say not in any â—…â—…cal Power but in Order and Extent then it doth not yet appear that there is any way or expedient whereby there should be a General and Equal Communion of all the Churches in a Nation wherein every Church shall be by their own act and consent interessed and concerned Much less can there be aâ—… Equal Communion of Churches of several Nations For if several Nations should need and desire to hold Communion of Councils who shall chuse the Persons or Instruments by whom this Communion shall be held and acted If Princes chuse them it is not a regular Ecclesiastical Council If Churches chuse and send them shall some Churches onely chuse them or all the Churches â—…f some onely who and why they and not others and how can their act interest and oblige all If all the Churches must chuse then Immediately or â—… Delegates Immediately it is unfeizible especially to act in knowledge and prudence but mediately by their Confidents and Representatives they may The same may be said of the Communion of all the Churches in a Nation or Province where Elections must â—…e performed by Representatives In which way a General and Equal Election is attainable and without it it doth not yet appear that it is attainable Now that several Nations ought to hold Communion and also all the Churches in a Nation it doth appear in these Scriptures Isa. 19. 23 24 25. Zeph. 3. 9. 1 Cor. 11. 1â—… 14. 32 36. Of which see more in Synod at Boston This being commanded by God and as yet no Way or Expedient appearing whereby it may be duely acted we are at a great loss Therefore the Lord opening this way which is so attainable and not without Scripture Light What iâ—… the Churches should set upon the Tryall of it and see how the Lord may appear unto his Servants therein As for the Episcopal Way of Government Alas that is most remote from this Ordinance of Communion of Churches CHAP. III. Of the Constitution of Four Orders of Councils I. WHen Twelve Churches or any other Number under Twenty â—…our shall agree to hold Communion in a Council for Mutual Help and shall send forth Messengers at least two from every Church and they of both Orders of Elders or in defect of Ruling Elders Brethren eminent in Piety and Wisdome who are as Elders to manage the Ordinance of Counsel in the behalf and for the benefit of all the Churches herein combined These do constitute the first Order of a compleat Council the first Ascent of the glorious Temple the first Row in compacting the New Ierusalem These are the Twenty four Elders before the Lord representing all the Congregations which sent them It is both needful and attainable that these Councils should meet once every Moneth II. When Twelve of the first Order of Councils or any other Number under Twenty four shall with the express consent of all their particular Churches agree to hold Communion in a Council for Mutual Help and for the benefit of all the Churches combined and to that end shall send forth from among themselves at least one principal and eminent Teaching Elder and one Ruling Elder to manage the Ordinance of Counsel in a Provincial Synod in the behalf and for the benefit of all the Churches herein combined These do constitute the second Order of Councils These are a Provincial Council these do represent very many Churches and all the people in them with their express consent and yet they are but Twenty four Elders so denominated by their least and constituting Number though the Numbers represented be very great according to Rev. 5. 8 9 c. These all are Church-Messengers sent forth to manage the Ordinance of Counsel though immediately sent forth by the first Councils with the express consent of all the Churches combined These are the second Row of Churches compacted by the Number Twelve the second Row of 〈◊〉 in the Temple of equal dimensions to the first and built upon the first standing upon the same bottom and foundation the Twelve Apostles It is both needfull and attainable that these should meet quarterly III. When Twelve Provincial Councils or any other number under Twenty four shall with the explicite consent of the first Councils and with the explicite consent of the Churches who are in this Combination agree to hold Communion in a Council for Mutual Help and to that end shall send forth from among themselves at least one principal Teaching Elder and one Ruling Elder both eminent in holiness wisdome and all fitting abilities to manage the Ordinance of Counsel in a National Synod in the behalf and for the benefit of all the Provinces first Councils and particular Churches herein combined These do constitute a Third Order of Councils These are a National Council these do represent a whole Nation of Churches and all the people of the Land and yet they are but Twenty four Elders as Rev. 5 1â—… 13 14. though all Creatures concurre and are combined in the work all are represented before the Lord in Twenty four Elders These are all of them Church-Messengers sent forth to manage the Ordinance of Counsel but they are immediately sent forth by the Proviâ—…iall Councils IV. As the first Councils consist of the most choyce persons in all the Churches so the Provincial Councils do consist of the most choyce Instruments in the respective Provinces and the National Council doth consist of the most choyce persons in all the Nation who pass through so many Ecclesiastical Elections before they arrive unto this high and â—…oly Service They pass under an opportunity of being called out from among all the Choyce Iewels of the Nation who are in â—…n Ecclesiastical Order and Capacity It will be both needful and attainable that these should meet once in a Year V. When Twelve National Councils or any Number under Twenty four shall agree with the explicite consent of all the Churches passing and arising through all the Orders of Councils to hold Communion in Councils for Mutual Help and to that end shall send Forth at least one Teaching and one Ruling Elder men eminent in Holiness and Abilities for so high a service to constitute an Oecumenical Council and there to manage the Ordinance of Counsel in the behalf and for the benefit of all the Churches and Councils herein combined These do constitute a Fourth Order of Councils They are an Oecumenical Council and represent all the Churches in those Nations before the Lord VI. Twenty three Nations met in one Council will be a great glory to Christ and by what hath yet been in the world may be called Oecumenical Yet when the Kingdomes of this world shall become the Kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ I know not but there will be Councils above this Nay why may there not be Twelve Ascents in combining all the World Rev. 21. 16 17. But I leave it to the Lord. At present this is the top and uppermost
liberty we finde more and more need to insist upon and that in such a fixed and ordered way as that thereby men may be tyed to attend unto Counsel IV. A Council is constituted Acts. 15. where the wisdome of the holy Ghost hath given us a Pattern of the least and of the greatest Councils as our N. E. Divines have well observed There cannot be a less Council then that was for there were but two Churches mentioned and there cannot be a greater and more compleat one because there were the greatest Counsellors a most compleat Pattern even the Apostles of Jesus Christ teaching That if there be but two Churches they may enjoy the Ordinance of mutuall Counsel though more incompleatly But if there he many Churches then they are to be ordered according to the Pattern of Comblning Churches into compleat Councils Of which in the next Chapter V. Christ who hath all power Mat. 28. 