CXI propositions concerning the ministry and government of the ChurchCXI propositions concerning the ministerie and government of the Church

Therefore by reason of the danger of that which is called clavis errans, or a wrong key; and that it may not be permitted to particular Churches to err or sin licentiously, and ⟨p. 14⟩lest any mans cause be overthrown and perish, who in a particular Church had perhaps the same men both his adversaries and his judges; Also that common businesses which do belong to many Churches, together with the more weighty and difficult controversies, (the deciding whereof in the consistories of particular Churches is not safe to be adventured upon) may be handled and determined by a common council of Presbyteries. Finally that the Governors of particular Churches, may impart help mutually one to another against the cunning and subtle enemies of the truth, and may join their strength together (such as it is) by an holy combination, and that the Church may be as a camp of an Army well ordered; lest while every one striveth singly, all of them be subdued and overcome; or lest by reason of the scarcity of prudent and Godly Counsellors (in the multitude of whom is safety) the Affairs of the Church be undone: For all those considerations particular Churches must be subordinate to Classical Presbyteries and Synods.

Therefore by reason of the danger of that which is called calvis errans, or a wrong key; and that it may not bee permitted to particular Churches to erre or sin licentiously, and ⟨p. 14⟩lest any mans cause be overthrown and perish, who in a particular Church had perhaps the same men both his adversaries and his judges; Also that common businesses which doe belong to many Churches, together with the more weighty and difficult controversies, (the deciding whereof in the consistories of particular Churches is not safe to bee adventured upon) may bee handled and determined by a common counsell of Presbyteries. Finally that the Governours of particular Churches, may impart help mutually one to another against the cunning and subtill enemies of the truth, and may joyne their strength together (such as it is) by an holy combination, and that the Church may bee as a camp of an Army well ordered; lest while every one striveth singly, all of them bee subdued and overcome; or lest by reason of the scarcity of prudent and Godly Counsellers (in the multitude of whom is safety) the Affaires of the Church be undone: For all those considerations particular Churches must bee subordinate to Classicall Presbyteries and Synodes.