npresbyterated (to use their own terms)
as the first subject thereof, according to the opinion of the
Separatists or Independents. Take it in this proposition:

Jesus Christ our Mediator hath not committed the proper formal power or
authority spiritual, for government of his Church,[35] unto the
community of the faithful, whole church, or body of the people, as the
proper immediate receptacle, or first subject thereof.

SECTION I.

Some things herein need a little explanation, before we come to the
confirmation.

1. By _fraternity, community of the faithful, whole church or body of
the people_, understand a particular company of people, meeting together
in one assembly or single congregation, to partake of Christ's
ordinances. This single congregation may be considered as presbyterated,
i.e., furnished with an eldership; or as unpresbyterated, i.e.,
destitute of an eldership, having yet no elders or officers erected
among them. Rigid Brownists or Separatists say, that the fraternity or
community of the faithful unpresbyterated is the first receptacle of
proper ecclesiastical power from Christ: unto whom some of independent
judgment subscribe. Independents thus resolve: First, That the apostles
of Christ are the first subject of apostolical power. Secondly, That a
particular congregation of saints, professing the faith, taken
indefinitely for any church, (one as well as another,) is the first
subject of all church offices with all their spiritual gifts and power.
Thirdly, That when the church of a particular congregation walketh
together in the truth and peace, the brethren of the church are the
first subjects of church liberty; the elders thereof of church
authority; and both of them together are the first subject of all church
power.[36] Which assertions of Brownists and Independents (except the
first) are denied by them of presbyterian judgment, as being obvious to
divers material and just exceptions.[37]:

2. By _proper formal power or authority spiritual, for church
government_, thus conceive. To omit what hath been already laid down
about the natures and sorts of spiritual power and authority, (part 2,
chap. III. and VI.,) which are to be remembered, here it may be further
observed, that there is a proper public, official, authoritative power,
though but stewardly and ministerial, which is derived from Jesus Christ
to his church officers, Matt. xvi. 19, and xviii. 18; John xx. 21-23;
Matt, xxviii. 18-20; of