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
of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n it_o iâ—_n say_v that_o paul_n kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v with_o they_o all_o and_o they_o all_o weep_v sore_o act_v 20.36.37_o compare_v with_o verse_n 28._o here_o be_v some_o good_a number_n import_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n that_o be_v to_o the_o pastor_n thereof_o collective_o take_v christ_n say_v the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n revel_v 2.10_o which_o if_o not_o only_o yet_o principal_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o pastor_n though_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v more_o plain_a of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n verse_n 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unto_o you_o i_o say_v &_o to_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n as_o if_o he_o will_v say_v say_v pareus_n tibi_fw-la â—spicopo_fw-la cum_fw-la collegis_fw-la &_o reliquo_fw-la coetui_fw-la dico_fw-la paul_n write_v to_o the_o bishop_n at_o philippi_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o be_v already_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o the_o apostle_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o send_v unto_o they_o epaphroditus_n also_o phil._n 2.25_o be_v short_o thereafter_o to_o send_v unto_o they_o timotheus_n verse_n 19_o yea_o to_o come_v himself_o verse_n 24._o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o labourer_n in_o that_o harvest_n epaphras_n and_o archippus_n be_v pastor_n to_o the_o church_n at_o colosse_n and_o who_o beside_o we_o can_v tell_v but_o paul_n send_v unto_o they_o also_o tychicus_n and_o onesimuâ—_n col._n 4.7.9_o now_o touch_v the_o three_o proposition_n no_o man_n who_o understand_v will_v imagine_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n within_o one_o of_o those_o great_a city_n be_v divide_v into_o as_o many_o parish_n as_o there_o be_v meet_v place_n for_o worship_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o controversy_n who_o do_v begin_v the_o division_n of_o parish_n but_o whosoever_o it_o be_v whether_o evaristus_n or_o higinus_n or_o dionysius_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o than_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v in_o every_o city_n or_o to_o say_v in_o every_o church_n that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tit._n 1.5_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 14.22_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o anti-prelaticall_a writer_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v and_o by_o the_o prelatical_a writer_n also_o the_o last_o proposition_n as_o it_o have_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o so_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o former_a for_o that_o which_o make_v the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n within_o one_o city_n to_o be_v one_o church_n be_v their_o union_n under_o and_o their_o subjection_n unto_o the_o same_o church_n government_n and_o governor_n a_o multitude_n may_v be_v one_o church_n though_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o example_n it_o may_v fall_v forth_o that_o a_o congregation_n can_v meet_v together_o into_o one_o but_o into_o divers_a place_n and_o this_o may_v continue_v so_o for_o some_o year_n together_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n or_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o plague_n or_o because_o they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o large_a parish-church_n as_o may_v contain_v they_o all_o so_o that_o a_o part_n of_o they_o must_v meet_v in_o some_o other_o place_n but_o a_o multitude_n can_v be_v one_o church_n unless_o they_o communicate_v in_o the_o same_o church_n government_n and_o under_o the_o same_o governor_n by_o one_o church_n i_o mean_v one_o ecclesiastical_a republic_n even_o as_o the_o like_a union_n under_o civil_a government_n and_o governor_n make_v one_o corporation_n when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n 20.28_o he_o exhort_v they_o all_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o hierome_n speak_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o say_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o amsterdam_n because_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a from_o all_o which_o have_v be_v say_v i_o infer_v this_o corollary_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a court_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o do_v ordain_v depose_v excommunicate_a etc._n etc._n do_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o pastor_n and_o elder_n as_o can_v with_o conveniency_n meet_v ordinary_o together_o which_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o warrant_n for_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n i_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o town_n no_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n notwithstanding_o whereof_o the_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o congregation_n might_n and_o do_v manage_v the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o and_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n therein_o i_o confess_v also_o that_o in_o those_o city_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o can_v meet_v together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o presbytery_n do_v consist_v of_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n within_o such_o a_o city_n for_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n any_o christian_a congregation_n in_o landward_o village_n the_o persecution_n force_v christian_n to_o choose_v the_o shelter_n of_o city_n for_o which_o reason_n