the_o faithful_a from_o their_o sin_n see_v conci_fw-la triden_n de_fw-fr sacr_n ordin_n cap._n 1._o hier._n savanarola_n triumph_n cruc_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 16._o and_o the_o same_o two_o make_v up_o the_o proper_a office_n of_o the_o priest_n by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o english_a service_n book_n as_o touch_v deacon_n they_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o collect_v receive_v keep_v and_o distribute_v of_o ecclesiastical_a good_n for_o maintain_v of_o minister_n school_n church_n the_o sick_a stranger_n and_o poor_a the_o popish_a and_o prelatical_a deacon_n have_v no_o such_o office_n but_o a_o office_n which_o the_o apostle_n never_o appoint_v to_o they_o for_o they_o have_v no_o preach_v nor_o baptise_v deacon_n philip_n preach_v and_o baptize_v not_o as_o a_o deacon_n but_o as_o a_o evangelist_n act_v 21.8_o beside_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o preach_n and_o baptise_v he_o can_v not_o have_v exercise_v the_o office_n of_o his_o deaconship_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n which_o scatter_v rich_a and_o poor_a and_o all_o act_v 8.1_o that_o which_o steven_n do_v act_v 7._o be_v no_o more_o than_o every_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n 4._o other_o of_o the_o faithful_a beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n have_v be_v admit_v unto_o counsel_n and_o synod_n by_o many_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n as_o be_v well_o know_v and_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a foot-step_n of_o the_o government_n of_o rule_v elder_n 5._o nay_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v footstep_n of_o rule_v elder_n else_o what_o mean_v the_o join_n of_o layman_n with_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o high_a commission_n to_o judge_v of_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a sâ—ravia_n say_v 103._o the_o churchwarden_n which_o be_v in_o every_o parish_n of_o england_n have_v some_o resemblance_n of_o rule_v elder_n who_o change_n appoint_v by_o law_n he_o say_v be_v to_o collect_v keep_v and_o deburse_v the_o good_n and_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o fabric_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o thing_n pertain_v thereto_o sure_a and_o safe_a to_o keep_v account_n of_o baptism_n marriage_n and_o burial_n to_o admonish_v delinquent_n &_o other_o inordinate_a liver_n to_o delate_v to_o the_o bishop_n or_o his_o substitute_n such_o as_o be_v incorrigible_a &_o scandalous_a be_v swear_v thereto_o also_o to_o observe_v who_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o prayer_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n &_o upon_o the_o holy_a day_n &_o to_o exact_v from_o they_o the_o penalty_n appoint_v by_o law_n and_o final_o to_o see_v to_o quietness_n &_o decency_n in_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n doctor_n fields_n second_o reason_n be_v for_o that_o paul_n 1_o tim._n 3._o show_v who_o shall_v be_v bishop_n and_o minister_n who_o deacon_n yea_o who_o widow_n pass_v immediate_o from_o describe_v the_o quality_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n to_o the_o deacon_n omit_v these_o roll_a elder_n that_o be_v suppose_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o midst_n between_o they_o which_o he_o neither_o may_v nor_o will_v have_v omit_v if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a 1._o as_o we_o collect_v the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o last_o supper_n not_o from_o any_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n but_o from_o all_o of_o they_o compare_v together_o for_o that_o one_o touch_v what_o another_o omit_v so_o do_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n not_o from_o 2_o tim._n 3._o only_a but_o from_o the_o collation_n of_o that_o and_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o that_o kind_n rule_v elder_n be_v find_v in_o other_o place_n and_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o that_o same_o epistle_n though_o not_o in_o the_o three_o 2_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o absurdity_n to_o hold_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o three_o chapter_n comprehend_v all_o the_o ordinary_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n under_o these_o two_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n he_o comprehend_v both_o pastor_n doctor_n &_o rule_v elder_n for_o as_o all_o these_o three_o be_v overseer_n so_o to_o they_o all_o agree_v the_o quality_n of_o a_o bishop_n here_o mention_v whereof_o there_o be_v only_o one_o which_o seem_v not_o to_o agree_v to_o the_o roll_a elder_n viz._n that_o he_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v 9_o