in_o synod_n be_v threefold_a dogmatic_a diataktick_a and_o critic_n whether_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o synod_n may_v be_v press_v upon_o such_o as_o profess_v scruple_n of_o conscience_n there_o anent_o chap._n v._o the_o first_o argument_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n and_o the_o subordination_n of_o presbytery_n â—â—erto_o take_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o republic_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v common_a to_o she_o with_o other_o society_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o guide_v they_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v her_o assembly_n chap._n vi_o the_o second_o argument_n take_v from_o christ_n institution_n the_o will_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n be_v show_v two_o way_n 1._o because_o else_o he_o have_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o church_n 2._o he_o have_v commit_v spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o court_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a yet_o have_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n all_o the_o particular_a kind_n degree_n and_o bound_n thereof_o and_o that_o for_o three_o reason_n the_o particular_a kind_n of_o synod_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o general_a warrant_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n be_v mix_v though_o not_o mere_a divine_a ordinance_n chap._n vii_o the_o three_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n that_o there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n aâ—_n lest_o two_o ecclesiastical_a court_n the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o sanedrim_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o synagogical_a consistory_n be_v not_o civil_a but_o spiritual_a prove_v against_o sutliffe_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a sanedrim_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a sanedrim_n prove_v against_o the_o same_o sutliffe_n both_o from_o the_o institution_n thereof_o deuâ—_n 17._o and_o from_o the_o restitution_n 2_o chron._n 19_o and_o from_o the_o practice_n jer._n 26._o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o argument_n prove_v against_o such_o as_o deny_v it_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v the_o jewish_a church_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o have_v not_o as_o it_o be_v jewish_n but_o under_o the_o common_a respect_n and_o account_v of_o a_o political_a church_n chap._n viii_o the_o four_o argument_n take_v from_o act_n 15._o that_o we_o find_v act_n 15._o a_o synod_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o authority_n impose_v their_o decree_n upon_o many_o particular_a congregation_n four_o answer_n make_v to_o this_o argument_n find_v not_o to_o be_v satisfactory_a chap._n ix_o the_o six_o argument_n token_n from_o the_o geometrical_a proportion_n this_o argument_n from_o proportion_n do_v hold_v whether_o we_o compare_v the_o collective_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o or_o the_o representative_n among_o themselves_o or_o the_o representative_n and_o collective_n together_o chap._n x._o the_o six_o argument_n take_v from_o necessity_n that_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o preserve_v unity_n or_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o controversy_n other_o remedy_n declare_v to_o be_v ineffectual_a chap._n xi_o objection_n make_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n answer_v the_o place_n math._n 18.17_o discuss_v that_o one_o visible_a political_a church_n may_v comprehend_v many_o congregation_n prove_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v not_o rob_v the_o congregation_n of_o their_o liberty_n as_o the_o prelacy_n do_v a_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o metaphysical_o or_o political_o this_o distinction_n explain_v serve_v to_o obviate_v sundry_a argument_n alledgeâ—_n for_o the_o independent_a power_n of_o congregation_n other_o two_o objection_n answer_v which_o have_v be_v late_o make_v the_o first_o part_n concern_v rul_a elder_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o word_n elder_a lay_v elder_a rule_v elder_a the_o word_n elder_a answer_v to_o zaken_v in_o the_o hebrew_n &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a it_o have_v four_o different_a signification_n 1._o it_o note_v age._n 2_o antiquity_n 3._o venerability_n 4._o a_o office_n in_o the_o first_o signification_n elder_a be_v oppose_v to_o young_a as_o 1_o tim._n 5.1_o rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_a but_o entreat_v he_o as_o a_o father_n &_o the_o young_a man_n as_o brethren_n 1_o pet._n 5.5_o likewise_o you_o young_a submit_v yourselves_o unto_o the_o elder_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o apostle_n john_n call_v the_o elder_a because_o he_o outlive_v the_o other_o apostle_n 2_o john_n 1._o and_o 3._o vers_fw-la 1._o in_o the_o second_o signification_n elder_a be_v oppose_v to_o modern_a mat._n 15.2_o why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n that_o be_v of_o they_o of_o old_a time_n mat._n 5.21_o in_o the_o three_o signification_n we_o find_v the_o word_n isa._n 3._o where_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o from_o israel_n the_o prudent_a and_o the_o ancient_a vezaken_v that_o be_v the_o worthy_n among_o they_o and_o such_o as_o be_v respect_v for_o wisdom_n the_o same_o word_n and_o peradverture_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v turn_v elder_a exod._n 2.16_o eth-zikne_a israel_n the_o elder_n of_o israel_n so_o the_o spanish_a seijor_n the_o french_a seigneur_n the_o italian_a signore_v all_o come_n from_o the_o latin_a senior_n signify_v a_o man_n of_o respect_n or_o one_o venerable_a for_o dignity_n gift_n prudence_n or_o piety_n contrariwise_o man_n of_o no_o worth_n nor_o wisdom_n man_n despicable_a for_o lack_v of_o gift_n and_o understanding_n be_v call_v child_n isa._n 3.4.12_o ephes._n 4.14_o but_o it_o be_v the_o four_o signification_n which_o we_o have_v now_o to_o do_v withal_o and_o so_o a_o elder_n be_v a_o spiritual_a officer_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o call_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n act_v 14.23_o when_o they_o have_v by_o voice_n make_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o elder_n because_o of_o the_o maturity_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n gift_n and_o gravity_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n also_o the_o name_n of_o senator_n be_v borrow_v from_o senes_fw-la before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v particular_o of_o those_o elder_n of_o which_o our_o purpose_n be_v to_o treat_v it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o right_a name_n lest_o we_o nickname_v and_o miscall_a they_o some_o reproachful_o and_o other_o ignorant_o call_v they_o lay_v elder_n but_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o clergy_n &_o laity_n be_v popish_a and_o antichristian_a and_o they_o who_o have_v narrow_o consider_v the_o record_n of_o ancient_a time_n have_v note_v this_o distinction_n as_o one_o of_o the_o ground_n whence_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n have_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o 8._o the_o name_n of_o clergy_n appropriate_a to_o minister_n be_v full_a of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n and_o have_v make_v the_o holy_a people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v despise_v as_o if_o they_o be_v profane_a and_o unclean_a in_o comparison_n of_o their_o minister_n 37._o gerard_n liken_v those_o who_o take_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o pharisee_n who_o call_v themselves_o by_o that_o name_n for_o that_o their_o holiness_n do_v separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o this_o etymology_n of_o the_o name_n pharisee_fw-mi he_o cit_v tertullian_n origen_n epiphanius_n ambrose_n and_o confirm_v it_o from_o luke_n 18.10_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o some_o counsel_n discharge_v the_o laity_n from_o presume_v to_o enter_v within_o the_o choir_n 69._o or_o to_o stand_v among_o the_o clergy_n near_o the_o altar_n two_o reason_n be_v allege_v why_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d first_o because_o the_o lord_n be_v their_o inheritance_n second_o because_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n inheritance_n now_o both_o these_o reason_n do_v agree_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o faithful_a who_o may_v not_o say_v with_o david_n psal._n 16.5_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o my_o inheritance_n and_o of_o who_o also_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n inheritance_n or_o lot_n for_o peter_n give_v this_o name_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n 2.12_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o where_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o may_v challenge_v bishop_n hall_n who_o borrow_v a_o gloss_n from_o bellarmine_n and_o gregorius_n de_fw-fr valentia_n tell_v we_o that_o peter_n charge_v his_o fellow_n bishop_n not_o to_o domineer_v over_o their_o clergy_n so_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o text_n both_o the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n because_o the_o bishop_n only_o be_v mean_v by_o elder_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o people_n because_o the_o inferior_a pastor_n be_v the_o bishop_n
