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
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
a_o assertion_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o the_o point_n of_o ruling-elders_a and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n with_o a_o postscript_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o treatise_n late_o publish_v against_o presbyterial_a government_n gesta_fw-la purgat_fw-la caecil_n &_o felic_n adhibete_fw-la conclericos_fw-la &_o seniores_fw-la plebis_fw-la ecclesiasticos_fw-la viros_fw-la &_o inquirant_fw-la diligenter_fw-la que_fw-la sint_fw-la istae_fw-la dissensiones_fw-la august_n epist_n 118._o quorum_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la saluberima_fw-la authoritas_fw-la edinburgh_n print_v for_o james_n bryson_n 1641._o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o with_o bleed_a heart_n have_v behold_v the_o sorrow_n of_o zion_n now_o to_o bestir_v themselves_o with_o a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o to_o contribute_v their_o most_o serious_a and_o uncessant_a endeavour_n for_o the_o settle_n of_o these_o present_a commotion_n about_o church_n affair_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o sacred_a twin_n truth_n and_o peace_n may_v both_o cohabit_v under_o own_o roof_n and_o that_o this_o great_a and_o good_a work_n of_o reformation_n may_v not_o be_v blast_v in_o the_o bird_n nor_o fade_v in_o the_o flourish_n but_o may_v be_v bring_v forward_o to_o that_o full_a maturity_n which_o shall_v afford_v a_o harvest_n of_o joy_n to_o we_o and_o to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n one_o controversy_n there_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v of_o such_o consequence_n that_o be_v it_o well_o resolve_v upon_o and_o right_o agree_v it_o shall_v facilitate_v a_o right_a resolution_n in_o other_o matter_n which_o be_v in_o question_n now_o because_o longum_fw-la iter_fw-la per_fw-la praecepta_fw-la breve_fw-la per_fw-la exempla_fw-la the_o way_n be_v long_o by_o precept_n short_a by_o platform_n therefore_o i_o have_v careful_o observe_v the_o policy_n and_o government_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n and_o because_o the_o nearness_n of_o relation_n sway_v my_o affection_n at_o least_o half_a a_o thought_n more_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v scotland_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la then_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v more_o remote_a from_o we_o therefore_o i_o be_v most_o solicitous_a to_o see_v a_o delineation_n of_o the_o government_n of_o that_o famous_o reform_a neighbour_n church_n which_o when_o i_o have_v read_v &_o read_v over_o again_o i_o do_v conclude_v with_o myself_o that_o if_o these_o two_o point_n at_o which_o most_o exception_n be_v take_v i_o mean_v the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n which_o also_o be_v thing_n common_a to_o the_o other_o reform_a church_n can_v be_v upon_o good_a ground_n maintain_v there_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n of_o any_o moment_n to_o be_v object_v against_o it_o and_o with_o these_o thought_n i_o be_v so_o toss_v that_o i_o can_v not_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o quid_fw-la without_o the_o quare_fw-la but_o do_v conceive_v as_o great_a languor_n and_o desire_n for_o a_o demonstration_n of_o that_o form_n of_o church_n government_n as_o before_o i_o have_v for_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o same_o whereupon_o i_o have_v purchase_v to_o myself_o from_o scotland_n this_o ensue_a treatise_n which_o have_v full_o satisfy_v my_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o assert_v of_o those_o most_o controvert_v point_n i_o have_v resolve_v to_o communicate_v and_o publish_v the_o same_o unto_o other_o for_o the_o reason_n follow_v first_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o as_o do_v through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n stumble_v at_o such_o a_o form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n i_o do_v not_o much_o marvel_n to_o see_v those_o that_o aâ—e_v of_o a_o simple_a understanding_n so_o far_o conquer_v as_o to_o scruple_n the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n right_n have_v hear_v the_o big_a word_n and_o lavish_a expression_n of_o some_o opposite_n against_o the_o same_o yet_o a_o poor_a piece_n it_o be_v which_o one_o of_o they_o will_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o tinkle_a epistle_n in_o which_o projicit_fw-la ampullas_fw-la &_o sesquipedalia_fw-la verba_fw-la he_o make_v offer_v to_o forfeit_v his_o life_n to_o justice_n and_o his_o reputation_n to_o shame_n if_o any_o live_a man_n can_v show_v that_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o roll_a elder_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n till_o fâ—rell_n