vers_fw-la 2._o yet_o beza_n maintain_v against_o saravia_n that_o the_o roll_a elder_n teach_v as_o well_o as_o the_o pastor_n only_o the_o pastor_n do_v it_o public_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n the_o roll_a elder_n do_v it_o private_o as_o he_o find_v every_o one_o to_o have_v need_n and_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o as_o a_o private_a christian_a be_v bind_v in_o charity_n to_o teach_v the_o ignorant_a so_o the_o roll_a elder_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o ex_fw-la offâ—cio_fw-la the_o three_o reason_n which_o doctor_n field_n bring_v against_o we_o be_v for_o that_o neither_o scripture_n nor_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n bound_v the_o government_n of_o such_o governor_n nor_o give_v any_o direction_n how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v in_o the_o same_o and_o where_o they_o must_v stay_v lest_o they_o meddle_v with_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o a_o most_o dangerous_a uncertainty_n in_o a_o office_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n our_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v 1._o we_o have_v show_v already_o the_o certain_a bound_n of_o the_o power_n and_o vocation_n of_o rule_v elder_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v several_o set_v down_o canon_n and_o direction_n first_o touch_v pastor_n than_o doctor_n last_o rule_v elder_n since_o they_o be_v all_o elder_n and_o all_o member_n of_o the_o eldership_n or_o presbytery_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o deliver_v canon_n and_o direction_n common_a to_o they_o all_o especial_o since_o the_o duty_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n only_o the_o pastor_n power_n be_v cumulative_a to_o they_o and_o over_o reach_v the_o same_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o so_o do_v paul_n difference_n they_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o his_o four_o reason_n be_v because_o we_o fetch_v the_o pattern_n of_o the_o government_n of_o rule_v elder_n from_o the_o sanedrim_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o platform_n whereof_o we_o suppose_v christ_n mean_v to_o bring_v into_o his_o church_n when_o he_o say_v tell_v the_o church_n whereas_o say_v he_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o the_o court_n be_v a_o civil_a court_n and_o have_v a_o power_n to_o banish_v to_o imprison_v yea_o and_o to_o take_v away_o life_n till_o by_o the_o roman_n the_o jew_n be_v restrain_v we_o answer_v that_o beza_n the_o presbytery_n i._o b._n a._n c._n de_fw-fr polit_fw-la civil_a &_o eccl._n lib._n 2._o 8._o also_o zepperus_n junius_n piscator_fw-la wolphius_n godwin_n bucerus_n gerard_n and_o sundry_a other_o have_v right_o observe_v that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a sanedrim_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a yet_o both_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o sanedrim_n we_o grant_v with_o beza_n that_o sometime_o civil_a cause_n be_v debate_v and_o determine_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a sanedrim_n but_o this_o be_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d non_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o say_v the_o fact_n which_o be_v mere_o civil_a be_v judge_v in_o the_o â—ivill_a sanedrim_n but_o when_o the_o civilâ—_n judge_n can_v not_o agree_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la even_o in_o civil_a cause_n in_o that_o case_n resolution_n be_v give_v by_o the_o other_o sanedrim_n as_o in_o like_a case_n by_o the_o jurisconsults_a among_o the_o roman_n for_o the_o conservation_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o leviticall_a tribe_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v 2_o chron._n 19.8.11_o jehosaphat_n set_v in_o jerusalem_n of_o the_o levit_n and_o of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n of_o israel_n some_o for_o the_o lord_n matter_n among_o who_o preside_v amariah_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o some_o for_o the_o king_n matter_n among_o who_o preside_v zâ—badiah_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n 119._o saravia_n say_v this_o place_n prove_v not_o that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a consistory_n one_o for_o civil_a another_o for_o ecclesiastical_a thing_n because_o say_v he_o by_o the_o king_n matter_n be_v mean_v matter_n of_o peace_n and_o war_n by_o the_o lord_n