performance_n but_o leave_v the_o particular_a day_n of_o fast_v and_o thanksgiving_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o scripture_n commend_v the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o a_o nation_n that_o have_v break_v it_o but_o leave_v the_o day_n and_o place_n for_o such_o a_o action_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v aforesaid_a now_o if_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o general_a warrant_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n command_v to_o fast_v such_o a_o day_n to_o give_v thanks_n such_o a_o day_n to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n such_o a_o day_n these_o thing_n be_v divine_a ordinance_n mix_o though_o not_o mere_o and_o he_o who_o disobey_v disobey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o catechise_v and_o of_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v not_o thing_n occasional_a as_o the_o former_a but_o ordinary_a in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v commend_v by_o the_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o season_n not_o determine_v the_o like_a we_o say_v of_o the_o order_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o baptism_n and_o in_o excommunication_n which_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o word_n though_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v the_o remove_n of_o scandal_n by_o put_v wicked_a person_n to_o public_a shame_n and_o open_a confession_n of_o their_o fault_n in_o the_o church_n have_v certain_a warrant_n from_o scripture_n yet_o the_o degree_n of_o that_o public_a shame_n and_o punishment_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o scandal_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n now_o the_o church_n appoint_v some_o scandalous_a person_n to_o be_v put_v to_o a_o great_a shame_n some_o to_o a_o lesser_a some_o to_o â—ee_n oâ—e_a sabbath_n in_o the_o place_n of_o public_a repentance_n some_o three_o some_o nine_o some_o twenty_o five_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o the_o offender_n refuse_v that_o degree_n of_o public_a shame_n which_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o rule_v foresay_v appoint_v for_o he_o he_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o refuse_v the_o remove_n and_o take_v away_o of_o the_o scandal_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n enjoin_v he_o and_o so_o to_o disobey_v not_o the_o church_n only_o but_o god_n also_o just_o so_o the_o scripture_n have_v commend_v unto_o we_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n the_o make_n of_o law_n the_o exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n by_o consistory_n and_o assembly_n ecclesiastical_a have_v also_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o their_o power_n their_o rule_n of_o proceed_v and_o judge_v who_o shall_v sit_v and_o voice_n in_o the_o same_o etc._n etc._n but_o leave_v the_o particular_a kind_n degree_n time_n bound_n and_o place_n of_o the_o same_o to_o be_v resolve_v upon_o by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o church_n for_o her_o part_n follow_v the_o general_a warrant_n and_o rule_n aforesaid_a together_o with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v determine_v and_o appoint_v assembly_n provincial_n and_o national_n and_o to_o exercise_v respective_o that_o power_n which_o the_o word_n give_v to_o assembly_n in_o general_n the_o case_n thus_o stand_v we_o may_v bold_o maintain_v that_o those_o particular_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n mix_o though_o not_o mere_o but_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n may_v some_o man_n say_v why_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o itself_o determine_v these_o kind_n of_o assembly_n particular_o i_o answer_v three_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o it_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n together_o with_o nature_n light_n which_o direct_v commonwealth_n in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v the_o church_n therein_o 2._o as_o seson_n and_o time_n for_o the_o meeting_n of_o assembly_n so_o the_o just_a bound_n thereof_o in_o so_o many_o different_a place_n of_o the_o world_n be_v thing_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o be_v not_o determinable_a in_o scripture_n unless_o the_o world_n have_v be_v fill_v with_o volume_n thereof_o for_o individua_fw-la sunt_fw-la infinita_fw-la 3._o because_o this_o constitution_n of_o synod_n provincial_n and_o national_n be_v not_o universal_a for_o all_o time_n and_o place_n for_o example_n there_o may_v be_v in_o a_o remote_a island_n 10._o or_o 12._o christian_n congregation_n which_o beside_o their_o particular_a eldership_n have_v a_o common_a presbytery_n but_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o synod_n either_o provincial_n or_o national_n again_o let_v there_o be_v a_o island_n contain_v forty_o or_o fifty_o christian_a congregation_n there_o shall_v be_v therein_o beside_o presbytery_n one_o kind_n of_o a_o synod_n but_o not_o two_o kind_n beside_o the_o reform_a congregation_n within_o a_o great_a nation_n may_v happy_o be_v either_o so_o few_o or_o so_o disperse_v and_o distant_a or_o so_o persecute_v that_o they_o can_v neither_o have_v provincial_n nor_o national_n assembly_n chap._n vii_o the_o three_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o take_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o as_o in_o their_o commonwealth_n there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o civil_a court_n every_o city_n have_v its_o proper_a court_n which_o do_v consist_v of_o seven_o magistrate_n if_o we_o believe_v josephus_n the_o thalmudicall_a tradition_n make_v two_o court_n to_o have_v be_v in_o each_o city_n the_o lesser_a of_o the_o triumvirate_n and_o the_o great_a of_o twenty_o three_o judge_n beside_o these_o they_o have_v their_o supreme_a consistory_n the_o civil_a sanedrim_n which_o govern_v the_o whole_a nation_n and_o have_v authority_n over_o the_o inferior_a court_n so_o be_v there_o also_o a_o subordination_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n among_o they_o they_o have_v a_o consistory_n in_o every_o synagogue_n for_o their_o synagogue_n be_v appoint_v not_o only_o for_o prayer_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o read_n and_o expound_v of_o the_o scripture_n but_o also_o for_o public_a correction_n of_o offence_n act_n 26.11_o they_o have_v beside_o a_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a court_n whereunto_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o all_o the_o synagogicall_a consistory_n be_v subject_a this_o court_n have_v decay_v be_v restore_v by_o ichoshaphat_n 2_o chron._n 19.8_o and_o it_o have_v the_o name_n of_o sanedrim_n common_a to_o it_o with_o the_o supreme_a civil_a court._n from_o this_o court_n do_v the_o reformation_n of_o that_o national_n church_n proceed_v nehem._n 6.13_o on_o the_o second_o day_n be_v gather_v together_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n of_o all_o the_o people_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o levit_n unto_o ezra_n the_o scribe_n even_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n and_o they_o find_v write_v in_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n whether_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o ecclesiastical_a court_n in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o sanedrim_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o presbytery_n luke_n 22.66_o act_n 22.5_o and_o make_v up_o possible_o out_o of_o the_o particular_a synagogue_n within_o the_o city_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o learned_a man_n to_o judge_v howsoever_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o twofold_a ecclesiastical_a court_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o sanedrim_n the_o latter_a have_v authority_n above_o the_o former_a sutlivius_n deny_v both_o these_o and_o so_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a court_n at_o all_o 25._o as_o for_o the_o synagogue_n he_o say_v they_o treat_v of_o thing_n civil_a and_o inflict_v civil_a punishment_n and_o a_o civil_a excommunication_n that_o they_o inflict_v civil_a punishment_n he_o prove_v from_o mat._n 10._o and_o 23._o and_o luke_n 21._o where_o christ_n foretell_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v beat_v in_o the_o synagogue_n that_o their_o excommunication_n be_v civil_a he_o prove_v by_o this_o reason_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n have_v notwithstanding_o a_o free_a entry_n into_o the_o temple_n and_o access_n to_o the_o sacrifice_n answ._n this_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o 1._o the_o civil_a court_n be_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n not_o in_o the_o synagogue_n 2._o he_o who_o preside_v in_o the_o synagogue_n be_v call_v the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v 18.8.17_o the_o rest_n who_o sit_v and_o voice_v therein_o be_v call_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v 13.15_o they_o who_o sit_v in_o the_o civil_a court_n have_v no_o
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