and_o viret_n first_o create_v they_o i_o shall_v not_o desire_v to_o take_v he_o at_o his_o word_n for_o his_o life_n but_o if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v both_o from_o scripture_n and_o from_o antiquity_n for_o rule_v elder_n then_o have_v he_o give_v sentence_n against_o his_o own_o reputation_n for_o ever_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o that_o have_v in_o that_o assertion_n of_o episcopacy_n bold_o aver_v 209.2â—1_n that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o antiquity_n comprehend_v none_o but_o preacher_n and_o divine_n and_o that_o therefore_o none_o but_o they_o may_v be_v call_v seniores_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la though_o some_o other_o happy_o may_v have_v the_o title_n of_o seniores_fw-la populi_fw-la because_o of_o their_o civil_a authority_n notwithstanding_o the_o read_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o justellus_n and_o of_o both_o the_o cassaubons_n 146._o have_v now_o so_o far_o change_v his_o tone_n that_o in_o his_o late_a answer_n to_o â—mectymnuus_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o beside_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n and_o beside_o the_o magistrate_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o city_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o antiquity_n seniores_fw-la ecclesiastici_fw-la ecclesiastical_a elder_n also_o only_o he_o allege_v they_o be_v but_o as_o our_o churchwarden_n or_o rather_o as_o our_o vestry-man_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v judge_n in_o ecclesiastical_a controversy_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n instructor_n of_o the_o people_n as_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v mean_v while_n we_o do_v observe_v what_o trust_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o this_o bold_a speaker_n who_o have_v be_v force_v to_o yield_v what_o he_o have_v before_o with_o high_a swell_a word_n deny_v another_o instance_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v note_v in_o his_o remonstrance_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o prescript_n form_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v ever_o from_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n wherewith_o also_o peter_n and_o john_n when_o they_o go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o nine_o hour_n of_o prayer_n do_v join_v 11._o to_o make_v good_a his_o allegiance_n he_o add_v the_o form_n whereof_o be_v yet_o extant_a and_o ready_a to_o be_v produce_v yet_o this_o he_o handsome_o eat_v up_o in_o his_o defence_n 17.18_o where_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o those_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n be_v indeed_o specify_v by_o capellus_n a_o writer_n of_o our_o own_o age_n but_o that_o the_o book_n itself_o which_o contain_v these_o prayer_n be_v perish_v a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o well_o he_o be_v now_o content_a to_o say_v that_o once_o those_o form_n be_v extant_a and_o this_o forsooth_o he_o will_v prove_v from_o a_o certain_a samaritan_n chronicle_n in_o the_o custody_n of_o his_o faithful_a friend_n the_o primate_n of_o aâ—mach_n wherein_o he_o have_v find_v a_o story_n which_o transport_v he_o as_o much_o as_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o demonstration_n do_v archimedes_n when_o he_o cry_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v find_v it_o i_o have_v find_v it_o yet_o credit_v judaeus_fw-la apella_fw-la non_fw-la ego_fw-la but_o this_o lie_v not_o now_o in_o my_o way_n only_o till_o a_o full_a answer_n be_v ready_a i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o give_v some_o taste_n of_o the_o man_n vain_a arrogant_a humour_n who_o best_a weapon_n be_v great_a word_n as_o for_o his_o last_o record_n which_o he_o fetch_v from_o abrahamus_n scultetus_n against_o rule_v elder_n all_o that_o and_o much_o more_o have_v be_v and_o here_o shall_v be_v abundant_o confute_v other_o there_o be_v who_o call_v in_o question_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a presbytery_n and_o of_o synod_n against_o which_o also_o some_o few_o pen_n have_v be_v put_v to_o paper_n and_o have_v pass_v a_o censure_n no_o less_o hard_a than_o unseasonable_a which_o i_o think_v may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v unless_o there_o have_v be_v strong_a and_o more_o convince_a reason_n for_o it_o these_o i_o shall_v beseech_v that_o with_o mind_n void_a of_o prejudice_n they_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n write_v with_o no_o heat_n nor_o sharpness_n of_o word_n but_o with_o plainness_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o withal_o i_o shall_v expect_v that_o they_o will_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o author_n for_o be_v ready_a to_o answer_v he_o that_o ask_v
