reproachful_o and_o other_o ignorant_o call_v they_o lay_v elder_n but_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o clergy_n &_o laity_n be_v popish_a and_o antichristian_a and_o they_o who_o have_v narrow_o consider_v the_o record_n of_o ancient_a time_n have_v note_v this_o distinction_n as_o one_o of_o the_o ground_n whence_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n have_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o 8._o the_o name_n of_o clergy_n appropriate_a to_o minister_n be_v full_a of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n and_o have_v make_v the_o holy_a people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v despise_v as_o if_o they_o be_v profane_a and_o unclean_a in_o comparison_n of_o their_o minister_n 37._o gerard_n liken_v those_o who_o take_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o pharisee_n who_o call_v themselves_o by_o that_o name_n for_o that_o their_o holiness_n do_v separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o this_o etymology_n of_o the_o name_n pharisee_fw-mi he_o cit_v tertullian_n origen_n epiphanius_n ambrose_n and_o confirm_v it_o from_o luke_n 18.10_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o some_o counsel_n discharge_v the_o laity_n from_o presume_v to_o enter_v within_o the_o choir_n 69._o or_o to_o stand_v among_o the_o clergy_n near_o the_o altar_n two_o reason_n be_v allege_v why_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d first_o because_o the_o lord_n be_v their_o inheritance_n second_o because_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n inheritance_n now_o both_o these_o reason_n do_v agree_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o faithful_a who_o may_v not_o say_v with_o david_n psal._n 16.5_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o my_o inheritance_n and_o of_o who_o also_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n inheritance_n or_o lot_n for_o peter_n give_v this_o name_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n 2.12_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o where_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o may_v challenge_v bishop_n hall_n who_o borrow_v a_o gloss_n from_o bellarmine_n and_o gregorius_n de_fw-fr valentia_n tell_v we_o that_o peter_n charge_v his_o fellow_n bishop_n not_o to_o domineer_v over_o their_o clergy_n so_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o text_n both_o the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n because_o the_o bishop_n only_o be_v mean_v by_o elder_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o people_n because_o the_o inferior_a pastor_n be_v the_o bishop_n
galat._n 6.1_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a matth._n 25.36.40_o to_o reconcile_v those_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n matth._n 5.9_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o answer_v for_o it_o jude_n v._n 3._o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o all_o which_o be_v incumbent_a to_o the_o roll_a elder_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o call_n to_o conclude_v then_o the_o call_z of_o rule_v elder_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o assist_v and_o voice_n in_o all_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v their_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n 2._o to_o watch_v diligent_o over_o the_o whole_a flock_n all_o these_o way_n which_o have_v be_v mention_v and_o to_o do_v by_o authority_n that_o which_o other_o christian_n ought_v to_o do_v in_o charity_n which_o be_v their_o power_n of_o order_n and_o the_o elder_n which_o neglect_v any_o one_o of_o these_o two_o whereunto_o his_o calling_n lead_v he_o shall_v make_v answer_n to_o god_n for_o it_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi the_o bond_n of_o his_o own_o call_n and_o covenant_n do_v all_o bind_v sin_n upon_o his_o soul_n if_o either_o he_o give_v not_o diligence_n in_o private_a by_o admonish_v all_o man_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o the_o case_n require_v or_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o keep_v either_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o consistory_n within_o the_o congregation_n where_o his_o charge_n be_v or_o the_o classical_a presbytery_n and_o other_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o be_v no_o less_o bind_v to_o keep_v then_o his_o pastor_n when_o he_o be_v call_v and_o design_v thereunto_o chap._n iii_o the_o first_o argument_n for_o roll_a elder_n take_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v show_v what_o rule_v elder_n be_v it_o follow_v to_o show_v scripture_n and_o divine_a right_n for_o they_o our_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n thus_o whatsoever_o kind_n of_o office-bearer_n the_o jewish_a church_n have_v not_o as_o it_o be_v jewish_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n such_o aught_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o have_v also_o but_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o as_o it_o be_v jewish_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n have_v elder_n of_o the_o people_n who_o assist_v in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o be_v member_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a consistory_n therefore_o such_o aught_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o have_v also_o the_o proposition_n will_v no_o man_n call_v in_o question_n for_o quod_fw-la competit_fw-la alicui_fw-la qua_fw-la tali_fw-la competit_fw-la omni_fw-la tali_fw-la that_o which_o agree_v to_o any_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n agree_v to_o every_o church_n i_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o political_a body_n and_o settle_a ecclesiastical_a republic_n let_v we_o see_v then_o to_o the_o assumption_n the_o jewish_a church_n not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n but_o as_o it_o be_v jewish_n have_v a_o high_a priest_n typisy_v our_o great_a high_a priest_n jesus_n christ._n as_o it_o be_v jewish_n it_o have_v musician_n to_o play_v upon_o harp_n psaltery_n cymbal_n and_o other_o musical_a instrument_n in_o the_o temple_n 1_o chron._n 25.1_o concern_v which_o hear_v bellarmine_n confession_n de_fw-fr bon_fw-fr op_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 17._o justinus_n say_v that_o the_o use_n of_o instrument_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o imperfection_n and_o that_o therefore_o such_o instrument_n have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o church_n we_o confess_v indeed_o that_o the_o use_n of_o musical_a instrument_n agree_v not_o alike_o with_o the_o perfect_a and_o with_o the_o imperfect_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o begin_v but_o of_o late_a to_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o church_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o not_o as_o jewish_n it_o have_v four_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a office-bearer_n priest_n levite_n doctor_n and_o elder_n and_o we_o conformablie_o have_v pastor_n deacon_n doctor_n and_o elder_n 9_o to_o their_o priest_n and_o levit_n cyprian_a do_v right_o liken_v our_o pastor_n and_o deacon_n for_o howsoever_o sundry_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n which_o be_v typical_a and_o jewish_a only_o yet_o may_v we_o well_o parallel_v our_o pastor_n with_o their_o priest_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o