40

    consonant to the word of God are to be recd wth reverence

    and submission, not onely for their Agreemt therewth, wch is

    the principall ground thereof, & wthout wch they bind not

    at all; but secondarily, for the power whereby ^they were made,

    as being an ordinance of God appointed thereunto in his

    word.

    6

      Because it is difficult if not impossible for many

    churches to come all togeather in one place, in all their

    members universally, therefore they may assemble by their delegates,

    or messengers, as they church of Antioch went not all to

    Jerusalem, but sent some select members for that

    purpose: Act.15.2.

    7

      Because none are or should be more fit to know the

    state of the churches, nor to advise of waies for the good

    thereof, then Elders, therefore it is fitt that in the choice

    of the messengers for such Assemblies, they have speciall

    respect unto such. Yet inasmuch as not onely Paul &

    Barnabas, but certayne others also were sent to Jerusalem

    from Antioch, Act.15.1 and when they were come to Jerusalem

    not onely the Apostles & Elders, but other brethren also do

    assemble and meet about the matter, Therefore

    Synods are to consist, both of Elders & other church=members,

    endued wth gifts and sent by the churches to have

    decisive voyces therein, not excluding the prsence of

    any brethren of the churches. Act.15.22,23.

    ¶      Chapt. 17. of the Civill magistrates

              power in matters Ecclesiasticall.

    1

      It is lawfull and necessary for chtians to gather themselves

    into church-estate, and therein to exercise all the ordinances

    of cht according unto the word, although the consent of