answer_v to_o the_o original_a both_o in_o sound_n and_o sense_n but_o leave_v they_o with_o their_o affect_a title_n savour_v too_o strong_a of_o judaism_n the_o word_n proper_o signify_v as_o they_o themselves_o with_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o in_o all_o other_o place_n where_o it_o be_v use_v in_o that_o fifteen_o chapter_n french_a as_o also_o here_o in_o the_o text_n render_v it_o ancient_n a_o french_a word_n which_o our_o english_a render_v elder_n the_o word_n in_o scripture_n be_v use_v two_o way_n proper_o improper_o either_o for_o elder_n in_o age_n or_o by_o office_n elder_n in_o age_n ancient_n rebuke_v 1._o not_o a_o elder_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 5._o mean_v a_o elder_n in_o age_n as_o the_o antithesis_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n explain_v it_o rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_n but_o entreat_v he_o as_o a_o father_n and_o the_o young_a man_n as_o brethren_n elder_n in_o office_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n civil_a ecclesiastical_a civil_a temporal_a ruler_n and_o governor_n among_o the_o jew_n thus_o in_o the_o book_n 5._o of_o exodus_fw-la we_o often_o read_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o act_n we_o read_v of_o a_o assembly_n of_o ruler_n and_o elder_n etc._n etc._n i_o e._n lay_v elder_n civil_a elder_n who_o for_o distinction_n sake_n we_o find_v sometime_o call_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n let_v 23._o they_o pass_v 6._o ecclesiastical_a elder_n church-officer_n set_v over_o the_o flock_n the_o church_n to_o teach_v it_o to_o govern_v it_o of_o these_o our_o reverend_a cartwright_n as_o many_o other_o make_v two_o kind_n some_o teach_v and_o govern_v other_o only_o govern_v ground_v his_o distinction_n upon_o that_o know_a place_n in_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o out_o of_o which_o he_o resolve_v the_o question_n now_o propound_v who_o be_v these_o elder_n which_o be_v join_v with_o the_o apostle_n why_o either_o both_o these_o or_o else_o only_a the_o latter_a viz._n the_o govern_v elder_n consider_v say_v he_o that_o bishop_n which_o be_v the_o preach_n elder_n be_v supply_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o last_o clause_n of_o his_o i_o can_v subscribe_v certain_o beside_o the_o apostle_n here_o be_v other_o preach_n elder_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o must_v not_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o this_o word_n elder_n fâ—r_o the_o former_a whether_o there_o be_v two_o such_o distinct_a kind_n of_o elder_n at_o that_o time_n and_o whether_o both_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o word_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o will_v not_o peremptorilydetermine_v my_o purpose_n be_v to_o wave_n and_o decline_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v all_o collateral_a controversy_n and_o dispute_n which_o i_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o full_a in_o the_o text_n let_v this_o be_v sufficient_a church-officer_n they_o be_v ecclesiastical_a elder_n such_o be_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o in_o a_o high_a form_n have_v in_o their_o function_n something_o extraordinary_a and_o such_o be_v the_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o feed_v and_o rule_v it_o both_o elder_n so_o saint_n peter_n call_v himself_o and_o they_o both_o in_o one_o verse_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v 1._o who_o be_o also_o a_o elder_n etc._n etc._n feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o and_o these_o elder_n we_o here_o find_v meet_v together_o in_o this_o synod_n this_o council_n this_o assembly_n call_v it_o as_o you_o will_v obser._n and_o who_o so_o fit_a to_o meet_v upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n as_o person_n of_o that_o quality_n who_o so_o fit_a to_o debate_v determine_v state_n regulate_v church-affair_n as_o church-officer_n person_n devote_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v the_o member_n of_o this_o first_o synod_n which_o without_o question_n be_v intend_v for_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n so_o ibid._n all_o expositor_n till_o some_o few_o within_o the_o last_o fifty_o year_n have_v look_v upon_o it_o apostle_n and_o elder_n such_o church-officer_n as_o the_o time_n then_o afford_v to_o they_o saint_n luke_n in_o the_o chapter_n foregoing_a refer_v the_o negotiate_v and_o handle_v of_o this_o synodical_a consutation_n they_o be_v they_o which_o convene_v so_o you_o have_v it_o vers._n 6._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n non_fw-la dâ—ciâ—â—â—caâ—_z totaâ—_z ecclâ—siaâ—_z say_v calvin_n upon_o it_o the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o say_v the_o whole_a church_n meet_v together_o but_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o by_o they_o be_v the_o business_n debate_v decide_v determine_v so_o you_o have_v it_o express_o in_o the_o text_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n nor_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o of_o the_o church-officer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n convene_v together_o and_o who_o so_o fit_a to_o deal_v in_o business_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o person_n of_o that_o quality_n who_o so_o sit_v to_o consult_v debate_n determine_v church-difference_n and_o so_o to_o settle_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n as_o church-officer_n viz._n the_o elder_n which_o rule_v well_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v special_o they_o 6._o which_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n those_o text_n allege_v by_o the_o rhemist_n in_o their_o annotation_n upon_o the_o place_n last_o cite_v how_o ever_o they_o be_v by_o they_o draw_v beyond_o the_o staple_n and_o press_v beyond_o their_o intention_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o whole_o to_o be_v slight_v there_o be_v enough_o in_o they_o to_o bear_v out_o this_o cause_n and_o to_o give_v some_o reason_n for_o it_o under_o the_o law_n the_o ordinance_n be_v express_v hard_o and_o difficult_a controversy_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o priest_n etc._n etc._n 8._o deut._n 17._o 8._o if_o there_o arise_v a_o matter_n too_o hard_o for_o thou_o etc._n etc._n thou_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n i_o e._n priest_n of_o the_o leviticallâ—_n stock_n a_o like_a word_n be_v that_o which_o come_v to_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n from_o the_o lord_n 11._o haggai_n 2._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n ask_v now_o the_o priest_n concerning_o the_o law_n say_v etc._n etc._n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o know_a place_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n chap._n 1_o v._n 7._o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o montan._n they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n custodient_fw-la requirent_fw-la so_o the_o original_a have_v it_o they_o shall_v keep_v and_o they_o shall_v seek_v or_o as_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o they_o shall_v keep_v they_o shall_v seek_v this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n that_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v be_v a_o promptuarium_fw-la a_o cellar_n a_o buttery_n a_o pantry_n a_o storehouse_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v oft-times_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la de_fw-la jure_fw-la thus_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n 1._o first_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o fit_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o church-difference_n church-affair_n be_v such_o as_o do_v 6._o doctrina_fw-la et_fw-la judicio_fw-la pollere_fw-la to_o use_v calvin_n word_n excel_v and_o go_v beyond_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n in_o divine_a learning_n and_o solid_a judgement_n such_o they_o either_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v their_o lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n 2._o second_o this_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o they_o church-officer_n than_o any_o other_o and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o office_n upon_o this_o ground_n do_v the_o church_n at_o antioch_n here_o refer_v their_o difference_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n do_v they_o undertake_v the_o hear_n and_o determine_v of_o they_o this_o they_o do_v non_fw-la tantum_fw-la ex_fw-la charitate_fw-la ibid._n sedex_fw-la officio_fw-la not_o mere_o out_o of_o charity_n but_o out_o of_o duty_n in_o as_o much_o as_o this_o proper_o appertain_v to_o their_o office_n ration_fw-la officii_fw-la say_v calvin_n bujus_fw-la causae_fw-la legitimi_fw-la erant_fw-la judices_fw-la in_o regard_n of_o their_o office_n they_o be_v the_o proper_a judge_n in_o this_o cause_n and_o so_o must_v church-officer_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n church-difference_n or_o affair_n judge_n not_o chief_a and_o principal_a for_o that_o be_v the_o word_n itself_o but_o ministerial_a 23._o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n declare_v the_o mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o god_n
