Five disputations of church-government and worship

§. 22. Object. But what's this to Government? this is to make them Servants, and not Governors. Answ. It is the more agreeable to the will of Christ, that will have that kind of greatness sought among his Ministers, by being the servants of all.

§. 23. But 3. He may also be the stated Moderator of their Disputations and Debates: this much I think will easily be granted them; and I am sure with some (as I shall show anon) this much would seem satisfactory. The Principal President or Master of a College is thought to have a convenient precedency or superiority, though he have not a Negative voice. And why the President in an Association of Pastors should have a greater Power, I see as yet neither necessity nor reason.

§. 23. But 3. He may also be the stated Moderator of their Disputations and Debates: this much I think will easily be granted them; and I am sure with some (as I shall shew anon) this much would seem satisfactory. The Principal President or Master of a Colledge is thought to have a convenient precedency or superiority, though he have not a Negative voice. And why the President in an Association of Pastors should have a greater Power, I see as yet neither necessity nor reason.

§. 24. But 4. If Peace cannot otherwise be obtained, the matter may be thus accommodated, without violation of the Principles or Consciences of the Episcopal, Presbyterian, or Congregational party. 1. Let it be agreed or consented to, that no man be put to profess, that it is his judgement, that Bishops should have as jure divino a Negative voice in Ordination. This was never an Article of Faith: it is not necessary to be put among our Credenda. It is only the Practice that is pretended to be necessary, and a submission to it. Seeing therefore it is not to be numbered with the Credenda, but the agenda, let Action without professed Belief suffice. 2. Yea on the same reasons, if any man be of a Contrary judgement, and think himself bound to declare it modestly, moderately, and peaceably, let him have liberty to declare it, so his practice be peaceable. 3. This being premised, Let the President never Ordain, except in case of necessity, but with the presence or consent of the Assembly of the Associated Pastors. 4. And let the Pastors never Ordain any, except in cases of Necessity, but when the President is there present, nor without his Consent. And in Cases of Necessity (as if he would deprive the Churches of good Ministers, or the like) the Episcopal men will yield it may be done.