a_o sermon_n before_o the_o provincial_a synod_n at_o antrim_n preach_v june_n 1._o 1698._o by_o mr._n john_n mac-bride_n minister_n of_o belfast_n publish_a at_o the_o desire_n of_o some_o person_n then_o present_a print_a in_o the_o year_n mdcxcviii_o act_n xv._o 25_o 26._o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n to_o send_v choose_a man_n unto_o you_o with_o our_o belove_a barnabas_n and_o paul_n man_n that_o have_v hazard_v their_o life_n for_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n since_o militant_a on_o earth_n have_v not_o want_v foreign_a adversary_n who_o have_v take_v crafty_a counsel_n to_o cut_v off_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n from_o be_v a_o nation_n so_o it_o have_v have_v intestine_a enemy_n to_o its_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n some_o privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n to_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n other_o corrupt_v its_o pure_a worship_n with_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o some_o imperious_a and_o ungovernable_a man_n subvert_v its_o orderly_a government_n by_o tyranny_n and_o anarchy_n by_o any_o of_o which_o though_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n may_v be_v keep_v it_o be_v power_n be_v deny_v but_o we_o have_v be_v faithful_o forewarn_v that_o such_o offence_n must_v come_v that_o such_o as_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a yet_o he_o on_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v lay_v have_v well_o and_o wise_o provide_v proper_a remedy_n against_o all_o these_o evil_n watchman_n and_o ruler_n who_o by_o their_o mutual_a care_n and_o counsel_n assist_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v put_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o defend_v this_o church_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n in_o this_o scripture_n in_o which_o we_o may_v see_v a_o wise_a and_o holy_a assembly_n of_o church-ruler_n by_o joint_a counsel_n and_o authority_n deliberate_v about_o and_o determine_v of_o way_n and_o mean_n necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o be_v in_o manifest_a hazard_n while_o some_o man_n come_v down_o from_o judea_n to_o antioch_n teach_v the_o disciple_n that_o unless_o they_o be_v circumcise_a and_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v whether_o cyrinthus_fw-la be_v the_o ringleader_n of_o this_o party_n as_o epiphanius_n and_o hierom_n report_n i_o determine_v not_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o verse_n 5._o that_o they_o be_v pharisees_n the_o first_o course_n take_v to_o remove_v this_o evil_a we_o find_v be_v dispute_v manage_v by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o convince_v these_o gainsayers_a but_o to_o little_a effect_n and_o therefore_o second_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n determine_v to_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o certain_a other_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n who_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n where_o appear_v a_o appeal_n from_o a_o inferior_a to_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a in_o a_o case_n not_o determine_v by_o the_o inferior_a three_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o assembly_n consist_v of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n both_o these_o resident_a at_o jerusalem_n and_o such_o as_o be_v delegated_a from_o antioch_n verse_n 6._o four_o the_o method_n use_v to_o find_v out_o and_o determine_v this_o controvert_v truth_n be_v a_o deliberate_a free_a and_o full_o debate_v the_o matter_n and_o reason_v from_o scripture_n five_o after_o this_o a_o clear_a and_o final_a decision_n of_o the_o controversy_n the_o apostle_n james_n as_o moderator_n of_o the_o assembly_n sum_v up_o the_o debate_n and_o give_v his_o sentence_n to_o which_o all_o consent_v six_o we_o have_v here_o the_o synod_n method_n to_o make_v this_o its_o decision_n effectual_a where_o 1._o it_o be_v enact_v that_o a_o letter_n be_v write_v from_o the_o synod_n inform_v those_o church_n to_o which_o it_o be_v send_v with_o their_o final_a determination_n and_o judgement_n 2._o it_o be_v enact_v that_o some_o person_n be_v commissionated_a to_o carry_v publish_v and_o require_v submission_n to_o this_o decree_n the_o word_n read_v contain_v 1._o a_o account_n of_o the_o authority_n give_v this_o commission_n or_o employ_v those_o person_n to_o execute_v this_o act_n viz._n the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n 2._o the_o person_n commissionated_a to_o wit_n choose_a man_n with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n 3._o the_o ground_n of_o