Plea for Pauls Presbytery in Scotland, Chapter 14

Plea for Pauls Presbytery in Scotland · Chapter 14

p. 199CHAP. XIV.

Quest. 14. Whither or no the power ecclesiasticall of Synods can be prooved from the famous councell of Jerusalem holden, Act: 15.

NOw followeth our sixt Argument against independent congregations.Six Argument… against independēt congregations. Where I purpose (God willing) to prove that the practise of the Apostolick Church giveth us warrant for Synods, and a meeting of Pastors, and Elders from many particular congregations giving and making ecclesiasticall Canons and Decrees that tye and lay a band ecclesiasticall upon many particular congregations, to observe and obey these Decrees. And, 1. the popular and democraticall government of Anabaptists, where the people governeth themselves, and the Church, we reject. 2 The Popish Hierarchy, and the Popish or Episcopall Synods, where my lord Prelate the Antichrists eldest sonne, sitteth domineering and ruling all, we reject. 3 We grant that one sister-Church, or one presbytery, or one provinciall or Nationall Assembly hath no jurisdiction over another sister-Church, presbytery or fellow Assembly. 4 As there is a communion of Saints by brotherly counsell, direction, advise and incouragement: So this same communion is farre more to be observed by sister-Churches, to write and to send Commissioners and salutations one to another; and hitherto our brethren and we goe one way. 5 An absolute, independent and unlimited power of Synods over congregations, we also condemne: Their decrees tye two wayes I grant, 1. Materially; for the intrinsicall lawfullnesse of the decree: Thus our brethren will not deny, but this tye is common to the brotherly counsell and advise of friends and brethren counselling one another from Gods p. 200word. For all are tyed to follow what God commandeth in his word, whither a superiour, an inferiour or an equall speake: But we hold that the decrees of greater Synods doe lay an ecclesiasticall tye upon under, or lesser Synods in those bounds where presbyteries and particular congregations are. But it is weaknesse in Separatists, and womanly and weakly said by the authour of Justification of independent Churches, Chidl…y.printed, an. 1641. under the name of Katherin Childly, pag. 17. that the Synod. Act: 15. it not properly a Synod; because their decrees were not alterable, but such as were warranted by God, and a perpetuall rule for all the Churches of the Gentiles, for that authour ignorantly presumeth that Synods may make Canons of nothing but of circumstances of meere order: Wheras Synods with good warrant, following this Synod, have made Acts against Arrians, Nestorius, and other heretiques ecclesiastically condemning fundamentall errours. And heere I enter to proove the lawfullness… of Synods, and to dispute against the independency of a visible presbyteriall Church, For that which in Scotland wee call, following Gods word, 1 Tim: 4. 14. the presbytery.

But before we proceed, one question would be cleared, What ground is there to tye a congregation by an ecclesiasticall tye of obedience to a presbytery, and a presbytery to a provinciall Assembly, and a provinciall Assembly to a Nationall Assembly: for seeing these are not in Gods Word, they would seeme devices of men, and of noe divine institution; one may say, whether have they warrant in a positive Law of God, or in the law of nature?