many_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o infidel_n in_o those_o day_n be_v call_v pagani_n because_o they_o alone_o dwell_v in_o pagis_fw-la and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o adjacent_a to_o city_n we_o must_v think_v the_o same_o shall_v have_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o common_a presbytery_n their_o own_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v a_o part_n thereof_o howsoever_o it_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o for_o manage_v the_o ordinary_a matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o church-government_n the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o divers_a city_n can_v not_o convenient_o have_v such_o ordinary_a meeting_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n only_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n within_o one_o city_n have_v such_o conveniency_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v we_o do_v not_o forsake_v but_o follow_v the_o pattern_n when_o we_o join_v together_o a_o number_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n out_o of_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o convenient_a circuit_n to_o make_v up_o a_o common_a presbytery_n which_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v those_o congregation_n for_o if_o the_o presbytery_n which_o we_o find_v in_o those_o city_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n be_v a_o sure_a pattern_n for_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v than_o it_o follow_v undeniable_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o church-government_n of_o excommunication_n ordination_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v belong_v to_o that_o primitive_a presbytery_n do_v also_o belong_v to_o those_o our_o classical_a or_o great_a presbytery_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n provincial_n and_o national_n touch_v synod_n i_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o their_o power_n be_v and_o thereafter_o give_v argument_n for_o the_o same_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o we_o ascribe_v unto_o synod_n be_v the_o same_o in_o nature_n and_o kind_n with_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o presbytery_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o presbytery_n do_v exercise_v it_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o in_o matter_n proper_a to_o the_o congregation_n within_o their_o circuit_n synod_n do_v exercise_v this_o power_n in_o matter_n which_o be_v common_a to_o a_o whole_a province_n or_o nation_n or_o if_o in_o matter_n proper_a to_o the_o bound_n of_o one_o presbytery_n it_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o either_o presbytery_n have_v err_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o their_o own_o matter_n or_o when_o such_o thing_n be_v transfer_v to_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o presbytery_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o appellation_n or_o by_o reference_n the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n whereof_o i_o speak_v be_v threefold_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v distinguish_v by_o our_o writer_n and_o all_o these_o three_o do_v in_o manner_n foresay_a belong_v unto_o synod_n in_o respect_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o worship_n a_o synod_n be_v judex_n or_o testis_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o external_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o circumstance_n a_o contriver_n of_o a_o
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
ecclesiastical_a republic_n of_o which_o sort_n of_o thing_n the_o diversity_n and_o subordination_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n be_v one_o do_v belong_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o say_v further_o though_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o civil_a policy_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o in_o all_o point_v a_o pattern_n to_o our_o civil_a policy_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v no_o error_n to_o imitate_v the_o civil_a policy_n of_o the_o jew_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 be_v common_a to_o all_o well_o constitute_v commonwealth_n and_o so_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o their_o commonwealth_n that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a policy_n to_o have_v divers_a civil_a court_n and_o the_o high_a to_o receive_v appellation_n from_o the_o inferior_a as_o it_o be_v among_o they_o shall_v we_o not_o by_o the_o very_a like_o reason_n fetch_v from_o their_o ecclesiastical_a republic_n diversity_n of_o spiritual_a court_n and_o the_o supreme_a to_o receive_v appellation_n from_o the_o inferior_a because_o so_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o that_o under_o the_o common_a respect_n and_o account_v of_o a_o political_a church_n and_o not_o for_o any_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o chap._n viii_o the_o four_o argument_n take_v from_o act_n 15._o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n act_n 15._o make_v for_o we_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n syria_n and_o cilicia_n be_v trouble_v with_o the_o question_n about_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n the_o matter_n be_v debate_v and_o dispute_v at_o antioch_n the_o chief_a town_n of_o coelosyria_n where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v for_o the_o time_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o some_o out_o of_o the_o other_o church_n in_o that_o province_n as_o also_o out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o cilicia_n be_v present_a in_o that_o meeting_n and_o conference_n