that no man be excommunicated without the consent of a Classicall assembly (z) Art 63. that the deposition of Ministers be done by the judgement of a Classicall assembly and consent of the Magistrate These and the like Articles there concluded doe shew how farre the Nassovian Churches were from that opinion of the Brownists and some other in denying the subjection of particular Congregations unto any Ecclesiasticall authority out of themselves Where could Mr C. finde more pregnant testimony against himself then in such resolutions of Reformed Churches as these be With the former Reformed Churches alledged by Mr Canne doe agree all the other so farre as I can learne by any enquiry For the Church of England B. Jewell testifveth (a) Def. of Apol. of Ch. of Engl. par 6. c. 17. div 1. 2. that we have had ere now in England Provinciall Synods and have governed our Churches by home made lawes and he maintaineth that without wayting for a Generall Councell it was rather thought good to doe that which both rightly might be done and hath many a time bene done as well of other good men as also of many Catholick Bishops that is to remedie our Churches by a Provinciall Synod And besides other examples there is a (b) Syntag. Confes p. 125 136 speciall monument recording the Acts and Articles agreed upon in the Synod holden at London Anno D. 1562. and againe of another Synod Anno 1571. confirming the Articles of the former Synod ratifyed by the approbation of Qu. Elizabeth to be observed through the whole Kingdome c Now howsoever there be great difference in divers Churches touching the manner of celebrating these Synods yet herein which is the poynt of our present controversy they doe all agree viz. that there is a superiour Ecclesiasticall authority of Synods to judge and determine the affaires of particular Congregations The testimony of the Church of Scotland for the authority of Presbyteries and Synods in judging the causes of particular Congregations is most cleare In the admission of Ministers to their offices there was (c) First book of Discipline p. 29. ed. 1621 required not onely the consent of the people and Church whereunto they should be appoynted but also approbation of the learned Ministers appointed for their examination Touching all sorts of Synods among them it was concluded that (d) Sec. b. of Discip ch 7. p. 80. they have power to execute Ecclesiasticall discipline and punishment upon all transgressours and proud contemners of the good order and policie of the Kirke and so the whole Discipline is in their hands Touching Provinciall Synods which they call the lawfull conventions of the Pastors Doctors and other Elders of a Province gathered for the common affaires of the Kirkes thereof c. they (e) Ib. p. 81. say Thir assemblies are institute for weightie matters to be intreated by mutuall consent and assistance of the brethren within that Province as need requires This Assembly hath power to handle order and redresse all things committed or done amisse in the particular assemblies It hath power to depose the office-bearers of that Province for good and just causes deserving deprivation And generally thir Assemblies have the whole power of the particular Elderships whereof they are collected Besides these Canons and rules of their Discipline there be also divers Actes of their Generall Assemblies prefixed before the foresayd First and Second bookes of their Discipline which by many instances doe shew how that power of Synods was exercised and put in practise in the Church of Scotland For example we read (f) P. 14. Edinb Iul. 5. 1570. that there was an Excommunication directed against Patrik called B of Murray to be executed by M. Robert Pont Commissioner their with the assistance of the Ministers of Edinburgh We finde there in another Assembly (g) P. 15. Edinb Aug. 6. 1573. that Alexander Gordoun B. of Galloway being accused of divers offences it was concluded that he should make publick repentance in Sackcloth three severall Sundaies first in the Kirk of Edinburgh secondly in Halyrudhous thirdly in the Queenes Colledge under the paine of Excommunication We finde in another Assembly (h) P. 16. Edinb Mar. 6. 1573. that the B. of Dunkell was ordained to confesse his fault publickly in the Kirk of Dunkell for not exequuting the sentence of the Kirk against the Earle of Athol For the confirmation of this Synodall authority there is added in the same place an Act of Parliament (i) P. 19. 20 c. The 12 Parl. at Edinb Iun. 5. 1592. prefixed also before the sayd bookes of their Discipline having this Title Ratification of the liberty of the true Kirk of generall and Synodall Assemblies of Presbyteries of Discipline c. The Confession of fayth made by the Church of Scotland both for the Doctrine and for the Discipline thereof is yet further confirmed unto us both by generall Subscription and by a most Solemne Oath The formall words of that Subscription and Oath are thus recorded unto us (k) Syntag. Confes p. 158 160. We beleeve with our hearts confesse with our mouth subscribe with our hands c. promising and swearing by that great name of the Lord our God that we will continue in the Doctrine Discipline of this Church and that we will defend the same according to our calling and power all the dayes of our life under paine of all the curses contained in the law danger of body and soule in the day of that dreadfull judgement of God Hereunto is annexed in the same place the Mandate of the Kings Majestie whereby he enjoyneth all Commissioners and Ministers of the Word throughout his kingdome that they require this confession of all their Parishioners c. And so farre as I can learne even unto this day there is still observed this substantiall and maine poynt of Discipline namely a power in Synodall assemblies to judge the controversies that doe arise in particular Congregations Here Mr Canne instead of a Iurie of 24 men to condemne my position for an errour and untrueth as he (l) Ch. pl. p. 83. speakes may see a Iurie of more then thrice 24 Congregations in Scotland maintayning my position and condemning his errour by their example The Reformed Churches in Savoy as that of Geneva (m) Kerckel Ordon der gemeēte van Geneven p. 9 10 c. and the Churches in the villages thereabout standing under the jurisdiction of the Magistrates in Geneva were combined together for their mutuall guidance and the Ministers of those Churches meeting weekly together were subject to the censure of such Ecclesiasticall assemblies and the affaires of those Churches judged therein The knowledge of this is so common a thing that in appearance hereupon grew the reproach reported by Mr Canne himself that (n) Ch. pl. p. 94. at Geneva subjecting of Churches to this order first began The Evangelicall Churches in the greater
(l) Isa 56.10.11 unlearned unable to preach in the ministery 2. Is it not by the negligence of Prelates that there are soe many negligent Ministers suffering their gifts to decay by seldome preaching 3. Is it not from their qualifications and dispensations there are soe many Nonresidents Pluralists as that other Schollers of better desert do want encouragmēt 4. Doeth not the Parliament well enough know understand who are the Seekers of the subversion of the lawes and of introducing an arbitrary government XIV REMONS is subscribed by a numerous sort of the Nobles Baronets Knights Esquires Divines Gentlemen Freeholders others inhabitants of Cheshire ANIMADV This is indeed the sad consequent of Prelacy in Cheshire Ah alas that * Cheshire the cheife shire Cheshire not long agone reputed deservedly esteemed for the (m) Prov. 12.26 profession power of religion more excellent then their neighbors should (n) Ier. 2.21 now turne to a degenerate plant of a strange vine to the Lord Especially the Ministery that had their spiritually glorious * Exercises at Northwich Namptwich Knutesford Macclesseild Bowden Frodsham Budworth Torperley Tarvin Ince Motterum c. monethly Exercises solemne assemblies besides their blessed Sabbaths frequented by sundry of the renowned Gentry very many wel-disposed people wherby (o) 1. Tim. 3.13 they purchased to themselves a good degree in Christianity great boldnes in the faith which is in Christ Iesus But yet it may be thought in a charitable construction some excuse of the greatnes of their error that either the most of thē subscribed the Remonstrance (p) 2. Sam. 15.11 in their simplicity not knowing wherto it tended or els in an inconsiderate hast being * The letters sent to the severall Hundreds required a hasty dispatch urged to doe quickly what they did sith dispatch was the life of the busines noe copies permitted to be taken However it s not to be doubted but that (q) Reve. 2.1 He that walketh amidst the golden candlesticks (r) Reve. 3.4 doeth graciously take knowledge of many names in Cheshire (ſ) 1. King 19.18 it may be 7000 that as (t) Hos 11.12 Iuda doe yet rule with God and are faithfull with the Saints Right honorable there is no feare of your abundant wisdomes in discerning of these greivous Prelaticall maladies nor of your compassionate faithfulnes in applying seasōable remedies sith all mē must needs acknowledge that its (v) 1. King 10.6.7 a true report they have heard of your acts wisdome exceeding the fame thereof (x) Luk. 1.68 Blessed be the Lord God of England that hath visited and redeemed his people (y) Psal 118.2 Let the Churches of the Saints in England Scotland Ireland now say his mercy endureth for ever Let the Non-conformists (z) Psal 83.3 Gods hidden ones in those lands now say his mercy endureth for ever Yee (a) Iudg. 6.12.14 mighty men of valour the Lord hath beene with you hitherto (b) 1. Sam. 17.36 subduing the Lyon the Beare even the High Commission court Starre chamber that did prey upon the flock Goe on in this your might to save from that uncircumcised Philistin the oppressing Hierarchie And let it be (c) 1. Sam. 25.31 noe offence of heart to your Honors to (d) 2. Pet. 1.12 be stirred up to goe forward making the word of God the (e) Psal 119.24 man of your counsell And for your better helpe and (f) Act. 8.31 guidance may it please your Honors to make use of the labors of godly-learned Interpreters that have beene the excellent lights of the Reformed Churches both * Calvin Beza G. Bucer Didoclavius c. abroad also in * Cartwright Traverse Vdal Parker Bayne c. England observing withall the Apostolicall advertisment touching (g) 1. Cor. 11.16 the Custome of the Churches of Christ and their (h) Colos 2.5 comly order even of the purest * Scots French Dutch c. reformed Churches from all Antichristianisme both in doctrine discipline These Reformed Churches have in their citties townes and villages (i) 1. Tim. 4.14 Presbyteries (k) 1. Tim. 5.17 consisting of teaching ruling Elders chosen by the plurality of their voices consented unto by the Congregation approved by the Magistrates and Classis These (l) Act. 20.17.28 Elders doe take heed to the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them Overseers They ordaine Officers admit to the Sacraments admonish and censure offenders according to (m) Math. 18.17 Christs rule of discipline and they signify to the Congregation what belongeth to thē to take knowledge of either to consent unto the same or except against it as just cause shall require And in case some difficulty doe appeare in the affaires of the Church that cannot be decided well by the Presbytery thē they have a liberty are wont to appeale (n) Act. 15.2 seeke helpe assistance from the Classis consisting of neighbour Presbyteries called by some also Presbyteries with which they are combined in an equall power authority noe One exercising any prelaticall preeminence And if the matter controverted cannot satisfactorily be determined by the Classis thē there is a referēce to the Provinciall Synod consisting of the Deputies chosē by the severall Classes of equall power authority And if yet agreement be not made then the matter is to be brought to a Nationall Synod cōsisting of Deputies sent frō the Provinciall Synods In their severall Presbyteries Classes Synods Provinciall Nationall they have Presidents and Scribes chosen from amongst themselves for the more orderly menaging of their Sessions And in Synods some cheife Magistrats are present to see order observed This way of Christ walked in by the Reformed Churches is the way of peace liberty edificatiō though carped at by some (o) Iude vers 8.16 that speake evill of what they neither know nor understand And for the more cleere pregnant demonstratiō hereof the following treatise touching the power of Elderships Classes Synods may be of singular use written by an (p) Math. 13.52 able judicious pious Divine instructed to the Kingdome of heaven having beene well studied and diligently exercised in the doctrine practise of discipline above 30 yeeres together whilst he was Pastor of the English reformed Church in Amsterdam where was speciall occasion (q) Matth. 25.20 to put forth his talent by reason of the cheifest of the Separatists that sojourned there at the same time And albeit the Author lived not to finish review his paines yet through divine providence a Timothy (r) 1. Cor. 4.17 who knew his waies trained up in the Scriptures other good learning in Schooles and Vniversity and for present (ſ) 2. Tim. 2.15 a workman that needeth not to be ashamed hath brought the (t) 2. Tim. 4.13
