The judgment of several eminent divines of the Congregational way. Concerning a pastors power.…

4. Eminent Men amongst those of the Congregational way, have been for the Affirmative in the Question before us; Indeed, ⟨p. 6⟩Rigid Separatists, Mr. Can, and such like Brownists, have stiffly maintained that a Pastor may not Exert an Official Act, except among his own peculiar Flock. But they that are truly Congregational have declared themselves to be otherwise persuaded. That the First Elders in New-England were of this Judgment, I conclude from their Platform of Discipline, chap. 15. Sect. 4. Their words are these. The Members of one Church occasionally coming unto another, we willingly admit them to partake of the Lords Table, it being the Seal of our Communion, not only with Christ, nor only with Members of our own Church, but also with all the Churches of the Saints; in which regard we refuse not to Baptize their Children presented to us, if either their own Minister be Absent, or such a fruit of Holy Fellowship be desired with us. In like case such Churches as are furnished with more Ministers than one, do willingly afford one of their own Ministers to supply the place of an absent or sick Minister of another Church for a needful Season. That Platform of Church Discipline was in a peculiar manner the Composure of the Reverend Mr. Richard Mather, the Famous Teacher of the Church at Dorchester in New-England. That he was for the Affirmative in the Question before us is, manifest from what yet remains, and is to be seen written with his own Hand. The Renowned Mr. Thomas Hooker of Hartford ⟨p. 7⟩in New-England, desired that some of the Ministers in the Massachusetts-Bay (and particularly Mr. Mather) would communicate to him their Apprehensions concerning this Position: viz. The Entreaty of one Congregation docs not give an Officer of another Congregation Power of Office to Administer Seals to their Assembly. Mr. Mather's Answer in a Letter Dated, Nov. 6. 1645. was in the following words. 1. It seems an Officer of a Church may lawfully Dispense Seals in another Church at their Entreaty and Request. The Reason is because there is a Communion between Churches, as Sisters; by virtue of which they are to take care, and do for one another, as each ones occasion and necessity may require. Cant. 8.8. We have a Little Sister, and she has no Breasts: what shall we do for her?