dead_a in_o sin_n to_o be_v mean_v but_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o obedience_n god_n authorise_v they_o and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n choose_v and_o call_v they_o undertake_v the_o government_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v labour_v to_o the_o conservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o same_o in_o christ_n 3._o say_v junius_n a_o roll_a elder_n shall_v pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n and_o gift_n of_o his_o call_n that_o he_o may_v do_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n and_o not_o be_v like_o he_o that_o play_v the_o sultan_n but_o a_o souter_n he_o must_v do_v his_o office_n neither_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o pro_fw-la forma_fw-la he_o himself_o being_n parcus_n deorum_n caltor_n &_o infrequens_fw-la nor_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v all_o through_o contention_n and_o strife_n about_o particular_n tuum_fw-la si_fw-mi duo_fw-la de_fw-la nostras_fw-la tollas_fw-la pro_fw-la nomina_fw-la rebus_fw-la praelia_fw-la i_o may_v say_v jurgia_fw-la cessarent_fw-la pax_fw-la sine_fw-la light_fw-la foret_fw-la nor_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d empiring_a and_o lording_n among_o his_o brethren_n and_o fellow_n elder_n 20.26.27_o whosoever_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o minister_n and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n say_v the_o only_a lord_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d set_v himself_o only_a to_o do_v a_o pleasure_n or_o to_o get_v preferment_n to_o such_o as_o he_o favour_v nay_o nor_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d only_o by_o establish_v good_a order_n and_o wholesome_a law_n in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o must_v carry_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d serviceable_o and_o ministerial_o for_o as_o his_o function_n be_v officium_fw-la and_o jurisdictio_fw-la so_o it_o be_v munus_fw-la a_o burdensome_a service_n and_o charge_n lay_v upon_o he_o that_o a_o roll_a elder_a may_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o duty_n be_v requisite_a viz._n duty_n of_o his_o conversation_n and_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o conversation_n be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n require_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n 1.6.7.8_o that_o he_o be_v blameless_a have_v a_o good_a report_n not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n or_o unruly_a vigilant_a sober_a of_o good_a behaviour_n give_v to_o hospitality_n a_o lover_n of_o good_a man_n just_a holy_a temperate_a not_o give_v to_o wine_n no_o striker_n not_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n not selfe-willed_o selfe-willed_n not_o soon_o angry_a but_o patient_a not_o a_o brawler_n not_o covetous_a one_o that_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o child_n in_o subjection_n with_o all_o gravity_n one_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n godliness_n faith_n love_n patience_n meekness_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o such_o like_a part_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n be_v require_v of_o pastor_n as_o they_o be_v elder_n belong_v unto_o rule_v elder_n also_o this_o be_v plain_a let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o we_o will_v distinguish_v with_o the_o schoolman_n a_o twofold_a power_n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v different_a in_o sundry_a respect_n 1._o the_o power_n of_o order_n comprehend_v such_o thing_n as_o a_o minister_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ordination_n may_v do_v without_o a_o commission_n from_o any_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n to_o celebrate_v marriage_n to_o visit_v the_o sick_a to_o catechise_v to_o admonish_v etc._n etc._n the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n comprehend_v such_o thing_n as_o a_o minister_n can_v do_v by_o himself_o nor_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ordination_n but_o they_o be_v do_v by_o a_o session_n presbytery_n or_o synod_n and_o sometime_o by_o a_o minister_n or_o minister_n have_v commission_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o same_o such_o as_o ordination_n and_o admission_n suspension_n deprivation_n and_o communication_n and_o receive_v again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o make_v of_o law_n and_o constitution_n ecclesiastical_a and_o such_o like_a whereof_o we_o bold_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o power_n of_o one_o man_n but_o of_o many_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n 2._o the_o power_n of_o order_n be_v the_o radical_a and_o fundamental_a power_n and_o make_v a_o minister_n susceptive_a and_o capable_a of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n 3._o the_o power_n of_o order_n go_v no_o further_a than_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v exercise_v in_o external_a and_o ecclesiastical_a court_n four_o the_o power_n of_o order_n be_v sometime_o unlawful_a in_o the_o use_n yet_o not_o void_a in_o itself_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n when_o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o use_n it_o be_v also_o void_a in_o itself_o if_o a_o minister_n do_v any_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n as_o to_o excommunicate_v or_o absolve_v without_o his_o own_o parish_n want_v also_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o bound_n where_o he_o do_v the_o same_o such_o act_n be_v void_a in_o themselves_o and_o of_o no_o effect_n but_o if_o without_o his_o own_o charge_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n aforesaid_a he_o baptise_v a_o infant_n or_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o power_n of_o order_n though_o his_o act_n be_v unlawful_a yet_o be_v the_o thing_n itself_o of_o force_n and_o the_o sacrament_n remain_v a_o true_a sacrament_n now_o to_o our_o purpose_n we_o aver_v that_o this_o twofold_a power_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n belongeh_a to_o rule_v elder_n as_o well_o as_o to_o pastor_n the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o for_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o the_o assembly_n and_o representative_a meeting_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o roll_a elder_n be_v necessary_a constituent_a member_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o decisive_a voice_n no_o less_o than_o pastor_n howbeit_o the_o execution_n of_o some_o decree_n enact_v by_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o minister_n alone_o for_o pastor_n alone_o exercise_v some_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n as_o imposition_n of_o hand_n the_o pronounce_v of_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n the_o receive_n of_o a_o penitent_a etc._n etc._n be_v not_o these_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o some_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n high_a or_o low_o or_o be_v they_o any_o other_o than_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n wherein_o roll_a elder_n voice_v the_o power_n of_o order_n alone_o shall_v make_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o roll_a elder_n for_o by_o the_o power_n of_o order_n the_o pastor_n do_v preach_v the_o word_n minister_v the_o sacrament_n pray_v in_o public_a bless_v the_o congregation_n celebrate_v marriage_n which_o the_o roll_a elder_n can_v therefore_o it_o be_v false_o say_v by_o that_o rail_a rabshakeh_n who_o before_o i_o speak_v of_o ep._n pag._n 7._o that_o the_o roll_a elder_n want_v nothing_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o that_o they_o preach_v not_o nor_o baptise_v in_o public_a congregation_n yet_o other_o thing_n which_o the_o pastor_n do_v by_o his_o power_n of_o order_n the_o roll_a elder_a aught_o also_o to_o do_v by_o his_o own_o power_n of_o order_n and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v how_o much_o of_o this_o power_n of_o order_n be_v common_a to_o both_o let_v we_o note_v that_o pastor_n do_v some_o thing_n by_o their_o power_n of_o order_n which_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n thing_n of_o this_o sort_n a_o roll_a elder_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v by_o his_o power_n of_o order_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o election_n and_o ordination_n to_o such_o a_o office_n for_o example_n every_o christian_a be_v bind_v in_o charity_n to_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v his_o brother_n that_o offend_v first_o privately_z then_o before_o witness_n and_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o to_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n levit._n 19.17_o matth._n 18.15.16.17_o this_o a_o roll_a elder_a aught_o to_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_n and_o with_o authority_n 1_o thess._n 5.12_o private_a christian_n ought_v in_o charity_n to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a joh._n 4.29_o act._n 18.26_o to_o exhort_v the_o negligent_a heb._n 3.15_o &_o 10.24_o 25._o to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a 1_o thess._n 5.11_o to_o support_v the_o weak_a 1_o thess._n 5.14_o to_o restore_v he_o that_o fall_v