parchments he left behinde him to publick use for the common benefit of the English nation in a time of need calling for helpe (v) 2. Sam. 15.34 counsel to defeate the dangerous projects of all Achitophels Right honorable ye are as (x) 2. Sam. 14.17 Angels of God to discerne good bad to speake comfortable words to your afflicted banished Countreymen Yee are the great Counsellers Iudges and State-physitians of England Now (y) Isa 9.6 the Wonderfull Counseller the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of peace furnish your Honors more more with the (z) Isa 11.2 Spirit of wisdome understanding the Spirit of Counsell and might the Spirit of knowledge of the feare of the Lord (a) Psal 20.4 fulfill all your counsells which are for the (b) 1. Cor. 10.31 glory of God for the (c) 1. Pet. 2.17 honor of our gracious King Charles and for the true (d) Iob 22.30 welfare of England Scotland Ireland even soe prayeth Your Honors most humble advertiser and devoted observer THOMAS PAGET The Publisher to the Christian Reader THere are two staves wherewith the Lord Christ the great Shepherd of his sheep doth usually feed his flock Doctrine and Discipline By the one he maketh them to lie downe in greene pastures and leadeth them beside the still waters replenishing their soules with the food of life by the other he guideth them and ordereth them in their going out and comming in for their further peace and safety and both his rodde and his staffe doe comfort them If either of these be wanting the flock is endangered if God in his just judgement cause one of them to faile the other presently comes to be in jeopardy Wofull experience hath taught that where the reignes of Discipline are slackned or ill guided there the soundnes of Doctrine doth hardly subsist long and where the trueth of Doctrine is assaulted there the course of Discipline is not free from injurious attempts Though Doctrine justly challenge the first place yet seeing Discipline also to speak properly is a part of Doctrine being onely the practise of divine trueth revealed concerning the guidance of the Church hence it may not without cause share in the arguments alledged for the necessity and benefit of the other They both being so neerly allyed and joyntly requisite to the welfare of Gods Church the Enemy ever envying the prosperity and plotting the ruine thereof where he cannot prevayle against the one he sets on work his mischievous devices against the other When he cannot hinder the growth of good corne and sound trueths by sowing tares then he makes so much the more furious onsets upon the fences and hedges of due order and government And if his designes may be effected in the one he findes a readyer way to the other But he that hath bruised Satans head is not ignorant of his devices nor slow to resist him in his enterprises Christ doth graciously provide for the safety of his flock against both kindes of evills by such instruments as he is wont to rayse for the explaining and vindicating the trueth of those lawes which he hath given both to direct and maintaine his people in the obedience of his will and to stop the mouth of all iniquity oppugning the same His goodnes therefore is to be acknowledged in whatsoever helps to this purpose are affoorded unto us And that thou mayest the better be provoked hereunto Christian Reader concerning the Treatise now presented unto thee take a brief survey at thy first entrance of somewhat may further fit thee unto a more judicious and profitable perusall of the work it self The maine errours touching the exercise of Church-government may be reduced unto these two extremes whereby men swarve from that middle and safe way prescribed by Christ the onely Prince and Lawgiver of his Church Some ambitious of preeminence making themselves lords over Gods heritage have brought in and seek to maintaine a Tyrannicall kinde of government in the Church by ingrossing all Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction into their owne hands as the Popes and Popish Bishops Against these Vsurpers many Worthies have stood up and done valiantly in their Writings whereof divers remaine yet unanswered Others have erroneously fallen into a contrary extreme while opposing Hierarchicall Tyranny they have become pleaders for a meere Democracy and not contēt to reject Provinciall Diocesan Bishops they have impugned the lawfull combination of Churches in Provinciall and Classicall Synods Against this twofold errour the ensuing Treatise is directed The former part thereof was written long agone about the yeare 1618 upon the occasion noted in the Introduction And though it was but a beginning of a larger writing neither finished nor polished for publick view yet considering how little there is extant in this kinde how usefull it may be for these times and what affinity it hath with the other controversy touching Classes and Synods by how much the opposers of such joynt Presbyteries doe seldome allow the due power of particular Elderships I thought good to prefixe it before the other in such wise as it doth now come foorth The second and maine part of this Treatise discusseth at large and more fully then any other yet seene the question concerning the due power of Classicall Synodall Assemblies A controversy in a manner unknowne to former ages and for the present scarcely heard of among the Reformed Churches in other nations For though the positive trueth thereof be manifest from the testimonies of Orthodox Writers of all times and places yet hitherto it hath not beene shewed that ever any Authours of note I meane either of former ages or other nations have maintained the assertions here opposed viz. that the power of Classes Synods is an undue power and that all Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction must be confined within the bounds of a particular Congregation H. Barrow those of that Sect are noted to be the first that in such sort have opposed this kinde of government The Arminians indeed have spoken much against the jurisdiction deciding sentence of Synods * Censur Confes Remonstr p. 322.326.328 Apol. Remonstr f. 6. 282-290 but upon other grounds to wit so farre as it taketh away that liberty of Prophecy which they plead for and describe to be in effect an unlimited licentiousnes of venting and maintaining almost any thing in matters of religion They doe so contradict the power of Synods that withall they overthrow all Ecclesiasticall judgment and censure at least in matters of heresie false doctrine as well in a particular Congregation as elswhere Herein they differ from the Patrons of Independencie here disputed against These therefore though they be not all Brownists yet they must not take it ill to see this errour in the following Treatise sometimes branded with the mark of Brownisme especially when the Authour deales with Mr Canne a knowne Separatist and hitherto the busiest Disputer for
as concerned in common the state of their Church So did the Apostles and Apostolike men provide against schismes and heresies Their wisedome reached not unto the policie of one chiefe judge Thus D. Rainolds doth many wayes acknowledge the authority of Synods he calleth that power which they have the chieftie of judgement he avoucheth that they have it by divine right that the wisedome of God hath committed it unto them he pleadeth from the forenamed warrant Act. 15. he extendeth this power unto matters both of Doctrine and Discipline the testimonies which in his margine he alledgeth out of the Ecclesiasticall history to shew that the like assemblies were kept in succeeding times are such as speak of their excommunicating wicked Hereticks viz. Euseb hist Eccl. l. 5. c. 14. c. l. 7. c. 26 28. c. whereby it appeares that he allowed unto Synods not onely counsell or admonition but a power of exercising Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction censure Those Councels mentioned and poynted at by him for instances of this chieftie of judgement were such as did not onely admonish but also determine and judge of causes The Synod of (h) Barthol Carranza Summa Concil p. â—3 c. Ancyra in Galatia made most severe Ecclesiasticall lawes for the excluding of such as did fall in time of persecution The Synod of (i) Magdeb. Cent. 4. c. 3. col 111. c. 6. col 463 Gangris in Paphlagonia exercised Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction in deposing Eustathius Bishop of Sebastia for his errours and the like might be noted for the rest Whatsoever particular errours were in any of these yet the authority and jurisdiction it self is approved of him as proceeding from the wisedome of God declared in this place Act. 15. D. Whitaker in his disputation against Bellarmine touching Councels layes downe this Text Act. 15.6 for a ground of that which he takes occasion to intreat of and (k) De Concil Qu. 1. c. 1. p 1 3 4 c. often repeats that text applying it to each of the questions which he discusseth And whereas our Opposites doe grant a lawfull use of Synods for counsell but not to judge nor to give judiciall sentence for the deciding of causes D. Whitak describing the State of the Question betwixt us and the Papists touching the persons that are to be called to a Synod shewes that (l) Ibid. qu. 3. c. 1. p. 79. the Papists will have onely the Bishops or greater Prelates to be allowed for judges and the Presbyters or inferiour Clergie to be onely inquisitors disputers or consulters to give counsell but not to have suffrages in giving definitive sentences This is the opinion of the (m) Bellar. Tom. 2. Contr. 1. de Concil l. 1. c. 15. Romish Church Now D. Whit. in the refutation of the Papists doth as wel refute the Brownists and other opposites while he proves (n) De Concil qu. 3. c. 3. that all who have a lawfull deputation and calling are to be allowed for judges and not for counsellers onely and that their suffrage is not onely for consultation but for decision as is hereafter shewed more at large Observe onely at this time that the first argument in that dispute is taken from this very place Act. 15. G. Bucerus pleads from this same ground of Scripture and writes (o) Dissert de Gub. Ecc. p. 65. that not onely severall particular Churches had their proper distinct Presbyteries but that the history of the Apostles witnesseth that when greater controversies did arise which could not be ended in lesser Colleges then more Churches under the new Testament did runne unto a Generall Synod Act. 15. And what power they were wont to exercise therein he shewes by a distinction of persons comming to the Synod As D. Whit. refuting the popish distinction of greater and lesser Clergie shewes that there was a right and power of suffrages judgement in the Synod so Bucerus (p) Ibid. p. 107. 108. c. confirming the distinction of Iunius viz. that some persons came to the Synods as Delegates sent from the Churches which therefore did give definitive sentence of matters propounded that others comming without such deputation and commission might give their advise and counsell but without suffrages doth hereby acknowledge a power of jurisdiction in the Synod by those that were peculiarly called to be judges therein Zepperus (q) Polit. Eccl. l. 3. c. 8. de Syn. p. 713. 714. 715. c. alledging Act. 15. for a patterne of Synods declares that after the Apostles the primitive Church in the new Testament being most studious of this consociation or combination in Synods did not onely communicate by letters but meeting together in Nationall or Generall Councels did heare the causes of Hereticks others that appeared before them so convinced condemned and excommunicated them sent their decrees unto all Churches with the names heresies of those that were excommunicate c. Thus did he acknowledge the right of Synods not onely for counsell admonition but also for jurisdiction in censuring Piscator (r) Thes Theolog. vol. 1. Loc. 23. p. 361-364 writing of Councels and Synods and of the seven questions concerning them doth seven times alledge this place Act. 15. for a ground of direction in each of them And for the authority of Synods he plainly expresseth his meaning when speaking of the government of the Church in generall he sayth * Thes 62 63. it consisteth chiefly in Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction and againe distinguishing this jurisdiction into two parts he sayth that the one part consisteth in the power of making lawes potissimum spectatur in Conciliis that is it is chiefly seen in Synods Bucanus (f) Loc. CoÌ„ Loc. 43. qu. 21 22 25 27. writes much to the same purpose and asscribeth unto Synods authority of making lawes of deciding controversies and this from the example of that Synod Act. 15. often mentioned by him Mr Fenner (t) S. Theol. l. 7. c. 7. p. 278-281 briefly and methodically describing the nature of Synods the kindes the use authority of them doth derive their authority from this ground Act. 15. which even in that short description is more then tenne times alledged by him Many other such Testimonies might be produced to shew the consent of judicious and learned Divines in this poynt of which somewhat more is to be sayd when I come to give answer touching that multitude of Authors which Mr Canne alledgeth against me Let us now heare what my Opposites say concerning this Example Mr Dav. his Exceptions touching Act. 15. answered I. DAV * Apol reply p. 254. 255. This Text Act. 15. is alledged by Bellarmine to prove the binding force of the decrees of Councills and by the Answerer to shew the authority of the Classis whereunto Iunius giveth 2 answers also 1. Non sequitur ex particulari si custodienda fuerint decreta Concilii Apostolici ergo omnium servari oportere It
