The Bloody Tenant of Persecution for the Cause of Conscience, Part 4 · Chapter 130
CHAP. CXXIX.
What power Magistrates have in publike Assemblies of Churches.
13. Head.FIrst (say they) the Churches have power to assemble and continue such Assemblies for the performance of all Gods Ordinances, without or against the consent of the Magistrate, renuente Magistratu, because
Christians are commanded so to doe, Matth. 28. 18. 19. 20.
Also because an Angel from God commanded the Apostles so to doe, Acts 5. 20
Likewise from the practice of the Apostles, who were not rebellious or seditious, yet they did so, Act. 4. 18. 19. 20. Act. 5. 27 28.
Further from the practice of the Primitive Church at Jerusalem, who did meet, preach, pray, minister Sacraments, censures, Act. 4. 23. renuente Magistratu.
Moreover from the exhortation to the Hebrewes, 10. 25. not to forsake their Assemblies, though it were in dangerous times, and if they might doe this under professed Enemies, then we may much more under Christian Magistrates; else we were worse under Christian Magistrates then Heathen: therefore Magistrates may not hinder them herein, as Pharaoh did the people from sacrificing, for Wrath will be upon the Realme, and the King and his Sons, Ez… 7. 23.
Secondly, it hath been a usurpation of forraigne Countries and Magistrates to take upon them to determine times and places of Worship: rather let the Churches be left herein to their inoffensive Libertie.
Thirdly, concerning their power of Synod Assemblies:
First in corrupt times, the Magistrate desirous to make Reformation of Religion, may and should call those who are most fit in severall Churches, to assemble together in a Synod, to discusse and declare from the Word of God, matters of Doctrine and Worship, and to helpe forward the Reformation of the Churches God: Thus did Iosiah.
Secondly, in the reformed times he ought to give Libertie to the Elders of severall Churches to assemble themselves by their owne mutuall and voluntary agreement, at convenient times, as the meanes appointed by God, whereby he may mediately reform matters amisse in Churches, which immediately he cannot nor ought not to doe.
Thirdly, Those meetings for this end we conceive may be of two sorts.
1. Monthly, of some of the Elders and Messengers of the Churches.
2. Annuall, of all the Messengers and Elders of the Churches.
First monthly of some: First, those members of Churches which are neerest together, and so may most conveniently assemble together, may by mutuall agreement once in a monethmonth consult of such things as make for the good of the Churches.
Secondly, the time of this meeting may be sometimes at one place, sometimes at another, upon the Lecture day of every Church where Lectures are: and let the Lecture that day be ended by eleven of the clock.
Thirdly, let the end of this Assembly be to doe nothing by way of Authoritie, but by way of Councell, as the need of Churches shall require.
Secondly Annuall, of all the Elders within our jurisdiction or others, whereto the Churches may send once in the yeare to consult together for the publike welfare of all the Churches.
First, let the place be sometimes at one Church, sometimes at another, as Reasons for the present may require.
Secondly, let all the Churches send their waighty questions and cases six weeks or a month before the set time, to the Church where the Assembly is to be held, and the Officers thereof disperse them speedily to all the Churches, that so they may have time to come prepared to the discussing of them.
Thirdly, let this Assembly doe nothing by Authoritie, but only by Councell, in all cases which fall out, leaving the determination of all things to particular Churches within themselves, who are to judge, and so to receive all doctrines and directions agreeing only with the Word of God.
The grounds of these Assemblies.
First, need of each others helpe, in regard of dayly emergent troubles, doubts, and controversies.
Secondly, love of each others fellowship.
Thirdly, of Gods glory out of a publike spirit to seeke the welfare of the Churches, as well as their owne, 1 Cor. 10 33. 2 Cor. 11. 23.
Fourthly, The great blessing and speciall presence of God upon such Assemblies hitherto.
Fifthly, the good Report the Elders and Brethren of Churches shall have hereby, by whose communion of Love others shall know they are the Disciples of Christ.