senatum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la coetum_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la cum_fw-la ergo_fw-la inter_fw-la cetera_fw-la etiam_fw-la senes_fw-la â—udea_n perdiderit_fw-la quomodo_fw-la poterit_fw-la habere_fw-la concilium_fw-la quod_fw-la proprie_fw-la seniorum_fw-la est_fw-la and_o what_o sense_n shall_v we_o give_v to_o these_o word_n unless_o we_o say_v it_o be_v import_v that_o both_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v such_o a_o eldership_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o else_o why_o do_v both_o he_o and_o basil_n make_v such_o a_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o point_n of_o elder_n sure_o if_o we_o understand_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o they_o speak_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n alone_o we_o must_v also_o understand_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n whereof_o they_o speak_v the_o priest_n which_o no_o man_n will_v imagine_v 23._o eusebius_n in_o his_o history_n cit_v dionysiuâ—_n alexandrinus_n relate_v his_o dispute_n with_o the_o chiliast_n after_o this_o manner_n when_o i_o be_v at_o arsenoiâ—a_n where_o thou_o know_v this_o doctrine_n first_o spring_v etc._n etc._n i_o call_v together_o the_o elder_n and_o teacher_n inhabit_v those_o village_n there_o be_v present_a also_o as_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n as_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v and_o i_o exâ—orted_v they_o public_o to_o the_o search_n of_o this_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n by_o the_o teacher_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n who_o be_v most_o frequent_o call_v by_o the_o father_n teacher_n or_o doctor_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v any_o teacher_n beside_o the_o pastor_n in_o these_o rural_a village_n which_o notwithstanding_o we_o see_v have_v beside_o their_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n elder_n also_o augustine_n write_v his_o 137._o epistle_n to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o church_n at_o hippon_n who_o he_o design_v thus_o dilectissimis_fw-la â—ratribus_fw-la clero_fw-la senioribus_fw-la &_o universae_fw-la plebi_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la hipponenâ—is_fw-la cui_fw-la seruio_fw-la in_o dilectione_n christ_n to_o my_o well-beloved_a brethren_n the_o clergy_n the_o elder_n and_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o church_n at_o hippon_n who_o i_o serve_v in_o the_o love_n of_o christ._n he_o put_v elder_n or_o senior_n in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o people_n as_o distinct_a from_o both_o and_o yet_o somewhat_o participant_a of_o both_o isidorus_n hispalensis_n speak_v of_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n 43._o which_o pastor_n shall_v observe_v in_o teach_v of_o the_o word_n give_v they_o this_o advise_v among_o other_o prius_fw-la docâ—ndi_fw-la sunt_fw-la seniores_fw-la plebis_fw-la ut_fw-la per_fw-la â—os_v infra_fw-la posâ—tifacilius_fw-la doceantur_fw-la the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v first_o teach_v that_o by_o they_o such_o as_o be_v place_v under_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v the_o more_o easy_o origen_n speak_v of_o the_o trial_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o say_v nonnulli_fw-la praepositi_fw-la sunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v some_o ruler_n appoint_v who_o may_v inquire_v concern_v the_o conversation_n and_o manner_n of_o these_o thâ—t_n be_v admit_v that_o they_o may_v debar_v from_o the_o congregation_n such_o as_o commit_v filthiness_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o 5._o council_n of_o toledo_n according_a to_o the_o late_a edition_n 1._o we_o read_v that_o cinthila_n who_o other_o call_v chintillanus_fw-la come_v into_o that_o council_n cum_fw-la optimatibus_fw-la &_o senioribus_fw-la palatii_fw-la svi_fw-la but_o lorinus_n have_v find_v in_o some_o ancient_a copy_n 4.5_o cum_fw-la optimatibus_fw-la &_o senioribus_fw-la populi_fw-la svi_fw-la with_o the_o noble_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o his_o people_n i_o will_v know_v who_o be_v these_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n distinguish_v from_o the_o noble_n accepisse_fw-la these_o thing_n may_v suffice_v from_o antiquity_n to_o give_v some_o evidence_n that_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o calvin_n new_a fangle_a devise_n at_o geneva_n as_o our_o adversary_n be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o but_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o point_n voetius_fw-la disp_n 2._o de_fw-la senio_fw-la and_o before_o he_o justellus_n in_o annot_n &_o notis_fw-la in_o cod_n can._n eccles._n afric_n can._n 100_o have_v observe_v sundry_a other_o