for to be his witnesses Mr Baynes speaking of particular Congregations at Geneva which doe not proceed in weighty matters without consent of other Churches meeting together by their Deputies sayth (e) Dioces tryall p. 21. They have power of governing themselves but for greater edification voluntarily confederate not to use nor exercise their power but with mutuall communication one asking the counsell and consent of another in that common Presbytery And a little after he sayth Though they were intire Churches and had the power of Churches yet they needed this support in the exercise of it c. Mr Parker also whom Mr Canne so oft alledgeth and seemes to applaud as being of his opinion is very expresse in this poynt as I have noted before in answer to Mr D. He shewes that the government of Classes and Synods as they now are doth not take away the due power of particular Congregations Touching the Churches of the Villages in these Netherlands with whom we are united in the same government he sayth (f) Pol. Ecc. l. 3. c 23. p. 349. The power of excommunication ordination and other jurisdiction illis illibata relinquitur is left pure unto them saving onely that communion which ought to be among Churches every Church useth the counsell and consent of her neighbours as of the Classis or Presbytery in the city which I suppose not to be unmeet even for the most perfect Churches He judged the freest and most perfect Churches to stand in need of this government and that it was no empeachment of their due power But Mr Canne labours to illustrate his assertion with some instances I. CAN. For instance say the Classes and Synods will not permit that a Congregation shall reject some convicted Hereticks then they must if they will beleeve Mr Paget let them alone in their communion against Gods expresse commandement Tit. 3.10 and so obey men rather then God Againe put case some Churches doe want Ministers yet notwithstanding if the Classes and Synods will not give them leave to choose any except unfit and insufficient persons then it seemes by this Synodicall Canon they must take such or remaine destitute still ANSVV. I. If such strange cases and unheared of in our times should fall out that then such oppression and tyranny is not to be imputed unto the Classicall or Synodall order government but to the corruption personall wickednes of such men as should be members of the Classis or Synod Such accidentall evills not springing from the nature of an ordinance are no arguments to prove the unlawfulnes of an ordinance when as the ordinance itself and in its owne nature serves for the preventing or remooving of such evills in particular Churches II. All the force of these objections and all the feare of danger and inconvenience pretended by these instances comes as strongly yea much more heavily upon the heads of those that stand for a single uncompounded policie would have all Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction limited unto a particular Congregation for example put case that the greater part of a particular Congregation and of the Eldership therein will choose an offensive and insufficient Minister or will not permit that an obstinate and convicted Heretick among them shall be rejected what shall the other part of the Church doe which is oppressed and hindred from the due exercise of their power by the unrighteous proceeding of the greater part What can follow here according to (g) H. Ains Animadv p. 39. Cōm of Saints c. 23. p. 470. 471. the doctrine and practise of the Brownists but separation dissipation of the Church But by the government of Synods if particular Churches be guilty of errour oppression and tyranny their errour is to be corrected by Classes if Classes erre Synods may correct them and one Synod may be corrected by another greater And so many great evills may be redressed and scandals remooved III. As for the rejection of Hereticks commanded Tit. 3.10 a principall meanes for the accomplishment thereof is the help of Classes and Synods by their discerning convincing and judging of them If that help should faile and those that have authority should neglect or refuse to doe their duety herein the godly after testifying against evill are to tolerate that which they cannot amend even as the Pharisees and Sadduces convicted Hereticks were tolerated by the godly that remained in the Church without separation Lastly suppose that the power of particular Churches had bene in some sort weakned and not strengthned by the government of Classes and Synods as they now are yet is it a grosse falshood when he assumeth or rather lavishly presumeth that their government tends merely or onely to the taking away of the Churches due power as though there were no other fruit or benefit by them This he shall never prove The second proof of his Minor is taken from the practise of the Classis W. Best is (h) Church plea. p. 74. there brought in complaining of the authority which they take over us and our Eldership too yea in truth sayth he so much authority as any Lord can doe over his servant c. But this is a shameles and impudent falshood without trueth for no Lords suffer their servants to sit with them in judgement and to have a voyce for determining matters as well as themselves so as the Elders or Deputies of every Church are allowed in the Classis Beside other manifest differences observe the unbounded and unmeasurable slander in his speaking not onely of that authority which Lords doe take but of that which any Lord can doe over his servant For what is it which the worst Lord cannot doe to his servant That insufficient reason which he brings for the declaration of this authority may as well and more truely in his words be applyed unto the Democracy of the Brownists for so long as any member among them doth what that imperious company will have him doe he is left alone but if he meddle with things against the others liking he is immediately commanded to cease and so must not proceed further Yea that Democraticall judicatory is farre more severe and ready to censure those that resist them then is any Classis in these lands Had any member of them so behaved himself against them as W. Be. hath done to the Classis in this scandalous and reproachfull writing against them as well as against me he had bene long since delivered unto Satan he could not have exspected such lenity and patience from them as the Classis hath used towards this W. Be. My answer unto a writing touching an action joyntly concluded by them as he saith viz. that it did not belong unto them is deceitfully and imperfectly set downe The matter being such as had bene already brought unto the Classis and there judged and decided against them there was no reason that it should be brought back to an inferiour judicatory being such as were parties also
Goulartius also in his annotations thereon observeth that these Synods were kept to this end that the purity of doctrine and the discipline of the Church might be preserved entire and that the disturbers thereof might be excluded from their communion And in many other places Cyprian is so pregnant in this poynt that whosoever shall alledge him against the authority of Synods must either be a very ignorant reader of Cyprian or els a wilfull abuser of him REAS. VII Note the effect if it should be otherwise which is that every particular Congregation must hence necessarily loose her owne proper right in government so of a Mistres become a servant instead of being superiour wilfully vassall and enslave herself which thing is contrary to Gods will revealed in his word Gal. 5.1 1. Cor. 7.23 2. Tim. 1.13 Heb. 4.14 Rev. 2.25 ANSVV. I. This reason is the same for substance with his ninth Argument before and therefore it is here idly repeated II. The vassallage and slavery which he argues from Classicall government is upon a false consequence The liberty of innocent persons oppressed by wrong judgment in a particular Church is to appeale unto Classes and Synods The Democraticall government that denyes this liberty of appeale is no gracious mistresse but a Tyrannicall virago resembling the Romish Lady that by denying appeales from the Pope keeps many in bondage III. The Scriptures cited by him are all perverted and misapplyed for what force of consequence is in these reasonings viz. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free c. Gal. 5.1 therefore stand fast against appeales from particular Congregations Be not the servants of men 1. Cor. 7.23 therefore be subject to no Ecclesiasticall government save onely to the Democracie of a particular Church Hold fast the forme of sound words c. 2. Tim. 1.13 therefore hold fast the independencie of Churches Let us hold fast our profession Heb. 4.14 therefore hold fast the single uncompounded policie Hold fast that which ye have already c. Rev. 2.25 therefore hold this fast that Classes and Synods are onely for counsell and not for authority to censure and judge What unsound inferences and applications of Scripture be these Mr Canne in his 9th Argument before (f) Churches plea p. 73. alledged also 1. Thes 4.6 3. Ioh. 9. Prov. 22.28 Deut. 19.14 together with Gal. 5.1 Mr Dav. also to like purpose (g) Apol. reply p. 237. alledgeth some of these places to wit Prov. 22.28 Gal. 5.1 3. Ioh. 9. But they prove the Question as little as the other for how vaine are these consequences Thou shalt not remove the ancient bounds Prov. 22.28 therefore all Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction is limited to a particular Congregation and he removes the ancient bounds that allowes the authority of Synods Or Diotrephes loved the preheminence 3. Ioh. 9. therefore Classes and Synods have no jurisdiction or power to judge and determine the matters of a particular Congregation What weight is there in such reasonings as these REAS. VIII Seeing the Apostles wheresoever they constituted any Church with doctrine immediately established in it (h) Pol. Ecc. l. 1. p. 20. Ecclesiasticall government for without this as D. Ames (i) De Cōsc l. 4. c. 24. p. 214. sayth there could have bene no coupling of the parts and members together It must needs follow that the primitive Churches were independent bodies and stood not under any other Ecclesiasticall authority out of themselves Now how Mr Paget will be able to prove a change of this government I doe not yet see especially considering that the Learned as I shewed before doe hold that there is but one certaine necessary perpetuall forme manner of ordering Churches c. ANSVV. 1. The consequence propounded in this reason is false Though the Apostles in the constitution of Churches did immediately establish Ecclesiasticall government therein yet must it not needes follow that they were independent bodies c. For proof of this consequence he brings nothing but his bare assertion neither Scripture nor testimony of any learned Writer To prove an establishment of government in the primitive Churches at first he idly and needlesly alledgeth Mr Parker and D. Ames to prove the perpetuity and unchangeablenes of that government which needed no proof he needlesly according to his manner heapes up testimonies of Calvin of P. Martyr of D. Bilson of the Churches of France of the Low-countries of Scotland and of Papists also but to help his weak unsound consequence that needed confirmation and support there is no proof nor shew of proof II. Though particular Churches in their severall assemblies be acknowledged to be distinct bodies yet in regard of the entire and full communion of Saints they are all members of one body there is but one body Eph. 4.4 And those that are members of one body are not independent The Scriptures that shew this unity and the dueties arising from thence are justly alledged and layd downe as the ground of combination and consociation of Churches And this foundation of Classicall communion being as ancient as the first constitution of Churches it appeareth hereby that the right of this confederation of churches was in them from the beginning with liberty to use and exercise the same as occasion and opportunity should permit Mr Cartwright being required to shew Scripture for the warrant of this practise of Churches answereth (k) T.C. 2. Rep. p 231. Rom. 12. 1. Cor. 12. The Scripture I prove it by is that St Paul when he teacheth that all the faithfull are members of one Mysticall body of Christ which ought to have a mutuall care one of another layd the foundations of this politie For as in the body of one particular Church every faithfull man compared with another in the same is a member one of another so in a more generall body of a whole Realme every particular Church compared with other is likewise a member of them Therefore as nature teacheth my hand to help the disorder which is in another part of my body so the Spirit of God out of his word through a fellow-feeling teacheth one Church to stretch out her hand to put away as it can the evill which it seeth approch unto another Rom. 15.14 Heb. 3.13 And therefore when the Scripture willeth that one should admonish another it is not onely a commandement to every singular man towards his fellow but also to one whole company towards another societie Mr Parker (l) See before p. 95.96 alledgeth the same ground out of Zepperus who from thence deriveth the authority of Classes and Synods in censuring and judging the causes of many Churches and citeth many such places of Scripture for proof thereof III. When the Church of Antioch brought her controversy unto the Synod at Ierusalem there was no change of government They had this right from the first though then especially it were manifested unto all for the actuall exercise thereof upon
