according to this Type Rev. 7. 4. the whole Visible Church is ordered multiplied and â—…ealed in this Number And Rev. 21. 12 14. the Twelve Tribes are the Twelve Gates and the Twelve Apostles are the Twelve Foundations of the New Ierusalem â—…hat glorious visible Gospel-Church Ezekâ—…8 â—…8 which is called Iehovah-Shamniah is ordered by the Number Twelve according to the Twelve Tribes of Israel as the Typicall and of Canaan was IV. In the perfect Pattern fâ—…r the Word is a perfect Rule which the holy Ghost hath left us Acts 15. as there is a ground work for the least of Councils in the Two Churches so of compleat Councils in the Twelve Apostles For though Herod had killed Iames with the sword Actsâ—… â—… â—… his Martyrdome did not remove him out of the Foundation but rather six him in it And the Apostles were most of them killed for the Testimony of Iesus before Iohn had his Revelation and yet we finde them all written in the Foundation of the New Ierusalem And therefore what should hinder but that in the ordering of Compleat Councils we should lay our foundation in the Number Twelve and all the Orders of Councils should be raised and compacted by that Number even from the bottom to the top V. And unto this Order and Number we may the â—…ather be induced because here will be the Twenty four Elderâ—… who do wait upon and worship the holy Majesty of God in all the Churches upon earth as he hath pleased to reveal himself Rev. 4. where the presence of God among the Churches is reveâ—…led First with his glorious Angels next him represented by the four living Creatures according to Ezek. 1. 10. And secondly with the Communion of Churches about him represented by the Twenty four Elders who do represent all the Churches on earth in Communion as will anon appear VI. For when Twelve Churches are combined to hold Communion together the least Number that one Church must by Institution send forth to that first Council must be one Teaching Elder and one Ruling Elder and then this Society of Churches is represented by twenty four Elders strictly And when Twelve of these first Councils shall with consent of the particular Churches elect and send forth one Teaching and one Ruling Elder the ablest and fittest among them to constitute a Provincial Council that Council will be strictly the Twenty four Elders representing all the Churches in that Province concurring in the Election And when Twelve Provincial Councils shall with like consent send forth from each of them one Teaching and one Ruling Elder the most holy and able among them to constitute a National Council they will still be strictly the Twenty four Elders representing the whole Nation in their Ecclesiastical state before the Lord. And when Twelve National Councils shall send forth in like manner from each of them one Teaching and one Ruling Elder the most holy and fit among them to constitute aâ—… Oecumenicâ—…l Council or by what other less term it may be thought meet to call it they will still be strictly the Twenty four Elders representing before the Lord all the Churches in all those Nations concurring in the Election And why may not this ascent and representation of all before the Lord be part of the meaning of that Text Rev. 5. 8 9 11 12 14 VII And this point is the more to be â—…eeded because Gods visible respect unto and acceptation of any people is according to the good aspect and condition of their Representatives There may be much drose in a Parish a Province a Nation and in the world yet if they have good Representatives before the Lord and if they carry the Lords matters well in his sight that doth obtain through Christ a favourable acceptation of and dispensation towards all that are so represented And he hath instituted Representatives of the Church on earth Aaron represented all Israel on his breast before the Lord Exod. 28. 29. And a Council consisting of Messengers of Churches the glory of Christ do represent the Churches who send and constitute that Council Acts 15. Oh! how happy were it for any people to be in such visible instituted Order on earth as that they may be through Christ acceptably represented before the Lord For God is so well pleased to see his people in Order as that he will dwell in that place and call it by his own Name Iehovah-Shamniah especially when they are Civilly as well as Ecclesiastically in good order represented before Him VIII Furthermore this is to be considered that though the Twenty four Elders are so called by the least Number that they can be by this Constitution yet according as the riches of Gods grace is more abundantly poured out they may be more in Number though under this constituting denomination For one Church may send forth â—…ing Elders as Antioch sent forth Paul and Barnabas and Ruling Elders or Brethren proportionably So likewise upon the same ground when there be more Eminent Lights in any of the Councils as through grace it is like often to be they may send more then one to the Provincial or National or Oecumenical Councils but still they are the Twenty four Elders because that is the Foundation Number IX What if I should illustrate this Point by that of the Apostles who are often in Scripture called the Twelve Apostles and yet there were more Apostles then Twelve for who doubteth but that Paul who was none of the Twelve yet he was an Apostle and a chief Apostle a great Foundation and Barnabas was an Apostle also Acts 14 14. and 1 Cor. â—… 9. But Twelve is the Foundation Number and therefore they are so denominated X. Again though Twelve Churches be the lowest Number of the first Combination yet they may be more then Twelve when the pourings out of Gods grace shall be inlarged yea they may be any Number under Twenty four Churches If then Twenty three Churches should be in a Combination their Messengers sent to the first Council will be a great Number but still they are the Twenty four Elders before the Lord by their fundamental Constitution So a like Number of Provincial Councils and a like Number of National Councils though their Messengers are many yet they are still the Twenty four Elders growing up through grace and increasing unto more Orders of Councils for the greater glory of Christ. And when through grace there shall be Twenty four Churches or first Councils or Provincial or National Councils then they must be compacted into two Orders of those Councils because Twelve is the Foundation Number by which they are multiplied and compacted And when this is done they are reduced to be Twenty four Elders strictly the Foundation Number As in the Order of that Civill Government set up by Moses the Orders of Ten and of fifty c. are denominated bâ—… the least and constituting Number though those Orders may consist when they are full of people and
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