pregnant_a testimony_n from_o antiquity_n for_o rule_v elder_n especial_o out_o of_o these_o notable_a record_n gesta_fw-la puâ—gationis_fw-la caeciliani_n &_o faelicis_fw-la to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o anna_n of_o baronius_n an._n 103._o and_o in_o albaspinaeus_n his_o edition_n of_o optatus_n these_o testimony_n i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o in_o the_o margin_n from_o which_o passage_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ambrose_n these_o senior_n be_v neither_o in_o all_o place_n nor_o altogether_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n but_o that_o both_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n manifest_a footstep_n of_o the_o same_o remain_v neither_o be_v his_o testimony_n before_o allege_v repugnant_a hereunto_o for_o we_o may_v understand_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v either_o that_o in_o some_o place_n or_o that_o in_o some_o sort_n they_o be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n because_o peradventure_o the_o teacher_n begin_v to_o do_v something_n without_o their_o counsel_n and_o advice_n which_o in_o former_a time_n be_v not_o so_o 215._o bilson_n answer_v two_o way_n to_o the_o testimony_n from_o the_o 137._o epist._n of_o august_n and_o belike_o he_o will_v have_v answer_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n to_o these_o other_o testimony_n he_o say_v we_o may_v understand_v by_o these_o senior_n either_o the_o better_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n or_o the_o senator_n &_o ruler_n of_o the_o city_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o bishop_n nor_o preach_v presbyter_n nor_o deacon_n it_o be_v manifest_a for_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o these_o in_o act_n purgat_fw-la cacil_a &_o fal._n and_o they_o be_v call_v by_o isiâ—ore_n and_o pâ—rpurius_n seniores_fw-la plebis_fw-la beside_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o august_n bishop_n of_o hippo_n write_v to_o his_o clergy_n shall_v distinguish_v either_o the_o deacon_n from_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o be_v common_a to_o both_o or_o some_o preach_a presbyter_n from_o other_o preach_a presbyter_n by_o the_o name_n of_o senior_n on_o the_o other_o part_n that_o they_o be_v not_o magistrate_n of_o city_n it_o be_v no_o less_o plain_a for_o they_o be_v call_v seniores_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la and_o ecclesiastici_fw-la viri_fw-la they_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o have_v place_n in_o judge_v of_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a 253._o but_o elsewhere_o bilson_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o prove_v that_o those_o of_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v by_o their_o proper_a name_n call_v presbyter_n be_v also_o call_v seniores_fw-la as_o those_o who_o come_v near_a to_o the_o bishop_n in_o degree_n wisdom_n and_o age_n and_o this_o he_o prove_v by_o a_o testimony_n of_o ambrose_n 20._o viduarum_fw-la ac_fw-la virginum_fw-la domos_fw-la nisi_fw-la â—isitandi_fw-la gratia_fw-la juniores_fw-la ad_fw-la re_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la &_o hoc_fw-la cum_fw-la senioribus_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la episcopo_fw-la vel_fw-la sigravior_fw-la est_fw-la causa_fw-la cum_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la answ._n 1._o here_o the_o senior_n be_v the_o bishop_n which_o be_v neither_o good_a sense_n nor_o any_o thing_n to_o his_o purpose_n 2._o he_o have_v leave_v out_o a_o word_n without_o which_o the_o sentence_n can_v be_v understand_v and_o that_o be_v well_fw-mi ambrose_n say_v hoc_fw-la est_fw-la vel_fw-la â—um_fw-la episcopo_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o so_o the_o word_n may_v suffer_v a_o threefold_a sense_n for_o either_o seniores_fw-la be_v here_o a_o name_n of_o age_n or_o of_o office_n if_o it_o be_v a_o name_n of_o age_n as_o may_v be_v presume_v by_o the_o opposition_n thereof_o to_o juniores_fw-la than_o the_o meaning_n of_o ambrose_n be_v that_o young_a man_n shall_v not_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o virgin_n or_o widow_n except_o it_o be_v with_o some_o man_n of_o age_n and_o these_o to_o be_v the_o bishop_n or_o the_o presbyter_n if_o â—t_a be_v a_o name_n of_o office_n theâ—_n may_v we_o either_o understand_v that_o by_o the_o presbyter_n he_o mean_v rule_v elder_n and_o by_o the_o bishop_n the_o pastor_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n 〈◊〉_d for_o if_o whitaker_n be_v not_o deceive_v pastor_n have_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n also_o or_o that_o he_o comprehend_v under_o the_o order_n of_o elder_n not_o only_o the_o preach_a presbyter_n but_o the_o bishop_n also_o who_o be_v chief_a among_o they_o by_o the_o first_o sense_n bilson_n do_v gain_v nothing_o by_o the_o other_o two_o he_o have_v worse_a than_o nothing_o for_o any_o of_o they_o destroy_v his_o chief_a ground_n chap._n x._o the_o consent_n of_o protestant_a writer_n and_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