flock_n according_a to_o this_o gloss_n for_o peter_n oppose_v the_o lording_n over_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n sure_o if_o this_o popish_a gloss_n be_v true_a protestant_n in_o their_o commentary_n and_o sermon_n have_v go_v wide_a from_o that_o text._n but_o mathias_n the_o apostle_n be_v choose_v by_o lot_n 26_o what_o then_o by_o what_o reason_n do_v the_o canon_n law_n draw_v from_o hence_o a_o name_n common_a to_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n cleros_fw-la let_v 〈◊〉_d then_o banish_v from_o we_o such_o popish_a name_n and_o send_v they_o home_o to_o rome_n 1._o bellarmin_n think_v we_o have_v do_v so_o long_o ere_o now_o for_o he_o make_v this_o one_o of_o his_o controvert_v head_n whether_o we_o may_v right_o call_v some_o christian_n the_o clergy_n and_o other_o the_o laity_n or_o not_o ascribe_v the_o negative_a to_o protestant_n the_o affirmative_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o beside_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o laity_n clerie_n papist_n hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o three_o sort_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o both_o who_o they_o call_v regulares_fw-la these_o be_v such_o of_o their_o religious_a order_n as_o be_v not_o take_v up_o with_o contemplation_n alone_o like_o the_o monk_n but_o with_o action_n 1._o such_o as_o the_o dominican_n franciscan_n etc._n etc._n who_o help_n and_o assist_v the_o clergy_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a employment_n though_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o any_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o church_n now_o he_o who_o will_v needs_o side_n with_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o distinction_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n may_v also_o with_o they_o admit_v a_o three_o member_n of_o the_o distinction_n and_o make_v roll_a elder_n of_o that_o sort_n especial_o since_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o regular_a chanoin_n be_v assume_v as_o helper_n to_o parish_n priest_n 4._o be_v propter_fw-la multitudinem_fw-la fidelis_fw-la populi_fw-la &_o difficultatem_fw-la invenâ—endi_fw-la curatos_fw-la sufficientes_fw-la &_o idoneos_fw-la say_v cardinal_n cajetan_n add_v further_o male_a consultum_fw-la populo_fw-la christiano_n invenitur_fw-la sine_fw-la hujusmodi_fw-la supplemento_fw-la which_o reason_n agree_v well_o to_o rule_v elder_n for_o 1._o parish_n contain_v so_o many_o that_o the_o minister_n can_v oversee_v all_o and_o every_o one_o without_o help_n 2._o sufficient_a and_o fit_a minister_n shall_v hardly_o be_v every_o where_o find_v 3._o it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o sin_n and_o scandal_n be_v never_o well_o take_v need_n to_o and_o redress_v where_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o to_o let_v all_o this_o pass_n if_o any_o man_n will_v needs_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o lay_v elder_n 28._o yet_o say_v gersomus_n bucerus_n what_o aspersion_n be_v that_o to_o our_o church_n be_v it_o any_o other_o thing_n then_o that_o which_o papist_n object_v to_o we_o for_o admit_v lay_v man_n into_o counsel_n they_o who_o have_v place_n in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o supreme_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o weighty_a matter_n be_v determine_v ought_v much_o more_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o inferior_a meeting_n such_o as_o presbytery_n be_v but_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v with_o scripture_n we_o shall_v call_v they_o rule_v elder_n rom._n 12.8_o he_o that_o rule_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o they_o be_v call_v rule_v elder_n non_fw-la quia_fw-la soli_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la solum_fw-la praesunt_fw-la pastor_n rule_n the_o church_n even_o as_o they_o do_v but_o pastor_n do_v something_o more_o from_o which_o they_o may_v be_v design_v whereas_o the_o elder_n of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v have_v no_o other_o employment_n which_o can_v give_v they_o a_o designation_n except_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n only_o that_o wicked_a railer_n lisimâ—chus_n nicanor_n who_o assume_v the_o name_n but_o forget_v to_o put_v on_o the_o vizorne_n of_o a_o jesuit_n in_o his_o congratulatory_a i_o shall_v say_v calumniatory_a epistle_n pag._n 61._o allege_v that_o they_o be_v call_v rule_v elder_n because_o the_o minister_n be_v their_o rule_a elder_n if_o he_o be_v a_o jesuit_n he_o may_v remember_v that_o in_o their_o own_o society_n beside_o their_o priest_n doctor_n preacher_n confessionary_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v also_o rectores_fw-la 68_o or_o regentes_fw-la who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o see_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o order_n keep_v to_o observe_v the_o behaviour_n of_o every_o one_o &_o when_o they_o perceive_v any_o seed_n of_o heresy_n to_o signify_v the_o same_o to_o the_o provincial_n and_o he_o to_o the_o general_n yet_o be_v these_o rectores_fw-la among_o the_o low_a rank_n of_o their_o officer_n so_o that_o jesuit_n need_v not_o stumble_v when_o we_o call_v our_o eldersrul_a elder_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o function_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o officer_n they_o be_v 4._o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o popish_a order_n yet_o peter_n lombard_n tread_v the_o vestige_n of_o the_o primitive_a simplicity_n do_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v only_o two_o sacred_a order_n to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n the_o order_n of_o deacon_n &_o the_o order_n of_o elder_n the_o administration_n of_o deacon_n be_v exercise_v about_o thing_n bodily_a the_o administration_n of_o elder_n about_o thing_n spiritual_a the_o former_a about_o the_o good_n the_o latter_a about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n now_o elder_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o preach_v elder_n or_o pastor_n 2._o teach_v elder_n or_o doctor_n 3._o rule_v elder_n all_o these_o be_v elder_n because_o they_o have_v voice_n in_o presbytery_n and_o all_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v incumbent_a to_o they_o all_o nor_o only_a to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_a but_o to_o the_o doctor_n also_o the_o bishop_n of_o dune_n in_o his_o examen_fw-la conjurationis_fw-la scoticae_fw-la p._n 35._o allege_v that_o our_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v never_o yet_o determine_v whether_o doctor_n and_o deacon_n have_v right_a of_o voice_n in_o the_o consistory_n &_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v he_o read_v our_o book_n of_o policy_n he_o may_v have_v find_v that_o it_o exclude_v deacon_n from_o be_v member_n of_o presbytery_n and_o assembly_n cap._n 8._o but_o admit_v doctor_n into_o the_o same_o cap._n 5._o the_o doctor_n be_v a_o elder_a as_o say_v be_v shall_v assist_v the_o pastor_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o concur_v with_o the_o elder_n his_o brethren_n in_o all_o assembly_n by_o reason_n the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v only_a judge_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n but_o they_o differ_v in_o that_o the_o pastor_n labour_v in_o the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n that_o be_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n apply_v the_o word_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o that_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n as_o he_o know_v their_o particular_a case_n to_o require_v the_o doctor_n labour_v in_o the_o word_n of_o doctrine_n that_o be_v without_o such_o application_n as_o the_o pastor_n use_v by_o simple_a teach_n he_o preserve_v the_o truth_n and_o sound_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o all_o heresy_n and_o error_n the_o roll_a elder_n do_v neither_o of_o these_o but_o labour_v in_o the_o government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n only_o the_o apostle_n have_v distinguish_v these_o three_o sort_n of_o elder_n 1._o tim._n 5.17_o let_v elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n where_o as_o beza_n note_v he_o distinguish_v the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o pastor_n part_n from_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o doctor_n part_n even_o as_o rom._n 12.7.8_o he_o distinguish_v teach_v from_o exhortation_n and_o 1_o cor._n 12.8_o put_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n for_o two_o different_a thing_n now_o beside_o those_o elder_n which_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o those_o which_o labour_n in_o doctrine_n paul_n speak_v to_o timothy_n of_o a_o three_o sort_n of_o elder_n which_o labour_n neither_o in_o the_o word_n nor_o doctrine_n but_o in_o rule_v well_o hence_o it_o appear_v how_o true_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n cap._n 2._o say_v that_o there_o be_v four_o ordinary_a perpetual_a and_o necessary_a office_n in_o the_o church_n the_o office_n of_o the_o pastor_n the_o doctor_n the_o elder_a and_o the_o deacon_n and_o that_o no_o other_o office_n which_o be_v not_o one_o of_o these_o four_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v or_o suffer_v in_o the_o church_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o elder_n non_fw-la personatos_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o will_v not_o have_v disguise_v and_o histrionical_a man_n puff_v up_o with_o title_n or_o idol_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
