THE AGREEMENT AND RESOLUTION of the Ministers of CHRIST Associated within the City of Dublin, and Province of Leinster; for furthering of a real and thorough REFORMATION, According to the written Word of GOD.  Phil. 3.15, 16. 
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: And if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the SAME RULE, let us mind the same thing.  Cecil. Cyprian. de Unit. Eccles Cathol. ● 10. 
Ad Pacis praemium venire non possunt, qui pacem Domini Discordiae furore ruperunt.  A Declaration of the Elders etc. at the Savoy, Octob. 12. 1658. p. 27. § XXIX. 
Such Reforming Churches as consist of persons sound in the faith, and of conversation becoming the Gospel, ought not to despise the Communion of each other, so far as may consist with their own Principles respectively, though they walk not in all things according to the same Rules of Church-Order.  
DUBLIN, Printed by W. Bladen, Anno Dom. 1659.   

THE AGREEMENT and Resolution of the MINISTERS of CHRIST Within the City of Dublin, and Province of LEINSTER, whose Names are subscribed, in Order to their entering into, and walking together in, A Brotherly Association: Had the 22. day of February 1658. at Dublin; for furthering of a real and thorough Reformation of Persons Families and Congregations, in all matters of Religion, according to the written Word of GOD.  
Whereas it is clearly manifest,  
FIrst, That, All the faithful Saints and Servants of JESUS CHRIST within this Nation, should strive-together for the Faith of the Gospel 
a Phil. 1.27. Judas ●. 2 Joh. 9, 10, 11. 2 Tim. 1.13. , The purity of God's Worship 
b Exod. 20.3, 4, 5, 6. Joh. 4.24. Mal. 3.3, 4. Rev. 14 1 to 6. & 2●. 4. , The integrity of Christ's Discipline 
c Mat. 28, 18, 19 Isa. 9.6. Luk. 1.32, 33. with Mat. 18.15. to 21. 1 Cor. 5. 2 Cor. 2.6. to 12. , The regular Administration of all Gospel-Ordinances 
d Titus 1.5. 1 Corinth. 11.34. and 14 40 Gal. 6.16 , The Oneness of God's People in Heart and Way 
e 1 Cor. 1.10. Phil. 2.1, 2, 3. Eph 4.1. to 7. Jer. 32.39. Ezek. 11.19. Acts 4.32. & 2.41, 42. Phil. 3.16. , And their Progress in all Spirituals unto Perfection 
f 2 Pet. 3.18. 2 Thes. 1.3, 4. Eph. 2.21, 22. & 4.11. to 17. Phil. 3.12, 13, 14, 15. .  
Secondly, That, Not only the Civil-Magistrates in their Place 
g Rom. 13.3, 4. Exod. 32.25 to 30. Num. 25.4, 5 Psal. 101 8 2 King. 18 3, 4, 5, 6. with 2 Chron. 29. & 30. & 31. 2 Kin. 23. with 2 Chr. 34. & 35. : Nor only Parents, Masters of Fam lies, and Particular Persons in their Capacities 
h Gen. 18.18, 19 Deut. 6.4. to 10. Psal. 101. throughout Eph 6.4. Tit. 2.10, 11, 12. ; But also and especially The Ministers of Christ in their stations, are peculiarly obliged in Conscience, According to the Word of God, to endeavour the Redress of all sinful evils and exorbitancies, and the contrary Advancement of Truth, Holiness, and Righteousness, by the Pure and Plenary Administration of all Christ's Ordinances 
i Matth. 28.18, 19, 20. Rev. 2.1. etc. 12. etc. 18. etc. and 3.1. etc. 14 etc. 1 Tim. 3 5. 2 Tim. 4.1, 2. Acts 20.28. .  
Thirdly, That also, Such Public and arduous Undertake (unto which we humbly acknowledge our great Unworthiness, Weakness and Insufficiency 
k 1 Cor. 3.5 & 2.16 & 4.7 ) will prove far more facile and successful in the Hands of Ministers Associated, than in their single capacity 
l Gal. 2.9. Luk. 10.1. Acts 2.1, 2, 3, 4, etc. and 3.1 etc. and 5.29. and 6.2. etc. and 8.14. etc. and 13.1, 2, 3, 4. and 15.6. to 36.   
