Of Synods and Councils
I. For the better government, and further edification of
the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called Synods or Councils.a
a. Acts. 15:2, 4, 6.
II. As magistrates may lawfully call a synod of
ministers, and other fit persons, to consult and advise with, about matters of religion;a
so, if magistrates be open enemies to the Church, the ministers of Christ, of themselves,
by virtue of their office, or they, with other fit persons upon delegation from their
Churches, may meet together in such assemblies.b
a. Is. 49:23; I Tim. 2:1-2; II Chron. 19:8-11; 29:1-36;
30:1-27; Mal. 2:4-5; Prov. 11:14.
b. Acts 15:2, 4, 22-23, 25.
III. It belongs to synods and councils, ministerially to
determine controversies of faith, and cases of conscience; to set down rules and
directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of His
Church; to receive complaints in cases of maladministration, and authoritatively to
determine the same: which decrees and determinations, if consonant to the Word of God, are
to be received with reverence and submission; not only for their agreement with the Word,
but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God appointed
thereunto in His Word.a
a. Acts 15:15, 19, 24, 27-31; 16:4; Matt. 18:17-20..
IV. All synods or councils, since the Apostles' times,
whether general or particular, may err; and many have erred. Therefore they are not to be
made the rule of faith, or practice; but to be used as a help in both.a
a. Eph. 2:20; Acts 17:11; I Cor. 2:5; II Cor. 1:24.
V. Synods and councils are to handle, or conclude
nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs
which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary;
or, by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the
civil magistrate.a
a. Luke 12:13-14; John 18:36.
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