perpetual_a ecclesiastical_a office_n common_a to_o both_o viz._n the_o teach_v and_o govern_v of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n mal._n 2.7_o 2_o chron._n 19.8_o and_o our_o deacon_n with_o their_o levit_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o cure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a good_n and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o service_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o the_o material_n and_o appurtenance_n thereof_o a_o function_n likewise_o common_a to_o both_o 1_o chro._n 26.20_o &_o 23.24.28_o 745._o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v also_o doctor_n and_o school_n or_o college_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o true_a divinity_n among_o they_o and_o of_o tongue_n art_n and_o science_n necessary_a thereto_o 1_o chron._n 15.22.27_o 2_o king_n 22.14_o 1_o sam._n 19.20_o 2_o king_n 2.3.5_o act._n 19.9_o these_o office-bearer_n they_o have_v for_o no_o typical_a use_n but_o we_o have_v they_o for_o the_o same_o use_n and_o end_n for_o which_o they_o have_v they_o and_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o office-bearer_n among_o we_o we_o do_v as_o right_o warrant_v from_o the_o like_a sort_n among_o they_o as_o other_o while_o we_o warrant_v our_o baptise_v of_o infant_n from_o their_o circumcise_n of_o they_o our_o church_n by_o their_o synagogue_n etc._n etc._n now_o that_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v also_o such_o elder_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o it_o be_v manifest_a for_o beside_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o priest_n there_o be_v also_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o hear_n and_o handle_v of_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n jer._n 19.1_o take_v of_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o priest_n the_o lord_n send_v a_o message_n by_o the_o prophet_n will_v have_v a_o representative_a body_n of_o all_o judah_n to_o be_v gather_v together_o for_o receive_v it_o as_o tremellius_n note_v so_o 2_o king_n 6.32_o elisha_n sit_v in_o his_o house_n and_o the_o elder_n sit_v with_o he_o we_o read_v 2_o chron._n 19.8_o that_o with_o the_o priest_n be_v join_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n of_o israel_n to_o judge_v ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o controversy_n and_o howsoever_o many_o thing_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o latter_a time_n after_o the_o captivity_n do_v wear_v to_o confusion_n and_o misorder_n yet_o we_o find_v even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n still_o sit_v and_o voice_v in_o council_n with_o the_o priest_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a form_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o sundry_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n matth._n 16.21_o and_o 21.23_o and_o 26.57.59_o and_o 27.1.12_o mark_v 14_o 43._o luke_n 22.66_o act_n 4.5_o 10._o this_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o roman_a annalist_n baronius_n who_o confess_v further_o that_o as_o this_o be_v the_o form_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o same_o form_n observe_v in_o their_o time_n and_o senior_n then_o admit_v into_o counsel_n saravia_n himself_o who_o dispute_v so_o much_o against_o rule_v elder_n acknowledge_v what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o jew_n seniores_fw-la quidem_fw-la invenio_fw-la in_o consessu_fw-la sacerdotum_fw-la veteris_fw-la synagoga_fw-la 108._o qui_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la non_fw-la erant_fw-la i_o find_v indeed_o say_v he_o elder_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o old_a synagogue_n which_o be_v not_o priest_n et_fw-la quamvis_fw-la paria_fw-la corum_fw-la essent_fw-la suffragia_fw-la &_o authoritas_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la sufragiis_fw-la sacerdotum_fw-la 118._o cum_fw-la suffragiis_fw-la sacerdotum_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o although_o say_v he_o their_o suffrage_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o judgement_n be_v equal_a with_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o priest_n etc._n etc._n but_o what_o then_o think_v you_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o we_o he_o say_v 118_o that_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v their_o magistrate_n which_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v debar_v from_o the_o council_n of_o the_o priest_n more_o than_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n ought_v now_o to_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o synod_n of_o the_o church_n now_o to_o prove_v that_o their_o elder_n be_v their_o civil_a magistrate_n he_o have_v no_o better_a argument_n than_o this_o that_o the_o hebrew_n word_n zaken_v which_o be_v turn_v elder_a import_v a_o chief_a man_n or_o a_o ruler_n we_o answer_v first_o this_o be_v a_o bold_a conjecture_n which_o he_o have_v neither_o warrant_v by_o divine_a nor_o by_o humane_a testimony_n
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
he_o exercise_v of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v have_v cease_v but_o since_o they_o do_v only_o assist_v the_o pastor_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a it_o follow_v that_o as_o touch_v the_o office_n of_o elder_n there_o be_v no_o distinction_n betwixt_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o persecution_n second_o there_o be_v senior_n among_o the_o jew_n under_o godly_a king_n and_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n why_o not_o likewise_o among_o we_o three_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a both_o in_o the_o subject_n object_n and_o end_n so_o that_o the_o one_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o other_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v to_o punish_v the_o outward_a man_n with_o a_o outward_a punishment_n which_o the_o presbytery_n can_v hinder_v for_o he_o may_v civil_o bind_v who_o the_o presbytery_n spiritual_o lose_v and_o civil_o loose_v who_o the_o presbytery_n spiritual_o bind_v and_o that_o because_o the_o magistrate_n seek_v not_o the_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o delinquent_n by_o his_o punishment_n as_o the_o presbytery_n do_v but_o only_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n together_o with_o the_o quietness_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n whence_o it_o come_v that_o the_o delinquent_n serape_v not_o free_a of_o the_o magistrate_n though_o he_o be_v penitent_a and_o not_o obstinate_a 4._o how_o think_v whitgift_n that_o the_o christian_n magistrate_n can_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o seignory_n do_v under_o a_o tyrant_n can_v the_o magistrate_n by_o himself_o determine_v question_n of_o faith_n can_v he_o know_v what_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o circumstance_n be_v fit_a for_o each_o congregation_n can_v he_o excommunicate_v offender_n etc._n etc._n 5._o when_o bishop_n exercise_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n yea_o and_o the_o civil_a too_o this_o be_v think_v no_o wrong_n to_o prince_n be_v it_o a_o wrong_n in_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o not_o in_o this_o prelacy_n good_a lord_n what_o a_o mystery_n be_v this_o 6._o when_o presbyter_n be_v establish_v in_o their_o full_a power_n there_o remain_v much_o power_n to_o the_o prince_n even_o