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    of trueth and peace therein.

    2

      Synods being spirituall & Ecclesiasticall Assemblies, are

    therefore made up of spirituall and ecclesiasticall causes

    The next efficient cause of them under cht, is the power

    of the churches, sending forth their elders & other messengers,

    who being mett togeather in the name of cht, are the

    matter of the Synod: and they in arguing, debating &

    determining matters of Religion according to the word,

    & publishing the same to the churches whom it concerneth,

    do put forth the proper and formall acts of a Synod,

    to the conviction of Errors & Haresyes, & the establismt

    of Trueth & peace in the churches, wch is the end of

    a Synod.

    3

      Magistrates have power to call a Synod, by calling

    to the churches to send forth their Elders & other

    messengers, to counsell & assist them in matters of

    Religion. But yet the constituting of a Synod is a

    church act, & may be transacted by ye churches, even

    when Civill magistrates may be enemyes unto churches,

    and to church=assemblies: Act.15.

    4

      It belongeth to Synods & councells to debate and to

    determine controversies(a) of faith, & cases of conscience;

    to cleare from ye word holy directions for the publike

    worp of God, and good governmt of the church, to beare

    witnesse agt male-administracion(b) & corrupcion in doctrine

    or maners in any pticular church, and to give direction(c)

    for the reformacion thereof; but not to exercise church=

    Censures in way of discipline, nor any other act of

    church=authority or Jurisdicion, wch that precedentiall

    Synod Act.15. did forebeare (a) Act.15.2,6. (b) vers. 24

    (c) vers.28,29.

    5

      The synods directions and determinacions so farre as