for_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o very_a same_o question_n no_o less_o than_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n howsoever_o the_o matter_n can_v not_o be_v agree_v upon_o in_o that_o meeting_n but_o a_o reference_n thereof_o be_v make_v to_o a_o more_o general_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o that_o effect_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o with_o they_o be_v send_v thither_o all_o this_o be_v clear_a by_o compare_v verse_n 2._o with_o 23._o hereupon_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v synodical_o come_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o decide_v the_o question_n give_v forth_o decree_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o particular_a church_n act_n 15.6.28_o and_o 16.4_o we_o will_v not_o dispute_v what_o sort_n of_o synod_n this_o be_v only_o that_o it_o be_v a_o synod_n with_o authority_n over_o many_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n and_o whereunto_o the_o meeting_n at_o antioch_n whether_o it_o be_v provincial_a or_o presbyterial_a only_a do_v refer_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n about_o jewish_a ceremony_n it_o be_v answer_v by_o some_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n of_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o know_v whether_o these_o teacher_n who_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n have_v any_o such_o commission_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o they_o pretend_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v here_o no_o synod_n nor_o assembly_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o divers_a church_n for_o there_o be_v no_o commissioner_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n in_o judea_n galilee_n and_o samaria_n mention_v act_n 9.31_o nor_o from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n mention_v act._n 14.23_o neither_o be_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o go_v with_o they_o commissioner_n to_o represent_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n but_o messenger_n only_o to_o make_v narration_n of_o the_o case_n 3._o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o 4._o if_o the_o resolution_n which_o be_v give_v be_v consider_v as_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v only_o her_o advice_n to_o her_o sister_n church_n if_o otherwise_o consider_v it_o be_v a_o decree_n absolute_o apostolical_a and_o divine_a scripture_n by_o infallible_a direction_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n impose_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n though_o they_o have_v no_o commissioner_n there_o these_o answer_n have_v need_v to_o be_v strong_a before_o that_o so_o many_o father_n counsel_n and_o protestant_a writer_n who_o have_v understand_v the_o matter_n otherwise_o shall_v all_o be_v put_v in_o a_o error_n to_o the_o first_o we_o reply_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o know_v whether_o these_o teacher_n have_v commission_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n to_o press_v the_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o to_o get_v a_o resolution_n of_o the_o question_n itself_o verse_n 2._o about_o this_o question_n now_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o commission_n the_o apostle_n have_v give_v to_o those_o teacher_n but_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n verse_n 1_o to_o the_o second_o we_o say_v that_o if_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v messenger_n to_o make_v narration_n of_o the_o case_n certain_o they_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a messenger_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o other_o to_o be_v join_v in_o message_n with_o they_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v the_o rest_n who_o be_v send_v with_o they_o be_v commissioner_n to_o represent_v the_o church_n which_o send_v they_o neither_o be_v it_o credible_a but_o that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n which_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n with_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n do_v send_v their_o commissioner_n also_o to_o jerusalem_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n have_v so_o certain_a and_o perfect_a intelligence_n of_o the_o case_n of_o those_o church_n verse_n 23._o beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a neglect_n in_o those_o church_n if_o they_o have_v not_o send_v some_o to_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n do_v for_o if_o it_o be_v expedient_a which_o antioch_n do_v they_o ought_v no_o less_o to_o have_v do_v it_o their_o case_n be_v the_o same_o moreover_o it_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o verse_n 3._o that_o the_o other_o church_n through_o which_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n pass_v in_o their_o journey_n do_v send_v some_o companion_n along_o with_o they_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o errand_n and_o to_o give_v their_o consent_n in_o the_o meeting_n at_o jerusalem_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v this_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o cajetan_n mentzerus_fw-la calvin_n gualther_n and_o other_o interpreter_n upon_o that_o place_n last_o it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n together_o with_o those_o who_o be_v send_v from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n syria_n and_o cilicia_n and_o the_o other_o church_n through_o which_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v travel_v will_v come_v together_o without_o acquaint_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n which_o be_v so_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o