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
injury_n or_o to_o give_v a_o offence_n unto_o another_o and_o for_o these_o end_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a that_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n 5._o there_o may_v be_v a_o competition_n or_o a_o controversy_n not_o only_o betwixt_o one_o congregation_n and_o another_o but_o in_o the_o same_o congregation_n betwixt_o the_o one_o half_a and_o the_o other_o yea_o the_o eldership_n itself_o of_o that_o congregation_n may_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v divide_v in_o itself_o and_o how_o shall_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o common_a presbytery_n 6._o but_o which_o be_v caput_fw-la rei_fw-la these_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n have_v a_o certain_a warrant_n from_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n for_o proof_n whereof_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v 1._o that_o in_o those_o city_n at_o least_o in_o many_o of_o they_o where_o christian_n religion_n be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o either_o do_v or_o convenient_o can_v meet_v together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o in_o those_o city_n there_o be_v a_o plurality_n not_o only_o of_o rule_v elder_n but_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n 3._o that_o notwithstanding_o hereof_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n within_o the_o city_n be_v one_o church_n 4._o that_o the_o whole_a number_n and_o several_a company_n of_o christian_n within_o one_o city_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n the_o second_o of_o these_o do_v follow_v upon_o the_o first_o and_o the_o four_o upon_o the_o three_o the_o first_o proposition_n may_v be_v make_v good_a by_o induction_n of_o particular_n and_o first_o it_o be_v more_o than_o evident_a of_o jerusalem_n where_o we_o find_v unto_o 120_o disciple_n act._n 1.15_o add_v 8000._o by_o peter_n two_o sermon_n act._n 2.41_o and_o 4.4_o beside_o who_o there_o be_v yet_o more_o multitude_n add_v act._n 5.14_o and_o after_o that_o also_o we_o read_v of_o a_o further_a multiplication_n of_o the_o disciple_n act._n 6.1_o by_o occasion_n whereof_o the_o seven_o deacon_n be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v which_o make_v some_o to_o conjecture_v that_o there_o be_v seven_o congregation_n a_o deacon_n for_o every_o one_o certain_o there_o be_v rather_o more_o than_o few_o though_o we_o can_v determine_v how_o many_o it_o be_v write_v of_o samaria_n that_o the_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n give_v heed_n unto_o philip_n act._n 8.6_o even_o all_o of_o they_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a who_o have_v before_o give_v heed_n to_o simon_n of_o these_o all_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o believe_v philip_n and_o be_v baptize_v vers_fw-la 10.12_o which_o make_v the_o apostle_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n when_o they_o hear_v that_o the_o great_a city_n samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n the_o harvest_n be_v so_o great_a that_o philip_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o it_o v_o 14._o of_o joppa_n it_o be_v say_v 9.42_o that_o many_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n of_o antâ—och_n wâ—_n read_v that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n act._n 11.21_o of_o iconium_n that_o a_o great_a multitude_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o also_o of_o the_o greek_n believe_v act._n 14.1_o of_o lidda_n that_o all_o who_o dwell_v therein_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n act._n 9.35_o of_o berâ—a_n that_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v also_o of_o the_o honourable_a woman_n and_o the_o man_n not_o a_o few_o act._n 17.12_o of_o corinth_n the_o lord_n say_v i_o have_v much_o people_n in_o this_o city_n act._n 18.10_o oâ—_n ephesus_z we_o find_v that_o â—eare_z fall_v on_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n which_o dwell_v there_o and_o many_o believe_v yea_o many_o of_o the_o magician_n themselves_o who_o book_n that_o be_v burn_v amount_v to_o fifâ—y_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n so_o mighty_o grow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prevail_v act._n 19.17.18.19.20_o unto_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o city_n let_v we_o add_v another_o consideration_n viz._n that_o they_o have_v no_o temple_n as_o now_o we_o have_v but_o private_a place_n â—or_a their_o holy_a assembly_n such_o as_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n act._n 12.12_o the_o school_n of_o tyrannus_n act_n 19.9_o a_o upper_a chamber_n at_o trâ—â—s_n act._n