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

Lastly, This is inconsistent with the ordinary way of the Call of Elders held forth in the word, and the Principles of the Reformed Churches.

There are two parts of this Call. First, Choice. Secondly, Ordination.

First for Choice, Chamier in the name of all the Reformed Churches, allows the people this, the approbation of their Elders, and so in Scotland. And if the Apostles themselves allowed them the choice of the Deacons that had the charge of the Church treasury, and took care of their bodies; then much more of their Elders that have to do with their consciences. Look what ever right of the people is in the choice of them that should preach to them, there is as much reason they should have the exercise of it in the choice of those Elders that in a common Presbytery do rule over them, for they perform one part of the Elders duty, namely Ruling, as the Preaching Elders do the other; and therefore by the equity of the same law, that speaks of Elders indefinitely, if they choose any Elders as Elders to them, they are to choose these also, there being ⟨p. 11⟩no distinction put of choosing Preaching Elders only, but Elders indefinitely▪ And further, the greatest and highest acts of power over them, are committed in an ordinary way unto them, as of Excommunication, of all punishments the most formidable, there is put as much, if not more then every mans life (that is a member of that Classical Church) into their hands, the enjoyment of all Ordinances for ever: And so the power of deposing their Ministers already fixed to them, and of refusing to ordain them, they shall approve; And therefore in antiquity, of all other the persons of the Bishops, who had the power of all those, were chosen by all the people, and by Panegyrical meetings▪ And it is strengthened by this further parallel; A Ministers Call hath two parts, first, Ordination, which belongs to the Elders. Secondly Choice, in which the people have some interest: These Elders as Elders in common, and these Congregations as one Church be relatives, and so that interest which a Church, quâ Church hath, is commensurable to the interest of these Elders, quâ Elders: If therefore in ordaining, all the Elders in a common Presbytery, do join to ordain an Officer, then all the people, quâ Church, must join in choosing or approving him; neither can their common right of choosing be swallowed up by the interest of their Elders ordaining him. And if it be said they all choose by virtue of the general law of combination, as in the Shires Parliament men;