The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

CONSIDERING what we have learned in these later Ages, by woeful experience of what hath fallen out formerly amongst all the Churches in the World, as unto their Degeneracy from Gospel Worship and Holiness, with the abounding of Temptations in the days wherein we live, and the spiritual decays that all Churches are prone unto, it were not amiss if those Churches which do walk in express Communion, would frequently meet in Synods to enquire into the spiritual state of them all, and to give advice for the correction of what is amiss, the due preservation of the purity of Worship, the exercise of Discipline, but especially of the Power, Demonstration and Fruit of Evangelical Obedience.

2. HENCE it is evident what are the ends of such Synods among the Churches of Christ. The general end of them all, is to promote the Edification of the whole Body or Church Catholic. And that, (1.) To prevent Divisions from differences in judgment and practice which are contrary thereunto. The First Christian Synod was an Assembly of the two First Churches in the World by their Delegates. The First Church of the Jews was at Jerusalem, and the First Church of the Gentiles was at Antioch; to prevent Divisions, and to preserve Communion between them, was the First Synod Celebrated, Act. 15. (2.) To avoid or cure offences against mutual love among them. (3.) To advance the light of the Gospel by a joint Confession and Agreement in the Faith. (4.) To give a concurrent Testimony against pernicious Heresies or Errors, whereby the Faith of any is overthrown or in danger so to be. (5.) To relieve such by advice, ⟨p. 256⟩as may be by any Diotrephes unduly cast out of the Church.

2. HENCE it is evident what are the ends of such Synods among the Churches of Christ. The general end of them all, is to promote the Edification of the whole Body or Church Catholick. And that, (1.) To prevent Divisions from differences in iudgment and practice which are contrary thereunto. The First Christian Synod was an Assembly of the two First Churches in the World by their Delegates. The First Church of the Jews was at Jerusalem, and the First Church of the Gentiles was at Antioch; to prevent Divisions, and to preserve Communion between them, was the First Synod Celebrated,