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

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, ⟨p. 120⟩when the Pastor or Pastors thereof do manage the weighty Ecclesiastical affairs and government, with the knowledge, •nd (at least tacit) consent of the Congregation it self, then do we not only sufficiently and abundantly preserve the liberty of the Congregation, while as not the Pastor or Pastors thereof alone, but sundry Ruling Elders; also, representing the Congregation, do manage the affairs aforesaid, the Congregation withal understanding thereof, and consenting thereto, Tacitè if not Expressè.

To say no more, wee would gladly bury this controversie about popular government, in eternall silence and oblivion, and to this end we are content it be packt up, ⟨p. 119⟩