Presbyterial government described, or, A methodical synopsis of it, as it is professed and practized in the Church of Scotland gathered out of the confessions of faith, and other publick records of that church ... / by Britannus Philopresbyter. Clark, James, 1660-1723. 1695 Approx. 32 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 7 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A55680 Wing P3222 ESTC R33950 13637417 ocm 13637417 100866 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. A55680) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 100866) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1042:15) Presbyterial government described, or, A methodical synopsis of it, as it is professed and practized in the Church of Scotland gathered out of the confessions of faith, and other publick records of that church ... / by Britannus Philopresbyter. Clark, James, 1660-1723. Philopresbyter, Britanus. 13 p. [s.n.], Edinburgh : Printed in the year 1695. Attributed to James Clark by NUC pre-1956 imprints. Imperfect: pages cropped, stained, with loss of print. Reproduction of original in the Union Theological Seminary Library, New York. 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. 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Presbyterianism. 2005-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-05 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-08 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2005-08 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Presbyterial Government Described : OR , A Methodical Synopsis of it , As it is Professed and Practized in the CHURCH of SCOTLAND Gathered out of the Confess●●ns of Faith , and other publick Records of that CHURCH , 〈…〉 the Nature and Principles of this Government , UNITIE and PURITIE may be preserved in the CHURCH . By BRITANNUS PHILOPRESBYTER . 1 Cor : 14.40 . Let all things be done Decently , and in Order . Bernard . Sup : Cant : Ordo rebus & modum , & decorem , & perpetuitatem quoque tribuit . Plutar : praecep : polit : Est pulcherrima & utilissima Disciplina dicto audientem esse Rectoribus , etiamsi opibus & Gloria sint Inferiores . Senecae Oedip : 110. Quicquid excessit modum , pendet instabili loco . Edinburgh , Printed in the Year . 1695. ADVERTISEMENT . TAke here an Index of these Records out of which the substance of the ensuing Discription is gathered , Viz. 1 The Confession of Faith , and formes of Discipline used in the English Congregation at Geneva , approven by the Church of Scotland . 2 The Confession of Faith professed by the Protestants of Scotland , Anno 1560. Ratified in the first Parliament of K : J : 6. and by Act. Assem : 1638. ss : 16. 3 The Books of Discipline , approven by Act : Ass : Glasg : Apr : 24 1581 and ratified Act Ass : 1638 : ss : 16. 4 The Acts of the Generall Assemblies of the Church of Scotland . 5 The Westminster Assemblies Propositions and Directory for Church Government and Ordination of Ministers approven : Act : Ass : 1645. ss : 16. 6 The Westminster Assemblies Confession of Faith , approven by the Church of Scotland , Act : Ass , 1647 : ss . 23. and ratified 1 Parl : of K. W. and Q. M. June 7. 16●● Datum Britannopoli Martij . 28 : 1695. Presbyterial Government described . IN proposing a Scheme of Presbyterial Government , we intend not thereby to carp or cavel at others , whose Light or Conscience swayes them to be of a different Sentiment , but modestly to offer such a Plain Portraiture of it , as it may conspicuously appear to be comely and venerable , at least not so black and odious , as some immoderat Spirits are industriously employed to misrepresent and traduce , following that devilish Maxime , fortiter calumniare , aliquid adhaerebit . It is sufficiently known in the World , that there have been clamorous contests and long continued virulent debates , about Church Government , specially among us in Britain ; The LORD send a healing Spirit , and put a final Period to our dolorous dissentions , Amen . The main difference in this point lyes not so much anent the thing in general , whether there should be Government in the Church , all sides accorde that this is necessary and clearly eno●gh determined in the Scriptures : But when they compare Notes and Notio●● about the particular Sp●●ies and , Form of Government , here each Competitor partie contends ta●quam pro aris & facis , that , that Specifick Model only which they severally conceive is according to the word of GOD , should be applauded and universally acquiesced in . In prosecution of what is proposed take the Complexion and Constitution of Presbyterial Government , in these ensuing Theses or Articles gathered from their own Authentick Records . 