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word_n apostle_n church_n elder_n 3,592 5 9.6069 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A88947 A modest & brotherly ansvver to Mr. Charles Herle his book, against the independency of churches. Wherein his foure arguments for the government of synods over particular congregations, are friendly examined, and clearly answered. Together, with Christian and loving animadversions upon sundry other observable passages in the said booke. All tending to declare the true use of synods, and the power of congregationall churches in the points of electing and ordaining their owne officers, and censuring their offendors. By Richard Mather teacher of the Church at Dorchester; and William Tompson pastor of the Church at Braintree in New-England. Sent from thence after the assembly of elders were dissolved that last met at Cambridg to debate matters about church-government. Mather, Richard, 1596-1669.; Tompson, William, d. 1666. 1644 (1644) Wing M1274; Thomason E37_19; ESTC R16954 50,642 62

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not_o clear_a that_o by_o church_n be_v mean_v only_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o all_o the_o step_n of_o such_o gradual_a proceed_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v prescribe_v be_v former_o command_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o yourself_o profess_v in_o your_o epistle_n to_o the_o gentleman_n prefix_v before_o your_o book_n that_o you_o like_o d._n moulins_n resolution_n rather_o to_o bring_v one_o argument_n then_o ten_o author_n if_o according_o you_o have_v confirm_v this_o minor_a proposition_n with_o some_o further_a proof_n then_o only_o the_o name_n of_o author_n it_o can_v have_v give_v better_a satisfaction_n but_o what_o ever_o become_v of_o the_o minor_a the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_n may_v just_o be_v deny_v for_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n word_n tell_v the_o church_n be_v speak_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o jewish_a church-government_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o this_o gradual_a proceed_n in_o all_o the_o step_n of_o it_o be_v former_o command_v to_o the_o jew_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o dependence_n of_o congregation_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n which_o be_v our_o question_n because_o there_o may_v be_v such_o gradual_a proceed_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o our_o saviour_n rule_n without_o any_o use_n of_o a_o synod_n at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o synod_n have_v need_v to_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o they_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o be_v for_o this_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o very_o frequent_a use_n and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v also_o that_o by_o church_n our_o saviour_n mean_v the_o elder_n which_o be_v the_o other_o sense_n of_o your_o word_n of_o reference_n to_o the_o jewish_a church-government_n yet_o neither_o will_v this_o prove_v the_o dependence_n of_o congregation_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n because_o there_o may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v elder_n and_o a_o eldership_n or_o presbytery_n in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n and_o by_o tell_v those_o elder_n that_o rule_n may_v be_v observe_v if_o our_o saviour_n word_n be_v take_v in_o that_o sense_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v yourself_o do_v so_o understand_v they_o as_o appear_v in_o pag._n 17._o of_o your_o book_n and_o likewise_o in_o this_o place_n now_o in_o hand_n because_o one_o of_o those_o author_n who_o you_o allege_v for_o the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n be_v mr._n johnson_n who_o in_o his_o latter_a time_n do_v so_o understand_v they_o of_o who_o you_o say_v even_o mr._n johnson_n himself_o though_o a_o pastor_n of_o separatist_n in_o a_o peculiar_a treatise_n reduce_v himself_o from_o his_o former_a error_n in_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o this_o judgement_n too_o whereby_o it_o seem_v that_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o text_n you_o concur_v in_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n with_o mr._n johnson_n and_o if_o so_o then_o though_o you_o may_v by_o church_n understand_v the_o elder_n as_o he_o do_v yet_o than_o you_o must_v also_o acknowledge_v the_o independency_n of_o particular_a congregation_n and_o the_o pastor_n thereof_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o plain_a that_o mr._n johnson_n be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n too_o notwithstanding_o that_o his_o exposition_n of_o matth._n 18._o and_o do_v never_o reduce_v himself_o to_o this_o opinion_n that_o congregation_n must_v be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n which_o be_v your_o plea_n for_o which_o purpose_n you_o may_v consider_v what_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o his_o christian_a plea_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o book_n that_o ever_o he_o write_v now_o in_o pag._n 250_o 251._o of_o that_o book_n be_v these_o word_n viz._n see_v now_o every_o particular_a constitute_a church_n have_v right_a and_o power_n within_o itself_o to_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o passover_n that_o be_v keep_v at_o jerusalem_n this_o show_v that_o now_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o to_o stand_v immediate_o under_o jesus_n christ_n the_o arch-pastor_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o again_o all_o particular_a church_n with_o their_o pastor_n do_v stand_v immediate_o under_o jesus_n christ_n the_o arch-pastor_n without_o any_o strange_a ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o authority_n interpose_v between_o whether_o it_o be_v of_o the_o prelate_n or_o of_o their_o unlawful_a usurp_a synod_n or_o any_o such_o like_a and_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v speak_v how_o all_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o help_v and_o advise_v one_o another_o he_o add_v thus_o viz._n and_o so_o to_o this_o end_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n may_v be_v have_v a_o lawful_a and_o profitable_a use_n of_o synod_n class_n etc._n etc._n for_o mutual_a help_n and_o advise_v so_o as_o always_o it_o be_v provide_v that_o they_o do_v not_o challenge_v or_o usurp_v any_o unlawful_a jurisdiction_n or_o power_n over_o the_o particular_a church_n or_o their_o pastor_n and_o governor_n by_o which_o word_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o though_o mr._n johnson_n by_o church_n in_o matth._n 18._o do_v understand_v the_o elder_n yet_o he_o never_o hold_v that_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n but_o be_v immediate_o under_o the_o government_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o depend_v no_o other_o way_n upon_o synod_n but_o only_a for_o