are those scandals, not according to their minds unlimitedly, but according to the mind of Christ in his word, more sure than all ordinances or acts of Parliament in the world.) And was this so hideous a desire?  This liberty was desired, not for themselves, but for well-constituted elderships.  As great power was granted by the very service-book to every single curate; (see the Rubric before the communion.) A perfect enumeration and description of scandals can be made in no book but in the Scriptures; and when all is done, must we not refer thither?  All scandals are punishable, as well as any, and to inflict penalties on some, and not on others as bad or worse, is inexcusable partiality.  Why should not presbyteries duly constituted, especially the greater, be accounted, at least, as faithful, intelligent, prudent, and every way as competent judges of what is scandal, and what not, according to the Scriptures, and that without arbitrary conduct and tyranny, as any civil court, committees, or commissioners whatsoever?  Ruling church assemblies are intrusted with the whole government in the church, consequently with this, and every part.  The best reformed churches allow to their presbyteries power to keep from the ordinances scandalous persons, not only for scandals enumerated, but for scandals of like nature not enumerated, with some general clause or other, as may appear in eight several churches, according to the allegations here in the foot-note;[4] and, therefore, no new thing is desired, but what is commonly practised in the reformed churches, whom we should imitate so far as they lead us on towards purity and perfection.

Doubt 3.  But the independent government seems to be a far more excellent way, and it is embraced by many godly and precious people and ministers.

Ans. 1.  What true excellency is there at all in the whole independent government, save only in those particulars wherein it agrees with the presbyterial government; and only so far as it is presbyterial?  Therefore, the presbyterial government is equally, yea, primarily and principally excellent.  Wherein is the excellency of the independent way of government? 1st.  Have they only those officers which Christ himself hath appointed, pastors and teachers, ruling elders and deacons?  So the Presbyterians. 2d.  Have they those spiritual censures, of admonishing, excommunicating, and receiving again into communion, which Christ ordained in his Church, for guarding his ordinances, and well guiding of the flock?  So the Presbyterians. 3d.  Have they congregational presbyteries duly elected, and constituted for the exercise of all acts of government, proper and necessary for their respective congregations?  So the Presbyterians. 4th.  Have they liberty of electing their own[5] officers, pastors, elders, and deacons?  So the Presbyterians. 5th.  Have they power to keep the whole lump of the Church from being leavened, and purely to preserve the ordinances of Christ, from pollution and profanation, &c.?  So the Presbyterians, &c.  So that whereinsoever the independent government is truly excellent, the presbyterial government stands in a full equipage and equality of excellence.