1. Article , GOD hath a Church in the World Militant amidst many dangers and difficulties which is principally under his own Inspection , Providence and protection , and by His Revealed Will , is committed to the care Oeconomie and defence of Civil Magistrates and Ecclesiastick Ministers , who conjunctly and severally in their respective different Spheres , are to fullfill their several Commissions , in the improvement and use of their several Talents of power , Authoritie , &c. For his Glory , and the Good of his Espoused Church , as they shall be answerable to Him in the day , o● Accounts . 2 B : disc : p. 72 , 73 , Assem : Cons : C : 23. 2. As no Societie can subsist without Government Laws and Policy , and consequently neither without persons regularly vested with Authority and power , to make the same effectual for the Good and Emmolument of the Communitie , So the Infinitly Wise and Good GOD , hath copiously provided all things of the like nature requisite for the pious and peaceable Communion of Saints , whose Laws and constitutions being duely observed , the Church of GOD may be a comely , pure and orderly society , State Polititians are for Laws and Government , that the Common well and publict peace may be promoved and preserved , Military Men are for their Martial Tacticks and severe Discipline in their Hosts and Armies , yea every incorporation , be it of Merchants or the like , finds a necessitie of Rule and Order , and is there not a paritie of Reason , if not far more , why there should be Good Government and Discipline in the Church which is the City of GOD , who is not a GOD of confusion , but of Order , and hath expresly injoyned that all things be done decently and in order . Genev : form of Disc. 3. The Sacred Laws and Cannons which are to be the supream Standard and Touch stone of Ecclesiastick Acts and Decrees , are contained in the Scriptures , from whence no sort of Church Courts or Officers are to recede ne vel latum unguem in their Constitutions or Determinations , hence what ever bold Adventures any persons or parties may make either in the Creation of new Officers , Ordinances or Cannons in the Church , not agreeable and warranted by the Divine Scriptures , they are ipso facto to be reputed cass and null , and to be abandoned the Churches acceptation or Approbation , 2. B. disc , 72.74 . K , I , Conf : Act : 21. Ass : Conf : C : 1. Art. 6.10 . 4. The Mediator CHRIST , is the sole Head and Monarch of the Church : and to him doth this peculiar Prerogative appertain , for he redeemed her with his blood , and he only can actuate and inspire the Catholick Church into vital operations by his ever flowing ●ening Influences , as being that Mystick Body of Spiritually united Members , whereof He is the High and Holy Head , therefore all power is given to Him in Heaven and Earth ; [ we speak not now of his Essential Kingship or Regemie , but of His Mediatorial Supremacy ] being delegated by the Father , to employ the same for the use of the Church , but under CHRIST there is no delegated , Vicarious , Subordinate Head of the Church , which is monstruous for to imagine , as mischievous to admit , neither ought any to assume a Legislative power of framing Laws or Cannons to be imposed upon his Subjects , explain and execute his Laws and statutes , his authorized Officers may and must according to the orders he hath prescrived them , but it is cum periculo capitis , as being a capital crime , if any proceed beyond his Limits . 2. B. disc : 72 , K. l. Conf : Ar : 17 , Ass : Cons : C : 25. 5. From this Fountian of all power , is derived unto Church Officers , that Power and Authority , in the Virtue whereof they may and ought to excercise their Ministerial Functions , as GOD doth call and post them in His Providence : Hence the solemn Charges , Commands , Censures , &c. Which they execute & apply are always and only in the Name & Authorritie of this their Lord and Master and not only the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 potestas , Right and Authoritie , for intermeddling ex officio in sacred things , but also the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 potentia , Abilities 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , qualifyeing them for their Office comes from his favour and fulness . 6 As the Roman Catholick pretention of a visible vi●carious Monarch , is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to be abjured , neither can the Morrellian Democracie be received , which cannot well avoid Anarchie and confusion , where all are promiscuously and reciprocallie the Rulers and the Ruled : therefore these two extreams being both quarrelable , Presbyterial Aristocracie , headed by the Mediator [ the only Monarch of the Church , as said is ] seems to be that well tempered mode of Government , most favoured by the Scriptures , & if moderatly and wisely mannadged by the Rulers of it ; very probably may be entertained with more Universal favour among men , Act : Ass : p : 107. 