The proof of both these assertions depends on what was before de- clared of the nature and use of these synods; for if they are such as we have evinced, no other power or authority can be ascribed unto them but that here allowed. Yet the whole may be further illus- trated by some brief considerations of the assembly at Jerusalem in the nature of a synod, recorded Acts xv.
(1.) The occasion of it was a difference in the church of Antioch, which they could not compose among themselves, because those who caused the difference pretended authority from the apostles, as is evident, verses 1, 24.
(2.) The means of its convention was the desire and voluntary reference of the matter in debate made by the church at Antioch, where the difference was, unto that at Jerusalem, where, as it was pretended, the cause of the difference arose, unto the hazard of their mutual communion, to be consulted of with their own messengers.
(3.) The persons constituting the synodwere the apostles, elders, and brethren of the church at Jerusalem, and the messengers of that of An- tioch, with whom Paul and Barnabaswerejoinedinthe same delegation.
(4.) The matter in difference was debated, as unto the mind of God concerning it in the Script^ire, and out of the Scripture. On James' proposal the determination was made.
(5.) There was ?i of /ttn^ im2)0sed anew on the practice of the churches; only direction is given in one particular instance as unto duty, neces- sary on many accounts unto the Gentile converts, namely, to abstain
208 TRUE NATURE OF A GOSPEL CHURCH.
from fornication and from the use of their liberty in such instances of its practice as whereon scandal would ensue ; which was the duty of all Christians even before this determination, and is so still in many other instances besides those mentioned in the decree, only it was now declared unto them.
(6.) The grounds whereon the synod proposed the reception of and compliance with its decrees were four: — [1.] That what they had determined was the mind of the Holy Ghost: " It pleased the Holy Ghost." This mind they knew either by inspiration, or immediate revelation made unto themselves, or by what was written or recorded in the Scripture, which ou all other occasions they alleged as what was the word and spoken by the Holy Ghost; and it is evident that it was this latter way, namely, a discoveiy of the mind of the Holy Ghost in the Scripture, that is intended. However, it is concluded that nothing be proposed or confirmed in synods but what is well known to be the mind of the Holy Ghost in the Scripture, either by immediate inspiration or by Scripture revelation. [2.] The authority of the assembly, as convened in the name of Christ and by virtue of his presence, whereof we have spoken before : " It pleased the Holy Ghost and us." [3.] That the things which they had de- termined were "necessary;" that is, antecedently so unto that deter- mination,— namely, the abstaining from the use of their liberty in things indifferent, in case of scandal. [4.] From the duty with re- spect unto the peace and mutual communion of the Jewish and Gentile churches: "Doing thus/' say they, "ye shall do well;" which is all the sanction of their decree, manifesting that it was doctrinal, not authoritative in way of jurisdiction.
(7.) The doctrinal abridgment of the liberty of the Gentile Chris- tians in case of scandal they call the " imposing of no other burden," in opposition unto what they rejected, namely, the imposing a yoke of ceremonies upon them, verse 10: so that the meaning of these words is, that they would lay no burden on them at 'all, but only advise them unto things necessary for the avoidance of scandal; for it is impious to imagine that the apostles would impose any yoke or lay any burden on the disciples but only the yoke and burden of Christ, as being contrary to their commission, Matt, xxviii. 19, 20.
Hence it will follow that a synod convened in the name of Christ, by the voluntary consent of several cluxrches concerned in mutual communion, may declare and determine of the mind of the Holy Ghost in the Scripture, and decree the observation of things true and necessary, because revealed and appointed in the Scripture ; which are to be received, owned, and observed on the evidence of the mind of the Holy Ghost in them, and on the ministerial authority of the synod itself
A LETTER
CONCERXiNO
THE MATTEE OF THE PEESENT EXCOMMUNICATIONS.
11. A DISCOURSE
CON'CERXINQ
THE ADMINISTRATION OF CHUECH CENSUEES.
VOL. XVI. 14
PREFATOHY NOTES.
I.
No date can be assigned to this letter on the subject of the excommunications. The reader will find an explanation of these cruel processes in a prefatory note to our author's " Word of Advice to the Citizens of London:" see vol. xiii. p. 576. The letter, which is "written, especially towards the close, with some point and humour, exposes the prostitu- tion of a gospel ordinance implied in these excommunications by the civil power, and vindicates the character of the Dissenters, against whom they were issued.
ir.
The tract on the administration of church censures appeared in the folio volume of " Sermons and Tracts," which was published in 1721, but seems to have been previously given to the world. It is of use in explaining and defending Congregational usages in matters of ecclesiastical discipline. — Ed.