save, 1 Cor. v. 5. Only this government ought to be
impartial and severe against sin, that the flesh may be destroyed, 1
Cor. v. 5. It is only destructive to corruption, which is deadly and
destructive to the soul. Thus the imputation itself of arbitrary conduct
and tyranny to the presbyterial government is unjust and groundless.

II. The pretended ground of this aspersion is false and frivolous. The
presbyters of the Assembly of Divines, and others (_Diotrephes_-like,
affecting pre-eminence) have desired an unlimited power, according to
their own prudence and judgment, in keeping men from the ordinances in
cases of scandal not enumerated. _Ans_. 1. The presbyters of the
Assembly and others, are so far from the domineering humor of
Diotrephes, that they could gladly and heartily have quitted all
intermeddling in church government, if Jesus Christ had not by office
engaged them thereto; only to have dispensed the word and sacraments
would have procured them less hatred, and more case. 2. They desired
liberty to keep from the ordinances, not only persons guilty of the
scandals enumerated, but of all such like scandals, (and to judge which
are those scandals, not according to their minds unlimitedly, but
according to the mind of Christ in his word, more sure than all
ordinances or acts of Parliament in the world.) And was this so hideous
a desire? This liberty was desired, not for themselves, but for
well-constituted elderships. As great power was granted by the very
service-book to every single curate; (see the Rubric before the
communion.) A perfect enumeration and description of scandals can be
made in no book but in the Scriptures; and when all is done, must we not
refer thither? All scandals are punishable, as well as any, and to
inflict penalties on some, and not on others as bad or worse, is
inexcusable partiality. Why should not presbyteries duly constituted,
especially the greater, be accounted, at least, as faithful,
intelligent, prudent, and every way as competent judges of what is
scandal, and what not, according to the Scriptures, and that without
arbitrary conduct and tyranny, as any civil court, committees, or
commissioners whatsoever? Ruling church assemblies are intrusted with
the whole government in the church, consequently with this, and every
part. The best reformed churches allow to their presbyteries power to
keep from the ordinances scandalous persons, not only for scandals
enumerated, but for scanda