canon_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o respect_n of_o heresy_n schism_n obstinacy_n contempt_n and_o scandal_n vindex_n not_o by_o any_o external_a coactive_a power_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o magistrate_n but_o by_o spiritual_a censure_n the_o dogmaticke_a power_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o a_o power_n to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n nor_o new_a duty_n and_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o a_o power_n to_o apply_v and_o interpret_v those_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o we_o in_o his_o write_a word_n and_o to_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o emergent_a heresy_n and_o error_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 3.15_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v expound_v either_o in_o sensu_fw-la forensi_fw-la the_o church_n be_v the_o public_a witness_n notifier_n and_o keeper_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o in_o court_n and_o place_n of_o judgement_n there_o be_v pillar_n to_o which_o the_o edict_n of_o magistrate_n be_v affix_v that_o people_n may_v have_v notice_n thereof_o or_o in_o sensu_fw-la architectonico_fw-la as_o the_o church_n by_o her_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o christ_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o upon_o the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o lean_v thereto_o so_o by_o her_o ministry_n she_o uphold_v under-propeth_a and_o conserve_v this_o same_o truth_n lest_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v truth_n fall_v in_o the_o street_n &_o perish_v among_o man_n truth_n stand_v fast_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v keep_v firm_a while_o it_o be_v profess_v preach_v propugned_a and_o maintain_v against_o all_o contrary_a error_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o unto_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 3.2_o by_o they_o to_o be_v keep_v interpret_v propagate_v etc._n etc._n by_o the_o diatakticke_a power_n a_o synod_n may_v institute_v restore_v or_o change_v according_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o exigence_n of_o the_o church_n the_o external_a circumstance_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n i_o mean_v those_o circumstance_n which_o be_v common_a both_o to_o civil_a and_o sacred_a society_n the_o conveniency_n whereof_o be_v determinable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n always_o observe_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n which_o command_v that_o all_o be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o all_o be_v do_v to_o edify_v that_o all_o be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o we_o give_v none_o offence_n that_o we_o support_v the_o weak_a that_o we_o give_v no_o place_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n nor_o symbolize_v with_o idolater_n etc._n etc._n now_o for_o avoid_v disorder_n and_o disconformity_n in_o a_o nation_n profess_v one_o religion_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o national_n synod_n give_v certain_a direction_n and_o rule_n even_o concern_v these_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n not_o have_v therein_o a_o arbitrary_a or_o autocratorke_a power_n but_o be_v always_o tie_v to_o follow_v the_o rule_v aforesaid_a the_o critic_n power_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o a_o lordly_a imperious_a dominier_n over_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rule_v with_o force_n and_o cruelty_n but_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a censure_n as_o excommunication_n deposition_n and_o the_o like_a most_o necessary_a for_o the_o repress_v of_o heresy_n error_n obstinacy_n in_o wickedness_n and_o scandal_n otherwise_o incorrigible_a without_o this_o power_n schism_n and_o offence_n can_v not_o be_v cure_v but_o shall_v the_o more_o increase_n whileas_o liberty_n be_v leave_v to_o heretic_n schismatickes_n and_o obstinate_a person_n without_o any_o censure_n to_o pester_v and_o disturb_v a_o whole_a nation_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o national_n synod_n but_o may_v one_o say_v if_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o synod_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o worship_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o sure_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o only_o to_o be_v receive_v when_o they_o do_v agree_v therewith_o and_o if_o also_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o synod_n in_o external_a circumstance_n do_v not_o bind_v except_o ex_fw-la aquo_fw-la &_o bono_fw-mi and_o propter_fw-la justas_fw-la mandandi_fw-la causas_fw-la or_o as_o divine_n speak_v in_o casu_fw-la scandali_fw-la &_o contemptus_fw-la and_o not_o for_o the_o mere_a will_n or_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n and_o if_o therefore_o all_o christian_n be_v by_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o christian_a discretion_n follow_v the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v