in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a as_o to_o take_v diligent_a heed_n to_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n to_o indict_v synod_n and_o civil_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o to_o ratify_v the_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o to_o add_v unto_o they_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o civil_a sanction_n to_o punish_v heretic_n and_o all_o that_o disobey_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o no_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a be_v carry_v factious_o or_o rash_o but_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v determine_v in_o free_a assembly_n to_o provide_v for_o scholar_n college_n and_o kirkes_n that_o all_o corrupt_a way_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n by_o simony_n bribe_v patron_n etc._n etc._n be_v repress_v and_o final_o to_o compel_v all_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n of_o the_o church_n 7._o whatsoever_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n ecclesiae_fw-la tamen_fw-la 452_o etc._n etc._n yet_o let_v he_o leave_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n such_o as_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n elder_n and_o deacon_n their_o own_o power_n in_o handle_v ecclesiastical_a thing_n untouched_a and_o whole_a say_v danaeus_n for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n do_v no_o more_o hinder_v the_o civil_a administration_n than_o the_o art_n of_o sing_v hinder_v it_o say_v the_o augustan_n confession_n 8._o we_o may_v answer_v by_o a_o just_a recrimination_n eccl._n that_o the_o prelacy_n not_o the_o presbytery_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o have_v often_o encroach_v upon_o the_o same_o the_o bishop_n assemble_v in_o the_o eight_o council_n of_o constantinople_n 14._o ordain_v that_o bishop_n shall_v not_o light_v from_o their_o horse_n when_o they_o chance_v to_o meet_v prince_n nor_o base_o bow_v before_o they_o and_o that_o if_o any_o prince_n shall_v cause_v a_o bishop_n to_o disparage_v himself_o by_o do_v otherwise_o he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o two_o year_n 17._o they_o also_o discharge_v prince_n from_o be_v present_a in_o any_o synod_n except_o the_o oâ—cumenicke_n â—7_z the_o 1._o council_n of_o toledo_n ordain_v that_o quoties_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la hispanorum_fw-la synodus_fw-la convenerit_fw-la toties_fw-la universalis_fw-la concilii_fw-la decretum_fw-la propter_fw-la salutem_fw-la principum_fw-la factum_fw-la peractis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la in_o synodo_fw-la recitetur_fw-la ut_fw-la iniquorum_fw-la mens_fw-la territa_fw-la corrigatur_fw-la from_o which_o canon_n osiander_n collect_v that_o some_o of_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o faithful_a and_o loyal_a to_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n the_o inquisition_n of_o spain_n anno_fw-la 1568._o present_v to_o king_n philip_n twelve_o article_n against_o the_o netherlands_o 309._o one_o whereof_o be_v that_o the_o king_n write_v unto_o and_o command_v the_o clergy_n of_o the_o netherlands_o that_o with_o the_o inquisition_n they_o shall_v accept_v of_o 15._o new_a bishop_n the_o which_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o secular_a jurisdiction_n yea_o in_o case_n of_o treason_n now_o as_o touch_v the_o contrary_a conceit_n of_o saravia_n 110.114.116_o he_o allow_v such_o elder_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v to_o be_v join_v now_o with_o pastor_n under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o under_o a_o infidel_n magistrate_n he_o say_v they_o can_v have_v no_o place_n for_o he_o take_v the_o jewish_a elder_n to_o have_v be_v their_o magistrate_n &_o that_o in_o like_a manner_n none_o but_o christian_a magistrate_n shall_v sit_v with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o ecclesiastical_a court_n prince_n and_o noble_n in_o general_a or_o national_n council_n and_o magistrate_n of_o city_n in_o particular_a consistory_n this_o be_v as_o foul_a a_o error_n as_o that_o of_o whitgift_n for_o 1._o his_o opinion_n of_o the_o jewish_a elder_n that_o they_o be_v their_o magistrate_n we_o have_v confute_v before_o 2._o though_o it_o be_v so_o that_o no_o rule_v elder_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v now_o except_o christian_a magistrate_n yet_o may_v they_o have_v place_n under_o a_o infidel_n prince_n as_o joseph_n under_o pharaoh_n daniel_n under_o nebuchadnezar_n there_o have_v be_v both_o christian_a church_n and_o christian_a magistrate_n under_o heretical_a yea_o infidel_n prince_n 3._o if_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v come_v in_o place_n of_o the_o jewish_a senior_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v join_v with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o church_n we_o demand_v quo_fw-la nomine_fw-la quo_fw-la jure_fw-la whither_o do_v they_o sit_v as_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o as_o man_n of_o singular_a gift_n choose_v for_o that_o effect_n if_o as_o magistrate_n then_o shall_v we_o make_v a_o mixture_n and_o confusion_n of_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a function_n else_o how_o shall_v man_n by_o virtue_n of_o civil_a place_n sit_v in_o spiritual_a court_n if_o as_o man_n of_o singular_a gift_n choose_v to_o sit_v then_z may_z other_o aswell_o as_o they_o have_v the_o like_a gift_n and_o election_n be_v admit_v to_o sit_v also_o 4._o saravia_n contradict_v himself_o â—20_n for_o a_o little_a after_o he_o admit_v grave_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n whither_o they_o be_v magistrate_n or_o private_a man_n sive_fw-la illi_fw-la magistratu_fw-la fungantur_fw-la sive_fw-la in_o rep_n vivre_fw-fr privati_fw-la chap._n xiii_o whether_o rule_v elder_n have_v the_o power_n of_o decisive_a voice_n when_o they_o sit_v in_o prebytery_n and_o synod_n there_o be_v sundry_a question_n propound_v by_o d._n field_n and_o other_o adversary_n of_o rule_v elder_n whereinto_o they_o think_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o satisfy_v they_o as_o 1._o whether_o rule_v elder_n ought_v to_o have_v decisive_a voice_n even_o in_o question_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o trial_n and_o approbation_n of_o minister_n 2._o whether_o these_o elder_n must_v be_v in_o every_o congregation_n with_o power_n of_o ordination_n deprivation_n suspension_n excommunication_n and_o absolution_n or_o whether_o this_o power_n be_v only_o in_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o divers_a church_n concur_v 3._o if_o they_o be_v ecclesiastical_a person_n where_o be_v their_o ordination_n 4._o whether_o these_o 〈◊〉_d be_v perpetual_a or_o annual_a and_o but_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n whether_o they_o ought_v to_o serve_v free_o or_o to_o have_v a_o stipend_n touch_v the_o first_o of_o these_o since_o the_o reformation_n which_o luther_n begin_v it_o be_v ever_o maintain_v by_o the_o protestant_a writer_n that_o not_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n alone_o but_o some_o of_o all_o sort_n among_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v decisive_a voice_n in_o council_n but_o dr._n field_n will_v admit_v none_o to_o teach_v and_o define_v in_o council_n 4â—_n but_o the_o minister_n of_o the_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