Therefore, We MINISTERS of JESUS CHRIST in the City of Dublin and Province of Leinster, sincerely desiring to seek the things of Christ before our own affairs 
m Phil. 2.20, 21. with 1 Cor. 10.24. & Phil. 2.4. , And preferring the Spiritual Peace of JERUSALEM, the City and Church of God, above the top of our joy 
n Ps. 137.5, 6. & 122.6, 7, 8, 9 , Do unanimously Resolve and Agree;  
I. To Decline and Abhor all Blasphemy 
o Col. 3.8. Exod. 20.7. Matth. 12.31. Mark 7.22. Acts 13.45. , Heresy 
p 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gal. 5.20. Tit. 3.10. 2 Pet. 2.1. Exod. 20.3. , Schism 
q 1 Cor 1.11. & 3.3, 4. Rom. 16.17. , Superstition 
r Exod. 20.4, 5, 6. Acts 17.22. Col. 2.20, 21, 22, 23. , Pride 
s Mark 7.22. 1 Joh● 2.16. Isa. 28.1, 3. Ezek. 16.49. , Profaneness 
t 1 Tim. 1.9. Jer. 23.15. Heb. 12.16. Ezek. 24.43. , Ungodliness 
u Tit. 2 12. Rom. 1.18. Judas 15. , Unrighteousness 
x 'tis 2.12. ● John. 5.17. Rom. 1.18. and 2.8. , Intemperance 
y Rom. 13.12, 13. Eph. 5.18. 1 Cor. 6.9, 10. , and All other the Manifest sinful fruits of the flesh 
z Gal. 5.19, 20, 21. 1 Corin. 6.9, 10. ● Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, 4. Rom. 1.28, to the end. . As also to disavow, and with all Prudence and faithfulness (as we have just Occasion) to Oppose Popery 
a 2 Thes. 2.3. to 13. 1 Tim. 4.1. to 6. Rev. 13.11, to the end of the Ch. etc. 17. & 18. , Prelacy 
b Luke 22.24. to 28. Matth. 20.24. to 29. Mark 10.41. to 46. 1 Peter 5 3. 3 John 9, 10. For, a Bishop and a Presbyter are not two distinct Orders one above the other, but are one and the same, both 1. According to Scripture-Testimonie, compare Acts 20.17. with Verse 28. and 1 Tim. 3.1, 2. etc. Tit. 1.5. with Verse 7. And 2. According to the judgement of ancient and learned Writers: as Ambrose, Theodoret, Hierome. Ambrose to this effect saith thus; Primi Presbyteri appellabantur Episcopi, ut recedente uno sequens succederet, sed quia coeperant sequentes Presbyteri inveniri indigni ad Primatus tenendos, immutata est ratio prospiciente Concilio; ut non Ordo sed meritum crearet Episcopum, multorum sacerdotum judicio constitutum, ne indignus temere usurparet, & esset multis scandalum. Ambr. Com. in cap. 4. ad Ephes. Theodoret; Presbyterum ab Episcopo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 non d●sserre: Sed qui Presbyter est, Episcopum dici, quatenus in uno aliquo actu, in quo a Presbyterio electus est, praeest coetui, quia in Ecclesia nihil 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fi●ri debet. Theodor. lib. 4. de Fab. Haeret. Aerian. Hierome; Apud veteres iidem Episcopi & Presbyteri fuerunt, etc. Hieronym. Epist. ad Oceanum. Apostolus perspicue docet e●sdem esse Presbyteros & Episcopos. Hier. ad Evagrium. Idem est Presbyter qui & Episcopus; & antequam Diaboli instinctu studia in Religione fierent, & diceretu in Populis, Ego sum Pauli, Apollo, Cephae, 1 Cor. 1. Communi Presbyterorum corsilio Ecclesiae gubernabantur. Postquam verò unusquisque quos baptizaverat, suos esse non Christi putabat: in toto orbe decretum est ut unus de Presbyteris el●ctus caeteris superponeretur, ad quem omnis cura Ecclesiae pertineret, ut schismatum semina tollerentur.— Ut ergo Presbyteri sciunt se Ecclesiae consuetudine Episcopo sibi Praeposi●o subjectos esse: ita Episcopi noverint se, consuetudine magis quam Dominicae dispositionis veritate, Presbyteris esse majores, & in common debere Ecclesiam regere. Hier. Come in Ep. ad Titum. , (not only as it is described in The Solemn League and COVENANT 
c Published by authority of Parliament etc. An. 1643. ; but also as it is cried up by some in these days under the specious disguise of Moderated, Regulated or Primitive Episcopacy, And all inventions of Man tending thereunto), Arminianism 
d Against which see; G. Ames. Coronis, & Antisynodalia; D. Twiss Vindic. Grat. De Scientia media, & contra Corvin. P. Du Moulin Anatom. Armin. Twiss and Davenant against Hoard, etc. , Socinianism 
e Against which see; Antiphotinianismus, &c. per Stegmannum; Vindiciae Evangelica by Dr Owen; H. Grot. de Satisfactione Christi; Compendiolum Socinianismi Confut. à Clopenburg. Anti-Socinianism by N. Chewney; Dr Fran. Cheynel 's Hist. of Socinianism, Beckmanni Exercitat. contra Socin. , Antinomianism 
f Against which see; Mr Anth. Burges his Vindic. Legis; Dr Tailor of the use of the Law; G●taker against Saltmarsh. , Familism 
g Against which see; Beckmanni Exercitat. contra Socin. Mr Baily's Disluasive from Errors, etc. , Seckerism 
h Against which see; Mr Bridg● his Vindication of Ordinances; Mr Symonds Vindication, etc. Matth. 28.18, 19, 20. , Quakerism 
i Against which see; The perfect Pharisee. etc. Quakers confuted, by Mr Eton. , Antiscripturism 
k Against which see; Andr. Rivet. Isagog. ad S. Scripture. , Erastianism 
l Against which see; J●s Divin. Regim. Ecclesiast. by sundry Ministers of Christ in the City of London; Chap. 9 Aaron's Rod blossoming, etc. by Mr George Gillespie. ; and what ever else is contrary to the acknowledging of the Truth which is according to Godliness 
m Tit. 1.1. 1 Tim. 1.10. 2 Tim. 2.16, 17. Tit. 1.9, 10, 11. .  