â—0_n 8_o paul_n lodging_n at_o rome_n act._n 28._o â—3_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n rom._n 16.5_o 1_o cor._n 16.19_o shall_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v a_o congregation_n as_o erasmus_n read_v it_o that_o be_v such_o a-number_n of_o christian_n as_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o house_n so_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n col._n 4.15_o and_o of_o the_o church_n 〈…〉_z house_n of_o archippus_n philem_n v._n 2._o 〈…〉_z iâ—_n be_v certain_a that_o christian_n meet_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d house_n by_o house_n domatius_fw-la act._n 2.46_o both_o these_o consideration_n viz._n the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n and_o their_o assemble_v together_o for_o worship_n in_o private_a house_n have_v also_o place_n in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n 1._o let_v eusebius_n speak_v for_o they_o both_o who_o can_v describe_v say_v he_o those_o innumerable_a heap_n &_o flock_a multitude_n throughout_o all_o city_n and_o famous_a assembly_n frequent_v the_o place_n dedicate_v to_o prayer_n thereafter_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o in_o aftertime_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o emperor_n christian_n have_v throughout_o all_o city_n ample_a church_n build_v for_o they_o they_o not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o old_a orâ—toria_n which_o be_v but_o private_a house_n now_o these_o two_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o want_n of_o temple_n shall_v abundant_o give_v light_n to_o my_o first_o proposition_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o all_o the_o disciple_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d into_o one_o place_n act._n 2.44_o and_o the_o same_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o ans._n the_o disciple_n at_o jerusalem_n 46._o be_v at_o that_o time_n above_o 3000._o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v how_o any_o private_a house_n can_v cotain_v they_o beside_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o break_v bread_n that_o be_v do_v celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n from_o house_n to_o house_n therefore_o many_o good_a interpreter_n understand_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o all_o the_o disciple_n be_v link_v together_o into_o one_o by_o amity_n and_o love_n a_o evidence_n whereof_o be_v give_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a to_o the_o other_o place_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o epistle_n whether_o it_o be_v write_v from_o philippi_n or_o from_o ephesus_n be_v undoubted_o write_v very_o late_o after_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o corinth_n while_o as_o that_o church_n be_v yet_o in_o her_o infancy_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o at_o that_o time_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n may_v and_o do_v meet_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o prove_v not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o afterward_o for_o the_o church_n increase_v in_o number_n daily_o act._n 16.5_o but_o 2._o the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n prove_v not_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v for_o his_o word_n may_v be_v understand_v in_o sensu_fw-la distributivo_fw-la it_o be_v no_o solecism_n for_o one_o that_o be_v write_v to_o divers_a congregation_n to_o say_v when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n mean_v distributive_o of_o every_o congregation_n not_o collective_o of_o they_o all_o together_o my_o second_o proposition_n concern_v the_o plurality_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o those_o great_a city_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v erect_v christian_a church_n arise_v from_o these_o ground_n 1._o the_o multiplicity_n of_o christian_n 2._o the_o want_n of_o temple_n of_o which_o two_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v 3._o the_o daily_a increase_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o great_a number_n act_v 16.5.4_o there_o be_v need_n of_o preacher_n not_o only_o for_o those_o who_o be_v already_o convert_v in_o the_o city_n but_o also_o for_o labour_v to_o win_v the_o unbeliever_n who_o be_v therein_o these_o reason_n may_v make_v we_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v as_o many_o pastor_n in_o one_o city_n as_o there_o be_v sacred_a meeting_n therein_o and_o some_o more_o also_o for_o the_o respect_n foresay_a and_o what_o will_v you_o say_v if_o we_o find_v example_n of_o this_o plurality_n of_o pastor_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n