their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o his_o exposition_n of_o matth._n 18._o will_v stand_v you_o in_o no_o stead_n to_o prove_v the_o dependence_n of_o particular_a church_n upon_o synod_n wherefore_o to_o wind_v up_o our_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v tell_v the_o church_n he_o mean_v tell_v the_o elder_n and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v also_o that_o enjoy_v such_o a_o gradual_a proceed_n he_o prescribe_v no_o new_a rule_n but_o the_o same_o that_o have_v be_v give_v before_o unto_o the_o jew_n yet_o neither_o of_o these_o do_v prove_v that_o congregation_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o both_o these_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o therein_o a_o man_n may_v proceed_v by_o such_o step_n and_o degree_n as_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v and_o may_v also_o tell_v his_o matter_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o the_o consequence_n of_o your_o major_a proposition_n fail_v the_o whole_a argument_n must_v fail_v also_o though_o the_o minor_a be_v never_o so_o strong_o prove_v and_o how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o minor_a be_v leave_v so_o weak_a neither_o of_o these_o particular_n be_v sufficient_o clear_v and_o make_v good_a by_o you_o that_o by_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o elder_n nor_o that_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o place_n prescribe_v be_v before_o command_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o inasmuch_o as_o your_o word_n be_v that_o this_o of_o matth._n 18._o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o jewish_a church-government_n before_o urge_v therefore_o we_o may_v give_v a_o further_a answer_n to_o this_o argument_n out_o of_o that_o which_o before_o have_v be_v answer_v when_o the_o argument_n from_o the_o jewish_a church-government_n be_v urge_v for_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o christ_n speak_v in_o reference_n to_o that_o government_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v which_o we_o suppose_v none_o will_v affirm_v that_o all_o that_o be_v use_v among_o the_o jew_n be_v here_o prescribe_v by_o christ_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v too_o short_a to_o prove_v that_o our_o congregation_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o jewish_a congregation_n do_v so_o depend_v which_o we_o have_v former_o show_v to_o be_v otherwise_o the_o great_a synedrion_fw-mi at_o jerusalem_n upon_o which_o their_o lesser_a congregation_n do_v depend_v if_o they_o be_v dependent_a at_o all_o be_v not_o any_o synod_n but_o a_o assembly_n of_o another_o nature_n but_o you_o will_v improve_v this_o text_n further_o and_o therefore_o after_o some_o speech_n of_o a_o indefinite_a proposition_n in_o logic_n and_o a_o indefinite_a command_n in_o divinity_n and_o of_o five_o gradual_a if_n in_o our_o saviour_n word_n if_o he_o shall_v offend_v etc._n etc._n you_o come_v thus_o to_o argue_v viz._n the_o remedy_n of_o complaint_n or_o appeal_n must_v be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o malady_n offence_n otherwise_o christ_n salve_n be_v not_o equal_a to_o the_o sore_a but_o offence_n may_v arise_v as_o well_o between_o divers_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o church_n as_o between_o divers_a member_n in_o the_o same_o congregation_n
their_o sore_n but_o so_o many_o sinner_n must_v be_v leave_v lawless_a and_o their_o offence_n remediless_a god_n forbid_v the_o lord_n have_v provide_v good_a store_n of_o help_n for_o all_o these_o but_o every_o salve_n be_v not_o for_o every_o sore_a such_o person_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n all_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n administer_v therein_o so_o that_o if_o need_v so_o require_v they_o may_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o whole_a church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o wholesome_a advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o harken_v thereunto_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v renounce_v by_o other_o church_n from_o all_o church-communion_n with_o they_o and_o as_o for_o indian_n or_o other_o that_o be_v no_o church_n nor_o member_n of_o church_n though_o our_o saviour_n rule_n of_o tell_v the_o church_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o they_o yet_o both_o they_o and_o christian_a church_n likewise_o and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o high_a power_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v keeper_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v their_o endeavour_n that_o all_o the_o subject_n may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n rom._n 13._o 1._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 2._o but_o say_v you_o a_o offence_n may_v be_v so_o general_a as_o to_o defile_v and_o make_v guilty_a a_o whole_a land_n and_o why_o not_o then_o the_o remedy_n as_o large_a as_o it_o tell_v the_o church_n pag._n 11._o ans._n in_o such_o case_n of_o general_a and_o national_a defilement_n the_o remedy_n be_v general_a and_o national_a repentance_n whereto_o all_o the_o people_n must_v be_v provoke_v and_o exhort_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n and_o when_o the_o high_a power_n do_v give_v example_n thereof_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o by_o some_o act_n of_o their_o authority_n do_v call_v upon_o all_o the_o people_n for_o the_o same_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a remedy_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o defilement_n of_o national_a sin_n and_o the_o danger_n that_o may_v come_v thereby_o which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o asa_n hezekiah_n josiah_n and_o the_o state_n of_o judah_n in_o their_o time_n so_o we_o have_v cause_n with_o all_o humble_a thankfulness_n to_o bless_v the_o lord_n that_o put_v the_o like_a care_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n in_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n who_o by_o a_o ordinance_n of_o both_o house_n think_v it_o meet_v to_o exhort_v all_o the_o subject_n of_o england_n and_o wales_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n both_o for_o personal_a and_o national_a sin_n but_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o land_n or_o whole_a church_n therein_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v a_o solemn_a renewal_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n shall_v not_o this_o whole_a church_n or_o number_n in_o their_o collective_a body_n have_v power_n to_o enjoin_v it_o ans._n if_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o like_o but_o most_o or_o many_o of_o the_o people_n will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n regis_fw-la ad_fw-la exemplum_fw-la totus_fw-la as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o france_n and_o spain_n and_o be_v in_o england_n in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n mary_n and_o other_o popish_a