II. To take heed to ourselves, and Families 
n 1 Tim. 4.16. and 3.2, 4, 5. , Holding Faith and a good Conscience in all things with all unblameableness 
o 1 Tim. 1.18, 19 and 3.2. 2 Cor. 6.3. 1 Thes. 2.10. ; That herein we may approve ourselves Patterns of good Works, and examples to the Flock 
p Tit. 2.7. 1 Pet. 5.3. Phil. 3.17. : And in Doctrine showing Incorruptness, Gravity, Sincerity, Sound speech that cannot be condemned 
q Tit. 2.7, 8. ; Preaching the Word, being instant in season and out of season, reproving, Rebuking, Exhorting with all Long-suffering and Doctrine 
r 2 Tim 4.1, 2, 3, 4. ; That in doing this, We may both save ourselves and them that hear us 
s 1 Tim. 4.16 . And if any of us walk otherwise, not to suffer Sin one upon another 
t Leu. 19.17. Eph. 5.11. : But with the spirit of Meekness, Love, and Faithfulness, To Advise, Admonish, and Restore one another 
u Gal. 6.1, 2. Eph. 5.11. ; That the Ministry be not blamed and dishonoured 
x 2 Cor. 6.3 . And We shall ●o earnestly mind the things that most conduce to the Peace, Unity, and Edification of the Churches 
y Rom. 14.19. Eph. 4.1, 2, 3, etc. Phil. 2.1, 2, 3, 4, etc. , That whereunto We have already attained, We shall walk by the same Rule, and mind the same thing 
z Phil. 3.16. , both in our Preaching and practice in the Church-Assemblyes: That, so far as may be, We may tender Ourselves, both unto one another and to the Congregations, of one Heart and of one Way 
a Ezek. 11.19. Jer. 32.39. .  
III. To endeavour the Practising of all Christian Duties, and Performance of all brotherly Offices of Love reciprocally one to another 
b Phil. 4.8. Col. 3.12, 13, 14. Phil. 2.1, 2, 3, 4. : Forbearing all terms or Names of Reproach, All sharp invectives, Bitter Reflections, and other Occasions of just Provocation and Offence 
c Eph. 4.31, 32. ; Covering one another's fail ngs and infirmities in Love 
d Gal. 6.1, 2. ; Modestly vindicating one another's Reputation, wherein we may 
e Exod. 20.16. 1 Tim. 5.19. ; That unfeigned brotherly Love may live and continue amongst us 
f Heb. 13.1. .  
iv To give diligence (through the Lords gracious Assistance) to promote, in every FAMILY under our spiritual care and inspection respectively, The Excercise of God's worship and Christian Religion in the Course of these too much neglected FAMILY-DUTYES; (viz.) Reading of the Holy Scriptures 
g Deut. 6.4. to 10. and 11.18, 19 2 Tim. 3.14, 15. , Prayer 
h Jer. 10.25. Dan. 6.10, 11. Acts 10 2. Luke 9.18. , Singing of Psalms 
i Mat. 26 20, 30. Col. 3.16 Eph. 5.19. Psal. 30. title. , Repetition of Sermons 
k Deut. 6.4. to 10. , Catechising 
l Prov. 22 6 margin. Exod. 12 26, 27. Gen. 18.19. Eph. 6.4. , Godly Conferences 
m Eph. 6.4. Deut. 11.18, 19 , and due Sanctification of the LORD'S-DAYES 
n Exod. 20.8, 9, 10, 11. Deut. 5.12, 13, 14, 15. : That every Family may be as A little Church of JESUS CHRIST 
o Rom. 16.5. 1 Cor. 16.19. Col. 4 15. Philem. 2. Gen. 18.19. Josh. 24.15. Psal. 101.2, 5, 6, 7. .  
