elders, _to consider of
the matter_, ver. 6, and a _multitude of brethren_ together with them,
ver. 12, 22, 23; and after searching out the cause by an ordinary means
of disputation, ver. 7, Peter cleared it by the witness Of the Spirit to
his ministry in Cornelius's family; Paul and Barnabas by the like effect
of their ministry among the Gentiles: James confirmed the same by the
testimony of the prophets, wherewith the whole synod being satisfied,
they determine of a JUDICIAL SENTENCE, and of a way to publish it by
letters and messengers; in which they CENSURE the false teachers as
troublers of their church, and subverters of their souls; they reject
the imposition of circumcision as a yoke which neither they nor their
fathers were able to bear; they IMPOSE upon the Church none but some
necessary observations, and them by way of THAT AUTHORITY which the Lord
had given them, ver. 28: which PATTERN clearly showeth us to whom the
key of authority is committed, when there groweth offence and difference
in a church. Look as in the case of the offence of a faithful brother
persisted in, the matter is at last judged and determined in a church:
so in the offence of the church or congregation, the matter is at last
judged in a congregation of churches, a church of churches; for what is
a synod else but a church of churches?"--Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven,
pages 47-49.]

[Footnote 116: Junius, Beza, Calvin, and Piscator.]

APPENDIX.

NO. 1.[117]

_Of the Scriptural Qualifications and Duties of Church Members._

_Quest_. What persons have a right in the sight of God to be actual
members of the Church of Christ?

_Ans_. Only regenerated and converted persons, such as are married to,
and have put on Christ; such as are savingly and powerfully enlightened,
quickened, and convinced of sin, righteousness, and judgment;[118] such
as have chosen Christ for their Lord and Saviour, and resigned and made
over themselves to him, and received him upon his own terms;[119] such
only as are reconciled unto, and are in favor with God; as are justified
by faith, sanctified by the Spirit, and set apart for holiness, and unto
a living to God, and no more unto themselves:[120] such as are the
beloved of God, called effectually to be saints, and have really and
sincerely taken upon them the yoke of Christ Jesus, I say such persons,
and only such, doth Jesus Christ account worthy of this privilege and
dignity.[121] Although men do not