24. Rom. xii, 6. I Tim. iii, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. t. i, 6, 7. I Tim. iv, 16.

III. That ordinarily none shall be ordained the work of this ministry, but such as are lled and chosen thereunto by a particular urch. Acts, xiv, 23.

IV. That in so great and weighty a matter the calling and chusing a pastor, we judge it dinarily requisite, that every such church onsult and advise with the Pastors of neighDuring congregations. Prov. xi, 14, and xv. xii.

V. That after such advice, the persons con. alted about, being chosen by the brotherhood f that particular church over which he is to be et, and he accepting, be duly ordained and set part to his office over them; wherein 'tis ordiarily requisite that the pastors of neighbouring ongregations concur with the preaching Elder r Elders, if such there be. Acts, xiv, 23, and 23, and xiii, 23. I Tim. iv. 14.

VI. That whereas, such ordination only is in. ended for such as never before had been ordaind to the ministerial office; if any judge, that in ase also of the removal of one formerly ordained, o a new station, or pastoral charge, there ought o be a like solemn recommending him and his abours to the grace and blessing of God, no

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different sentiments or practice herein, shall be any occasion of contention, or breach of communion among us. Phil. iii, 15. Eph. iv, 2, 3.

VII. It is expedient that they who enter on the work of preaching the gospel, be not only qualified for the communion of Saints; but al so, that except in cases extraordinary, they give proof of their gifts and fitness for the said work, unto the Pastors of Churches of known abilities, to discern and judge of their qualifications; that they may be sent forth with solemn appro bation and prayer; which we judge needful, that no doubt may remain concerning their be ing called unto the work; and for preventing (as much as in us lieth) ignorant and rash intruders. I Tim. i, 22, and iii, 6.

1.A

III. Of Censures.

S it cannot be avoided, but that in the purest churches on earth, there will sometimes offences and scandals arise by reason of hypocrisy and prevailing corruption, so Christ hath made it the duty of every church to reform itself, by spiritual remedies, appointed by him, to be applied in all such cases, viz. Admonition and Excommunication. Mat. viii,

1. Heb. xii, 15. Tit. iii, 10. I Cor. v. 6.

II. Admonition, being the rebuking of an offending member in order to conviction, is in case of private offences to be performed according to the rule in Mat. xviii, 15, 16, 17, and in case of publick offences openly before the Church, as the honour of the gospel, and the nature of the scandal shall require, and if either of the Admonitions take place for the recovery of the fallen person, all further proceedings in a way of censure are thereon to cease, and satisfaction to be declared accordingly. I Tim. i,

20. Mat. xviii, 15, 17.

III. When all due means are used, according to the order of the gospel, for the restoring an offending and scandalous Brother, and he, notwithstanding, remains impenitent, the censure of Excommunication is to be proceeded unto; wherein the Pastor and other Elders (if there be such) are to lead and go before the Church; and the brotherhood to give their consent in a way of obedience unto Christ, and to the Elders, as over them in the Lord. Mat. xviii, 15, 16, 17. Tit. iii, 10. I Cor. v. I Thes. v, 5, 12.

IV. It may sometimes come to pass, that a Church Member, not otherwise scandalous, may fully withdraw, and divide himself from the communion of the Church to which he belongeth: In which case, when all due means for the re

ducing him prove ineffectual, he having there by cut himself off from that church's commun ion; the church may justly esteem and declare itself discharged of any further inspection over him. Heb. x. 25. Rom. xvi. 17. II Thes iii, 14.

IV. Of Communion of Churches,

1. W

E agree that particular Churches ought not to walk so distinct and separate from each other, as not to have care and tenderness towards one another. But their Pastors ought to have frequent meetings to gether, that by mutual advice, support, encour agement and brotherly intercourse, they may strengthen the hearts and hands of each other in the ways of the Lord. Acts, xv. 23, and x 17, 28.

II. That none of our particular churches shll be subordinate to one another, each being endued with equality of power from Jesus Christ. And that none of the said particular churches, their officer or officers, shall exercise aby power, or have any superiority over any other church or their officers. Rev. i, 4 Cant. viii, 8. I Cor. xvi, 19. Acts, xv. 33,

III. That known members of particular churches constituted as aforesaid, may have occasional communion with one another in the Ordinances of the gospel, viz. the Word, Prayer, Sacraments, Singing of Psalms, dispensed according to the mind of Christ: unless that church with which they desire communion, hath any just exception against them. Acts, xviii, 27. Rom. xvi, 1, 2. II Cor. iii, 1. I Cor. xii, 13.

IV. That we ought not to admit any one to be a member of our respective congregations, that hath joined himself to another, without endeavours of mutual satisfaction of the congres gation concerned. Heb. xiii, 1. I Cor. xiv, 40.

V. That one church ought not to blame the proceedings of another, until it hath heard what that church charged, its Elders or messengers, can say in vindication of themselves, from any charge of irregular or injurious proceedings. Mat. vii, 1. Prov. xviii, 17. Deut. xiii, 14.

VI. That we are most willing and ready to give an account of our church proceedings to each other, when desired, for preventing or removing any offences that may arise among us. Likewise we shall be ready to give the Right Hand of Fellowship, and walk together according to the gospel rules of communion of churches. I Pet. iii, 15. Rom. xiv, 19. Acts, xi, 2, 3, 4, 18. Josh. xxii, 13. 21, 30. Gal. ii, 9. Col.