prince_n and_o than_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o land_n will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o as_o to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o land_n or_o nation_n but_o of_o a_o small_a part_n thereof_o and_o so_o at_o that_o time_n it_o will_v not_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o make_v any_o national_a covenant_n or_o to_o enjoin_v the_o same_o nor_o can_v it_o well_o be_v conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v assemble_v in_o a_o national_a synod_n for_o that_o or_o any_o other_o purpose_n when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o their_o religion_n at_o such_o time_n it_o be_v more_o like_o their_o meeting_n in_o small_a congregation_n will_v be_v full_a of_o danger_n rather_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v liberty_n safe_o and_o free_o to_o meet_v in_o such_o great_a assembly_n as_o national_a synod_n and_o though_o for_o lack_n of_o such_o a_o national_a covenant_n the_o remedy_n be_v not_o equal_a to_o the_o offence_n or_o need_n yet_o at_o such_o time_n that_o remedy_n be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o such_o believer_n as_o be_v in_o the_o land_n it_o be_v not_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n if_o a_o whole_a congregation_n great_a or_o small_a play_v the_o fox_n and_o spoil_v the_o vineyard_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v take_v and_o restrain_v pa._n 11._o ans._n no_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v but_o ever_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v if_o those_o fox_n be_v particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v be_v restrain_v by_o doctrine_n by_o discipline_n and_o by_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n if_o they_o be_v whole_a church_n they_o may_v be_v restrain_v by_o doctrine_n and_o by_o the_o advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n and_o also_o by_o the_o magistrate_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v not_o be_v restrain_v by_o church_n discipline_n but_o only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o this_o argument_n the_o independent_a party_n reply_n or_o rather_o labour_v to_o obtain_v out_o of_o the_o text_n three_o thing_n first_o that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v here_o of_o a_o single_a church_n or_o congregation_n second_o to_o this_o single_a church_n and_o to_o all_o this_o church_n entire_o not_o distinguish_v between_o elder_n and_o member_n he_o give_v the_o key_n of_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n three_o over_o this_o church_n to_o assume_v a_o church_n power_n of_o judicature_n be_v a_o lording_n it_o over_o christ_n heritage_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o exception_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o no_o way_n appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n or_o that_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o usual_o mean_v a_o single_a congregation_n by_o the_o word_n church_n but_o that_o the_o contrary_a rather_o be_v easy_o evincible_a first_o that_o he_o here_o speak_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o way_n no_o single_a congregation_n have_v above_o sufficient_o appear_v pag._n 11._o ans._n but_o how_o in_o reference_n if_o you_o mean_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o what_o ever_o be_v use_v in_o that_o church_n must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a or_o that_o as_o that_o church_n be_v national_a so_o christian_a church_n must_v be_v the_o like_a than_o we_o may_v say_v no_o such_o thing_n have_v appear_v at_o all_o nor_o have_v be_v so_o much_o as_o undertake_v to_o be_v prove_v if_o you_o mean_v only_o thus_o that_o there_o be_v such_o gradual_a proceed_n in_o that_o church_n as_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n require_v or_o that_o the_o word_n church_n may_v signify_v the_o elder_n or_o ruler_n than_o we_o may_v say_v neither_o of_o these_o have_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o any_o proof_n that_o you_o have_v bring_v and_o if_o they_o be_v both_o grant_v they_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o matter_n now_o in_o question_n viz._n that_o the_o word_n church_n do_v not_o signify_v one_o single_a congregation_n for_o both_o these_o particular_n may_v be_v find_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v of_o no_o large_a extent_n next_o that_o he_o have_v reference_n herein_o to_o that_o of_o deut._n 19_o 15._o appear_v by_o his_o citation_n of_o the_o very_a word_n of_o that_o text_n that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v now_o there_o the_o witness_n and_o offender_n be_v by_o way_n of_o further_a appeal_n to_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n before_o the_o priest_n for_o judgement_n vers._n 17._o pag._n 12._o answ._n the_o word_n be_v not_o as_o you_o cite_v they_o before_o the_o priest_n for_o judgement_n but_o before_o the_o priest_n and_o judge_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o punishment_n which_o these_o judge_n must_v inflict_v upon_o the_o guilty_a person_n there_o speak_v of_o life_n for_o life_n eye_n for_o eye_n tooth_n for_o tooth_n etc._n etc._n v._n 21._o that_o if_o our_o saviour_n refer_v his_o church_n to_o do_v like_o unto_o that_o judicatory_n which_o you_o say_v he_o have_v
place_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o council_n with_o threaten_n they_o go_v unto_o their_o own_o company_n and_o report_v what_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o vers._n 23._o and_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n with_o one_o accord_n vers._n 24._o and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v the_o place_n be_v shake_v where_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o vers._n 31._o by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o this_o company_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o all_o 5000._o or_o if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o so_o 5000._o beside_o the_o former_a number_n and_o so_o in_o all_o 8120._o yet_o still_o they_o be_v all_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o when_o after_o this_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n act_n 5._o 14._o yet_o all_o that_o time_n they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o salomon_n porch_n vers._n 12._o which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o so_o many_o but_o all_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n furthermore_o when_o after_o this_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v more_o multiply_v act_n 6._o 1._o yet_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n of_o they_o together_o to_o propose_v unto_o they_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n vers._n 2._o and_o the_o matter_n be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v seven_o who_o be_v there_o name_v vers._n 5._o which_o show_v that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v