I answer, they have warrant of both: for it is Gods positive law, that the Elders and Over-seers be over the Church in the Lord, Heb: 13. 17. 1 Thess. 5. 12, 13. Math: 18. 17, 18. I call this Gods positive Law, because if it had bin the will of the Law-giver, he might have appointed an high-Priest, or some arch-Pastor or p. 201prime officer in his name to command the whole Church, like to the Judge and the high-Priest in the old Testament: So Aristocraticall government is not naturall, our presbyteries are founded upon the free-will of Christ, who appointed this government rather then another. Now the question, how subordination of congregations to presbyteries, and of presbyteries to greater Synods is of natures law is harder, but a thing is naturall two wayes, 1. simply and in it selfe, 2. and by consequent; an example of the former is, by the law of nature, the hand moveth, the feet walketh, at the direction of the will, which is a commanding faculty that ruleth all the motions of moving from place to place: This way it is not directly naturall that Archippu… be governed by the Eldership and Presbytery at Colosse; because he may be removed to another Presbytery, he possibly might have bee…e a member of the presbytery at Corinth, and never beene subj…ct to the presbytery at Colosse. Example of the latter, it is simply supernaturall for Peter to be borne over againe, …ath: 16. 17. Iohn 1. 12, 13. but upon supposition that God hath given him a new nature, it is naturall or (as we say) connaturall and kindly to this new nature in Peter to love Christ, and to love Christs sheep and his lambes, because every like loveth a like; So the subordination is not naturall: for it is not naturall for John and Thomas to be subject to such an Eldership of this congregation; for Gods providence might have disposed that John and Thomas should have dwelt in another congregation as members therof, and so subject to another Eldership. But secondarily and by consequent upon supposition that they are members and inhabitants of this ecclesiasticall incorporation it is kindly and connaturall now that they be subjected ecclesiastically to the Eldership of Christs appointing in this congregation: and so the ground of the bond is (the part must be in subiection to those who command the whole) Iohn and Thomas are parts of this congregation, such an Eldership p. 202commandeth the whole, therefore Iohn and Thomas are in subjection to such an Eldership. So all the beleevers of this congregation and all the beleevers of the sister-congregations are parts of this presbytery; wheras Gods providence might have disposed, that all the beleevers here might have beene parts and members of another presbytery: And so by proportion sundry presbyteries are parts of a provinciall Church, and sundry beleevers of many provinces are parts and members of a Nationall Church. Now the division of a Nation into Provinces, and of Provinces into so many territories called presbyteries, and the division of presbyteries into so many congregations, cannot be called a devise of mans, because it is not in the Word of God; for by that same reason, that Iohn and Thomas and so many threes and foures of beleevers should be members of an independent congregation, seeing it is not in the Word, it shall be also a devise of man. For all our singular acts are mixed, there is something morall in them, and that must be squared and ruled by the word; and something is in them not morall, but positive, and this is not to be squared by the word; but sometimes by natures light (which I grant is a part implicite of Gods word) sometimes it is enough that the positive part be negatively conforme to the word, that is, not contrary to it: Howbeit I hold that the morality required in every action, must be positively conforme to the word, for example the Law saith, Every male-childe must be circumcised the eighth day, Gen. 17. 7. Now the action of Christs circumcision, and Christs presenting in the Temple, and offering of two turtle Doves, and two young pigeons is said to be according to the Law of Moses, Luke 2. 23. foreign, as it is written; yet the b…be Iesus by name, his mother Mary who brought him into the Temple, the Priest by name that offered the Doves for him, are not written in the Scripture of Moses his law; but the morality of that action was positively conform to Moses his law: so that every part be subject to the p. 203law of the whole is Gods word; but that parts and whole be thus divided it was not required to be defined in the word. But what our brethren deny is, that as Peter and Iohn are Ecclesiasticall parts of a single Congregation under the jurisdiction of that single Congregation is cleare in the word of God; but that three or foure Congregations are parts …cclesiasticall of a Presbytery, and Ecclesiastically subjected to the government of the Presbytery; as Iohn and Thomas are parts subjected to the government of a Congregation is utterly denyed. But we may reply, Iohn and Thomas are to obey their Pastor preaching, in the Lord, and by that same reason they are to obey their Pastors gathered together, with the Elders in a Synod: So by that same reason, as Iohn and Thomas are to obey their Eldership convented in their owne Congregation to governe them, by that same reason, Iohn and Thomas of foure Congregations are to heare and obey their owne Elderships convented by that same authority of Christ in another Congregation, when a Colledge of other Elderships are joyned with them.

But I come to the Scriptures of God. If when the Churches of Syria, Sylicia, Antioch and Jerusalem were troubled with a question, whether they should keep the Law of Moses, and be circumcised, and could not determine it amongst themselves in their particular Churches, they had their recourse to an assembly of Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem, who gave out a Decree and Canon anent that question, which the Churches were obliged to keep, then when particular Congregations are troubled with the like questions in doctrine and government, they are by their example to have recou…se to an Assembly of Pastors and Elders, that are over many Churches, and to receive Decrees also, which they are obliged to keep: But the former is the practise of the Apostolike Church, Ergo, to have recourse to a Synod of Pastors and Elders, to receive Decrees from them, that tye many particular Churches, is lawfull to us.