all_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o any_o synod_n whatsoever_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o receive_v the_o same_o as_o our_o divine_n maintain_v and_o prove_v against_o papist_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o may_v seem_v contrary_a to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o protestant_a writer_n that_o synod_n shall_v exercise_v the_o foresay_a critic_n power_n or_o inflict_v any_o spiritual_a censure_n at_o least_o upon_o those_o who_o profess_v that_o after_o examination_n of_o the_o decree_n or_o constitution_n they_o can_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o same_o ans._n 1._o our_o divine_n by_o those_o their_o tenant_n mean_v not_o to_o open_v a_o door_n to_o disobedience_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o a_o synod_n but_o only_o to_o oppugn_v the_o popish_a error_n concern_v the_o bind_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n by_o the_o sole_a will_n and_o naked_a authority_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n &_o that_o christian_a people_n ought_v not_o to_o seek_v any_o further_a reason_n or_o motive_n of_o obedience_n 2._o a_o synod_n must_v ever_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o those_o who_o out_o of_o a_o real_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n do_v in_o a_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a way_n refuse_v obedience_n to_o their_o ordinance_n still_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o better_o information_n &_o those_o who_o contemptuous_o or_o factious_o disobey_v the_o same_o labour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o their_o error_n and_o to_o persuade_v other_o to_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n 3._o this_o objection_n do_v militate_v no_o less_o against_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n then_o in_o a_o national_n synod_n and_o they_o who_o do_v at_o all_o approve_v of_o church_n censure_v to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o contemptuous_a and_o obstinate_a shall_v put_v in_o our_o mouth_n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n of_o this_o kind_n chap._n v._o the_o first_o argument_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n and_o the_o subordination_n of_o presbytery_n thereto_o take_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v now_o describe_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a eldership_n which_o we_o call_v session_n of_o classical_a presbytery_n and_o of_o synod_n provincial_n and_o national_n it_o remain_v to_o confirm_v by_o argument_n the_o subordination_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o particular_a eldership_n to_o the_o classical_a or_o common_a presbytery_n of_o both_o to_o the_o provincial_n synod_n and_o of_o all_o these_o to_o the_o national_n assembly_n so_o that_o every_o one_o may_v perceive_v what_o reason_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v to_o give_v unto_o the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a court_n authority_n over_o the_o low_a i_o may_v insist_v long_o enough_o both_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o protestant_a writer_n and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o as_o also_o in_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a church_n all_o speak_n for_o this_o authority_n of_o synod_n but_o these_o i_o shall_v pass_v because_o i_o know_v argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n be_v require_v and_o such_o we_o have_v to_o give_v first_o of_o all_o i_o argue_v from_o the_o very_a light_n &_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o same_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v teach_v our_o commonwealth_n beside_o the_o magistrate_n and_o counsel_n of_o particular_a burgh_n to_o constitute_v high_a court_n for_o whole_a shire_n balivery_n stuartry_n regality_n and_o above_o all_o these_o the_o supreme_a court_n of_o parliament_n to_o govern_v the_o whole_a nation_n have_v also_o teach_v our_o church_n to_o constitute_v synod_n provincial_n and_o national_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n above_o presbytery_n we_o be_v far_o from_o their_o mind_n who_o will_v make_v policy_n the_o mistress_n and_o religion_n the_o handmaid_n and_o will_v have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n conform_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n as_o the_o fit_a pattern_n but_o this_o we_o say_v in_o all_o such_o
