A disquisition concerning ecclesiastical councils. Proving, that not only pastors, but brethren delegated by…

But if those of the Congregational Discipline are so well affected to Councils, what then is the Difference between a Presbyterian and Congregational Man? Truly, a moderate Presbyterian and a solid Congregational Man differ so little, as that 'tis Pity they ⟨p. xi⟩should differ at all. My Dearest Brother Samuel Mather (whose Successor I am here in Boston, he having been the first that preached the Gospel to that Church unto which I have been related for more than fifty years, and ••ter his Removal from New-England, became the Pastor of a Congregational Church in Dublin, where also he was succeeded by another Brother, the well known Nathaniel Mather) wrote an ••enicum, in which he makes it evident, that the Difference among the Brethren of those two Persuasions, is inconsiderable. A principal is, that Presbyte•ia•• suppose that Synods have a Juridical Power, that they have Authority to Censure Erring Churches, and if obstinate, to deliver them to Satan. But those of the Congregational Persuasion, think, that such Authority belongs only to a Particular Church, and that Synods cannot proceed any further than to a Sentence of Non communion. Surely, notwithstanding this Difference, they may be United Brethren. And blessed be God, that in London they are so. I can reflect on it with Joy, that ⟨p. xii⟩when Providence ordered my Sojourning among them four years, I was not wanting to do my Part towards that Union Mr. Rutherford declared, that if those of the Congregational Way, would come up to Mr. Cotton, in his Keys of the Kingdom, he would meet them half way: The truth is, there is a greater agreement in many things between the Presbyterians in Scotland, and the Congregational Men in New-England, than with them and some others that go under the Name of Presbyterians. Particularly, in that they do not make the Essence of a Ministers Call to be in that Rite of Imposition of Hands, but in the Election of the People, and in that their Ruling Elders are Chosen for term of Life. Also in Scotland they greatly approve of Reading the Scriptures in Public Congregations, but not of a silent Reading, without any Exposition. They generally say with their famous Didoclavi•s, (alias Calderwood) Non probo lectionem ine interpretation; and with Austin, who says, […] Legitur si silebitur, uare […] non exponitur.