The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

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, 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.