CHAP : XVI.
Of Synods
Synods orderly assembled, & rightly proceeding according to
the pattern, Acts. 15. we acknowledg as the ordinance of Christ:
(1) & though not absolutely
necessary to the being, yet many times, through the iniquity of
men, & perversness of times, necessary to the wel-being of
churches, for the establishment of truth, & peace therin.
2 Synods being spirituall & ecclesiasticall assemblyes, are
therfore made up of spirituall & ecciesiasticall causes. The
next efficient cause of them under Christ, is the powr of the
churches, sending forth their Elders, [&] other messengers;
who being mett together (2) in the name
of Christ, are the matter of a Synod : & they in argueing,
debating & determining matters of religion according to the
word, & publishing the same to the churches whom it
concerneth, doe put forth the proper & formall acts of a
Synod; (3) to the convictio of errours,
& heresyes, & the establishment of truth & peace in
the Churches, which is the end of a Synod. (4)
3 Magistrates, have powr to call a Synod, by calling to the
Churches to send forth (5)their Elders
& other messengers, to counsel & assist them in matters
of religion : but yett the constituting of a Synod, is a church
act, & may be transacted by the churches, (6) even when civil magistrates may be
enemyes to churches and to church assemblyes.
4 It belongeth unto Synods & counsels, to debate &
determine controversies of faith, (7)
& cases of consciece ; to cleare from the word holy
directions for the holy worship of God, & good government of
the church ; to beare witness against mal-administration (8) & [27] Corruption in doctrine or
maners in any particular Church, & to give directions for the
reformation therof: Not to exercise Church-censures in way of
discipline, nor any other act of church-authority or
jurisdiction: which that presidentiall Synnd did forbeare.
5 The Synods directions & determinations, so farr as
consonant to the word of God, are to be received with reverence
& submission; not only for their agreement therwith (which is
the principall ground therof, & without which they bind not
at all:) but also secondarily, for the powr (9) wherby they are made, as being an
ordinance of God appointed therunto in his word.
6 Because it is difficult, if not impossible, for many churches
to com altogether in one place, in all their mebers universally:
therfore they may assemble by their delegates or messengers, as
the church of Antioch went not all to Ierusalem, (10) but some select men for that purpose.
Because none are or should be more fitt to know the state of the
churches, nor to advise of wayes for the good therof then Elders;
therfore it is fitt that in the choice of the messengers for such
assemblies, they have special respect uto such. (11) Yet in as much as not only Paul &
Barnabas, but certayn others also were sent to Ierusalem from
Antioch. Acts. 15. & when they were come to Ierusalem, not
only the Apostles & Elders, but other brethren also doe
assemble, & meet. about the matter ; therfore Synods are to
consist both of Elders, & other church-members, endued with
gifts, & sent by the churches, not excluding the presence of
any brethren in the churches.
1. Acts 15. 2. to 15.
2. Acts 15. ,2, 3 vers 6. vers 7 to 23
3. [Acts 15] vers 31.
Acts 16 4. 15.
5. 2 Chron 29. 4. 5. To 11.
6. Acts 15.
7. Acts 15. 1. 2. 6. 7. 1 Chro 15.13.
8. 2 Chron 29: 6,7. Acts 15.24 vers 28, 29.
9. Acts 15.
10. Acts 15. 2
11. Acts 15: 2 vers 22, 23