thing_n as_o be_v alike_o common_a to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o have_v the_o same_o use_n in_o both_o whatsoever_o nature_n light_n direct_v the_o one_o it_o can_v but_o direct_v the_o other_o also_o for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n subject_n to_o the_o â—aw_v of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o the_o outlaw_n of_o nature_n but_o follower_n of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o one_o hoc_fw-la certissimum_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n 43._o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o republic_n for_o it_o have_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o all_o republike_n must_v need_v have_v but_o t'hath_v they_o in_o a_o different_a way_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o civil_a but_o a_o ecclesiastical_a republic_n and_o again_o est_fw-la ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n â—o_o that_o this_o republic_n be_v much_o more_o perfect_a than_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o can_v but_o have_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v that_o be_v in_o dignity_n far_o inferior_a to_o it_o so_o say_v robinson_n in_o his_o justif_n of_o separ_fw-la pag._n 113._o the_o visible_a church_n say_v he_o be_v a_o polity_n ecclesiastical_a and_o the_o perfect_a on_o of_o all_o polity_n do_v comprehend_v in_o it_o whatsoever_o be_v excellent_a in_o all_o other_o body_n political_a now_o so_o it_o be_v that_o while_n as_o some_o hold_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v monarchical_a other_o aristocratical_a other_o democraticall_a other_o mix_v of_o all_o these_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o republic_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v govern_v even_o as_o a_o civil_a republic_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v alike_o common_a to_o both_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v court_n and_o judicatories_n which_o do_v alike_o belong_v to_o both_o and_o have_v the_o same_o use_n in_o both_o viz._n for_o rule_n and_o government_n therefore_o as_o nature_n light_n do_v undeniable_o enforce_v diversity_n of_o court_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n some_o particular_a some_o general_n some_o low_a some_o high_a and_o the_o latter_a to_o have_v authority_n over_o the_o former_a it_o do_v no_o less_o undeniable_o enforce_v the_o like_a in_o the_o church_n for_o de_fw-fr paribus_fw-la idem_fw-la judicium_fw-la it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o church_n be_v lead_v by_o nature_n light_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o religious_a holy_a use_n but_o alike_o common_a to_o civil_a society_n at_o least_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v common_a to_o sacred_a and_o civil_a use_n the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o treat_v of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a after_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n for_o a_o spiritual_a end_n and_o do_v consist_v of_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n as_o the_o member_n constituent_v in_o as_o far_o they_o be_v sacred_a and_o the_o church_n be_v therein_o direct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o yet_o the_o have_v of_o assembly_n and_o consistory_n and_o divers_a sort_n of_o they_o and_o the_o low_a subordinat_fw-la to_o the_o high_a all_o this_o be_v not_o sacred_a nor_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n but_o common_a with_o she_o to_o the_o commonwealth_n nature_n commend_v therein_o to_o the_o one_o what_o it_o commend_v to_o the_o other_o chap._n vi_o the_o second_o argument_n take_v from_o christ_n institution_n as_o we_o have_v nature_n so_o have_v we_o christ_n institution_n for_o we_o and_o this_o shall_v appear_v two_o way_n first_o the_o fidelity_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o his_o prophetical_a &_o in_o his_o regal_a or_o nomotheticall_a power_n be_v such_o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o all_o the_o necessity_n and_o exigence_n whatsoever_o of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v he_o as_o faithful_a in_o all_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 3.2_o as_o ever_o moses_n be_v who_o deliver_v law_n serve_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o case_n whence_o we_o collect_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o classical_a presbytery_n over_o the_o eldership_n of_o particular_a congregation_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n over_o both_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o warrant_n from_o christ_n own_o institution_n because_o without_o this_o authority_n there_o be_v very_o important_a necessity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o can_v be_v help_v for_o example_n in_o most_o congregation_n especial_o in_o dorps_n and_o village_n when_o a_o pastor_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v the_o particular_a eldership_n within_o the_o congregation_n can_v neither_o examine_v and_o try_v his_o gift_n and_o he_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o examination_n must_v necessary_o precede_v his_o ordination_n nor_o can_v they_o discover_v he_o in_o case_n he_o be_v a_o subtle_a and_o learned_a heretic_n nor_o yet_o can_v they_o pray_v in_o tâ—e_v congregation_n over_o he_o which_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o give_v he_o public_a exhortation_n and_o admonition_n of_o his_o duty_n god_n have_v neither_o give_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o every_o congregation_n nor_o yet_o require_v of_o they_o such_o ability_n what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n 5._o ainsworth_n will_v have_v the_o work_n stay_v and_o the_o church_n to_o want_v a_o minister_n till_o she_o be_v able_a to_o do_v her_o work_n and_o her_o duty_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o she_o alas_o bad_a christ_n no_o great_a care_n of_o the_o church_n then_o so_o shall_v they_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o pastor_n ever_o till_o they_o be_v able_a to_o try_v his_o gift_n and_o soundness_n and_o to_o exhort_v and_o pray_v at_o his_o ordination_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o ever_o attain_v to_o such_o ability_n except_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v teach_v without_o a_o teacher_n now_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o classical_a presbytery_n to_o ordain_v pastor_n in_o particular_a congregation_n shall_v cut_v off_o all_o this_o deduction_n of_o absurdity_n and_o shall_v supply_v the_o church_n need_n i_o may_v add_v another_o instance_n concern_v the_o classical_a presbytery_n itself_o what_o if_o the_o one_o half_a thereof_o turn_v to_o be_v heretical_a or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o major_a part_n they_o shall_v either_o have_v most_o voice_n or_o at_o least_o the_o half_a of_o the_o voice_n for_o they_o and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o remedy_n unless_o the_o authoritative_a determination_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v interpose_v second_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n for_o provincial_n and_o national_n assembly_n to_o be_v over_o presbytery_n even_o as_o they_o be_v over_o the_o eldership_n of_o particular_a congregation_n appear_v also_o in_o this_o he_o have_v give_v we_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n express_v warrant_v for_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o assembly_n in_o general_a that_o such_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v for_o the_o right_a government_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 18.20_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o act._n 15.6_o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o for_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o christ_n will_v jurisdiction_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o controversy_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o certain_a consistory_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v the_o first_o place_n which_o i_o have_v cite_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o cohesion_n thereof_o with_o the_o purpose_n which_o go_v before_o show_v of_o determine_v question_n of_o faith_n and_o enact_v law_n concern_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v the_o other_o place_n to_o be_v understand_v as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o so_o then_o we_o true_o affirm_v of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n in_o general_a that_o power_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o they_o to_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n to_o determine_v question_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o make_v constitution_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n now_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o these_o assembly_n be_v not_o particular_o determine_v in_o scripture_n but_o left_a to_o be_v particular_o determine_v by_o the_o church_n conform_v to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o particular_a kind_n of_o assembly_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n conform_v to_o the_o light_n and_o rule_v foresay_v do_v fall_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o those_o precept_n which_o be_v divine-ecclesiastica_a they_o be_v mix_v though_o not_o mere_a divine_a ordinance_n even_o as_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v time_n of_o fast_v and_o time_n of_o thanksgiving_n show_v also_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o
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