p. 204I prove the assumption, A question troubled these Churches, some false teachers said (Cyrinthus as Epiphanius thinketh) You must be circumcised after the manner of Moses, Epiph.Acts 15. ver. 1. and there was no small dissention and disputation about this, ver. 2. and this question troubled the Church of Jerusalem, as ver. 4. and 5. doe declare: And it troubled the Churches of Antioch, Syria, and Cylicia, ver. 23. 2. That the question could not well be determined in their particular Churches, is cleare from ver. 34, from three circumstances, 1. The maintainers of the question troubled them. 2. They almost subverted their soules with words. 3. They alleadge a necessity of keeping Moses Law, and that it was the commandement and doctrine of the Apostles and Elders. 3. That in this question that troubled them so much, they have their recourse to a Synod, is cleare, ver. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came to consider of this matter; and ver. 2. They determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certaine others of them should goe up to Jerusalem, unto the Apostles and Elders about this question; And that the Apostles who were led by an infallible spirit, and could not erre, might have determined the question, is cleare by their speeches in the counsell, if the Apostles had not had a mind to set down a Samplar and a Copy of an Assembly in such cases. 4. That there are here the members of a Synod is cleare, Apostles, Elders, Brethren, ver. 23. and Commissioners from Antioch, ver. 2. certaine others, and the Elders of the Church at Jerusalem, James, Paul, and the Elders of Jerusalem, chap. 21. v. 17, 18 compared with ver. 25. So here are Elders from sundry Congregations. 5. That these Decrees did tye and Ecclesiastically oblige the Churches; howbeit all the members were not present to consent is cleare, chap. 16. ver. 4. And as they went through the Cities, they delivered them the Decrees for to keep, Acts 21. ver. 25. We have written and concluded that they observe no such things, but that they keep themselves, &c. So chap. 15. 28. It seemed good to lay on you no greater p. 205burden then these necessary things, &c. Now let us heare the exceptions which our brethren propound on the contra…y, to prove that this was no generall Assembly.

They object 1. This cannot be proved to be an o…cumenicke Councell,Obiect. 1. that is, an Assembly of the whole Churches of the world.

Answ. Howbeit Augustine, Chrysostome, Cyrillus, Theophylact, Theodoret, Cyprian, Ambrose, and most of the learned Fathers agree, that it was an o…cumenicke Assembly, yet we will not contend, many Churches of Jewes and Gentiles were here by their Comm…ssioners, which is sufficient for our point. 2. The Apostles who were universall Pastors of the whole world, were here.

2. They object, There is no word of a Synod or Assembly in the Text.2. Object.

Answ. Gilbert V…us do classib. the… ▪ 7.The thing it selfe is here, if not the name, saith that learned Voetius. 2. Neither is the name of an independent Church in Scripture, nor the word Trinity or Sacrament, what then? the the things are in Scripture. 3. verse 6. foreign, they assembled, and ver. 25. they were together, is plainly a Synod.

They object 3.Obiect. 3. Though there were a generall assembly here, yet it proveth nothing for the power of the keyes to be in such an assembly,Manuscript for independent Churc…. but onelyonly it saith something for a power of deciding of controversies in matter of …aith, which implyeth no act of iurisdiction.

Answ. 1. The deciding of controversies in matters of doctrine tying the Churches, and laying a burthen on them, as it is, ver. 28. and tying them to keep the Decrees, chap. 21. 25. chap. 16. 4. is an a…t of jurisdiction, and an opening and shutting heaven by the power of the keyes, when it is done Synodically, as this is here. 2. This presupposeth that the power of the keyes is onelyonly in censuring matters of fact, and not in a ministeriall j…dging and condemning of false doctrine; which is against Scripture: For Ephesus is commended p. 206for using the keyes in condemning the doctrine of those who called themselves Apostles and were not; and Pergamus rebuked for suffering the doctrine of Balaam; and Thyatira is rebuked for suffering Jezabel to teach the lawfulnesse of fornication, and of eating things sacrificed unto Idols, Rev. 2. v. 2. v. 14. v. 20.

They object fourthly, 4. Obiect.The true cause why Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem, Manuscript for independent Church….was not to get authoritative resolution of the question in hand; but to know, whether these teachers had warrant from the Apostles to teach the necessity of circumcision, as they pretended they had, as may be gathered from ver. 24. To whom we gave no such command.