against_o we_o 18.17_o our_o saviour_n precept_n tell_v the_o church_n wheresoever_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o a_o visible_a political_a church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o invisible_a catholic_a church_n it_o be_v ever_o mean_v say_v they_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n use_v to_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n &_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o whole_a province_n or_o nation_n the_o plural_a number_n be_v use_v as_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n the_o church_n of_o asia_n etc._n etc._n wherefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o those_o word_n do_v deliver_v the_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n neither_o to_o classical_a presbytery_n nor_o to_o synod_n but_o to_o particular_a congregation_n only_o answ._n 1._o this_o place_n prove_v indeed_o that_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o own_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n but_o not_o that_o they_o alone_o have_v it_o 2._o yea_o it_o prove_v that_o they_o alone_o have_v it_o not_o for_o christ_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o jew_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 or_o a_o publican_n now_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n a_o high_a ecclesiastical_a sanedrim_n beside_o the_o particular_a synagogicall_a court_n so_o that_o by_o point_v out_o the_o form_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n he_o recommend_v a_o subordination_n and_o not_o a_o independency_n of_o particular_a church_n 3._o by_o the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n be_v mean_v the_o competent_a consistory_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o agree_v to_o all_o ecclesiastical_a court_n respective_o this_o sense_n be_v give_v by_o parker_n 318._o though_o he_o be_v most_o tender_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o congregation_n nam_fw-la cum_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o say_v he_o since_o christ_n will_v have_v every_o man_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o his_o own_o church_n matth._n 18._o or_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o church_n shall_v displease_v he_o yet_o ever_o it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o many_o church_n 4._o as_o for_o the_o reason_n allege_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o contrary_a exposition_n i_o oppugn_v it_o both_o by_o reason_n and_o by_o their_o own_o tenant_n and_o by_o scripture_n by_o reason_n because_o the_o rule_n of_o geometrical_a proportion_n whereof_o we_o have_v before_o speak_v prove_v a_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o a_o national_n church_n even_o as_o one_o man_n be_v a_o part_n of_o a_o congregation_n for_o as_o five_o be_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o five_o hundred_o so_o be_v five_o hundred_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o fifty_o thousand_o by_o their_o own_o ground_n because_o they_o hold_v the_o form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o unite_n of_o a_o number_n of_o visible_a christian_n into_o one_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n then_o say_v i_o we_o may_v say_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n because_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o scotland_n be_v unite_v together_o into_o one_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o national_n oath_n and_o covenant_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n by_o scripture_n also_o because_o act_n 8.1_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n not_o the_o church_n howbeit_o there_o be_v at_o that_o instant_n above_o eight_o thousand_o christian_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o these_o still_o in_o the_o city_n for_o the_o first_o scatter_v of_o they_o follow_v thereafter_o in_o that_o chapter_n this_o great_a number_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v usual_o assemble_v into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o they_o meet_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d house_n by_o house_n act_v 2.46_o and_o whereas_o objection_n be_v make_v to_o the_o contrary_a from_o act_n 2.44_o and_o 5.12_o and_o 6.2_o we_o have_v before_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o place_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v expound_v by_o act_n 4.32_o they_o be_v in_o one_o that_o be_v they_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n the_o second_o place_n