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