Answ. The contrary is seen in the Text: For if the Apostles had commanded any such thing, it was a dispute of fact in this Synod, and they might soone have answered that; but the thing questioned was questis iuris, a question if circumcision must be, v. 5., and that they must be circumcised, ver. 24. Also Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem, ver. 2. about this question. Now the question was not whether the Apostles had taught the lawfulnesse of circumcision or not? But the question is, ver. 1. Certaine men taught, except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses you cannot be saved. 2. It were a vaine thing to say that v. 6. the Apostles and Elders met about this matter, to see what the Apostles had taught, and what not. 3. The Apostles bring reasons from the Scriptures, and from the calling of the Gentiles, which were vaine reasons if nothing were in question; but whether the Apostles had taught this point, or not taught it. 4. That Paul and Barnabas were sent to be resolved of more, then whether the Apostles had taught this or not, is cleare by their answer in the Decree. It seemed good, &c. to lay no greater burden on you, and that you abstaine from meats offered to Idols, &c.

They object fifthly, …. Obiect.There was no combination of many p. 207Pastors of divers Churches, but onelyonly a few messengers sene from Antioch to the Congregation at Jerusalem: Hence many say, it was an assembly of a particular Church, and it bindeth only as a particular and speciall meeting. So M. Best.

Answ 1. We stand not upon an exact meeting of all Churches,M. Best plea for the Church. sect. 4. pag. 33. when as the nature and essence of a Synodicall and Assembly-meeting is saved: Here were Apostles and Elders, whose charge was the wide world, And the Elders of Ierusalem, and Commissioners sent from Antioch, and they send Canons and Decrees to other Churches. 2. A decree of one particular independent Congregation cannot bind another, as our brethren teach: But the Decrees made here did tye the Churches of Syria, B…idgesias. Hugo Gr…tiet.Cylicia, Antioch, and Ierusalem. v. 22, 23. chap. 16. v. 4. Yea and all the Churches of the Gentiles, Acts 21. 25. remember that enemies to our Synods, as Bridgesius and Hugo Grotius object this also:De Polit. Eccles. l 3 c. 23.Sir 50:3 This is the answer of Bridgesius and Hugo Grotius who deny the necessity of reformed Synods; Parker who is for our brethren in many points refuteth this, and proveth it was a Synod.

They object sixthly, 6. Obiect.They were not neighbouring Churches that sent;M. … ▪ 16 P 34. M. Best. for Jerusalem did lye two hundred …iles from Antioch: How could they that lay so far distant, ordinarily meet, as your Classes did?

Answ. To the essence of a Synod, and the necessity thereof is not required such meetings of Churches so farre distant; but when the Churches necessity requireth it, the lawfulnesse thereof may hence well be concluded, and that when they lye so ne…r-hand they may more conveniently meet. 2. Neither is this much (to give M. Best his Geography at his owne measure) when the Churches were now in their infancy, and the question of such importance, that the Churches travell many miles for their resolut…on in this.

They object seventhly, 7. Obiect.How prove you that these that were sent from Antioch, had authority in the Church of Jerusalem.

p. 208Answ. Because Paul and Barnabas sent from Antioch had voyces in these Decrees.

They object eighthly, Object. 8.It cannot be proved from hen…e that Antioch was a Church depending on Jerusalem.

Answ. Neither doe we intend to prove such a matter: But hence it followeth, that both Antioch, and Jerusalem, and Syria, and Cilicia depend upon the Decrees of these Pastors of divers Congregations assembled in this Synod.

They object ninthly, Obiect. 9.That Papists and Prelates alleadge this place to prove their Dioc…san Synods.

Answ. So doth Satan alleadge a Scripture, Psalme 91. which must not be rejected, because it was once in his foule mouth: Prelates alleadge this place to make Jerusalem a Cathedrall and Mother-church, having Supremacy, and Jurisdiction over Antio…h, and other Churches, that there may be erected there a silken chaire for my Lord Prelate, and that Lawes may bee given by him to bind all mens consciences under him, in things which they call indifferent, we alleadge this place for an Apostolike assembly, to make Jerusalem a collaterall and Sister-church with Antioch, and the Churches of Syria and Cilicia, depending on a generall Councell: We deny all Primacie to Jerusalem, it was only judged the most convenient seat for the Councell: We allow no Chaire for Prelate or Pastors, but that they determine in the Councell according to Gods Word, laying bands on no mans conscience farther then the Word of God, and the dictates of sound reason, and Christian prudency doe require.

They tenthly object, 10. Object.That the matter carried from Antioch to Jerusalem was agreed upon by the whole Church,M. Best. and not carried thither by one man, as is done in your Classes. So M. Best.