may_v be_v expound_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o precede_a word_n favour_v this_o exposition_n but_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v take_v of_o the_o multitude_n it_o prove_v not_o their_o meeting_n together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a confluence_n upon_o a_o extraordinary_a occasion_n of_o that_o which_o have_v befall_v to_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n the_o last_o place_n prove_v no_o more_o but_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o occasional_a meeting_n and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o meet_v turmatim_fw-la as_o four_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n do_v assemble_v together_o jud._n 20.1_o another_o scripturall_a instance_n we_o give_v from_o 1_o pet._n 1.1_o with_o 5.2_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n in_o several_a province_n call_v they_o all_o one_o flock_n we_o read_v that_o laban_n have_v many_o flock_n genes_n 30.36.38_o yet_o be_v they_o all_o call_v one_o flock_n verse_n 31.32_o so_o be_v all_o the_o flock_n of_o jacob_n call_v one_o flock_n genes_n 32.7_o and_o 33.13_o in_o like_a manner_n every_o one_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n among_o those_o disperse_a jew_n be_v a_o flock_n but_o compare_v with_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n it_o be_v no_o more_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o a_o congregation_n be_v both_o a_o body_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o member_n and_o a_o member_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o national_n church_n than_o it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o every_o believer_n consider_v by_o himself_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o temple_n of_o god_n yet_o compare_v with_o other_o he_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o a_o stone_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o all_o those_o way_n be_v he_o call_v in_o scripture_n sundry_a particular_a flock_n may_v be_v call_v one_o flock_n three_o way_n 1._o respectu_fw-la pastorum_fw-la when_o the_o same_o shepherd_n oversee_v &_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a see_v a_o example_n both_o of_o the_o one_o kind_n of_o shepherd_n luke_n 2.8_o and_o of_o the_o other_o act_v 20.28_o 2._o respectu_fw-la pabuli_fw-la so_o paul_n baynes_n speak_v of_o the_o low_a country_n 21._o where_o sundry_a congregation_n in_o one_o city_n make_v but_o one_o church_n say_v that_o the_o sheep_n feed_v together_o into_o one_o common_a pasture_n though_o they_o bite_v not_o on_o the_o same_o individual_a grass_n 3._o respectu_fw-la pedi_fw-la when_o many_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o pastoral_n staff_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o discipline_n it_o be_v further_a object_v that_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n do_v rob_v the_o congregation_n of_o their_o right_n and_o liberty_n no_o less_o than_o the_o prelacy_n do_v so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o removal_n of_o episcopacy_n have_v change_v dominum_fw-la only_o not_o dominium_fw-la answer_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n for_o 1._o episcopal_a government_n be_v monarchical_a and_o christ_n have_v leave_v no_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o one_o man_n presbyterial_a and_o synodical_a government_n be_v partly_o democraticall_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n and_o the_o do_v of_o matter_n of_o chief_a importance_n with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o congregation_n partly_o aristocratical_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o parity_n of_o presbyter_n and_o their_o consistorial_n proceed_n and_o decree_n the_o monarchical_a part_n be_v christ_n peculiarly_a 2._o the_o prelacy_n permit_v not_o to_o congregation_n any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o church_n government_n but_o rob_v they_o of_o their_o particular_a eldership_n 358._o which_o as_o parker_n well_o note_v the_o classical_a presbytery_n do_v not_o 3._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n say_v baynes_n for_o church_n to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o a_o bishop_n and_o consistory_n supra_fw-la wherein_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n of_o suffrage_n another_o thing_n to_o communicate_v with_o such_o a_o presbytery_n wherein_o themselves_o be_v member_n and_o judge_n with_o other_o 4._o the_o congregation_n do_v not_o agree_v not_o consent_v to_o episcopal_a government_n but_o be_v sufferer_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o same_o but_o they_o do_v hearty_o agree_v to_o the_o government_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n in_o witness_n whereof_o they_o send_v their_o commissioner_n thither_o to_o concur_v assist_v &_o voice_n 5._o special_a respect_n be_v have_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n to_o the_o consent_n of_o congregation_n in_o all_o