may_v so_o easy_o send_v their_o commissioner_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o three_o we_o reply_v that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o text_n that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v present_a but_o rather_o it_o appear_v from_o verse_n 6._o that_o they_o be_v not_o present_a 1._o as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v present_a yet_o master_n robinson_n say_v 266._o that_o they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o consent_v to_o the_o decree_n to_o the_o last_o answer_n it_o be_v contain_v that_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o meeting_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o naked_a counsel_n and_o advice_n but_o a_o decree_n impose_v with_o authority_n upon_o the_o church_n act_n 15.28_o and_o 16.4_o and_o 21.25_o ib_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o decree_n be_v mere_o apostolical_a and_o that_o the_o elder_n do_v no_o more_o than_o consent_v thereto_o even_o as_o the_o brethren_n do_v this_o be_v manifest_o against_o the_o text_n for_o act_n 16.4_o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o silas_n as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n for_o to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n &_o elder_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o act._n 21.25_o all_o the_o elder_n speak_v to_o paul_n say_v as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v that_o they_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n that_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v plain_a from_o v_o 18.19.20_o so_o then_o
the_o elder_n do_v decreee_v ordain_v and_o conclude_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n possit_fw-la and_o not_o the_o apostle_n only_o now_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o impose_v their_o decree_n upon_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n with_o who_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v as_o mr._n robinson_n say_v true_o since_o therefore_o these_o thing_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o the_o decree_n ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o do_v necessary_o import_v that_o there_o be_v in_o that_o meeting_n delegate_n and_o commissioner_n from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o do_v represent_v the_o same_o chap._n ix_o the_o five_o argument_n take_v from_o geometrical_a proportion_n as_o be_v the_o proportion_n of_o 3._o to_o 9_o so_o be_v the_o proportion_n of_o 9_o to_o 27._o of_o 21._o to_o 81._o etc._n etc._n this_o rule_n of_o giometricall_a proportion_n afford_v we_o a_o five_o argument_n for_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n if_o we_o shall_v grant_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v popular_a then_o by_o what_o proportion_n one_o or_o two_o be_v subject_n to_o a_o whole_a congregation_n by_o the_o same_o proportion_n be_v that_o congregation_n subject_a to_o a_o provincial_a or_o a_o national_a congregation_n i_o mean_v if_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o province_n or_o a_o nation_n be_v assemble_v into_o one_o collective_a body_n as_o all_o the_o male_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v assemble_v thrice_o in_o the_o year_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n 20.1_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v assemble_v together_o in_o mizpeh_n as_o one_o man_n from_o dan_n even_o to_o beersheba_n four_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n to_o try_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o levite_n and_o to_o resolve_v what_o to_o do_v there-anent_a which_o meet_v of_o the_o nation_n be_v order_v by_o tribe_n the_o tribe_n by_o family_n the_o family_n by_o person_n in_o that_o case_n any_o one_o particular_a congregation_n behove_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o general_a congregation_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n whereby_o one_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n because_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o part_n and_o the_o body_n more_o than_o a_o member_n now_o the_o same_o rule_n hold_v in_o the_o representatives_n of_o church_n whether_o we_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o collective_n or_o among_o themselves_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o representative_n with_o the_o collective_n then_o as_o one_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o particular_a eldership_n represent_v the_o â—ame_n by_o the_o like_a proportion_n be_v 14._o or_o 16._o congregation_n govern_v by_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n represent_v they_o all_o by_o the_o same_o proportion_n be_v all_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o province_n subject_a to_o a_o provincial_n synod_n by_o the_o same_o aught_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o nation_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o national_a assembly_n all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o represent_v in_o the_o same_o 331.332_o for_o as_o parker_n say_v well_o many_o church_n be_v combine_v into_o one_o in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n as_o many_o member_n be_v combine_v into_o one_o church_n if_o we_o compare_v the_o representative_n among_o themselves_o then_o by_o what_o proportion_n a_o particular_a eldership_n represent_v only_o one_o congregation_n be_v less_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n than_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n which_o represent_v many_o congregation_n by_o the_o same_o proportion_n be_v a_o classical_a presbytery_n less_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n than_o a_o