Answ. It were good that things that concerne many Churches were referred by common consent to higher assemblies; but if one man be wronged, and see truth suffer by partiality, the Law of nature will warrant him p. 209to appeale to an assembly, where there is more light and greater authority, as the weaker may …ly to the stronger: And the Churches whose soules were subverted with words, Acts 15. v. 24. did …ly to the authority of a greater assembly, when ther… is no small dissention about the question in hand, Acts 15. 2.

They object eleventhly, Obiect. 11.The thing concluded in this assembly was divine Scripture, imposed upon all the Churches of the Gentiles, v. 22. 28. and the conclusion obliged, because it was Apostolike, and Canonicke Scripture, not because it was Synodicall, and the Decree of a Church-assembly, and so the tye was Divine, not Ecclesiasticke. It seemed good to the Holy-Ghost.

Answ. 1. So the excommunication of the incestuous man, 1 Cor. 5. (if he was excommunicated) and his rereceiving againe in the bosome of the Church, 1 Cor. 2. and the laying on of the hands of the Elders on Timothy, 1 Tim. 4. 14. and the appointing Elders at Lystra, Iconium, Antioch, and fasting and praying at the said ordination, Acts 14. v. 21, 22, 23. was Scripture, and set downe in the Canonicke History by the Holy-Ghost; but no man can deny that the conclusion or Decree of excommunication given out by the Church of Corinth, and the ordination of Timothy to be a Pastor, and the appointing of the Elders at Lystra, did oblige the Churches of Corinth, Ephesus, and Lystra, with an Ecclesiasticall tye, as Ecclesiasticall Synods doe oblige.

2. That this conclusion doth oblige as a Decree of a Synod, and not as Apostolike and Canonicke Scripture, I prove 1. Because the Apostles and Prophets being immediately inspired by the Holy-Ghost, in the penning of Scripture doe never consult and give decisive voices, to Elders, Brethren, and the whole community of beleevers in the penning holy Scripture: For then, as it is said, Ephes. 2. 20. That our faith is built upon the Apostles and Prophets, that is, upon their doctrine: so shall our faith in this point, concerning the taking in of the Church of the Gentil…s, in one body p. 210with the Jewes, as is proved from Scripture, v. 14, 15, 16, 17. be built upon the doctrine of Elders, Brethren, and whole Church of Jerusalem; for all had joynt voyces in this Councell, as our brethren say, which is a great absurdity. The commandements of the Apostles, are the commandements of the Lord, 1 Cor. 14. 37. But the commandements of the whole Church of Jerusalem, 2 Pet. 3. 2.2 Pet 3:2such as they say this Decree was, are not the commandements of the Lord: For we condemne Papists, such as Suare…, Suarez de trip.Vasquez, Bellarmine, Cai…tan, Sotus, and with them Formalists,… tract. 1 disp. 5. se…. 4. such as Hooker and Sutluvius who make a difference betwixt divine comma…dements,Vasquez in 3 tom. 3 d …p 2. 6 c 3. and Apostolike commandements, and humane ordinances, for our Divines,Bellarm de verbo m…n…script. as Junius, Beza, Pareus, Tylen, Sibrandus, Ca…tan, Opus. 1. tract 37.Whittaker, Willet, Reynolds, Jewell, make all Apostolike mandates to be divin…,Sotu… de … l 7. c. 6. a…. 1. and humane commandements, or …cclesiasticall mandates, to oblige onelyonly secondarily,Hooke…. polit. l. …. p. 15…. and as they agree with divine and Apostolike commandements:Su…luvi… de Pre… c. 11. p. 67. But here our brethren make mandates of ordinary beleevers, that were neither Apostles nor Prophets to be divine and Canonicke Scripture. 3. That which is proper to the Church, to Christ his second comming againe, doth not oblige as Canonicke Scripture: …or Canonicke Scripture shall not be still written till Christ come againe, because the Canon is already closed with a curse upon all adders, Rev. 22. but what is decreed according to Gods word, by Church-guides, with the consent, tacit, or expresse of all the community of beleevers, as this was v. 22. (as we and our brethren doe joyntly confesse) is proper to the Church to Christs second comming, Ergo, this Decree obligeth not as Scripture. 4. The Apostles if they had not purpose that this Decree should oblige as an Ecclesiasticall mandate; but as Canonicke Scripture, they would not 1. have advised with all the beleevers, as with collaterall and joynt pen-men with them of holy Scripture. 2. They would not have disputed and reasoned together, every one helping another, p. 211as they doe here, v. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, &c. 3. They would not depresse and submit the immediately inspiring Apostelike spirit to mens consent; so as men must give consent, and say Amen to what God the authour of Scripture shall dite as Scripture. This was a villifying and lessening of the authority of Scripture; therfore necessarily hence it followeth this was an Ecclesiasticall degrace of an Assembly.

