fora timeofLiberty. Members; they have tried and proved Inch a one ; if they fin, as they may, then give them reafons ; but if not, they are bound to fubmit. And that not as untoother Chrifti- ans, but as unto an Ordinance, flampt with an authority of God upon them ; ins: eed they are not to do any fuch thingwithout the prefence, content, and judiciary power of the Church; and the Church may not fubmit to what Elders propofe to be Chritrs mind ; but then theycall fl` the Lords power, which they are to anCwer for another day. i Cor. 12. 28. they are called Governours. Now as a Ruler of a Ship is to order it, though a King be in it, over him in that refpeet, and the King is to be guided by him, whiles he guides it right; but if not, the King bath power over him, to command others to take the place, or cafi him over hoard. 'f is true, they are but fervants to the Church, be- caufe they are by the Church, for the Church, and to help the Church-, 2 Cor. r. z4.. and are fubjet to them if they fin ; but yet they are fervants unto Chrift, and in exercifing his power according tohirn,above the Church. 2 Cor. 4, 5. We preach Chrift, and curfelves yourfervants forCh'r.J}; yes therein above them: Hence being their frvants ; if they fin, they are under the cenfure of the Church, and the Church tray call them by So being Chrifts fervants; if not fubrnitted to, the Lord doth ac- count hi ifelf caft off. Y. Eeeaufe their power thus rightly executed, is the power of Chrift Jefus : Hence refute it, you refute ro be fubiea to him; if men wil nos be ruled by Gods Ordinan- ces,r ut will ruleOrdinances,they go about t tole Chrift. z. l3ecaufe, if there ;hall be no fubjeaion he;e,'tis profefi licentioufneflè, and not liberty in Churches; You have liberty, hut what liberty ? to be fubjea to Chriffs power in pure liberty , and that in his fervants. Now when men will not, and (hall refute, > -ichout firewirg rca- Con, or convicting Elders of fin ; this is to raft off the Government of Chrift. 3. Elders are helpers of people, and there is no peo- ple but will fund in need of Inch helps, if humble, and a- ble to difcern, toattend the publick good, to teach and convince, &c. Hence, when there is no fin appearing in the execution of their office, they Mould with a holy fear fubmit; and fay, If ye he faithful] watchmen, what am )c that! fhould be unfatisfied ? my ignorance nay mislead ethers, &c 4. They
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