in_o it_o and_o so_o determine_v controversy_n and_o order_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n applic._n see_v here_o then_o a_o warrant_n for_o that_o course_n which_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v pitch_v upon_o in_o gather_v together_o a_o select_a company_n though_o not_o of_o apostle_n yet_o of_o elder_n such_o as_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n afford_v to_o consult_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n to_o examine_v and_o decide_v the_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o disquiet_v and_o endanger_v the_o state_n of_o it_o and_o to_o regulate_v and_o order_v it_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o word_n let_v not_o this_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o any_o as_o a_o new_a or_o yet_o human_a invention_n sure_o i_o be_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o for_o some_o circumstance_n if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o formality_n in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v the_o present_a necessity_n must_v plead_v a_o excuse_n for_o that_o defect_n but_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o divine_a ordinance_n warrant_v and_o president_v by_o this_o first_o pattern_n this_o first_o synodical_a assembly_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n object_n i_o know_v against_o this_o divers_a thing_n have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v object_v in_o this_o first_o council_n here_o be_v apostle_n as_o well_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o only_o they_o but_o other_o even_o the_o whole_a church_n meet_v together_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o our_o synod_n our_o assembly_n object_n 1._o here_o be_v apostle_n man_n divine_o and_o immediate_o inspire_v man_n of_o infallible_a spirit_n upon_o who_o judgement_n the_o church_n may_v safe_o rely_v and_o to_o who_o determination_n other_o may_v safe_o subscribe_v but_o we_o have_v none_o such_o neither_o have_v the_o church_n have_v in_o any_o age_n since_o their_o time_n answ._n to_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n god_n willing_a to_o answer_v more_o full_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o text_n for_o the_o present_a only_o know_v we_o that_o though_o the_o church_n have_v no_o apostle_n nor_o prophet_n yet_o it_o have_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n such_o as_o do_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n though_o not_o in_o their_o chair_n yet_o in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o ordinary_a ministry_n elder_n to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o chief_a care_n and_o oversight_n of_o 5._o the_o church_n to_o feed_v and_o govern_v it_o 29._o beside_o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n how_o ever_o they_o be_v member_n and_o chief_a member_n of_o this_o council_n yet_o be_v we_o not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o sit_v there_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o apostle_n as_o man_n immediate_o inspire_v but_o as_o assemble_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o debate_n and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n present_v to_o they_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n but_o of_o this_o god_n willing_a more_o hereafter_o object_n 2._o for_o the_o latter_a branch_n of_o the_o objection_n viz._n that_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o of_o apostle_n and_o 2._o elder_n ecclesiastical_a person_n but_o of_o other_o for_o this_o the_o 2._o vers._n of_o the_o 15._o chap._n seem_v to_o express_v where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n determine_v to_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o ibid._n ans._n but_o who_o be_v these_o other_o aretius_n not_o without_o good_a probability_n conceive_v they_o to_o be_v some_o of_o the_o opposite_a party_n who_o they_o send_v together_o with_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o fair_a hear_n and_o proceed_v so_o much_o methinks_v the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n compare_v with_o the_o latter_a seem_v to_o impart_v when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n say_v the_o text_n have_v have_v no_o small_a dissension_n with_o they_o viz._n those_o false_a teacher_n the_o church_n determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n where_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o with_o they_o and_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o relate_v the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o certain_o some_o of_o they_o be_v there_o present_a in_o that_o 10._o council_n to_o who_o else_o speak_v the_o apostle_n saint_n peter_n in_o the_o ten_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n now_o therefore_o why_o tempt_v you_o god_n and_o c_o and_o these_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v those_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o those_o some_o other_o there_o speak_v of_o answ._n 2._o but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o send_v some_o from_o among_o themselves_o yet_o who_o shall_v we_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v certain_o some_o of_o their_o elder_n delegate_a and_o commissionated_v 24._o by_o the_o church_n for_o that_o service_n messenger_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_v it_o speak_v of_o some_o whether_o barnabas_n or_o silas_n or_o luke_n it_o be_v various_o and_o uncertain_o conjecture_v who_o be_v employ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n he_o call_v they_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o apostle_n ambassador_n messenger_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sure_o such_o must_v these_o certain_a other_o be_v object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v in_o this_o council_n here_o be_v not_o only_o ecclesiastical_a elder_n and_o officer_n delegate_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o be_v a_o whole_a church_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o 23._o vers._n of_o that_o 15._o chap._n where_o messenger_n be_v choose_v and_o send_v away_o from_o the_o council_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o please_v the_o apostle_n 23._o and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v choose_v man_n of_o their_o own_o company_n to_o antioch_n answ._n for_o answer_v to_o this_o what_o be_v there_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o only_o *_o rutherford_n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o else_o that_o synodical_a body_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n for_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o and_o against_o the_o former_a it_o be_v argue_v not_o without_o some_o probability_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o can_v be_v first_o that_o church_n be_v so_o numerous_a all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o meet_v at_o one_o synod_n 2._o but_o second_o suppose_v such_o a_o possibility_n yet_o what_o authority_n have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o send_v such_o bind_a decree_n to_o any_o other_o church_n par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la potestatem_fw-la one_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o another_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v no_o more_o power_n over_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n than_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n have_v over_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_o conclude_v that_o by_o the_o church_n there_o must_v rather_o be_v mean_v that_o synodical_a assembly_n a_o representative_a church_n than_o the_o whole_a multitude_n ofbeliever_n but_o it_o be_v say_v express_o the_o multitude_n be_v there_o so_o it_o be_v say_v vers._n 12._o all_o the_o multitude_n keep_v silence_n and_o give_v audience_n to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n a._o to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o 〈…〉_z {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o multitude_n there_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n meet_v together_o synodical_o from_o divers_a church_n be_v in_o number_n many_o so_o master_n *_o 19_o beza_n and_o divers_a other_o expositor_n conceive_v of_o it_o refer_v theâ—e_n word_n to_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o chap._n certain_o as_o for_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o i_o say_v they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n too_o numerous_a to_o convene_v at_o such_o a_o meeting_n ob._n but_o it_o be_v reply_v though_o not_o all_o yet_o some_o and_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v there_o present_a though_o not_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o a_o good_a part_n of_o it_o so_o the_o word_n church_n be_v use_v synecdochical_o in_o verse_n 3._o 3._o of_o that_o chap._n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v bring_v on_o their_o way_n by_o the_o church_n answ._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o take_v these_o four_o thing_n firâ—_z whether_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la they_o be_v so_o or_o no_o be_v uncertain_a the_o evidence_n bring_v for_o it_o be_v not_o demonstrative_a second_o suppose_v some_o of_o they_o be_v there_o present_a which_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o