They object twelfthly, Obiect. 12.That Paul and Barnabas went up to Jerusalem, not to submit their iudgement to the Apostles, for then they had not been infallible, neither for the necessity of an assembly, or because Congregations depend d…th on assemblies; but they did it 1. to conciliate authority to the Decrees. 2. To stop the mouthes of false Apostles, who alleadged that the Lords Apostles stood for circumcision, otherwise Paul himselfe might have determined the point.

Answ. 1. Paul as an ordinary Pastor, howbeit not as an Apostle, was to submit to a Synod in this case, as an Apostle he might have excommunicated the incestuous Corinthian, without the Church; but it shall not follow that Paul did write to the Corinthians to excommunicate him for no necessity of a Church-court and Synod, but onelyonly to conciliate authority to excommunication, and to stop the mouthes of enemies.

2. I aske what authority doe they meane, 1. authority of brotherly advise? But these Decrees bind as the Decrees of the Church, v. 28. chap. 16. 4. chap. 21. v. 25. 2, If they meane authority Ecclesiasticall, the cause is ours. 3. If they meane authority of divine Scripture, then this Decree must have more authority th…n other Scriptures, which were not penned by common consent of all beleevers. 4. This is a bad consequence, Paul could have determined the point his alone, Ergo, there was no need of a Councell, for the Scriptures and many holy Pastors determine that Christ is equall with God the Father: It followeth not that therefore there is no need of one Councell to condemne …rrius.

p. 212They object 13.Obiect. 13. There were no Commissioners at this assembly from the Churches of Syria and Cilicia, therefore it was not an assembly obliging Ecclesiastically all the Churches of the Gentiles.

Answ. 1. Suppose Syria and Cilicia had no Commissioners here (which yet we cannot grant, but give only) yet Ierusalem and Antioch had their Commissioners, which maketh the meeting formally and ess…ntially a Synod, of many particular Churches met synodically in one; for there were many single Pari…hionall congregations both at Ierusalem and at Antioch. 2. We doubt not but the Apostles who wrote to them the Decrees of the assembly, advertised them also of that Apostolike remedy for determining the question, seeing they writ to them, ver. 24. We have heard that some have troubled you with words, sub…erting your soules, saying, ye must be circumcised, Ergo, the Apostles tendred their s…lvation; therefore we are to thinke that Syria and Cilicia had their Commissioners here: What if they neglected to send (á facto ad ius non valet consequentia) they should have sent Commissioners. This assemblies Decrees did lay a tye and bond upon the Churches of Syria and Cilicia, then it did either tye them as a counsell and advise, or or as a part of Scripture, or thirdly as a Decree of an Ecclesiasticall Synod: If the first be said, this Canon doth not lay a command upon them, the contrary whereof we find, v. …8. it layeth a burthen on them, chap. 16. 4. chap. 21. 28. and Decrees that they must keep. The second is unanswerably confuted in answering the tenth objection: If the third be said we obtaine what we seeke, and so they should have sent Commissioners, otherwise the Decrees of Synods shall oblige Ecclesiastically Churches who are not obliged to be present in their Commissioners, which neither we, nor they can affirme.

14. They object, Obiect. 14.That this is not one of our Synods, for the multitude of beleevers had voices here. And the whole multitude spake, for it is said, v. 12. Then all the p. 213multitude keept silence,Best. Parke…. and gave audience. And Whittaker saith, they had decisive voices, but in your Synods none have voyces, but only the Eldership.

