An assertion of the government of the Church of Scotland in the points of…

There are sundry questions propounded by D. Field and other adversaries of Ruling Elders, whereinto they think we are not able to satisfy them, as 1. Whether Ruling Elders ought to have decisive voices, even in questions of Faith and Doctrine, and in the trial and approbation of Ministers? 2. Whether these Elders must be in every Congregation with power of ordination, deprivation, suspension, excommunication, and absolution, or whether this power be only in Ministers and Elders of divers Churches concurring? 3. If they be Ecclesiastical persons, where is their ordination? 4. Whether these […] be perpetual or annual, and but for a certain time?

THere are sundry questions propounded by D. Field and other adversaries of Ruling Elders, whereinto they thinke wee are not able to satisfie them, as 1. Whether Ruling Elders ought to have decisive voyces, even in questions of Faith and Doctrine, and in the tryall and approbation of Ministers? 2. Whether these Elders must be in every Congregation with power of ordination, deprivation, suspension, excommunication, and absolution, or whether this power bee onely in Ministers and Elders of divers Churches concurring? 3. Jf they be Ecclesiasticall persons, where is their ordination? 4. Whether these 〈…〉 be perpetuall or annuall, and but for a certaine time?

Whether they ought to serve freely or to have a stipend? Touching the first of these; since the reformation which Luther began, it was ever maintained by the Protestant writers, that not the Ministers of the word alone, but some of all sorts among Christians ought to have decisive voices in Councils. But Dr. Field will admit none to teach and define in Counc•ls,¹ but the Ministers of the word only: others he permits only to consent unto that which is done by them. Saravia alloweth grave and learned men to sit with the Ministers of the word,² yet not as Judges, but as Counsellors and Assessors only. Tilen will not say that the Bishops and Pastors of the Church ought to call any into their Council, but that they may do it when there is need. Against whom and all who are of their mind we object. 1. The example of Apostolic Synods. Matthias the Apostle after Gods own designation of him, by the lot which fell upon him, was chosen by the voices, not only of the Apostles, but the other Disciples, who were met with them Act, 1.26. [Greek or Hebrew] i. e. Simul suffragiis electus est, as Arias Montanus turneth it.