unwilling_a to_o grant_v the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o multitude_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o import_v so_o much_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o act._n 2._o 6._o where_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o multitude_n come_v togethâ—r_v etc._n etc._n in_o which_o sense_n also_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o word_n church_n in_o the_o place_n forename_a seem_v most_o genuine_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o appear_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o verse_n 4._o of_o the_o chap._n where_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n yet_o be_v it_o only_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la not_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la by_o permission_n not_o commission_n they_o be_v not_o call_v thither_o nor_o by_o any_o law_n require_v to_o be_v there_o their_o presence_n there_o be_v only_o accidental_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o vicinity_n and_o nearness_n dwell_v in_o the_o city_n where_o the_o synod_n do_v sit_v otherwise_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o church_n have_v as_o much_o both_o right_a and_o reason_n to_o have_v be_v there_o as_o they_o be_v as_o near_o object_n or_o more_o near_o concern_v in_o the_o business_n there_o agitate_a then_o they_o three_o admit_v they_o to_o be_v there_o present_a as_o spectator_n and_o hearer_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v admit_v any_o way_n to_o join_v in_o the_o debate_n or_o discussion_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n the_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o chap._n appropriate_v this_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n four_o however_o in_o the_o four_o place_n they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o vote_v or_o determine_v that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n so_o you_o have_v it_o in_o the_o text_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o decree_n which_o be_v here_o deliver_v be_v 〈◊〉_d ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n not_o by_o the_o multitude_n not_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o why_o then_o be_v the_o synodical_a letter_n write_v in_o their_o name_n if_o they_o have_v no_o voice_n in_o make_v the_o decree_n so_o the_o tenor_n of_o they_o 33._o run_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n send_v greeting_n etc._n etc._n vers._n 23._o to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v first_o who_o or_o what_o these_o brethren_n be_v be_v uncertain_a the_o vulgar_a latin_a which_o all_o the_o romish_a interpreter_n follow_v by_o take_v away_o the_o copula_fw-la make_v they_o all_o one_o with_o the_o elder_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n brethren_n but_o that_o may_v not_o be_v allow_v the_o original_n make_v they_o distinct_a {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o brethren_n pass_v by_o that_o by_o the_o word_n immediate_o forego_v it_o shall_v seem_v that_o judas_n call_v barsabas_n and_o sylas_n be_v two_o of_o these_o brethren_n so_o they_o be_v there_o call_v chief_a man_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o prime_a lead_v man_n among_o the_o brethren_n now_o what_o they_o be_v you_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o 32._o vers._n of_o the_o chap._n viz._n prophet_n judas_n and_o silas_n be_v prophet_n first_o doctores_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la teacher_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o sort_n they_o have_v then_o many_o as_o you_o may_v see_v vers._n 35._o whether_o of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n or_o at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o agree_v but_o prophet_n they_o be_v person_n in_o office_n such_o be_v they_o and_o probable_o such_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n there_o mention_v 2._o but_o second_o suppose_v it_o that_o by_o brethren_n there_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v person_n out_o of_o office_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v conclude_v thence_o that_o they_o have_v their_o vote_n in_o this_o assâ—mbly_n only_o as_o calvin_n conjecture_n with_o good_a probability_n they_o assent_v and_o subscribe_v to_o what_o the_o council_n have_v do_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n make_v use_v of_o their_o concurrence_n in_o commend_v the_o result_n of_o their_o consultation_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o more_o than_o this_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o what_o power_n have_v the_o brethren_n suppose_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o make_v decree_n for_o and_o impose_v law_n upon_o other_o of_o the_o church_n q._n but_o yet_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o messenger_n be_v send_v and_o the_o letter_n write_v in_o their_o name_n sure_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o place_n and_o vote_n in_o that_o council_n in_o who_o name_n the_o *_o 2_o synodical_a letter_n be_v write_v so_o our_o late_a reverend_a and_o learned_a professor_n at_o franâ—ker_n conclude_v it_o ibid._n a._n to_o this_o 〈◊〉_d be_v answer_v by_o the_o present_a reverend_a and_o learned_a professor_n at_o st._n andâ—eweâ—_n that_o st._n pâ—ul_a in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n join_v other_o with_o himself_o in_o the_o inscription_n or_o salutation_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n run_v in_o paul_n name_n and_o sâ—â—thene_n s_o 1._o paul_n call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n and_o soâ—thenes_n our_o â—â—â—ther_n the_o second_o 1._o epistle_n as_o also_o thaâ—_z to_o the_o colâ—ssians_n in_o paul_n name_n and_o timothy_n paul_n a_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n and_o timothy_n our_o brother_n the_o two_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n run_v paul_n and_o sylvanus_n and_o tymothâ—us_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalâ—nians_n thus_o be_v other_o join_v with_o he_o as_o partner_n in_o the_o inscription_n though_o the_o epistle_n be_v none_o of_o they_o but_o paul_n as_o for_o they_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o immediate_o inâ—â—ired_v as_o paul_n be_v and_o consequent_o can_v be_v no_o collateral_a writer_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o indite_v and_o pen_v those_o epistle_n but_o only_o their_o name_n join_v with_o he_o as_o be_v approver_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n there_o deliver_v that_o thereby_o the_o more_o respect_n may_v be_v procure_v thereunto_o from_o whence_o our_o learned_a doctor_n solater_n observe_v well_o that_o 1._o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v hâ—mana_fw-la subsidla_fw-la human_a help_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n instance_v in_o this_o particular_a case_n we_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n say_v he_o go_v joint_o in_o the_o decree_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o by_o universal_a consent_n god_n people_n night_n be_v more_o sway_v to_o obedience_n the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o commend_v those_o decree_n to_o the_o church_n which_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o debate_v and_o determine_v object_n why_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o object_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o here_o juris_fw-la de_fw-la facto_fw-la yet_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o quod_fw-la omnes_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la that_o which_o concern_v all_o aught_o to_o be_v handle_v and_o conclude_v by_o all_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a plea_n for_o popular_a government_n i_o e._n no-covernment_n in_o congregational_a church_n answ._n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o argument_n whatever_o force_n be_v in_o it_o in_o some_o other_o case_n in_o this_o case_n it_o plead_v for_o a_o impossibility_n for_o all_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o provincial_n much_o more_o in_o a_o national_a much_o more_o in_o a_o ecumenical_a and_o general_a council_n or_o synod_n be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o impossible_a and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n some_o be_v to_o be_v select_v and_o choose_v for_o all_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o how_o it_o be_v in_o our_o parliamentary_a assembly_n the_o thing_n there_o handle_v they_o be_v of_o general_a and_o universal_a concernment_n property_n and_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n not_o the_o mean_a person_n but_o be_v interest_v in_o they_o yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n can_v meet_v together_o the_o trust_n be_v commit_v to_o a_o few_o who_o be_v to_o consult_v and_o determine_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n sure_o of_o necessity_n so_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n because_o all_o can_v meet_v in_o a_o synodical_a way_n therefore_o some_o person_n of_o trust_n be_v to_o be_v select_v and_o employ_v about_o that_o service_n for_o which_o who_o can_v be_v conceive_v so_o fit_a as_o those_o who_o by_o their_o office_n be_v overseer_n to_o the_o flock_n concil._n set_v over_o they_o by_o god_n to_o feed_v and_o to_o govern_v they_o quest_n but_o what_o then_o be_v all_o other_o whole_o exclude_v from_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o such_o assembly_n what_o say_v we_o first_o to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n answ._n to_o he_o we_o willing_o allow_v what_o god_n have_v give_v he_o a_o intereâ—t_v a_o potestative_a interest_n a_o