assertion_n i_o intend_v to_o satisfy_v the_o scrupulous_a 23._o and_o to_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o malicious_a so_o also_o to_o confirm_v the_o conscience_n of_o such_o as_o be_v friend_n and_o savourer_n to_o the_o right_a way_n of_o church_n government_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n iâ—_n sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o matter_n otherwise_o indifferent_a how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o halt_v not_o in_o our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o walk_v straight_o in_o the_o plerophory_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o same_o from_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o say_v again_o from_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o my_o meaning_n to_o commend_v this_o form_n because_o it_o be_v scotland_n 1.9_o so_o i_o hope_v assure_o that_o my_o countryman_n will_v not_o despise_v god_n ordinance_n because_o it_o be_v scotland_n practice_n but_o rather_o follow_v they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o follow_v christ_n and_o the_o scripture_n this_o therefore_o i_o pray_v 2.7_o that_o thy_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o thou_o may_v approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n amen_n the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o word_n elder_a lay-elder_n ruling-eld_a four_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n elder_a in_o scripture_n of_o the_o nickname_n of_o lay-elder_n that_o the_o popish_a distinction_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o laity_n ought_v to_o be_v banish_v of_o the_o name_n of_o ruling-elders_a and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o function_n of_o ruling-elders_a and_o what_o sâ—re_v of_o officer_n they_o be_v of_o the_o distinction_n of_o pastor_n doctor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o behaviour_n and_o conversation_n of_o ruling-elders_a of_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n that_o the_o ruling-eld_a his_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v to_o sit_v and_o voice_n in_o all_o the_o consistory_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n that_o his_o power_n of_o order_n be_v to_o do_v by_o way_n of_o authority_n those_o duty_n of_o edification_n which_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o way_n of_o charity_n chap._n iii_o the_o first_o argument_n for_o ruling-elders_a take_v from_o the_o jewish-church_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v the_o jewish_a church_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v not_o for_o any_o special_a reason_n proper_a to_o they_o but_o as_o they_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a republic_n that_o the_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v sit_v among_o the_o priest_n and_o voice_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a court_n according_a to_o baravias_n own_o confession_n but_o be_v not_o theirâ—_n will_v magistrate_n as_o he_o allege_v bilson_n objection_n answer_v chap._n iu._n the_o second_o argument_n take_v from_o math._n 18.17_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n tell_v the_o church_n why_o the_o presbytery_n may_v be_v call_v the_o church_n our_o argument_n from_o this_o place_n for_o ruling-elders_a chap._n v._o the_o three_o argument_n take_v from_o rom._n 12.8_o the_o word_n rom._n 12.8_o expound_v that_o by_o he_o that_o rume_v be_v mean_v the_o ruling-eld_a the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n answer_v chap._n vi_o the_o four_o argument_n take_v from_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o thâ—t_v by_o government_n the_o apostle_n mean_v ruling-elders_a two_o gloss_n give_v by_o our_o opposite_n confute_v chap._n vii_o the_o fiâ—st_a argument_n take_v from_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o our_o argument_n from_o this_o place_n vindicate_v against_o â—en_o false_a gloss_n devise_v by_o our_o opposite_n chap._n viii_o the_o testimony_n of_o ambrose_n for_o ruling-elders_a vindicate_v no_o certain_a ground_n allege_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o commentary_n upon_o the_o epistle_n ascribe_v to_o ambrose_n other_o answer_v make_v by_o our_o opposite_n to_o the_o place_n upon_o 1_o tim._n 5._o confute_v chap._n ix_o other_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n testimony_n for_o ruling-elders_a out_o of_o tertullion_n cyprian_n epiphanius_n bâ—sil_n chrysostome_n hierome_n eusâ—bius_n augustine_n origen_n isidore_n the_o first_o counsel_n of_o tâ—lido_n other_o testimony_n observe_v by_o justellus_n and_o voetius_fw-la bilson_n answer_v confute_v chap._n x._o the_o consent_n of_o protestant_a writer_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o opposite_n for_o ruling-elders_a citatâ—ons_n of_o sundry_a protestant_a writer_n to_o this_o purpose_n this_o truth_n have_v extort_a a_o confession_n from_o wâ—itgist_n saravia_n sultiffe_a camero_n and_o m._n io._n wemy_n of_o craigtown_n chap._n xi_o dr._n field_n five_o argument_n against_o ruling-elders_a answer_v his_o first_o reason_n that_o no_o foot-step_n of_o ruling-elders_a for_o many_o hundred_o year_n can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n answer_v five_o way_n footstep_n of_o ruling-elders_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n his_o second_o reason_n answer_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n not_o from_o 1_o tim._n 3._o only_a but_o from_o that_o and_o other_o place_n compare_v together_o his_o three_o reason_n answer_v by_o the_o câ—rtain_a bound_n of_o the_o power_n of_o ruling-elders_a his_o four_o reason_n answer_v by_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a sanedrim_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o civil_a sanedrim_n his_o last_o reason_n concern_v the_o name_n hold_v not_o chap._n xii_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o whitegift_n and_o saravia_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o ruling-elders_a the_o one_o allow_v of_o ruling-elders_a under_o a_o infidel_n magistrate_n but_o not_o under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o other_o allow_v of_o they_o under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o not_o under_o a_o infidel_n that_o ruling-elders_a do_v not_o prejudge_v the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o the_o prelacy_n do_v which_o confute_v whitegift_n that_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v not_o come_v in_o place_n of_o the_o jewish_a senior_n which_o confute_v saravia_n chap._n xiii_o whether_o ruling-elders_a have_v the_o power_n of_o decisive_a voice_n when_o they_o they_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n the_o affirmative_a prove_v by_o nine_o reason_n two_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n answer_v the_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14.32_o explain_v chap._n xiiii_o of_o the_o ordination_n of_o ruling-elders_a of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o office_n and_o of_o their_o maintenance_n that_o the_o want_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n the_o want_n of_o maintenance_n and_o the_o not_o continue_v always_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o