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
that_o the_o consistorian_n course_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n because_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5._o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a man_n and_o that_o by_o these_o word_n when_o you_o be_v câ—me_o together_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 12._o he_o prove_v by_o three_o reason_n the_o strength_n of_o they_o all_o we_o shall_v take_v together_o in_o one_o argument_n thus_o they_o among_o who_o the_o fornicatour_n be_v who_o be_v puff_v up_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v sorrow_v and_o out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o who_o he_o be_v to_o be_v put_v who_o have_v do_v that_o thing_n to_o who_o it_o appertain_v to_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leven_fw-mi and_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v not_o to_o be_v commingle_v with_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a person_n they_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v together_o into_o one_o and_o to_o judge_v and_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n but_o they_o among_o who_o the_o fornicator_n be_v etc._n etc._n be_v not_o the_o elder_n alone_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o now_o what_o shall_v this_o disputer_n say_v if_o i_o cleave_v this_o his_o strong_a argument_n with_o a_o wedge_n of_o his_o own_o timber_n thus_o etc._n etc._n if_o they_o among_o who_o the_o fornicator_n be_v who_o be_v puff_v up_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v sorrow_v and_o out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o who_o etc._n etc._n be_v to_o judge_v and_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n than_o woman_n be_v to_o judge_v and_o excommunicate_v he_o and_o not_o man_n only_o but_o the_o latter_a be_v absurd_a therefore_o so_o be_v the_o former_a my_o proposition_n he_o must_v either_o grant_v or_o else_o say_v that_o the_o incestuous_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o woman_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o forbid_v woman_n to_o be_v commingle_v with_o fornicator_n my_o assumption_n be_v his_o own_o pag._n 24._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o from_o 1_o cor._n 14.34_o 35._o 1_o tim._n 2.12_o that_o woman_n be_v debar_v from_o liberty_n or_o right_n of_o vote_v in_o public_a ecclesiastical_a matter_n then_o let_v he_o see_v to_o the_o conclusion_n another_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o point_n he_o add_v from_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 1â—_n where_o he_o write_v to_o these_o same_o corinthian_n to_o receive_v pardon_n and_o comfort_v the_o penitent_a which_o i_o may_v repel_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n but_o there_o be_v a_o word_n in_o that_o same_o chapter_n which_o may_v clear_v the_o thing_n vers._n 6._o sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o punishment_n or_o censure_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o mâ—ny_n which_o many_o if_o as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o page_n the_o apostle_n have_v oppose_v to_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o to_o all_o than_o he_o say_v but_o the_o half_a of_o that_o which_o he_o mean_v to_o say_v he_o will_v have_v the_o corinthian_n to_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o the_o man_n have_v be_v public_o censure_v by_o so_o many_o as_o be_v in_o their_o presbytery_n now_o if_o he_o have_v be_v censure_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o have_v be_v more_o fit_a and_o emphatical_a to_o have_v say_v censure_v by_o all_o but_o there_o be_v another_o sense_n which_o well_o fit_v the_o place_n locum_fw-la heinsius_n observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v one_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d another_o thing_n the_o former_a note_v those_o that_o exceed_v in_o number_n the_o latter_a those_o that_o be_v chief_a in_o dignity_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mean_v the_o ruler_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n so_o that_o the_o read_n shall_v be_v this_o sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o censure_n inflict_v of_o the_o chieâ—e_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n piâ—â—rtor_n take_v the_o word_n which_o also_o he_o do_v illustrate_v from_o mat._n 12.41.42_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o great_a than_o jonah_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o great_a than_o solomon_n to_o conclude_v this_o case_n the_o apostle_n