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
government_n but_o presbyterial_a government_n secret_o smile_v because_o while_o she_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v much_o more_o for_o herself_o he_o do_v not_o put_v she_o to_o to_o it_o lest_o himself_o shall_v have_v be_v put_v ad_fw-la metam_fw-la non_fw-la probandi_fw-la but_o he_o particularize_v himself_o and_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v unfold_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o ground_n and_o disprove_v our_o pretend_a proof_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o best_a of_o they_o &_o the_o most_o of_o they_o he_o have_v not_o touch_v he_o add_v that_o he_o have_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o choose_v thâ—ir_n own_o officer_n this_o may_v be_v add_v â—aute_n but_o cast_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v not_o he_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o presbyterian_o be_v against_o the_o people_n election_n of_o their_o officer_n which_o be_v a_o calumny_n he_o say_v he_o have_v annex_v certain_a argument_n prove_v presbyterial_a government_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o pattern_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o argument_n shall_v be_v answer_v with_o no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v a_o word_n of_o they_o in_o general_n the_o man_n have_v a_o notable_a faculty_n of_o prove_v that_o wherein_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v agree_v with_o he_o and_o pass_v that_o wherein_o they_o disagree_v from_o he_o many_o humane_a testimony_n and_o citation_n of_o writer_n he_o muster_v together_o to_o make_v a_o simple_a reader_n believe_v that_o many_o be_v of_o his_o judgement_n but_o i_o find_v none_o of_o they_o all_o except_o two_o or_o three_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o deny_v but_o why_o have_v he_o take_v all_o this_o pain_n he_o will_v present_v it_o forsooth_o to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n and_o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a lord_n and_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o now_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v that_o a_o popular_a and_o independent_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o every_o congregation_n which_o shall_v most_o certain_o open_v a_o door_n to_o a_o thousand_o remediless_a confusion_n may_v obtain_v his_o majesty_n royal_a assent_n or_o the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n nay_o brother_n seek_v some_o other_o friend_n to_o your_o cause_n for_o if_o wise_a man_n be_v not_o too_o too_o much_o deceive_v the_o king_n and_o the_o parliament_n in_o their_o great_a wisdom_n do_v foresee_v that_o whensoever_o episcopal_a government_n shall_v be_v remove_v another_o form_n of_o provincial_n and_o national_a church_n government_n must_v needs_o succeed_v unto_o it_o now_o to_o come_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o discourse_n first_o he_o make_v a_o quarrel_n against_o the_o presbytery_n of_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v in_o scotland_n call_v session_n then_o against_o all_o high_a consistory_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o presbytery_n of_o particular_a church_n he_o judge_v they_o three_o way_n defective_a first_o he_o require_v that_o all_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o company_n of_o elder_n even_o the_o govern_n or_o rule_v elder_n shall_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v and_o able_a to_o exhort_v with_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o convince_v gainsayer_n 9_o and_o that_o not_o only_o private_o or_o in_o the_o consistory_n but_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n also_o if_o not_o exact_o yet_o competent_o answ._n 1._o though_o rule_v elder_n ought_v to_o teach_v exhort_v rebuke_n etc._n etc._n both_o in_o the_o consistory_n and_o private_o from_o house_n to_o house_n as_o the_o case_n of_o every_o family_n and_o person_n do_v require_v which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o allege_v place_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n if_o so_o be_v they_o ought_v at_o all_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o roll_a elder_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o teach_v public_o in_o the_o congregation_n 2._o that_o expression_n if_o not_o exact_o yet_o competent_o be_v somewhat_o mysterious_a 3._o rule_v elder_n be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o from_o these_o that_o teach_v or_o exhort_v rom._n 12.7_o 8._o 4._o if_o rule_v elder_n shall_v â—each_v public_o in_o the_o congregation_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la and_o with_o