not_o so_o many_o but_o they_o may_v assemble_v and_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o hear_v matter_n propose_v and_o to_o make_v election_n of_o officer_n after_o this_o indeed_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o scatter_a by_o persecution_n except_o the_o apostle_n act_n 8._o 1._o but_o when_o a_o church_n be_v gather_v again_o by_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n that_o church_n even_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v all_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o congregation_n about_o the_o business_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o arise_v at_o antioch_n so_o it_o be_v plain_o say_v act_n 15._o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n come_v from_o antioch_n be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n vers._n 4._o and_o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v messenger_n to_o antioch_n vers._n 22._o and_o to_o that_o church_n letter_n be_v write_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n vers._n 23._o be_v all_o assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n verse_n 25._o which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n alone_o as_o a_o representative_a church_n but_o of_o other_o also_o who_o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o those_o officer_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o church_n do_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n last_o for_o that_o place_n 21._o where_o you_o say_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o the_o church_n meet_v collective_o it_o be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o that_o in_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o collective_a meeting_n be_v representative_a in_o their_o elder_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o elder_n may_v meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o so_o much_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o verse_n 18._o where_o it_o be_v say_v paul_n go_v in_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v present_a but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o all_o the_o member_n can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o but_o in_o several_a congregation_n nay_o that_o very_a place_n though_o it_o speak_v of_o many_o thousand_o jew_n that_o do_v believe_v verse_n 20._o yet_o as_o it_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v of_o that_o one_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n so_o there_o be_v good_a divine_n that_o do_v think_v they_o be_v not_o but_o if_o they_o be_v it_o nothing_o prejudice_v our_o cause_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o when_o james_n and_o the_o elder_n speak_v to_o paul_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v tell_v he_o the_o multitude_n must_v needs_o come_v together_o for_o they_o will_v hear_v that_o thou_o be_v come_v verse_n 22._o it_o appear_v thereby_o that_o their_o multitude_n be_v not_o such_o but_o they_o may_v all_o assemble_v and_o come_v together_o if_o any_o say_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n shall_v all_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o show_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o many_o thousand_o yea_o miriads_o be_v gather_v together_o luke_n 12._o 12._o and_o christ_n speak_v unto_o they_o all_o though_o unto_o his_o disciple_n first_o verse_n 1_o 14_o 15_o 54._o and_o that_o parish_n in_o england_n in_fw-la or_o about_o london_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o stepney_n giles_n sepulcher_n and_o other_o have_v many_o thousand_o inhabitant_n in_o they_o all_o member_n of_o one_o parishional_a church_n and_o yet_o all_o but_o one_o congregation_n and_o that_o of_o chrysostome_n on_o matth._n 24._o who_o as_o mr._n bayn_n report_v dioe_fw-la trial_n pag._n 16._o do_v esteem_v the_o company_n that_o hear_v his_o voice_n in_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v about_o 5000._o person_n and_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o scaffold_n and_o gallery_n a_o man_n lift_v up_o his_o voice_n may_v so_o speak_v as_o to_o be_v hear_v of_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n all_o which_o be_v consider_v do_v make_v it_o less_o incredible_a that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o such_o a_o great_a multitude_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o one_o ordinary_a congregation_n next_o for_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n style_v everywhere_o in_o that_o epistle_n by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n not_o church_n pag._n 13._o answ._n we_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a mistake_n that_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n be_v everywhere_o in_o that_o epistle_n style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n for_o aught_o we_o remember_v in_o that_o epistle_n it_o be_v never_o so_o style_v at_o all_o and_o yet_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o one_o church_n but_o say_v you_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o a_o church_n in_o such_o a_o city_n can_v be_v famous_a throughout_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 1._o 8._o and_o 16._o 19_o and_o yet_o but_o one_o single_a independent_a congregation_n answ._n we_o know_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a but_o it_o 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and_o family_n name_v in_o the_o apostle_n salutation_n of_o that_o church_n even_o those_o choice_a family_n be_v able_a to_o fill_v several_a congregation_n answ._n we_o dare_v not_o say_v so_o for_o there_o be_v not_o name_v above_o 30._o in_o all_o sure_o if_o 30._o family_n fill_v several_a congregation_n than_o those_o congregation_n must_v be_v very_o small_a one_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o city_n be_v at_o least_o half_a christian_a and_o cornelius_n tell_v we_o that_o beside_o himself_o there_o be_v in_o that_o church_n 45._o presbyter_n answ._n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o many_o congregation_n be_v frequent_o call_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n these_o testimony_n be_v not_o from_o scripture_n do_v not_o suit_v the_o