and_o by_o the_o same_o name_n the_o euanglist_n here_o call_v the_o eccleâ—â—ssticall_a deâ—erminations_n of_o this_o synodical_a assembly_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o decree_v observ._n 〈◊〉_d where_o to_o pass_v over_o thing_n as_o brief_o as_o i_o may_v take_v we_o noticer_n in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o the_o misconception_n and_o mistake_n of_o some_o who_o look_v upon_o this_o first_o council_n only_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o one_o sister_n church_n give_v advice_n and_o counsel_n to_o another_o be_v there_o no_o other_o argument_n to_o discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o this_o evasion_n this_o one_o word_n in_o the_o text_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a where_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o result_v of_o their_o consultation_n call_v they_o not_o counsel_n not_o brâ—â—â—erly_o advice_n but_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o decree_n decree_n be_v more_o than_o counsel_n and_o sure_o such_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o this_o first_o sin_n d_o more_o than_o bare_a counsel_n here_o be_v constitution_n and_o decree_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o decree_v which_o be_v ordain_v and_o these_o decree_n they_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n not_o only_o propoâ—â—â—ded_v and_o commend_v to_o they_o but_o impose_v upon_o they_o not_o only_o propound_v by_o way_n of_o advice_n but_o 28._o impose_v by_o way_n of_o injunction_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o to_o impose_v no_o great_a burden_n etc._n etc._n certain_o here_o be_v more_o than_o the_o advice_n of_o a_o sister_n châ—â—ch_n what_o have_v a_o sister_n church_n to_o do_v to_o make_v decree_n and_o impose_v injunction_n upon_o a_o sister_n church_n the_o church_n at_o 〈◊〉_d upon_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o any_o aâ—tâ—oritative_a power_n every_o way_n â—â—uall_a to_o hâ—â—_z self_n to_o â—et_v that_o pass_v obser._n 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n see_v here_o what_o power_n a_o lawful_a council_n or_o synod_n be_v by_o lawful_a authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n convene_v and_o meet_v together_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a concernment_n viz._n a_o power_n not_o only_o to_o consult_v and_o debate_n and_o advise_v but_o to_o determine_v ecclesiastical_a difference_n and_o to_o ordain_v decree_n which_o may_v be_v bind_v to_o the_o church_n such_o power_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v here_o at_o the_o motion_n of_o and_o by_o delegation_n from_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o they_o come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n vers._n 6._o chap._n 15._o and_o have_v consider_v of_o the_o church_n difference_n they_o determine_v they_o determine_v they_o they_o draw_v up_o ordinance_n and_o decree_n concerning_o they_o which_o be_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v obser._n true_o it_o may_v be_v say_v they_o may_v do_v it_o but_o so_o may_v not_o any_o other_o council_n or_o synod_n in_o any_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o why_o not_o why_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a person_n endue_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o infâ—â—lible_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v in_o the_o whole_a procedure_n of_o this_o business_n and_o consequent_o may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o precedent_n by_o any_o after_o they_o who_o be_v not_o assist_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n they_o be_v apostle_n have_v a_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o so_o may_v ordain_v decree_n and_o make_v law_n for_o the_o church_n which_o for_o any_o other_o after_o they_o to_o attempt_n be_v no_o less_o than_o high_a and_o unwarâ—antable_a presumption_n answ._n here_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a evasion_n whereby_o all_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o this_o first_o pattern_n of_o synodical_a assembly_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v elude_v and_o make_v void_a give_v i_o leave_v to_o close_v with_o it_o as_o brieâ—ly_o and_o yet_o as_o full_o as_o i_o can_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n aver_v the_o contrary_a to_o this_o confident_a supposition_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n however_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a person_n and_o in_o pen_v of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v assist_v and_o direct_v by_o a_o immediate_a spirit_n yet_o in_o this_o business_n they_o do_v not_o proceed_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o apostolical_a authority_n as_o man_n immediate_o inspiâ—ed_v but_o only_o as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n assisâ—ed_v by_o the_o diâ—â—ction_n of_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n that_o it_o be_v so_o the_o evidence_n be_v clean_o and_o i_o think_v â—ndeniable_a 1_o for_o first_o wherefore_o else_o shall_v paul_n have_v make_v this_o â—ourney_n from_o aâ—â—ioch_n to_o hierâ—â—sâ—â—em_fw-mi paul_n as_o a_o apostle_n he_o be_v able_a to_o have_v decide_v and_o stâ—ted_v all_o these_o controversy_n alone_o as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o apostle_n with_o he_o all_o be_v guide_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n so_o as_o have_v he_o herein_o make_v use_n of_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n he_o shall_v not_o have_v need_v to_o have_v go_v to_o confer_v with_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n about_o it_o this_o course_n we_o see_v he_o have_v before_o decline_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o far_o great_a consequence_n than_o this_o viz._n upon_o his_o first_o receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v receive_v it_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o immediate_a inspiration_n he_o do_v not_o address_v himself_o to_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o other_o for_o the_o instruct_v and_o confirm_v of_o he_o in_o that_o doctrine_n so_o he_o â—els_v his_o galaâ—â—iâ—us_fw-la 1._o gal._n 16._o 17._o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o i_o etc._n etc._n i_o confer_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n i_o e._n not_o with_o his_o own_o loc._n carnal_a reason_n so_o paraeus_n or_o rather_o as_o calvin_n and_o beza_n not_o with_o any_o mortal_a man_n whatever_o neither_o go_v i_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o they_o who_o be_v apostle_n before_o i_o true_a it_o be_v after_o some_o time_n he_o go_v up_o thither_o once_o and_o again_o as_o you_o may_v see_v chap._n 1._o vers._n 18._o chap._n 2._o v._n 1._o first_o three_o year_n after_o then_o fourteen_o yeerer_n after_o and_o both_o time_n he_o have_v communication_n and_o conferenâ—e_n with_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o for_o any_o instruction_n from_o they_o or_o confirmation_n by_o they_o oâ—_z any_o other_o as_o he_o seek_v it_o not_o so_o neither_o do_v he_o find_v it_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_o conference_n 6._o sâ—ith_n he_o they_o add_v nothing_o unto_o i_o v._n 6._o certain_o then_o have_v paul_n stand_v upon_o his_o apostolical_a spirit_n as_o he_o need_v not_o so_o he_o will_v not_o have_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o hold_v a_o conference_n with_o other_o apâ—stles_n about_o this_o business_n be_v of_o far_o lesser_a concernment_n than_o the_o main_a doâ—trine_n of_o the_o cospell_n 2._o 2._o suppose_v he_o do_v â—ondescend_v beneath_o himself_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o weak_a brethren_n and_o for_o the_o stop_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o opposite_n to_o hold_v a_o conference_n with_o the_o apostle_n about_o this_o business_n so_o to_o take_v in_o their_o concurrence_n and_o mutual_a consent_n yet_o why_o shall_v the_o elder_n be_v join_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o weâ—e_n join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a procedure_n of_o this_o business_n both_o in_o the_o consultation_n and_o determination_n be_v most_o apparent_a from_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n foregoing_a and_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n in_o both_o these_o they_o be_v ioynâ—_z actor_n with_o the_o apostle_n joint_a commissioner_n now_o in_o câ—se_n the_o apostle_n have_v proceed_v as_o man_n immediate_o inspire_v what_o need_n have_v they_o to_o have_v make_v use_n of_o their_o concurrence_n or_o what_o can_v the_o elder_n any_o way_n contribute_v to_o they_o if_o the_o apostleâ—_n themselves_o can_v in_o conference_n add_v nothing_o unto_o paul_n much_o less_o can_v the_o elder_n add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o apostle_n 3._o 3._o but_o three_o suppose_v that_o as_o paul_n require_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n so_o the_o apostle_n require_v the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o elder_n still_o for_o the_o more_o sulâ—_z satisfaction_n of_o all_o party_n yet_o 〈…〉_z they_o proceed_v after_o thaâ—_z manner_n by_o way_n of_o discussion_n and_o disputation_n that_o this_o be_v their_o way_n the_o seven_o 7._o verse_n of_o the_o foregoing_a chapter_n make_v it_o clear_a when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v here_o be_v not_o only_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o but_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o â—â—lta_fw-la disceptatio_fw-la a_o great_a and_o
