en a pattern to succeeding ages, all this was
unnecessary: how absurd for inspired men to reason and dispute on the
subject, when the sentence of one inspired was sufficient for decision!

_Quest_. How does it appear that there were judicial decrees given by
this synod?

_Ans_. In opposition to the false doctrine taught, they, by a judicial
decision, plainly declared, that obedience to the ceremonies of the law
of Moses was no longer necessary: and by a decree for promoting decency
and good order, they enacted, that to avoid offence, the believing
Gentiles should abstain from fornication, from things strangled, and
from blood, verse 24-29.

_Quest_. What effect had the decision of this synod upon the churches?

_Ans_. They cheerfully submitted to these _decrees_, and were by them
conformed in the faith, comforted in heart, and increased in number
daily, Acts xv. 31, and xvi. 4, 5.

_Quest_. But might not this be a meeting merely for consultation, and
their decision a mere advice?

_Ans_. No: for every word here used imports authority. The word
translated _lay upon_, commonly signifies an authoritative imposition,
Matt. xxiii. 4. The decision is expressly called a _necessary burden_,
and _decrees ordained_, which imply power and authority, Acts xv. 16,
xvii. 7.

_Quest_. How does it appear that inferior courts are subordinate to
those that are superior; sessions to presbyteries, and presbyteries to
synods?

_Ans_. The true light of nature (which is proved, chap, iii., to be one
of those ways, whereby a thing is of divine right) teacheth us, that, if
we be injured by an inferior court, we may appeal to a higher court for
redress, if there be one. As in the Jewish church there was evidently a
subordination of judicatories, so that those injured in the synagogue
might appeal to the Sanhedrin, Deut. xvii. 8, 12; 2 Chron. xix. 8, 11;
Exod. xviii. 22, 26; Ps. cxxii. 5: therefore as our dangers,
difficulties, and necessities are as great as theirs, by reason of false
teachers and corrupt doctrines, which were foretold should appear in the
last times, 1 Tim. iv. 1; 2 Pet. ii. 1; we cannot, without dishonor to
Christ, suppose that he would deprive us of a proper remedy for
redressing our grievances, which was afforded unto them:--the gradual
advance in managing offences prescribed by Christ himself, Matt. xviii.
19, as his care for the whole church cannot be less than for a single
member. If then an inferior judicatory