Ratio disciplinae fratrum Nov-Anglorum. A faithful account of the discipline professed and practised; in…

The Pastor never proceeds unto it, without the Concurrence of the Brethren; And we know that in Cyprian's Age, the Offenders pleaded their Cause, Apud universam Plebem; and an Excommunication ⟨p. 150⟩was ordered, Secundum Plebis divina Suffragia.

In paralleling this Way of New-England, we will for Brevity, only take Advantage of a Quotation from an Eminent Scotch Presbyterian, even the Pious and the Learned Rutherford, whose Words are these. Grave Beza, Calvin, Bucer, Bullinger, Melanchthon, Bucan, Paraeus, Rivetus, Sibrandus, Junius, Trelcatius; The Fathers, Cyprian, Jerome, Augustin, Nazianzen, Chrysostom, Ambrose, Theodoret, Theophylact, require all things to be done Consentiente Plebe, with the Peoples Consent.

In parallelling this Way of New-England, we will for Brevity, only take Advantage of a Quotation from an Eminent Scotch Presbyterian, even the Pious and the Learned Rutherford, whose Words are these. Grave Beza, Calvin, Bucer, Bullinger, Melancthon, Bucan, Paraeus, Rivetus, Sibrandus, Junius, Trelcatius; The Fathers, Cyprian, Jerom, Augustin, Nazianzen, Chrysostom, Ambrose, Theodoret, Theophylact, require all things to be done Consentiente Plebe, with the Peoples Consent.

The Pastor ordering the Offender to attend at the Time appointed, he then gives him an Opportunity to express his Repentance: Which if the Pastor perceives not now done unto Satisfaction, he does with a proper Zeal propose unto the Brethren, Whether any one of them can Object against their proceeding unto the Censure of an Excommunication upon the Incorrigible Offender; — But if they Concur thereunto, he shall take their Silence for a full Intimation of their Consent unto so sad an Action. Hereupon the Pastor (either now goes on unto the Action, or) signifies unto the Offender, that he must on such a Day give his Attendance, and hear then what the Church has to say unto him. If he refuse to attend on the Day specified, the Censure is pronounced upon him, for his adding of such a Contumacy unto his former Iniquity. But if he do attend, the Pastor having recited a summary Account of the Case, in the hearing of the Congregation, once more gives the Offender a Liberty to speak