interest_n of_o power_n and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o convene_v and_o confirm_v of_o such_o assembly_n 1._o in_o convene_v that_o the_o church_n may_v meet_v in_o this_o way_n by_o his_o authority_n under_o his_o wing_n by_o his_o allowance_n under_o his_o protection_n thus_o be_v the_o ancient_a general_a counsel_n call_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a 23._o magistrate_n the_o christian_a emperor_n some_o of_o they_o grace_v and_o honour_v with_o their_o personal_a presence_n and_o subscription_n and_o thus_o in_o topical_a counsel_n as_o they_o call_v they_o particular_a classical_a provincial_n national_a synod_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v still_o to_o be_v look_v at_o and_o desire_v who_o be_v by_o god_n appoint_v to_o be_v custos_fw-la et_fw-la vindex_fw-la uâ—riusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la the_o keeper_n and_o protector_n of_o both_o table_n and_o a_o father_n as_o to_o the_o state_n so_o to_o the_o church_n king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_a father_n ought_v consequent_o virtute_fw-la officij_fw-la to_o comply_v with_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o may_v procure_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o 2._o as_o in_o convene_v so_o in_o confirm_v this_o do_v those_o christian_a emperor_n to_o those_o general_a counsel_n and_o this_o honour_n we_o willing_o give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v under_o christ_n who_o vicegerent_n he_o be_v the_o alpha_fw-gr and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o in_o these_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n which_o be_v congregat_v by_o his_o authority_n by_o the_o same_o authority_n ought_v to_o be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v that_o so_o the_o great_a obligation_n may_v be_v lay_v upon_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n for_o the_o observe_n of_o those_o decree_n which_o be_v so_o ordain_v herein_o also_o the_o magistrate_n concurrence_n be_v to_o be_v desire_v in_o asmuch_o as_o he_o be_v by_o vertâ—e_n of_o his_o office_n the_o minister_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n 4._o for_o good_a and_o that_o not_o only_o their_o natural_a good_a to_o preserve_v their_o life_n or_o their_o civil_a good_a to_o maintain_v their_o estate_n and_o liberty_n or_o moral_a good_a to_o restrain_v they_o from_o vice_n and_o encourage_v they_o to_o virtue_n but_o also_o their_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a good_a to_o maintain_v their_o religion_n the_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n thus_o than_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o exclude_v quest_n but_o than_o it_o seem_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n be_v answ._n not_o so_o neither_o to_o they_o i_o shall_v free_o allow_v whatever_o they_o may_v just_o challenge_v if_o not_o more_o will_v rather_o to_o yield_v a_o scruple_n to_o they_o then_o take_v a_o grain_n from_o they_o as_o first_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o election_n and_o delegation_n of_o person_n to_o be_v betrust_v with_o that_o service_n second_o a_o liberty_n to_o communicate_v their_o doubt_n and_o desire_n in_o way_n fit_v and_o convenient_a three_o a_o liberty_n of_o presence_n to_o some_o as_o conveniency_n will_v permit_v that_o they_o may_v be_v hearer_n and_o witness_n of_o the_o proceed_n four_o a_o liberty_n of_o speech_n unto_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v after_o a_o special_a manner_n interest_v in_o the_o business_n agitate_a five_o and_o last_o the_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o such_o person_n or_o church_n as_o may_v procure_v respect_n unto_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v desire_v and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o these_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o not_o unwilling_a to_o grant_v and_o methinks_v if_o my_o eye_n deceive_v i_o not_o i_o see_v they_o all_o lay_v forth_o before_o i_o in_o this_o pattern_n which_o i_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n this_o first_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o 15._o first_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o whoever_o be_v send_v with_o they_o be_v send_v by_o the_o châ—â—ch_n they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n etc._n etc._n shall_v go_v up_o to_o hierâ—salem_n 〈…〉_z viz._n the_o church_n as_o the_o next_o verse_n xplaine_v second_o send_v the_o person_n they_o send_v their_o cause_n with_o they_o corpus_fw-la cum_fw-la causa_fw-la they_o determine_v they_o shall_v go_v up_o about_o this_o question_n verse_n 2._o viz._n touch_v circumcision_n whether_o necessary_a or_o no_o three_o here_o be_v the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o multitude_n a_o convenient_a number_n of_o the_o people_n to_o hear_v and_o see_v and_o bear_v witness_n of_o their_o proceed_n verse_n 12._o four_o here_o be_v the_o opposite_a party_n who_o have_v a_o liberty_n to_o declare_v their_o judgement_n and_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o as_o i_o have_v already_o clear_v it_o from_o the_o 2._o and_o 10._o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n and_o may_v appear_v further_o by_o that_o heat_n of_o disputation_n which_o be_v in_o the_o council_n verse_n 7._o five_o and_o last_o here_o be_v the_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n take_v in_o and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o procure_v the_o more_o respect_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n verse_n 22_o 23._o in_o all_o these_o we_o find_v a_o popular_a concurrence_n and_o influence_n with_o and_o upon_o this_o council_n but_o now_o what_o be_v beyond_o this_o as_o the_o define_n and_o determine_v of_o the_o difference_n and_o ordâ—ring_v of_o decree_n that_o be_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n so_o you_o have_v it_o express_v in_o the_o text_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n for_o to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a member_n of_o this_o first_o council_n or_o synod_n which_o i_o have_v insist_v a_o little_a the_o long_o upon_o as_o to_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o such_o superstructure_n as_o shall_v afterward_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o so_o to_o show_v you_o the_o groundlessness_n of_o that_o odium_fw-la which_o by_o some_o unreasonable_a man_n be_v cast_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o present_a assembly_n in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o upon_o all_o church_n assembly_n of_o like_a nature_n viz._n because_o they_o consist_v chief_o and_o most_o of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n *_o saâ—arâ—â—an_a divine_n as_o they_o scornful_o term_v they_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n such_o church_n officer_n as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n afford_v herein_o what_o new_a thing_n do_v they_o see_v what_o more_o than_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o this_o first_o council_n where_o the_o member_n of_o the_o counsel_n be_v apostle_n and_o elder_n text_n observ._n by_o they_o be_v these_o decree_n ordain_v viz._n by_o a_o joint_a coâ—sent_n not_o by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o not_o by_o peter_n not_o by_o james_n nor_o by_o any_o one_o other_o from_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v right_o conclude_v against_o that_o antichristian_a usurpation_n of_o the_o pope_n who_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v bind_v decree_n for_o the_o church_n alone_o this_o be_v more_o than_o his_o pretend_a predecessor_n st._n peter_n will_v d._n but_o that_o i_o pass_v by_o 2._o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o second_o particular_a viz._n what_o be_v these_o decree_n which_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o â—postles_n and_o elder_n and_o here_o deliver_v by_o pâ—â—â—l_n to_o the_o church_n for_o answer_v will_v you_o know_v the_o particular_n read_v the_o 20._o or_o 29._o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n foregoing_a there_o you_o shall_v find_v a_o summary_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o jdol_n from_o â—lood_n from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o fornication_n the_o three_o former_a of_o they_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a the_o latter_a fornicâ—tion_n esteem_v little_o more_o 7._o as_o it_o seem_v in_o those_o time_n at_o least_o among_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n who_o account_v it_o if_o a_o sin_n yet_o a_o very_a voniall_a one_o these_o the_o council_n by_o a_o joint_a consent_n interdict_v and_o prohibit_v and_o these_o prohibition_n the_o evangelist_n here_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o decree_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o ediâ—ta_fw-la dâ—â—â—eta_fw-la the_o same_o word_n we_o find_v use_v in_o the_o second_o of_o luk._n verse_n 1._o there_o â—eâ—t_v out_o a_o decree_n from_o caesar_n augustus_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o so_o again_o in_o 17._o act._n verse_n 7._o where_o jason_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v accuse_v that_o they_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o caesar_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o thus_o be_v the_o civil_a decree_n of_o prince_n and_o state_n then_o call_v