the_o government_n of_o synod_n nor_o that_o many_o congregation_n be_v in_o scripture_n usual_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o be_v already_o perform_v in_o that_o which_o we_o have_v answer_v we_o therefore_o now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v of_o your_o three_o argument_n chap._n four_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o your_o three_o argument_n from_o act_n 15._o if_o that_o all_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n of_o all_o sort_n except_v only_o some_o few_o of_o these_o last_o fifty_o year_n engage_v by_o their_o own_o tenet_n of_o independency_n have_v with_o one_o voice_n conclude_v this_o chapter_n a_o formal_a precedent_n for_o synod_n will_v weigh_v any_o thing_n herein_o the_o matter_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o however_o the_o ●ext_n itself_o be_v so_o pregnant_a of_o this_o truth_n that_o it_o have_v of_o itself_o strength_n enough_o to_o deliver_v itself_o of_o it_o here_o be_v all_o that_o go_v to_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a synod_n first_o here_o be_v the_o occasion_n second_o here_o be_v a_o designation_n both_o of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o place_n three_o here_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o synod_n four_o here_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o synod_n five_o here_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o synod_n last_o here_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o a_o synod_n pag._n 19_o if_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v yet_o the_o thing_n in_o difference_n as_o yourself_o have_v state_v the_o question_n in_o pa._n 2_o 3_o 4._o of_o your_o book_n be_v not_o conclude_v thereby_o for_o all_o this_o that_o be_v here_o say_a go_v no_o further_a but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v synod_n whereas_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n and_o how_o far_o the_o same_o do_v reach_v whether_o so_o far_o as_o that_o a_o synod_n only_o and_o not_o a_o particular_a congregation_n ought_v to_o ordain_v officer_n and_o excommunicate_a offender_n and_o between_o these_o two_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n so_o that_o many_o a_o man_n may_v acknowledge_v the_o former_a which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v here_o conclude_v and_o yet_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o main_a point_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v clear_v for_o our_o part_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v synod_n and_o your_o argument_n conclude_v no_o more_o yea_o yourself_o do_v testify_v pag._n 2._o that_o those_o who_o you_o deal_v against_o do_v acknowledge_v as_o much_o in_o effect_n as_o here_o by_o you_o be_v conclude_v for_o there_o you_o say_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o neighbour_n church_n may_v meet_v consult_v and_o advise_v etc._n etc._n and_o if_o they_o acknowledge_v all_o this_o than_o they_o acknowledge_v a_o use_n of_o synod_n because_o these_o thing_n we_o suppose_v can_v be_v do_v by_o many_o church_n at_o once_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o their_o messenger_n and_o deputy_n assemble_v together_o which_o assembly_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o synod_n wherefore_o sith_o no_o more_o be_v here_o conclude_v than_o be_v by_o the_o independent_n party_n as_o you_o call_v they_o acknowledge_v we_o need_v not_o insist_v long_o in_o give_v answer_n to_o this_o argument_n we_o will_v therefore_o only_o brief_o mention_v some_o ground_n that_o incline_v we_o to_o think_v that_o this_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15._o be_v a_o synod_n and_o then_o give_v some_o annotation_n upon_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o your_o discourse_n about_o this_o place_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o argument_n touch_v the_o former_a when_o we_o say_v this_o meeting_n in_o act._n 15._o be_v a_o synod_n we_o mean_v at_o least_o such_o a_o one_o as_o mr._n parker_n pol._n eccl._n lib._n 2._o c._n 23._o sect._n 1._o understand_v it_o to_o be_v viz._n a_o consociation_n or_o combination_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o even_o of_o two_o at_o least_o or_o as_o doctor_n whitakar_n who_o count_v it_o neither_o a_o general_a council_n nor_o yet_o a_o national_a or_o provincial_n but_o a_o particular_a council_n as_o he_o call_v it_o less_o than_o either_o of_o the_o other_o de_fw-fr concil._n q._n 1._o c._n 2._o and_o that_o matter_n be_v carry_v in_o it_o in_o way_n of_o a_o ordinary_a synod_n may_v appear_v by_o two_o thing_n 1_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o it_o which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o apostle_n those_o extraordinary_a officer_n but_o also_o the_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o jerusalem_n ver._n 6_o 22_o 23._o and_o beside_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n certain_a other_o that_o be_v send_v with_o they_o from_o antioch_n v._n 2._o second_o the_o mean_n use_v for_o clear_v the_o controversy_n then_o in_o hand_n be_v not_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n nor_o any_o extra_fw-la ordinary_a revelation_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o such_o extra_fw-la ordinary_a person_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n mention_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o the_o mean_n they_o use_v be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v common_a to_o ordinary_a synod_n viz._n much_o disputation_n v._n 7._o peter_n experience_n of_o god_n blessing_n upon_o his_o ministry_n to_o cornelius_n and_o his_o company_n v._n 7._o and_o the_o like_a be_v do_v by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n for_o their_o part_n ver._n 12._o and_o as_o for_o james_n he_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n amos_n v._n 15_o 16._o and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n read_v and_o preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n v._n 21._o now_o all_o these_o mean_n be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v use_v in_o ordinary_a synod_n therefore_o we_o see_v no_o other_o but_o this_o meeting_n may_v be_v such_o a_o one_o here_o be_v a_o designation_n say_v you_o of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o place_n p._n 19_o answ._n but_o these_o commissioner_n and_o this_o place_n be_v design_v only_o by_o they_o of_o antioch_n v._n 2._o which_o show_v that_o this_o meeting_n be_v not_o of_o any_o more_o but_o two_o church_n antioch_n and_o jerusalem_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v more_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o only_o they_o of_o antioch_n determine_v the_o place_n reason_n will_v have_v require_v that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v other_o they_o also_o shall_v have_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o determine_v the_o place_n of_o meeting_n here_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o synod_n not_o only_o apostle_n but_o elder_n and_o of_o several_a church_n pag._n 20._o answ._n true_o but_o these_o church_n be_v not_o mention_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o only_o antioch_n and_o jerusalem_n both_o thus_o meet_v to_o determine_v so_o great_a a_o matter_n consequent_o all_o matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o single_a congregation_n pag._n 20._o answ._n the_o matter_n determine_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n viz._n whether_o circumcision_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n v._o 1._o and_o there_o fore_o no_o matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n unless_o jurisdiction_n and_o doctrine_n