send_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o we_o 4._o the_o character_n and_o recommendation_n of_o the_o person_n send_v which_o be_v their_o credential_n 1._o they_o be_v choose_v man_n 2._o man_n who_o have_v hazard_v their_o life_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n from_o which_o word_n thus_o explain_v this_o proposition_n may_v be_v rational_o deduce_v doctr._n when_o the_o necessity_n or_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v clothe_v with_o authority_n to_o rule_v it_o to_o assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n and_o make_v such_o act_n as_o may_v contribute_v to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n and_o peace_n of_o those_o church_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v assemble_v be_v here_o evident_a that_o they_o do_v it_o as_o their_o duty_n from_o the_o press_a necessity_n of_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v to_o watch_v be_v also_o evident_a both_o its_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v in_o hazard_n the_o presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n grant_v they_o the_o remarkable_a success_n by_o god_n blessing_n bestow_v on_o those_o their_o endeavour_n show_v we_o that_o they_o have_v a_o call_v thereunto_o and_o act_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o it_o but_o that_o this_o may_v more_o full_o appear_v to_o be_v not_o only_o their_o duty_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o their_o ordinary_a successor_n i_o shall_v first_o prove_v second_o consider_v what_o assembly_n this_o be_v for_o kind_n and_o quality_n and_o then_o show_v of_o what_o use_v it_o be_v to_o we_o 1._o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o orderly_a society_n of_o reasonable_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o under_o law_n and_o government_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o call_v a_o kingdom_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n have_v man_n 〈◊〉_d authority_n under_o he_o enable_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n his_o law_n â—â—s_o call_v a_o family_n eph._n 3.15_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o everlasting_a father_n isa_n 9.6_o a_o city_n compact_o build_v all_o which_o show_v that_o it_o consist_v of_o person_n govern_v and_o govern_v for_o no_o soon_o do_v we_o hear_v of_o any_o public_a worship_n but_o we_o have_v it_o in_o a_o society_n cain_n and_o abel_n meet_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o be_v offer_v by_o adam_n the_o then_o highpriest_n of_o his_o family_n gen._n 4._o those_o who_o will_v have_v public_a worship_n institute_v gen._n 4.16_o must_v understand_v assembly_n of_o distinct_a family_n associate_a for_o no_o doubt_n adam_n and_o his_o house_n do_v before_o this_o joint_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o nature_n light_n have_v instruct_v all_o nation_n who_o have_v any_o worship_n to_o perform_v it_o in_o public_a assembly_n 2._o it_o appear_v that_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n do_v require_v such_o as_o he_o have_v authorize_v to_o rule_v his_o church_n to_o assemble_v for_o that_o end_n as_o appear_v from_o exod._n 24.1_o where_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o moses_n come_v up_o unto_o the_o lord_n thou_o and_o aaron_n nadab_n and_o abihu_n and_o seventy_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n all_o which_o convene_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o concur_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o their_o solemn_a engage_v in_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n as_o also_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o god_n glorious_a manifest_v himself_o to_o moses_n and_o give_v he_o authority_n verse_n 10._o and_o particular_o to_o judge_n and_o determine_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o debate_n among_o that_o people_n as_o appear_v from_o verse_n 14._o that_o god_n constitute_v such_o assembly_n ruler_n for_o ordinary_a appear_v from_o deut._n 17.8_o 9_o where_o in_o all_o case_n too_o difficult_a for_o their_o inferior_a judicatory_n the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o go_v to_o that_o place_n which_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o set_v his_o name_n there_o to_o inquire_v of_o the_o priest_n levite_n and_o judge_n in_o those_o day_n and_o be_v command_v also_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o their_o sentence_n see_v then_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v it_o be_v evident_a the_o priest_n levite_n etc._n etc._n be_v oblige_v to_o assemble_v to_o hear_v examine_v