doth agree best For saith he it is not likely that the Apostles would depart from the first order or course which we have seen to have bene observed in the election of Matthias c. And upon Act. 1.26 he labours to prove that this manner of choosing is still to be observed in the Church as most safe and convenient whereby certaine men being found that are esteemed meet for the office unto which the election is to be made the event of our counsels may be referred unto the judgment of God by casting lots in such sort as Matthias was chosen unto the Apostleship However that he doth not deny the matters of particular Congregations to be subject unto the judgement of the Ministers of other Churches assembled in a Classis or Synod may be gathered from those testimonies which evē in this booke here alledged he gives concerning the authority of Synods and the Divine warrant upon which it is grounded Speaking of the authority of a Generall Councell which many then so much desired he sayth (y) Ibid. in cap. 5.21 To me also it seemes to be a most profitable thing if a free Synod could be obtained in which all controversies might be composed out of the word of God alone such as that Apostolicall Synod was of which we are to speak in chap. 15. and such as we know those of old to have bene viz. of Nice constantinople Ephesus Chalcedon and the like c. And afterwards againe (z) Ibid. in cap. 20.17 intreating of Pauls sending from Miletus to Ephesus and calling the Elders of the Church he calles it a Synod By which example he saith as the faithfulnes and industrie of Paul doth appeare so also we are admonished that the assemblies of Ministers are altogether necessary in which Church-affaires may be handled by the common voyces of all This makes greatly for the maintaining of Church-discipline for the restraining of the ambition of Church-governours for the preserving of consent in true doctrine and for the repressing of heresies which if Ministers doe not most faithfully joyne their paines together are wont often to creep in This he declares againe by the example of that Synod Act. 15. and he commends the pietie and prudence of Constantine the great for his frequent assembling of Synods as on the other side he notes the wickednes of Licinius and of Antichrist in resisting and hindring the due exercise of this authority of Synods How doe these things agree with Mr Cannes discourse who yet alledgeth this Author as one of the Jurie by which he saith my position as he calles it is condemned viz. that particular Congregations must stand under other Ecclesiasticall authoritie out of themselves Touching Sibrandus the order of electing Ministers in these Churches (a) Sibrād Lubb. Resp ad Piet. H. Gr. p. 159. approved by him is the same that is used in our Church and approved by me also and he hath notably perverted it in opposing of it unto me For that order hinders not but that there may be another superiour Ecclesiasticall authority in a Classis or Synod to judge of the elections made in particular Congregations or of other controversies This trueth is so often and so earnestly avouched by Sibrandus that scarsely any have bene more vehement in this poynt And in this very book alledged he in his first entrance in the preface to the Senate of Gelderland complaines of Grotius for oppugning this order of Classes and Synods and in the conclusion of his preface he professeth that there was scarsely any other meanes then a Nationall Synod to heale the evills of that time and desires them to perswade the calling thereof Afterward in the (b) P. 140. 141 c. book itself he shewes at large both from the Scriptures and practise of ancient Churches the use the order and the authority of Synods not onely in deliberating but in judging and deciding of controversies In his Disputation with Bertius he shewes (c) Epist Discept de Fide p. 3. that it is altogether needfull to have a Synodicall judgement to heale the wounds of the Church In his book against Vorstius after long dispute (d) Declar. Resp Conr. Vorst p. 142 143.144 in conclusion he offereth yea he provoketh and urgeth him to referre their controversy and differences to the judgement of other Churches which he there nominates And in the preface thereof unto the States Generall of the United Provinces he shewes from the word of God and examples of the godly the necessity of Synods he declares what confusion and distraction of Churches ensueth where they are neglected and makes earnest supplication unto them for the maintenance of this order in government In another of his bookes against Vorstius (e) Cōment ad 99 Errotes C. Vorst pref p. 45 Cōm p. 503 504. p. 841. both in the beginning middle and end of it he harpes upon the same string His appeale unto the judgement of other Churches and his willingnes to submit unto their judgement with his desire of a Nationall Synod is plainely declared therein Speaking of the fruit of Synods he saith (f) Ibid. pref p. 34. 35. that the holding of them in their Churches hath bene next unto God the chief sinew of preserving both the true doctrine and tranquillity of the Churches and that if any man acquainted with their affaires dare deny the same he shall manifest his impudency or make warre with his owne conscience And thus by the verdict of Sibrandus if my opposites understand the Discipline and state of these Churches and deny the fruit of Synods they must be held for impudent and unconscionable persons Moreover in his book against Bellarmine concerning Councells he gives divers testimonies (g) DeCōc Lib. 1. c. 1. l. 2. c. 3. l. 5. c. 1 3 5 8. touching the profitable use of Councels for the determining of controversies their Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction and the exercise of it in making decrees and censuring offendours By all which it appeares how injurious Mr Canne hath bene unto Sibrandus in producing him as a witnesse against the authority of Synods whereas he hath so often testifyed his judgement to the contrary Mornaeus in the place (h) Histor Pap. p. 542 c. edit 1612. alledged hath no such thing as for which he is quoted unlesse he meane that which is noted in one of the following pages (i) Ib. p. 545 that the Popes of Rome were chosen in publick assemblies of the Priests the Nobility the common people the Senate by the voices of all c. which if it be explained and applyed to the question in hand may easily be discerned to fall short of proving any thing against us But this Author in the same booke shewes plainly his approbation of Synods for the judgement of Ecclesiasticall causes He alledgeth frequently and maintaines against Baronius and Bellarmine the judiciall Acts and sentences of sundry Synods against the Popes of Rome
superiour power above one particular Church and that they may judge of the affaires thereof and of the persons therein either Ministers or people This he declares at large in a peculiar treatise touching yearely Synods (f) DeSyno Annuis Opusc Theol. p. 768-870 Bas 1570. wherein after he had shewed the necessity and use of Synods by many divine and humane testimonies he then describes their power not for counsell onely as the Brownists and my opposites doe but for the exercise of all kinde of Ecclesiasticall censures as Rebukes of offenders Suspension Excommunication and Deposition or deportment of Officers from their ministery Of all the men of the Iurie before mentioned there is none that gives a more full and cleare verdict against Mr Canne then this Hyperius doth Oecolompadius another of his Authors hath declared his judgement touching Synods and the authority exercised in them to be such as argues his thstimony alledged by Mr Canne to be perverted while it is produced against the same For in his answer to Luther inserted among the workes of Zuinglius (t) Tom. 2. fol. 491. he doth highly commend the Councell of Nice and specially for decreeing that none should afterwards attempt to adde any new articles unto that Confessiō of faith which they had set downe Which Nestorius being found guilty of Oecolompadius approves of that Act of the Councell of Ephesus whereby he was excommunicated saying For which cause being condemned of the crime of heresie he was by common consent shut out of the Church which was sensible of peace restored unto her by this meanes Hereby it appeareth that the acknowledged Ecclesiasticall jurisdictiō censure to be a power due unto Synods and that which may lawfully be exercised by them Beza next alledged upon 2. Thes 3.14 though he there call Excommunication an Ecclesiasticall judgement yet doth he not thereby infringe the authority of Classes and Synods neither can any such thing by any just consequence be gathered from his Annotations on that place But on the other side he shewes (v) Epist 83. De Ministr gradib c. 23 p. 155. c. 24. p. 176. 177. elswhere that Synods have their Ecclesiasticall judgements grounded upon the word of God and a profitable use in the Church of God and that the fanaticall opinion of Morellius much like unto the Brownists hath bene worthily condemned in many Synods And according to his writing so was his practise both at Geneva where he was one of them that had their voyce in the government of that Church by a joynt Presbytery or Classis and in France where he himself was President of that famous (x) Harmo Confes p. 112. edit 1612. Synod at Rochell where the Confession of their faith was subscribed by divers Princes and many Ministers and Elders assembled together And therefore if Mr Canne and W. Best their accusation of me were sound and just they might as well complaine of Beza for bringing the Churches of God into miserable slavery and bondage by his tyrannicall government and corrupt doctrine Bucer last alledged accordes with the foregoing Authors and his words in commendation of Synods may serve to close up this kinde of Testimonies being an advise unto King Edward the Sixt for the constant celebrating of them In his Admonition given to the King for the restitution of the Kingdome of Christ in his dominions amidst other wholesome counsels out of the word of God he saith (y) De Regno Christi Lib. 2. c. 12. It shall be the duety of the Bishops of each Province to celebrate two Synods every yeare as it is ordained by so many Canons and Lawes of godly Emperours At which Synods must be assembled and heard not onely the Bishops of the Cities but also inferiour Bishops and other Presbyters and Deacons that are endued with a larger measure of knowledge and zeale for the kingdome of Christ that so the more effectually both the faults crept into the Church may becorrected and the pietie of all repaired He had also spoken before of other inferiour and more frequent assemblies like unto our Classes requiring that all the Ministers within the compasse of about 20 Parishes should often meet together for their mutuall assistance in removing offences advancing the kingdome of Christ Touching Synods he speakes also in (z) De vi usu S. Min. tit de Disci Cler. Opuse f. 582. another place to the same purpose approving the ancient constitution whereby it was ordained that the Bishops of every Province should assemble together with the Presbyters and Deacons as often as the need of the Churches should require but without faile twise in the yeare that they might inquire concerning the doctrine and discipline of Christ how it were administred and did flourish in severall Churches that where any default was discovered they might correct it and where they found things in good state they might confirme and promote the same By that correction spoken of here and in the former testimonie he understands not onely counsell and admonition but the judiciall exercise of authority in Ecclesiasticall censures For he doth plainly distinguish betwixt admonition and correction when in the following words concerning Metropolitanes he saith If any thing were done amisse by the Ministers of the Churches or by the common people which by their admonitions they could not amend that then for the correcting of it they should call a Synod of Bishops for there was no power of judgement allowed unto them which by their owne authority they might exercise in the Churches c. Thus Bucerus also as well as the former hath condemned Mr Cannes position viz. that particular Congregations must not stand under other Ecclesiasticall authoritie out of themselves And these are all the Authors here alledged by Mr Canne except onely Morell Praedirius and Munster either not seen at all nor to be procured for the present as the two former or not seen to touch this controversie in the writings at hand as the latter Having now heard what these chosen men of the Iurie all nominated by W. B. his Advocate have testifyed concerning Classes or Synods let the Reader judge whether they have given verdict for or against Synods whether every one of these Authors alledged had not just cause if they were living to complaine of great abuse done to them in perverting their testimonies and making false consequences from their words contrary to their meaning And forasmuch as all these witnesses here examined are so farre from testifying ought against us that they have on the other side witnessed the trueth of that which we maintained against Mr Canne hence it is evident that I had just cause to say that which he would seeme to disprove by alledging these Authors against me viz. that there were a multitude of learned and godly Ministers of the same judgement and practise with me For further proofe whereof it were easy if need were to produce another Iurie of approved
