The reasons of the Dissenting Brethren against the third proposition, concerning presbyterial government· Humbly…

Neither doth it follow that if they may lay these burdens by way of Doctrine, they may censure for the neglect of them, for every Minister in his Sermon imposeth those burdens whilst they urge and declare these duties to men, and yet have not power Ecclesiastically to censure them, for though it being a command of Christ they could not but hold it forth as such and so urge it; yet not by way of Jurisdiction, but with these soft words, which if you observe you do well.

Neither doth it follow that if they may lay these burthens by way of Doctrine, they may censure for the neglect of them, for every Minister in his Sermon imposeth those burthens whilst they urge and declare these duties to men, and yet have not power Ecclesiastically to censure them, for though it being a command of Christ they could not but hold it forth as such and so urge it; yet not by way of Jurisdiction, but with these soft words, which if you observe you doe well.

Lastly, although these false Teachers had subverted their faith, and against their own light, had avouched their Doctrine to be the doctrine of the Apostles, which deserved the highest censure being a sin so scandalous, yet they proceeded not to censure them by way of admonition or excommunication (which are acts of government) but only do declare their sin and error, and give their Judgement of it. Whereas in the close of the proof from the Church of Jerusalem for many Congregations to be under one Presbyterial government, it is asserted whether these Congregations be fixed or not fixed it is all one to the truth of the proposition; this reason is offered against it. There is this difference, every Congregation having Elders fixed to it is a Church; for the relation of Elders and Church is mutual, Acts 14. 23. They ordained Elders in every Church; This relation of Elders to a Church is a special distinct relation to that Congregation of which they are Elders, so as they are not related to other Congregations, and these Congregations are Ecclesiae primae, Churches formed up though uncompleat, as being according to our Brethren's opinion, members of a more general Presbyterial Church.