provincial_n synod_n and_o it_o less_o in_o authority_n then_o a_o national_n synod_n so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o presbytery_n whether_o parochial_a or_o classical_a be_v once_o grant_v this_o shall_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o proportion_n infer_v the_o authority_n of_o synod_n i_o know_v that_o synod_n be_v not_o ordinary_a court_n as_o presbytery_n be_v but_o this_o and_o other_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o i_o pass_v the_o argument_n hold_v for_o the_o point_n of_o authority_n that_o synod_n when_o they_o be_v have_v authority_n over_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o province_n or_o a_o nation_n even_o as_o presbytery_n have_v over_o the_o congregation_n within_o their_o bound_n chap._n x._o the_o six_o argument_n take_v from_o necessity_n we_o have_v another_o reason_n to_o add_v and_o it_o be_v borrow_v from_o lawless_a necessity_n for_o without_o a_o subordination_n among_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o high_a above_o the_o inferior_a it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o preserve_v unity_n or_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o controversy_n in_o a_o nation_n a_o particular_a congregation_n may_v happy_o end_v question_n and_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o so_o keep_v unity_n within_o itself_o and_o not_o so_o neither_o if_o the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o congregation_n be_v against_o the_o other_o but_o how_o shall_v controversy_n betwixt_o several_a congregation_n be_v determine_v if_o both_o of_o they_o be_v independent_a how_o shall_v plurality_n of_o religion_n be_v avoid_v how_o shall_v a_o apostatise_v congregation_n be_v amend_v it_o be_v answer_v 1._o if_o a_o particular_a congregation_n neglect_v their_o duty_n or_o do_v wrong_v to_o another_o the_o civil_a sword_n may_v proceed_v against_o they_o to_o make_v they_o do_v their_o duty_n 2._o a_o particular_a congregation_n ought_v in_o difficult_a case_n to_o consult_v with_o her_o sister_n church_n for_o so_o much_o reason_n dictate_v that_o in_o difficult_a case_n counsel_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o a_o great_a number_n 3._o sister_n church_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a congregation_n do_v amiss_o out_o of_o that_o relation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o she_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o body_n under_o the_o same_o head_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o admonish_v she_o and_o in_o case_n of_o general_a apostasy_n they_o may_v withdraw_v that_o communion_n from_o she_o which_o they_o hold_v with_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n but_o these_o answer_n be_v not_o satisfactory_a the_o first_o of_o they_o agree_v not_o to_o all_o time_n for_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o church_n have_v not_o the_o help_n of_o the_o civil_a sword_n a_o persecute_v magistrate_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o see_v either_o division_n or_o apostasy_n in_o a_o congregation_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n have_v povide_v a_o remedy_n both_o for_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o disease_n of_o his_o church_n and_o at_o all_o time_n the_o church_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v a_o republic_n and_o have_v her_o law_n court_n and_o spiritual_a censure_n within_o herself_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o not_o the_o second_o answer_n leave_v the_o rectify_v of_o a_o err_a congregation_n to_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o own_o discretion_n in_o seek_v counsel_n from_o a_o great_a number_n and_o moreover_o if_o this_o be_v a_o dictate_v of_o reason_n to_o ask_v counsel_n of_o a_o great_a number_n when_o the_o counsel_n of_o a_o few_o can_v resolve_v we_o than_o reason_n be_v ever_o like_o itself_o will_v dictate_v so_o much_o to_o a_o congregation_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o great_a number_n when_o their_o own_o authority_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o end_v a_o controversy_n among_o they_o to_o the_o three_o answer_n we_o say_v that_o every_o private_a christian_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n either_o of_o one_o man_n or_o of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n in_o the_o case_n of_o general_a apostasy_n and_o shall_v a_o apostatise_v congregation_n be_v suffer_v to_o run_v to_o hell_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o remedy_n shall_v be_v use_v beside_o that_o common_o ineffectual_a remedy_v which_o any_o private_a christian_a may_v use_v god_n forbid_v what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o congregation_n i_o say_v also_o of_o classical_a presbytery_n how_o shall_v sentence_n be_v give_v betwixt_o two_o presbytery_n at_o variance_n how_o shall_v a_o divide_a presbytery_n be_v reunite_v in_o itself_o how_o shall_v a_o heretical_a presbytery_n be_v reclaim_v how_o shall_v a_o negligent_a presbytery_n be_v make_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n how_o shall_v a_o despise_a presbytery_n have_v their_o wound_a authority_n heal_v again_o in_o these_o and_o such_o like_a contingent_a case_n what_o remedy_n can_v be_v have_v beside_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n chap._n xi_o objection_n make_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n answer_v they_o who_o dislike_v the_o subordination_n of_o particular_a congregation_n unto_o high_a ecclesiastical_a court_n object_n
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
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
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