performance_n but_o leave_v the_o particular_a day_n of_o fast_v and_o thanksgiving_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o scripture_n commend_v the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o a_o nation_n that_o have_v break_v it_o but_o leave_v the_o day_n and_o place_n for_o such_o a_o action_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v aforesaid_a now_o if_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o general_a warrant_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n command_v to_o fast_v such_o a_o day_n to_o give_v thanks_n such_o a_o day_n to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n such_o a_o day_n these_o thing_n be_v divine_a ordinance_n mix_o though_o not_o mere_o and_o he_o who_o disobey_v disobey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o catechise_v and_o of_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v not_o thing_n occasional_a as_o the_o former_a but_o ordinary_a in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v commend_v by_o the_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o season_n not_o determine_v the_o like_a we_o say_v of_o the_o order_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o baptism_n and_o in_o excommunication_n which_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o word_n though_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v the_o remove_n of_o scandal_n by_o put_v wicked_a person_n to_o public_a shame_n and_o open_a confession_n of_o their_o fault_n in_o the_o church_n have_v certain_a warrant_n from_o scripture_n yet_o the_o degree_n of_o that_o public_a shame_n and_o punishment_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o scandal_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n now_o the_o church_n appoint_v some_o scandalous_a person_n to_o be_v put_v to_o a_o great_a shame_n some_o to_o a_o lesser_a some_o to_o â—ee_n oâ—e_a sabbath_n in_o the_o place_n of_o public_a repentance_n some_o three_o some_o nine_o some_o twenty_o five_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o the_o offender_n refuse_v that_o degree_n of_o public_a shame_n which_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o rule_v foresay_v appoint_v for_o he_o he_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o refuse_v the_o remove_n and_o take_v away_o of_o the_o scandal_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n enjoin_v he_o and_o so_o to_o disobey_v not_o the_o church_n only_o but_o god_n also_o just_o so_o the_o scripture_n have_v commend_v unto_o we_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n the_o make_n of_o law_n the_o exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n by_o consistory_n and_o assembly_n ecclesiastical_a have_v also_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o their_o power_n their_o rule_n of_o proceed_v and_o judge_v who_o shall_v sit_v and_o voice_n in_o the_o same_o etc._n etc._n but_o leave_v the_o particular_a kind_n degree_n time_n bound_n and_o place_n of_o the_o same_o to_o be_v resolve_v upon_o by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o church_n for_o her_o part_n follow_v the_o general_a warrant_n and_o rule_n aforesaid_a together_o with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v determine_v and_o appoint_v assembly_n provincial_n and_o national_n and_o to_o exercise_v respective_o that_o power_n which_o the_o word_n give_v to_o assembly_n in_o general_n the_o case_n thus_o stand_v we_o may_v bold_o maintain_v that_o those_o particular_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n mix_o though_o not_o mere_o but_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n may_v some_o man_n say_v why_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o itself_o determine_v these_o kind_n of_o assembly_n particular_o i_o answer_v three_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o it_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n together_o with_o nature_n light_n which_o direct_v commonwealth_n in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v the_o church_n therein_o 2._o as_o seson_n and_o time_n for_o the_o meeting_n of_o assembly_n so_o the_o just_a bound_n thereof_o in_o so_o many_o different_a place_n of_o the_o world_n be_v thing_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o be_v not_o determinable_a in_o scripture_n unless_o the_o world_n have_v be_v fill_v with_o volume_n thereof_o for_o individua_fw-la sunt_fw-la infinita_fw-la 3._o because_o this_o constitution_n of_o synod_n provincial_n and_o national_n be_v not_o universal_a for_o all_o time_n and_o place_n for_o example_n there_o may_v be_v in_o a_o remote_a island_n 10._o or_o 12._o christian_n congregation_n which_o beside_o their_o particular_a eldership_n have_v a_o common_a presbytery_n but_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o synod_n either_o provincial_n or_o national_n again_o let_v there_o be_v a_o island_n contain_v forty_o or_o fifty_o christian_a congregation_n there_o shall_v be_v therein_o beside_o presbytery_n one_o kind_n of_o a_o synod_n but_o not_o two_o kind_n beside_o the_o reform_a congregation_n within_o a_o great_a nation_n may_v happy_o be_v either_o so_o few_o or_o so_o disperse_v and_o distant_a or_o so_o persecute_v that_o they_o can_v neither_o have_v provincial_n nor_o national_n assembly_n chap._n vii_o the_o three_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o take_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o as_o in_o their_o commonwealth_n there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o civil_a court_n every_o city_n have_v its_o proper_a court_n which_o do_v consist_v of_o seven_o magistrate_n if_o we_o believe_v josephus_n the_o thalmudicall_a tradition_n make_v two_o court_n to_o have_v be_v in_o each_o city_n the_o lesser_a of_o the_o triumvirate_n and_o the_o great_a of_o twenty_o three_o judge_n beside_o these_o they_o have_v their_o supreme_a consistory_n the_o civil_a sanedrim_n which_o govern_v the_o whole_a nation_n and_o have_v authority_n over_o the_o inferior_a court_n so_o be_v there_o also_o a_o subordination_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n among_o they_o they_o have_v a_o consistory_n in_o every_o synagogue_n for_o their_o synagogue_n be_v appoint_v not_o only_o for_o prayer_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o read_n and_o expound_v of_o the_o scripture_n but_o also_o for_o public_a correction_n of_o offence_n act_n 26.11_o they_o have_v beside_o a_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a court_n whereunto_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o all_o the_o synagogicall_a consistory_n be_v subject_a this_o court_n have_v decay_v be_v restore_v by_o ichoshaphat_n 2_o chron._n 19.8_o and_o it_o have_v the_o name_n of_o sanedrim_n common_a to_o it_o with_o the_o supreme_a civil_a court._n from_o this_o court_n do_v the_o reformation_n of_o that_o national_n church_n proceed_v nehem._n 6.13_o on_o the_o second_o day_n be_v gather_v together_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n of_o all_o the_o people_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o levit_n unto_o ezra_n the_o scribe_n even_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n and_o they_o find_v write_v in_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n whether_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o ecclesiastical_a court_n in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o sanedrim_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o