The power of Congregational churches asserted and vindicated in answer to a treatise of…

Hereunto I shall add, that, as these godly Learned Brethren speak nothing for the Classical Power of Elders, for which the Presbyterians contend, tanquam pro aris & focis; so in that Communion of Churches, which I with them look at as the Ordinance of Christ, due moderation must be exercised by Neighbour Churches, that their exercising brotherly Communion in testifying against such Acts in a particular Church, as they conceive to be aberrations from the Rule, be according to Scripture-Light, with Humility; and that,

1. Held forth by them, they looking at themselves, though as Elders, yet not as Apostles, nor as infallibly assisted, or carried by the Spirit, above all possibility of erring, in their Determinations and Counsels, and therefore do not in a Masterly way impose their Determinations and Counsels upon others, but propound them in the fear of God, to be examined ⟨p. 150⟩by the Scripture, and received only so far, as they shall be found to agree therewith. And, if that Church hold forth Reasons of their contrary apprehensions, let them be duly weighed, and answered convictingly; or let that Church be left at liberty, to walk according to their own light, in re propriâ, without offence, or disturbance.

1. Held forth by them, they looking at themselves, though as Elders, yet not as Apostles, nor as infallibly assisted, or carried by the Spirit, above all possibility of erring, in their Determinations and Counsels, and therefore do not in a Masterly way impose their Determinations and Counsels upon others, but propound them in the fear of God, to be examined ⟨p. 150⟩by the Scripture, and received only so far, as they shall be found to agree therewith. And, if that Church hold forth Reasons of their contrary apprehensions, let them be duly weighed, and answered convictingly; or let that Church be left at liberty, to walk according to their own light, in re propriâ, without offense, or disturbance.