20. hath derived all Ecclesiastical Power first unto the Apostles that they by Institution miâ—…ht distribute the same unto several Offices in the Church Hence As all Church-Officers especially Elders and more especially Teaching Elders are ordinary Successors of the Apostles in their several branches of Church power So Councils of Churches are their eminent ordinary Successors in point of Counsel and that in several respects First Because in Councils there is most light and nearest to infallibility and the more compleat the better though the most compleat Council may erre because they have not a promise of infallible assistance Secondly Because when the Apostles themselves had constituted Churches they did guide and counsel them how to use their power as Paul did the Church of Corinth 1 Cor. â—… 4. the Apostle did not act the Censure himself and so is that of Paul to be interpreted 1 Tim. 1. 20. I have delivered to Satan viz. as I did the incestuous Corinthian by giving such counsel to the Church whereof they were Members In thus doing Councils succeed the Apostles VI. Inasmuch as Councils are Publick Assemblies and that not onely Ecclesiastically publick but Civilly also when they are held with openness and boldness Hence Civill Authority hath influence by Law and Command to give allowance unto such Assemblies and so they have an Extrinsecall Efficiency in calling Councils but the Intrinsecall and proper Efficients of a Council are the Churches who elect and send Messengers to that end VII The Members constituent of a Council are Church-Messengers The persons sent ought to be Elders of both Orders Teaching and Ruling to represent the whole Church or in defect of Ruling Elders to represent the people Faithful Brethren eminent in holiness and wisdome who are as Elders Acts 15. 2. Certain other of them Ver. 22. Chosen men chief men among the Brethren Ver. 32. Being Prophets also themselves And the reason hereof is Because as the temptation of Learned men is to affect a Prolacy over the people So the temptation of the Fraternity is to affect a Morellian Democracy And therefore the wisdome of God hath by institution ballanced all Ecclesiastical Councils with Members of both sorts that may ballance each other by Number at least though not in Weight yet enough to prevent any prevalency of a temptation either to subjugate the Churches under any Prelatical Usurpation of the Learned or to elevate and intoxicate the Fraternity to affect any inordinate power which rather and more effectually teâ—…ds to enervate and evacuate Government then to preserve any Lawful and just Liberty of the Brotherhood The end of the Churches sending these Messengers is to manage the Ordinance of Counsel in due order VIII The Organick parts of a Council whereby they are enabled to manage their affairs in Prudence and Order are Moderators â—…nd Notaries the choice of whom is the first act they do to compleat themselves to be fit for action It may sometimes edifie to change Moderators every new Session partâ—…ly to train up each other unto that special work of Christ in the management of the Affairs and in caring for the publick welfare of all the Churches and also to take trial of mens Gifts Spirit and Abilities unto that high service that so when there may be special need they may know who is most fit to manage the Council at such â—… time for the glory of God and for the most effectual Edification and publick well being of the Churches Though Moderators may be often changed it is not fit that the Notaries should be so often changed IX The Power of Ecclesiastical Councils is onely Dogmatical or Doctrinal Power of Censure is by the Lord fixed in the Church and hence when any appeal unto a Council it is for further and more clear light from the Scripture and for conviction thereby but not for the Exercise of any Juridical Power CHAP. II. Of the Gospel-Measuring-Reed by the Number Twelve I. SEeing particular Congregations in Gospel-Order are Churches and these Churches for their well-being need to hold and exercise Communion by Councils and one Church as Antioch may need the greatest and highest Counsel Hence in such places where through the riches of the Grace of Christ Churches are numerous it will be necessary that the management of these Councils should be in Order according to the Pattern of Compleat Councils Acts 15. For multitude unordered by â—…ow much the greater they are the greater is their cumber and unaptness to operate in Order unto their end Lesser Bodies are more readily ordered and have a greater aptitude to be active in their Order unto their end Ordo anima rerum II. Order is one of the Beauties of Heaven and so it is of the Churches Let all things be done in Order 1 Cor 14. 40. Ierusalem is a City compacted Psal. 122. 3. and the more orderly Bodies are the better are they compacted Bodies that are compacted are so ordered by Number and Measure The New Ierusalem is the most glorious City that ever shall be on Earth and we see that it shall be compacted by Number and Measure Rev. 21. 12 to 18. and the Foundation Number is Twelve as appeareth ver 14. The wall of the City had twelve Foundations And this Number Twelve is multiplied by Twelve as appeareth ver 16 17. it is square Twelve every way which amounteth to One hundred forty and four III. The Twelve Tribes in the Old Testament and the Twelve Apostles in the New do make that Number famous in the Churches and fundamental in ordering and compacting of Churches into Ecclesiasticall Combinations of Councils The Twelve Tribes compacted in order was the most beautiful and heart-ravishing Camp that ever the worlds Eye did look upon Numb 24. 2 5 6. The Twelve Loaves of Shew-bread did represent the whole Visible Church before God in the Temple The Twelve Precious Staâ—…s in the Breast-plate of the High Priest shew That iâ—… such a Number Christ is pleased to order and represent the whole Militant Church before his Father in Heaven And
blessing of many more even any number under Twenty and an hundred c. But when Ten are become Twenty and when Fifty are become an hundred then they must be multiplied into more Orders because these Numbers are Foundation Numbers by which the Orders of the Government are multiplied and compacted and when that is transacted they are reduced unto their Foundation Numbers So it is here in the Ecclesiastical Orders of Government the least Number of a compleat stated first Council is Twelve Churches whose least Number of Messengers are Twenty four and by these Numbers they are denominated though they may be more Churches in a Combination and more Messengers from some of the Churches and so it is in all the other Orders of Councils For a little further illustration of this point I shall propose and answer Six Questions which may let in a little further light into this Frame and remove some Objections Quest. 1. May a Church perform any Ecclesiastical Acts by Messengers or Representatives in their Name Answ. Yea. doubtless they may they may Consult and Agree to give Counsel in such cases as may be presented for that end touching either Faith or Order as it appeareth Acts 15. Quest 2. May a Church elect by Messengers or Representatives when themselves cannot be present where such Election is performed Answ. Aâ—… act of Election may be transacted by some of a Society yea by a few in behalf of the rest when they have their consent and a calling so to act For instance If a lesser Number of a Church be necessarily absent from an act of Election performed in a lawful Assembly they are all involved in the act of the major part This is without Controversie foâ—… Here some onely Elect and all are engaged Again if the major part be necessarily absent and fond a lesser part or a â—…ew with their express consent to do an act oâ—… Election it hath the like force and validity The royal Arâ—… which chose David to be their King â—… Chron. 12. were farre the lesser part of the People but they were 〈◊〉 and elected for them and did perform it as affectually as if the whole People had been present and David was King not onely over the Representatives who did actually chuse him but over all the People who did Elect him by their Representatives If the parties sâ—…nt to transact an Election do act according to their heart who sent them they will not object for had they been there present they would have done the same but if the parties sent to Elect do not Elect according to their heart they may justly question their act and consider of their Apologie but that doth not nullifie the act in point of Order When Political Bodies whether Civil or Ecclesiastical are multitudinous and remote from the place of action either all cannot act or if they do it must be by Representatives Quest. 