hath ordained these Holy assemblies with promise that they being gathered together in the name of Christ he himself will be among them With the Synod the Pastour hath authority to determine concerning regiment of the Church Againe (d) P. 115 116. 117. Let us returne to the authority of the Synod which consisteth in deciding and determining such matters as cannot otherwise in particular Churches be concluded either because they concerne the common state of all Churches or because they lack sufficient authority in some one Church First therefore the lawfull Synod hath to consider if any controversy of doctrine doe arise that it be determined by the word of God c. Secondly it hath to determine of the use of the ceremonies not of will without reason or ground of Scripture but upon necessary causes of avoiding offence and similitude of superstition of bearing with the weak of order and comelinesse and edification So did the Synod of the Apostles and Elders command for a time abstinencie from meat offered to Idols otherwise lawfull in it selfe for offences sake c. Also for order and comelines and best edification the Synod hath to determine what shall be observed in particular charges as of the time place and forme of preaching and praying and administring of the Sacraments For who should be able to know what order comelines and edification requireth according to Gods word but they that be teachers and preachers of the same unto all others For it is absurd that they should be taught by such in these small things as ought to learne the trueth of them in all matters c. (e) P. 118. It is out of all controversy that before there were any Christian Magistrates this authority was proper unto the Synod Which authority we know to be granted to the Church by our Saviour Christ practised by his Apostles continued by their successours three hundred yeares before there were any Christian Emperours and long time after there were Christian Emperours even as long as any puritie continued in religion untill both Emperours and Synods were thrust out of all lawfull authoritie which they ought to have in the Church by the tyrannie of Antichrist In the same learned Discourse of Ecclesiasticall Government it is further added (f) P. 122. 123. 124. The Synod hath further authority concerning Discipline to reforme and redresse by Ecclesiasticall Censure all such defaults and controversies as cannot be determined in the particular Churches as for example If the Pastour himselfe have need to be severely punished where there is but one Pastour in a Church or if Elders which should be reformers of others have notoriously misgoverned themselves or if they have beene led by affection to condemne an innocent or to justifye the ungodly in these and such like cases all contention is to be concluded by the authority of the Synod Some example we have thereof Act. 15. where those contentious Schismatiques that withstood Paul and Barnabas at Antiochia were constrained to yeeld by authority of the Councell and Paul and Barnabas restored to their credit For which causes Synodes ought oftentimes to be assembled though not generall of the whole Realme but particular of every Province or Shire as it may be most conveniently that such things as are to be reformed may be redressed with speed These and many other such like assertions in allowance of Synods and their authority hath this learned Authour whom yet they have alledged against me Had Will. Best but had so much wit or conscience as to have duely looked upon these English Authors being but small treatises and perused them diligently he might easily have learned hereby what order God requires in the Government of his Church But taking so much upon trust and presuming blindely upon the fidelity and skill of a Brownist therefore is he runne into Scandall having published many slanders against the Churches of Christ and wrested so many witnesses against their meanings In the next place the Testimony of Mr Fenner doth fitly offer itself to be examined of us for seeing he tooke upon him the Defence of the former Authour against Bridges who impugned that learned Discourse of Eccles Gov. we have reason to exspect that he also will defend the authority of Synods in like manner As for the two pages which Mr Ca. (g) Against Bridges p. 15 16. alledgeth he neither specifyeth his words neither doe I finde in either of those pages any one word against the use of Classes or Synods amōgst us but on the contrary a cleare testimony which he gives unto them For speaking there in pag. 16. of the forme of Discipline appoynted of God and of the severall points thereof particularly set downe in the word of God with other he reckoneth up these the joynt care of Elderships and Synods Afterwards he speaketh more fully in praise of this government and saith (h) Def. of Ecc. Disci ag Bridg. p. 105. The nature of this order itself which admitteth no Minister but learned nor any decision of weight but by advise of many with appointed conferences and Synods of learned men for such purposes besides the assurance of Gods favourable blessing of his owne ordinance and the experience of the Synodes of the Reformed Churches the comparison of their judgements Canons and other constitutions with the like of the other in any part beareth witnesse whether the want of learning and pietie both must needes be greater in it then in the other Whereas D. Fulk had given unto these Churches which have a Classicall and Synodall government the title and praise of (i) Learn Disc of Ecc. Gov. p. 7. rightly reformed Churches when D. Bridges was offended therewith Mr Fenner maintaines that praise to be due unto them and commends k their entire and whole obedience which they yeeld to God in receyving all the holy doctrine of our Saviour Christ both concerning things to be beleeved and also concerning the spirituall policie Discipline and order for guiding of his Church And further in the same place he repeats and undertakes to defend D. Fulkes words perswading to imbrace that most beautifull order of Ecclesiasticall regiment which God doth so manifestly blesse and prosper in our neighbours hands Hereby it may appeare how farre Mr Fenner was from that erroneous and slanderous spirit of Mr C. and W.B. And here by the example of W. Best all simple ignorant men are to be warned of publishing such false things as he hath done upon the credit of other men that are strangers from the Churches of Christ Moreover the judgement of Mr Fenner in approving this use of Synods for the government of Churches and judgement of causes may be clearly seen in sundry other testimonies which he hath given to this purpose and which I have (l) P. 84-88 before noted where among the rest when having maintained the right of Synods to be jure divino alledging many Scriptures for the warrant thereof he
Sabbath bestowing it wholly in divine and religious exercises resorting (k) Ib. cap. 3. p. 54. 72 73. foure times a day to the publick assemblies of Gods worship even in the Winter time and in Summer five times a day c. The bond of that perfection which they seek for and have in some measure attained unto seemes to be their combination in Synods and that unity therein whereupon they are denominate Their government and the fruits thereof have bene such that many of the speciall lights of Christendome since the time of Reformation have admited and commended the same and sundry of them have wished for the like Discipline and order in the Churches where they lived as appeares by the testimonies of Luther Melancthon Bucer Pet. Paulus Vergerius Beza Zanchius Olevian Vrsinus Chytraeus Pet. Martyr Calvin Polanus Bucholcerus which testimonies are (l) P. 106-122 affixed unto the end of that book of their Discipline Yea the printing of this book of their Discipline according to their cōmon order in such cases was not done without the (m) Pref. p. 8. 16. authority of a Synod namely of that which was celebrated at Lessna in Poland anno 1632. they being by the present troubles dispersed abroad into those parts Unto that which he had alledged out of the Bohemian Confession Mr Canne saith the Churches under the Palsgrave likewise consented and to this end he citeth their Publick Catechisme in the end of part 2. For answer hereunto 1. If these Churches consent unto that which the Bohemian Churches have professed then they doe not agree with Mr Can. as appeares by what hath bene sayd in the foregoing Answers 11. The place here alledged hath nothing touching the persons to whom the Keyes are given which is the thing for which it is produced it speakes onely of the use of the Keyes and the ordinary exercise of Discipline in the Church without restraining the same unto the sole jurisdiction of a particular Congregation or excluding the authority of Classes and Synods either for advise consent before hand or for the correcting of abuses committed in the administration of it And that the power of a superiour Ecclesiasticall judicatorie exercised in such cases is agreeable unto the doctrine and practise of the Churches in the Palatinate may appeare from the testimonies (n) P. 191.192.193 before noted out of Vrsinus Tossanus Paraeus Divines of speciall eminencie in those Churches III. Whereas it is sayd in this Catechisme (o) Qu. 85. concerning Ecclesiasticall discipline that offenders after other admonitions persisting in their errors and wickednes are to be made knowne unto the Church lest this should be understood of the whole multitude it is added presently or to them that are appoynted for that matter and purpose of the Church and if neither then they obey their admonition are of the same men by forbidding them the Sacraments shut out from the assembly of the Church c. The meaning is as it is explained (p) Explic. Catech. ad Qu. 85. by Vrsinus who also yeelded speciall help for the compiling of that Catechisme that when any is to be excommunicated the matter be first heard tryed and judged by the whole Presbyterie and that their judgement be approved by the Church that it be not undertaken by the private authoritie of one alone or of the Ministers alone This serves to justifie what we teach and practise and to condemne both the tyrannicall and popular courses of others IV. Moreover for the judgement and practise of the Churches in the Palatinate concerning the authority of Classes Synods which is the poynt in controversy it is to be observed that all the Ministers which according to order are there confirmed in the Ministerie are as a Jurie of so many sworne men bearing witnesse against the Independencie of Churches For at their ordination they doe not onely testify and promise by subscription and giving of of the hand but withall they doe binde themselves by a solemne oath among the rest (q) Churf Psaltz Kirchendi bestall punct Art 16. to obey the Politicall and Ecclesiasticall Lawes the Officers and Inspectors there appointed c. to referre or submit Church-affaires unto the Ecclesiasticall Senate set over them c. and also according to the appointment of their Inspector to frequent the Classicall assemblies in whatsoever place or quarter they are held willingly and freely to subject themselves unto the censure of their brethren to deale faithfully uprightly and quietly in their censures votes to doe nothing neither for feare nor favour of any but what they judge to be profitable for the edification of the Churches and Schooles The Confession of the Churches of Switserland or Helvetia is notably falsifyed by Mr C. They confesse in the place (r) Confes Helvet Art 16.17 alledged by him that the power of the Keyes ought to be committed unto select and fit persons either by divine or by certaine and required suffrage of the Church or by the sentence of those to whom the Church hath delegated this office in which latter disjunction omitted by Mr C. they acknowledge another Ecclesiasticall authority besides that of a particular Congregation about the election of Ministers And a little after (ſ) Art 19. this is further declared when they acknowledge that the faulty are to be admonished reprehended restrained and those that goe further astray by a godly agreement of such as be chosen out of the Ministers and Magistrates to be excluded by Discipline or punished by some other convenient meanes so long untill they may repent and be saved Such an Ecclesiasticall Senate it seemes was among them for the government of particular Churches And further the authority of Synods for such purpose is likewise specifyed and justifyed in the larger (t) Cap. 18. p. 63. Helvetian Confession Besides this we have a particular story hereof related by Walaeus out of Beza who recordes that (v) Ampt der Kerckēdien p. 214 out of Bez. Apol. pro Justif ex sola fide p. 263. c. when a controversy arose at Berne betwixt Huberus and Abrah Musculus the sonne of Wolfg. Musculus touching the doctrine of Praedestination the Rulers of Berne following the order of the Apostles did appoynt a Synod out of all the Classes within their jurisdiction who together with the help of other excellent Teachers called from Zurich Basel Schaphuysen and Geneva did take cognition of the differences and after due triall according to the word of God made a conclusion so that thereby the Churches were brought unto their former peace That which is next alledged by Mr C. from the Confession of the French (x) Art 30. Churches viz. the equality of all true Ministers and Churches so that none may arrogate dominion over another is not at all hindred by that authority which is exercised in Synods seeing all the particular Churches united in Synods are in like manner and equally