7. That Power which the Mediator hath dispenced unto his Officers , is by his will and Wisdom shared in such a Just paritie , as that they are all made Peers in Power and Authority , none being Superior in Order , degree , or Jurisdiction to another , but all subject and accountable to the Arch-Pastor , and Bishop of Souls , whose Stewards , Servants and Ministers they are having and holding their Commission alone from him : Whence all Despotick , or Lordly Magisterial Power among Gospel Ministers , is utterly to be avoided and abandoned , as being not by Divine disposition , but Human composition . Act : Ass : Dimd : 1580. 2. B : Disc : 72.74 . Act. Ass : Dec : 8. 1638. 8. The Ordinarie Office-bearers in the Church , which GOD hath appointed to continue to the end of the World [ extraordinarie now ceasing ] are Doctors , Presbyters , and Deacons , Doctors are commonly ranked with the Preaching Elders , Teaching , Preaching and Ruling pertaining to them both as they are qualified so to labour , Doctors being likewise useful in Schools and Universities , for training up Students of Theologie . As for Presbyters or Elders , they are either such as labour in the word and Doctrine , and also Rule , whom they call promiscuously , Pastors , Ministers , or Bishops . Or such as only Rule , being Members Constituent of Ecclesiastick Judicatories , concurring Authoritatively with Ministers in matters of Rule and Discipline . To these they appropriate the name of Ruling Elders ; As for Deacons they have no Authority in Courts ▪ but in Counts they have , being concerned 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Church Collections and provisions for the poor , and the like . Genev : form . j : B : Disc : 55.2 . B : Disc : 74.77 . Ass : Direc : 3. &c. Act : Ass : 32. 9. The Tittle of Bishop mentioned in the Scripture , it is Identical , and of the same latitude and import with Presbyter or Pastor , both as to the nature of the Office designed by these different Synonymous Appellations , and as to the Pastoral work , incumbent to those who are vested with the Office. 2 B : Dis : 76.86 . Act. Ass : 1638.32 . 10. The intermediate Ordinary way of Communicating and Participating the Pastorial Power , and the exercise of it , is by the Election of the People , either represented in the Eldership [ who usually are their own choice ] for eviting the confusion of the Multitude , Or Virtually by every indevidual man , through their consent , [ having free access to dissent , if they produce any relevant reasons , or weighty Objections , whereof the Presbyterie is Judge competent and ordinarie ] which is the thing implyed by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ● : ● : Streatching out , or holding up the hand , as a sign of assent ; And chiefly by the Imposition of the bands of the Presbytrie , with Prayers and fastings , solemnly setting a part , and Ordaining the man [ chosen , called , tryed , and found fit ] to the work of the Ministrie , in general , as GOD shall clearly call him to imploy his Talents , and in particular to the Pastoral Charge of such a certain Flock , whereunto he is orderly called and admitted , which Rite and action is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Genev : form : 2. B : Disc : 75.79 , 81. Ass : Dic : 3.4 . &c. 11. The Minister being thus settled , he must reside and labour among his people for their Salvation and Edification by all Gospel means , and he cannot at his own Arbitriment , relinquish his flock , or lay aside his Pastoral charge , but is to be subject to the Presbytrie , and other Superior Courts to be disposed of as they find cause & convenient , neither can any oothers directly and Authoritatively exauterate or deprive him of his Pastoreal Power ; But they who have the Power to collate and ordain , who for clear and Onerous causes , may Suspend for a certain time , or depose for ever ; But as to what extent or influence , a sentence of the Civil Magistrate may have per concomitantiam , we will not medle to define . Act : Ass. 1638.43 . 12. This Pastoral Power is exerced and employed , either in the administration of the word and Sacraments , and other pendicles of the Didactick part of their work , wherein Ministers are to be instant , faithful and diligent , or in the exercise of Disciplin , which they are to mannage with discretion , prudence and Righteousness , both for the increase of Knowledge and Pietie , and for the curbing of vice , and reforming the flagitious . Ass : Dir : 3.4 , 2. B : Dis : 76. 13. As to the execution of Discipline , and the Diatactick part of their work , the several kinds of Courts , Supream , and subordinate , in which preaching and Ruling Elders are to govern , they are either parochial Sessions , Classical Presbytries , provincical Synods , or National Assemblies , and [ if it could be conveniently obtained ] an Oecumenick or General Council : A Parochial Session , is the ordained Minister of the place , together with the Ruling Elders , and if the Minister have a Collegue , they moderate in their Session per vices , the Moderator having no negative voice , a Classical Presbytrie is made up of the parishes of a lesser presinct than a Province , and both unto a Presbytrie , and a provincial synod ( made up of several Presbytries ) each Minister within the respective bounds cometh with one Ruling Elder with him , whom their several Sessions choose and think most fit . A National Assembly , is only made up of chosen commissionated delegats . To a National synod there comes two or three Ministers with one Ruling Elder from each Presb●●●● through the Nation , and the number of Delegates from every Presbytrie is more or less , proportionably to the number and quota of parishes in the Respective Presbytries : Also there may be sent Delegates and Commissioners from Vniversities and Broughs Royal , providing they be ordained Ruling Elders . Act : Ass : 15●0 . 