3. May a Church Elect Elders or Messengers out of another Church unto a publick and common service of Christ and of the Churches Answ. Yea they may For the great Collection of the Gentile Churches which Paul carried up to Ierusalem at his last going thither was an act of many Churches And Paul with those that went with him to present it were chosen by the Churches unto that service 2 Cor. 8. 19. And there were many more Churches Contributors then there were Messengers sent to carry it Acts 20. 4. there were but seven or eight in Pauls company but all the Churches of Galatia Corinth Asia and Macedonia were Contributors Therefore many Churches chose Messengers who were none of their own particular Churches unto that publick and common service of Christ and of the Churches Again the ready subjection of all the Churches about Antioch and other places Acts 16. 4. unto the Decrees of the Council at Ierusalem doth probably speak That as the trouble by those Questions was a common case in all the Churches so they had some fore-knowledge concurrence and consent after consent sure enough they hâ—…d in the Mission of Paul and Barnabas Teaching Elders of Antioch Acts 13. 2. unto Ierusalem to the Apostles and Elders about that matter Again seeing the Rule of Communion of Churches doth impose upon Elders a degree of care of all the Churches especially of those within their Ordered Communion it doth also give unto all the Churches a mutual interest in each others Elders Hence when they chuse any of the Elders within the compass of their Order they chuse those who in some respect are their own in whom they have an Ecclesiastical interest especially unto this publick service of Counsel Quest. 4. May many Churches Elect a â—…ew of their Elders unto some publick and common service wherein all the Churches so Electing are interessed Answ. Yea they may For all the Churches of Asia Galatia Macedonia c. did Elect a few to accompany Paul in carrying their Contributions unto Ierusalem and it is expresly said that from the Churches of Asia there were but two sent Acts 20. 4. and we know there were at least seven Churches in Asia Rev. 1 â—…4 Quest. 5. When two or a few Elders are chosen by many Churches unto some publick and common service of the Churches do they represent all the Churches who did Elect them unto that service Answ. Yea they do so For when many Churches by Paul's ordering sent a few Messengers to Corinth 2 Cor. 8. 23. to fetch their Contribution to be carried among the Contribution of many other Churches unto Ierusalem by the hands of Paul and a few others chosen by the Churches unto that service â—… Cor. 8. 19. these few Messengers did represent all the Churches who sent them So as that what the Church of Corinth should transact afore them is expresly said to be afore all the Churches viz. who sent them 2 Cor. 8. 24. Quest. 6. These Orders of Councils First Second Third representing fewer or more Churches Are they a Divine Institution Answ. Touching the first Councils consisting of immediate Messengers of Churches sent for that end it is out of question that these are a Divine Institution Acts 15. The great difficulty is touching the second and third Orders of Councils and so higher unto the highest Oecumenical Council whose Members are chosen immediately by Councils yet with the express consent of every particular Church not immediately by the Churches but by their Representatives Touching these in way of humble Proposal I affirm That they are a Divine Institution 1. Because their Foundation Formation and Constitution is deducible from the Word of God as appeareth by laying together the foregoing Questions and Answers thereunto with what hath been said before 2. Because this multiplying of Order upon Order seemeth to be typified in the Ascents and Degrees in Ezekiels Temple and by the multiplication of the Number Twelve in the New Ierusalem Rev. 21 c. 3. Because if there be not this multiplying of Council above Council above I
Order of Councils and somewhat higher then we can yet well descry but Faith in the Promise can see all the world in the Gospel Order of Iesus Christ. And now the Lord Jesus is triumphing in his Militant Glory upon earth with his Twenty four Elders about him in Ecclesiastical visible Order And now the whole Militant Body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working of the measure of every part from Christ maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love Ephes. 4. 16. VII Furthermore consider that though I have proposed but Three Orders of Councils within the Nation yet in populous Nations there may be a 〈◊〉 of Provinces into chief Provinces and sub-Provinces If a Nation be divided into at least Twelve Ecclesiastical Provinces and every one of these divided into at least Twelve Sub-provinces and every one of these into at least Twelve Precincts of first Councils then they will have Four Orders of Councils within the Nation And three such Ascents will combine all the world into the holy Breastplate of our great High-Priest the Lord Jesus in an Oecumenical Council or three Ascents in one Nation and four such Ascents in the Combination of all the World doth in liâ—…e manner make up the holy Breastplate of Christ Which Council may meet in Ierusalem if the Lord will and if that be so literal a meaning of sundry Texts that way looking And when that Council shall agree of Universal dayes of Fasting or Feasting before the Lord upon iust occasion Oh! what glorious dayes will those be when all the World shall appear together before the Lord in such acts of Worship VIII And as an eminent Preparatory to these glorious dayes when Christ shall be King over all the earth when there shall be one Lord and his Name one Zech. 14. 9. And when the Lord shal accomplish that Prophesie Eâ—…e 34. 23 24. And I will set up one Shepherd over them and he shall feed them even my servant David he shall feed them and he shall be their Shepherd and I the Lord will be their God and my servant David a Prince among them 〈◊〉 Lord have 〈◊〉 it When Christ shall rule all the World both in Civil and Ecclesiastical affairs by the Word of his mouth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the hand of Saints even holy and religious Kings Princes and chief Rulers Oh that the Lord would pâ—… it into the heart of some of his Religious and Learned Servants to take such pains about the holy Hebrew Language as to fit it for this Universal glorious use Considering that above all Languages spoken by the lip of man by reasoâ—…â—…f iâ—… Trigraâ—…macall Foundation and other regular Consâ—…erations for the multiplications of all sorts of words it is most capable to be enlarged and fitted to express all things and actionâ—… all motions and notions that our Humanâ—… Intellect is capable of to speak no higher of iâ—… in this â—…ortall life Considering also that it is the Invention of God himself and it is the purest Language on earth not as yet defiled with the scurriloâ—… froth and some of carnal Wits in writings Considering also what is promised to be in thâ—…se dayes that way looking Zeph. â—… â—… I will turn to the people a pure Language And when Egypt is converted it is expressed by this that they shall speak the Language of Canaâ—… Isa. 19. 18 When all the World do obeisance to Christ disjunction then all Languages shall see my glory Isa. 66. 