The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

5. THERE is direction hereunto included in the Order and Method of Church-Proceedings in case of offence, prescribed unto it by Christ himself. The beginning and rise of it, is between two individual Persons; thence is it carried unto the cognizance and judgment of two or three others before unconcerned; from them it is to be brought unto the Church; and there is no doubt but the Church hath Power to determine concerning it, as unto its own Communion, to continue the Offender in it or reject him from it. This must abide, as unto outward Order and the Preservation of Peace. But no Church is Infallible in their judgment absolutely in any case; and in many, their determinations may be so doubtful as not to affect the Conscience of him who is Censured. But such a Person is not only a Member of that particular Church, but by virtue thereof of the Catholic Church also. It is necessary therefore that he should be heard and judged as unto his Interest therein, if he do desire it. And this can no way be done, but by such Synods as we shall immediately describe.

5. THERE is direction hereunto included in the Order and Method of Church-Proceedings in case of offence, prescribed unto it by Christ himself. The beginning and rise of it, is between two individual Persons; thence is it carried unto the cognizance and judgment of two or three others before unconcerned; from them it is to be brought unto the Church; and there is no doubt but the Church hath Power to determine concerning it, as unto its own Communion, to continue the Offender in it or reject him from it. This must abide, as unto outward Order and the Preservation of Peace. But no Church is Infallible in their judgment absolutely in any case; and in many, their determinations may be so doubtful as not to affect the Conscience of him who is Censured. But such a Person is not only a Member of that particular Church, but by virtue thereof of the Catholick Church also. It is necessary therefore that he should be heard and judged as unto his Interest therein, if he do desire it. And this can no way be done, but by such Synods as we shall immediately describe.

6. SYNODS are Consecrated unto the use of the Church in all Ages, by the Example of the Apostles, in their guidance of the First Churches of Jews and Gentiles; which hath the force of a Divine Institution, as being given by them under the Infallible conduct of the Holy Ghost,