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 means of uniting those two holy and eminent parties the Presbyterians and the Congregationals ... / written by John Eliot.
Eliot, John, 1604-1690.
1665
Approx. 100 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 21 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images.
Text Creation Partnership,
Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :
2003-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).
A39224
Wing E508
ESTC R24949
08701277
ocm 08701277
41580
This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of
Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal
. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.
Early English books online.
(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A39224)
Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 41580)
Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1258:31)
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 means of uniting those two holy and eminent parties the Presbyterians and the Congregationals ... / written by John Eliot.
Eliot, John, 1604-1690.
[1], 38 p.
Printed by Marmaduke Johnson,
Cambridge [Mass.] :
1665.
Reproduction of original in the Huntington Library.
Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford.
Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors.
EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO.
EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org).
The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source.
Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data.
Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so.
Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor.
The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines.
Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements).
Keying and markup guidelines are available at the
Text Creation Partnership web site
.
eng
Church polity.
Christian union.
2003-06 TCP
Assigned for keying and markup
2003-06 Apex CoVantage
Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images
2003-07 Rina Kor
Sampled and proofread
2003-07 Rina Kor
Text and markup reviewed and edited
2003-08 pfs
Batch review (QC) and XML conversion
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.
●…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
Emendati●…ns
may
occurre●…
,
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
precio●…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
le●…
as
a
Standard
and
Pattern
,
●…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
continu●…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.
;
●…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
●…t
that
time
▪
The
Collection
for
Ierusalem
was
by
it self
,
a
publick
,
not
a
private
Collection
.
Corrective
:
1
Cor.
●…5
.
425.
When
gathered
together
,
deliver
to
Sa●…
.
III
▪
The
administration
of
,
and
participation
in
all
these
Ordi●…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
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
mi●…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.
●…
,
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
te●…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
,
●…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
,
part●…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
●…
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
●…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
Sta●…s
in
the
Breast-plate
of
the
High
Priest
,
shew
,
That
i●…
such
a
Number
Christ
is
pleased
to
order
and
represent
the
whole
Militant
Church
before
his
Father
in
Heaven
.
And
according
to
this
Type
,
Rev.
7.
4.
the
whole
Visible
Church
is
ordered
,
multiplied
,
and
●…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
.
●…hat
glorious
visible
Gospel-Church
,
Ezek●…8
●…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
(
f●…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
,
Acts●…
●…
.
●…
.
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
●…ather
be
induced
,
because
here
will
be
the
Twenty
four
Elder●…
,
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
reve●…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
a●…
Oecumenic●…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
●…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
●…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.
●…
.
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
b●…
the
least
and
constituting
Number
:
though
those
Orders
may
consist
(
when
they
are
full
of
people
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.
A●…
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
fo●…
Here
some
onely
Elect
,
and
all
are
engaged
.
Again
,
if
the
major
part
be
necessarily
absent
,
and
fond
a
lesser
part
,
or
a
●…ew
,
with
their
express
consent
to
do
an
act
o●…
Election
,
it
hath
the
like
force
and
validity
.
The
royal
Ar●…
which
chose
David
to
be
their
King
,
●…
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
s●…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
h●…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
●…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
●…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
,
●…
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
say
,
not
in
any
●…●…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
a●…
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
?
●…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
●…
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
●…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.
1●…
.
&
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
i●…
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
●…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
▪
1●…
,
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
Provi●…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
●…oly
Service
.
They
pass
under
an
opportunity
of
being
called
out
from
among
all
the
Choyce
Iewels
of
the
Nation
,
who
are
in
●…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
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
li●…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
E●…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
p●…
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
reaso●…●…f
i●…
Trigra●…macall
Foundation
,
and
other
regular
Cons●…erations
,
for
the
multiplications
of
all
sorts
of
words
)
it
is
most
capable
to
be
enlarged
,
and
fitted
to
express
all
things
and
action●…
,
all
motions
and
notions
that
our
Human●…
Intellect
is
capable
of
(
to
speak
no
higher
of
i●…
)
.
in
this
●…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
scurrilo●…
froth
and
some
of
carnal
Wits
in
writings
.