18. but when they do it conjunctim in what Language better then in it in which God first spake unto man How shall all flesh see the glory of the Lord together Isa. â—…0 5. unless there be an Universal Language And what one fitter then that which it pleased our Lord Jesus to make use of when he spake from heaven unto Paulâ—…o â—…o his first Converâ—…ion Actsâ—…6 â—…6 13 â—… I saw a light from heaven and heard a voice speaking unto me and saying in the Hebrew Tongue Saul Saul c. CHAP. IV. The Order of Electing all thâ—…se Councils with Consideration of the Time of their duration and of the Times and Place of Meeting I. THe Election of the First Council is severally performed in euery particular Church combined in 〈◊〉 Society wherein there seldome is any variety of choice and therefore no difficulty in the action So that it may be performed either by Lifting up of Hands or by a Silent Vote when their Silence is the sign of their Concurrence Iâ—… there be two Teaching Elders the Church may send them â—…oth if they see good as Antioch sent Paul and 〈◊〉 who were two Teaching Elders of that Church Acts 13. â—… And according to the number of Teaching Elders whom they send the like number of Ruling Elders or 〈◊〉 Brethren they are to send and astociate with them II. This act of the Churches Election must be diligently religiouâ—…y and solâ—…nly attended and performed aâ—… being 〈◊〉 and esseâ—…tially requisite both for the Constitution of all Councils and for the Obligation of all Churches unto obedience This act of the Church hath reference not onely to the Constitution of the first Council but also of all the rest For 〈◊〉 Churches are the Efficient Causes of Councilâ—… none are to be chosen 〈◊〉 a Prouincial National or Oecumenical Synod but such as were first chosen by some particular 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a first 〈◊〉 and â—…o 〈◊〉 on the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to order Hence 〈◊〉 it must be carefully and expressedly put into thâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Churches Election That 〈◊〉 are chosen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on the Ordinance of 〈◊〉 in all the Orders of it both in Provincial National and Oecuâ—…e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 even unto thâ—… highest point for though all that are thâ—…s elected and sent by the Churches are not to be elected and sent to Provincial National and Oecumenical Councils yet some of them are to be sent and all of them are to elect and send And therefore when the Church doth elect and send them to this first Council they are by this act of the Church impowered to carry on the Ordinance of Counsel through all the Orders thereof evâ—…n to the top branch either by electing others or being â—…ected themselves unto those services of Christ and of the â—…ches III. The Time of this Election is to be upon the Sabbath immediately preceding the stated time of the first Councils Monethly Meeting and then are they to be sent forth with the Prayers and Blessing of the Church IV. The Provincial Council doth consist of the choycest Instruments in all the first Councils by whom they are chosen and sent with their Prayers and Blessing Every first Council electing the most holy learned and able Elders both Teaching and Ruling thaâ—… they have who are most fit to promote and attain the endâ—… they are sent for viz. so carry on the Ordinance of Counsel in a Provincial
stated Meetings of the first Councils are every Moneth and what if it should be on the â—…irst Third day of the week in every month through the year The stated meeting of the Provincial Councils are once every quarter and what if two of them be the first Third day after the Sun touches the middle point of the summer and winter Solstices And the other two the first Third day after the Sun is in the Vernal and Autumnal Equinâ—…ial With this consideration that if the Sun touch any of these points upon the Third day of the week then that is the day of meeting if on any other day then the Third day after The stated meeting of the National Council is once a Year and best in the Spring and what if it be the last Third day of the First Moneth called March XIV The Law of the Constitution doth call all these Councils to meet at the stated times without any other order or appointment XV. It is very requisite that some eminent man preach a publick Lecture on the day of the meeting of every Council â—…o draw many Saints together and to raise a strong breath of Prayer and to put the greater Solemnity upon so holy a work XVI Occasional Meetings may be multiplied either by intricacy of Cases Variety of Opinions Troublesomeness of Persons Danger of Churches Gross Scandals that cannot proceed to Censure because of some obstruction without the help of Counsel Such Occasional Meetings if foreseen may be appointed by the Council before they rise if not foreseen then they must be called by the Moderator then in being and the Notary by Letters under either of their hands where distance of place requireth it XVII The place of Meeting for these Councils and especially of the first Councils is not to be limited or tyed to any one place because there be sundry Considerations about the place whereof one may be prevalent at one time and another time another Sometimes the age and unfitness for Travel of some eminently useful person sometimes the common conveniency for all Sometimes it may edifie to meet in that Church where the chief Trouble may at the present be ard yet this not alwayes so because the troubles of Antioch were heard and setled at Ierusalem where the best and ablest Counsel was to be had with the least trouble and inconveniency unto any CHAP. V. The generall Work of all Ecclesiasticall Councils THese Ecclesiastical Councils are to do for all the Churches in an ordinary way what the Apostles were to do in an extraordinary way The care of all the Churches doth lye upon them which appeareth both in the Manner of their Constitution and End of their Meeting Yea they are to do for all the World what lyeth in them as the Apostles were to do Matth 28. Go and teach all Nations c. I. Hence first if there be any Heathen people that yet know not Christ it is a work well-becoming any of these Orders of Councils and all of them in their harmony to seek out and send forth sit Labourers to such a work and service of Christ to carry the Gospel and preach Jesus Christ unto them to gather and plant Churches amongst them And it is the duty of particular Churches unto whose Society such Instruments chosen by the Councils do belong by Fasting and Prayer and Imposition of hands to send them forth unto that Work as the Church of Antioch did unto Barnâ—…bas and Saul when they were extraordinarily called and sent forth unto such a Work as we are now speaking of Acts 13. 2 3. And this will be one holy way of improvement of Church-treasuries raised by voluntary Contributions to spread and propagate the Gospel to all the World II. If there be any among the professing Nations that sie in darkness and in the region of the shadow of death and see no light and too many such dark Corners there be in the Land of Zebulon and Naphthali Mat. 4 15 16. who have none to bring the glad Tidings of Light and Life unto them at least none that do it It well becometh the vigilance of these Councils to provide and send â—…it Instruments unto them by whose Labours the Light through grace may arise and shine among them And it is the duty of the Churches to send forth such persons with their prayers and blessing as abovesaid III. If there be any Sister-Church that hath no Breasts which by death or other means oft falleth out where Churches are numerous it is a special and proper care of the Ecclesiastical Councils to take a prudent pious and speedy course for their supply It being a matter that hath a great tendency to the well-being not onely of that Church but of the Councils also into whose Communion â—…ll Elders are received And unto this point of their care and duty it doth belong sometimes to remove Lights from one Candlestick to another where the gifts and labours of some special Instruments may be most fruitful to the glory of God and the publick good of Religion and all the Churches But this is to be done with all