feed_v they_o like_o a_o natural_a mother_n ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o draw_v forth_o her_o breast_n to_o give_v they_o suck_v ready_a to_o contribute_v her_o best_a counsel_n and_o advice_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o edification_n buâ—_z this_o be_v not_o all_o 3._o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n here_o be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n ordinary_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o for_o beside_o those_o which_o keep_v a_o ordinary_a constant_a residence_n and_o incumbency_n there_o of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o for_o that_o church_n be_v great_a her_o officer_n be_v many_o here_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o general_a rendezvouz_n where_o both_o apostle_n and_o other_o upon_o occasion_n be_v wont_a to_o meet_v as_o for_o apostle_n how_o many_o be_v here_o present_a at_o this_o time_n it_o be_v not_o certain_a will_v we_o give_v a_o ear_n to_o that_o old_a counterfeit_a clemens_n he_o will_v tell_v 12._o we_o that_o all_o the_o twelve_o how_o ever_o disperse_v through_o the_o world_n yet_o at_o this_o time_n by_o a_o divine_a instinct_n they_o be_v bring_v together_o that_o they_o may_v join_v in_o this_o council_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n against_o judâ—iâ—â—nâ—_n but_o this_o legend_n our_o very_a adversary_n 15._o of_o rome_n though_o otherwise_o ready_a enough_o to_o harken_v to_o such_o tradition_n and_o willing_a to_o own_o and_o make_v use_n of_o that_o forge_a aâ—â—hoâ—r_n be_v ashamed_a oâ—_z and_o for_o this_o passage_n among_o other_o of_o the_o book_n also_o and_o well_o they_o may_v in_o as_o much_o as_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o by_o name_n 〈◊〉_d the_o brother_n of_o john_n as_o themselves_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v before_o this_o dead_a be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o herod_n as_o you_o may_v see_v it_o act._n 12._o all_o of_o they_o than_o can_v not_o be_v there_o not_o ibid._n to_o harken_v to_o the_o conjecture_n of_o other_o who_o will_v tell_v we_o of_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n bâ—ing_v there_o the_o story_n here_o make_v mention_v only_o of_o the_o two_o former_a beside_o paul_n and_o barnabaâ—_z the_o one_o a_o apostle_n the_o other_o a_o evangelist_n what_o elder_n be_v here_o present_a we_o find_v it_o alike_o uncertain_a but_o certain_o as_o the_o quâ—litie_n so_o the_o number_n of_o 〈◊〉_d be_v very_o considerable_a quest_n why_o but_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v it_o sâ—emeth_v by_o the_o text_n that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n answ._n not_o so_o this_o will_v â—â—ver_o be_v prove_v neither_o do_v the_o text_n make_v any_o thing_n for_o it_o but_o rather_o against_o it_o mark_v the_o word_n 402._o they_o deliver_v there_o the_o dâ—â—râ—es_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apâ—stles_n and_o elder_n which_o 〈◊〉_d at_o 〈◊〉_d {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_o jerusâ—lâ—m_fw-la not_o the_o apâ—stles_n and_o elder_n of_o hierusalâ—â—_z so_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n elsewhere_o ruâ—s_fw-la where_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o officer_n of_o such_o a_o place_n the_o elder_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 18._o 〈…〉_z rev._n 2._o but_o here_o the_o apostle_n â—nd_v 〈◊〉_d in_o or_o at_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o who_o be_v assemble_v together_o there_o at_o that_o time_n object_n why_o but_o it_o in_o reply_v jâ—â—es_n challenge_v these_o decree_n to_o be_v their_o act._n 21._o 25._o 〈…〉_z the_o gentile_n we_o have_v write_v 25._o and_o conclude_v say_v he_o speak_v to_o paul_n concerning_o these_o decree_n answ._n we_o answer_v this_o james_n speak_v not_o exclusive_o as_o exclude_v other_o whether_o person_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o that_o business_n certain_o as_o for_o paul_n who_o he_o speak_v it_o to_o he_o have_v as_o main_a a_o stroke_n in_o the_o debate_n and_o determine_v thereof_o as_o james_n 12._o himself_o and_o barnabas_n the_o like_a beside_o many_o other_o elder_n and_o prophet_n and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n but_o as_o be_v very_o probable_a of_o other_o church_n elsewhere_o who_o be_v all_o interest_v in_o the_o make_n of_o these_o decree_n true_a it_o be_v a_o perfect_a list_n and_o catalogue_n we_o have_v not_o either_o of_o the_o several_a person_n which_o be_v send_v or_o of_o the_o several_a church_n send_v their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n unto_o this_o council_n only_a jerusalem_n and_o 401._o antioch_n be_v name_v but_o in_o all_o likelihood_n there_o be_v other_o as_o well_o as_o they_o two_o reason_n be_v allege_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o conjecture_n 1._o other_o church_n be_v concern_v and_o interest_v in_o this_o business_n as_o well_o as_o antioch_n viz._n the_o church_n in_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n who_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o doctrine_n and_o have_v their_o soul_n pervert_v as_o well_o as_o antioch_n 2._o the_o letter_n of_o the_o council_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o unto_o â—4_n antioch_n and_o bind_v decree_n send_v unto_o they_o both_o these_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 23._o and_o 24._o verse_n of_o that_o 15._o chapter_n now_o from_o hence_o we_o reason_n first_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la that_o of_o right_a these_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v send_v their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n about_o this_o business_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n according_a to_o the_o forename_a maxim_n quod_fw-la omnes_fw-la concernit_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o which_o concern_v all_o aught_o to_o be_v handle_v of_o all_o which_o be_v true_a be_v right_o understand_v viz._n suo_fw-la modo_fw-la et_fw-la gradâ—_z every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o place_n and_o order_n second_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la it_o seem_v that_o they_o do_v so_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o council_n direct_v 23._o their_o letter_n alike_o unto_o they_o by_o name_n as_o unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n which_o seem_v to_o import_v that_o all_o of_o they_o join_v in_o the_o refer_n of_o this_o question_n and_o cause_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o council_n and_o so_o according_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n only_o but_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o or_o at_o jerusalem_n viz._n assemble_v there_o at_o that_o time_n but_o it_o be_v my_o promise_n not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o and_o therefore_o have_v only_o cleâ—red_v that_o scruple_n i_o shall_v now_o dismiss_v it_o and_o with_o it_o the_o second_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n viz._n what_o paul_n and_o sylas_n here_o make_v delivery_n of_o 3._o pass_v we_o now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n to_o who_o these_o decree_n be_v deliver_v the_o text_n answer_v it_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n unto_o they_o unto_o they_o what_o to_o the_o whole_a city_n not_o so_o but_o to_o the_o church_n in_o those_o city_n so_o the_o next_o verse_n make_v it_o out_o and_o so_o be_v the_o church_n establish_v observ._n city_n and_o church_n in_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n be_v sometime_o put_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o in_o that_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 23._o it_o be_v say_v 23._o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o church_n by_o church_n in_o the_o 1_o tit._n verse_n 5._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n leave_v titus_n in_o 5._o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o city_n by_o city_n so_o as_o these_o two_o in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o phrase_n adequate_a and_o equipollent_a use_v indifferent_o the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n unto_o they_o i_o e._n to_o the_o church_n in_o those_o city_n reas._n the_o phrase_n will_v not_o be_v unfruitful_a city_n and_o church_n put_v one_o for_o the_o other_o how_o so_o what_o be_v they_o always_o of_o the_o same_o lâ—titude_n and_o extent_n be_v every_o whole_a city_n a_o church_n so_o as_o all_o that_o dwell_v within_o the_o one_o be_v also_o member_n of_o the_o other_o not_o so_o sometime_o indeed_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o if_o not_o the_o universality_n yet_o the_o generality_n of_o a_o city_n embrace_v the_o gospel_n in_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o it_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o samaria_n that_o when_o philip_n come_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o the_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n say_v the_o 6._o story_n give_v heed_n unto_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o speak_v act._n 8._o so_o as_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o the_o whole_a city_n in_o a_o manner_n receive_v the_o gospel_n even_o as_o before_o the_o