explain_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n according_a to_o god_n word_n to_o discover_v and_o declare_v the_o contrary_a error_n or_o corruption_n thus_o they_o detect_v and_o declare_v and_o so_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prevent_v and_o remove_v the_o corruption_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o those_o pharisaical_a man_n be_v bring_v in_o with_o a_o burden_n of_o ceremony_n hereby_o they_o pacify_v and_o strengthen_v the_o church_n by_o secure_v to_o it_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v it_o free_a 2._o they_o exercise_v that_o power_n call_v diatactick_a which_o relate_v to_o the_o external_n order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n prudential_n and_o circumstantial_a which_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o general_n rule_v prescribe_v in_o scripture_n such_o as_o 1._o that_o our_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n be_v god_n glory_n according_a to_o that_o 1_o cor._n 10.31_o 2._o that_o no_o offence_n be_v give_v to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n according_a to_o verse_n 32._o 3._o that_o all_o be_v do_v for_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 4._o and_o in_o decency_n and_o order_n according_a to_o verse_n 20._o by_o these_o rule_n be_v church-assembly_n bind_v to_o walk_v which_o if_o they_o do_v peace_n shall_v be_v on_o they_o as_o on_o the_o israel_n of_o god._n thus_o this_o synod_n decree_v to_o frame_v their_o decision_n in_o a_o letter_n and_o to_o send_v it_o by_o fit_a commissioner_n 3._o they_o exercise_v that_o power_n call_v critic_n or_o disciplinary_a in_o censure_v those_o false_a teacher_n as_o subverter_n of_o soul_n man_n run_v unsent_a and_o teach_v what_o they_o have_v no_o command_n for_o vers_n 24._o and_o so_o may_v assembly_n use_v and_o exercise_v censure_n provide_v it_o be_v do_v with_o humility_n moderation_n and_o compassion_n and_o so_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v preserve_v from_o heresy_n and_o schism_n this_o be_v our_o best_a pattern_n i_o come_v to_o make_v some_o application_n to_o ourselves_o use_v 1_o see_v god_n have_v command_v nature_n light_n have_v direct_v christ_n precept_n and_o his_o apostle_n precedent_n have_v authorize_v assembly_n of_o church-officer_n for_o its_o safety_n and_o edification_n we_o may_v meet_v in_o faith_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o our_o motive_n and_o warrant_n so_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o may_v depend_v upon_o his_o promise_a presence_n with_o we_o and_o the_o hear_n of_o our_o prayer_n see_v what_o we_o do_v be_v not_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o carnal_a policy_n but_o in_o obedience_n to_o our_o great_a master_n and_o for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o church_n under_o our_o care_n 2._o we_o be_v hence_o inform_v that_o the_o want_n of_o a_o call_n or_o commission_n to_o assemble_v from_o secular_a power_n we_o be_v permit_v to_o meet_v do_v not_o make_v our_o meeting_n unlawful_a before_o god_n as_o some_o may_v fancy_v nor_o do_v the_o want_n of_o a_o civil_a sanction_n to_o our_o act_n make_v they_o void_a for_o this_o assembly_n have_v neither_o yet_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o lord_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n we_o confess_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o call_v minister_n to_o their_o work_n and_o protect_v they_o in_o it_o yet_o this_o be_v necessary_a only_o to_o the_o well-being_n but_o not_o to_o the_o be_v of_o such_o meeting_n the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n enjoy_v no_o such_o privilege_n more_o than_o we_o yet_o want_v not_o their_o assembly_n nor_o dare_v we_o condemn_v they_o as_o unlawful_a and_o as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o we_o be_v permit_v to_o meet_v in_o peace_n though_o not_o command_v so_o to_o do_v let_v we_o as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v so_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o to_o give_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o offence_n for_o sure_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a interest_n if_o we_o keep_v within_o our_o own_o sphere_n and_o pursue_v the_o just_a end_n of_o our_o meeting_n which_o be_v the_o preservation_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o promote_a holiness_n among_o ourselves_o and_o those_o over_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v we_o for_o certain_o such_o will_v be_v find_v the_o best_a subject_n who_o conscientious_o mind_v these_o duty_n 3._o see_v god_n have_v command_v minister_n to_o assemble_v when_o it_o be_v necessary_a than_o such_o