Considering
also
,
what
is
promised
to
be
in
th●…se
dayes
,
that
way
looking
,
Zeph.
●…
.
●…
.
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
Cana●…
▪
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.
●…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
Paul●…o
●…o
his
first
Conver●…ion
,
Acts●…6
●…6
.
13
▪
●…
.
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
th●…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
.
I●…
there
be
two
Teaching
Elders
,
the
Church
may
send
them
●…oth
,
if
they
see
good
,
as
Antioch
sent
Paul
and
〈◊〉
,
who
were
two
Teaching
Elders
of
that
Church
,
Acts
▪
13.
●…
.
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
,
religiou●…y
and
sol●…nly
attended
and
performed
,
a●…
being
〈◊〉
and
esse●…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
Council●…
▪
none
are
to
be
chosen
〈◊〉
a
Prouincial
,
National
,
or
Oecumenical
Synod
,
but
such
as
were
first
chosen
by
some
particular
〈◊〉
to
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
a
first
〈◊〉
▪
and
●…o
〈◊〉
on
the
〈◊〉
of
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
to
order
.
Hence
〈◊〉
it
must
be
carefully
and
expressedly
put
into
th●…
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
▪
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
of
the
Churches
Election
.
That
〈◊〉
are
chosen
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
on
the
Ordinance
of
〈◊〉
in
all
the
Orders
of
it
,
both
in
Provincial
,
National
,
and
Oecu●…e
▪
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
even
unto
th●…
highest
point
:
for
though
all
that
are
th●…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
,
ev●…n
to
the
top
branch
,
either
by
electing
others
,
or
being
●…ected
themselves
,
unto
those
services
of
Christ
,
and
of
the
●…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
,
tha●…
they
have
,
who
are
most
fit
to
promote
and
attain
the
end●…
they
are
sent
for
,
viz.
so
carry
on
the
Ordinance
of
Counsel
in
a
Provincial
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
bu●…
one
▪
or
more
then
one
Teaching
Elders
▪
for
by
the
good
Providence
and
rich
Grace
of
Christ
▪
there
may
be
s●…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
,
●…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
;
ye●…
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
●…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
i●…
Scripture
to
bottom
them
upon
.
Ans.
The
Primitive
Churches
had
a
stated
and
perm●…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
●…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
●…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
p●…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
●…
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
,
Sta●…ed
▪
Occasional
.
The
stated
Meetings
of
the
first
Councils
are
every
Moneth
▪
and
what
if
it
should
be
on
the
●…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
Equin●…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
,
●…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
Barn●…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
●…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
●…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
Coun●…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
Catec●…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
●…ented
and
diffused
,
to
●…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
si●…nce
such
a
Controversie
.
VII
.
If
any
Strife
or
Division
arise
among
any
,
either
person●…
,
or
parties
,
or
Churches
,
or
Towns
,
or
Magistrates
;
because
all
strife
is
of
Satan
,
and
dangerous
,
and
the
higher
the
worse
:
Therefore
it
ought
to
be
the
care
of
all
the
Councils
,
speedily
to
reconcile
(
in
an
Ecclesiastical
way
,
as
to
their
spirits
and
affections
)
all
such
strife
▪
with
all
care
refusing
to
in●…erpose
,
o●…
meddle
with
the
Civil
cause
,
if
any
be
,
leaving
that
to
be
decided
in
Civil
Order
,
according
to
the
Ordinance
of
God.
VIII
.
If
there
arise
any
difficulty
in
any
of
the
Churches
about
Election
of
Officers
,
Administration
of
Censures
,
Admission
of
Members
,
Education
of
Youth
,
or
in
such
like
cases
;
(
and
when
do
all
these
vigorously
proceed
without
difficulty
?