office_n can_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o office_n itself_o of_o ruling-elders_a the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o part._n chap._n i._o of_o popular_a government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o this_o question_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v clear_v before_o the_o question_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o assembly_n that_o jurisdiction_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o congregation_n prove_v by_o 〈◊〉_d reason_n objection_n answer_v the_o controversy_n 〈◊〉_d chap._n ii_o of_o the_o independency_n of_o the_o eldership_n of_o particular_a congregation_n dr._n fields_n question_n whâ—ther_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o the_o eldership_n of_o every_o congregation_n or_o to_o a_o common_a presbytery_n make_v up_o out_o of_o many_o congregation_n answer_v by_o a_o eightfold_a distinction_n a_o threefold_a conformity_n of_o those_o parishional_a eldership_n to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n chap._n iii_o of_o great_a presbytery_n which_o some_o call_v class_n three_o false_a gloss_n on_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o confute_v that_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o presbytery_n aâ—_n assembly_n of_o presbyter_n whereof_o also_o father_n and_o counsel_n do_v speak_v the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n declare_v both_o by_o good_a reason_n and_o by_o the_o apostolical_a pattern_n for_o assertion_n of_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v prove_v 1._o that_o in_o many_o of_o those_o city_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n plant_v christian_n religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n then_o do_v or_o can_v ordinary_o assemble_v into_o one_o place_n 2._o that_o in_o these_o city_n there_o be_v a_o plurality_n of_o pastor_n 3._o that_o yet_o the_o whole_a within_o the_o city_n be_v one_o church_n 4._o that_o the_o whole_a be_v govern_v by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n from_o all_o which_o a_o corollary_n be_v draw_v for_o these_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n provincial_a and_o national_n that_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o synod_n differ_v from_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o presbytery_n the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n
and_o infirm_a bishop_n who_o can_v labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n answ._n 1._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o presbyter_n not_o of_o prelate_n 2._o to_o rule_v well_o import_v as_o great_a labour_n as_o preach_v and_o somewhat_o more_o as_o i_o show_v before_o so_o that_o they_o who_o can_v labour_v in_o preach_v can_v labour_v in_o rule_v neither_o 3._o they_o who_o have_v eviscerate_v and_o spend_v themselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n who_o have_v be_v as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v stand_v upon_o their_o foot_n valiant_a champion_n for_o the_o truth_n against_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o who_o have_v serve_v their_o time_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o the_o stain_n of_o heresy_n schism_n apostasy_n or_o unfaithfulnesse_n when_o they_o become_v old_a and_o infirm_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o less_o honour_v as_o the_o impious_a verdict_n of_o this_o prelate_n will_v have_v it_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o honour_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o their_o hoar_a head_n find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n another_o gloss_n be_v give_v by_o the_o same_o king_n namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v minister_n not_o only_o to_o live_v well_o but_o to_o feed_v also_o by_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n answ._n 1._o the_o rise_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n do_v not_o concern_v duty_n but_o person_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o 2._o to_o live_v well_o be_v not_o to_o rule_v well_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v all_o who_o live_v godly_a to_o rule_v well_o 3._o three_o this_o gloss_n do_v still_o leave_v a_o double_a honour_n to_o minister_n that_o live_v well_o though_o they_o do_v not_o preach_v we_o see_v now_o our_o opposite_n have_v be_v try_v all_o wind_n to_o fetch_v upon_o we_o but_o here_o we_o leave_v they_o betwixt_o wind_n and_o wave_n â—or_a this_o our_o last_o argument_n carry_v we_o away_o with_o full_a sail_n chap._n viii_o the_o testimony_n of_o ambrose_n for_o rule_v elder_n vindicate_v if_o we_o look_v back_o beyond_o the_o time_n of_o decline_v unto_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v find_v roll_a elder_n to_o be_v no_o new_a fangle_a device_n at_o geneva_n but_o that_o the_o primitive_a government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o they_o restore_v there_o be_v one_o place_n of_o ambrose_n which_o clear_v it_o sufficient_o he_o write_v on_o 1_o tim._n 5.1_o rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_a say_v vnde_fw-la &_o synagoga_fw-la etc._n etc._n wherefore_o both_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o after_o the_o church_n have_v senior_n or_o elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o negligence_n it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o except_o perhaps_o by_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n whiâ—es_v they_o alone_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o this_o sentence_n be_v also_o cite_v in_o glossa_fw-la ordinar_n and_o it_o show_v plain_o that_o as_o the_o jewish_a so_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v some_o elder_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o teacher_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o have_v a_o part_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o their_o shoulder_n but_o that_o this_o come_v into_o desuetude_n partly_o through_o the_o sloth_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n while_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o partly_o through_o their_o pride_n whilst_o they_o will_v do_v all_o by_o themselves_o and_o have_v no_o consort_n utinam_fw-la modo_fw-la nostra_fw-la redirent_fw-la in_o mores_fw-la tempora_fw-la priscos_fw-la but_o let_v we_o hear_v a_o triple_a divination_n which_o the_o non-friend_n of_o rule_v elder_n give_v forth_o upon_o this_o testimony_n 226._o first_o bishop_n hall_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o ambrose_n but_o a_o counterfeit_n who_o write_v that_o commentary_n upon_o the_o epistle_n and_o for_o this_o he_o allege_v our_o own_o parker_n against_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v bellaâ—mine_n and_o scultingius_n teach_v he_o this_o answer_n the_o place_n of_o parker_n he_o cit_v noâ—_n in_o the_o margin_n but_o i_o believe_v the_o place_n he_o mean_v of_o be_v de_fw-fr polit_fw-la eccles._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 13._o where_o he_o hold_v indeed_o that_o the_o author_n of_o these_o commentary_n be_v not_o ambrose_n bishop_n of_o milan_n but_o show_v withal_o that_o he_o nothing_o doubt_v of_o the_o catholic_a authority_n of_o the_o commentary_n themselves_o hoc_fw-la vero_fw-la etc._n etc._n this_o say_v he_o may_v befall_v the_o best_a author_n whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o some_o may_v ascribe_v his_o work_n to_o another_o but_o that_o he_o live_v before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a this_o add_v weight_n to_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o senior_n these_o commentary_n be_v common_o cite_v by_o our_o divine_n as_o ambrose_n i_o find_v they_o in_o erasmus_n his_o edition_n both_o at_o collen_n 1532._o and_o at_o paris_n 1551._o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o ambrose_n only_o the_o preface_n before_o the_o epistle_n be_v call_v in_o question_n they_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o edition_n of_o costerius_fw-la at_o basile_n 1555._o sixtuâ—_n senensis_n ascribe_v they_o to_o ambrose_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o edition_n of_o collen_n 1616._o have_v a_o observation_n