V To improve our Talents Publicly and privately 
p Acts 20.20.  (as the good hand of our God shall enable us) with all diligence and faithfulness from time to time, to exalt and establish the right REFORMATION and Spiritual Prosperity of all the Congregrations under our respective Care and Oversight, in all the things of Christ 
q Rev. 2. & 3. Chapters, throughout. Mat 2●. 18, 19 Act. 20.18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27. . Accounting all such Congregations True VISIBLE CHURCHES of Christ, As consist of a sufficient number of Persons, who are visible Saints, or Saints by Calling 
r 1 Cor. 1.2. Rom. 1.7. 2 Cor. 1.1. Phil. 1.1. Eph. 1.1. Psal. 50.5. , Sound in the Faith 
s 2 Tim. 1.13. Eph. 4.12. to 17. Tit. 1.13. Col. 2.18, 19 1 Tim. 1.19, 20. Tit. 3.10. , and walking together in the fellowship of the Gospel 
t Phil. 1.5. Acts 2.41, 42, 46, 47. Eph. 4.15, 16. Col. 2.19. Eph. 2.19, 20, 21, 22. , Them and their Children 
u Gen. 17.4 7, 8, 10, to 15. Acts 2.38, 39 and 5.14. 2 Cor. 7.14. Acts 15.5, 10. Matth. 28.18, 19 and 19.13, 14. Mark 10.14. Luke 8.15, 16.  Now this REFORMATION and prosperity of all such respective Congregations We shall endeavour as followeth, (viz.)  
1 By Catechising the younger and weaker sort (as we may with best conveniency) on the lords-days Publicly in the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ 
x Heb. 5.12, 13, 14. and 6.1, 2. 1 Cor. 3.1, 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 etc. Gal. 6.6. Joh. 21.15. , according to the Shorter or Larger Catechism, Advised by the ASSEMBLY of DIVINES (unless some particular Brother shall think some other Catechism more convenient for his Congregation.) That so the Fundamentals of true Christian Religion, by one and the same Form of Sound Words 
y 2 Tim. 1.13.  throughout the whole City and Province, may be rendered familiar both to young and old, yea to all the members of the Congregations; May be more easily Received, Firmly Retained, and advantageously improved for their spiritual benefit.  
2 By encouraging the Elder sort, even all that have good knowledge and understanding in the mysteries of the Gospel, together with Ourselves, Explicitly to Profess 
z 1 Pet. 3.15. Rom. 10.9, 10. Acts 24.14, 15, 16. 1 Tim. 3.15.  and declare, as occasion shall require, in some convenient way; 1. That they acknowledge and receive all the Holy Scriptures in the Books of the Old and New Testament, As inspired of God, and of infallible Authority, Resolving (by God's Grace) to Submit themselves to be ordered and guided by them, as the perfect Rule of Faith and Life, in all things concerning their Persons, Families, and the Church of God 
a 2 Tim. 3.15, 16, 17. 2 Pet. 1.19, 20, 21. Psal. 19.7. Gal. 6.10. Rom. 15.4. . 2. That they still retain that brief, but Ancient Profession, or Sum of Christian Faith, called the APOSTLES CREED 
b 
The Apostles Creed is of very ancient use in the Churches under the N. Testament. Augustine expounds it 7 times, viz. 1. De Tempore, Serm. 115. De traditione Symboli, p. 849. Tom. 10 Basil. 1569. 2. De Tempore Serm. 129 p. 869 etc. Tom. 10 3. Et Serm. 125 pag. 872 etc. ibid. 4. S rm. 131 De Exposit. Symboli ad C mpetentes, p. 887, 888. Tom. 10. 5. Et de Temp. Serm. 181, De Expositione Symboli, p. 989. Tom. 10, 6. In Lib. de Fide & Symbolo, p. 139, ad 151, Tom. 3. 7. In Lib. 4 De Symb. ad Catechumenos, p. 1094, ad 1139, Tom. 9 Others before Augustine also recite and mention it etc. As Origen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lib. ad init. Ruffinus Aquileiensis Presbyter, in Exposit. apud Hieronym. in T●. 4 p. 101, ad 116. Basil. 1553 Et etiam apud Cyprian. Tom. 3, p. 570. Sect. 20 Preux. 1593. Tertullian. de V●rginib. velandis Lib. p. 188 Franeker 1597 Et Lib adversus Praxean. de Trinitat. C. 2 p. 494. Irenaeus Advers. Haereses, Lib. 1. Cap. 2. p. 50, 51, 52. Colon. 1596.  
This is called the APOSTLES CREED, 1 More Conjecturally, by some of the Ancients, who say, It is a Tradition of the Elders; That after Christ's Ascension, when the Holy-Ghost fell upon the Apostles, enabling them to speak all manner of Languages, that they might Preach the Gospel to all Nations, before they departed one from another, to this work, They jointly agreed upon a Rule of Faith, or Sum of true Doctrine, which they would Preach, and so being altogether, and full of the Holy Ghost, they composed this Rule of Faith to be given unto Believers. August. Serm. 181. de Tempore, Tom. 10. & Ruffinus in Exposit. Symbol. apud Cyprian. pag. 564. &c Tom 3. 2 More certainly, by Modern writers, accounting it The APOSTLES CREED, because it is very consonant unto, and may evidently be confirmed by the Apostles Doctrine, recorded by them in the N. Testament.  ; As being agreeable to the word of God: which Creed they have long since Received. 3. And, That they receive and hold fast that excellent CONFESSION of FAITH, comprised in thirty and three Chapters, and compiled by the Assembly of Divines for these three Nations, As their own confession of Faith in all the said Congregations, (Reserving only to some of us our liberty of Judgement about a few expressions touching Discipline laid down in that confession): It being, A Form of Sound Words very consonant to the Holy Scriptures; And of special use, Both for Preserving of the Purity and Unity of the Faith amongst us, and for Obviating of both Old and Novel Errors.  