yeelded considering as they also alledged that the benefit to be expected from dealing in these matters would be but of a narrow extent reaching onely to the satisfaction of a few and little concerning the maine cause that the Authours good name and blessed remembrance is so deeply ingraven in the hearts of those that are acquainted with his wayes and writings that no envie nor obloquie shall ever be able to rase it out Againe they that will but compare the Answer and Replyes together and distinguish betwixt plaine dealing and groundlesse surmises evidence of trueth and uncharitable insinuations shall hardly need any further help for their satisfaction specially if they be mindfull of the Rule 1. Tim. 5.19 from which these opposites have too too frequently swarved and in which respect Mr D. had just cause to intreat his Reader (f) Apol. repl praef neer the end to suspend his censure concerning what he hath said c. Moreover that plausible and colourable name of the Church used by the Replyers when they spake of a few dissenting from the Authour is now further manifested to be inconsistent with those passages whereunto in such sort it was applyed forasmuch as they that then complained doe now quietly enjoy themselves and communion with the Church in the continued observation of the same orders that were practised before except onely W. B. the foreman of the Complaynants now a professed Arminian And of those that once joyned with him some before others since the Authours death have plainly signifyed their better respects unto him and given free and full testimony of his well deservings even of that Church both for Doctrine and Discipline To returne unto his Defence here published the greater part of it is in way of answer to Mr C. who hath been the forwardest and largest in this part of the plea touching Classes and Synods It seemes also that he hath not been a little confident of his paines about this work by the reiterated editions and sundry shapes into which this his writing touching Independent government hath been cast The (g) Printed in the yeare 1635. first edition which the Authour here deales with was seconded with another into which he hath taken onely that which concernes this controversie adorning it with this new and faire title (h) In the y. 1641. Syons Prerogative Royall And this hath been answered (i) Disput Theol. de Unione Ecclesiarum carumque Regimine in Classibus Synodis par post Ultraj 1641. by the famous and truely excellent Divine of these countries D. Voctius A third edition it seemes hath been put forth with some additions against the Presbyteries of particular Churches under another title viz. The Presbyteriall Government examined And this also hath been examined and answered by the Authour of the (k) Edinb 1641. Assertion of the Government of the Church of Scotland c. in the Postscript thereunto annexed Thus the same writing hath met with severall Refutations whereof though this be the last in birth yet it was the first in conception And here the Authour as he tooke more time so he hath more closely followed his opposite being better acquainted with his condition and courses hath more neerly applyed his answers unto him for further conviction However * August de Trin. l. 1. c. 3. it may be profitable to behold severall learned men avouching and pleading for the same trueth and many blowes may beat downe an errour that could not be felld at once But it may seeme strange that Mr Cannes writings being such as the severall Refuters have observed them to be should yet have the honour of three severall Refutations See afterw p. 145 146. c. Who ever saw such grosse Logicall mistakes in one that makes such a flourish with Syllogisticall reasonings Who ever saw in a serious writing such abundance of quotations so generally perverted or so little to the purpose He vainely alledgeth above an 100 testimonies of Authours old and new to prove that which was never denyed by those whom he opposeth And yet on the other side who so confident of his owne cause amidst such barrenes of proofe where there was need of it either from Scripture or approved Authours Let those that seem to hold with him in this controversie judge whether Mr C. be not in these respects a Disputer one of a thousand as his phrase is (l) Ch. pl. p. 15. elswhere to another purpose How comes it then to passe that they that have been induced to write in defence of Presbyteriall and Classicall government have had no other matter to work upon but what was affoorded by Mr C. or that the cause of Independencie which makes so great a noyse among some yeelds yet so little to be seen for the maintenance of it May not we justly doubt concerning others that seem to favour this way that their judgements are not setled in this poynt by how much they are so slow to professe what they hold and upon what grounds If they agree with Mr D. and Mr C. and their grounds pretences be the same with theirs they may here receive satisfaction But some happily will think the Authour hath been needlesly curious in noting the manifold grosse faylings of Mr C. both in his Reasonings and Quotations For answer hereunto besides that for the most part they be such as in this thorough kinde of refuting used by the Authour could not be passed over with silence it appeares that Mr C. stands in need of being told of these faults for in his latter edition of the same things I finde not any of these foule mistakes amended Herein onely he hath somewhat corrected himself that what he had before (m) Chur. plea p. 74 76. asscribed to Mr Paget now he attributes it (n) Syons prer roy p. 16 21. to the Presbyterian governours and such as stand for Presbyteriall government hereby acknowledging that what he had before called (o) Ch. pl. p. 71. Mr Pagets new doctrine (p) Ibid. p. 77. Mr Pagets lately-devised Tenets (q) Ibid. p. 81. Mr Pagets new opinion was neither his device nor sole opinion but common with him to at least all that allow of the government of the Church of Scotland from whom that Mr C. might professe his dissent he hath put in the words Presbyterie and Presbyterian with Classis and Classicall seeing the Presbyteries in Scotland are in effect the same with the Classis and Classicall seeing the Presbyteries in Sctoland are in effect the same with the Classes in these countries For the publishing of this Treatise I had more need to plead excuse for not setting it forth before according to their judgement who have frequently called upon me and encouraged me unto the finishing of this taske rather then to provide against their displeasure who are apt to censure as unseasonable what in this kinde is unwelcome unto them But for the seasonablenes of it let the
due unto them unlesse some other study and work together with the labour of hearing examining and judging of causes did require the same II. As for Mal. 2.7 the knowledge in the Priests lips there spoken of was that which he principally manifested in his office of publick preaching the law of God Deut. 33.10 Lev. 10.11 in which office the Elders doe not succeed them and so have no speciall maintenance due in that regard Againe the knowledge in the Priests lips appeared secondarily in judiciall causes which they heard examined judged Deut. 17.8 9-12 2 Chron. 19.8 Zech. 3.7 This power you give unto the people now as well as unto the Elders who therefore by your doctrine deserve no more maintenance for the same then doe the people in this regard III. Though we grant that Elders are to have their ordinary meetings apart for the Church-affaires yet doth not your allegation from Act. 21.18 prove the same for that meeting being upon extraordinary occasion to entertaine the Apostle Paul and those that were with him who being new come to Ierusalem they came together to salute embrace one another to heare tidings of the successe of the Gospel to rejoyce together in the Lord vers 19. and then consulted further of such things as tended to the edification of the Church vers 20. c. You might as well conclude that strangers of other Congregations should be present in the ordinary assembly of the Elders because we doe here read of some such who being in Pauls company were now also present at this speciall meeting of the Elders in Ierusalem Act. 21.15 16 17 18. H. AINSVV. Fourthly when apparant sinners so convicted by witnesses are to be judged by the Church there is no time more fit then the Sabbath day wherein all men are board to leave their owne works Exo. 20.10 tend to the Lords of which sort this is REPL. I. Though I doe not hold it simply unlawfull to judge causes on the Sabbath day yet that this day is the fittest your allegation from Exod. 20. shewes it not Men may then leave their owne works tend to the Lords though they heare no controversies pleaded yea much more fitly comfortably and fruitfully may they attend upon the publick administration of the Word Prayer Sacraments and sanctify themselves thereunto in private both by dueties of preparatiō before and by dueties of meditation repetition conference c. afterward if the mindes of Minister people be not distracted or hindred by other controversies and contentions Psal 26.6 Matt. 5.8 Exo. 19.10 30 18-21 Act. 17.11 Psal 119.11 c. That there hath bene such a disturbance and hindrance among you it is testifyed not onely by strangers which sometimes hearing you doe complaine hereof but also by your owne Ministers as Mr Iohnson Mr Clyfton and your owne people both such as have left you and even such as still remaine with you II. As Ecclesiasticall judgements are the Lords works so are Civill judgements also which the Magistrates sitting on the Lords throne in stead of the Lord their God doe administer execute in his name 2. Chron. 19.6 9.8 And by this reasoning you might make the Sabbath to be the fittest day for them also H. AINSVV. Or if that day suffice not they may take any other for them convenient for c. REPL. You doe hereby yeeld unto us that you have walked in an uncleane way and that you have according to your owne doctrine an uncleane and polluted people for seeing as Mr Iohnson confesseth witnesseth (m) Treat on Matt. 18. p. 17. your wonted manner hath bene to heare matters on the week day at which time there was seldome half the Church together if now according to (n) Anim. adv p. 42. your former arguing from 1. Tim. 5.22 men cannot keep themselves pure from partaking with other mens sinnes unlesse they see heare the conviction of those whom they doe reject then hath half your Church together bene defiled many times while they have consented to the excommunication of such at the hearing and examination of whose cause they have not bene present H. AINSVV. For unto publick affaires the Church is to be assembled 1. Cor. 5.4 Act. 14.27 15.4 30. 21 18-22 REPL. This your generall and indefinite speech doth admit many exceptions for I. Even the Elders when they have their meetings apart as you grant unto them doe consider together of the publick affaires and there you see then that the Church is not alwayes to be assembled unto publick busines II. If the whole Church and all the members thereof men women children and servants must assemble to heare the proceedings against them whom they are to avoyd reject according to your plea and this also on the week dayes though it should be day after day as may come to passe in great Congregations and when many cases are to be heard c. as was (o) R Clyfr Advert p. 42. before objected unto you what reason is there that the Elders should have speciall maintenance in respect of this work where all the members of the Church are bound to attend upon the work as well as they To this you say nothing III. Even unto the publick administration of the word and prayer you doe not binde your people on the week day but leave it free for them to come or not to come unto the same And shall the hearing of examinations proceedings against particular men have more honour then the word preached Yea which is much more by this your opinion and reasoning you doe more binde your people to be present at controversies even on the week day then to heare the word and prayer even on the Lords day for to be absent from judiciall proceedings on the week day doth not onely require acknowledgment of a fault as doth the absence from publick worship on the Lords day but by your doctrin it doth also require a reversing repeating of the proceedings or else a refusall to allow the same in not rebuking or rejecting them who are publickly censured rebuked or excommunicated by the Church IV. As in respect of the ease commodity of the Church the hearing of some publick affaires is to be committed to the Eldership as hath bene shewed before so also for the avoyding of scandall offence for example the examination of each particular act and circumstance serving for the conviction of offendours in some uncleane filthy sinnes and the open repetition naming hereof before the whole Congregation men women young old your owne people strangers that come to heare cannot but be very offensive so is found to be for it is a shame even to speak of the things which are done of many in secret Eph. 5.12 And even shame it self as it seemes hath forced you sometimes to leave this your practise which you so earnestly plead for As heretofore in the case