the_o conâ—esâ—ion_n of_o our_o opposite_n for_o roll_a elder_n the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o only_o maintain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d cartâ—right_n aâ—â—rsâ—_n bucerâ—â—_n and_o other_o who_o our_o opposite_n will_v call_v partial_a writer_n let_v he_o who_o please_v read_v the_o commentary_n of_o martyr_n 〈◊〉_d gualther_n hemmingius_n piscator_fw-la paraus_n upon_o rom._n 12.8_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o aretius_n on_o act._n 14.23_o zepper_n de_fw-fr polit._n eccles._n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o &_o 12._o bullinger_n on_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o arculâ—rius_n on_o act._n 14.23_o catal_a test_n verit_fw-la col_fw-fr 103._o osâ—and_n cent_n 1_o l._n 4._o c._n 11._o chemnâ—t_fw-la exam_fw-la part_n 2._o pâ—g_v 2â—8_n gerard._n loâ—_n theol._n tom_n 6_o pâ—g_n 363_o â—64_n muscul._n loc_n come_v de_fw-fr eccles._n c._n 5_o bucan_n loc_n come_v â—oc_fw-la 42._o suetanus_fw-la de_fw-la discipl_n eccles._n part_n 4_o c._n 3._o polanus_fw-la synt._n l._n 7._o c_o 11._o zanchius_n in_o 4_o praecep_v col_fw-fr 727._o junius_n animad_fw-la in_o bellâ—r_n cont_n 5._o l_o 1._o c_o 2_o danaeus_n de_fw-fr polit._n christ._n l._n 6_o p_o 452._o alsted_n theol._n case_z pag._n 518.520_o sopingâ—us_fw-la ad_fw-la bonam_fw-la fidem_fw-la sibrandi_fw-la pag._n 253._o etc._n etc._n the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n synt._n pur_fw-mi theol._n disp._n 42._o and_o sundry_a other_o who_o testimony_n i_o omit_v for_o brevity_n cause_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o note_v the_o place_n the_o author_n of_o the_o assertion_n for_o true_a and_o christian_a church_n policy_n pag._n 196.197_o cit_v for_o rule_v elder_n the_o testimony_n the_o commissioner_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o authorize_v to_o compile_v a_o book_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o law_n ecclesiastical_a among_o who_o be_v the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n they_o say_v let_v the_o minister_n go_v apart_o with_o some_o of_o the_o elder_n take_v counsel_n etc._n etc._n voetâ—us_o cit_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n marlorat_n hyperius_fw-la fulke_n whittaker_n fenner_n bunnius_fw-la willet_n sadeel_v lubbertus_n trelcatius_n both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o yea_o socinus_n and_o the_o remonstrant_n beside_o we_o have_v for_o we_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o well_o reform_a church_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o french_a the_o belgic_a and_o the_o helveticke_a church_n to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n but_o what_o will_v you_o say_v if_o the_o adversary_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v force_v to_o say_v somewhat_o for_o they_o 1._o whitgift_n confess_v not_o only_o that_o our_o division_n of_o elder_n into_o preach_v elder_n and_o roll_a elder_n have_v learned_a patron_n but_o also_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v govern_v senior_n 114._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v i_o know_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v in_o every_o church_n senior_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v commit_v saravia_n dare_v they_o his_o word_n likewise_o 104._o quod_fw-la à _fw-la i_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o dispute_v by_o i_o in_o that_o meaning_n that_o the_o belgic_a church_n or_o any_o other_o which_o do_v with_o edification_n use_v the_o service_n of_o these_o elder_n shall_v rash_o change_v any_o thing_n before_o that_o which_o be_v better_o be_v substitute_n again_o speak_v of_o the_o government_n of_o rule_v elder_n 118._o he_o say_v quod_fw-la ut_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o as_o i_o judge_v profitable_a and_o good_a to_o be_v constitute_v in_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n so_o i_o affirm_v no_o church_n no_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v bind_v thereto_o by_o divine_a law_n except_o perhaps_o necessity_n compel_v or_o great_a utility_n allure_v and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o loe_o here_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n struggle_v with_o one_o contrary_a mind_v he_o judge_v the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n profitable_a and_o good_a yet_o not_o of_o divine_a right_n yet_o hâ—e_v â—cknowledgeth_v that_o necessity_n utility_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n make_v we_o tie_v to_o it_o even_o by_o divine_a right_n but_o if_o it_o be_v profitable_a and_o good_a why_o do_v he_o call_v in_o question_n the_o necessity_n at_o least_o the_o utility_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o it_o can_v one_o call_v in_o question_n the_o utility_n of_o that_o which_o be_v profitable_a he_o will_v have_v say_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o stick_v in_o his_o tooth_n and_o