prefix_v which_o repudiate_v many_o of_o his_o work_n and_o these_o commentary_n among_o the_o rest_n yet_o the_o last_o edition_n at_o paris_n 1632._o have_v expunge_v that_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v not_o do_v if_o they_o have_v approve_v the_o same_o howsoever_o that_o same_o observation_n make_v those_o commentary_n to_o be_v as_o old_a as_o 372._o or_o 373._o perkins_n in_o his_o preparative_n before_o his_o demonstration_n of_o the_o problem_n call_v in_o question_n the_o commentary_n upon_o the_o hebrew_n 18._o but_o no_o more_o rivet_n show_v that_o these_o who_o reject_v they_o do_v neither_o give_v good_a reason_n for_o their_o opinion_n neither_o yet_o do_v agree_v among_o themselves_o bellarmine_n ascribe_v they_o to_o hilarius_n diaconus_fw-la maldonat_fw-la to_o remigius_n lugdunensis_n the_o censor_n of_o louvain_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o question_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o believe_v that_o cook_n in_o his_o censura_fw-la scriptorum_fw-la veterum_fw-la 134._o have_v touch_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o these_o commentary_n be_v so_o much_o call_v in_o question_n which_o be_v the_o perfidiousness_n of_o papist_n who_o when_o they_o find_v any_o thing_n therein_o which_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n than_o they_o cry_v saint_n ambrose_n say_v thus_o but_o when_o they_o find_v any_o thing_n therein_o which_o make_v against_o they_o than_o they_o say_v as_o hall_n do_v it_o be_v not_o ambrose_n but_o a_o counterseit_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o hall_n be_v wise_a in_o disclaim_v the_o same_o than_o his_o fellow_n in_o acknowledge_v they_o yet_o because_o he_o find_v that_o the_o testimony_n may_v be_v of_o force_n though_o not_o ambrose_n and_o beside_o have_v no_o proof_n for_o this_o alledgeance_n he_o dare_v not_o trust_v to_o it_o but_o think_v upon_o another_o answer_n 26._o to_o proceed_v then_o to_o their_o next_o conjecture_n bilson_n sutcliffe_n and_o doctor_n field_n tell_v we_o that_o ambrose_n mean_v of_o bishop_n who_o exclude_v other_o clergy_n man_n from_o their_o consultation_n and_o that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o teacher_n he_o may_v fit_o understand_v the_o bishop_n see_v none_o but_o they_o have_v power_n to_o preach_v in_o their_o own_o right_n &_o other_o but_o only_a by_o permission_n from_o they_o this_o be_v a_o most_o desperate_a shift_n for_o a_o bad_a cause_n for_o first_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n neither_o from_o scripture_n nor_o antiquity_n to_o distinguish_v bishop_n from_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o name_n of_o teacher_n second_o as_o for_o that_o reason_n allege_v that_o none_o but_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o preach_v in_o their_o own_o right_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o field_n himself_o say_v in_o the_o very_a next_o chapter_n where_o he_o hold_v that_o presbyter_n be_v equal_a with_o bishop_n in_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o that_o they_o may_v preach_v and_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o order_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n three_o neither_o do_v the_o advise_v of_o bishop_n with_o presbyter_n cease_v in_o ambrose_n his_o time_n 27._o for_o as_o field_n himself_o note_v out_o of_o the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o be_v hold_v short_o after_o ambrose_n his_o writing_n hereof_o all_o sentence_n of_o bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v void_a which_o be_v not_o confirm_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o clergy_n let_v we_o also_o
any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n to_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o a_o occasional_a meeting_n 3_o the_o apostle_n be_v free_o present_a in_o any_o presbytery_n where_o they_o be_v for_o the_o time_n because_o the_o oversight_n and_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v necessary_o present_a therein_o and_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o particular_a vocation_n meet_v together_o presbyterial_o whether_o a_o apostle_n be_v with_o they_o or_o not_o no_o other_o sense_n can_v the_o text_n suffer_v but_o that_o by_o presbytery_n we_o shall_v understand_v consessus_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la a_o meeting_n of_o elder_n and_o so_o do_v camero_n and_o forbesse_n themselves_o expound_v it_o sutlivius_n object_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v lay_v on_o hand_n upon_o timothy_n which_o he_o prove_v both_o from_o 2._o tim._n 1._o and_o because_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v give_v by_o that_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n ans._n there_o be_v a_o express_a difference_n make_v betwixt_o paul_n lay_v on_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o presbytery_n lay_v on_o of_o their_o hand_n of_o the_o former_a it_o be_v say_v that_o timothy_n receive_v the_o gift_n which_o be_v in_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o paul_n hand_n but_o he_o receive_v the_o gift_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n as_o didoclavius_n note_v but_o say_v sutlivius_n timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n as_o you_o hold_v how_o can_v he_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o presbytery_n ans._n 1._o though_o the_o presbytery_n do_v neither_o give_v he_o ordination_n to_o be_v a_o evangelist_n nor_o yet_o confer_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o their_o hand_n extraordinary_a gift_n upon_o he_o yet_o do_v they_o lie_v on_o their_o hand_n as_o set_v to_o the_o the_o seal_n and_o testimony_n and_o commend_v he_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n even_o as_o certain_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n lay_v hand_n on_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o ananias_n also_o before_o that_o time_n have_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o paul_n 2._o the_o presbytery_n may_v ordain_v timothy_n to_o be_v a_o elder_a if_o so_o be_v he_o be_v ordain_v a_o elder_a before_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o evangelist_n 3._o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o presbytery_n by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o their_o hand_n together_o with_o the_o apostle_n hand_n in_o the_o extraordinary_a mission_n of_o timothy_n be_v require_v much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v put_v out_o of_o question_n that_o the_o apostle_n commit_v to_o the_o presbytery_n the_o full_a power_n of_o ordain_v ordinary_a minister_n but_o it_o be_v further_o object_v by_o sutlivius_n that_o this_o can_v not_o be_v such_o a_o presbytery_n as_o be_v among_o we_o because_o ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n pertain_v to_o none_o but_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n 8.10_o ans._n 1._o the_o child_n of_o israel_n lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n &_o we_o will_v know_v his_o reason_n why_o he_o deny_v the_o like_a power_n to_o rule_v elder_n now_o especial_o since_o this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v but_o a_o gesture_n of_o one_o pray_v and_o a_o moral_a sign_n declare_v the_o person_n pray_v for_o 2._o howsoever_o our_o practice_n whâ—ch_n be_v also_o approve_a by_o good_a divine_n be_v 37._o to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n and_o the_o external_a right_n thereof_o which_o be_v imposition_n of_o hand_n ascribe_v the_o former_a to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n both_o pastor_n and_o elder_n and_o reserve_v the_o latter_a to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o thus_o have_v we_o evince_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o presbytery_n and_o this_o consistory_n we_o find_v to_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n have_v no_o power_n to_o judge_v any_o cause_n without_o the_o presence_n advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o their_o presbyter_n conc._n carth._n 4._o can_n 23._o field_n forbesse_n saravia_n and_o douname_n do_v all_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o so_o do_v bellarmine_n de_fw-fr pont._n