of H. C. it is testifyed that in the examination of an uncleane fact imputed unto him there were certaine men deputed to heare and examine the cause apart from the Congregation that the eares of women and children and of the whole multitude should not be offended therewith And why may you not now still by the like reason yeeld that the hearing and examining of offendours may be done apart by the Elders which are the Churches deputies thereunto as well as heretofore by some other deputies new chosen Touching the Scriptures alledged by you although that which is sayd already might serve for answer thereunto yet this in particular may be further considered As for 1. Cor. 5.4 there is not a word of the Churches meeting together to examine the fact of the incestuous person but onely of giving sentence after it was sufficiently knowne In Act. 14.27 we read that the Church was gathered together and so with us both on the Lords day and on one of the week dayes there is a gathering of the Church together What an idle thing is it to prove that there should be publick assemblies of the Church which none denyes But this place shewes not that the Church was gathered together to the publick examination of scandals to heare the proceedings against offendours according to the question in hand As for Act. 15.4 the receiving by the Church there mentioned doth not so much as shew that the Church was then gathered together The Church might be sayd to receive Paul Barnabas some others with them and to heare what things God had done by them though not in a publick assembly met together for that end even as the Church of Rome might be sayd to receive Phoebe Rom. 16.2 though not in a publick assembly Gaius might be sayd to be the host of the whole Church Rom. 16.23 consequently to receive the same though not gathered together at one time In Act. 15.30 Luke shewes that the Epistle of the Apostles was delivered to the multitude assembled at Antiochia So we read that the Epistle written to the Colossians was to be read in the Church of the Laodiceans Colos 4.16 So the letters and decrees of Princes States at this day are often times upon sundry occasions delivered and openly read to the multitude people in severall cities assembled and called together to heare the same even as these decrees of the Apostles and Elders were delivered in sundry places Act. 16.4 But doe these manner of assemblies prove that no cases of controversy scandall or sinne may be examined heard by the Rulers Governours without the presence of the people gathered together in such an assembly according to the question betwixt us How can such kinde of collections be ever justifyed by you That place Act. 21 18-22 is oft alledged by you to shew the peoples power while it is there sayd that the multitude must needes come together touching which words though neither the Syriack nor the Arabick versions of the New Testament have them though the want of these words from the text in this place is by (p) Inn. Annot in Arab transl in Act. 21.22 some learned men judged not to be unmeet yet will I not insist thereon But 1. to take the words as they are in the Greek the word (q) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 translated must needes doth not alwayes signify a duety to be done but sometimes onely a necessity of a thing comming to passe done by men though they ought not to doe it and so this very word is elswhere used by the Apostle when he saith there must be herefies 1. Cor. 11.19 shewing thereby the necessity of an event but not the duety of any person to doe that thing Neither doth any thing hinder but that the word here also in Act. 21. may be taken in like sense viz. that the multitude would needs come together though not bound by duety thereunto 2. Suppose that this comming together of the multitude was according to duety yet seing that both the occasion was extraordinary that also the forme of their comming together is not specifyed whether they were to come as hearers onely of Pauls doctrine or as judges in judiciall manner to examine him how can you now conclude from hence that all cases of controversy among brethren are ordinarily to be examined by the multitude of the Congregation in a publick assembly THE SECOND PART Touching The power of Classicall and Synodall Assemblies CHAP. I. The State of the Question and the importance thereof THe summe substance of the Discipline or Church-government appointed of God practised in the Reformed Churches consists chiefly in this that when as for the remooving of private offences private admonition in the first and second degree prevayles not or when as the offence is publick at first the matter be then brought unto the judgement of the Eldership and so that in weightier cases as receiving of members excommunication election deposition of Ministers c. nothing be concluded executed without the knowledge approbation of the Church likewise that in more weighty difficult cases as the aforenamed or the like the advise help and allowance of the Classis under which they stand and if need be of the Synod unto which the Classis is subordinate be sought rested in this in such manner that if any person eyther Minister Elder or any other even the least member of the Church doe finde any evill to be maintained either against faith or manners either by the Eldership or by the Congregation it is then lawfull for them for the redresse of such evill to repaire unto the Classis or Synod that by their authority sentence the offence may be censured the abuse reformed As the Eldership of a particular Church consists of Ministers Elders chosen out of the same so the Classis consists of many Ministers Elders sent from many Churches assembling together to heare determine the cases above written That the State of the Question may yet more clearly be understood it is to be remembred that in this combination of Classes and Synods I. The authority which they exercise is not absolute nor their decrees held to be infallible but to be examined by the word of God and not to be received further then they doe agree therewith And therefore also (a) Kerckē Ordeninge Synod Nat. Dordr art 31.36 there is liberty of appeale from them from the Classis to the Synod and from a Provinciall Synod to a Nationall II. The authority of Classes Synods is not Civill neither have they power to inflict Civill punishments they (b) Ibid. art 30. judge onely of Ecclesiasticall causes that in Ecclesiasticall manner using no other then spirituall censures III. In the Classicall union consociation of neighbour Churches (c) Ibid. art 84. no one Church hath any prerogative or power above another nor any
so that the 120 persons met together at this time Act. 1.15 cānot be sayd to have bene a distinct particular Church of persons dwelling in Ierusalem but an occasionall assembly or Synod upon such ground as the story of the Scripture doth manifest II. In respect of the busines it self here performed viz. the election of an Apostle it was such a work as did not appertaine unto any one particular Church but all Churches had interest therein seeing the care of all the Churches was cōmitted unto the Apostles 2. Cor. 11.28 All Churches were alike bound to beware of false Apostles that could transforme themselves into the Apostles of Christ 2. Cor. 11.13 It had bene a presumption in any one Church and a wrong unto all the rest if without their consent one alone should have chosen an Apostle especially considering there were even at this time a multitude of the faithfull in other places whom this work concerned Many had bene lately converted by the ministery of Iohn Baptist Matt. 11.12 and now immediately before the Ascension of Christ we read of more then 500 brethren at once which were witnesses of the Resurrection of Christ 1. Cor. 15.6 These 120 had done injury unto them save that these generall persons the Apostles called of God for the service of all Churches did for them by divine appointment appeare in this Synod III. In respect of the manner of this election which was made with a threefold limitation 1. Unto one of those men which had companyed with the Apostles all the time that the Lord Iesus went in and out among them beginning from the baptisme of Iohn even untill that same day that he was taken up from them Act. 1.21 22. Now these Disciples that thus waited on Christ such as Barsabas and Matthias were being no inhabitants of Ierusalem what power had a particular Church to determine and dispose of them that were no members of their particular society 2. There was a restraint from absolute electing of any one of these they were onely allowed to present two and to offer them unto the choyse of the Lord. vers 23.24 3. The way and meanes of inquiring the will of God herein was determined and restrained unto a Lot whereby the judgment and definitive sentence of God was declared unto the Synod that rested therein And by these extraordinary directions it pleased God to honour this first Synod of the new Testament It is here also to be observed that although some Writers have spoken of this election as made by a particular Church yet we have sundry learned men consenting with us in the exposition of this story who labouring to shew the profit and necessity of Synods (a) Whitak de Concil qu. 1. c. 3. doe argue from this place Act. 1. and affirme that in the New Testament the Apostles and whole Church did celebrate a Synod for the choosing of Matthias into the place of Iudas The Professours of Leyden to the same purpose (b) Synops pur Theol. Disp 49. alledge this example Act. 1. and call it the first Synod at Ierusalem II. The example of that renowned Synod which is recorded Act. 15. is a sufficiēt warrant wherein the use and authority of Classes and Synods is commended unto us and this not onely for counsell and admonition but also for the judgement of causes and for the exercise of Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction As that which went before the Synod namely the great dissention about a dangerous errour with seeking of redresse by a solemne deputation of messengers from the Church of Antioch Act. 15.1 2. did call for help in the most effectuall manner so the things done in the Synod are an evidence of the authority which they used therein both by a definitive sentence which they pronounced concerning that controversy which was brought unto them vers 28 29. and by an authentick ambassage of chosen men sent from that Assembly of Apostles Elders and brethren both to carry the Epistle that was written and by word of mouth to declare the same things vers 22 23 25 27. That also which is noted to have bene done after the Synod in the publication of the acts thereof doth also beare witnesse touching the authority of those acts in that they are called the decrees ordained of the Apostles and Elders c. Act. 16.4 The fruit also which by the blessing of God followed hereupon in being a meanes of great consolation and establishment of the Churches in the faith Act. 15.31 16.5 is to be considered as an argument whereby the H. Ghost doth further commend unto us the authority of such Synods in the right government of the Church Upon this example doe generally all judicious Writers build the authority of Synods as upon a sure foundation groundwork Calvine saith that (c) Cōment in Act. 15.6 here is prescribed of God the forme and order of gathering Synods c. Beza upon this place (d) Annot. maj in Act. 15.12 V. 23. having shewed that here was a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or foregoing consultation of the Apostles and Elders which was related unto the whole Church and ratifyed in the common assembly thereof he affirmeth that this was the right forme of a lawfull and true Apostolick Synod c. And both these are to be understood of such Synods as exercised authority of Ecclesiasticall censure according to the practise of those Churches wherein they lived of which more hereafter Bullinger observeth here as is noted by (e) Expos Eccles in Act. 15.6 Marlorate that this custome was in old time diligently kept of the holy Bishops in imitation of the Apostles and complaineth of the neglect thereof D. Rainolds when as the Papist objected unto him that there must be a chief Iudge to end controversies to keep the trueth of faith peace of the Church that it be not pestered with heresies and schismes he answers thereunto (f) Conf. with Hart. c. 6. div 2. p. 206. that The wisedome of God hath committed that chieftie of judgement so to call it not to the soveraigne power of one but to the common care of many For when there was a controversy in the Church of Antioch about the observation of the law of Moses some Iewes teaching contrarie to that which Paul and Barnabas taught they ordained that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should goe up to Ierusalem to the Apostles and Elders about that question Act. 15.2 And so by their common agreement decree the controversy was ended the trueth of faith kept and peace maintained in the Church After which example the (g) Euseb hist Eccl. l. 5. c. 14. 21. 22. lib. 7. c. 26. 28. Cypr. epist 6. 14 31. 53. 72. 75. Concil Ancyr Gangr Antioch Laodic c. Bishops that succeeded them made the like assemblies on the like occasions and by common conference took order for such matters both of doctrine and discipline