can_v not_o come_v forth_o saelâ—vius_n de_fw-fr council_n lib._n ay_o cap._n 8._o say_v that_o among_o the_o jew_n seniores_fw-la tribuum_fw-la the_o elder_n of_o the_o tribe_n do_v sit_v with_o the_o priest_n in_o judge_a controversy_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n hence_o he_o argue_v against_o bellarmine_n that_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n also_o because_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o lessâ—_n thâ—n_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n câ—mero_n tell_v we_o 118._o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n 1_o coâ—_n 6._o reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o that_o when_o one_o of_o 〈◊〉_d have_v â—_o matter_n against_o another_o they_o 〈…〉_z the_o saint_n to_o be_v â—udges_n 〈…〉_z noâ—_n by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈…〉_z multitude_n sedeos_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la constituti_fw-la craft_n 68_o ut_fw-la vacarent_fw-la gubernationi_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la that_o be_v â—hose_v who_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n to_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n my_o lord_n craigtanne_v find_v the_o strength_n of_o that_o argument_n that_o if_o beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n other_o grave_n and_o wise_a christian_n may_v be_v present_a in_o the_o great_a assembly_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n why_o not_o in_o presbytery_n also_o answer_v that_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o that_o the_o wise_a sorâ—_n among_o the_o people_n be_v join_v as_o helper_n and_o assistant_n to_o the_o pastor_n provide_v that_o this_o their_o auxiliary_a function_n be_v not_o obtrude_v as_o necessary_a this_o be_v somewhat_o for_o we_o but_o we_o say_v further_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o oecumenicke_n counsel_n for_o no_o less_o do_v the_o argument_n of_o our_o divine_n in_o that_o question_n with_o the_o papist_n conclude_v then_o be_v it_o necessary_a in_o presbytery_n also_o chap._n xi_o doctor_n field_n five_o argument_n against_o roll_a 〈…〉_z his_o fiâ—st_a reason_n that_o show_v 〈◊〉_d to_o think_v there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d any_o 〈…〉_z church_n be_v because_o bishop_n presbyter_n that_o preach_v and_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n and_o deacon_n howsoever_o they_o much_o degenerate_v in_o late_a time_n yet_o all_o still_o remain_v in_o all_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n both_o greek_a and_o latin_a in_o their_o name_n and_o office_n also_o in_o some_o sort_n but_o of_o these_o roll_a elder_n there_o be_v no_o footstep_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v not_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n whereas_o there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o remain_v of_o these_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o have_v they_o ever_o have_v any_o institution_n from_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o the_o other_o have_v to_o this_o we_o answer_v 1._o if_o the_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n have_v want_v rule_v elder_n long_o than_o they_o do_v yet_o prescription_n can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n 2._o after_o that_o the_o golden_a age_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v spend_v and_o go_v exact_a diligence_n be_v not_o take_v to_o have_v the_o church_n provide_v with_o well_o qualify_a minister_n but_o many_o unfit_a man_n yea_o sundry_a heretic_n enter_v into_o that_o sacred_a vocation_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o corruption_n and_o error_n overflow_v the_o church_n 103._o as_o both_o eusebius_n prove_v from_o aegesippus_n and_o catalogus_fw-la testium_fw-la veritatis_fw-la from_o irenaus_n may_v not_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o change_v the_o office-bearer_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o in_o the_o roman_a yea_o in_o prelatical_a church_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o footstep_n at_o all_o of_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o they_o be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o apostle_n ordain_v presbyter_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o key_n but_o the_o popish_a and_o prelatical_a presbyter_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n for_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o their_o prelate_n as_o for_o the_o other_o two_o they_o be_v common_a to_o their_o deacon_n for_o they_o also_o do_v preach_v and_o baptise_v the_o office_n of_o the_o popish_a priest_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n to_o consecrate_v and_o offer_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o absolve_v
