not others.

2. It is granted, that where there is no consociation, or neighborhood
of single churches, whereby they may mutually aid one another, there a
single congregation must not be denied entire jurisdiction; but this
falls not within the compass of ordinary rules of church government left
us by Christ. If there be but one congregation in a kingdom or province,
that particular congregation may do much by itself alone, which it ought
not to do where there are neighboring and adjacent churches that might
associate therewith for mutual assistance.

3. It is granted, that every single congregation hath equal power, one
as much as another, and that there is no subordination of one to
another; according to that common and known axiom, An equal hath no
power or rule over an equal. Subordination prelatical, which is of one
or more parishes to the prelate and his cathedral, is denied; all
particular churches being collateral, and of the same authority.

4. It is granted, that classical or synodal authority cannot be by
Scripture introduced over a particular church in a privative or
destructive way to that power which God hath bestowed upon it; but
contrarily it is affirmed, that all the power of assemblies, which are
above particular congregations, is cumulative and perfective to the
power of those inferior congregations.

5. It is granted, that the highest ecclesiastical assembly in the world
cannot require from the lowest a subordination absolute, and at their
own mere will and pleasure, but only in some respect; subordination
absolute being only to the law of God laid down in Scripture. We detest
popish tyranny, which claims a power of giving their will for a law.
'Tis subjection in the Lord that is pleaded for: the straightest rule in
the world, unless the holy Scripture, we affirm to be a rule to be
regulated; peace being only in walking according to Scripture canon,
Gal. vi. ver. 16.

6. Nor is it the question whether friendly, consultative, fraternal,
Christian advice or direction, be either to be desired or bestowed by
neighboring churches, either apart or in their synodal meetings, for the
mutual benefit of one another, by reason of that holy profession in
which they are all conjoined and knit together: for this will be granted
on all hands, though when it is obtained, it will not amount to a
sufficient remedy in many cases.

But this is that which we maintain, viz. that the law of God holdeth
forth a subo