rom._n l._n 1._o c._n 8._o of_o this_o presbytery_n speak_v cyprian_a omni_fw-la actu_fw-la ad_fw-la i_o perlato_fw-la placuit_fw-la contrahi_fw-la presbyterium_fw-la etc._n etc._n of_o the_o presbytery_n speak_v the_o same_o cyprian_a lib._n 2._o ep._n 8._o &_o lib._n 4._o ep._n 5._o ignatius_n ad_fw-la trall_n and_o hierom_n in_o esa._n 3_o we_o find_v it_o also_o in_o conc_fw-fr ancyr_n can_v 18_o and_o in_o conc_fw-fr carthag_n 4._o can_n 35.40_o 254.255_o doctor_n forbesse_n allege_v that_o the_o word_n presbytery_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n do_v signify_v no_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n than_o a_o diocesan_n synod_n but_o herein_o if_o he_o have_v understand_v himself_o he_o speak_v not_o so_o much_o against_o presbytery_n as_o against_o prelate_n for_o a_o diocese_n of_o old_a be_v bound_v within_o one_o city_n 2._o tumque_fw-la jampridem_fw-la per_fw-la omnes_fw-la provincias_fw-la &_o per_fw-la urbes_fw-la singulas_fw-la ordinati_fw-la sint_fw-la episcopi_fw-la etc._n etc._n say_v cyprian_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o ordain_v bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 10._o say_v chrysostome_n speak_v of_o the_o primitive_a time_n yea_o in_o country_n village_n also_o be_v bishop_n who_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rural_a bishop_n who_o episcopal_a office_n though_o limit_v yet_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o council_n of_o ancyra_n can_v 13._o and_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n can_v 8._o &_o 10._o 4._o sozomen_n record_v that_o the_o village_n majuma_n which_o be_v sometime_o a_o suburb_n of_o the_o city_n gaza_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o gaza_n but_o have_v its_o own_o proper_a bishop_n and_o that_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o synod_n in_o palestina_n the_o council_n of_o sardis_n can_v 6._o and_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n can_v 57_o though_o they_o discharge_v the_o ordain_v of_o bishop_n in_o village_n lest_o the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v grow_v contemptible_a do_v nevertheless_o allow_v every_o city_n to_o have_v a_o bishop_n of_o its_o own_o what_o have_v doctor_n forbesse_n now_o gain_v by_o maintain_v that_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o presbytery_n and_o of_o a_o diocese_n be_v all_o one_o they_o in_o the_o netherlâ—nds_n sometime_o call_v their_o presbytery_n diocaeses_n 100.101_o and_o many_o of_o our_o presbytery_n be_v great_a than_o be_v diocese_n of_o old_a we_o conclude_v there_o be_v ancient_o a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o city_n which_o do_v indeed_o choose_v one_o of_o their_o number_n to_o preside_v among_o they_o and_o to_o lay_v on_o hand_n in_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o he_o be_v call_v the_o bishop_n wherein_o they_o do_v more_o trust_n the_o deceivable_a goodness_n of_o their_o own_o intention_n then_o advert_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o thing_n premit_v i_o come_v now_o to_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v viz._n by_o what_o warrant_n and_o quâ—_n jure_v the_o classical_a presbytery_n among_o we_o make_v up_o out_o of_o many_o neighbour_a congregation_n shall_v be_v the_o ordinary_a court_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n at_o least_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o high_a importance_n which_o do_v concern_v either_o all_o or_o any_o of_o those_o congregation_n for_o resolution_n hereof_o we_o must_v understand_v 1._o that_o cause_v common_a to_o many_o congregation_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o great_a presbytery_n common_a to_o they_o all_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v not_o in_o their_o proper_a eldership_n so_o many_o man_n of_o sufficient_a ability_n as_o be_v requisite_a in_o judge_v and_o determine_v the_o case_n of_o the_o examination_n of_o minister_n of_o ordination_n deposition_n excommunication_n and_o the_o like_a 3._o when_o one_o appeal_v from_o a_o particular_a eldership_n out_o of_o persuasion_n that_o he_o be_v wrong_v by_o the_o sentence_n thereof_o or_o when_o that_o eldership_n find_v its_o own_o insufficiency_n for_o determine_v some_o difficult_a cause_n resolve_v to_o refer_v the_o same_o into_o a_o high_a court_n reason_n will_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o ordinary_a court_n of_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n to_o receive_v such_o appellation_n or_o reference_n 4._o congregation_n which_o lie_v near_o together_o ought_v all_o as_o one_o to_o keep_v unity_n and_o conformity_n in_o church_n policy_n and_o government_n neither_o ought_v one_o of_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o do_v a_o
matter_n of_o importance_n which_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o same_o this_o the_o prelacy_n do_v not_o regard_v 6._o presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v not_o which_o the_o prelate_n do_v imperious_o and_o by_o their_o sole_a arbitrement_n domineer_v over_o congregation_n for_o their_o power_n be_v directive_n only_o ministerial_a and_o limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o laudable_a ecclesiastical_a law_n receive_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o congregation_n themselves_o 7._o experience_n have_v show_v we_o presbyterial_a and_o synodical_a government_n to_o be_v not_o only_o compatible_a with_o but_o most_o conducible_a for_o the_o supportment_n and_o comfort_n of_o congregation_n whereas_o episcopal_a government_n draw_v ever_o after_o it_o mâ—lam_v caâ—dâ—m_n and_o a_o general_a grievance_n of_o the_o church_n some_o other_o objection_n there_o be_v for_o obviate_a whereof_o i_o shall_v permit_v and_o explain_v a_o distinction_n which_o shall_v serve_v to_o answer_v they_o all_o we_o may_v consider_v a_o visible_a church_n either_o metaphysical_o or_o political_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o consider_v man_n as_o live_a creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n another_o thing_n to_o consider_v they_o as_o magistrate_n master_n father_n child_n servant_n etc._n etc._n so_o be_v it_o one_o thing_n to_o consider_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o a_o society_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n separate_v from_o the_o blind_a world_n by_o divine_a vocation_n and_o profess_v together_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n another_o thing_n to_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o political_a body_n in_o which_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v exercise_v some_o govern_n and_o some_o govern_v these_o be_v very_o different_a consideration_n for_o first_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v take_v entitative_o or_o metaphysical_o her_o member_n do_v ordinary_o communicate_v together_o in_o those_o holy_a thing_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o order_n which_o i_o may_v call_v sacra_fw-la mistica_fw-la but_o be_v take_v political_o her_o member_n communicate_v together_o in_o such_o holy_a thing_n as_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o i_o may_v call_v sacra_fw-la politica_fw-la second_o infant_n under_o age_n be_v initiate_v in_o baptism_n be_v actual_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o former_a consideration_n but_o potential_o only_a in_o the_o latter_a for_o they_o neither_o govern_v nor_o yet_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o those_o that_o do_v govern_v three_o one_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n metaphysical_o beâ—ore_o he_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n political_o but_o not_o contrariwise_o four_o many_o visible_a church_n have_v sometime_o be_v and_o may_v be_v without_o officer_n and_o so_o without_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n for_o that_o time_n yet_o still_o retain_v the_o essence_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n whereas_o a_o church_n which_o never_o yet_o have_v any_o officer_n ordain_v therein_o of_o which_o kind_n there_o have_v be_v many_o at_o the_o first_o conversion_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o the_o gospel_n or_o which_o have_v lose_v