)
It
is
the
duty
and
care
of
these
Councils
,
by
the
evidence
of
the
light
of
the
Word
of
God
,
so
to
advise
and
counsel
these
Churches
,
as
that
they
may
proceed
to
act
in
due
unity
,
good
order
,
and
in
the
power
and
peace
of
the
Gospel
.
IX
.
Because
the
pious
and
prudent
management
of
the
publick
stock
of
Prayers
and
Pra●…es
,
is
a
point
that
greatly
doth
concern
the
Church
Militant
:
and
because
all
the
great
Motions
in
the
world
are
steered
and
man●…ged
by
Divine
Providence
,
according
to
the
Prayers
of
the
Churches
,
and
of
the
Saints
;
Hence
it
is
a
great
service
of
Christ
,
and
of
the
Churches
,
for
all
the
Councils
to
order
and
present
matter
of
Prayers
and
Thanksgiving
,
and
also
to
order
and
guide
the
times
and
seasons
of
publick
Fastings
and
Thanksgivings
.
The
management
of
the
great
Wheel
of
publick
Prayers
▪
as
to
the
presenting
of
matter
,
and
ordering
of
seasons
,
lyeth
within
the
care
and
guidance
of
the
Councils
,
by
whose
pious
prudence
,
all
the
Churches
will
be
led
on
in
an
united
Spirit
of
Prayer
,
both
for
matter
and
seasons
▪
but
abandoning
the
An●…ichristian
stinted
Forms
and
Ti●…es
.
X.
If
Colonies
,
or
New
Towns
are
to
be
erected
in
Wildernesses
,
or
any
unhabited
places
in
the
world
;
and
people
appear
ready
in
their
mindes
to
undertake
such
a
Design
:
It
is
a
singular
point
of
wisdom
and
love
,
to
manage
such
a
design
religiously
,
so
as
that
God
may
go
with
them
,
and
dwell
in
the
midst
of
them
.
And
therefore
it
is
necessary
that
they
have
the
Ministry
of
Gods
Word
,
and
some
other
godly
persons
with
them
,
who
●…ay
carry
on
Church-work
among
them
.
And
this
care
belongeth
to
the
Councils
,
to
order
,
guide
,
and
provide
for
them
.
XI
.
When
Parishional
Congregations
are
to
be
called
up
unto
Reformation
;
and
when
Officers
are
to
be
Ordained
among
them
,
where
none
were
before
;
and
when
,
by
addition
of
Churches
unto
the
Communion
,
Councils
are
to
be
multiplied
:
These
(
and
such
like
)
are
blessed
Births
,
and
very
well-pleasing
to
Christ
;
and
O●…
how
well
it
becometh
these
Ecclesiastical
Councils
to
Midwife
forth
such
Births
as
these
?
XII
.
When
a
whole
Church
or
the
major
part
thereof
,
do
remove
their
dwelling●…
,
and
transplant
themselves
into
some
other
pl●…ce
;
great
care
is
to
be
had
,
that
Christ
may
go
with
them
that
go
,
and
that
Christ
may
tarry
,
and
not
depart
from
them
that
tarry
:
The
care
of
the
holy
and
●…oving
management
of
such
a
design
,
doth
much
concern
,
and
well
become
the
holy
care
of
the
Ecclesiastical
Councils
.
CHAP.
VI.
Concerning
the
particular
works
of
all
the
Orders
of
Councils
:
and
first
of
the
First
Order
.
WHen
a
Council
of
the
First
Order
is
met
at
the
stated
time
,
and
in
the
Place
agreed
on
,
and
have
compleated
themselves
by
chusing
Moderator
and
Notáries
,
and
have
commended
their
work
,
their
Churches
,
and
all
the
Government
,
Civil
and
Ecclesiastical
,
&c.
unto
God
in
Prayer
;
then
I.
The
Moderator
,
with
the
Co-attestation
of
his
Associate
Ruling
Elder
,
doth
first
declare
the
present
state
of
the
Church
where
they
do
minister
,
and
who
have
sent
them
,
to
act
Communion
of
Councils
with
the
sister-Churches
here
represented
,
in
this
Council
.