3. By managing all the Ordinances of Gods Public Worship in the Church-Assemblyes, As; 1. Reading of the Holy Scriptures, though Exposition be not always added 
c Deut. 31.9, 10, 11. Neh. 9.3. Acts 13.27. and 15 21. Rev 1.3. ; 2. Expounding, or giving the Sense of the Scriptures Read 
d Neh 8.1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 13. Luke 4.17. to 22, etc. Acts 8.32. to 36. ; 3. Preaching the Word 
e 2 Tim. 4.1, 2. 1 Cor. 1.17. Luk. 9.2. Eph. 3.8. 1 Tim. 3.2. 2 Tim. 3.16, 17. Tit. 3.9. ; 4. Catechising in the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ 
f Heb. 5.12, 13, 14. and 6.1, 2. 1 Cor. 3.1, 2. Gal. 6.6. Joh 21.15. ; 5. Prayer 
g Acts 6 2, 4. and 20.36. 1 Tim. 2.1, 2, 3. Jam. 5.14, 15. 1 Cor 11 4, 5. ; 6. Singing of Psalms 
h Matth. 26.20, 30 Col. 3.16. Eph. 5.19 (1 Cor. 11.4, 5 Prophesying, by some is interpreted to intent Singing of Psalms; compare 1 Chron. 25 1, 2, 3) 1 Cor. 14.15. ; 7. Administration of Baptism, and of the Lords Supper 
i Matth. 28 18 19 Acts 2.38, 39 and 8.36, 37, 38, 39 and 10.47, 48. and 16.30, 31, 32, 33 1 Cor. 1.16 Col 2 11, 12. Rom. 4 11, 12. 1 Cor. 11 17. to the end of the Chap. and 10.15, 16, 17. Acts 20.7. and 2 41.42. ; 8 And Blessing of the People in the name of the LORD 
k Numb. 6.23, 24, 25, 26. and Deut. 10.8. compared with Rev. 1.4, 5. 2. Cor. 13.14. Eph. 1.2. ; As near as possibly we can to the unerring Standard of God's Word 
l 2 Tim. 3.16, 17. 1 Cor. 11.23. . Baptising the Children 
m Compare Gen. 7.7. to 15. with Acts 2.38, 39 Col. 2.11, 12. Matth. 28.18, 19 Acts 16 30, 31, 32, 33. 1 Cor. 1.16. Mark 10.13, 14  of all such as are Members of true visible Churches of Christ, above described. And taking an especial heed to the due and Regular Dispensation of the Lords-Supper, which the Apostle sufficiently intimateth to be a Barred Ordinance 
n 1 Cor. 11.28, 29, 30. and 10 21. : whence Unbelievers and Unregenerate persons, so remaining, can reap no saving Benefit, but Judgement to themselves 
o 1 Cor. 10.1. to 12. and 11.27, 28, 29, 30. ; And whereunto Persons grossly Ignorant and Scandalous, either by customary or ordinary Omission of those known Duties of Christianity, Sanctification of the lords-days, and Religious courses in Families; Or by Commission of any Scandalous Sin, Ought not to be admitted 
p 1 Cor. 11.27. to the end, compared with Matth. 7.6. and 1 Cor. 5. throughout, and Judas 23. 1 Tim. 5.22. . But only such visible Saints, as having a competent knowledge of the misteryes of Christian Religion, and making an Holy profession of Repentance from dead Works, Faith in Christ, and Obedience to him, according to the Gospel-Rule of Repentance, Faith, and Obedience, do (in the Judgement of charity) walk answerably 
q 1 Cor. 11.29, 21, 21. compared with 2 Cor. 2.7. . And in order hereunto, We consent and agree, That the knowledge and conversations of all such as desire admission to the Lords-Supper be first duly enquired into, and found suitable to that Ordinance 
r Compare 1 Cor. 11.29 with Gall 6.6 Matth. 28.29. Compare also 1 Cor. 11 27. to the end, with Matth. 7.6. and 1 Cor. 5. throughout, & Judas 23. and 1 Tim. 5 22 and Eph. 5.11. and Acts 9.26. to 32. . And if any person or persons after such Admission shall break out into Scandalous Sin, and thereof be convicted by 2 or 3 witnesses, or their own confession; That in this case, such shall by due Censure be secluded from the Lords-Supper 
s Matth. 18.15. to 21. 1 Cor. 5. throughout. Ezek. 22.26. and 44.23. Matt. 7.6 : Unless the Offence be discovered so immediately before the Lords-Supper, that the Minister dissatisfyed in conscience can, for the present, only suspend his own Act. And utterly laying aside the Antiquated Service-Book for the many Evils and Inexpediencyes thereof 
t See, The Preface to the DIRECTORY for God's public Worship. Read also, The Anatomy of the Service-Book. , We shall have an eye to the Substance, Sense, and Scope of the DIRECTORY for God's Public Worship 
u Published for the use and benefit of these three Nations, January, 3. Anno Dom. 1644. .  