act_n i_o will_v not_o contend_v but_o certain_o take_v it_o how_o we_o will_v it_o import_v a_o exceed_a great_a number_n well_o nigh_o innumerable_a so_o i_o find_v the_o word_n in_o two_o place_n translate_v 1._o luk._n 12._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v gather_v together_o a_o innumerable_a 22_o multitude_n of_o people_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o so_o again_o heb._n 12._o 22._o we_o read_v of_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o such_o be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n which_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n almost_o a_o innumerable_a company_n so_o as_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o meet_v all_o together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n to_o i_o it_o be_v no_o question_n they_o have_v several_a congregation_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o these_o then_o several_a church_n answ._n no_o several_a congregation_n but_o one_o church_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o great_a city_n there_o may_v be_v several_a society_n and_o company_n according_a to_o several_a trade_n and_o mystery_n and_o those_o so_o many_o petty_a corporation_n who_o may_v have_v their_o several_a hall_n and_o their_o several_a meeting_n and_o yet_o all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o incorporation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v all_o subordinate_a because_o all_o under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o government_n and_o governor_n even_o thus_o may_v it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a state_n of_o it_o i_o conceive_v so_o it_o be_v in_o one_o city_n and_o the_o adjacent_a territory_n there_o may_v be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o church_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v by_o the_o 296._o same_o law_n have_v communion_n in_o the_o same_o ordinance_n and_o be_v link_v together_o under_o the_o same_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o officer_n sure_o in_o all_o probability_n thus_o it_o be_v at_o least_o in_o some_o of_o the_o proto-primitive_a church_n and_o why_o not_o now_o but_o not_o to_o wade_v too_o far_o into_o this_o collateral_a controversy_n from_o which_o i_o have_v bind_v myself_o before_o however_o certain_o to_o multiply_v church_n in_o one_o town_n one_o city_n especial_o to_o set_v up_o church_n in_o church_n the_o one_o extract_v out_o of_o the_o other_o this_o have_v no_o precedent_n no_o warrant_n no_o maintenance_n no_o countenance_n from_o any_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a time_n object_n no_o it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o say_v we_o then_o to_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n set_v up_o church_n in_o that_o church_n and_o those_o extract_v out_o of_o it_o answ._n to_o this_o shadow_n of_o a_o argument_n it_o be_v soon_o answer_v here_o be_v not_o one_o church_n set_v up_o in_o another_o but_o many_o set_v up_o upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o one_o so_o as_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o one_o be_v the_o pull_n down_o of_o the_o other_o even_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o two_o covenant_n old_a and_o new_a the_o first_o be_v take_v away_o that_o the_o second_o may_v be_v establish_v heb._n 10._o 9_o so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o two_o church_n that_o legal_a this_o evangelical_a as_o for_o the_o jewish_a church_n it_o be_v now_o like_o the_o jewish_a legal_a covenant_n which_o last_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o heb._n 8._o call_v it_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o antiquatum_fw-la quid_fw-la and_o senesâ—ens_n a_o thing_n which_o be_v antiquate_v and_o waxâ—â—_z old_a {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o nigh_o to_o vanish_v ready_a to_o disappear_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o so_o as_o here_o be_v only_o a_o new_a edifice_n to_o be_v erect_v upon_o those_o ruin_n a_o new_a church_n to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o a_o evangelical_a way_n where_o that_o legal_a church_n have_v be_v now_o i_o confess_v have_v we_o to_o deal_v with_o rigid_a downright_a separatist_n who_o look_v upon_o our_o church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o anti-christian_n synagogue_n fit_a to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o pull_v down_o say_v of_o they_o in_o the_o edomite_n language_n raze_v they_o raze_v they_o even_o to_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o 7._o then_o may_v this_o argument_n have_v some_o colour_n of_o strength_n in_o it_o but_o otherwise_o where_o our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o true_a church_n in_o this_o case_n to_o set_v up_o a_o church_n in_o a_o church_n and_o to_o extract_v the_o one_o out_o of_o the_o other_o i_o say_v it_o again_o and_o i_o wish_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o scripture_n will_v give_v no_o warrant_n no_o precedent_n for_o quest_n but_o suppose_v a_o church_n be_v defective_a or_o corrupt_v in_o this_o case_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v answ._n not_o present_o think_v of_o pull_v it_o down_o and_o set_v up_o another_o 11._o be_v it_o not_o the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o that_o go_v about_o to_o set_v up_o a_o church_n in_o that_o church_n under_o pretence_n of_o walk_v in_o a_o pure_a way_n but_o rather_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o purge_v and_o reform_v it_o this_o will_v we_o do_v by_o our_o house_n if_o they_o be_v foul_a we_o will_v sweep_v they_o if_o decay_a and_o impair_v though_o it_o be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o principal_n we_o will_v not_o present_o think_v of_o pull_v they_o down_o and_o build_v other_o out_o of_o their_o timber_n and_o material_n but_o repair_v they_o and_o thus_o do_v king_n jehoash_n for_o 14._o the_o house_n of_o his_o god_n the_o temple_n find_v it_o ruinous_a he_o give_v order_n not_o to_o pull_v it_o down_o and_o build_v a_o new_a one_o but_o to_o repair_v it_o o_o that_o we_o will_v all_o of_o we_o entertain_v such_o thought_n concerning_o the_o church_n or_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v a_o thought_n which_o god_n have_v already_o put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o what_o progress_n and_o procedure_n be_v already_o make_v in_o the_o work_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o i_o hope_v time_n ere_o long_o will_v declare_v it_o herein_o then_o let_v all_o our_o heart_n close_a and_o comply_v with_o they_o every_o one_o in_o our_o place_n do_v what_o we_o may_v to_o further_a so_o pious_a a_o undertake_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n take_v heed_n of_o adventure_v upon_o new_a way_n which_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o scripture_n for_o what_o way_n of_o gather_v and_o set_v up_o of_o church_n the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o you_o may_v see_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v those_o which_o embrace_v the_o faith_n within_o such_o a_o circuit_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o city_n and_o the_o adjacent_a territory_n they_o be_v all_o frame_v together_o into_o one_o christian_a society_n or_o church_n and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o city_n and_o church_n in_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n be_v as_o you_o see_v put_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o as_o elsewhere_o so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n quest_n deliver_v they_o but_o what_o city_n what_o church_n be_v these_o answ._n the_o text_n lay_v it_o down_o in_o indefinite_a word_n carry_v universali_fw-la with_o they_o the_o force_n of_o a_o universal_a viz._n what_o ever_o city_n they_o pass_v through_o where_o there_o be_v any_o church_n they_o deliver_v these_o decree_n unto_o they_o quest_n here_o a_o scruple_n may_v arise_v why_o shall_v the_o apostle_n here_o deliver_v these_o decree_n alike_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n where_o they_o come_v when_o as_o all_o of_o they_o do_v not_o appear_v at_o this_o council_n as_o for_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n and_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n these_o decree_n be_v proper_a for_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v refer_v both_o the_o question_n and_o cause_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o council_n and_o have_v their_o agent_n there_o to_o deal_v for_o they_o but_o so_o have_v not_o some_o other_o of_o the_o church_n how_o then_o can_v these_o decree_n be_v obligatory_a and_o and_o bind_v unto_o they_o which_o they_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o make_v of_o or_o â—ssâ—â—ting_v to_o answ._n to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o though_o these_o decree_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o they_o formal_o yet_o moral_o and_o virtual_o they_o be_v as_o for_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n and_o such_o other_o church_n as_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o this_o appeal_n they_o