subject unto one another and unto that which is concluded by all Yea this equality is confirmed by the Synodicall decree in this very Article Whereas there be many evidences of the Reformed Churches in France which shew what their judgement and practise is touching the subjection of particular Congregations unto a superiour Ecclesiasticall power yet instead of many one for the rest may suffice which is from the (y) Oordeel en uyrsprake met den Eed vā Approbatie vā het Synode Nation der Gereform Kerckē van Vrancrijck gehoudē tot Ales in de Cevennes besloten en̄ gearresteert den 6. Oct. 1620. Nationall Synod of Ales translated and published in divers languages containing a most pregnant testimony touching this poynt of our controversie Mr C. and W. B. doe falsely tell me of a Iurie of more then 24 men which condemne my position for an errour and untrueth but as we have seene before in the Ministers of the Palatinate so loe here againe a Jurie indeed of more then twise 24 men and of the most choyse Ministers and Elders of all the French Churches and all sworne to submit unto the resolution and sentence concluded by authority of that Synod After a proposition (z) P. 3. ◠made in this Synod by Monsr Turretin touching some meanes to hinder the Arminian Errours c. the Assembly liking wel of that motion and much commending the Synod of Dort as an effectuall remedie to purge the Church and to root out the heresies touching the poynt of praedestination c. after invocation of the name of God they agreed that the Canons of the forenamed Synod of Dort should be read in their full assembly which being done and every Article seriously weighed they were then by universall consent approved as agreeable to Gods word c. Hereupon all the Ministers and Elders deputed unto this Assembly did each of them severally sweare and protest that they consented and accorded with this doctrine and that they should maintaine and defend it with all their might unto the last breath And to (a) P. 4.5 make this concordant agreement the more authentick and to binde all the Provinces thereunto the Assembly ordained that this present Article should be printed and joyned with the Canons of the mentioned Synod and that the same should be read in the Provinciall Synods and in the Universities that there it might be approved sworne and subscribed unto by the Ministers Elders and Professours of the Universities as also by those that desired to be admitted unto the holy Ministery or unto any Academicall profession And if (b) P. 5. any man should reject either in whole or in part the doctrine contayned in the foresaid Synod and defined by the Canons thereof or should refuse to take the Oath of consent and approbation the Assembly ordained that the same should not be receaved unto any ministery in the Church or unto any office of Schoolemaister The forme of oath taken first in the Nationall Synod afterward to be taken in the Provinciall Synods was (c) P. 6. this I N. sweare and protest before God and this holy Assembly that I receave approve and embrace the whole doctrine taught and decided in the Synod of Dort as being wholy conformed unto the word of God and the Confession of our Churches I sweare and promise during my life to continue in the profession of this doctrine and to defend the same according to my utmost power that I neither in preaching nor teaching in the schooles nor in writing will ever depart from this Rule I declare also and protest that I reject and condemne the doctrine of the Arminians seeing it doth hang the election of God upon the will of man diminisheth and disannulleth the grace of God exalts man and the strength of his free will to cast him downe from above brings in againe Pelagianisme excuseth Popery and overthrowes the certainty of salvation So truely let God help me and be mercifull unto me as I doe before him sweare that which is aforesayd without any equivocation or evasion or inward mentall reservation After this followes the (d) P. 7 8 9 10 11. subscription of the names of the principall lights starres of the French Churches the Ministers and Elders deputed and sent unto that Nationall Synod from the Churches in the severall Provinces of France as of Picardie Champagne the French Iland Normandie Bretagne Dauphine Burgundie Languedoc Guienne Poictou Aniou and many others Hereby the Reader may perceave what power and authority is exercised in the Reformed Churches of France that they doe not observe their Synods for to conclude matters by way of advise and counsell onely but by their decrees and ordinances doe binde men to submit unto their sentence and judgement excluding those from the ministery professions in Universities or Schooles that refuse to consent and yeeld unto their resolutions Hereby it appeares how vainely Mr Canne alledgeth their Confessions perverteth them quite contrary to their meanings That which is alledged out of the Confession of Ausburgh comes not neere the question betwixt us For what though it be there affirmed (e) Confes August Art 14. that no man ought to teach publickly in the Church or to administer the Sacraments unlesse he be lawfully called This proves not that calling to be unlawfull which is directed by an Ecclesiasticall authority out of a particular Congregation or that Classes and Synods have no right to hinder the disordred callings of unfit persons when particular Churches doe offend therein And that the Authors of that Confession did approve of the authority of Synods for the judgement of Ecclesiasticall causes it appeareth both by (f) Syntag. Confes par 2. p. 7. their Appeale unto a generall free Christian Councell which they humbly request and seek in their preface unto the Emperour Charles the fift and afterwards againe speaking of the meanes to purge the Church from abuses they say that (g) Ib. p. 28.29 Confes August Art 21. now long agoe all good men in all nations doe desire a Synod And further This is the usuall and lawfull way to end dissensions namely to referre Ecclesiasticall controversies unto Synods This manner the Church hath observed even from the Apostles And the most excellent Emperours Constantine and Theodosius even in matters not very obscure and in absurd opinions would yet ordaine nothing without a Synod that they might preserve the liberty of the Church in the judgements of doctrines And it is most honourable for the Emperour to imitate the example of those the best Princes c. And therefore as in the times of Constantine and Theodosius particular Churches were subject unto another superiour Ecclesiasticall power that judged their causes and censured offendours so they of the Ausburg Confession desired the like of Charles the fift The publick order set forth in these Low countries is in the next place alledged against me But the (h) Art
that if his order of Synods may be refused by such as deserve Ecclesiasticall censures that then a doore should be opened to all heresies sects all the judgements of the Church whereunto Christ sendeth us should be subverted c. The Divines of Embden (e) Ibid. p. 1â—7 accord with the rest and besides other reasons for confirmation of Synodall Authority in the judgement of Ecclesiasticall causes they alledge that very place of Scripture Act. 20.28 which my opposites pervert to a contrary end against me Neither have they onely in generall shewed what the authority of Synods is and also what this Synod may doe but the Synod goes further and proceeds unto the exercise of this power and pronounceth sentence against those that persisted in their errours In the Copie of that Sentence (f) Act. Syn. Nat. Dordr Sess 138. p. 280. there be divers acts of their power to be observed in the severall expressions formes of speech used therein as for example This Synod of Dort doth seriously instantly and according to the authority which it hath by the word of God over all the members of their Churches in the name of Christ require exhort admonish enjoyne all every one of the Pastours in the Churches of the United Provinces Doctours Rectours Masters in the Universities Schooles c. The Synod after invocation of the holy name of God being in conscience well assured of their authority from the word of God following the steps of Ancient late Synods c. (g) P. 281. Doth interdict the persons cited unto this Synod from all Ecclesiasticall charge and deposeth them from their offices and also judgeth them unworthy of Academicall functions untill by earnest repentance c. For the rest whose cognition is not come to this Nationall Synod it committeth unto Provinciall Synods Classes Presbyteries according to the order receaved that with all care they procure c. That they diligently take heed unto themselves that they admit not any man to the holy ministery which refuseth to subscribe unto the doctrine declared in these Synodicall constitutions and to teach the same that they also retaine no man by whose manifest dissension c. This judgement Sentence of the Synod was afterward in most full ample manner (h) Ibid. p. 282. approved confirmed by the Illustrious Lords the States Generall of the United Provinces acknowledging also the businesse of this Synod to be agreat holy work such as heretofore the Reformed Churches never saw c. Besides this Sentence pronounced against those twelve or thirteen of the Remonstrants that by authority of the Synod were (i) Ibid. p. 16 17. cited to appeare before them there is also another speciall sentence (k) P. 204 205. of suspension from their function concluded pronounced against Everhardus Vosculius and Iohannes Schotlerius Ministers at Campen because of their contumacy in not appearing before the Synod being lawfully cited thereunto Moreover it is memorable that the members of this Synod the Deputies of severall Churches did all every one of them take a most solemne oath in testimony of the good conscience which they had in the exercise of this authority The forme of the Oath was (l) Act. Syn. Nat. Dordr Sess 23. p. 61. as followeth I doe promise before God whom I beleeve and reverence as the present searcher of the reines and hearts that in this whole Synodall action wherein shal be undertaken an examination judgement decision both touching the five knowne Articles and the difficulties thence arising and also touching all other matters of doctrine I will not take any humane writings but onely the word of God for the certaine undoubted rule of faith and that in this whole cause I shall propound nothing to my self but the glory of God the peace of his Church and in speciall the conservation of the purity of doctrine So let my Saviour Jesus Christ be mercifull unto me whom I most earnestly beseech that he would continually assist me in this purpose with the grace of his Spirit This oath being first taken by the President of the Synod all the other Professours Pastours Elders of the Netherlands deputed unto the Synod and then all the Divines of other nations standing up in order did with a loud voyce every one of them declare that they did holily promise and sweare before God the same thing and testifyed that they came with such minde unto the Synod had hitherto sit downe therein and would hereafter by the grace of God continue Having now such a cloud of witnesses consenting with me I have reason in this place againe to put Mr Canne in minde of his vaine boasting (m) Ch. pl. p. 83. touching a Iurie of more then 24. men condemning me of errour Here may he see a Jurie of more then thrice 24 sworne men and of the most excellent servants of God in so many Reformed Churches and Universities the lights of Christendome the flower of the Churches and the select crowne of learned men as they of Geneva doe (n) Act. Syn. Nat. Dordr Sess 3. p. 12. stile them all testifying both by word and practise against him and against the opinion of Mr Dav. touching the jurisdiction of Synods A Supplement annexed by the Publisher for answer unto that vvhich follovveth in Mr Cannes booke THus farre good Reader the Authour hath travelled through those tedious wayes which Mr C. though with lesse trouble yet with more prejudice to his owne cause hath first opened unto him The summe of all is that wading through those streames of Arguments and Reasons wich Mr C. had let out upon him he hath found such as were of any depth to runne another way the other too shallow to hinder the passage of trueth in this controversie And marching through those severall rankes files of learned Authours which Mr C. had mustered brought into the field for his defence and assistance in this conflict he hath found them all excepting those that were to be excepted to be friends instead of enemies testifying plainely in their owne words in the words of sundry others with them that against their wills they were forced to appeare under his banners And therefore in the same order that he marshalled them against the Authority of Synods they now stand in aray against the Independency of Churches There remained yet one part of Mr Can. opposition in this cause to be encountred wherein he pretends to disappoint and conquer such forces as might seeme to be used in defence of that Classicall and Synodall government which he hath hitherto oppugned To this end he (a) Chur. plea p. 92. undertakes to answer certaine Reasons or Objections picked out of divers passages in the Authours (b) Answ to W.B. c first booke supposing by this meanes to have fully acquitted himself in this Dispute Now though there be nothing in these his Answers for