eneral rules of Scripture, such as are in 1 Cor. x. 31, 32; Rom. xiv.;
1 Cor. xiv. 26, 40, &c.; not according to any arbitrary power of men. 3.
_Censuring_ power, in reference to error, heresy, schism, obstinacy,
contempt, or scandal, and the repressing thereof; which power is put
forth merely in spiritual censures, as admonition, excommunication,
deposition, &c. And these censures exercised, not in a lordly,
domineering, prelatical way: but in an humble, sober, grave, yet
authoritative way, necessary both for preservation of soundness of
doctrine, and incorruptness of conversation; and for extirpation of the
contrary. This is the power which belongs to synods. Thus much for
clearing the right state of this question.

II. For the second thing, viz. the proposition itself, and the
confirmation thereof, take it briefly in these terms.

Jesus Christ our Mediator hath laid down in his word sufficient ground
and warrant for juridical synods, and their authority, for governing of
his Church now under the New Testament. Many arguments might be produced
for proof of this proposition: as, 1. From the light of nature. 2. From
the words of the law, Deut. xvii. 8, 12, compared with 2 Chron. xix. 8,
11; Ps. cxxii. 4, 5, holding forth an ecclesiastical Sanhedrin in the
Church of the Jews, superior to other courts. 3. From the words of
Christ, Matt, xviii. 15-21. 4. From the unity of the visible Church of
Christ now under the New Testament. 5. From the primitive apostolical
pattern laid down, Acts xv., &c., and from divers other considerations;
but for brevity's sake, only the two last arguments shall be a little
insisted upon.

_Argum_. I. The unity or oneness of the visible Church of Christ now
under the New Testament, laid down in Scripture, gives us a notable
foundation for church government by juridical synods. For, 1. That Jesus
Christ our Mediator hath one general, visible Church on earth now under
the New Testament, hath been already proved, Part 2, Chap. VIII. 2. That
in this Church there is a government settled by divine right, is
evidenced, Part 1, Chap. I. 3. That all Christ's ordinances, and
particularly church government, primarily belong to the whole general
Church visible, for her edification, (secondarily to particular churches
and single congregations, as parts or members of the whole,) hath been
manifested, Part 2, Chap. VIII. Now, there being one general visible
Church, having a government set in it of divine rig