the_o psalm_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thus_o in_o the_o text_n it_o have_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o viz._n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n so_o the_o greek_a scholiast_n cite_v by_o m._n cartwright_n expound_v the_o place_n now_o then_o what_o ever_o lawful_a council_n or_o synod_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v proceed_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o do_v make_v the_o word_n their_o rule_n and_o direction_n ground_v their_o determination_n and_o decree_n thereupon_o either_o upon_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o it_o or_o upon_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o inference_n draw_v from_o it_o however_o they_o may_v for_o reverence_n sake_n to_o that_o first_o council_n which_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pattern_v by_o any_o succeed_a synod_n viz._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o present_a man_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a function_n and_o assist_v at_o this_o time_n no_o question_n though_o not_o with_o a_o immediate_a yet_o with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n proportionable_a to_o that_o high_a place_n which_o they_o then_o occupy_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o council_n decline_v the_o form_n of_o word_n by_o they_o loc._n use_v as_o mr._n cartwright_n observe_v that_o the_o african_a council_n upon_o that_o ground_n as_o he_o conceive_v do_v yet_o without_o either_o blasphemy_n or_o presumption_n it_o be_v conceive_v that_o they_o may_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n say_v of_o their_o decree_n that_o they_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o their_o mind_n for_o which_o this_o pattern_n may_v be_v their_o warrant_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o clâ—ered_v this_o scruple_n as_o also_o answer_v this_o objection_n touch_v the_o extraordinary_a quality_n and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o first_o council_n so_o as_o this_o beat_a muse_n be_v now_o stop_v and_o this_o trite_a evasion_n put_v by_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o conclusion_n shall_v stand_v firm_a viz._n that_o a_o lawful_a council_n or_o synod_n be_v meet_v as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o this_o first_o council_n be_v and_o proceed_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v may_v determine_v church-difference_n and_o ordain_v decree_n for_o the_o church_n â—o_z keep_v quest_n but_o how_o far_o reach_v this_o synodical_a power_n and_o in_o what_o case_n may_v they_o make_v such_o decree_n answ._n in_o answer_v hereunto_o i_o shall_v purposely_o decline_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v all_o collateral_a controversy_n as_o viz._n whether_o such_o synod_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n reach_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o person_n erroneous_a or_o scandalous_a i_o will_v not_o go_v from_o what_o the_o text_n direct_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o decree_n here_o deliver_v by_o paul_n and_o silas_n to_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o direct_o concerning_o two_o thing_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n dâ—ctrine_n whether_o circumcision_n be_v then_o necessary_a or_o no_o practice_n whether_o they_o shall_v then_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n or_o no_o etc._n etc._n both_o these_o the_o council_n here_o state_n and_o determine_v first_o declare_v the_o erroneousness_n and_o dangerousness_n of_o that_o opinion_n which_o some_o will_v have_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n under_o their_o name_n viz._n touch_v circumcision_n disclaim_v it_o as_o none_o of_o 29._o they_o this_o they_o do_v explicit_o vers._n 24._o implicit_o verse_n 28._o then_o interdict_v and_o prohibit_v they_o the_o use_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o then_o be_v or_o be_v account_v indifferent_a unto_o they_o vers._n 29._o these_o two_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o council_n here_o direct_o reach_v not_o to_o speak_v what_o it_o do_v oblique_o how_o it_o also_o reach_v the_o peâ—sons_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o broacher_n of_o that_o new_a doctrine_n who_o it_o pass_v a_o sharp_a censure_n upon_o viz._n declare_v and_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v troubler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subverter_n of_o soul_n vers._n 24._o and_o these_o two_o the_o sentence_n of_o lawful_a counsel_n and_o synod_n may_v reach_v they_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o double_a power_n the_o one_o dogmatic_a the_o other_o directive_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o corrective_a power_n the_o power_n of_o censure_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o formal_o yet_o vertuâ—lly_o and_o eminent_o it_o must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o such_o counsel_n 1._o they_o have_v a_o dogmatic_a or_o doctrinal_a power_n in_o declare_v of_o doctrinal_a truth_n or_o error_n this_o power_n i_o think_v will_v be_v yield_v they_o at_o all_o intelligent_a hand_n even_o by_o those_o who_o in_o other_o case_n be_v most_o tender_a and_o jealous_a of_o allow_v they_o any_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n lead_v we_o to_o who_o in_o a_o doctrinal_a point_n of_o difference_n which_o can_v not_o be_v satisfactory_o determine_v among_o themselves_o they_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o other_o church_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n wherein_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n they_o acquiesce_v and_o rest_v satisfy_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o church_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n show_v they_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v in_o like_o case_n but_o to_o let_v this_o pass_v as_o a_o truth_n confess_v by_o all_o who_o be_v not_o more_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o private_a fancy_n and_o will_n then_o either_o to_o scripture_n or_o reason_n 2._o the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o synodical_a power_n be_v directive_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n such_o a_o power_n we_o find_v the_o council_n here_o exercise_v upon_o the_o church_n regulate_v they_o as_o touch_v their_o practice_n and_o sure_o this_o may_v lawful_a synod_n do_v lay_v out_o the_o church_n way_n for_o they_o order_n they_o in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a ordain_v decree_n touch_v what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v which_o decree_n may_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n quest_n but_o what_o then_o have_v such_o a_o council_n or_o synod_n a_o absolute_a legislative_a power_n to_o make_v law_n and_o impose_v what_o burden_n they_o please_v upon_o the_o church_n answ._n not_o so_o the_o power_n of_o a_o council_n or_o synod_n be_v not_o magisterialâ—_z but_o ministâ—riall_a not_o absolute_a but_o limit_v many_o limitation_n may_v be_v assign_v whereby_o this_o power_n be_v determine_v and_o bound_v i_o will_v touch_v only_o upon_o two_o 1._o they_o may_v do_v nothing_o against_o any_o law_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n here_o be_v no_o room_n for_o non_fw-la obstante_n christ_n law_n be_v unrepealable_a unalterable_a they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o temper_v with_o by_o any_o particular_a person_n nor_o yet_o by_o any_o combination_n 18_o of_o man_n or_o angel_n 2._o they_o may_v ordain_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o have_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n for_o a_o warrant_v either_o explicit_a or_o implicit_a either_o a_o particular_a or_o general_a warrant_n either_o a_o particular_a warrant_n in_o express_a term_n or_o atleast_o a_o general_a warrant_n clear_o hold_v forth_o under_o those_o general_a 26._o rule_n of_o order_n decency_n edification_n such_o wâ—â—e_n the_o decree_n which_o the_o council_n here_o ordain_v they_o impose_v nothing_o upon_o the_o church_n but_o what_o they_o have_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n for_o either_o a_o express_a and_o particular_a warrant_n this_o they_o have_v for_o the_o prohibit_n of_o forâ—â—â—â—tion_n which_o be_v take_v literal_o and_o proper_o as_o i_o conceive_v by_o m._n bezis_n leave_n that_o here_o it_o must_v be_v expreâ—ly_o condemn_v in_o the_o word_n or_o else_o a_o general_a warrant_n this_o they_o have_v for_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o prohibit_n of_o the_o eat_n of_o idolothytes_n thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n of_o blood_n of_o thing_n strangle_v the_o two_o latter_a branch_n of_o the_o caremoniall_a law_n all_o of_o they_o at_o that_o time_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a but_o the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v at_o the_o present_a become_v scandalous_a and_o offensive_a to_o the_o weak_a brethren_n and_o so_o tend_v rather_o to_o destruction_n then_o to_o edification_n hereupon_o though_o 8_o they_o have_v no_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o yet_o proceed_v upon_o that_o general_a ground_n they_o prohibit_v the_o use_n of_o they_o for_o that_o time_n though_o otherwise_o in_o themselves_o indifferent_a by_o the_o same_o rule_n be_v other_o counsel_n and_o synod_n to_o proceed_v and_o