presbytery_n luke_n 22.66_o act_n 22.5_o and_o make_v up_o possible_o out_o of_o the_o particular_a synagogue_n within_o the_o city_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o learned_a man_n to_o judge_v howsoever_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o twofold_a ecclesiastical_a court_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o sanedrim_n the_o latter_a have_v authority_n above_o the_o former_a sutlivius_n deny_v both_o these_o and_o so_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a court_n at_o all_o 25._o as_o for_o the_o synagogue_n he_o say_v they_o treat_v of_o thing_n civil_a and_o inflict_v civil_a punishment_n and_o a_o civil_a excommunication_n that_o they_o inflict_v civil_a punishment_n he_o prove_v from_o mat._n 10._o and_o 23._o and_o luke_n 21._o where_o christ_n foretell_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v beat_v in_o the_o synagogue_n that_o their_o excommunication_n be_v civil_a he_o prove_v by_o this_o reason_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n have_v notwithstanding_o a_o free_a entry_n into_o the_o temple_n and_o access_n to_o the_o sacrifice_n answ._n this_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o 1._o the_o civil_a court_n be_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n not_o in_o the_o synagogue_n 2._o he_o who_o preside_v in_o the_o synagogue_n be_v call_v the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v 18.8.17_o the_o rest_n who_o sit_v and_o voice_v therein_o be_v call_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v 13.15_o they_o who_o sit_v in_o the_o civil_a court_n have_v no_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
matter_n of_o importance_n which_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o same_o this_o the_o prelacy_n do_v not_o regard_v 6._o presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v not_o which_o the_o prelate_n do_v imperious_o and_o by_o their_o sole_a arbitrement_n domineer_v over_o congregation_n for_o their_o power_n be_v directive_n only_o ministerial_a and_o limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o laudable_a ecclesiastical_a law_n receive_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o congregation_n themselves_o 7._o experience_n have_v show_v we_o presbyterial_a and_o synodical_a government_n to_o be_v not_o only_o compatible_a with_o but_o most_o conducible_a for_o the_o supportment_n and_o comfort_n of_o congregation_n whereas_o episcopal_a government_n draw_v ever_o after_o it_o mâ—lam_v caâ—dâ—m_n and_o a_o general_a grievance_n of_o the_o church_n some_o other_o objection_n there_o be_v for_o obviate_a whereof_o i_o shall_v permit_v and_o explain_v a_o distinction_n which_o shall_v serve_v to_o answer_v they_o all_o we_o may_v consider_v a_o visible_a church_n either_o metaphysical_o or_o political_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o consider_v man_n as_o live_a creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n another_o thing_n to_o consider_v they_o as_o magistrate_n master_n father_n child_n servant_n etc._n etc._n so_o be_v it_o one_o thing_n to_o consider_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o a_o society_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n separate_v from_o the_o blind_a world_n by_o divine_a vocation_n and_o profess_v together_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n another_o thing_n to_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o political_a body_n in_o which_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v exercise_v some_o govern_n and_o some_o govern_v these_o be_v very_o different_a consideration_n for_o first_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v take_v entitative_o or_o metaphysical_o her_o member_n do_v ordinary_o communicate_v together_o in_o those_o holy_a thing_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o order_n which_o i_o may_v call_v sacra_fw-la mistica_fw-la but_o be_v take_v political_o her_o member_n communicate_v together_o in_o such_o holy_a thing_n as_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o i_o may_v call_v sacra_fw-la politica_fw-la second_o infant_n under_o age_n be_v initiate_v in_o baptism_n be_v actual_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o former_a consideration_n but_o potential_o only_a in_o the_o latter_a for_o they_o neither_o govern_v nor_o yet_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o those_o that_o do_v govern_v three_o one_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n metaphysical_o beâ—ore_o he_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n political_o but_o not_o contrariwise_o four_o many_o visible_a church_n have_v sometime_o be_v and_o may_v be_v without_o officer_n and_o so_o without_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n for_o that_o time_n yet_o still_o retain_v the_o essence_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n whereas_o a_o church_n which_o never_o yet_o have_v any_o officer_n ordain_v therein_o of_o which_o kind_n there_o have_v be_v many_o at_o the_o first_o conversion_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o the_o gospel_n or_o which_o have_v lose_v all_o her_o officer_n by_o death_n or_o persecution_n be_v not_o for_o that_o time_n a_o ecclesiastical_a republic_n nor_o can_v be_v such_o till_o she_o have_v officer_n this_o if_o they_o have_v observe_v who_o have_v take_v so_o great_a pain_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v a_o church_n without_o officer_n it_o shall_v happy_o have_v make_v they_o think_v their_o labour_n lâ—st_o it_o may_v also_o have_v teach_v henry_n jacob_n to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o church_n visible_a and_o a_o church_n ministerial_a or_o political_a and_o not_o to_o understand_v these_o three_o term_n to_o be_v all_o one_o as_o he_o do_v in_o his_o lâ—tter_n bear_v date_n the_o 4._o of_o september_n 1611._o pag._n 9_o five_o my_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o visible_a church_n metaphysical_o give_v i_o right_a and_o title_n to_o communicate_v with_o another_o visible_a church_n where_o for_o the_o time_n i_o be_o in_o sacris_fw-la misticis_fw-la such_o as_o the_o word_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o my_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o visible_a church_n political_o do_v not_o give_v i_o right_n and_o title_n to_o communicate_v with_o another_o visible_a church_n where_o for_o the_o time_n i_o be_o in_o sacris_fw-la politicis_fw-la such_o as_o ordination_n deposition_n excommunication_n etc._n etc._n hereunto_o do_v master_n robinson_n assent_v in_o these_o word_n as_o a_o man_n once_o baptize_v be_v always_o baptise_a 317._o so_o be_v he_o in_o all_o place_n and_o church_n where_o he_o come_v as_o a_o baptize_v person_n to_o enjoy_v the_o common_a benefit_n of_o his_o baptism_n and_o to_o discharge_v the_o common_a duty_n which_o depend_v upon_o it_o but_o a_o pastor_n be_v not_o a_o pastor_n in_o every_o church_n where_o he_o come_v upon_o occâ—sion_n neither_o can_v he_o require_v in_o any_o other_o church_n save_v that_o one_o over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v he_o that_o obedience_n maintenance_n and_o other_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a from_o the_o officer_n to_o the_o people_n neither_o stand_v he_o charge_v with_o that_o ministry_n and_o service_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o officer_n the_o like_a he_o will_v have_v