the_o lord_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n upon_o the_o breastplate_n this_o prove_v not_o a_o church_n representative_a but_o sign_n representative_a 5._o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o as_o then_o necessary_o absent_a from_o the_o consistorial_n action_n of_o debate_v and_o decide_v matter_n of_o church_n government_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n and_o so_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o representative_a church_n do_v still_o remain_v now_o before_o i_o make_v a_o end_n i_o must_v answer_v yet_o other_o two_o objection_n which_o have_v be_v late_o make_v 57.58_o there_o be_v one_o who_o object_v that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15._o can_v be_v no_o precedent_n nor_o pattern_n for_o succeed_a age_n first_o because_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o whole_o guide_v they_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n so_o as_o in_o that_o their_o determination_n they_o say_v express_o 15.28_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n now_o what_o synod_n in_o any_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n can_v ever_o say_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o inspire_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o that_o injunction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o that_o present_a time_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o the_o like_a we_o read_v not_o afterward_o in_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n ans._n 1._o i_o say_v with_o whittaker_n posse_fw-la alia_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o other_o lawful_a counsel_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n affirm_v their_o decree_n to_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 6._o if_o they_o be_v like_a unto_o this_o council_n and_o if_o they_o keep_v the_o same_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v keep_v and_o follow_v in_o this_o council_n for_o if_o they_o decree_v and_o determine_v nothing_o but_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v do_v in_o this_o council_n and_o if_o they_o examine_v all_o question_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o all_o their_o decree_n follow_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n then_o may_v they_o affirm_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v so_o decree_v 2._o if_o the_o doctrine_n or_o exhortation_n of_o a_o pastor_n well_o ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o much_o more_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o a_o synod_n well_o ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n the_o decree_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n neither_o do_v the_o decree_n proceed_v from_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n act_n 16.4_o and_o 21.25_o and_o in_o the_o place_n which_o be_v now_o object_v act_v 15.28_o not_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o the_o elder_n with_o they_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o what_o the_o elder_n do_v then_o the_o elder_n may_v do_v now_o for_o time_n have_v not_o diminish_v their_o authority_n 4._o nay_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o that_o synod_n the_o elder_n may_v do_v in_o a_o synod_n now_o for_o the_o apostle_n than_o do_v nothing_o but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a way_n of_o dispute_v and_o debate_v compare_v reason_n with_o reason_n and_o sentence_n with_o sentence_n and_o thereafter_o frame_v the_o decree_n according_a to_o the_o light_n which_o they_o have_v by_o reason_v and_o by_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o which_o be_v most_o observable_a the_o sentence_n of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o that_o synod_n be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o defective_a for_o he_o only_o dissuade_v from_o impose_v the_o yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o overture_n for_o avoid_v the_o offence_n betwixt_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o convert_a gentile_n at_o that_o time_n which_o i_o may_v suppose_v he_o will_v have_v do_v if_o his_o light_n and_o judgement_n have_v carry_v he_o that_o far_o in_o this_o the_o apostle_n james_n supply_v the_o defect_n of_o peter_n sentence_n supra_fw-la and_o propound_v a_o overture_n which_o please_v the_o whole_a council_n and_o according_a to_o which_o the_o decree_n be_v give_v forth_o this_o make_v luther_n to_o say_v that_o james_n do_v change_v the_o sentence_n of_o peter_n and_o all_o this_o it_o please_v god_n so_o to_o dispose_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o synod_n to_o