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

If it be objected from verse 12: that the whole multitude was present in the Synod: I answer, we may understand with Piscator the multitude there spoken of to be the multitude of the Apostles & Elders, V. 6. or if we should understand by the multitude the whole Church, this proveth only that the whole Church heard the question disputed, not that they were all present at the judging and determining of it. If it be further objected that the Synodal Epistle came not only from the Apostles and Elders, but from the brethren, that is, the whole Church. The answer is easy. The Brethren are mentioned, because it was done with their knowledge, consent, and applause.

If it be objected from verse 12: that the whole multitu•e was present in the Synod: I answer, we may understand with Piscator the multitude there spokē of to be the multitude of the Apostles & Elders, V. 6. or if we should understand by the multitude the whole Church, this proveth onely that the whole Church heard the question disputed, not that they were all present at the judging and determining of it. If it be further objected that the Synodall Epistle came not onely from the Apostles and Elders, but from the brethren, that is, the whole Church. The answer is easie. The Brethren are mentioned, because it was done with their knowledge, consent, and applause.

To say no more, we would gladly bury this controversy about popular government, in eternal silence and oblivion, and to this end we are content it be packed up, ⟨p. 119⟩in the words which the Separatists themselves (doubtless perpending the Reasons above-mentioned) have set down in the 14. Article of the Confession of their Faith published, Anno 1616▪ for this they say. We judge each proper Pastor, may and ought to be trusted by the Congregation, with the managing of all points of their Ecclesiastical affairs and Government, so far, that he with his assistants do execute and administer the same: yet so that in matters of weight, the whole Congregation do first understand thereof, before any thing be finished, and the final act be done in the presence of the whole Congregation, and also that they (the said Congregation) do ot manifestly dissent therefrom. We are heartily content, that Congregations do fully enjoy all the Christian liberty, which here is pleaded for in their behalf, yea and much more also; for the assistants spoken of in these words of the Confession, are other Pastors and Colleagues, if any there be, in the same Congregation, as will be evident to any that readeth that Article. But we are content that the Assistants spoken of be understood to be Ruling Elders. Now if the Authors of that Confession thought the Christian liberty of a Congregation sufficiently preserved,