the_o lord_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n upon_o the_o breastplate_n this_o prove_v not_o a_o church_n representative_a but_o sign_n representative_a 5._o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o as_o then_o necessary_o absent_a from_o the_o consistorial_n action_n of_o debate_v and_o decide_v matter_n of_o church_n government_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n and_o so_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o representative_a church_n do_v still_o remain_v now_o before_o i_o make_v a_o end_n i_o must_v answer_v yet_o other_o two_o objection_n which_o have_v be_v late_o make_v 57.58_o there_o be_v one_o who_o object_v that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15._o can_v be_v no_o precedent_n nor_o pattern_n for_o succeed_a age_n first_o because_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o whole_o guide_v they_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n so_o as_o in_o that_o their_o determination_n they_o say_v express_o 15.28_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n now_o what_o synod_n in_o any_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n can_v ever_o say_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o inspire_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o that_o injunction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o that_o present_a time_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o the_o like_a we_o read_v not_o afterward_o in_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n ans._n 1._o i_o say_v with_o whittaker_n posse_fw-la alia_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o other_o lawful_a counsel_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n affirm_v their_o decree_n to_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 6._o if_o they_o be_v like_a unto_o this_o council_n and_o if_o they_o keep_v the_o same_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v keep_v and_o follow_v in_o this_o council_n for_o if_o they_o decree_v and_o determine_v nothing_o but_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v do_v in_o this_o council_n and_o if_o they_o examine_v all_o question_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o all_o their_o decree_n follow_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n then_o may_v they_o affirm_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v so_o decree_v 2._o if_o the_o doctrine_n or_o exhortation_n of_o a_o pastor_n well_o ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o much_o more_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o a_o synod_n well_o ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n the_o decree_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n neither_o do_v the_o decree_n proceed_v from_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n act_n 16.4_o and_o 21.25_o and_o in_o the_o place_n which_o be_v now_o object_v act_v 15.28_o not_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o the_o elder_n with_o they_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o what_o the_o elder_n do_v then_o the_o elder_n may_v do_v now_o for_o time_n have_v not_o diminish_v their_o authority_n 4._o nay_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o that_o synod_n the_o elder_n may_v do_v in_o a_o synod_n now_o for_o the_o apostle_n than_o do_v nothing_o but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a way_n of_o dispute_v and_o debate_v compare_v reason_n with_o reason_n and_o sentence_n with_o sentence_n and_o thereafter_o frame_v the_o decree_n according_a to_o the_o light_n which_o they_o have_v by_o reason_v and_o by_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o which_o be_v most_o observable_a the_o sentence_n of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o that_o synod_n be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o defective_a for_o he_o only_o dissuade_v from_o impose_v the_o yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o overture_n for_o avoid_v the_o offence_n betwixt_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o convert_a gentile_n at_o that_o time_n which_o i_o may_v suppose_v he_o will_v have_v do_v if_o his_o light_n and_o judgement_n have_v carry_v he_o that_o far_o in_o this_o the_o apostle_n james_n supply_v the_o defect_n of_o peter_n sentence_n supra_fw-la and_o propound_v a_o overture_n which_o please_v the_o whole_a council_n and_o according_a to_o which_o the_o decree_n be_v give_v forth_o this_o make_v luther_n to_o say_v that_o james_n do_v change_v the_o sentence_n of_o peter_n and_o all_o this_o it_o please_v god_n so_o to_o dispose_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o synod_n to_o be_v indeed_o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n for_o ordinary_a synod_n in_o succeed_v age_n 5._o henry_n jacob_n in_o his_o three_o argument_n for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o the_o church_n say_v it_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a that_o the_o text_n matth._n 18._o be_v never_o understand_v for_o 1500_o year_n after_o christ._n sure_a this_o text_n act._n 15._o be_v never_o understand_v for_o that_o whole_a space_n if_o the_o assembly_n there_o mention_v be_v not_o a_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n 6._o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o we_o that_o he_o say_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o elder_n be_v for_o that_o present_a time_n only_o nay_o it_o make_v for_o we_o for_o in_o this_o also_o that_o synod_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o succeed_a age_n forasmuch_o as_o synod_n now_o have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v a_o perpetual_a restraint_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v then_o the_o eat_n of_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v but_o only_a during_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o moreover_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o that_o synod_n be_v also_o perpetual_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v against_o the_o press_n of_o circumcision_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n 25.26_o one_o objection_n more_o i_o find_v in_o another_o late_a piece_n which_o strike_v not_o at_o the_o authority_n alone_o but_o at_o the_o very_a reputation_n of_o synod_n this_o author_n allege_v that_o the_o ordinary_a government_n by_o synod_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a confusion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o parity_n and_o equality_n the_o voice_n be_v number_v not_o weigh_v equidem_fw-la say_v a_o wise_a father_n at_o veer_fw-la etc._n etc._n to_o say_v the_o truth_n i_o be_o utter_o determine_v never_o to_o come_v to_o any_o council_n of_o bishop_n for_o i_o never_o yet_o see_v good_a end_n of_o any_o council_n for_o counsel_n abate_v not_o ill_a thing_n but_o rather_o increase_v they_o answ._n 1._o if_o the_o parity_n and_o equality_n make_v a_o great_a confusion_n in_o the_o ordinary_a government_n by_o synod_n it_o shall_v make_v no_o less_o but_o rather_o great_a confusion_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a synod_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o his_o restriction_n to_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a 2._o if_o the_o number_n of_o voice_n and_o the_o parity_n of_o those_o that_o do_v voice_n make_v a_o confusion_n in_o synod_n why_o not_o in_o parliament_n also_o and_o in_o other_o civil_a court_n 3._o that_o testimony_n do_v only_o strike_v at_o the_o counsel_n of_o bishop_n and_o so_o make_v not_o against_o parity_n but_o against_o imparity_n in_o counsel_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n we_o have_v find_v in_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o prelatical_a synod_n have_v not_o abate_v but_o rather_o increase_v evil_n in_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o word_n of_o nazianzen_n for_o he_o be_v the_o father_n here_o mean_v of_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v against_o synod_n but_o against_o the_o abuse_n of_o synod_n at_o that_o time_n 1._o and_o in_o this_o we_o must_v pardon_v he_o say_v whittaker_n that_o he_o shun_v all_o synod_n in_o those_o evil_a time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o emperor_n valens_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o catholic_a faith_n and_o when_o the_o faction_n of_o heretic_n do_v most_o prevail_v in_o that_o case_n indeed_o synod_n shall_v have_v produce_v great_a evil_n but_o we_o trust_v it_o shall_v be_v now_o see_v that_o well_o constitute_v and_o free_a synod_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n shall_v not_o increase_v but_o abate_v evil_a thing_n finis_fw-la a_o postscript_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o treatise_n very_o late_o publish_v which_o be_v entitle_v the_o presbyterial_a government_n examine_v when_o the_o printer_n have_v do_v all_o except_o two_o sheet_n of_o my_o former_a treatise_n there_o come_v to_o my_o hand_n a_o piece_n against_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o promise_v much_o but_o perform_v little_a though_o my_o time_n be_v very_o short_a yet_o i_o trust_v to_o make_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o as_o full_a as_o it_o deserve_v it_o have_v a_o magisteriall_a and_o high_a sound_a title_n undertake_v the_o examination_n of_o presbyterial_a