Answ. 1. That the faithfull speake,Scotland disci…line 2. book chap. 7. propose, and reason,…. a…. 6…. our booke of discipline saith. So saith Zuinglius, Beza Epi…t. 83.Beza, yea the Fathers, as Cyprian and others: Who will not have Acts made against the peoples co…sent;Cypr l. 4. …p 21, 24. it is like the multitude speake,Whit. c…nt. 3. q. 3. c. 3. … est no…ll…s ex ple…e … but orderly, seeing the Holy Ghost was here, v 28. Whittaker saith only, it is like that some of the multitude spake: And what marvell then many should speake, seeing it was untruth that any of Moses Law, which was also Gods Law, should be abrogated. 2. The Church may send in some cases learned and holy men to Synods, who are neither Pastors, Elders, nor Doctors: So was here foreign brethren, that is, choise and able men; otherwise beleeving women, and the whole Church of beleevers com… under the name of brethren in Scripture.aaRom. … 3. Ro…: 12. 3. Rom. 10. 1. 1 Cor. …. 11. 1 Cor 3. 1. 1 Cor. 12. 1. …. 3. 1. 1 Thess. …. 1. 2 Thess. 3. 1. Iam. 3▪ 1.Rom 3Rom 10:11 Cor 3:11 Cor 12:11 Cor 12:32 Thess 3:1Jas 3:1 Parker saith well, The materiall ground of commissioners at assemblies is their gifts and holinesse, the formall ground is the Church calling and sending them. 3. That the whole multitude had definitive voices, is first against what we have said, expounding these words, Mat. 18. (Tell the Church) 2. It is a meere popular government refuted before.Parker de poli… l. 3. c. 18. … ex donis interni▪ pendet▪ … ex delegatione Ecclesi…e. … in act. 1…. 6. Palam est ad Apostolicos vir…s rer…m ad fidem … C…lv. Com …b v. 6. … lucas tot…m Ecclesiam …. 3. I reason from the end of the Synod. These onelyonly had definitive votes, who met together synodically for to consider of this question, but these were only Apostles and Elders, v. 6. including brethren, who only had place to judge, as Bullinger and Calvin saith, and not the multitude. 4. The Canons are denomin… ted foreign, Decrees ordained by the Apostles and Elders, Acts 16. 4. Acts 21. 25. 5. By what warrant could the brethren at Ierusalem give Lawes to brethren of other independent congregations of Syria and Cilicia, and these also who were absent? So this …hall be no Syn…d. 6. I grant the Epistle is sent in the name of all: For 1. to send greeting in an Epistle is not an act of jurisdiction, but a sort of Christian kindness… ▪ 2. It p. 214was done by common consent of all. 3. It added some more authority. 4. It is possible the sending of the Decrees required charges and expences.

15. The Female replyer to M. Edwards, the reason (saith she) why the Church of Antioch sent the matter to be d…cided at Jerusalem, was because the parties were members of the Church of Jerusalem, Acts 15. 1. certaine men which came from Judaea taught the brethren, &c. v. 24. They went out from us, and this proveth independency of Churches, for the Church of Antioch judged it an unequall thing to iudge members of the Church of Ierusalem.

Answ. 1. Let it be that contenders for ceremonies were of the sect of the Pharisees; yet the soules of these of Antioch were subverted, v. 24. If Antioch had been independent, they could have determined the truth, to prevent subversion of soules, who ever were the authors of that wicked doctrine; but their sending their commissioners to the Synod at Ierusalem proveth that in a thing common to them all they depend upon a Synod that doth oblige them all. 2. How could one independent Church at Ierusalem give Lawes to an independent Church at Antioch? 3. Antioch might have condemned the heresie. Suppose they could not judge the heretickes, if they were an independent congregation, seeing the heresie troubled them.

16. They object, O…cumenicke and universall Synods of the whole Christian Church are unpossible;M Bell Church plea sect. 7. at 7. Parker de Pol…. l. 3. c 13. and the Church is, and may be without Synods; therefore Synods are no ordinances of Christ. So Best. See Parker.

