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

I am now taking my Leave of the World, and of these Churches; having been in a Public Capacity, Serving Christ and them (after a poor weak manner) for more than five above a Jubilee of Years. I have been often thinking with my self, what I ⟨p. 39⟩should Leave with the Lord's People in this Land as my Last Legacy. I have Considered, that the Churches have now greater Cause than formerly to be Concerned by Ecclesiastical and Scriptural Methods to preserve the Faith and Order of the Gospel, which has been delivered to them. A due attendance to what is from the Scripture declared in the Synod mentioned, with respect to the Communion and Consociation of Churches, will, by the Blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ, be a good means to prevent Degeneracy, and to Establish them in that holy Faith and Order of the Gospel, which has been professed and practised among them; and by which the Religious People in New England, have been distinguished from other People. I have therefore Caused those Synodal Conclusions, to be Republished herewith, and recommend the consideration of them, and an agreement to practise according to what is there determined, with a steadfast adherence to the Platform of Discipline, as my Dying Farewell to the Churches in New-England. So will New-England remain New-England.

I am now taking my Leave of the World, and of these Churches; having been in a Publick Capacity, Serving Christ and them (after a poor weak manner) for more than five above a Jubilee of Years. I have been often thinking with my self, what I ⟨p. 39⟩should Leave with the Lord's People in this Land as my Last Legacy. I have Considered, that the Churches have now greater Cause than formerly to be Concerned by Ecclesiastical and Scriptural Methods to preserve the Faith and Order of the Gospel, which has been delivered to them. A due attendance to what is from the Scripture declared in the Synod mentioned, with respect to the Communion and Consociation of Churches, will, by the Blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ, be a good means to prevent Degeneracy, and to Establish them in that holy Faith and Order of the Gospel, which has been professed and practised among them; and by which the Religious People in NewEngland, have been distinguished from other People. I have therefore Caused those Synodal Conclusions, to be Republished herewith, and recommend the consideration of them, and an agreement to practise according to what is there determined, with a steadfast adherence to the Plaform of Discipline, as my Dying Farewel to the Churches in New-England. So will New-England remain New-England.