all_o her_o officer_n by_o death_n or_o persecution_n be_v not_o for_o that_o time_n a_o ecclesiastical_a republic_n nor_o can_v be_v such_o till_o she_o have_v officer_n this_o if_o they_o have_v observe_v who_o have_v take_v so_o great_a pain_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v a_o church_n without_o officer_n it_o shall_v happy_o have_v make_v they_o think_v their_o labour_n lâ—st_o it_o may_v also_o have_v teach_v henry_n jacob_n to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o church_n visible_a and_o a_o church_n ministerial_a or_o political_a and_o not_o to_o understand_v these_o three_o term_n to_o be_v all_o one_o as_o he_o do_v in_o his_o lâ—tter_n bear_v date_n the_o 4._o of_o september_n 1611._o pag._n 9_o five_o my_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o visible_a church_n metaphysical_o give_v i_o right_a and_o title_n to_o communicate_v with_o another_o visible_a church_n where_o for_o the_o time_n i_o be_o in_o sacris_fw-la misticis_fw-la such_o as_o the_o word_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o my_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o visible_a church_n political_o do_v not_o give_v i_o right_n and_o title_n to_o communicate_v with_o another_o visible_a church_n where_o for_o the_o time_n i_o be_o in_o sacris_fw-la politicis_fw-la such_o as_o ordination_n deposition_n excommunication_n etc._n etc._n hereunto_o do_v master_n robinson_n assent_v in_o these_o word_n as_o a_o man_n once_o baptize_v be_v always_o baptise_a 317._o so_o be_v he_o in_o all_o place_n and_o church_n where_o he_o come_v as_o a_o baptize_v person_n to_o enjoy_v the_o common_a benefit_n of_o his_o baptism_n and_o to_o discharge_v the_o common_a duty_n which_o depend_v upon_o it_o but_o a_o pastor_n be_v not_o a_o pastor_n in_o every_o church_n where_o he_o come_v upon_o occâ—sion_n neither_o can_v he_o require_v in_o any_o other_o church_n save_v that_o one_o over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v he_o that_o obedience_n maintenance_n and_o other_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a from_o the_o officer_n to_o the_o people_n neither_o stand_v he_o charge_v with_o that_o ministry_n and_o service_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o officer_n the_o like_a he_o will_v have_v say_v of_o a_o elder_a or_o a_o deacon_n now_o this_o distinction_n shall_v serve_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n follow_v object_n 112._o every_o christian_a congregation_n be_v a_o complete_a body_n ecclesiastical_a have_v all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n and_o all_o church_n officer_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v therefore_o every_o congrgation_n have_v the_o full_a and_o absolute_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n answ._n every_o christian_a congregation_n be_v a_o complete_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n metaphysical_o that_o be_v have_v the_o complete_a essence_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n yet_o every_o such_o congregation_n be_v not_o a_o complete_a ecclesiastical_a republic_n except_o in_o some_o certain_a case_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v chap._n 2._o and_o further_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v allege_v to_o prove_v that_o 2_o or_o 3_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n have_v immediate_o under_o christ_n the_o full_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o complete_a ecclesiastical_a body_n have_v all_o the_o member_n and_o officer_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v for_o they_o themselves_o hold_v that_o in_o every_o christian_a congregation_n by_o christ_n institution_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v at_o least_o five_o officer_n and_o when_o those_o five_o shall_v be_v have_v there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o christian_a people_n to_o be_v govern_v and_o serve_v by_o they_o so_o that_o their_o argument_n do_v not_o conclude_v that_o which_o they_o propose_v to_o prove_v ibid._n object_n they_o who_o have_v receive_v christ_n have_v receive_v with_o he_o power_n and_o right_a to_o enjoy_v he_o though_o all_o the_o world_n be_v against_o it_o in_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n by_o which_o he_o do_v communicate_v himself_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o every_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n if_o they_o be_v but_o two_o or_o three_o have_v receive_v christ_n therefore_o every_o such_o company_n etc._n etc._n answ._n if_o by_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n they_o mean_v the_o receive_n of_o christ_n on_o his_o throne_n or_o the_o receive_n of_o he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n of_o church_n government_n than_o we_o deny_v their_o assumption_n for_o every_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n be_v not_o a_o church_n political_o as_o we_o have_v show_v already_o indeed_o every_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n who_o have_v receive_v christ_n in_o this_o manner_n have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o enjoy_v he_o in_o all_o his_o political_a ordinance_n yet_o not_o independent_o but_o by_o a_o certain_a order_n and_o subordination_n but_o if_o by_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n they_o mean_v receive_v of_o he_o to_o salvation_n or_o receive_v of_o he_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n we_o grant_v that_o not_o only_o every_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n but_o every_o particular_a christian_a have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o enjoy_v he_o in_o the_o mystical_a ordinance_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n as_o often_o as_o the_o same_o can_v be_v have_v yea_o further_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdicton_n the_o exercise_n whereof_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n intuitu_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la tanquam_fw-la finis_fw-la but_o that_o every_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n
who_o have_v receive_v christ_n to_o salvation_n have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o enjoy_v he_o in_o his_o political_a ordinance_n by_o their_o own_o exercise_v of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o that_o independent_o this_o be_v more_o than_o either_o have_v be_v or_o can_v be_v prove_v object_n ibid._n the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v as_o straight_o and_o immediate_a as_o the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o vine_n and_o the_o branch_n betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n betwixt_o the_o husband_n &_o the_o wife_n therefore_o every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v direct_a &_o immediate_a interest_n in_o and_o title_n to_o christ_n himself_o &_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n and_o every_o ordinance_n of_o it_o answ._n the_o strait_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n express_v by_o these_o comparison_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n take_v political_o for_o then_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n may_v be_v dissolve_v as_o often_o as_o the_o church_n cease_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a republic_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n or_o at_o most_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n take_v metaphysical_o or_o entitative_o but_o i_o add_v withal_o it_o be_v to_o be_v likewise_o understand_v of_o every_o faithful_a christian_a so_o that_o not_o only_o every_o true_a church_n but_o every_o true_a member_n thereof_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o union_n have_v direct_a and_o immediate_a title_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n for_o his_o edification_n and_o salvation_n this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o argument_n can_v conclude_v and_o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o we_o ibid._n object_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o church_n even_o the_o minister_n themselves_o yea_o though_o they_o be_v paul_n cephas_n and_o apollo_n then_o may_v every_o church_n use_v and_o enjoy_v