Answ. Whittaker saith indeed universall Synods are not simply necessary;Whittaker cont 1. q 1. p …2, 23. and Parker saith no more, they are not absolutely necessary,… Conslan. c▪ …9 necessitate medij, but they are necessary, necessitate praecepti, and conditionally, if some politicke union were amongst all Nationall Churches; but hence it followeth not that they are not Christs ordinances, because they are not this way necessary, necessitate medij; for then Baptisme and the Lords Supper, publike preaching of the word, perfect discipline were not Christs ordinances, because in time of persecution, or p. 215universall apost…sie, many, yea even whole Churches may be saved without these. 2. Synods are necessary for the well being, not simply for the being of the Church: But hence it's a weake consequence; therefore they are not ordinances of Christ. 3. It is knowne that the Popes power hindereth generall Councels;Nanclerus Vo…. 1. gen 8. for the Councels of Constance and Basill, where the Popes wings were clipped,Conc… Constan. loc cit. made that good, burnt children dread fire. Cardinals oath, ann. 1…03.Adrian, it may be with some honesty, promised the councell of Trent, anno 1522. But Clemens the seventh did openly oppose Charles the fifth his Chancellors proclaiming thereof at Bononia; they feared the place that the Emperors power should shame them, and learned well from Ioh. 23. as Nanclerus saith, to make the place of the councell all in all: And such was Trent; for they licked and revised againe and againe all the circumstances of that councell, that it was a birth in the Popes wombe good twenty and five yeares, and then was the Popes barne borne against his will; yet generall councels should be, Popes hinder them to be, and what wonder? Theeves love not well iustice-courts; yet by their owne Law they should be. The councell of Constance ordained that a generall councell should be every ten yeares once: Yea after the councels of Lansen and Florence, the sea being void, ann. 1503. the Cardinals convened, and sweare to Almighty God, and blasphemously to Peter and Paul, that whosoever of them shall be created Pope, he shall convene a generall councell within two years after his inauguration; which oath Iulius 2. did sweare,Iulius 2 his oath. … of the Councell of Trent, c 1. p. 4 but had neither honesty, nor memory to performe. The facultie of Paris, and Church of France, who are still (as saith the Reviewer of the councell of Trent) at daggers drawing w…th the Pope and court of Rome,Br. … de causa Dei. …3 c. 53. doe cry and write for a generall councell:…, ex…u…ge. quaeso, exime gladium. But (they say) …he articles of Paris cannot climbe oveer the Alps. It is some hundred yeares since Thomas Bradwardine of Canterbury, the hammer of the Pelagians cryed to waken Simon Peter, that he might speake p. 216out of his Councell-chaire for grace against the Pelagians. But J…suites bellies and pennes stout for their Father the Pope, thinke it wisedome that the Pope be deafe at the cryes of Dominicanes, who call for his holinesse tongue to determine in bickerings betwixt their order and Jesuites in the matter of Grace, Predestination, Free-will, Gods providence. The Pope fearing a generall Councell, thinketh best that they rather bloud other in the Schools, then that his greatnesse hazard to face the Court of a generall Councell; and therefore matters are now tryed at home. Lod. Molina the Father of the new Science, the middle light with that wild heed fansied to be in God, was cited before Clemens the 8…, and holden in processe five yeares, even before Paul the fifth, and the Cardinals, and when all was done, was whipped with a Toads stoole, and nothing was determined,Pra…. de Arriba in Th…l. spec in pref Concil Nicae. c. 6. as saith Francis. de Ariba. Other Councels ordained that there should be in all places, Provinciall and Nationall Assemblies.Concil Trull. c. 8. So ordained the Councell of Nice, Conc A…r…. c. 138.Trulla, Africa, Sardis. Hence I adde a third distinction:Concil. Sard c. 15. From this is concluded onelyonly that Councels are not necessary, but impossible, impossibilitate morali, non Physicâ: Councels are only morally impossible, not simply impossible, and that through mens corruption. It followeth not therefore they are not Gods ordinances: For seeing Churches independent are morally, and I feare, more then morally impossible, and have been hindred by Prelates, our brethren would not from hence conclude that they are not Gods ordinances. A Congregation of visible Saints where there is not an hypocrite, is unpossible morally, and cannot be because of our corruption; yet such a Congregation should be, and so is an ordinance of Christ. Let me also adde the fourth distinction: Christ may well ordaine that as a necessary meane of edification, which cannot be had ordinarily in the full perfection and degrees required, so it may be had in the degrees and parts, that may edifie, howbeit not so well, and not so conveniently: p. 217so Synods are ordinarily possible, I meane lesser Synods, if not fuller and compleater, if an universall Synod cannot be had, a Nationall may be in Scotland, and in England also if it please the Prelates, and if God will, whether Prelates will or will not; and if these cannot be, Provinciall Synods are, and may be, and if these cannot be, yet Synods, Elderships, and particular Churches may be; and I thinke independent Congregations in their perfection consisting of sincere beleevers onelyonly, and a perfect Church-discipline, are Gods necessary meanes of edification, yet in their perfection they cannot be had. But to close this point, no Divine that ever did write, or speake of this Chapter, except some of late; but they acknowledge, Acts 15. to be a formall copy and draught of a generall Assembly. I might cite all our Protestant Divines, the Lutherans, Papists, Schoolemen, Casuists, all the Fathers; and Councels, all the Doctors antient and moderne; but this was to fetch water to the Sea.