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The Divine Right of Church Government by Sundry Ministers Of Christ Within The City Of London by Unknown
page 274 of 411 (66%)

2. To what end hath the Holy Ghost so carefully recorded a pattern of
the state and government of the primitive churches in the first and
purest times, but for the imitation of successive churches in after
times? "For whatsoever things wore written aforetime, were written for
our learning," or instruction. But what do such records instruct us?
Only _in fact_, that such things were done by the first churches? or _of
right_ also, that such things should be done by the after churches?
Surely, this is more proper and profitable for us.

3. If such patterns of Christ's apostles, disciples, and primitive
churches in matters of the government will not amount to an obligatory
rule for all following churches, how shall we justify sundry other acts
of religion commonly received in the best reformed churches, and founded
only or chiefly upon the foundation of the practice of Christ's apostles
and the apostolical churches? As the receiving of the Lord's supper on
the Lord's days, Acts xx. 7, &c.; which notwithstanding are generally
embraced without any considerable opposition or contradiction, and that
most deservedly.




CHAPTER XIV.

_Of the Divine Right of Synods, or Synodal Assemblies._


Thus far of the ruling assemblies, which are styled presbyterial; next
come into consideration those greater assemblies, which are usually
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