cure_n of_o soul_n as_o they_o speak_v why_o shall_v they_o not_o also_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v pendicles_a and_o seal_v of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o commit_v to_o those_o who_o be_v send_v to_o the_o public_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n matth._n 28.19_o 5._o though_o he_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o rule_v elder_n yet_o i_o doubt_v he_o require_v of_o at_o least_o will_v permit_v to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o public_a teach_n and_o prophesy_v in_o the_o congregation_n the_o second_o defect_n which_o he_o wish_v supply_v 3._o be_v that_o the_o temporary_a roll_a elder_n may_v be_v make_v perpetual_a and_o for_o life_n which_o he_o enforce_v by_o four_o reason_n this_o i_o assent_n unto_o provide_v he_o admit_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o the_o office_n of_o a_o roll_a elder_a aught_o to_o be_v for_o his_o life_n no_o less_o than_o the_o pastor_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o condemn_v those_o church_n which_o dispense_v with_o the_o intermission_n of_o their_o actual_a attendance_n for_o a_o certain_a space_n and_o permit_v they_o to_o exercise_v their_o office_n by_o course_n as_o the_o levit_n do_v of_o old_a who_o example_n himself_o here_o take_v for_o a_o pattern_n the_o three_o thing_n he_o say_v be_v of_o most_o moment_n 4._o he_o do_v complain_v that_o the_o elder_n do_v not_o administer_v their_o public_a office_n public_o as_o they_o shall_v but_o only_o in_o their_o private_a consistory_n he_o do_v permit_v they_o indeed_o to_o meet_v apart_o for_o deliberation_n whereof_o we_o shall_v here_o afterward_o but_o he_o will_v have_v their_o church-office_n which_o in_o the_o lord_n they_o have_v receive_v to_o be_v execute_v public_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n 1._o because_o a_o office_n public_a in_o the_o nature_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v public_a in_o the_o administration_n 2._o because_o the_o reform_a church_n can_v know_v their_o elder_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a except_o by_o hearsay_n 3._o because_o otherwise_o the_o elder_n can_v not_o ministerial_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o whole_a flock_n as_o they_o be_v warn_v to_o do_v act_v 20.28_o ans._n 1._o rule_v elder_n do_v execute_v their_o office_n not_o only_o in_o the_o consistory_n but_o from_o house_n to_o house_n throughout_o all_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o may_z easy_o make_v they_o know_v to_o that_o church_n where_o they_o serve_v whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 2._o their_o consistoriall_a sentence_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o importance_n such_o as_o ordination_n church_n censure_n excommunication_n etc._n etc._n be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n 3._o he_o pass_v a_o short_a censure_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n the_o reform_a church_n be_v a_o great_a word_n but_o this_o man_n make_v a_o moat_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o place_n act_v 20.28_o can_v help_v he_o for_o rule_v elder_n do_v feed_v and_o oversee_v the_o whole_a flock_n both_o by_o discipline_n in_o the_o consistory_n and_o by_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o sheep_n several_o as_o every_o one_o have_v need_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n may_v be_v call_v both_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n beside_o i_o doubt_v he_o can_v prove_v that_o place_n to_o be_v mean_v of_o rule_v elder_n he_o he_o go_v on_o to_o make_v plain_a what_o he_o have_v say_v 5._o by_o descend_v to_o some_o particular_n in_o which_o the_o elder_n office_n seem_v especial_o to_o consist_v and_o these_o be_v say_v he_o the_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n upon_o profession_n of_o faith_n make_v and_o the_o reprove_v and_o censure_v of_o obstinate_a offender_n these_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a public_a administration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o what_o of_o they_o he_o say_v as_o they_o leave_v the_o execution_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o elder_n alone_o in_o the_o settle_a and_o well_o order_v state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o do_v they_o deny_v that_o they_o can_v be_v right_o and_o orderly_o do_v but_o with_o the_o people_n privity_n and_o consent_n his_o restriction_n to_o the_o settle_a and_o well_o order_v estate_n of_o the_o church_n i_o can_v understand_v he_o have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o that_o not_o settle_v nor_o well_o order_v state_n of_o the_o church_n