wisdome tenderness and evidence of Scripture-light that it is the Will of God and for his Glory so to be that so the Church concerned may yield it as an act of obedience to Christ for whose sake they should be willing to pluck out their right eyes and give them unto Christ in obedience as unto the Apostles so unto Counâ—…ils their ordinary Successors IV. As the care of all the Churches dyeth on the Ecclesiastical Councils so especially the care of those Churches which are in Combination together and whose Communion they do act and towards whom their first trust and care is to be exercised for their well-being on earth and for the furtherance of their eternal being in the Kingdome of heaven and in all for the glory of Christ and in particular to take care that there be general directions for Publick Worship and all other Ecclesiastical Administrations and Conversation and for Catecâ—…ism and Platform both of Doctrine and Discipline V. If any Errour or Heresie arise or be by any evil Instruments openly or secretly buzzed and infused or any way â—…ented and diffused to â—…azard the infecting and poisoning any of the people It is a special care of these Councils to take up the matter to clear up the light of the case by the Word of God and in due order to settle the Cause and suppress the Errour by counselling the Church to whom the person belongeth to a due exercise of Discipline if need be VI. If any Controversie or doubtful Disputation arise in any of the Churches about any point of Religion either in Faith or Order because all difference of Opinion is apt to breed aliemtion of affection and give entrance to Satan and grief to the Spirit of Love and Peace It concerneth the Councils with all care and prudence in due order to settle and siâ—…nce such a Controversie
be iâ—…plored for our Churches or for the Nation or for forreign Churches and Nations such motions and designes of spreading and propagating religion as are in hand c. These are to be presented to all the Churches as matter of Prayer both ordinary and extraordinary 12. When these Members of the National Council return unto the Provincial Councils whose delegates they immediately are they are to report unto them the state and affaires of all the Churches in the Nation and in forreign Nations also And they are to report them to all the first Councils and they unto all the Churches as matters of praiâ—…e and prayer to God and of incouragement to obedience unto government And that this communication of Ecclesiastical affaires may be the more readily expedited 1. All the first Councils or some one of every Council may meet that day seven night after the Provincial Councils meeting to hear the affaires of all the Province And some of the Provincial Council may be there to declare the affaires of all the Churches in the Province 2. So likewise the Provincial Councils or some of every Provincial Council may meet that day seven-night after the Session of the National Council to hear the affaires of the whole Nation and some of the National Council may be there to give information of all things â—…ing to be communicâ—…ted But experience will put men upon the best wâ—…y of Order in these things The pâ—…rticular duties of the Oecumeniâ—…al Council I pass in silence I leave them to their consideration whose happy 〈◊〉 it shall be to see those glâ—…rious times when such Councils shall be called Notwithstanding these publick Orders of Councils it is lawful for any person or parties or Church to take any private â—…unsel that he or they will or câ—…n obtain according to God 〈◊〉 they â—…ay have occâ—…sion CHAP. VII Concerning the way to bring every Christian Parishional Congregation to be an explicite Reforming Congregational Church I. EVery Parishional Congregation who solemnly renouncing all their sins and evils both personal and â—…cclesiastical shall willingly by what wayes means or motives soever thereunto induced submit themselves and their children to the Government of Christ in Gospel-Order and particularly to be guided in the common concernments of Religion by the holy advice of the forenamed Orders of Councils and do by their pious and prudent counsel and concurrence orderly elect all Officers both Elders and Deacons among themselves and promise for themselves and their households to walk in the Christian exercise of all Gods Ordinances according to Rule in the Faith and Order of the Gospel That Parish or so many of them as shall herein concurre is to be owned a particular Reforming Congregational Church and is to be received into the Communion of the Churches in this Order of Government They delivering this act of theirs in writing unto that first Council with whom they associate there to be recorded II. It may by the good blessing of God greatly promote Relâ—…gion and the Reformation of particular Churches if such of the godly Gentry of the Land who are not in Civil Authority would please to do that honour to Christ to subject themselves to his service in accepting of the Offices of Ruling Elders and Deacons in the â—…urches of Jesus Christ. It would much strengthen the hands of Church-government and be no small honour to themselves and they will hereby render themselves great in the Kingdome of Heaven III. By the Ordinance oâ—… 〈◊〉 prudentlâ—… exercised both publickly in the Church and in private houses all tâ—… Church are to be trained up unto a competency of knowledge in Jesus Christ. IV. Special â—…are is to be had in the training up of Youth in the good knowledge of God made manifest to the Church by their publick account answer or confession thereof aâ—…d unto an explicite acknowledgement of Christ with subâ—… and engagement of themselves unto the Câ—…urch wherein they give up themselves and their children unto God to be ruled by Religion in the Faith and Order of the Gospel Which done their Children are to be baptized V. Upon the due evidence of some hopeful reall work and change of heart by Faith and Repentance duely manifested to the Church whereby the persons concerned may be in Charity conceived able to examine themselves â—…o discern the Lords body in the Sacrament and spiritually to judge of a spiritual cause such ought by the Church to be received unto Communion in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and such Males unto Voting in the Church because ordinarily such as are able to discern Christ in the Sacrament are also able spiritually to discern of a spiritual cause and thereby capable to Vote in such cases wherein the Fraternity is called to Voting in the Church CHAP. VIII Touching the Maintenance of these Councils I. THough it be meet that all their necessary Charges be born for them for who goeth on a warfare at his own charge yet it is in no wise meet that any Profits or Revenues should be annexed unto any of the Councils from the lowest unto the highest Worldly Profit Power and Splendor are beneath the spirit and aim of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Onely the Notaries Place being a service of much â—…bour pains and diligence it is meâ—…t that some consideration be had for some convenient recompence for their labour II. If any godly minded Christian out of a love unto and zeal for the honour of the Kingdome of Jesus Christ should desire to give and annex Maintenance unto any of these forenamed Councils more then conveniently to bear their Charges as Noble Constantine did for the worldly splendor of the Bishops it ought not to be permitted but religiously opposed for it will certainly prove an Inlet of great Corruption Ambition Avarice and Strife unworthy and unfit persons will endeavour to Brâ—…be themselves into Places more for the Wages then for the Work III. The honour of the Service and the glory of Christ that is upon the Messengers of the Churches these are iâ—…separable from the Work and are as much as flesh and blood we being in the flesh and state militant will be able to weather and keep from running â—…ground upon But Revenue and Profit are separable from the Work