2. B : Dis : 70. Ass : Dir : 14. &c. Ass : Decr : 17. 1638. Act : Ass : Jul. 18. 1648. Act : Ass : 1694. ss : 14 The Orderly way of bringing Ecclesiastick causes and cases under the cognizance of the Respective [ Superior ] Judicatories is either by Bill . by reference or appeal ▪ For the more methodical tabling thereof [ specially in the General Assembly ] there use to be Commities appointed to ripen and prepair matters for hearing in full Assemblie : Appeals ascend Gradatim from the lesser subordinate Courts [ where the cause was first tabled ] to the superior till they finally sist in the Solemn sentence of a National Assembly , this being ultimus conatus , & res ibi Judicata , not being ulterius Judicanda [ for there is no probability of an Oecumenick Council ] otherwayes there would be endless remideless work ; They admit not processes to enter per saltum , or to come in at the broad side , till first they have been tabled , tryed , or cognosced upon before the lesser Judicatories . Act : Ass : Aug : 30. 1639. Act : Ass : 1643. ss : 2. Ibid : ss : 10. Act : Ass : 1648. ss : 30. 15 The decisive sentences of the foresaid respective Courts , are to be received ; and acquiesced in , as proceeding from an Authority ordained by GOD , and therefore are Obligatorie either to yield active obedience , unto them , Or submission to censur in case of disobedience ; And affairs are to be carried on in such a prudent , orderly and Righteous way [ agreeable to the word of GOD and the Laudible constitutions of the Church ] as there may be no just Ground to reclaime , and the Reason why Inferiour Judicatories are concerned to do so , is , because if the parties , against whom the sentence strikes deeme themselves manifestly injured , or that there hath been any gross irregularity in the procedure of the Court , they may be appealed from to a superior judicatory , and so are lyable to be censured for their Maladministration , if the appellant make it appear to have been so , but if the causes or reasons of appeal be found frivolous and weak , then the appellant is still under the tye of the former sentence , for , and from which the appeal was made , and moreover is publickly rebuked for suspecting and impeaching the justice of a Church judicatory . Act : Ass : P : 108. 16. Sessions and Presbyteries meet more frequently as their affairs require , synods ordinarly twice a year , and the General Assembly once a year , and oftner , pro re nata , if necessary and weighty exegencies call for it , and if time allow not to overtake all the business comes before them . They use to appoint a Comittee of the Assemblie , either for publick emergencies that may concern the Church , for visitation of Churches , &c. Or for expeding in the interval till the nixt Annual meeting , what they had not discussed , during the Sessions of the Assemblie , and this Committee they circumscribe and Limit with instructions and appoint ad hunc effectum ; & propresenti Ecclesiae statu , the particular affairs which they are to medle with , being specified and ingrossed in their instructions and eommissions , and in all their actings they are countable to , and Censurable by the next General Assembly . Genev : Form : 2. B : Disc : 79. Act : Ass : 1638. ss : 26. Act : Ass : 1642. ss : 8. Act : Ass : 1690 ss : 26. 17. In all their Judicatories they have a Moderator , who is chosen for longer or shorter time , as they see convenient , but they are against a constant Superintendent or Moderator , least it have a bad tendencie , and produce ill effects . This protemporal Moderator hath no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or peculiar power , paramount to any of the rest of his Brethen , but only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ergo , I. E. for orders sake , and to evite confusion , during his service at this post , he preceeds in their arguings and ratiocinations , requires the sentiments of the several Members , summs up what seems to be the Judgement of the Pluralitie , and if it be thought fit to bring the matter in agitation to a Vote , he pronounces the mind of the Major part , which determines the thing in question , but gives no vote himself , except there be a just equality of Votes of the rest , then [ non potestatis vel Jurisdictionis ; sed necessitatis ergo ] he gives his suffrage also , the Moderator likewise , if need be , intimates a meeting pro re nata , this comely order they keep , where all may have access to moderate interchangably , and none to envie or domineer over another , in a Diotrephesian way . 