that they seem not more ready to expel from the congregation, than to receive again those in whom they perceive worthy fruits of repentance to appear: neither yet to forbid him the hearing of Rigour in punishment ought sermons, which is excluded from the to be avoided. Sacraments, and other benefits of the Church, that he may have liberty and occasion to repent. Finally, that all punishments, corrections, censures, and admonitions stretch no further, than God's God's word is the only rule of word with mercy may lawfully bear. Discipline. For the better execution of this holy discipline, the eldership of every particular congregation is every week to assemble for the oversight and guidance of that Church; that all things may be done to the furtherance of piety and true religion, and for the correction and punishment of offences to the contrary. : This may be sufficient for particular congregations for the visitation whereof, and decision of causes which cannot be ended in them, and such like, Meetings, Conferences, and Synods of Ministers and Elders, chosen by particular churches and meetings, are to be held, as the Ministers for time, and place, and other circumstances shall think meet. OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE'S AUTHORITY, In causes of the Church. BESIDES this discipline of the Church, we profess that Almighty God hath placed the Sovereign Magistrate in the highest authority upon earth next under him, within their dominions, over all persons and causes, as well ecclesiastical as civil, to see and command the ordering of them, as by his most holy word he hath appointed. Therefore, if any thing shall be otherwise done by negligence, contempt, or any other cause, we acknowledge that by such authority they not only may, but also ought to enforce every one, as well of the Ministry, and other charge in the Church, as those which are of the civil estate, to walk in their calling as by the word of God they are taught to do; and to punish the transgressors by the civil power committed unto any such magistrates, with temporal punishment, in body, liberty, or goods, as the quality and condition of the offence in justice shall require. FINIS. Colophon subjoined to the original edition : MIDDLEBVRGH, By Richard Schilders, Printer to the States of Zealande. 1586. Cum Priuilegio. |