â—…d must be religiously and earnestly kept off It being a Worâ—… that will surely corrupt â— this blessed Work and glorious Service of Iesur Christ. IV. A small Revenue will maintain the government of Churches by Councils even in a great Nation in comparison of the vast revenues which the Antichristian Hierarchy havâ—… faâ—…ed and inriched themselves withall which also hath advantaged them to arrogate unto themselves and 〈◊〉 civil Authority And by these carnal 〈◊〉 unto the Church Religion hath been corrupted most men have been damned and â—…ew saved Therefore the Church ought now in our reformation and resâ—…rection to despise the World and not to suffer great revenues to be annexed unto this part of the kingdome of Christ especially V. The religious meetings of Councils must be 〈◊〉 of all meetings of all men throughout the Nation for they are many shining Lights met together and all men will mark what they do and one Inch of exâ—…ss in them who aâ—…e the Center will be an Ell in the people Hence they must strive to be patterns to all men 1. In Gravity not full of Miâ—…th Laughter and Jesting â—… In Sobriety no excess in drinking wine and strong drink 3. In Moderation of diet Ornaments or any Pomp. 4. In Seduâ—…ity and Diligence it is the Lords work and Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord negtigently 5. In all Holiness of Discourse and Behaviour 6. In Patience and Meekneâ—… of Spirit in all matters 7. In Care for the publick Cause of Christ and welfare of 〈◊〉 the Churches the chief care of all which doth firstly and chiefly ly upon the Moderators VI. Great care is to be had of the first Councils that there may be some grave and exemplar Eâ—…ers in every one of them because according to ouâ—… custom there may be sundry that are young raw and weak and need to be trained up unto the gravity prudence and holiness of the affaires of Christ his Ecclesiastical kingdome Care is also to be had that Grave Sober and Prudenâ—… Ruling Elders may be sent such as may be an awe unto grâ—…en and young Schollars where need may be Care is also to be had that they stay no longer then necessary business and just imployment holdeth them that there may be no temptations like company-keeping in vanity and smoaking away their precious time VII Their entertainment may be 8 d. Ordinary at â—…oon and 6 d. at night provided they be necessitaâ—…ed to tarâ—…y â—…ll night otherwise their charges are but their dinner and horse meaâ—… For the defrâ—…ying of which charge the Deacons of that Church where they meet may be authorized so to order the matteâ—… with the Deacons of all the Churches in that combination as that the charge shall be by them defrayed and not put to the accompt of any of the Elders And by the same hands some recompence may be given to the Notaries for their labour and service For the supply of which charge the voluntary Contributions of every Church will be such a treasury as will never know want so long as Religion and love to Christ remain and rule among them VIII The Provincial Councils will be more choice and grave assemblies and their treatment must be with more respect and reverence but their expences with the like moderation and sobriety It is to be supposed that these dwell more remote are fuller of work and must tarry longer If the State entertain these and allow them 10 li. a Session for their four stated Sessions in a year and 5 li. for the Notaries it will not be a great charge And if the National Council have 100 li. per annum for their Attendance and Notaries One thousand pound per annum will suffice for a great Nation where they may be in twenty Ecclesiastical Provinces And this charge will be less then the the revenues of some one Bishoprick The design of Antichrist was to pamper the flesh the design of Christ is to mortiâ—…ie it and to honour Grace FINIS ⸫ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Communion of Churches OR The Divine Management of Gospel-Churches by the Ordinance of COUNCILS Constituted in Order according to the SCRIPTURES AS ALSO The Way of bringing all Christian Parishes to be particular Reforming Congregationall Churches Humbly Proposed As a Way which hath so much Light from the Scriptures of Truth as that it may lawfully be Submitted unto by all and may by the blessing of the Lord be a Means of Uniting those two Holy and Eminent PARTIES The Presbyterians and the Congregationals AS ALSO To Prepare for the hoped-for Resurrection of the Churches and to Propose a way to bring all Christian Nations unto an Unity of the Faith and Order of the Gospel Written by Iohn Eliot Teacher of Roxbury in N. E. Psal. 1. â—…0 That ye may try the things that are excellent 1 John 4 1. Try the Spirits Cambridge Printed by Marmaduke Iohnson 1665. PREFACE ALthough a few Copies of this small Script are Printed yet it is not published onely committed privately to some Godly and Able hands to be Viewed Corrected Amended or Rejected as it shall be found to hold wright in the Sanctuary Ballance or not And it is the humble Request of the Author That whatever Objections Rectification or Emendatiâ—…ns may occurreâ—… they may be conveyed unto him who desireth nothing may be accepted in the Churches but what is according to the Will and Minde of God and tendeth to Holiness Peace and Promotion of the holy Kingdome of Iesus Christ. The procuring of half so many Copies Written and Corrected would be more difficult and chargeable then the Printing of these few I beg the Prayers as well as the Pains of the precioâ—…s Servants of the Lord that I may never have the least singer in doing any thing that may be derogatory to the Holiness and Honour of Iesus Christ and his Churches And to this I subscribe my self One of the least of the Labourers in our Lords Vineyard JOHN ELIOT Communion of Churches OR The divine Management of Gospel-Churches BY THE Ordinance of Councils CHAP. I. Prolegomena or Things premised I. THere be two holy Publick Societies famous in the Gospel 1. A Church of Believers 2. A Council of Churches A Church of Believers is a company of visible Sainte combined together with one heart to hold Communion in all the instituted Gospel-worship Ordinances and Discipline which Christ hath sitted for and given unto a particular Church Such a Company are frequently called A Church See a few places Acts 2. 47 11. 26. 14. 23 27. 1 Cor. 11. 18 20 22 c. A Council is a Society of particular Churches in Communion by their Representatives for their well-being and well-ordering all things among them by mutual Counsel in Truth Peace and Holiness Our Pattern is that Great Council Acts 15. which consisted of two Churches in an ordinary way expresly agreed to give and take counsel and it is leâ—… as a Standard and Pattern â—…ow the great Ordinance of Counsel is to be used and managed for the well-being of Churches to the worlds end II. The Constitution of both these Buildings or Societies are eminent and observable in the Gospel The first of these viz. A Church of Believers is first instituted by Christ himself and afterward put in practice by the Apostles Matth. 16. 18. Thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build my Church The Rock confessed is CHRIST Christ Confessëd is the Foundation of the Visible Church Peter confessing is an hewn stone squared to the foundation a Believer made Ecclesiastically visible sitted for Church-building and fellowship A company of such Confessors or a company of these confessing Believers 1. Have power to joyn together into a Gospel Church-state as they did Acts 1. 13 14. Continued with one accord so Acts 2. 46. 2. They have power to call Officers by whom they become an Organick Body and sitted to administer and enjoy all instituted Worship Acts 1. 15 23. Peter stood up in the midst of the Disciples And they appointed two Acts 6. 3. Brethren look you out men Acts 14. 23. By bolding up bands made Elders 3. By the Ministry of these Officers the Church doth actually enjoy such Ordinances as are instituted by Christ for their Edisication Both Directive in Word Sacraments Prayer Singing of Psalms and Collections Acts 2. 