The
present
state
of
the
Church
he
doth
declare
,
in
these
five
Points
,
in
answering
to
these
five
Questions
:
1.
Whether
they
walk
together
in
Truth
and
Love
?
truthing
it
in
love
,
Eph.
4.
15.
2.
Whether
Peace
ruleth
in
their
hearts
,
and
braves
it
among
them
?
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
Col.
3.
15.
3.
Whether
they
walk
in
holiness
of
Life
,
Evangelically
unblameable
?
Luk.
1.
6.
4.
Whether
the
Lambs
of
the
Flock
be
diligently
●…ed
,
and
trained
up
for
Christ
,
in
the
nurture
and
admonition
of
the
Lord
?
Joh.
21.
15.
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
My
little
Lambs
.
The
care
of
the
Lambs
,
is
one
third
part
of
the
charge
over
the
Flock
of
God.
5.
Whether
the
Lords-day
be
reverently
,
religiously
and
strictly
observed
by
all
?
Rev.
1.
10.
Isai.
58.
13.
The
Affirmative
of
these
Questions
,
(
in
Gospel
Measure
,
and
Endeavour
,
though
not
without
infirmities
)
declared
by
him
,
and
co-attested
by
his
Associate
Ruling
Elder
,
is
to
be
accepted
,
with
all
thankfulness
unto
God
,
for
the
present
good
estate
in
Christ
,
of
that
Church
;
and
the
Notary
is
to
record
the
same
to
the
praise
of
Christ
Jesus
.
II.
The
Moderator
is
to
call
upon
all
the
Elder●…
in
order
,
to
declare
,
with
the
co-attestation
of
their
Associate
●…uling
Elders
,
the
state
of
all
the
Churches
,
touching
the
same
five
Questions
.
All
whose
Reports
are
distinctly
to
be
recorded
,
as
the
present
good
estate
,
in
Christ
,
of
all
those
Churches
,
to
stand
as
a
monument
of
Gods
mercy
to
future
ages
:
and
to
be
presented
upon
record
unto
the
Provincial
and
National
Councils
.
III.
If
all
the
Churches
walk
in
an
Evangelical
measure
of
Truth
,
Peace
and
Holiness
,
and
have
no
cause
that
laboureth
among
them
,
for
want
of
Help●…d
●…d
Counsel
;
then
the
Moderator
is
to
declare
to
●…e
praise
of
God
,
that
the
work
of
this
present
Session
,
as
touching
their
own
Churches
,
is
finished
.
IV.
But
if
there
be
any
difference
▪
or
strife
,
or
any
difficul●…
case
in
any
of
the
Churches
,
there
opened
by
the
Elders
:
The
matter
is
first
to
be
put
,
and
resolved
into
a
Question
or
Questions
,
according
as
the
state
of
the
case
doth
require
:
and
those
Questions
recorded
,
as
matter
for
the
Council
to
give
advice
in
,
unto
that
Church
from
whence
they
came
.
Also
it
must
be
provided
,
that
the
party
,
or
parties
concerned
in
the
case
,
or
cases
,
be
present
,
both
at
the
●…ating
of
the
Questions
,
and
discussion
thereof
,
and
at
the
Application
thereof
unto
the
particular
case
;
and
that
he
or
they
have
competent
liberty
to
Discuss
,
Argue
,
Answer
,
or
wha●…
ever
is
requisite
,
to
finde
out
and
clear
up
the
truth
.
The
Answer
to
the
Questions
,
and
the
Application
thereof
(
so
far
as
may
stand
with
due
reverence
to
the
Church
and
glory
of
Christ
)
are
to
be
recorded
.
V.
If
there
be
any
case
which
the
Elders
see
cause
not
to
produce
themselves
,
or
do
refuse
,
th●…
any
Broth●…r
concerned
may
,
yea
though
it
reflect
upon
the
Elders
themselves
.