all_o thing_n immediate_o under_o christ._n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a 1_o cor._n 3.24_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n answ._n neither_o can_v this_o prove_v any_o thing_n against_o we_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o collective_o of_o the_o church_n but_o distributive_o of_o every_o believer_n who_o have_v right_a to_o the_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n and_o benefit_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v his_o salvation_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n i_o may_v say_v to_o the_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o session_n or_o presbyteris_fw-la or_o provincial_n or_o general_n assembly_n and_o what_o wonder_n god_n be_v our_o father_n christ_n our_o elder_a brother_n the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o comforter_n the_o angel_n our_o keeper_n heaven_n our_o inheritance_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o strange_a thing_n to_o hear_v that_o as_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n so_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o good_a and_o benefit_n 13.8.10_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o tyranny_n for_o hurt_n but_o a_o ministry_n for_o help_v these_o be_v the_o objection_n allege_v for_o the_o independent_a and_o absolute_a power_n of_o congregation_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o some_o seem_v to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o weapon_n against_o we_o make_v objection_n from_o the_o form_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o we_o take_v for_o a_o platform_n they_o say_v 344._o that_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o as_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v now_o for_o they_o be_v not_o entire_a church_n of_o themselves_o but_o member_n of_o the_o national_a church_n neither_o can_v they_o have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o most_o solemn_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o be_v then_o the_o sacrifice_n 161._o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v one_o church_n have_v reference_n to_o one_o temple_n one_o high_a priest_n one_o altar_n &_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o nation_n shall_v in_o the_o entire_a and_o personal_a part_n meet_v and_o communicate_v together_o in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n so_o dispose_v and_o order_v that_o that_o communion_n shall_v be_v have_v after_o a_o manner_n and_o in_o a_o sort_n and_o that_o be_v by_o way_n of_o representation_n for_o in_o the_o temple_n be_v daily_o sacrifice_v offer_v for_o the_o whole_a national_a church_n so_o the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o the_o ephod_n and_o upon_o the_o breastplate_n and_o the_o twelve_o loaf_n of_o show_n bread_n be_v for_o israel_n sign_n of_o remembrance_n before_o the_o lord_n 162._o that_o now_o the_o church_n consist_v not_o as_o then_o of_o a_o nation_n but_o of_o particular_a assembly_n ordinary_o communicate_v together_o in_o all_o the_o church_n holy_a thing_n whence_o it_o come_v that_o there_o be_v no_o representative_a church_n now_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o necessary_a absence_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v represent_v be_v take_v away_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 163.191_o that_o beside_o all_o this_o if_o we_o take_v the_o representative_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n then_o as_o there_o not_o only_o hard_a cause_n be_v open_v and_o declare_v according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o also_o the_o sacrifice_n daily_o offer_v and_o the_o most_o solemn_a service_n perform_v without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n so_o now_o in_o the_o representative_a church_n such_o as_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n consist_v of_o officer_n alone_o there_o must_v be_v not_o only_o the_o use_n of_o jurisdiction_n but_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n whether_o people_n be_v present_a or_o not_o for_o how_o can_v there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o officer_n for_o the_o use_n of_o one_o solemn_a ordinance_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o not_o of_o another_o answ._n 1._o to_o set_v aside_o the_o sacrifice_n &_o other_o ceremonial_a worship_n perform_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o synagogue_n among_o the_o jew_n have_v god_n moral_a worship_n ordinary_o therein_o as_o prayer_n and_o the_o read_n &_o expound_v of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o whatsoever_o the_o synagogue_n have_v or_o whatsoever_o they_o want_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a consistory_n and_o a_o certain_a order_n of_o church_n government_n else_o how_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o excommunication_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o which_o thing_n we_o have_v before_o speak_v i_o will_v not_o here_o dispute_v whether_o every_o sin_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v either_o appoint_v to_o be_v punish_v capital_o or_o else_o to_o be_v expiate_v by_o sacrifice_n but_o put_v the_o case_n it_o be_v so_o this_o prove_v that_o no_o excommunication_n or_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v not_o then_o necessary_a for_o beside_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v punishable_a by_o death_n and_o beside_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o guiltiness_n before_o god_n the_o expiation_n whereof_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v prefigure_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n in_o public_a sin_n which_o be_v punishable_a by_o spiritual_a censure_n and_o that_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o oblation_n of_o the_o delinquent_n but_o rather_o make_v worse_o thereby_o even_o as_o now_o a_o public_a offender_n do_v not_o take_v away_o but_o rather_o increase_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o join_n in_o the_o act_n of_o god_n worship_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n impose_v upon_o he_o neither_o yet_o to_o speak_v proper_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o public_a offence_n punishable_a by_o bodily_a punishment_n but_o the_o church_n be_v a_o political_a body_n have_v she_o own_o law_n and_o her_o own_o censure_n no_o less_o than_o the_o commonwealth_n 3._o as_o the_o synagogue_n be_v particular_a church_n political_o so_o all_o of_o they_o collective_o be_v one_o national_n church_n political_o govern_v by_o one_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a sanedrim_n which_o be_v the_o representative_a we_o mean_v of_o in_o our_o argument_n 4._o but_o if_o we_o take_v the_o national_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n metaphysical_o there_o be_v no_o representative_a thereof_o unless_o it_o be_v all_o the_o male_n who_o come_v thrice_o in_o the_o year_n to_o jerusalem_n the_o daily_a offering_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o by_o a_o representative_a church_n but_o by_o the_o priest_n and_o though_o there_o be_v twelve_o loaf_n of_o shewbread_n before_o
