An apologetical reply to a book called an answer to the unjust complaint of…An apologeticall reply to a booke called an ansvver to the unjust complaint of…

As for the second. The things, about which laws are made, are, either necessary, or indifferent. Things necessary are things commanded or forbidden in the Scripture. And they are necessary, either absolutely or in some considerable respect. Things absolutely necessary to godliness are so constituted in the Scripture that no place is left for the impositions of any new law givers. About things necessary, in some considerable respect, Church governors have power to give order, as did the Synod at Jerusalem touching those things which they called necessary Act. 15.28. viz, necessary during the time of the offence of the Jew which was necessary to be avoided. Hereunto also serveth that rule, Let all things be done decently and in order Cor. 14.40. but the rule of that decency must be, not the will and pleasure of men, but the light of nature, Scripture, or warrantable custom. For so it was in the instances given in that chapter, as, for men to pray with long hair, & women bare-headed, in those Eastern countries, and for women to speak in the Congregation, and for many men to speak at once. Things indifferent are such as, being neither commanded nor forbidden in the Scripture, may be variously permitted or prohibited according to various circumstances And they are, either improperly, or properly so called. Things improperly called indifferent, are things not necessary, but only expedient in some respect. In such cases Church governors have power to declare the decency and expediency of them: yea, and to advise and persuade the practise thereof, but not by standing laws to bind the people thereunto. As the Apostle gave his judgment 1. Cor. 7.25.40. & advise concerning single life, in time of the Churches distress: yea, and persuaded to it, for avoiding trouble in the flesh, vers. 26.28. but would not bind them to it, neither in point of conscience, nor of outward practise as having no commandment from the Lord (vers. 25.) and saith that such a commandment had been a snare (vers. 35. And herein the power of Church governors falleth short of the authority of civill Magistrates, who may, in civill matters, make standing and binding laws for any thing expedient to the Common wealth. Whereunto subjects are bound readily to submit. (1. Pet. 2.13.)

As for the second. The things, about which lawes are made, are, either necessary, or indifferent. Things necessary are things cōmanded or forbidden in the Scripture. And they are necessary, either absolutely or in some considerable respect. Things absolutely necessary to godlines are so constituted in the Scripture that no place is left for the impositions of any new law givers. About things necessary, in some considerable respect, Churchgovernours have power to give order, as did the Synod at Ierusalem touching those things which they called necessary