4. By Exciting Christians to the frequent and fruitful Exercise of the more Private COMMUNION of SAINTS in all the mutual duties thereof 
x Mal. 3.16, 17. Psal 55.14. Heb. 10.24, 25. and 3.12, 13. Phil. 2.1, 2, 3, 4. ; upon all occasions: And more especially at their Private meetings and conferences, managed in the most prudent, orderly, and profitable way 
y 1 Cor. 14.26, 40. , for their mutual Edification in Faith and Love, and Provocation to all good Works 
z Rom. 14.19. 1 Thes. 5.11. Judas v. 20. Eph 4.16. Heb. 10.24. .  
5. By Endeavouring to restore into all the respective Congregations under our spiritual charge within this City and Province that CHURCH-GOVERNMENT and Discipline, which Jesus Christ hath appointed in his Holy Scriptures. And herein we declare our consent and agreement, as followeth;  
(1.) That the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the Church, and is Faithful in the House of God as Moses was, hath declared and Revealed the whole Pattern of his House, by setting down and leaving upon Record in the Scriptures, a complete and perfect Platform of Church-Discipline in all the Essential parts thereof 
a Isa. 9.6. Mat 28.18, etc. Eph. 5.23. & 1.22, 23. Heb 3.5, 6. Exod. 25 40. 1 Tim 3 14, 15. , Which is to be observed and kept inviolably till the second coming and Appearing of Christ 
b 1 Tim. 6.13. , without any Additions or Inventions of men 
c Matth. 15 9 .  
(2) That the holy Government and Discipline, which Christ hath appointed in his Church Requireth not only Christian watchfulness over the Walking of Brethren 
d Acts 20.28. , but also, 1. That such as Sin and go astray be Admonished and reproved 
e Gal. 6 1. Mat. 5 23, 24. & 18 15 to 21. ; 2. And impenitent Sinners cast forth and Excommunicated 
f Mat. 18.15, 16, 17 etc. 1 Cor 5. throughout ● these 3.6, 14.  3. Who ought a so upon R pentance to be Restored and Received again into communion with the Church 
g 2 Cor. 2 6. to 12 Matth. 18 18 19, 20. .  
(3.) That the End and use of Church Diego cipline and Censures, is, 1. For the Reclaiming and Gaining of Offending Brothers 
h Matth. 18.15 16, 17. 1 Cor. 5.5. Tim. 1.20. ; 2. For the Preventing and Deterring of others from the like Offences 
i 1 Tim 5.20. ; 3. For Purging out of that Leaven which might infect the wh le Lump 
k 1 Cor. 5.6, 7.8, 13. ; 4. For vindicating the Honour of Christ, and the Holy Profession of the Gospel 
l 1 Cor. 5 7▪ 8. Judas ver 23. Matth. 7 6. ; And 5. For Preventing the Wrath of God which might justly fall upon the Church, if they should suffer his Covenant and the Seals thereof to be Profaned by notorious and obstinate Offenders 
m 1 Cor. 11.27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32. This whole Paragraph is borrowed from the Assembly's Confession of Faith, Chap. 30. § 111. .  
(4) That the Ordinary and standing Officers, which Christ hath appointed in his Church, for the Edifying and perfecting of his Body, are; Pastors and Teachers 
n Eph. 4.11. Rom. 12.7, 8. , Ruling-Elders 
o Rom. 12.8. 1 Cor. 12.28. 1 Tim. 5.17.  and Deacons 
p Acts 6 1. to 7. Phil. 1.1. 1 Tim. 3.8 to 13   
(5.) That the Work and Duty of the Pastor and Teacher, is; To attend upon the Ministry of the Word and Prayer 
q Acts 6.1, 2. , To Preach the Gospel 
r 1 Cor. 1.17. 2 Tim. 4. 1, 2. Tit: 2.7, 8. . To Teach and to Exhort 
s Rom. 12.6, 7, 8. Matth. 28.19, 20 1 Tim. 4 11 2 Tim. 4.2. , and thence they are called Ministers of the Gospel 
t Rom 15.16. 2 Cor. 3.6. ; And To Administer the Seals of the Covenant 
u Matth 28.19, 20 Mark 16.15, 16. 1 Cor. 11 23 24 25 with 10 16. ; As also To Rule the Flock over which the Holy-Ghost hath made them Overseers 
x 1 Tim. 5.17. 1 Thes. 5.12. Heb. 13.7, 17 Acts 20.28. .  