aught_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o meet_v when_o call_v and_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v it_o be_v true_a such_o as_o god_n have_v disable_v to_o come_v be_v hereby_o excuse_v for_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v do_v it_o and_o who_o may_v say_v what_o do_v he_o but_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o go_v about_o their_o own_o particular_a affair_n and_o yet_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o attend_v these_o our_o assembly_n seem_v to_o mind_n more_o their_o own_o thing_n than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n some_o indeed_o despise_v these_o assembly_n as_o be_v in_o their_o opinion_n a_o yoke_n but_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o yoke_n which_o tie_v we_o together_o bind_v we_o to_o our_o work_n and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n thereof_o for_o by_o our_o meeting_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o preserve_v we_o in_o as_o great_a unanimity_n of_o judgement_n unity_n of_o affection_n uniformity_n in_o all_o our_o ministerial_a act_n as_o any_o such_o number_n of_o such_o man_n we_o know_v in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n with_o ourselves_o by_o these_o we_o have_v be_v help_v to_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o by_o our_o unite_a care_n and_o counsel_n in_o our_o dark_a time_n and_o great_a danger_n have_v be_v enable_v both_o to_o avoid_v give_v just_a ground_n of_o offence_n and_o have_v thereby_o defend_v ourselves_o our_o own_o and_o the_o public_a peace_n have_v be_v considerable_o secure_v by_o these_o mean_n when_o it_o have_v fare_v otherwise_o in_o other_o place_n and_o experience_v daily_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o be_v comely_a as_o jerusalem_n terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n while_o every_o small_a company_n with_o their_o several_a captain_n have_v sole_a jurisdiction_n and_o no_o common_a council_n keep_v for_o war_n or_o peace_n no_o subordination_n or_o authority_n for_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n redress_n of_o grievance_n or_o establish_v of_o order_n have_v some_o of_o our_o brethren_n what_o we_o enjoy_v by_o these_o they_o will_v soon_o be_v more_o terrible_a to_o their_o enemy_n more_o comfortable_a to_o their_o friend_n more_o peace_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o palace_n and_o prosperity_n within_o their_o private_a wall_n 4._o this_o also_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o christ_n never_o appoint_v his_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o sole_a jurisdiction_n of_o single_a person_n for_o even_o in_o case_n of_o a_o private_a offence_n he_o command_v to_o tell_v the_o church_n not_o any_o single_a person_n howsoever_o dignify_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o presence_n be_v make_v at_o least_o to_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v in_o his_o name_n matth._n 18.20_o as_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n choose_v and_o ordain_v a_o apostle_n act_v 1._o so_o they_o will_v not_o exercise_v sole_a jurisdiction_n even_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n act_n 6.3_o 6._o the_o apostle_n joint_o send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n act_v 8.14_o the_o apostle_n and_o brethren_n in_o judea_n call_v peter_n to_o account_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o carriage_n to_o the_o gentile_n act_n 11.1_o 2_o 18._o it_o be_v the_o church_n and_o not_o any_o one_o churchman_n that_o send_v barnabas_n so_o far_o as_o antioch_n act_v 11.22_o yea_o the_o very_a matter_n of_o charity_n be_v manage_v by_o common_a consent_n for_o the_o disciple_n in_o antioch_n send_v to_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n and_o the_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o sole_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o church_n charity_n act_v 11.29_o 30._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n assemble_v chap._n 13._o and_o here_o it_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o to_o be_v deny_v so_o that_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v any_o constitute_v church_n within_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o old_a when_o church-jurisdiction_n be_v exercise_v by_o any_o single_a person_n and_o see_v our_o law_n and_o lawgiver_n have_v think_v it_o unreasonable_a and_o unsafe_a to_o trust_v the_o legislative_a power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o single_a person_n or_o the_o life_n liberty_n limb_n or_o estate_n to_o any_o less_o than_o a_o jury_n of_o twelve_o man_n then_o