be_v indeed_o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n for_o ordinary_a synod_n in_o succeed_v age_n 5._o henry_n jacob_n in_o his_o three_o argument_n for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o the_o church_n say_v it_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a that_o the_o text_n matth._n 18._o be_v never_o understand_v for_o 1500_o year_n after_o christ._n sure_a this_o text_n act._n 15._o be_v never_o understand_v for_o that_o whole_a space_n if_o the_o assembly_n there_o mention_v be_v not_o a_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n 6._o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o we_o that_o he_o say_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o elder_n be_v for_o that_o present_a time_n only_o nay_o it_o make_v for_o we_o for_o in_o this_o also_o that_o synod_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o succeed_a age_n forasmuch_o as_o synod_n now_o have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v a_o perpetual_a restraint_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v then_o the_o eat_n of_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v but_o only_a during_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o moreover_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o that_o synod_n be_v also_o perpetual_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v against_o the_o press_n of_o circumcision_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n 25.26_o one_o objection_n more_o i_o find_v in_o another_o late_a piece_n which_o strike_v not_o at_o the_o authority_n alone_o but_o at_o the_o very_a reputation_n of_o synod_n this_o author_n allege_v that_o the_o ordinary_a government_n by_o synod_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a confusion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o parity_n and_o equality_n the_o voice_n be_v number_v not_o weigh_v equidem_fw-la say_v a_o wise_a father_n at_o veer_fw-la etc._n etc._n to_o say_v the_o truth_n i_o be_o utter_o determine_v never_o to_o come_v to_o any_o council_n of_o bishop_n for_o i_o never_o yet_o see_v good_a end_n of_o any_o council_n for_o counsel_n abate_v not_o ill_a thing_n but_o rather_o increase_v they_o answ._n 1._o if_o the_o parity_n and_o equality_n make_v a_o great_a confusion_n in_o the_o ordinary_a government_n by_o synod_n it_o shall_v make_v no_o less_o but_o rather_o great_a confusion_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a synod_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o his_o restriction_n to_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a 2._o if_o the_o number_n of_o voice_n and_o the_o parity_n of_o those_o that_o do_v voice_n make_v a_o confusion_n in_o synod_n why_o not_o in_o parliament_n also_o and_o in_o other_o civil_a court_n 3._o that_o testimony_n do_v only_o strike_v at_o the_o counsel_n of_o bishop_n and_o so_o make_v not_o against_o parity_n but_o against_o imparity_n in_o counsel_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n we_o have_v find_v in_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o prelatical_a synod_n have_v not_o abate_v but_o rather_o increase_v evil_n in_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o word_n of_o nazianzen_n for_o he_o be_v the_o father_n here_o mean_v of_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v against_o synod_n but_o against_o the_o abuse_n of_o synod_n at_o that_o time_n 1._o and_o in_o this_o we_o must_v pardon_v he_o say_v whittaker_n that_o he_o shun_v all_o synod_n in_o those_o evil_a time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o emperor_n valens_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o catholic_a faith_n and_o when_o the_o faction_n of_o heretic_n do_v most_o prevail_v in_o that_o case_n indeed_o synod_n shall_v have_v produce_v great_a evil_n but_o we_o trust_v it_o shall_v be_v now_o see_v that_o well_o constitute_v and_o free_a synod_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n shall_v not_o increase_v but_o abate_v evil_a thing_n finis_fw-la a_o postscript_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o treatise_n very_o late_o publish_v which_o be_v entitle_v the_o presbyterial_a government_n examine_v when_o the_o printer_n have_v do_v all_o except_o two_o sheet_n of_o my_o former_a treatise_n there_o come_v to_o my_o hand_n a_o piece_n against_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o promise_v much_o but_o perform_v little_a though_o my_o time_n be_v very_o short_a yet_o i_o trust_v to_o make_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o as_o full_a as_o it_o deserve_v it_o have_v a_o magisteriall_a and_o high_a sound_a title_n undertake_v the_o examination_n of_o presbyterial_a
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