be_v the_o same_o and_o though_o they_o that_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n if_o they_o perfi_v pertinacious_o therein_o deserve_v to_o be_v censure_v as_o you_o do_v true_o allege_v from_o tit._n 3._o 10._o reject_v a_o heretic_n the_o dispense_n of_o which_o censure_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n yet_o for_o aught_o that_o do_v appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a both_o these_o church_n may_v concur_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o one_o only_o even_o that_o congregation_n whereof_o the_o offender_n be_v proper_o member_n may_v dispense_v the_o censure_n that_o be_v due_a for_o their_o pertinacious_a defence_n of_o such_o doctrine_n the_o concurrence_n of_o both_o to_o clear_v up_o the_o doctrine_n do_v argue_v want_n of_o light_n in_o the_o one_o but_o nevertheless_o there_o may_v be_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o each_o but_o if_o church_n have_v then_o be_v independent_a antioch_n have_v undertake_v and_o be_v able_a herself_n sufficient_o and_o final_o to_o have_v judge_v the_o cause_n and_o prevent_v the_o danger_n answ._n antioch_n do_v undertake_v to_o have_v end_v the_o matter_n among_o themselves_o and_o spend_v much_o time_n about_o it_o before_o there_o be_v any_o speech_n of_o seek_v out_o for_o help_v elsewhere_o as_o appear_v vers._n 2._o and_o this_o do_v sufficient_o declare_v it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_o dependent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n but_o have_v right_a to_o have_v end_v the_o matter_n within_o themselves_o if_o ability_n have_v serve_v thereto_o or_o else_o this_o undertake_n of_o they_o have_v be_v sinful_a as_o be_v a_o attempt_n to_o do_v that_o whereto_o they_o have_v no_o right_a and_o though_o by_o reason_n of_o much_o dissension_n among_o themselves_o they_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v for_o help_v for_o end_v the_o cause_n this_o may_v argue_v want_n of_o ability_n and_o light_n but_o
therefore_o follow_v that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o office_n because_o the_o case_n may_v so_o be_v that_o otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v perform_v at_o all_o so_o that_o either_o no_o officer_n must_v be_v ordain_v nor_o any_o imposition_n of_o hand_n use_v at_o all_o or_o else_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o they_o that_o be_v not_o in_o office_n now_o that_o it_o can_v always_o be_v perform_v by_o officer_n three_o instance_n make_v it_o manifest_a first_o when_o there_o be_v no_o officer_n of_o any_o other_o church_n to_o be_v have_v as_o at_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n in_o a_o pagan_a country_n far_o remote_a from_o all_o church_n as_o here_o in_o america_n by_o the_o english_a and_o in_o the_o case_n which_o you_o put_v of_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n by_o shipwreck_n cast_v upon_o a_o island_n where_o no_o pastor_n be_v second_o when_o those_o that_o may_v be_v have_v be_v so_o exceed_o corrupt_a and_o the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v convenient_a to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o but_o very_o dangerous_a to_o fetch_v ordination_n only_o from_o they_o as_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n after_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o popish_a bishop_n and_o priest_n from_o who_o to_o receive_v ordination_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v either_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n may_v ordain_v minister_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o that_o popish_a bishop_n be_v true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o sure_o if_o christian_n may_v not_o have_v any_o minister_n unless_o ordain_v by_o the_o popish_a bishop_n the_o case_n be_v as_o pitiful_a as_o if_o sheep_n may_v have_v no_o shepherd_n but_o such_o be_v appoint_v to_o they_o by_o the_o wolf_n three_o when_o those_o that_o be_v more_o desirable_a have_v no_o sufficient_a call_n to_o dispense_v ordination_n in_o another_o church_n which_o be_v the_o case_n when_o they_o be_v not_o request_v thereto_o for_o sith_o ordinary_a elder_n be_v not_o like_o apostle_n to_o feed_v all_o flock_n but_o that_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o depend_v upon_o they_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o that_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o they_o can_v assume_v authority_n and_o power_n unto_o themselves_o to_o ordain_v elder_n to_o other_o church_n whereof_o themselves_o be_v neither_o elder_n nor_o member_n unless_o they_o have_v a_o call_n thereto_o by_o the_o request_n of_o that_o church_n where_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v so_o that_o by_o these_o instance_n it_o appear_v that_o sometime_o officer_n of_o other_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v sometime_o those_o that_o may_v be_v have_v be_v as_o ill_a as_o none_o and_o not_o to_o be_v depend_v on_o or_o desire_v and_o sometime_o those_o that_o be_v more_o desirable_a have_v no_o sufficient_a call_n to_o ordain_v minister_n in_o any_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o sith_o officer_n must_v not_o be_v admit_v without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n imposition_n of_o hand_n must_v be_v perform_v by_o non-officer_n but_o you_o will_v say_v we_o read_v in_o sundry_a place_n where_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v perform_v by_o elder_n and_o not_o one_o place_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o other_o whereto_o we_o answer_v that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o against_o what_o we_o have_v say_v because_o which_o be_v our_o three_o particular_a to_o be_v clear_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o that_o be_v here_o allege_v be_v not_o as_o if_o ordination_n by_o non-elder_n be_v in_o every_o case_n unlawful_a but_o because_o in_o those_o time_n elder_n be_v not_o want_v for_o there_o be_v the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a man_n who_o be_v elder_n in_o all_o church_n and_o we_o do_v willing_o grant_v that_o where_o a_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o elder_n imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n and_o so_o much_o the_o example_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v evince_v but_o we_o have_v also_o show_v from_o numb._n 8._o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n as_o at_o the_o first_o nor_o any_o that_o can_v convenient_o be_v get_v from_o other_o church_n than_o imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v lawful_o be_v perform_v by_o other_o but_o you_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o congregation_n with_o or_o without_o a_o pastor_n to_o ordain_v elder_n because_o the_o rule_n of_o direction_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o ordination_n and_o the_o epistle_n wherein_o those_o rule_n be_v be_v not_o write_v or_o direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o