Five disputations of church-government and worship

Prop. 13. Yet is it a great sin for any men lightly and rashly to suspect their Teachers and Rulers, and much more Councils or the whole Church; and too easily to credit the singular opinions of any private man or dissenting Pastor. But we should be very suspicious of the private man rather, and of the singular man; and therefore should search well, and see good reason for it before we credit them, though we may not refuse any truth which they shall bring.

Prop. •4. The uses of Synods or Councils, is not directly to be superior Governors of particular Pastors and Churches; but it is Directly 1. For the Information and Edification of the Pastor• themselves by the collation of their reasons and mutual advice; 2. For the Union and Communion of the said Pastors, and of the particular Churches by them: that they may agree in one, and go hand in hand to do Gods work; and so may avoid the crossing and hindering of each other, and one may not receive those to communion without satisfaction, who are excommunicated by others, and so that by this concord of Pastors they may be strengthened to a more successful performance of their duties.

Prop. •4. The uses of Synods or Councils, is not directly to be superiour Governours of particular Pastors and Churches; but it is Directly 1. For the Information and Edification of the Pastor• themselves by the collation of their reasons and mutual advice; 2. For the Vnion and Communion of the said Pastors, and of the particular Churches by them: that they may agree in one, and go hand in hand to do Gods work; and so may avoid the crossing and hindering of each other, and one may not receive those to communion without satisfaction, who are excommunicated by others, and so that by this concord of Pastors they may be strengthened to a more successfull performance of their duties.