Or
in
case
of
Male-administration
:
or
if
any
already
censured
appeal
for
further
Light
and
Conviction
:
or
if
any
deserving
Ce●…sure
,
do
appeal
from
the
Church
for
cle●…er
conviction
,
and
the
Church
seeth
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
●…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
●…ropagation
of
the
Gospel
,
and
the
like
.
VII
.
If
business
so
multiply
,
that
one
day
sufficeth
not
to
fi●…ish
the
work
,
the
Council
have
liberty
to
appoint
other
times
,
so
of●…
a●…
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
con●…iderably
divided
in
judgement
,
then
the
Case
is
to
be
transmitted
to
the
next
Provincial
Council
,
and
●…ecorded
so
to
be
,
with
the
Reasons
of
transmitting
the
sa●…
.
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
Ce●…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
appeala●…
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
●…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
transmi●…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
●…re
(
so
far
as
in
prudence
is
meet
)
to
relate
the
particular
state
of
all
the
Churches
,
the
acts
of
the
Council
,
the
persons
chos●…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
El●…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
cases●…s
●…s
are
transmitted
by
them
unto
this
Council
;
and
such
Appeals
as
are
made
unto
them
,
as
part
of
the
present●…
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
●…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
Council●…
such
publick
sins
as
are
to
be
bewailed
;
such
mercies
as
are
to
be
i●…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
prai●…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
●…ing
to
be
communic●…ted
.
But
experience
will
put
men
upon
the
best
w●…y
of
Order
in
these
things
.
The
p●…rticular
duties
of
the
Oecumeni●…al
Council
I
pass
in
silence
;
I
leave
them
to
their
consideration
,
whose
happy
〈◊〉
it
shall
be
,
to
see
those
gl●…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
●…unsel
,
that
he
or
they
will
or
c●…n
obtain
,
according
to
God
,
〈◊〉
they
●…ay
have
occ●…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
●…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
Rel●…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
●…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
o●…
〈◊〉
prudentl●…
exercised
,
both
publickly
in
the
Church
,
and
in
private
houses
,
all
t●…
Church
are
to
be
trained
up
unto
a
competency
of
knowledge
in
Jesus
Christ.
IV.
Special
●…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
;
a●…d
unto
an
explicite
acknowledgement
of
Christ
,
with
sub●…
and
engagement
of
themselves
unto
the
C●…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
,
&
●…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
●…bour
,
pains
and
diligence
,
it
is
me●…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
Br●…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
i●…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
●…ground
upon
.
But
Revenue
and
Profit
are
separable
from
the
Work
,
●…d
must
be
religiously
and
earnestly
▪
kept
off
▪
It
being
a
Wor●…
that
will
surely
▪
corrupt
●
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
hav●…
fa●…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
●…ew
saved
.
Therefore
the
Church
ought
now
,
in
our
reformation
and
res●…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
ex●…ss
in
them
who
a●…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
Mi●…th
,
Laughter
and
Jesting
.
●…
.
In
Sobriety
:
no
excess
in
drinking
wine
and
strong
drink
.
3.
In
Moderation
of
diet
,
Ornaments
,
or
any
Pomp.
4.
In
Sedu●…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
Meekne●…
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
E●…ers
in
every
one
of
them
,
because
according
to
ou●…
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
Pruden●…
Ruling
Elders
may
be
sent
,
such
as
may
be
an
awe
unto
gr●…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
●…oon
,
and
6
d.
at
night
,
provided
they
be
necessita●…ed
to
tar●…y
●…ll
night
,
otherwise
their
charges
are
but
their
dinner
and
horse
▪
mea●…
.
For
the
defr●…ying
of
which
charge
,
the
Deacons
of
that
Church
where
they
meet
,
may
be
authorized
so
to
order
the
matte●…
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
morti●…ie
it
,
and
to
honour
Grace
.
FINIS
.
Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
Notes for div A39224-e310
⸫
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
*
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