this_o we_o say_v 1._o though_o this_o assembly_n have_v in_o it_o some_o man_n extraordinary_a for_o their_o office_n and_o gift_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o here_o meet_v or_o act_v as_o such_o but_o as_o ordinary_a church-ruler_n which_o as_o junius_n have_v well_o observe_v so_o he_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o constitute_v church_n do_v not_o act_v by_o extraordinary_a apostolic_a authority_n but_o joint_n with_o other_o church-ruler_n in_o a_o ordinary_a power_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o therefore_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n send_v from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o missionary_n to_o samaria_n act_v 8.14_o and_o as_o we_o from_o hence_o prove_v against_o the_o papist_n that_o peter_n have_v no_o supremacy_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o sender_n have_v power_n over_o they_o they_o do_v send_v so_o their_o subjection_n to_o that_o church_n be_v hence_o evident_a it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o peter_n subject_n himself_o as_o aforesaid_a to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n so_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n as_o appear_v from_o act_n 13.1_o and_o also_o from_o this_o same_o chapter_n which_o have_v not_o be_v have_v they_o act_v by_o their_o apostolic_a extraordinary_a authority_n wherein_o they_o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o christ_n only_o but_o that_o this_o assembly_n be_v ordinary_a be_v evident_a 1._o from_o its_o occasion_n which_o be_v ordinary_a viz._n a_o heresy_n and_o schism_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n 2._o their_o call_n to_o this_o assembly_n be_v ordinary_a the_o church_n of_o antioch_n determine_v and_o order_v verse_n 2._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o certain_a other_o to_o repair_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o call_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o therefore_o all_o but_o ordinary_a 3._o their_o constitution_n be_v ordinary_a as_o consist_v not_o of_o extraordinary_a officer_n only_o but_o of_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o brethren_n also_o 4._o these_o ordinary_a officer_n act_v with_o equal_a authority_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o this_o synod_n the_o synodical_a act_n go_v out_o in_o their_o name_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n verse_n 22_o 23._o they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o censure_v the_o heretic_n vers_fw-la 24._o verse_n 28._o they_o assert_v that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v and_o here_o give_v commission_n to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o they_o 5._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o procedure_n in_o determine_v this_o controversy_n be_v ordinary_a not_o by_o immediate_a infallible_a inspiration_n but_o by_o much_o dispute_v and_o reason_v vers_fw-la 7._o the_o several_a apostle_n give_v their_o judgement_n according_a to_o scripture_n wherein_o though_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o yet_o they_o differ_v and_o the_o sentence_n of_o james_n final_o acquiesce_v in_o not_o on_o account_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o who_o to_o exalt_v a_o bishop_n will_v degrade_v a_o apostle_n but_o on_o account_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n from_o scripture_n and_o although_o it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v neither_o follow_v that_o oecumenick_n council_n be_v infallible_a as_o papist_n teach_v nor_o that_o this_o act_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a apostolic_a spirit_n for_o as_o whitaker_n say_v other_o council_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n assert_v their_o decree_n seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o they_o shall_v follow_v the_o same_o method_n and_o rule_n determine_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v according_a unto_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n write_v in_o his_o word_n which_o be_v call_v word_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v 1_o cor._n 2.13_o 6._o have_v the_o apostle_n determine_v this_o matter_n by_o their_o extraordinary_a infallible_a spirit_n what_o need_n have_v the_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o appeal_v to_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o spirit_n in_o paul_n etc._n etc._n a_o incompetent_a judge_n and_o inferior_a to_o they_o nay_o sure_o he_o may_v have_v as_o easy_o determine_v the_o matter_n at_o antioch_n and_o save_v the_o labour_n of_o travel_v to_o jerusalem_n whence_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o