42. They continuâ—…ct stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and sellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Col. 3. 16. Teaching one another in Psalms and Hymns c. â—…1 Cor. 16. 1 2. Every first day lay by it self c. for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the Neuter Gender as well as Masculine and is so to be read because they had two distinct Collections â—…t that time The Collection for Ierusalem was by it self a publick not a private Collection Corrective 1 Cor. â—…5 425. When gathered together deliver to Saâ—… III The administration of and participation in all these Ordiâ—…ances while we are in this flesh and state militant are in full of variety of difficulties and temptations especially where Churches are numerous that the work cannot long be carried on a while it sometimes may viz. while the Churches are under the eye of an adversary and when there be Elders eminent in Piety Humility and Ability without stated help The help which the Lord hath instituted is Counsel When Antiech had trouble in some points of Doctrine the Remedy which the holy Ghost applied was Counsel given them by a formall Council Acts 15. When Corinth wanted help in a point of Discipline the Apostle doth help by ministring Counsel unto them 1 Cor. 5. 3 4 5. and he counselleth the Church to Excommunicate the man the sinner Excommunication is a sharp Rod made up of seven most severe and terrible Twigs or a strong Purgation compounded of seven violent Ingredients viz. 1. He is cut off from visible Communion with Christ in the Church 2. He is cut off from familiar Communion with the Saints in Worship 3. He is cast out of the usual walk of the Spirit 4. He is cast out of the House of God as unsavoury Salt or a loathsome thing that doth offend 5. He is thrust out of the Paradise of God from eating the Tree of Life viz. Christ in the Sacrament of the Supper where the Spirit sitteth as in his Sealing-office 6. He is cut off from familiar Civil Communion with the Saints he may not be invited to eat with them 7. He is delivered to Satan and that by the Sentence of Christ through the hand of his Spouse the Church and all this to be inflicted upon a Brother Ah! who trembles not to minister such a Pill to lay on such a Rod And therefore it had need to be managed and administred with all care fear and clearness And all this sheweth and much more might be produced to shew what need there is of Counsel which after thirty or forty years experience in the way of Congregational Churches in fulness of
cause to defer proceeding unto Censure as sometimes it may be upon his appeal Or whatsoever the case or trouble be only all such proposals by any of the â—…ernity must be with due reverence humility and in the fear of God VI. If any other person or persons whatever have any Question or Case in matters of Religion to propose unto the Council they in the next place may have liberty in a reverent and orderly manner to propose the same and it is to be Considered and Answered Also any other matter concerning the publick good of the Churches and promotion of Religion may be discussed and ordered as Fastings Feastings â—…ropagation of the Gospel and the like VII If business so multiply that one day sufficeth not to fiâ—…ish the work the Council have liberty to appoint other times so ofâ—… aâ—… they need within the moneth and if they finish not in that moneth it must be left on record how the case standeth and so to be presented to the Council that shall be chosen for the next moneth which ordinarily in this order will be the same persons or at least most of them VIII If any Case prove too hard for them to resolve or if they be conâ—…iderably divided in judgement then the Case is to be transmitted to the next Provincial Council and â—…ecorded so to be with the Reasons of transmitting the saâ—… IX If they agree in Counsel about any case or point of Religion in Faith or Order and if any person or persons or Church concerned therein do not accept of their counsel and judgement he or they have liberty to appeal to the next Provincial Council provided that if the Council advise the Church to proceed to Ceâ—…re they are to follow that counsel notwithstanding his appeal and not to 〈◊〉 sin to ly upon their brother for if it were in the appealaâ—… power to stop the clear process of a Gospel-medicine to his soul in gross scandals some would never come under the Soul-medicine of Christ Jesus or not so soon as were meet but he may appeal higher for all actions of the Churches and Councils are â—…ble to a Review until it come unto the highest And his Appeal with the Reasons and manner thereof are to be recorded X. Every first Council in the Sessions immediately foregoing the quarterly time of the Provincial Councils meeting must chuse from among themselves at least one Teaching Elder and one Ruling Elder to be sent unto the Provincial Synod as Members of the same there to represent the first Councils who chose and sent them and all the Churches with them combined and to carry on the Ordinance of Counsel among them according to due Order XI Unto these thus chosen for the Provincial Council are to be delivered in writing first a Note of the present state of all the Churches combined with them Secondly a Note of such Cases as are transmiâ—…ed to the Provincial Council if any such be And thirdly a Note of such Appeals as are made unto them if any such be all these being first read are then delivered unto them And thus they are sent with their Prayers and Blessing XII When all these Elders do return to their own Churches they â—…re so far as in prudence is meet to relate the particular state of all the Churches the acts of the Council the persons chosâ—…n for the Provincial Council the cases transmitted and Appeales or so much as may give them a general view of the publick state of the Churches and Affaires of Christ as matter of continual Prayers Praises and Obedience in all the Churches The Particular works of the Provincial Council the second Order of Councils THe Provincial Council being met at the stated time and in the place agreed on Moderators and Notaries chosen the work blessed as in the Council of the first Order then 1. The Moderator with the co-attestation of his Associate Ruling Elâ—…er declareth the present state of the first Council that sent them as also the present state of all the Churches combined in that Council which he delivereth in writing and may be now read in this Council Then he delivereth in writing such Cases as are transmitted to them and such Appeales as are made unto them if any such be these being also read in the Council are kept in order by the Notaries 2. The Notaries are to record the present state of that Council and the general good estate of all the Churches referring unto the Records thereof now presented 3. The Moderator is to call upon all the Elders in order with their Associates delegated from all the first Councils who are all to do as the Moderator did declaring the state of the Councils and of the Churches delivering their Writings to the Notaries which are all read and recorded 4. The Notaries are to produce when called for all the Papers which present any Business or Work unto the Council either by Transmission or by Appeals which are orderly to be discussed Care being taken that all persons concerned be present and have free and competent liberty to argue answer object dispute or what else may be requisite for finding out of the Truth 5. If there be no Cases transmitted nor Appeals from any first Councils then the business of the Lord touching all their Churches is with glory and praise to Christ so soon finished as mentioned 6. If any person or persons whatsoever have any Questions or Cases concerning Religion Ecclesiastical affairs of Christ now they have liberty in due reverence and order to propose the same to be discussed and answered And if work multiply the