crete_n but_o to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n only_o as_o their_o inscription_n speak_v answ._n if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o in_o any_o case_n meddle_v with_o ordination_n then_o by_o as_o good_a a_o reason_n a_o man_n may_v prove_v that_o ordination_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o presbytery_n nor_o to_o the_o synod_n but_o only_o to_o one_o man_n as_o the_o prelate_n will_v have_v it_o for_o a_o man_n may_v turn_v the_o reason_n against_o yourself_o and_o say_v the_o rule_n of_o direction_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o ordination_n and_o the_o epistle_n wherein_o those_o rule_n be_v be_v not_o direct_v to_o any_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n at_o ephesus_n or_o crete_n or_o anywhere_o else_o but_o only_o to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o be_v each_o of_o they_o but_o only_o one_o man_n but_o look_v how_o you_o will_v answer_v this_o plea_n for_o episcopal_a ordination_n the_o same_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o you_o and_o for_o we_o we_o can_v but_o approve_v the_o answer_n give_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o reason_v by_o the_o refuter_n of_o doctor_n downham_n sermon_n at_o lambeth_n who_o in_o his_o reply_n part_n 2._o pag._n 107._o do_v show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o church-government_n prescribe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o bishop_n alone_o nor_o elder_n alone_o but_o for_o a_o mix_a state_n wherein_o many_o presbyter_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o one_o pastor_n or_o precedent_n do_v administer_v and_o execute_v all_o matter_n with_o the_o people_n consent_n and_o approbation_n in_o which_o affirmation_n he_o allege_v the_o consent_n of_o most_o and_o best_o divine_v of_o late_a time_n instance_v in_o calvin_n and_o beza_n and_o especial_o the_o apostle_n own_o warrant_n in_o the_o close_a of_o thoses_fw-fr epistle_n with_o these_o word_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o or_o with_o you_o all_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 22._o tit._n 3._o 15._o and_o by_o this_o say_v he_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o be_v write_v special_o by_o name_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v of_o common_a use_n not_o only_o for_o other_o minister_n but_o also_o in_o some_o sort_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o then_o converse_v in_o those_o place_n now_o if_o what_o be_v write_v by_o name_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v of_o common_a use_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n than_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o you_o shall_v appropriate_v those_o rule_n only_o to_o the_o use_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n no_o more_o than_o other_o only_o to_o the_o use_n of_o prelate_n especial_o this_o be_v consider_v withal_o that_o if_o once_o the_o saint_n be_v exclude_v from_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v in_o those_o rule_n they_o that_o will_v appropriate_v they_o to_o one_o man_n have_v a_o fair_a colour_n for_o their_o plea_n than_o they_o that_o will_v appropriate_v they_o to_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n consist_v of_o many_o because_o timothy_n or_o titus_n to_o who_o those_o epistle_n be_v by_o name_n direct_v be_v not_o many_o person_n but_o either_o of_o they_o one_o only_a but_o it_o appear_v say_v you_o that_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o this_o part_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v dispense_v by_o the_o eldership_n only_o and_o that_o a_o consociate_a eldership_n pag._n 27._o answ._n that_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o the_o eldership_n we_o willing_o grant_v but_o that_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o the_o eldership_n only_o and_o that_o the_o eldership_n by_o which_o it_o be_v dispense_v be_v a_o consociate_a eldership_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o synod_n neither_o of_o these_o do_v appear_v at_o all_o nay_o we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a to_o both_o these_o may_v appear_v for_o as_o for_o the_o former_a we_o have_v show_v the_o contrary_a already_o and_o for_o the_o latter_a we_o will_v only_o
own_o it_o may_v do_v well_o to_o crave_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o neighbour_a congregation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o first_o and_o three_o of_o these_o proposition_n have_v be_v declare_v already_o and_o for_o the_o second_o we_o thus_o argue_v arg._n 1._o if_o such_o a_o church_n may_v elect_v and_o choose_v officer_n to_o itself_o without_o any_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o synod_n then_o they_o may_v ordain_v they_o also_o have_v so_o fit_a instrument_n as_o elder_n of_o their_o own_o to_o do_v it_o by_o but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a as_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v in_o this_o answer_n of_o we_o therefore_o the_o second_o be_v true_a also_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_n be_v clear_a by_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o which_o can_v do_v the_o great_a can_v do_v the_o lesser_a also_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n arg._n 2._o if_o such_o a_o church_n as_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o may_v not_o ordain_v their_o officer_n without_o dependence_n on_o a_o synod_n or_o a_o classis_fw-la then_o neither_o may_v they_o administer_v seal_n without_o such_o dependence_n for_o the_o word_n make_v such_o dependence_n no_o more_o requisite_a in_o the_o one_o case_n then_o in_o the_o other_o arg._n 3._o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o synod_n or_o classis_fw-la upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o what_o be_v a_o classis_fw-la or_o a_o synod_n but_o a_o company_n of_o minister_n or_o elder_n of_o several_a congregation_n assemble_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o thing_n concerning_o themselves_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n special_o such_o church_n whereto_o they_o do_v peculiar_o belong_v now_o this_o assemble_n of_o elder_n into_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n do_v imply_v that_o there_o be_v elder_n before_o there_o be_v any_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n and_o if_o so_o then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o those_o elder_n sith_o they_o be_v elder_n before_o that_o synod_n have_v any_o be_v which_o do_v sufficient_o show_v that_o the_o concurrence_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o always_o require_v in_o the_o ordain_n of_o elder_n obj._n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o synod_n do_v ordain_v timothy_n a_o evangelist_n a_o officer_n of_o many_o church_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o therefore_o much_o more_o must_v ordain_v