The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

THIS is a thing also which the Ancient Church made great Provision against. For when some Churches were increased in Members, Reputation, Privileges and Wealth above others, it grew an ordinary practice for the Bishops to design and endeavour their own removal from a less unto a greater Benefice. This is so severely interdicted in the Councils of Nice and Chalcedon, as that they would not allow that a Man might be a Bishop or Presbyter in any other place, but only in the Church wherein he was Originally Ordained: And therefore, if any did so remove themselves, Decreed, that they should be sent home again, and there abide, or cease to be Church-Officers, Council. Nicaea, Can. 15, 16. Chalced. Can. 5, 20. Pluralities, as they are called, and open contending for Ecclesiastical Promotions, Benefices and Dignities, were then either unknown, or openly condemned.

THIS is a thing also which the Ancient Church made great Provision against. For when some Churches were encreased in Members, Reputation, Privileges and Wealth above others, it grew an ordinary practice for the Bishops to design and endeavour their own removal from a less unto a greater Benefice. This is so severely interdicted in the Councils of Nice and Chalcedon, as that they would not allow that a Man might be a Bishop or Presbyter in any other place, but only in the Church wherein he was Originally Ordained: And therefore, if any did so remove themselves, Decreed, that they should be sent home again, and there abide, or cease to be Church-Officers, Council. Nicea, Can. 15, 16. Chalced. Can. 5, 20. Pluralities, as they are called, and open contending for Ecclesiastical Promotions, Benefices and Dignities, were then either unknown, or openly condemned.

YET it cannot be denied, but that there may be just causes of the Removal of a Pastor from one Congregation unto ⟨p. 114⟩another: For, whereas the end of all particular Churches is to promote the Edification of the Catholic Church in general; where, in any especial instance, such a removal is useful unto that end, it is equal it should be allowed. Cases of this nature may arise from the consideration of Persons, Places, Times, and many other Circumstances that I cannot insist on in particular. But that such removals may be without offence, it is required that they be made, (1.) With the free consent of the Churches concerned. (2.) With the advice of other Churches, or their Elders, with whom they walk in Communion. And of Examples of this kind, or of the Removal of Bishops or Pastors from one Church to another in an orderly manner, by Advice and Counsel for the good of the whole Church, there are many instances in the Primitive Times. Such was that of Gregory Naz. removed from Casima to Constantinople, though I acknowledge it had no good success,