say_v of_o a_o elder_a or_o a_o deacon_n now_o this_o distinction_n shall_v serve_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n follow_v object_n 112._o every_o christian_a congregation_n be_v a_o complete_a body_n ecclesiastical_a have_v all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n and_o all_o church_n officer_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v therefore_o every_o congrgation_n have_v the_o full_a and_o absolute_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n answ._n every_o christian_a congregation_n be_v a_o complete_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n metaphysical_o that_o be_v have_v the_o complete_a essence_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n yet_o every_o such_o congregation_n be_v not_o a_o complete_a ecclesiastical_a republic_n except_o in_o some_o certain_a case_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v chap._n 2._o and_o further_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v allege_v to_o prove_v that_o 2_o or_o 3_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n have_v immediate_o under_o christ_n the_o full_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o complete_a ecclesiastical_a body_n have_v all_o the_o member_n and_o officer_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v for_o they_o themselves_o hold_v that_o in_o every_o christian_a congregation_n by_o christ_n institution_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v at_o least_o five_o officer_n and_o when_o those_o five_o shall_v be_v have_v there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o christian_a people_n to_o be_v govern_v and_o serve_v by_o they_o so_o that_o their_o argument_n do_v not_o conclude_v that_o which_o they_o propose_v to_o prove_v ibid._n object_n they_o who_o have_v receive_v christ_n have_v receive_v with_o he_o power_n and_o right_a to_o enjoy_v he_o though_o all_o the_o world_n be_v against_o it_o in_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n by_o which_o he_o do_v communicate_v himself_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o every_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n if_o they_o be_v but_o two_o or_o three_o have_v receive_v christ_n therefore_o every_o such_o company_n etc._n etc._n answ._n if_o by_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n they_o mean_v the_o receive_n of_o christ_n on_o his_o throne_n or_o the_o receive_n of_o he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n of_o church_n government_n than_o we_o deny_v their_o assumption_n for_o every_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n be_v not_o a_o church_n political_o as_o we_o have_v show_v already_o indeed_o every_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n who_o have_v receive_v christ_n in_o this_o manner_n have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o enjoy_v he_o in_o all_o his_o political_a ordinance_n yet_o not_o independent_o but_o by_o a_o certain_a order_n and_o subordination_n but_o if_o by_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n they_o mean_v receive_v of_o he_o to_o salvation_n or_o receive_v of_o he_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n we_o grant_v that_o not_o only_o every_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n but_o every_o particular_a christian_a have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o enjoy_v he_o in_o the_o mystical_a ordinance_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n as_o often_o as_o the_o same_o can_v be_v have_v yea_o further_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdicton_n the_o exercise_n whereof_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n intuitu_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la tanquam_fw-la finis_fw-la but_o that_o every_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n
in_o which_o he_o think_v it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o elder_n alone_o to_o admit_v or_o cut_v off_o member_n his_o other_o ambiguous_a expression_n i_o understand_v better_o for_o by_o the_o people_n privity_n he_o mean_v that_o the_o people_n shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o by_o the_o people_n consent_n he_o mean_v the_o people_n vote_v with_o the_o elder_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o that_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n 6._o aught_o to_o be_v with_o the_o people_n privity_n and_o consent_n 6._o he_o will_v prove_v by_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o we_o find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o man_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o baptize_v public_o and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n 2._o because_o the_o whole_a communality_n be_v near_o to_o join_v with_o these_o that_o be_v admit_v aught_o to_o take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n these_o reason_n can_v neither_o conclude_v the_o people_n right_a of_o suffrage_n in_o this_o matter_n nor_o so_o much_o be_v the_o people_n hear_v of_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o elder_n but_o only_o that_o the_o matter_n may_v not_o be_v end_v without_o the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o tacit_a consent_n beside_o there_o be_v no_o small_a difference_n to_o be_v put_v betwixt_o the_o admission_n of_o jew_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n upon_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o the_o admission_n of_o such_o as_o have_v transport_v themselves_o from_o another_o christian_a congregation_n bring_v with_o they_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a conversation_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v the_o reader_n note_n that_o this_o disputer_n have_v here_o in_o a_o parenthesis_n interlace_v gross_a anabaptistry_n hold_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o unorderly_o anticipation_n to_o baptise_v infant_n who_o can_v give_v a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o within_o a_o few_o line_n he_o let_v another_o thing_n fall_v from_o his_o pen_n which_o smell_v strong_o of_o the_o anabaptisticall_a tenant_n concern_v have_v all_o thing_n common_a even_o bodily_a good_n but_o i_o proceed_v with_o he_o to_o the_o second_o head_n 7._o concern_v excommunication_n and_o church_n censure_v by_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o people_n privity_n and_o consent_n this_o he_o prove_v by_o three_o argument_n 5.20_o 1._o because_o paul_n say_v these_o who_o sin_n rebuke_v public_o that_o other_o also_o may_v fear_v a_o brave_a argument_n indeed_o this_o charge_n be_v not_o give_v to_o roll_a elder_n and_o if_o it_o have_v it_o can_v neither_o prove_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n nor_o their_o hear_n of_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o elder_n but_o only_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o the_o congregation_n 2._o he_o argue_v from_o these_o word_n 18.17_o tell_v the_o church_n where_o he_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o by_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o senate_n of_o elder_n exclude_v the_o people_n 8._o yea_o he_o say_v that_o in_o this_o circumstance_n now_o in_o consideration_n it_o come_v near_o the_o truth_n to_o expound_v the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o bishop_n since_o neither_o bishop_n nor_o their_o court-keeper_n do_v exclude_v the_o people_n from_o their_o consistory_n sure_o