iâ—dicum_fw-la the_o court_n of_o judge_n and_o ruler_n which_o be_v call_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o mighty_a psal._n 80.2_o so_o that_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n be_v the_o seclude_v of_o those_o person_n from_o bear_v any_o office_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v member_n of_o those_o court_n which_o do_v represent_v israel_n the_o same_o sense_n be_v give_v by_o lyranus_fw-la cajetan_n oleaster_n tostatus_n and_o lorinus_n and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v think_v of_o ainsworth_n himself_o expound_v it_o so_o and_o further_o show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o join_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o israel_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n in_o that_o respect_n because_o exod._n 12.48_o 49._o num._n 15.14_o 15._o all_o stranger_n be_v upon_o their_o circumcision_n admit_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o court_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n which_o also_o appear_v from_o levit._n 22.18_o num_fw-la 9.14_o the_o point_n be_v now_o clear_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v the_o less_o need_n to_o trouble_v ourselves_o in_o the_o search_n of_o profane_a author_n yet_o pasor_n find_v demosthenes_n use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pro_fw-la concione_fw-la magnatum_fw-la as_o for_o that_o common_a expression_n of_o divine_n 539._o that_o the_o elder_n be_v the_o church_n representative_a we_o desire_v not_o to_o wrangle_v about_o name_n so_o that_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o officer_n sit_v and_o judge_v apart_o from_o the_o people_n be_v condescend_v upon_o yet_o let_v we_o see_v upon_o what_o ground_n the_o name_n of_o a_o representative_a church_n be_v by_o this_o man_n so_o supercilious_o reject_v first_o he_o say_v that_o no_o godly_a no_o nor_o reasonable_a man_n will_v affirm_v that_o this_o representation_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o any_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n than_o these_o which_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n but_o quo_fw-la warrantâ—_n shall_v a_o man_n be_v both_o ungodly_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o affirm_v that_o the_o elder_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o represent_v the_o church_n where_o they_o serve_v in_o prefer_v a_o petition_n to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o parliament_n for_o a_o reformation_n or_o in_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o desolate_a condition_n of_o the_o parish_n through_o the_o want_n of_o a_o ministry_n or_o in_o give_v counsel_n to_o a_o sister_n church_n though_o these_o be_v not_o act_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n well_o be_v it_o as_o he_o say_v what_o great_a absurdity_n shall_v fellow_n then_o forsooth_o it_o appertain_v to_o the_o people_n primary_o and_o original_o under_o christ_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n that_o be_v themselves_z but_o who_o say_v he_o will_v so_o say_v of_o a_o government_n not_o personal_a but_o public_a and_o institute_v as_o the_o church_n be_v sure_o they_o who_o think_v the_o power_n to_o be_v original_o in_o the_o people_n may_v here_o easy_o reply_v that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o strange_a than_o to_o say_v that_o the_o power_n which_o be_v primary_o and_o original_o in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v exercise_v by_o the_o parliament_n which_o be_v the_o representative_a thereof_o but_o because_o many_o learned_a man_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v original_o in_o the_o people_n though_o other_o and_o those_o very_a learned_a too_o do_v affirm_v it_o therefore_o to_o pass_v that_o i_o shall_v serve_v he_o with_o another_o answer_n for_o as_o we_o can_v defend_v the_o authority_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n without_o wrangle_v about_o the_o name_n of_o a_o representative_a church_n so_o can_v we_o defend_v the_o name_n of_o a_o representative_a church_n without_o debate_v the_o question_n whether_o the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n original_o or_o not_o may_v he_o therefore_o be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o other_o ground_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o name_n of_o a_o representative_a church_n as_o namely_o first_o what_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o tacit_a consent_v of_o the_o church_n do_v approve_v or_o dislike_v that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v approve_v or_o dislike_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o import_v that_o the_o church_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n represent_v by_o the_o senate_n of_o elder_n second_o as_o we_o say_v we_o have_v see_v a_o man_n when_o haply_o we_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o his_o head_n or_o his_o face_n which_o make_v he_o know_v unto_o we_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o painter_n represent_v man_n unto_o we_o ofttimes_o only_o from_o their_o shoulder_n upward_o so_o do_v we_o discern_v &_o know_v a_o visible_a political_a church_n when_o we_o see_v in_o the_o senate_n as_o it_o be_v the_o head_n and_o face_n thereof_o the_o officer_n be_v as_o eye_n ear_n nose_n mouth_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o chief_a member_n whereby_o the_o body_n be_v govern_v three_o the_o senate_n of_o elder_n be_v say_v to_o represent_v the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o affinity_n and_o likeness_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o senate_n which_o represent_v a_o city_n or_o some_o inferior_a civil_a corporation_n affinity_n i_o mean_v not_o every_o way_n but_o in_o this_o that_o the_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o but_o a_o few_o and_o that_o those_o few_o be_v choose_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a corporation_n four_o and_o if_o for_o these_o reason_n the_o eldership_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v call_v a_o representative_a church_n there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n for_o give_v this_o name_n to_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o to_o a_o synod_n provincial_a or_o national_a for_o these_o do_v result_v out_o of_o many_o particular_a church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o their_o commissioner_n his_o second_o reason_n he_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o representation_n allege_v that_o if_o the_o elder_n in_o their_o consistory_n represent_v the_o church_n than_o whatsoever_o they_o either_o decree_n or_o do_v agree_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o also_o the_o church_n decree_v and_o do_v though_o absent_a though_o ignorant_a both_o what_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o upon_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o elder_n and_o this_o how_o consonant_a it_o be_v to_o papist_n implicit_a faith_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o wise_a man_n to_o consider_v this_o argument_n be_v as_o much_o against_o the_o representation_n of_o king_n and_o state_n by_o their_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n it_o be_v against_o the_o representation_n of_o church_n by_o the_o consistory_n of_o elder_n and_o so_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o prince_n and_o state_n in_o their_o embassage_n shall_v turn_v to_o implicit_a faith_n because_o according_a to_o this_o ground_n what_o the_o represent_v do_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o commission_n that_o the_o represent_v do_v implicitè_fw-fr and_o now_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o wise_a man_n these_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o papist_n implicit_a faith_n and_o the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n govern_v by_o eldership_n 1._o the_o church_n assent_v not_o to_o that_o which_o the_o consistory_n of_o elder_n decree_v or_o do_v except_o it_o be_v agree_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o reasoner_n himself_o say_v but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o limitation_n in_o the_o papist_n implicit_a faith_n 2._o the_o consistory_n of_o elder_n do_v not_o press_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o church_n imperious_o or_o by_o naked_a will_n and_o authority_n without_o any_o reason_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v with_o those_o from_o who_o she_o require_v implicit_a faith_n 3._o the_o papist_n know_v not_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o they_o believe_v by_o implicit_a faith_n so_o that_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v right_o call_v mera_fw-fr articulorum_fw-la fidei_fw-la ignorantia_fw-la 114._o a_o mere_a ignorance_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o decree_n of_o our_o eldership_n whereunto_o our_o church_n do_v consent_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o 4._o our_o church_n be_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o christian_a discretion_n to_o examine_v all_o thing_n propound_v unto_o they_o even_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o elder_n whereas_o papist_n may_v not_o examine_v what_o the_o church_n propound_v or_o command_v 5._o papist_n by_o their_o implicit_a faith_n believe_v whatsoever_o the_o church_n believe_v because_o they_o think_v the_o church_n can_v not_o err_v but_o our_o church_n conceive_v not_o only_o their_o particular_a eldership_n but_o ecumenical_a counsel_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n 11._o come_v we_o now_o to_o his_o three_o general_a reason_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v