2 B , dis : 79 , Act , Ass : 1638 , ss , 24. Al● . dir . p : 6. 18. The Kingdom of Christ being spiritual , and not of this World , his Subjects , Courts , Stewards or Officers [ to whom he hath committed the keyes of the Kingdom ] are so likewise , therefore it is only Ecclesiastick Causes , which they directly and properly cognosce upon , they meddle not with Civil or secular affairs , as being alterius fori , and so extraneous and excentrical to them ; except they be required by the Magistrate , to give their advice and opinion , in matters wherein the Church and Conseience may be incidentially & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 concerned , hence their grand care and business is to fence against Heresies , Errors , and Schisms , and such heretodox dogmes , or tenets , as are contrar to sound Doctrine and Godlinss , ne quid detrimenti capiat Ecclesia , they also as Censores morum , animadvert that no scandalous or notorious vice and impietie pass without a due check & censure , according to the merit of offences occurrent , so that matters of Faith and Godliness of Conscience and Conversation , are the proper and formal objects of their disquisition and determinations , 2. B. disc : 79 , Ass : dir : 15 , &c. Ass : Cons : c. 31. Art : 5. Act. Ass : 1638 , ss : 25. 19 There 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Censures are also spiritual , and they proceed from Lesser reproofs [ even as the Offender deserves ] ay till they come to the tremenduous censure of Excommunication , which is seldome inflicted and that not till after Leasurely deliberation , and frequent dealing , to bring the obdured delinquent to sensible Repentance , and if a gentle and discreet means are contemned , then with a great deal of solemnitie , as being Summum futuri Judicji prejudicium , they proceed to this Final and whiles Fatal sentence : they also deal with censured Delinquents to induce and prepare them to serious Repentance , that upon the apparent evidences thereof , they may be absolved , and received again into Church Communion , but if such contumacious miscreants will be obstinatly wicked to their own perdition , they grieve at Satans better success then the Churches , and leave them to the last Judgement of GOD Genev : form of Excom : and absol : Ass : Cons : C : 30. 20. They are not fond of Significant mystick Ceremonies in the worship and service of GOD but rather follow & Symbolize that comely Gospel-simplicity , which Christ and his Apostles used , that in the Church of Rome-hath been sadly marred with the whoorish fairdings and gaudrie of humane Devices , Additions and Traditions , rather borrowed from the old Pagan Pagentrie , than the Sacred page : But though they Nauseat such relicks and pieces of Papistrie , yet what Rites and Ceremonies are decent and convenient , either from the Nature or Adjuncts of the Religious Things or Actions they are exercised about , they are neither so shay nor foolish as to refuse to use them , K. J. Conf : Art : 21. Act : Ass : 1638. ss : 7. Ass : Cons : C. 21. Art : 1. 21. Neither are they for stated anniversarie Feasts or Fasts , which are sadly prophaned and abused among the Romanists , for at least the superstitious unthinking Vulgar make little other use of them , then for rioting and raveling , sporting and gamming , and other such dissolute practices , highly unbeseeming dayes , that pass under the Character and opinion of Holy-dayes : Yet when Emmergencies , and dispensations of providence occur , that call for publick humiliation and fasting , or solemn Thanksgiving ; they think it their duty to consecrate some part of their time , for Fasts and Thanksgivings , devoutly to deprecate GOD's imminent wrath , and to plead the aversion of impendent Judgements due to them for their sins , or to Praise GOD for Benefits received , and to begg further favours ; These being such pieces of Religious Work , which GOD both by his Word and Providence sometimes requires , Genev : Treat : of Fast : Act : Ass : 1645. ss : Vlt. 22. The Church hath an intrinsick power , distinct from , and not formallie dependent upon the Magistratical Civil-Authoritie , being coordinate with it , not in Spiritualibus , subordinate to it ; by which power , though there were no Magistrate , or albeit there be a Magistrate , Christian or Infidel , yet she may do every thing needful , according to Christs Orders , for her own orderlie preservation of Vnitie and Puritie ; and the administration of all the Ordinances of the LORD : This power properlie respects 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ecclesiae , whereof the Civil Magistrate hath no share , qua talis . either to ordain Ministers , Preach the Word , dispence the Seals , or inflict Spiritual Censures , this being remote from his province , 2. B. Disc : 73. Ass : Cons : C. 30. A. ● . C. 31. Ar : 2. 