as_o in_o other_o epistle_n so_o in_o this_o do_v sometime_o point_n at_o common_a duty_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n sometime_o at_o the_o duty_n of_o officer_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n shall_v have_v sorrow_v for_o the_o incestuous_a man_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a duty_n to_o they_o not_o to_o be_v commingle_v with_o fornicator_n 5.11_o and_o to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o rather_o to_o reprove_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o concern_v they_o all_o to_o comfort_v he_o be_v penitent_a but_o as_o for_o the_o judge_a and_o excommunicate_v of_o he_o that_o do_v belong_v only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o calvin_n piscator_fw-la paraeus_n and_o many_o other_o expound_v the_o apostle_n word_n his_o digression_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n alone_o 13.14_o do_v not_o give_v forth_o sentence_n judiciary_n upon_o the_o offender_n be_v not_o against_o we_o but_o against_o the_o prelatical_a party_n therefore_o i_o pass_v it_o what_o he_o allege_v from_o act._n 1._o 15.16.17.19_o &_o 6._o &_o 14._o for_o the_o churcheâ—_n right_a of_o suffrage_n in_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n we_o do_v most_o hearty_o assent_v unto_o it_o with_o this_o distinction_n that_o when_o the_o case_n be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o example_n allege_v that_o be_v when_o visible_a political_a church_n be_v to_o be_v erect_v not_o have_v be_v before_o than_o the_o right_n of_o suffrage_n in_o election_n do_v indeed_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o though_o this_o way_n of_o election_n be_v ordinary_a it_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o that_o authority_n in_o they_o to_o which_o they_o elect_v the_o officer_n no_o more_o than_o the_o elector_n of_o the_o emperor_n have_v in_o they_o power_n of_o the_o imperial_a dignity_n say_v baynes_n but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a for_o when_o there_o be_v already_o a_o settle_a ecclesiastical_a republic_n or_o a_o church_n with_o officer_n the_o officer_n for_o the_o time_n be_v aught_o by_o their_o suffrage_n to_o elect_v the_o officer_n that_o be_v want_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n 17.18_o somewhat_o he_o demur_v upon_o act._n 15._o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o which_o place_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o former_a treatise_n chap._n 1._o &_o 8._o neither_o shall_v i_o stay_v to_o examine_v by_o what_o method_n either_o this_o discourse_n or_o the_o other_o about_o election_n fall_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o proposition_n concern_v that_o part_n of_o the_o elder_n office_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o censure_v of_o offender_n 21._o he_o fall_v at_o last_o into_o his_o own_o channel_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o equal_a that_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v clear_o and_o undoubted_o take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o contumacy_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v &_o of_o the_o crime_n for_o which_o and_o this_o we_o also_o say_v with_o he_o one_o word_n i_o desire_v to_o have_v clear_v before_o we_o proceed_v 20._o one_o of_o his_o ground_n in_o his_o discourse_n about_o election_n be_v that_o the_o church_n officer_n as_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n jesus_n so_o also_o her_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 1._o 2._o cor._n 4.5_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n say_v well_o that_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n they_o be_v not_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o but_o ruler_n guide_n bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n except_v objective_n that_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o church_n good_a if_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n it_o be_v well_o but_o i_o doubt_v he_o have_v another_o meaning_n and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o church_n do_v give_v the_o power_n which_o be_v she_o unto_o her_o officer_n as_o her_o servant_n to_o exercise_v it_o in_o her_o name_n if_o this_o be_v the_o matter_n then_o let_v we_o mark_v with_o baynes_n 88_o that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o virtual_o and_o out_o of_o power_n make_v a_o officer_n but_o she_o do_v it_o in_o stewardlike_a manner_n minister_a to_o the_o sole_a lord_n and_o master_n of_o the_o house_n so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v take_v in_o do_v not_o his_o office_n in_o her_o name_n but_o in_o his_o master_n name_n as_o a_o butler_n take_v in_o by_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o house_n do_v not_o execute_v his_o office_n