officer_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n the_o answer_n be_v first_o that_o the_o consequence_n be_v not_o strong_a because_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v have_v authority_n sufficient_a to_o ordain_v by_o their_o eldership_n the_o officer_n of_o their_o particular_a church_n only_o and_o not_o sufficient_a to_o ordain_v such_o as_o must_v be_v officer_n in_o all_o church_n whatsoever_o the_o help_n of_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n where_o be_v a_o combination_n or_o consociation_n of_o elder_n of_o many_o church_n may_v be_v requisite_a for_o ordain_v a_o officer_n of_o many_o church_n and_o yet_o the_o eldership_n of_o our_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o ordain_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v to_o be_v officer_o to_o no_o more_o but_o only_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n second_o the_o ground_n hence_o be_v not_o certain_a for_o though_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o so_o to_o travel_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o yet_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o that_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o may_v be_v the_o presbytery_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o synod_n or_o classis_fw-la for_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v apostle_n act._n 14._o 4._o and_o 14._o gal._n 2._o 9_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v ordain_v not_o by_o any_o classis_fw-la or_o presbytery_n of_o many_o church_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o one_o church_n the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o those_o say_v they_o that_o can_v do_v the_o great_a that_o be_v to_o say_v make_v a_o church_n can_v do_v the_o less_o make_v pastor_n of_o that_o church_n ans._n we_o will_v rather_o argue_v thus_o those_o that_o have_v power_n of_o elect_a officer_n they_o have_v power_n of_o ordain_v officer_n but_o the_o people_n that_o have_v no_o officer_n have_v the_o former_a therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v the_o latter_a the_o consequence_n be_v prove_v because_o elect_v be_v great_a than_o ordain_v and_o great_a not_o in_o another_o kind_n but_o in_o the_o same_o viz._n about_o the_o place_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o the_o design_n of_o a_o person_n to_o the_o office_n of_o ministry_n now_o a_o argument_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o less_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n you_o confess_v will_v hold_v which_o visible_a ministry_n where_o it_o be_v this_o property_n or_o proper_a power_n of_o ordain_v officer_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o immediate_a ordinary_a concomitant_a thereof_o pag._n 31._o answ._n if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o there_o may_v be_v officer_n ordain_v and_o not_o by_o a_o synod_n even_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o in_o such_o a_o one_o there_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a ministry_n although_o that_o which_o you_o have_v say_v in_o this_o argument_n be_v not_o express_o against_o the_o congregation_n elect_v their_o officer_n but_o only_o against_o their_o ordain_n of_o they_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n yet_o in_o asmuch_o as_o sundry_a passage_n in_o your_o book_n and_o in_o this_o argument_n especial_o do_v seem_v to_o make_v as_o much_o against_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o therefore_o as_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o the_o point_n of_o ordination_n so_o we_o will_v also_o for_o the_o reader_n further_a direction_n give_v some_o ground_n for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o position_n about_o election_n viz._n election_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o party_n be_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n so_o that_o they_o proceed_v in_o this_o election_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n both_o choose_v a_o man_n fit_v by_o god_n for_o the_o office_n unto_o which_o they_o choose_v he_o and_o carry_v their_o choice_n in_o a_o orderly_a manner_n reason_n 1_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o now_o the_o antecedent_n be_v clear_a from_o act._n 1._o where_o in_o the_o very_a choice_n of_o a_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v not_o whole_o exclude_v for_o though_o the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a the_o express_a design_n of_o the_o particular_a person_n be_v determine_v by_o god_n by_o lot_n yet_o the_o church_n appoint_v two_o that_o one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v single_v out_o v._n 23._o and_o when_o the_o lot_n have_v fall_v upon_o mathias_n it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o eleven_o apostle_n v._n 26._o that_o be_v he_o be_v by_o common_a suffrage_n of_o the_o churchchosen_a to_o be_v of_o that_o number_n for_o so_o do_v the_o word_n signify_v that_o be_v use_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v translate_v by_o scapula_n omnium_fw-la calculis_fw-la allectus_fw-la and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o though_o the_o office_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o though_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n and_o have_v receive_v their_o call_n and_o extraordinary_a authority_n from_o christ_n himself_o immediate_o be_v now_o present_a yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o church_n have_v a_o stroke_n in_o this_o matter_n both_o first_o appoint_v two_o and_o then_o approve_v by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n or_o consent_v he_o of_o the_o two_o on_o who_o the_o lot_n have_v fall_v to_o be_v for_o instruction_n unto_o we_o in_o after_o time_n that_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n it_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o exclude_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o their_o right_n and_o interest_n therein_o for_o if_o they_o have_v a_o stroke_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o apostle_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v they_o have_v the_o like_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v present_a will_v not_o abridge_v the_o people_n of_o this_o liberty_n much_o less_o may_v other_o do_v it_o doubtless_o they_o that_o engross_v the_o authority_n of_o choose_v minister_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n exclude_v the_o people_n they_o arrogate_v more_o unto_o themselves_o then_o the_o apostle_n ever_o do_v so_o likewise_o in_o act._n 6._o when_o deacon_n be_v to_o be_v appoint_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o take_v all_o the_o business_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n as_o if_o election_n of_o such_o officer_n appertain_v only_o to_o themselves_o and_o not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o people_n but_o they_o call_v the_o whole_a multitude_n unto_o they_o ver._n