(6.) That the Work of the Ruling-Elders is to join with the Pastor and Teacher in Governing the Church 
y Rom 12 7, 8. 1 Cor. 12 28. 1 Tim. 5 17. . The Work of the Deacons is, concerning the Temporal good things of the Church, To receive the Church Treasury, and therewith to serve Tables, and particularly to Relieve the Poor 
z Acts 6.1, 2, 3, 4. Rom. 12.8 1 Cor. 12.28 .  
(7.) That these Officers are called by Christ himself 
a Heb. 5.14. , though not immediately 
b Gal 1.1.  But by Men 
c Acts 13.1, 2, 3. 1 Tim. 4.14. Acts 14.23 & 6.3, 4, 5, 6. . Neither are any to be chosen and approved, but such as are judged to be fitted and furnished by Christ with suitable Qualifications for the faithful discharge of the Work and Office committed to them 
d 1 Tim. 3.1. to 14. with 5.22. Tit. 1.5. to 10. Acts 6.3. 1 Rom. 13.1, .  
(8.) That the Solemn admission and Separation of Persons to the work of the Ministry, is to be performed by the Laying on of the Hands of the Presbytery with Fasting and Prayer 
e, 3. 1 Tim. 4.14. Acts 14.23. & 6.3, 6. . And it seems to us most fit (where it may conveniently be) that such persons be Ordained in the presence, and with the consent of the Congregation, where they are to Minister 
f Acts 14.23. Tit. 1.5. .  
(9) That it's the duty of all the Churches & Ministers of Christ to Assist, Own, and Strengthen the Hands of each other in the ways of the LORD 
g Gal. 1.18, 21, 22, 23, 24. and 2 9 , And to Receive each other in the LORD to Christian and Church-communion 
h Rom. 16.1, 2. ; And to meet together in SYNODS and Assemblies of the Officers and Delegates of the Churches, if need require 
i Acts 15.1. to 36. : Where they have power to Determine Difficulties and Controversies according to the word of God 
k Acts 16.6. to 36. Especially see ver. 24, 28. and 16.4, 5. .  
(10.) That there be many gracious Promises of the special Blessing and Presence of Christ in his Ordinances among his People, who walk together, in the Faith, Love, and Order of the Gospel 
l Exod. 20.24. 1 Kin. 8.28, 29, 30. with 9.3. Isa. 4.5, 6. Matth. 18.18, 19, 20. and 28.19, 20. . And therefore those, that pretend to be above Ordinances; Or that live without Ordinances, when they have opportunity of Enjoying them; Or that pick and choose among the Ordinances of Christ, (As, to desire Baptism for their Children, but never to desire the Lords-Supper for themselves; Or to desire the Sacraments, but to refuse and cast off the Yoke of Christ in Church-Discipline,) they do exceedingly wrong their own Souls, and Sin against their own comforts, by depriving themselves of that special Blessed Presence and Sweet communion with Christ, which is to be had in the communion of Saints 
m Song. 1.7, 8. and 4 16. and 5 1. 2 Cor. 6.16, 17. 1 Cor. 10.16, 17. .  
VI To enter into and walk together in a Brotherly ASSOCIATION one with another, Giving one to another the right hands of Fellowship, in a constant course of Mutual Advice, Encouragement and Assistance, for the more Effectual accomplishing of these excellent Necessary and Difficult things 
n Gal. 2.9. Luke 10.1. Acts 2.1, 2, 3, 4, etc. and 3.1. etc. and 5.29. and 6.2. etc. and 8.14. etc. and 13.1, 2, 3, 4. and 15.6. to 36. : That all our ways in Christ may be for Substance the same within all these Churches 
o 1 Cor. 4.17. Jer. 32.39. . For a much as the mystical Body, the Church of Christ, is but one 
p 1 Cor. 12.12, 13, to the end. Rom. 15.4, 5. Eph. 2.16. and 4.4. Col. 3.15. Song. 6.9. : therefore we ought to maintain all possible oneness together, Dispatching our work, as much as may be, in joint Union and Communion, in all the Public Affairs of Christian Religion; Thus endeavouring to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace in that one Church-Body 
q Eph. 4.1. to 6. 1 Cor. 1.10 Phil. 2.1. to 5 , Now to this end We consent and Agree,  
1. That We shall diligently frequent certain Meetings; More General, of the Brothers in this whole Province; And more Particular, of those in some Counties and parts of this Province, As oft, and in such Places as We shall from time to time judge needful and expedient. And We shall endeavour so to make known the Times and Places of our Meetings, that all the Godly Brethren of the Ministry within the said Precincts may have Opportunity of Convening, and (which we earnestly desire) of Associating with us.  