act_v by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o power_n in_o dependence_n upon_o god_n spirit_n promise_v to_o his_o church_n by_o the_o best_a rule_n his_o own_o word_n a_o second_o question_n see_v this_o assembly_n be_v ordinary_a whether_o do_v it_o act_v only_o by_o way_n of_o council_n and_o advice_n or_o by_o juridical_a authority_n as_o a_o assembly_n who_o authority_n oblige_v the_o church_n subject_n to_o they_o to_o receive_v and_o observe_v they_o to_o this_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o synod_n or_o of_o any_o other_o be_v not_o civil_a either_o for_o matter_n manner_n or_o end_v nor_o have_v it_o or_o have_v any_o external_n coercive_a power_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n corporal_a or_o fine_n and_o imprisonment_n but_o as_o their_o power_n be_v spiritual_a so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v by_o suitable_a mean_n 2._o nor_o be_v their_o power_n nor_o be_v the_o power_n of_o any_o synod_n destructive_a of_o the_o power_n of_o inferior_a church-assembly_n but_o perfective_a and_o assist_v to_o they_o for_o though_o a_o superior_a assembly_n shall_v rectify_v the_o mistake_v of_o a_o inferior_a assembly_n this_o do_v no_o more_o deprive_v the_o inferior_a of_o its_o power_n than_o he_o who_o will_v better_o inform_v a_o mistake_a man_n do_v deprive_v he_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o judgement_n when_o he_o only_o help_v he_o to_o judge_v better_o 3._o their_o power_n as_o that_o of_o other_o assembly_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v but_o regulate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o no_o assembly_n have_v power_n but_o for_o edification_n and_o no_o foundation_n for_o this_o can_v be_v lay_v but_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 4._o yet_o we_o assert_v it_o be_v proper_o and_o true_o clothe_v with_o authority_n to_o deliberate_v and_o determine_v in_o those_o matter_n that_o be_v before_o it_o and_o its_o determination_n as_o those_o of_o other_o lawful_a assembly_n do_v do_v oblige_v those_o under_o their_o care_n and_o inspection_n reverent_o to_o esteem_v they_o and_o dutiful_o to_o obey_v they_o as_o far_o as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god._n and_o this_o be_v plain_a 1._o see_v god_n have_v command_v church-ruler_n to_o assemble_v have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n and_o presence_n in_o their_o assembly_n and_o to_o ratify_v what_o they_o bound_v or_o loose_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o their_o act_n ought_v to_o be_v obey_v else_o their_o assemble_v be_v in_o vain_a nor_o can_v controversy_n ever_o be_v end_v if_o none_o be_v oblige_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o determination_n 2._o all_o appeal_n shall_v be_v needless_a though_o nature_n light_n teach_v they_o be_v synod_n only_a consultative_n they_o shall_v be_v only_o like_o that_o which_o lawyer_n call_v arbitrium_fw-la boni_fw-la viri_fw-la which_o a_o man_n need_v not_o stand_v to_o unless_o he_o so_o please_v and_o therefore_o all_o power_n of_o arbitration_n ought_v to_o have_v some_o juridical_a authority_n accompany_v it_o to_o make_v their_o determination_n obey_v else_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n and_o no_o effectual_a mean_n provide_v for_o the_o redress_v grievance_n 3._o see_v christ_n require_v that_o such_o as_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v account_v as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o have_v authority_n when_o such_o as_o disobey_v be_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o such_o their_o disobedience_n and_o its_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v this_o peculiar_a to_o single_a congregation_n for_o then_o christ_n shall_v have_v have_v more_o care_n of_o single_a person_n than_o of_o whole_a congregation_n of_o man_n if_o no_o remedy_n be_v provide_v for_o debate_n arise_v betwixt_o congregation_n or_o offence_n do_v by_o one_o to_o the_o other_o yea_o even_o single_a congregation_n themselves_o shall_v have_v no_o remedy_n if_o one_o part_n be_v injurious_a to_o the_o other_o but_o they_o must_v divide_v and_o so_o be_v destroy_v as_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v as_o to_o the_o particular_a power_n exercise_v by_o this_o synod_n and_o may_v be_v by_o other_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v first_o that_o call_v dogmatic_a which_o be_v not_o a_o power_n to_o forge_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o devise_v new_a matter_n or_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v a_o power_n to_o
