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

On the Mention of this, it may be added, That Churches remaining Vacant after the Death of their Pastors, upon Difficulties and Emergencies arising among themselves, and Affairs which need a greater Wisdom than their own to manage them, they apply themselves unto some considerable Minister in their Vicinity: Entreating him to afford his Presence at their Church-Meeting, and manage their Votes, and regulate all their Proceedings.

§. 3. The Translation of a PASTOR, is a Thing more seldom Occurring, and more hardly Obtained, in the Churches of New-England, than in many other of the Reformed Churches. The Relation between a Pastor, and his People, is what the Christians throughout the Country, appear generally to think not very easy to be dissolved; and the Removal of a Minister is accomplished here, with more Difficulty than it is in many other Places. More than Once or Twice there have been published some Determinations, which express the General Apprehension in the Churches upon the Matter, to this Purpose; A Pastor settled in the Service of a People, is to be so sensible of his Designation by the SPIRIT and Providence of the Lord JESUS CHRIST, for that Service, and of the Account that he must give unto GOD, about his Behaviour in it, that his Removal must not be rashly ⟨p. 168⟩attempted, but with much Consideration, Consultation, Supplication, and sincere Desire to follow the Conduct of Heaven in it.

And, That the Will of our LORD about the Removal of any Pastor from his People may be understood, it is requisite, that the Minister do not entirely Assume to himself the Judgment of his own Call to Remove; but a great Regard must be had unto the Direction of the Churches in the Neighbourhood. And; If much of Scandal, will certainly ensue upon the Removal of a a Pastor from his People, That should weigh down against many Circumstances that would rather invite it. Upon such Views, it has been judged requisite; First, That the Reasons of the Removal be laid before Authentic Judges, and by these be pronounced such, that the Removal thereupon may be justly and wisely proceeded in. And, Where it can be obtained, a Council of Churches ought therefore to be convened; As there was for the Ordaining. And, Then; That the Reasons be found such as are consistent with the Solemn Vow, which the Person who takes the Charge of a Church, makes unto our Glorious LORD, for the faithful Discharge of his Ministry; and the Labour, and Patience, of one sensible that his Works are known unto the Lord; and the fervent Love that such an one should bear to his Flock; having them in his Heart for to Live and to Die with them.