a_o assertion_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o the_o point_n of_o ruling-elders_a and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n with_o a_o postscript_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o treatise_n late_o publish_v against_o presbyterial_a government_n gesta_fw-la purgat_fw-la caecil_n &_o felic_n adhibete_fw-la conclericos_fw-la &_o seniores_fw-la plebis_fw-la ecclesiasticos_fw-la viros_fw-la &_o inquirant_fw-la diligenter_fw-la que_fw-la sint_fw-la istae_fw-la dissensiones_fw-la august_n epist_n 118._o quorum_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la saluberima_fw-la authoritas_fw-la edinburgh_n print_v for_o james_n bryson_n 1641._o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o with_o bleed_a heart_n have_v behold_v the_o sorrow_n of_o zion_n now_o to_o bestir_v themselves_o with_o a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o to_o contribute_v their_o most_o serious_a and_o uncessant_a endeavour_n for_o the_o settle_n of_o these_o present_a commotion_n about_o church_n affair_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o sacred_a twin_n truth_n and_o peace_n may_v both_o cohabit_v under_o own_o roof_n and_o that_o this_o great_a and_o good_a work_n of_o reformation_n may_v not_o be_v blast_v in_o the_o bird_n nor_o fade_v in_o the_o flourish_n but_o may_v be_v bring_v forward_o to_o that_o full_a maturity_n which_o shall_v afford_v a_o harvest_n of_o joy_n to_o we_o and_o to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n one_o controversy_n there_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v of_o such_o consequence_n that_o be_v it_o well_o resolve_v upon_o and_o right_o agree_v it_o shall_v facilitate_v a_o right_a resolution_n in_o other_o matter_n which_o be_v in_o question_n now_o because_o longum_fw-la iter_fw-la per_fw-la praecepta_fw-la breve_fw-la per_fw-la exempla_fw-la the_o way_n be_v long_o by_o precept_n short_a by_o platform_n therefore_o i_o have_v careful_o observe_v the_o policy_n and_o government_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n and_o because_o the_o nearness_n of_o relation_n sway_v my_o affection_n at_o least_o half_a a_o thought_n more_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v scotland_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la then_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v more_o remote_a from_o we_o therefore_o i_o be_v most_o solicitous_a to_o see_v a_o delineation_n of_o the_o government_n of_o that_o famous_o reform_a neighbour_n church_n which_o when_o i_o have_v read_v &_o read_v over_o again_o i_o do_v conclude_v with_o myself_o that_o if_o these_o two_o point_n at_o which_o most_o exception_n be_v take_v i_o mean_v the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n which_o also_o be_v thing_n common_a to_o the_o other_o reform_a church_n can_v be_v upon_o good_a ground_n maintain_v there_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n of_o any_o moment_n to_o be_v object_v against_o it_o and_o with_o these_o thought_n i_o be_v so_o toss_v that_o i_o can_v not_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o quid_fw-la without_o the_o quare_fw-la but_o do_v conceive_v as_o great_a languor_n and_o desire_n for_o a_o demonstration_n of_o that_o form_n of_o church_n government_n as_o before_o i_o have_v for_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o same_o whereupon_o i_o have_v purchase_v to_o myself_o from_o scotland_n this_o ensue_a treatise_n which_o have_v full_o satisfy_v my_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o assert_v of_o those_o most_o controvert_v point_n i_o have_v resolve_v to_o communicate_v and_o publish_v the_o same_o unto_o other_o for_o the_o reason_n follow_v first_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o as_o do_v through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n stumble_v at_o such_o a_o form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n i_o do_v not_o much_o marvel_n to_o see_v those_o that_o aâ—e_v of_o a_o simple_a understanding_n so_o far_o conquer_v as_o to_o scruple_n the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n right_n have_v hear_v the_o big_a word_n and_o lavish_a expression_n of_o some_o opposite_n against_o the_o same_o yet_o a_o poor_a piece_n it_o be_v which_o one_o of_o they_o will_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o tinkle_a epistle_n in_o which_o projicit_fw-la ampullas_fw-la &_o sesquipedalia_fw-la verba_fw-la he_o make_v offer_v to_o forfeit_v his_o life_n to_o justice_n and_o his_o reputation_n to_o shame_n if_o any_o live_a man_n can_v show_v that_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o roll_a elder_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n till_o fâ—rell_n and_o viret_n first_o create_v they_o i_o shall_v not_o desire_v to_o take_v he_o at_o his_o word_n for_o his_o life_n but_o if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v both_o from_o scripture_n and_o from_o antiquity_n for_o rule_v elder_n then_o have_v he_o give_v sentence_n against_o his_o own_o reputation_n for_o ever_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o that_o have_v in_o that_o assertion_n of_o episcopacy_n bold_o aver_v 209.2â—1_n that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o antiquity_n comprehend_v none_o but_o preacher_n and_o divine_n and_o that_o therefore_o none_o but_o they_o may_v be_v call_v seniores_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la though_o some_o other_o happy_o may_v have_v the_o title_n of_o seniores_fw-la populi_fw-la because_o of_o their_o civil_a authority_n notwithstanding_o the_o read_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o justellus_n and_o of_o both_o the_o cassaubons_n 146._o have_v now_o so_o far_o change_v his_o tone_n that_o in_o his_o late_a answer_n to_o â—mectymnuus_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o beside_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n and_o beside_o the_o magistrate_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o city_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o antiquity_n seniores_fw-la ecclesiastici_fw-la ecclesiastical_a elder_n also_o only_o he_o allege_v they_o be_v but_o as_o our_o churchwarden_n or_o rather_o as_o our_o vestry-man_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v judge_n in_o ecclesiastical_a controversy_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n instructor_n of_o the_o people_n as_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v mean_v while_n we_o do_v observe_v what_o trust_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o this_o bold_a speaker_n who_o have_v be_v force_v to_o yield_v what_o he_o have_v before_o with_o high_a swell_a word_n deny_v another_o instance_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v note_v in_o his_o remonstrance_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o prescript_n form_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v ever_o from_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n wherewith_o also_o peter_n and_o john_n when_o they_o go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o nine_o hour_n of_o prayer_n do_v join_v 11._o to_o make_v good_a his_o allegiance_n he_o add_v the_o form_n whereof_o be_v yet_o extant_a and_o ready_a to_o be_v produce_v yet_o this_o he_o handsome_o eat_v up_o in_o his_o defence_n 17.18_o where_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o those_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n be_v indeed_o specify_v by_o capellus_n a_o writer_n of_o our_o own_o age_n but_o that_o the_o book_n itself_o which_o contain_v these_o prayer_n be_v perish_v a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o well_o he_o be_v now_o content_a to_o say_v that_o once_o those_o form_n be_v extant_a and_o this_o forsooth_o he_o will_v prove_v from_o a_o certain_a samaritan_n chronicle_n in_o the_o custody_n of_o his_o faithful_a friend_n the_o primate_n of_o aâ—mach_n wherein_o he_o have_v find_v a_o story_n which_o transport_v he_o as_o much_o as_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o demonstration_n do_v archimedes_n when_o he_o cry_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v find_v it_o i_o have_v find_v it_o yet_o credit_v judaeus_fw-la apella_fw-la non_fw-la ego_fw-la but_o this_o lie_v not_o now_o in_o my_o way_n only_o till_o a_o full_a answer_n be_v ready_a i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o give_v some_o taste_n of_o the_o man_n vain_a arrogant_a humour_n who_o best_a weapon_n be_v great_a word_n as_o for_o his_o last_o record_n which_o he_o fetch_v from_o abrahamus_n scultetus_n against_o rule_v elder_n all_o that_o and_o much_o more_o have_v be_v and_o here_o shall_v be_v abundant_o confute_v other_o there_o be_v who_o call_v in_o question_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a presbytery_n and_o of_o synod_n against_o which_o also_o some_o few_o pen_n have_v be_v put_v to_o paper_n and_o have_v pass_v a_o censure_n no_o less_o hard_a than_o unseasonable_a which_o i_o think_v may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v unless_o there_o have_v be_v strong_a and_o more_o convince_a reason_n for_o it_o these_o i_o shall_v beseech_v that_o with_o mind_n void_a of_o prejudice_n they_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n write_v with_o no_o heat_n nor_o sharpness_n of_o word_n but_o with_o plainness_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o withal_o i_o shall_v expect_v that_o they_o will_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o author_n for_o be_v ready_a to_o answer_v he_o that_o ask_v