and_o not_o to_o the_o community_n as_o appear_v by_o matt._n 16.19_o 2._o nor_o be_v the_o church_n of_o believer_n all_o to_o be_v hear_v or_o can_v hear_v as_o this_o church_n be_v require_v 3._o this_o church_n may_v consist_v of_o two_o or_o three_o for_o to_o so_o many_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o hear_v prayer_n make_v verse_n 19_o and_o of_o christ_n presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o verse_n 20._o which_o be_v a_o promise_v make_v to_o church-officer_n as_o appear_v from_o matth._n 28.20_o to_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n 4._o nor_o be_v it_o a_o church_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o erastians_n teach_v for_o than_o 1._o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v not_o only_o not_o understand_v his_o master_n but_o express_o contradict_v he_o for_o 1_o cor._n 6.1_o he_o discharge_v all_o saint_n to_o carry_v their_o debate_n before_o judge_n who_o be_v their_o enemy_n such_o as_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n jew_n be_v at_o that_o time_n nor_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o christ_n will_v direct_v his_o disciple_n in_o case_n of_o private_a difference_n to_o jewish_a or_o roman_a magistrate_n his_o and_o their_o profess_a enemy_n 2._o if_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n must_v be_v here_o understand_v christian_n have_v not_o such_o a_o church_n for_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o so_o no_o remedy_n in_o such_o case_n 5._o the_o matter_n appear_v here_o to_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o cognizance_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a judicature_n not_o be_v such_o a_o crime_n as_o be_v punishable_a by_o the_o civil_a judge_n or_o for_o which_o restitution_n be_v to_o be_v make_v which_o be_v require_v in_o case_n of_o injury_n do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o offence_n which_o though_o at_o first_o private_a become_v scandalous_a by_o the_o person_n impenitence_n and_o declare_v reject_v the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o and_o if_o christ_n will_v have_v the_o church_n tell_v in_o case_n of_o offend_v a_o private_a brother_n and_o for_o reconcile_a they_o two_o can_v we_o think_v he_o provide_v no_o remedy_n for_o such_o as_o by_o scandalous_a practice_n offend_v the_o whole_a church_n or_o appoint_v mean_n by_o which_o such_o offender_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n see_v then_o there_o be_v here_o a_o church_n authorize_v to_o hear_v and_o decide_v difference_n vers_fw-la 17._o clothe_v with_o a_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v verse_n 18._o have_v a_o promise_n of_o hear_v their_o prayer_n and_o of_o his_o presence_n in_o perform_v their_o duty_n verse_n 19_o 20._o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v a_o church-assemble_o of_o christ_n own_o appointment_n 5._o the_o apostle_n ordinary_a practice_n of_o assemble_v as_o they_o have_v occasion_n inform_v we_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o their_o duty_n which_o presuppose_v a_o law_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v pattern_n to_o we_o in_o such_o assembly_n upon_o the_o apostasy_n and_o death_n of_o judas_n one_o of_o the_o twelve_o after_o christ_n ascension_n we_o find_v they_o assemble_v to_o elect_a and_o ordain_v another_o apostle_n in_o his_o room_n act_v 1_o again_o we_o find_v they_o assemble_v to_o ordain_v deacon_n act_n 6._o and_o in_o act_n 11._o we_o find_v they_o convene_v and_o call_v the_o apostle_n peter_n to_o a_o account_n for_o his_o converse_n with_o the_o gentile_n but_o here_o more_o remarkable_o the_o church-guide_n be_v assemble_v to_o root_v out_o a_o heresy_n and_o to_o prevent_v a_o schism_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o consider_v what_o kind_n or_o sort_n of_o assembly_n this_o be_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n frame_v the_o government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o the_o jewish_a be_v general_o assert_v and_o believe_v and_o may_v safe_o be_v allow_v but_o for_o this_o reason_n neither_o to_o preserve_v the_o ceremonial_a nor_o judicial_a law_n but_o because_o the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n for_o its_o substance_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v divine_a and_o imitable_a as_o be_v irreversible_a now_o it_o be_v general_o hold_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v three_o sort_n of_o assembly_n or_o church-ruler_n and_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 1._o as_o they_o have_v their_o synagogue_n or_o parochial_a congregation_n for_o ordinary_a moral_a worship_n so_o these_o synagogue_n have_v their_o ruler_n