i_o be_o in_o scotland_n let_v other_o speak_v for_o themselves_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o visitation_n high_a commission_n privie-conference_n at_o synodâ—_n in_o which_o they_o pass_v their_o decree_n do_v exclude_v both_o the_o people_n and_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o minister_n he_o think_v it_o a_o course_n unheard_a of_o either_o among_o jew_n gentile_n or_o christian_n before_o this_o last_o age_n that_o public_a judgement_n shall_v be_v private_o exercise_v and_o without_o the_o people_n privity_n this_o if_o at_o all_o to_o the_o point_n must_v be_v understand_v not_o of_o the_o final_a execution_n but_o of_o the_o judicial_a sentence_n or_o decree_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o senator_n at_o rome_n or_o the_o areopagite_n at_o athens_n do_v never_o conclude_v or_o degree_n any_o thing_n concern_v a_o public_a judgement_n except_o in_o the_o audience_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n the_o judge_n in_o israel_n do_v sit_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o of_o the_o city_n that_o all_o person_n both_o poor_a and_o rich_a great_a and_o small_a may_v have_v access_n unto_o they_o with_o their_o complaint_n and_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n may_v be_v the_o more_o notorious_a &_o exemplary_a be_v give_v forth_o and_o promulgat_v in_o the_o gate_n this_o prove_v not_o that_o the_o judge_n do_v debate_v voice_n and_o conclude_v all_o matter_n in_o the_o public_a audience_n of_o the_o people_n 9_o it_o appear_v rather_o that_o they_o be_v so_o accommodate_v that_o they_o may_v do_v these_o thing_n apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o he_o to_o affirm_v either_o that_o the_o synagogue_n be_v place_n of_o civil_a convention_n and_o judgement_n 9_o or_o that_o nothing_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n decree_v without_o the_o people_n privity_n while_o as_o he_o have_v give_v no_o proof_n nor_o evidence_n at_o all_o for_o it_o you_o need_v not_o my_o master_n be_v so_o curious_a in_o the_o notation_n of_o the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o every_o smatterer_n in_o divinity_n know_v but_o what_o of_o it_o you_o say_v the_o elder_n as_o such_o be_v call_v to_o wit_n to_o their_o office_n of_o eldership_n but_o call_v out_o they_o be_v not_o be_v themselves_o to_o call_v out_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d note_v not_o only_o a_o call_n or_o a_o gather_n together_o by_o virtue_n of_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o also_o a_o separation_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o paradox_n to_o say_v that_o the_o elder_n be_v both_o call_v or_o gather_v together_o unto_o the_o eldership_n and_o call_v out_o or_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n to_o that_o office_n and_o it_o be_v as_o far_o from_o a_o paradox_n to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o be_v call_v out_o can_v call_v out_o other_o especial_o the_o one_o call_v out_o be_v to_o a_o office_n and_o the_o other_o call_v out_o be_v from_o nature_n to_o grace_n he_o can_v think_v that_o the_o name_n ecclesia_fw-la church_n have_v be_v use_v by_o any_o greek_a author_n before_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o in_o their_o day_n or_o in_o the_o age_n after_o they_o for_o the_o assembly_n of_o sole_a governor_n in_o the_o act_n of_o their_o government_n i_o shall_v first_o give_v instance_n against_o he_o in_o the_o verb_n because_o he_o say_v the_o elder_n as_o such_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v call_v out_o the_o septuagint_n read_v deu._n 31.28_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gather_v unto_o i_o all_o the_o elder_n the_o like_v you_o may_v find_v 1_o king_n 8.1_o 1_o chron._n 28.1_o i_o shall_v next_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o septuagint_n sometime_o turn_v kahal_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o prov._n 26.26_o his_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v show_v before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o elder_n for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o the_o elder_n deut._n 19.12_o jos._n 20.4_o be_v say_v of_o the_o congregation_n num._n 35.24_o jos._n 20.6_o so_o exod_a 12.3_o compare_v with_o verse_n 21._o this_o if_o he_o will_v not_o take_v well_o from_o we_o with_o verse_n 21._o this_o if_o he_o will_v not_o take_v well_o from_o we_o let_v he_o take_v it_o from_o a_o anti-presbyterian_a who_o observe_v from_o 1_o chron._n 13.1_o 2_o 4._o and_o 2._o chron._n 1.3_o that_o both_o kahal_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v for_o the_o elder_n and_o governor_n guide_v unto_o zion_n pag._n 5._o the_o place_n deut._n 23.1_o 2_o 3._o be_v well_o worthy_a of_o observation_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o he_o who_o be_v wound_v in_o the_o stone_n or_o have_v his_o privy_a member_n cut_v off_o or_o be_v a_o bastard_n or_o a_o ammonite_n or_o a_o moabite_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o congregation_n the_o of_o lord_n to_o the_o ten_o generation_n the_o word_n be_v kahal_n in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o version_n of_o the_o 70._o yet_o junius_n piscator_fw-la and_o pelicanus_n on_o that_o place_n and_o martyr_n on_o jud._n 11.1_o hold_v that_o by_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n in_o that_o place_n be_v mean_v consessus_fw-la
in_o the_o steward_n name_n but_o in_o his_o master_n who_o only_o out_o of_o power_n do_v confer_v it_o on_o he_o 22._o but_o now_o lest_o any_o shall_v conceive_v of_o he_o and_o those_o of_o his_o side_n that_o they_o either_o exercise_n among_o themselves_o or_o will_v thrust_v upon_o other_o any_o popular_a or_o democraticall_a church_n government_n therefore_o he_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o make_v estimate_n both_o of_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n according_a to_o these_o three_o declaration_n first_o he_o say_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o external_a church_n government_n under_o christ_n be_v plain_o aristocratical_a and_o to_o be_v administer_v by_o some_o choice_n man_n although_o the_o state_n be_v after_o a_o fort_n popular_a and_o democraticall_a 23._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o latter_a he_o say_v it_o appertain_v to_o the_o people_n free_o to_o vote_n in_o election_n &_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a that_o the_o elder_n ought_v to_o govern_v the_o people_n even_o in_o their_o vote_v in_o just_a liberty_n by_o propound_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n and_o after_o the_o vote_v of_o the_o church_n solemn_o execute_v either_o ordination_n or_o excommunication_n behold_v how_o he_o run_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o popular_a government_n even_o while_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v his_o course_n another_o way_n god_n send_v we_o better_a pilot_n i_o remember_v i_o have_v read_v in_o sundry_a place_n of_o bodin_n de_fw-fr repub_fw-la that_o the_o state_n be_v oft_o time_n different_a from_o the_o government_n but_o sure_o i_o be_o this_o anti-consistorian_a make_v not_o only_o the_o state_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v democraticall_a &_o that_o in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n for_o the_o government_n be_v democraticall_a at_o least_o compose_v of_o a_o