Part 2 — Chapter 4: Of the Authority of Provincial and National Synods

Touching Synods, I shall first shew what their power is, and thereafter give arguments for the same. The power of Jurisdiction which we ascribe to Synods, is the same in nature and kind with that which belongs to Presbyteries, but with this difference, that Presbyteries do exercise it in an ordinary way, and in matters proper to the congregations within their circuit. Synods do exercise this power in matters which are common to a whole province, or nation; or if in matters proper to the bounds of one Presbytery, it is in an extraordinary way; that is to say, when either Presbytery has erred in the managing of their own matters, or when such things are transferred to the Synod from the Presbytery, whether it be by appellation or by reference.

The power of Jurisdiction, whereof I speak is threefold, [in non-Latin alphabet], and [in non-Latin alphabet]. So it is distinguished by our writers, and all these three do in manner foresaid belong to Synods. In respect of Articles of faith or worship, a Synod is Iudex or Testis: In respect of external order and policy in circumstances, a contriver of a Canon, or [in non-Latin alphabet]. In respect of heresy, schism, obstinacy, contempt and scandal, Vindex: not by any external coactive power (which is peculiar to the Magistrate) but by spiritual censures.

The dogmatic power of a Synod, is not a power to make new Articles of faith, nor new duties and parts of divine worship, but a power to apply and interpret those Articles of faith, and duties of worship which God has set before us in his written Word, and to declare the same to be inconsistent with emergent heresies and errors. To this purpose it is that the Apostle calls the Church the pillar and ground of truth, [in non-Latin alphabet], not [in non-Latin alphabet], which may be expounded either in sensu forensi, the Church is the public witness, notifier and keeper of truth; even as in Courts and places of judgement, there are pillars to which the Edicts of Magistrates are affixed, that people may have notice thereof: or in sensu architectonico, as the Church by her faith is built upon Christ, or (which is all one) upon the doctrine and truth of Christ, contained in the writings of the Prophets and Apostles, and leans thereto: so by her Ministry she upholds, under-props, and conserves this same truth, lest, as the Prophet speaks, Truth fall in the streets, and perish among men. Truth stands fast in the Church, and is kept firm, while it is professed, preached, propugned and maintained against all contrary error and heresy. In the same sense says the Apostle, that to the Jewish Church were committed the Oracles of God, by them to be kept, interpreted, propagated, etc.

By the Diatactic power a Synod may institute, restore, or change, according to the condition and exigence of the Church, the external circumstances in the worship of God, and Ecclesiastical discipline: I mean those circumstances which are common both to civil and sacred Societies, the convenience whereof is determinable by the light of Nature, always observing the general rules of the Word, which commands that all be done to the glory of God, that all be done to edifying, that all be done in order and decency, that we give none offence, that we support the weak, that we give no place to the enemies of the truth, nor symbolize with Idolaters, etc. Now for avoiding disorder and disconformity in a Nation professing one Religion, it is fit that National Synods give certain directions and rules even concerning these rites and circumstances, not having therein an arbitrary or Autocratic power, but being always tied to follow the rules foresaid.

The Critical power of a Synod, is not a lordly imperious domineering over the flock of Christ, which is not to be ruled with force and cruelty; but it is the power of spiritual censures, as excommunication, deposition, and the like, most necessary for the repressing of heresy, error, obstinacy in wickedness, and scandals, otherwise incorrigible. Without this power, schisms and offences could not be cured, but should the more increase; while liberty is left to heretics, schismatics, and obstinate persons, without any censure to pester and disturb a whole Nation, without any regard to the constitutions of a National Synod.

But may one say, if the Decrees of a Synod concerning matters of Faith or Worship, may and ought to be examined by the sure rule of the word of God, and only to be received when they do agree therewith; and if also the constitutions of a Synod in external circumstances, do not bind, except ex aquo & bono, and propter justas mandandi causas: or, as Divines speak, in casu scandali & contemptus, and not for the mere will or authority of a Synod; and if therefore all Christians are by the private judgement of Christian discretion, following the light of God's Word and Spirit, to try and examine all decrees and constitutions of any Synod whatever, to know whether they may lawfully receive the same, as our Divines maintain and prove against Papists. If these things be so, it may seem contrary to Christian liberty, and to the doctrine of Protestant Writers, that Synods should exercise the foresaid Critical power, or inflict any spiritual censures, at least upon those who profess, that after examination of the decrees or constitutions, they cannot be persuaded of the lawfulness of the same.

Ans. 1. Our Divines by those their tenets, mean not to open a door to disobedience and contempt of the ordinances of a Synod, but only to oppugn the Popish error concerning the binding power of Ecclesiastical laws, by the sole will and naked authority of the law-maker, and that Christian people ought not to seek any further reason or motive of obedience. 2. A Synod must ever put a difference between those who out of a real scruple of conscience, do in a modest and peaceable way, refuse obedience to their ordinances, still using the means of their better information, and those who contemptuously or factiously disobey the same, labouring with all their might to strengthen themselves in their error, and to persuade others to be of their mind. 3. This objection does militate no less against Ecclesiastical censures in a particular congregation, than in a National Synod. And they who do at all approve of Church censures to be inflicted upon the contemptuous and obstinate, shall put in our mouths an answer to objections of this kind.