act_n 13.15_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a as_o be_v report_v that_o in_o every_o city_n where_o be_v ten_o wise_a man_n as_o there_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o every_o place_n where_o be_v a_o synagogue_n that_o they_o do_v all_o joint_o concur_v for_o rule_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o so_o make_v a_o parochial_a consistory_n which_o do_v exercise_v discipline_n on_o scandalous_a offender_n even_o to_o cast_v they_o sometime_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n now_o the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n thus_o far_o direct_v all_o sort_n of_o small_a society_n whether_o politic_a or_o ecclesiastic_a to_o compose_v all_o particular_a and_o more_o private_a difference_n within_o themselves_o and_o to_o decide_v small_a and_o easy_a case_n by_o small_a judicatories_n for_o that_o end_n appoint_v according_a to_o the_o maxim_n frustra_fw-la fit_a per_fw-la plura_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o trouble_v great_a assembly_n in_o what_o can_v be_v as_o convenient_o order_v by_o lesser_a one_o so_o jethro_n reason_v teach_v he_o to_o give_v that_o good_a counsel_n to_o moses_n that_o certain_a inferior_a judge_n may_v determine_v small_a matter_n reserve_v hard_a case_n for_o his_o own_o audience_n exod._n 18.22_o 26._o and_o this_o become_v a_o law_n deut._n 17._o 2._o as_o there_o be_v many_o portion_n call_v thousand_o in_o israel_n micah_n 5.2_o so_o these_o thousand_o have_v their_o government_n and_o a_o consistory_n compose_v of_o twenty_o three_o one_o of_o these_o be_v in_o every_o city_n where_o be_v one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o family_n and_o this_o be_v that_o as_o many_o say_v which_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n the_o judgement_n matth._n 5.22_o and_o be_v make_v up_o of_o fourteen_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n and_o seven_o other_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o city_n which_o also_o appear_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o as_o particular_a person_n may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o government_n and_o order_n so_o particular_a congregation_n live_v contiguous_o which_o as_o they_o may_v be_v injurious_a to_o one_o another_o so_o they_o may_v be_v helpful_a to_o one_o another_o and_o where_o matter_n occur_v of_o common_a concern_v to_o the_o lesser_a neighbour_a society_n suppose_v in_o a_o large_a city_n the_o same_o reason_n will_v allow_v and_o require_v the_o ruler_n of_o that_o city_n to_o associate_v for_o government_n that_o require_v those_o of_o a_o village_n to_o meet_v and_o so_o the_o rule_n will_v hold_v good_a in_o this_o quod_fw-la omnes_fw-la languit_fw-la etc._n etc._n what_o be_v of_o common_a concernment_n aught_o to_o be_v treat_v of_o by_o all_o concern_v and_o this_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v call_v the_o presbytery_n act_v 22.5_o which_o be_v a_o society_n or_o assembly_n distinct_a from_o the_o sanhedrim_n and_o such_o a_o assembly_n of_o elder_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v 11.30_o &_o 21.18_o 3._o the_o three_o sort_n of_o assembly_n be_v their_o sanhedrim_n consist_v of_o seventy_o elder_n with_o their_o nassi_n or_o president_n which_o be_v their_o supreme_a judicatory_a if_o some_o allege_v these_o be_v civil_a judicatories_n they_o will_v find_v themselves_o mistake_v for_o though_o they_o do_v concern_v themselves_o in_o some_o matter_n civil_a yet_o they_o also_o have_v their_o ecclesiastical_a judicatory_n act_v by_o divine_a law_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastic_a for_o though_o now_o it_o hold_v true_a that_o ecclesia_fw-la est_fw-la in_o reipublica_fw-la the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o not_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o hold_v good_a of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o church_n before_o they_o be_v frame_v into_o a_o state_n and_o so_o the_o state_n come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n into_o the_o state_n to_o accommodate_v this_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o assembly_n be_v neither_o of_o the_o former_a two_o but_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o two_o presbytery_n to_o wit_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n and_o so_o that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o synod_n who_o quality_n come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a assembly_n act_v by_o extraordinary_a and_o apostolic_a call_n and_o authority_n or_o a_o ordinary_a assembly_n act_v by_o a_o ordinary_a call_n and_o ordinary_a church-power_n to_o