mixture_n of_o aristocracy_n and_o democracy_n which_o be_v the_o most_o that_o he_o dare_v say_v of_o the_o church_n government_n where_o the_o people_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o elect_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o ruler_n and_o where_o the_o senate_n so_o far_o observe_v the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o pass_v the_o final_a act_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o importance_n without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o tacit_a consent_n o_o the_o people_n though_o the_o people_n do_v not_o vote_n in_o the_o senate_n nay_o though_o the_o senate_n do_v not_o vote_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o people_n now_o this_o seem_v not_o enough_o to_o those_o with_o who_o we_o have_v now_o to_o do_v they_o will_v have_v the_o people_n free_o to_o vote_n in_o all_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o the_o very_a exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n by_o the_o people_n 7._o which_o be_v the_o democracy_n of_o movellâ—s_n condemn_v by_o parker_n himself_o who_o make_v the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n proper_a to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n though_o he_o place_v the_o power_n itself_o original_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n let_v it_o further_o be_v observe_v what_o difference_n these_o man_n make_v betwixt_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o people_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o which_o they_o make_v proper_a to_o the_o elder_n be_v only_o the_o propound_v and_o order_v of_o matter_n and_o the_o excute_n of_o some_o solemn_a act_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o belong_v to_o the_o moderator_n or_o praeses_fw-la in_o any_o consistory_n but_o they_o will_v have_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o most_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o the_o new_a form_n of_o church_n government_n which_o be_v here_o lay_v before_o we_o be_v a_o mere_a democracy_n with_o many_o moderator_n which_o be_v the_o most_o monstrous_a government_n that_o ever_o be_v hear_v of_o his_o second_o declaration_n be_v that_o the_o elder_n may_v and_o aught_o at_o time_n to_o meet_v apart_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n for_o deliberation_n this_o if_o he_o mean_v only_o of_o that_o which_o he_o specifiâ—th_v the_o prepare_v of_o thing_n so_o as_o public_o and_o before_o the_o people_n they_o may_v be_v prosecute_v with_o most_o conveniency_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o many_o require_v in_o moderator_n of_o synod_n to_o who_o they_o think_v fit_a that_o some_o assessor_n or_o coadjutor_n be_v adjoin_v for_o deliberate_v in_o private_a upon_o the_o most_o orderly_a and_o convenient_a prosecute_n of_o purpose_n in_o public_a which_o as_o it_o hinder_v not_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n to_o be_v aristocratical_a so_o neither_o do_v the_o deliberation_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o private_a hinder_v the_o government_n now_o in_o question_n to_o be_v democraticall_a but_o if_o he_o mean_v general_o that_o the_o elder_n may_v deliberate_v apart_o upon_o everything_o whatsoever_o which_o be_v to_o be_v voice_v by_o the_o people_n than_o i_o ask_v by_o what_o reason_n do_v he_o seclude_v from_o the_o deliberation_n those_o who_o be_v to_o voice_n for_o to_o give_v be_v and_o force_n to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a decree_n by_o voice_n be_v more_o than_o to_o deliberate_v upon_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o papist_n give_v to_o presbyter_n a_o deliberative_a voice_n in_o counsel_n but_o not_o a_o decisive_a voice_n and_o we_o also_o permit_v any_o understanding_n godly_a man_n to_o propound_v a_o matter_n to_o a_o synod_n or_o to_o reason_n upon_o it_o though_o none_o have_v power_n of_o suffrage_n but_o the_o commissioner_n of_o church_n so_o that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o seclude_v the_o people_n from_o the_o voice_n than_o from_o the_o deliberation_n his_o three_o declaration_n come_v last_o 24._o and_o that_o be_v that_o by_o the_o people_n who_o right_a in_o vote_v they_o thus_o stand_v for_o they_o understand_v not_o woman_n and_o child_n but_o only_a man_n and_o they_o grow_v and_o of_o discretion_n before_o he_o do_v object_n to_o we_o that_o neither_o in_o scripture_n nor_o in_o greek_a author_n the_o name_n church_n be_v use_v for_o the_o assembly_n of_o sole_a governor_n and_o to_o this_o i_o suppose_v i_o do_v give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n but_o good_a sir_n be_v please_v mutual_o to_o resolve_v we_o where_o you_o have_v read_v in_o scripture_n or_o in_o greek_a author_n the_o name_n church_n set_v aside_o all_o representative_n of_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o sole_a governor_n use_v for_o man_n alone_o and_o they_o grow_v and_o of_o discretion_n seclude_v woman_n and_o child_n for_o now_o i_o see_v your_o reserve_a gloss_n upon_o those_o word_n tell_v the_o church_n tell_v all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o parish_n that_o be_v grow_v and_o of_o discretion_n you_o must_v not_o take_v so_o much_o upon_o you_o as_o to_o expound_v that_o text_n by_o a_o synecdoche_n which_o none_o that_o ever_o write_v upon_o it_o before_o yourselves_o do_v imagine_v and_o yet_o challenge_v we_o for_o expound_v it_o by_o another_o synecdoche_n follow_v chrysostome_n euthymius_n faber_n stapulensis_n and_o many_o late_a interpreter_n who_o understand_v by_o church_n in_o that_o place_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v shut_v up_o this_o point_n with_o the_o word_n of_o hyperius_n 5.4_o who_o say_v that_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v by_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a multitude_n sed_fw-la potius_fw-la delectos_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o rather_o certain_a choice_n elder_n note_v for_o their_o learning_n and_o godliness_n in_o who_o power_n the_o church_n will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n in_o such_o like_a cause_n which_o be_v prove_v from_o that_o that_o matth._n 18_o after_o it_o be_v say_v â—ell_o the_o church_n it_o be_v add_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o 2_o cor._n 2._o he_o say_v sufficient_a be_v this_o censure_n inflict_v by_o many_o we_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o eldership_n of_o particular_a church_n 14._o but_o there_o be_v another_o blow_n which_o i_o perceive_v be_v intend_v against_o classical_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n provincial_a and_o national_a for_o the_o due_a power_n by_o which_o my_o opposite_n will_v have_v the_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v he_o lay_v before_o we_o in_o this_o assertion_n that_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v from_o christ_n absolute_a and_o entire_a power_n to_o exercise_v in_o and_o of_o herself_o every_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v a_o independent_a body_n not_o stand_v under_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n out_o of_o itself_o and_o this_o he_o will_v prove_v by_o ten_o argument_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o multiply_v answer_n as_o he_o do_v argument_n because_o many_o of_o they_o be_v coincident_a the_o first_o three_o four_o and_o six_o do_v all_o hit_v