Council may either tarry together or multiply their Sessions so oft as they see cause in their Quarter And what Cases they have unfinished they are to leave them upon Record for the next Council 7. If there be any case too difficult for them or that they be considerably divided in judgement in then that Case is to transmitted to the National Council The Notary is to Record it with the Reasons thereof 8. If any counsel or judgement agreed on by this Council be not accepted or acquiesced in by the party or parties concerned he or they may Appeal unto the National Council for further light and the Notaries are to record it and the Reasons thereof Provided that if this Council advise the Church to proceed to Censure they may so do if they see cause notwithstanding his Appeal 9. Those Provincial Councils which do immediately forego the stated time of the National Councils meeting are each of them to chuse at least one Teaching and one Ruling Elder according to the manner aforesaid who are to be Representatives of these Provincial Councils and of all the first Councils and Churches with them combined in the National Council who are chosen to carry on the Ordinance of Counsel in that Order 10. The Notaries are publickly in the presence of every Council to deliver in writing unto them who are chosen for the
National Council 1. The present state of all the first Councils and of all the Churches combined with them 2. All the Causes that are transmitted by them unto the National Council 3. The Appeals if any such be All these being first read are delivered to them and so they are sent with their prayers and blessing 11. If these Councils foresee any future Sessions this quarter they may now agree upon the same if any Fasts or Feasts are to be kept by all their Churches they may now agree upon it and propose the Causes thereof 12. When these Elders do next meet in their first Councils they must prudently and faithfully report the good state of all the rest of the first Councils in the Province and of all the Churches combined with them and all other weighty affairs fitting to be communicated that so they may relate them to their Churches that these things may be mutter of joy praise thanksgiving prayer and obedience in all the Churches The particular Works of the National and highest Ecclesiastical Council within the Nation THe National Council being met at the stated time and place agreed on compleated and blessed then 1. The Moderator with the co attestation of the Ruling Elder his Associate is to declare unto them the present good estate of that Provincial Council which sent them as also the state of all the first Councils and particular Churches with them combined Also he declareth such casesâ—…s â—…s are transmitted by them unto this Council and such Appeals as are made unto them as part of the presentâ—… business of this Council All these things to be delivered in writing distinctly unto the Notaries who reade them all and then record the present good estate of that Province and all the Councils and Churches therein combined as also the matters that are from them dilated unto the present Council 2. The Moderator calleth all the rest of the Provincial Representatives in order who are to make the like declaration â—…s the Moderator hath done with the co-attestation of their Associate Ruling Elders All their Papers are to be delivered to the Notaries who are to reade and then record them distinctly with the present Ecclesiastical state of all the Provinces in the Nation whose Representatives do there appear make declaration thereof before the National Council 3. The Notaries are orderly to propose all the matters presented by the Provincial Councils when the Moderator requireth the same Care being had that the persons concerned be present and have free and competent liberty to argue answer object in due reverent and modest manner and to do what may be necessary for the finding out of the truth 4. If there be no Cases transmitted to them nor Appeals the affairs of all the Churches in the Nation are presently issued with glory and praise to the Lord Iesus the King of Peace 5. If any other person or persons within the Nation or of any other Nation have any Cases or Questions about Religion they may now have liberty of proposing the same to receive an answer 6. If any Cases of difficulty be such as that they cannot obtain an issue and resolution satisfactory then the Case must be recorded and stay untill by further consideration and discussion God shall please to reveal further light therein because there is no Higher Council to appeal unto for light within the Nation And in such casés so the Apostles did walk and teach the Churches to walk Phil 3. 15 16. Let us therefore as many as be perfect be thus minded and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded God shall reveal even this unto you Nevertheless whereunto we have already attained let us walk by the same rule let us minde the same things But if the matter be of due weight and worth then either by Transmission or Appeal it may ascend unto an Occumenical Council 7. If any person or persons whose opinion or practice receiveth a judgement with counsel and advice in reference to the person or persons concerned and he or they rest not therein as to Peace and Order then if he or they be they many or few be not already under Church Censure the Church to which they belong are to proceed according to the determination of this Council in the case unto their Censure as the Church of Corinth did upon the advice of Paul 1 Cor. 5. 4 5. for the healing of their soules and bringing of them unto repentance and good order Which being effected the end of all this acting both in Conviction and Correction is attended And thus within the compass of one year the whole Order of Ecclesiastical Discipline hath its course and that in a most difficult case 8. But yet if he or they rest not such are high disturbers and must be suppressed by civil Power And in civil Order he that doth not submit unto and rest in as to peace and order the sentence of the Supreme Power is guilty of a Capital Offence and ought to be put to death by the Law of God Deut. 17. 10 11 12 13. and the reason is because Order is better then any of our lives It is a greater good to preserve Order then to preserve the lives of the wilfull and obstinate violaters thereof And the loss of Order and Peace in Ecclesiastical Government in the way of the Churches is of greater consequence then the loss of their lives Zec. 13. 3 6. 9. All things that are to be commended or committed to Civil Authority either from the Churches or in behalf of the Churches and Religion are to be resolved and acted by the National Council Where great care is to be had to keep a clear distinction betwixt Civil and Ecclesiastical Power and not to meddle or in the least intrude or intrench upon Civil Authority The usurpation of Antichrist upon the Civil Authority must ever keep the Ecclesiastical Councils in a vigilant fear of that aspiring pride a worm too apt to breed and grow in the breasts of learned and eminently gifted men if there be not a vigilant spirit of mortification and humble subjection unto Order 10 It will be necessary that an appointed Committee of this National Council be alwayes some or other of them resident near unto the Supream Civil Authority that they may speedily have notice of all occurrences that may have respect unto or concern the Ecclesiastical affaires of the Churches and may receive Commands from Authority about Fastings or Feastings according to the well or ill being of the affaires of the Nation or the Churches either at home or abroad and may call together the whole Council if there be any cause that it should be so c. 11. Such publick Fasts and Feasts as concern all the Churches in the Nation to solemnize which are not first commanded by civil Authority why may they not be appointed and agreed on by the National Councilâ—… such publick sins as are to be bewailed such mercies as are to