of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n it_o iâ—_n say_v that_o paul_n kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v with_o they_o all_o and_o they_o all_o weep_v sore_o act_v 20.36.37_o compare_v with_o verse_n 28._o here_o be_v some_o good_a number_n import_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n that_o be_v to_o the_o pastor_n thereof_o collective_o take_v christ_n say_v the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n revel_v 2.10_o which_o if_o not_o only_o yet_o principal_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o pastor_n though_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v more_o plain_a of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n verse_n 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unto_o you_o i_o say_v &_o to_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n as_o if_o he_o will_v say_v say_v pareus_n tibi_fw-la â—spicopo_fw-la cum_fw-la collegis_fw-la &_o reliquo_fw-la coetui_fw-la dico_fw-la paul_n write_v to_o the_o bishop_n at_o philippi_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o be_v already_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o the_o apostle_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o send_v unto_o they_o epaphroditus_n also_o phil._n 2.25_o be_v short_o thereafter_o to_o send_v unto_o they_o timotheus_n verse_n 19_o yea_o to_o come_v himself_o verse_n 24._o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o labourer_n in_o that_o harvest_n epaphras_n and_o archippus_n be_v pastor_n to_o the_o church_n at_o colosse_n and_o who_o beside_o we_o can_v tell_v but_o paul_n send_v unto_o they_o also_o tychicus_n and_o onesimuâ—_n col._n 4.7.9_o now_o touch_v the_o three_o proposition_n no_o man_n who_o understand_v will_v imagine_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n within_o one_o of_o those_o great_a city_n be_v divide_v into_o as_o many_o parish_n as_o there_o be_v meet_v place_n for_o worship_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o controversy_n who_o do_v begin_v the_o division_n of_o parish_n but_o whosoever_o it_o be_v whether_o evaristus_n or_o higinus_n or_o dionysius_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o than_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v in_o every_o city_n or_o to_o say_v in_o every_o church_n that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tit._n 1.5_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 14.22_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o anti-prelaticall_a writer_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v and_o by_o the_o prelatical_a writer_n also_o the_o last_o proposition_n as_o it_o have_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o so_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o former_a for_o that_o which_o make_v the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n within_o one_o city_n to_o be_v one_o church_n be_v their_o union_n under_o and_o their_o subjection_n unto_o the_o same_o church_n government_n and_o governor_n a_o multitude_n may_v be_v one_o church_n though_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o example_n it_o may_v fall_v forth_o that_o a_o congregation_n can_v meet_v together_o into_o one_o but_o into_o divers_a place_n and_o this_o may_v continue_v so_o for_o some_o year_n together_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n or_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o plague_n or_o because_o they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o large_a parish-church_n as_o may_v contain_v they_o all_o so_o that_o a_o part_n of_o they_o must_v meet_v in_o some_o other_o place_n but_o a_o multitude_n can_v be_v one_o church_n unless_o they_o communicate_v in_o the_o same_o church_n government_n and_o under_o the_o same_o governor_n by_o one_o church_n i_o mean_v one_o ecclesiastical_a republic_n even_o as_o the_o like_a union_n under_o civil_a government_n and_o governor_n make_v one_o corporation_n when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n 20.28_o he_o exhort_v they_o all_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o hierome_n speak_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o say_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o amsterdam_n because_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a from_o all_o which_o have_v be_v say_v i_o infer_v this_o corollary_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a court_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o do_v ordain_v depose_v excommunicate_a etc._n etc._n do_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o pastor_n and_o elder_n as_o can_v with_o conveniency_n meet_v ordinary_o together_o which_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o warrant_n for_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n i_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o town_n no_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n notwithstanding_o whereof_o the_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o congregation_n might_n and_o do_v manage_v the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o and_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n therein_o i_o confess_v also_o that_o in_o those_o city_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o can_v meet_v together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o presbytery_n do_v consist_v of_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n within_o such_o a_o city_n for_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n any_o christian_a congregation_n in_o landward_o village_n the_o persecution_n force_v christian_n to_o choose_v the_o shelter_n of_o city_n for_o which_o reason_n many_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o infidel_n in_o those_o day_n be_v call_v pagani_n because_o they_o alone_o dwell_v in_o pagis_fw-la and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o adjacent_a to_o city_n we_o must_v think_v the_o same_o shall_v have_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o common_a presbytery_n their_o own_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v a_o part_n thereof_o howsoever_o it_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o for_o manage_v the_o ordinary_a matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o church-government_n the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o divers_a city_n can_v not_o convenient_o have_v such_o ordinary_a meeting_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n only_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n within_o one_o city_n have_v such_o conveniency_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v we_o do_v not_o forsake_v but_o follow_v the_o pattern_n when_o we_o join_v together_o a_o number_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n out_o of_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o convenient_a circuit_n to_o make_v up_o a_o common_a presbytery_n which_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v those_o congregation_n for_o if_o the_o presbytery_n which_o we_o find_v in_o those_o city_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n be_v a_o sure_a pattern_n for_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v than_o it_o follow_v undeniable_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o church-government_n of_o excommunication_n ordination_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v belong_v to_o that_o primitive_a presbytery_n do_v also_o belong_v to_o those_o our_o classical_a or_o great_a presbytery_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n provincial_n and_o national_n touch_v synod_n i_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o their_o power_n be_v and_o thereafter_o give_v argument_n for_o the_o same_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o we_o ascribe_v unto_o synod_n be_v the_o same_o in_o nature_n and_o kind_n with_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o presbytery_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o presbytery_n do_v exercise_v it_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o in_o matter_n proper_a to_o the_o congregation_n within_o their_o circuit_n synod_n do_v exercise_v this_o power_n in_o matter_n which_o be_v common_a to_o a_o whole_a province_n or_o nation_n or_o if_o in_o matter_n proper_a to_o the_o bound_n of_o one_o presbytery_n it_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o either_o presbytery_n have_v err_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o their_o own_o matter_n or_o when_o such_o thing_n be_v transfer_v to_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o presbytery_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o appellation_n or_o by_o reference_n the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n whereof_o i_o speak_v be_v threefold_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v distinguish_v by_o our_o writer_n and_o all_o these_o three_o do_v in_o manner_n foresay_a belong_v unto_o synod_n in_o respect_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o worship_n a_o synod_n be_v judex_n or_o testis_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o external_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o circumstance_n a_o contriver_n of_o a_o
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