he_o exercise_v of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v have_v cease_v but_o since_o they_o do_v only_o assist_v the_o pastor_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a it_o follow_v that_o as_o touch_v the_o office_n of_o elder_n there_o be_v no_o distinction_n betwixt_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o persecution_n second_o there_o be_v senior_n among_o the_o jew_n under_o godly_a king_n and_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n why_o not_o likewise_o among_o we_o three_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a both_o in_o the_o subject_n object_n and_o end_n so_o that_o the_o one_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o other_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v to_o punish_v the_o outward_a man_n with_o a_o outward_a punishment_n which_o the_o presbytery_n can_v hinder_v for_o he_o may_v civil_o bind_v who_o the_o presbytery_n spiritual_o lose_v and_o civil_o loose_v who_o the_o presbytery_n spiritual_o bind_v and_o that_o because_o the_o magistrate_n seek_v not_o the_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o delinquent_n by_o his_o punishment_n as_o the_o presbytery_n do_v but_o only_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n together_o with_o the_o quietness_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n whence_o it_o come_v that_o the_o delinquent_n serape_v not_o free_a of_o the_o magistrate_n though_o he_o be_v penitent_a and_o not_o obstinate_a 4._o how_o think_v whitgift_n that_o the_o christian_n magistrate_n can_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o seignory_n do_v under_o a_o tyrant_n can_v the_o magistrate_n by_o himself_o determine_v question_n of_o faith_n can_v he_o know_v what_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o circumstance_n be_v fit_a for_o each_o congregation_n can_v he_o excommunicate_v offender_n etc._n etc._n 5._o when_o bishop_n exercise_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n yea_o and_o the_o civil_a too_o this_o be_v think_v no_o wrong_n to_o prince_n be_v it_o a_o wrong_n in_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o not_o in_o this_o prelacy_n good_a lord_n what_o a_o mystery_n be_v this_o 6._o when_o presbyter_n be_v establish_v in_o their_o full_a power_n there_o remain_v much_o power_n to_o the_o prince_n even_o in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a as_o to_o take_v diligent_a heed_n to_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n to_o indict_v synod_n and_o civil_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o to_o ratify_v the_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o to_o add_v unto_o they_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o civil_a sanction_n to_o punish_v heretic_n and_o all_o that_o disobey_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o no_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a be_v carry_v factious_o or_o rash_o but_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v determine_v in_o free_a assembly_n to_o provide_v for_o scholar_n college_n and_o kirkes_n that_o all_o corrupt_a way_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n by_o simony_n bribe_v patron_n etc._n etc._n be_v repress_v and_o final_o to_o compel_v all_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n of_o the_o church_n 7._o whatsoever_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n ecclesiae_fw-la tamen_fw-la 452_o etc._n etc._n yet_o let_v he_o leave_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n such_o as_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n elder_n and_o deacon_n their_o own_o power_n in_o handle_v ecclesiastical_a thing_n untouched_a and_o whole_a say_v danaeus_n for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n do_v no_o more_o hinder_v the_o civil_a administration_n than_o the_o art_n of_o sing_v hinder_v it_o say_v the_o augustan_n confession_n 8._o we_o may_v answer_v by_o a_o just_a recrimination_n eccl._n that_o the_o prelacy_n not_o the_o presbytery_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o have_v often_o encroach_v upon_o the_o same_o the_o bishop_n assemble_v in_o the_o eight_o council_n of_o constantinople_n 14._o ordain_v that_o bishop_n shall_v not_o light_v from_o their_o horse_n when_o they_o chance_v to_o meet_v prince_n nor_o base_o bow_v before_o they_o and_o that_o if_o any_o prince_n shall_v cause_v a_o bishop_n to_o disparage_v himself_o by_o do_v otherwise_o he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o two_o year_n 17._o they_o also_o discharge_v prince_n from_o be_v present_a in_o any_o synod_n except_o the_o oâ—cumenicke_n â—7_z the_o 1._o council_n of_o toledo_n ordain_v that_o quoties_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la hispanorum_fw-la synodus_fw-la convenerit_fw-la toties_fw-la universalis_fw-la concilii_fw-la decretum_fw-la propter_fw-la salutem_fw-la principum_fw-la factum_fw-la peractis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la in_o synodo_fw-la recitetur_fw-la ut_fw-la iniquorum_fw-la mens_fw-la territa_fw-la corrigatur_fw-la from_o which_o canon_n osiander_n collect_v that_o some_o of_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o faithful_a and_o loyal_a to_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n the_o inquisition_n of_o spain_n anno_fw-la 1568._o present_v to_o king_n philip_n twelve_o article_n against_o the_o netherlands_o 309._o one_o whereof_o be_v that_o the_o king_n write_v unto_o and_o command_v the_o clergy_n of_o the_o netherlands_o that_o with_o the_o inquisition_n they_o shall_v accept_v of_o 15._o new_a bishop_n the_o which_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o secular_a jurisdiction_n yea_o in_o case_n of_o treason_n now_o as_o touch_v the_o contrary_a conceit_n of_o saravia_n 110.114.116_o he_o allow_v such_o elder_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v to_o be_v join_v now_o with_o pastor_n under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o under_o a_o infidel_n magistrate_n he_o say_v they_o can_v have_v no_o place_n for_o he_o take_v the_o jewish_a elder_n to_o have_v be_v their_o magistrate_n &_o that_o in_o like_a manner_n none_o but_o christian_a magistrate_n shall_v sit_v with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o ecclesiastical_a court_n prince_n and_o noble_n in_o general_a or_o national_n council_n and_o magistrate_n of_o city_n in_o particular_a consistory_n this_o be_v as_o foul_a a_o error_n as_o that_o of_o whitgift_n for_o 1._o his_o opinion_n of_o the_o jewish_a elder_n that_o they_o be_v their_o magistrate_n we_o have_v confute_v before_o 2._o though_o it_o be_v so_o that_o no_o rule_v elder_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v now_o except_o christian_a magistrate_n yet_o may_v they_o have_v place_n under_o a_o infidel_n prince_n as_o joseph_n under_o pharaoh_n daniel_n under_o nebuchadnezar_n there_o have_v be_v both_o christian_a church_n and_o christian_a magistrate_n under_o heretical_a yea_o infidel_n prince_n 3._o if_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v come_v in_o place_n of_o the_o jewish_a senior_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v join_v with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o church_n we_o demand_v quo_fw-la nomine_fw-la quo_fw-la jure_fw-la whither_o do_v they_o sit_v as_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o as_o man_n of_o singular_a gift_n choose_v for_o that_o effect_n if_o as_o magistrate_n then_o shall_v we_o make_v a_o mixture_n and_o confusion_n of_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a function_n else_o how_o shall_v man_n by_o virtue_n of_o civil_a place_n sit_v in_o spiritual_a court_n if_o as_o man_n of_o singular_a gift_n choose_v to_o sit_v then_z may_z other_o aswell_o as_o they_o have_v the_o like_a gift_n and_o election_n be_v admit_v to_o sit_v also_o 4._o saravia_n contradict_v himself_o â—20_n for_o a_o little_a after_o he_o admit_v grave_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n whither_o they_o be_v magistrate_n or_o private_a man_n sive_fw-la illi_fw-la magistratu_fw-la fungantur_fw-la sive_fw-la in_o rep_n vivre_fw-fr privati_fw-la chap._n xiii_o whether_o rule_v elder_n have_v the_o power_n of_o decisive_a voice_n when_o they_o sit_v in_o prebytery_n and_o synod_n there_o be_v sundry_a question_n propound_v by_o d._n field_n and_o other_o adversary_n of_o rule_v elder_n whereinto_o they_o think_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o satisfy_v they_o as_o 1._o whether_o rule_v elder_n ought_v to_o have_v decisive_a voice_n even_o in_o question_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o trial_n and_o approbation_n of_o minister_n 2._o whether_o these_o elder_n must_v be_v in_o every_o congregation_n with_o power_n of_o ordination_n deprivation_n suspension_n excommunication_n and_o absolution_n or_o whether_o this_o power_n be_v only_o in_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o divers_a church_n concur_v 3._o if_o they_o be_v ecclesiastical_a person_n where_o be_v their_o ordination_n 4._o whether_o these_o 〈◊〉_d be_v perpetual_a or_o annual_a and_o but_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n whether_o they_o ought_v to_o serve_v free_o or_o to_o have_v a_o stipend_n touch_v the_o first_o of_o these_o since_o the_o reformation_n which_o luther_n begin_v it_o be_v ever_o maintain_v by_o the_o protestant_a writer_n that_o not_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n alone_o but_o some_o of_o all_o sort_n among_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v decisive_a voice_n in_o council_n but_o dr._n field_n will_v admit_v none_o to_o teach_v and_o define_v in_o council_n 4â—_n but_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o