offend or injure us, we ought to
carry the matter to another that has more influence and authority. If
the offending judicatory neglect to hear this, we ought to tell the
offence to the church in the highest sense, that redress may be
obtained--the apostle Paul declaring, _that the spirits of the prophets
are subject to the prophets_. But the right of reference or appeal from
an inferior to a superior court is most clearly evinced from the case
of the presbytery of Antioch, respecting circumcision, being referred
for decision to the synod of Jerusalem, and their readily submitting to
its determination, Acts xv.

_Quest_. How does it appear that no power of authority is lodged in the
body of the people, the private members of the church?

_Ans_. Although every church member has a right to all the spiritual
privileges purchased with the Saviour's blood, and given to the church,
as need requires; although he has a right to try the spirits, and to
prove all things by the word of God; a power to choose the church
officers who are immediately to rule over him; yet the Holy Scriptures
allow the exercise of no official power to the private members of the
church. Not the Christian people, but their pastors have power to preach
the gospel, Rom. x. 15; and to administer the sacraments, those
mysteries of God, which are connected with preaching, 1 Cor. iv. 1;
Matt. xxviii. 19. Not the people, but their rulers, are divinely
warranted. Timothy was ordained, not by the people, but by the
presbytery: elders, not by the people, but by Paul and Barnabas: and
deacons, not by the people, but by the apostles, 1 Tim. iv. 14; Acts
xiv. 23, and vi. 3, 6. Not the people, but their rulers are to censure
the scandalous, and to absolve the penitent, Matt. xviii. 18; 1 Cor. v.
The Scripture nowhere ascribes to the people any such characters as
imply authority lodged in them; but the contrary. Instead of being
styled pastors, they are called the _flock_, watched over and fed;
instead of overseers, the family overseen; instead of _rulers, guides,
governors_, they are called the _body_ governed, the persons subject in
the Lord, and they are solemnly charged to know, honor, obey, and submit
to those that are over them.

_Quest_. What is the proper method of dealing with persons that fall
into scandal?

_Ans_. If the offence be known only to one or to a few, the offender is
to be told his fault secretly, with Christian meekness, plainness, and
love