Synod both by themselves and by chusing such as may further promote the same in a National Council c. V. The Time of this Election is to be in that Session of the first Councils which doth immediately precede the stated Quarterly time of the Provincial Councils Meeting VI. The Order and Manner of this Election may be this The Moderator of that Session may first put this to vote whether they will send buâ—… one or more then one Teaching Elders for by the good Providence and rich Grace of Christ there may be sâ—…ndry able and eminent Lights in one first Council and such as that it were a publick injury and detriment to the Cause of Christ if they be not sent This provided That according to the Number of Teaching Elders a like Number of Ruling Elders be also sent with them The Manner of Election may be by Papers if they see meet which the Moderator and Notary are to take and number and manifest who are chosen and such as are chosen are by the Notary to be recorded VII The National Council doth consist of the most choice â—…oly able and eminent Lights in all the Provincial Councils by whom they are chosen and sent forth with their prayers and blessing Every Provincial Council chusing the most holy and able Elders both Teaching and Ruling that they have among them to constitute a National Council and to carry on the Ordinance of Counsel in that high and holy service of Christ and of all the Churches in the Nation yeâ—… and among other Nations if need be and when there is a calling thereunto VIII The Time of this Election is to be in that Session of the Provincial Councils which doth immediately precede the stated time of the Annual Session of the National Council The Order and Manner of their Election may be in all respects according to the forementioned Election in the Provincial Synod IX An Oecumenical Council is to consist of the most holy and eminent Lights in all the National Councils combined in this holy Ordinance of Mutual Counsel and may readily be ordered by this standard when the Lord shall in the riches of his grace give opportunity to exercise the same Touching the Duration of these Councils X. Every one of these Councils doth continue in being until according to Order a new Election be made the new Election doth antiquate the old Hence as the Primitive Church had Apostles alwayes in being for their help So there be at least three Orders of Ecclesiastical Councils ever in being in every populous Christian Nation who must at the stated Times and may at any â—…it time meet when the affairs of Christ and of any of the Churches do need and duely call for the same And when Christian Nations shall be thus combined there will be an Oecumenical Council ever in being yea and when all the World shall be combined there will be a great Oecumenical Council ever in being to order all ecclesiastical affaires in unity holiness and peace all the World over XI A principal objection ariseth against this fixing and stating of Councils viz. That although pro-renascent Councils are a divine remedy when troubles arise as it was at Antioch who also then finished the Council when the present work was finished but of fixed stated and permanent Councils we have no example nor doth there appear any ground iâ—… Scripture to bottom them upon Ans. The Primitive Churches had a stated and permâ—…nent way of counsel eminently and more then our stated and permanent Councils can be for they had the Apostles and Evangelists constantly among them And though they had fixed Elders in every Church yet they did need the visitations and frequently made use of the counsel of the Apostles and Evangelists who were the permanent Councils of the Primitive Churches And though it hath pleased the wisdome of our great Lawgiver to give us but one Example of an ordinary Council and that he hath done to be our perpetual guide in our ordinary way yet there be many examples of the Churches need of and frequent use of the Apostles and Evangelists counsel whom they had alwayes with them or knew when and where to repair unto them for their help And we finde by much and long experience that our Reforming Churches do stand in as much if not more need of constant and stated Councils as the primitive Churches did of the constant presence of the Apostles and Evangelists alwayes for their directive and often for their corrective â—…elp We finde by experience that our Churches do oftener need the directive help of Councils then the corrective and in both respects together we need them to be always in being Many good works for the promotion of the Gospel and Kingdom of Jesus Christ do stick long in the birth and languish yea oft miscarry and vanish for want of the help of Councils Sundry Churches also and remote places ly long in the dark without food and help for want of the orderly care of setled Councils Every bodies work is no-bodies But when all Churches are in order all know where their work lyeth Disorders likewise and insuperable distempers by long â—…retting and burning in the bosom of sundry Churches to the great dishonour of God and scandal to the Saints for want of stated Councils some or other refusing in the time of their temptations to submit themselves unto the remedy especially having that advantage that without their consent a pro-renascent Council may not be called or if called by some onely they have the less opportunity of doing good and are in the more danger of doing hurt Nor can it be said that there is no example nor ground of stated and permanent Councils in the holy Scriptures seeing the Apostles and Evangelists were so and more unto the Primitive Churches Hence also it was enough to give us one pâ—…tern of an ordinary Council there was no need for the continuation thereof whilst the Apostles and Evangelists did survive Object But doth not this strengthen the Argument for Bishops and such like Superintendents over the Churches for so they a gue Ans. Were there a like example in an ordinary way set down in Scripture for this work to be done by any one Man not extraordinarily called as there is for a Council then their Argument would have force with it but such â—… pattern or precept for it is not to be found And the way of Councils which is clearly instituted is sufficient to attain the end as we have found by pracious and pienteous experience though we are still defective in that we have not our Councils stated and we do finde great inconvenience by reason of that defect XII These Councils in the time of their duration may multiply or cut short their Sessions as need may require according as the business of the Churches and affairs of Christ may be more or less pressing and urgent XIII There be two sorts of their Meetings Staâ—…ed Occasional 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
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 ⸫ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