Christianismus primitivus, or, The ancient Christian religion, in its nature, certainty, excellency, and beauty, (internal and external) particularly considered, asserted, and vindicated from the many abuses which have invaded that sacred profession, by humane innovation, or pretended revelation comprehending likewise the general duties of mankind, in their respective relations : and particularly the obedience of all Christians to magistrates, and the necessity of Christian-moderation about things dispensible in matters of religion : with divers cases of conscience discussed and resolved / by Thomas Grantham ...

SECT. I.

BY General Assemblies we do not mean a Convention of Bishops, &c. throughout the VVorld, not conceiving the thing possible to be attained at all times, if at any time, since the Propagation of the Gospel throughout all Nations, or the greatest part of the VVorld. Whether we consider the State of Nations, or of the Churches in all Nations; especially if a competent Number of Christians of differing Apprehensions (for whose sake only such a Meeting were desirable) should so convene or come together: Certainly the Magnitude would exceed the conveniency of Communication in any one place, and not a little disturb the Peace of the Nation or City where they should so convene. But that which is of greatest force against such a Conven∣tion, is this; That God hath not required such a thing. Neither have the Apostles left us a President of that nature: For though great Controversies did arise in their days, yet they did not call together chosen men out of all Nations where they had preached Christ, to re∣medy such Inconveniencies, but by Doctrine and Writing did still as∣sert the Truth once delivered, and detect those Innovations, &c. But this we say, That a Convention of the Pastors of as many Church∣es as by reason of the vicinity of Countrey, and acquaintance of each others Affairs; and who, without the disturbance of the Publick Peace of such Nations, may so meet together; this we doubt not may lawfully be done, and through God's Blessing is very profitable for the management of the great affair of Christian Religion with one consent. And for this, that best of General Assemblies, Act. 15. is a good Precedent, where we find the Church at Antioch, disturbed with the great Controversie about the necessity of Circumcision, and of keeping the Law; whereupon they send divers men to the Church at Jerusalem to consult and resolve the point in question, which they did effectually perform (after a through debate, wherein was great dissention and disputation) to the consolation of the Churches, and the encrease of their number daily, Act. 15. 31. and 16. 5.

Yet it is here to be observed, That the Church at Antioch did not send to Jerusalem, for that they wanted power to decide this Question, but as taking herein a course which was both laudible and profitable for themselves and others: For they had not only Barnabas, but Paul also; who was not destitute of authority to censure the contrary-minded, and to avouch the Liberty of Christians in opposition to the Bondage of the Law. But considering the matter as a common cause, and as all Churches are but one Mystical Body, and though equally entire Communities in themselves, yet have an Interest in the Gifts of each other, no one being able to say to the rest, I have no need of thee. And there being men at Jerusalem of equal fitness to try and judge in this case; and more especially for that they who caused the Contention came down from Judea, and went out from the Apostles, Act. 15. 1, 24. It was meet this Matter should there be examined, where it was like to undergo the strictest enquiry; as also that the Apostles might have the fairer opportunity to purge themselves from that Suspicion which might hence arise, that they favoured such Doctrine, because those that taught it to the Gentiles came out from them, as ver. 24. And therefore the Apostles do in the first place clear themselves in that case, as having given no such Commandment to these Zealots for the Law.

This mutual Consultation therefore of many Churches together, shews not the Superiority of Churches one above another; but only the Brotherly Interest which they have in the Strength of each other, and the Duty which lieth upon the Churches one to help another in their difficulties. And doubtless her Strength thus united, is the most powerful Means under Heaven, (through the virtue of Christ's Promise to be with them as his Church) to stop the Current of Here∣sie, and to keep the Churches in unity, both in Doctrine and Man∣ners, as appears in the Result of this Sacred Assembly, and the Effect which followed thereupon. And sith we read but of one Assembly so general as this in the Apostles days, it may teach us they are not to be conven'd but upon emergent occasion, or when lower endea∣vours fail to effect the Peace of the Churches.

According to this President, the Baptized Churches in this Age and Nation (though unworthy to compare with those Worthies) have kept an Assembly General for many years, for the better settlement of the Churches to which they are related, and do hope to see a good issue thereof towards the better Manifestation of such Truths, as by reason of the Corruption of former times have been neglected, and that by men who yet have done very worthily in many things per∣taining to the Restitution of Christianity.

It is true, we read of unhappy Effects of general Meetings of Bi∣shops in former times, (and the like may and doth too often happen now) whence some seem to disgust Assemblies of this kind. But this can be no Plea against the thing, but only against mens abuse of it; and what good thing is it, which God hath allowed for the well-being of his Churches, which at some time or other hath not likewise been

abused by men of corrupt minds. We may not say the Apostles left us any ill President, yet it is certain they left us this; and to forsake them, and follow others fancies, will not attend us with any comfort, or ground of better success. Let not then the Ministers of Christ neglect the Means which was blessed of God, with such good effect (though when they had done what they could, men ceased not to do mischief in the Churches) but let them watch against Pride and Ig∣norance, which are the greatest Impediments to good proceedings in such Conventions.