23. Yet as to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ecclesiae , what concerns the External Policie of the Church , they ascribe much to the Magistrates power and Authority , as being by GOD's Ordinance concerned to defend the Church against foul Hereticks , turbulent Schismaticks , and the contumaciouslie Scandalous , &c : That so Vnitie and Purity be preserved , and to reforme corruptions , to convocate Assemblies , to see to the Honest and Honourable provision of Ministers , and to add his Civil Sanctions to the Churches Acts and Decrees , and therefore in their General Assemblies , the supream Magistrate may either be present himself , or send his Commissioner : But whatever Objective power the Magistrate hath circa sacra , it is not Privative but Cumulative , ad majus bonum Ecclesiae . Genev : Cons : 2. B : Disc : 72. 73 84. K. J. Cons. Ar : 25. Ass : Cons : C. 23. 24. Article , For as Good as this Government is , yet it may be mismanadged [ as many times Magistracy hath been , in all the formes and shapes of it , which none will deny to be the Ordinance of GOD ] therefore whatever Maladministrations , Mistakes or Escapes , may happen by the Governours of the Church , they are not forthwith to be fixed or fathered upon the Government it self , Humanum est labi : Surely a grain of allowance must be given to the Infirmities of Men , who while cloathed with Flesh and Blood , are not to be expected perfect or infalible , nemo fine crimine vivit : And if a candid Impartial Comparison were instituted , betwixt Presbyterial and other competitor Governments , it might probably be found to be the less Criminal : But nihil est ex omni parte beatum , Ass : Cons : C. 6. Art : 5. & C. 25. Art. 5. We conclude , lamenting the unhappy times we live in , wherein the Christian Religion sadly suffers , partly by the gross immoralities of many of the professors of it upon the one hand , partly by the dissentions , divisive practices , and implacable like animosities of others of them upon the other hand ; As for the first of our maladies , we may justly say with Seneca , collecta vitia per tot aetates diu . in nos redundant ; Seculo premimur gravi quo sceleta Regnant . Sen : Octav : 355. And this Epidemical plague of prophanity seems herein to be the more prodigious and desperate , that notoriously , scandalous persons approbriously contemn the cure of their sins . Viz : The Faithful Administration of Gospel Ordinances , particularly that August and veneral ordinance of GOD , Ecclesiastick Discipline and Censures ; Alas ! few are perswaded this is a Divine Ordinance , and far fewer will submit to it as such , but rather in their pride , perversitie and ignorance , decline and scorn Church censures , Tell it not in Gath , &c : That among Christians , Christs Laws and Constitutions are so contemptuously treated , what other could be expected of Turks and Pagans , we will sav no more to such Vnchristian Christians , but what a Heathen did say of old , Sequitur Superbos ultor a tergo Deus . Sen. Here : Fur : 197. As to the other Maladie of Contentions & Sebisms in the Church , which are also the Bane of Religion , we may complain as Opratus did of his times , Omnes contentiosi homines sumus . we are all of us a contentious pack of men , for of a Truth on all sides litigant , particularly about Church Government , there are too many inflexible tenacious and peremptorie in every punctilio of their espoused Opinions , as if the whole of Religion were invelopt therein , and are readie to misjudge , nickname and revile one another , yea and some bigots of each counterparty to Vnchurch and Vnchristian one another [ a wild practice , dounright Antipodes , and contrare to the Rules and genius of the Gospel ] but be gainer or loser who will by these intestine tragick digladiations , surely the common enemie Triumphs in our spoils & ruins , as Trophies of Victory . O Christians ! what shall be done for the remedie of these maladies ? It requires indeed much wisdom to propose , and no less prudence and discretion to apply what might be thought fit to be proposed , but in all likelie hood , only Heavens hand can rectifie & redress what is amiss and out of course this day ; Yet surelie as Ministers derive their power from the Mediator Christ , so Magistrates derive theirs from God Almightie , and both be vertue of their Office , Commission and Capacitie , are unavoidably obliged to join their power and policie together for the suppression and punishment of vice and wickedness and the promoval and encouragement of Vertue and Pietie , for no less will God call civil Magistrates to an account for their negligence and maladministrations then Church Pastors and Ministers , therefore both should amicably correspond and cordially concur for advancing the peace and puritie of the Church , for which purpose it is our hearty Vote , that God would pour forth a spirit of Wisdom , Zeal and Holiness upon Magistrats Ministers and all Ranks and degrees of persons , Amen . FINIS