The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

BUT yet it is not necessary that they alone should be so sent or Delegated by the Churches; but many have others joined with them, and had so until Prelatical Usurpation overturned their Liberties. So there were others beside Paul and Barnabas sent from Antioch to Jerusalem; and the Brethren of that Church, whatever is impudently pretended to the contrary, concurred in the Decree and Determination there made.

BUT yet it is not necessary that they alone should be so sent or Delegated by the Churches; but many have others joined with them, and had so until Prelatical Vsurpation overturned their Liberties. So there were others beside Paul and Barnabas sent from Antioch to Jerusalem; and the Brethren of that Church, whatever is impudently pretended to the contrary, concurred in the Decree and Determination there made.

5. THAT which is termed the calling of these Synods, is nothing but the voluntary consent of the Churches concerned to meet together by their Delegates and Messengers, for the ends before declared.

I NO way deny, but that a Christian Magistrate may convene by his Authority the Bishops, Pastors or Ministers, with such others as he shall think meet within his own Territories; yea, and receive into his Convention meet Men out of the Territories of others by their consent, to advise among themselves, and to give him Advice about such concernments of Religion, and of the Church under his Dominion, and Regulate himself accordingly. It hath been practised with good success, and may be with bad also. And I do deny that Churches have Power, without the consent and Authority of the Magistrate, to convene themselves in Synods to exercise any Exterior Jurisdiction that should affect the Persons of his Subjects, any otherwise than by the Law of the Land is allowed.