2. That We shall readily Receive into this Fellowship, as Members, All the Brethren within the said City and Province, who are duly called into the Ministry by Ordination 
r 1 Tim. 4 14. and 5.22. Acts 13.1, 2, 3. and 14.23. Titus 1.5. , Are Sound in Faith 
s Tit. 1.9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. 2 Tim. 1.13. , Godly, Sober and unblameable in Life 
t 1 Tim. 3 2.3. 'tis 1.7, 8. , Walking Religiously in their Families 
u 1 Tim 3.4, 5. , Faithfully and industriously in their Ministerial Functions 
x 1 Cor. 4.1, 2. Jer. 23.28. 2 Cor. 2.17. 2 Tim. 4.1, 2. Tit. 2.7, 8. : They first tendering to the Moderator for the time being, At some General Meeting, or at some Particular Meeting according to Direction from the General, A TESTIMONIAL of Their Soundness in the Faith, Blamelesness of Life, and Laboriousness in the Ministry, under the Hands of two Ministers of known integrity, especially of those that are Associated; And of two or three Godly Christians of the same Congregation, or of the vicinity, well known to some of the Associated Brethren. And all that shall be Ordained PRESBYTERS by this Association for any Ministerial charge within this Province, shall thereupon be Received as Members of this Association: Both these, and the former Sub cribing to this our Agreement. Nevertheless the Associated Brethren still Reserve to themselves a Liberty for Admitting any Orthodox Godly Brother, Declaring his in 〈◊〉 on to be Regularly Ordained assoon as may be, to join with Us in Our Association as fare as he is capable.  
3. That at Our first General Meeting We shall choose one of Our number to be MODERATOR; for, Propounding of Matters Taking of Suffrages. Preventing of Disorders, and Managing all Discoures and conferences with due Gravity, Decency, Order, and to the utmost Edification 
y 1 Cor. 14.26, 40. Tit. 2.7, 8. : Who shall still begin and conclude Our Transactions at every Meeting with Prayer, for the LORD'S Assistance, Blessing and Acceptance 
z 1 Tim. 2.8. and 4.4.5 1 Thes. 5.17, 18. Eph 6.18, 19, 20. Acts 6.2. . And at the close of that, and every such Conference, General or Particular, We shall still determine upon the Subject-Matter, Time, Place, and another Moderator for the next Meeting.  
4. That also at our first General Meeting one of the Brethren Associated, which shall be deemed fittest, shall be chosen Scribe or Register. Who shall enter this Our Agreement into a Book forthwith, that it may be Subscribed; Shall carefully File up and keep all the forementioned Testimonials; Shall enter all our Res lves and Determinations; and Shall Register all Our Proceed with all that shall present themselves to Us for Ordination 
a 1 Tim. 4.14. and 5.22. Rom. 13.1, 2, 3. Tit. 1 5. Heb. 5 4. , Keeping safe their Testimonials, and Providing all such Instruments in Writing as are requisite thereunto: That any of these may be produced before the Brethren upon all just Occasions.  
5. That no discourses about Admission or Non-Admission of any Minister into this Society shall be blazed abroad by any Brother to the Prejudice of the Association, or of any Member thereof.  
6 That all Disputes about lesser Points in difference, held by any Brethren Agreeing in the Main, be wholly declined in all our Meetings 
b Acts 15.37, 38, 39 Phil. 2.1.2, 3, 4. and 3.16 . Unless some Brother shall Conscientiously desire satisfaction from the Association in any such Particular: which shall be endeavoured with all cleverness of Argument and sweetness of Spirit 
c Acts 15.7. to 22. Eph. 4.1, 2, 3, etc. 1 Pet. 3.8. Phil. 2 1, 2, 3, 4. .  
7. That All usurpation of Authority, Authoritative coercion, Domination or Jurisdiction, and all exercise thereof by the Brethren one over another in this Association be utterly disclaimed, abandoned and abhorred 
d Mat. 23.11, 12. Mark 9.33. to 38. Luk. 9.46.47, 48. and 22 24. to 28. 1 Pet. 5.3. 3 Joh. v. 9, 10.   
8. That All giving of just Offence to those that are in Power and Authority over us in the Commonwealth, by our intermeddling beyond the Duty and limits of our calling with civil and Commonwealth-Affairs, be most studiously avoided in all our Transactions 
e Matt. 17.27. 1 Cor. 10.32. 2 Cor. 6.3. Acts 24 16. 1 Cor. 7.20. .  
9 And finally, That We shall none of us withdraw ourselves from this Brotherly Fellowship, without great and weighty causes: Nor shall We at any time Neglect or forbear to come to the General or Particular Meetings, which shall be from time to time appointed, without very urgent occasions.  
And in all these things, We whose Names are hereunto Subscribed, have Unanimously agreed, To walk by the same Rule, and to mind the same thing 
f Phil. 3.16. . Beseeching the LORD to lead us by his Spirit into all truth 
g John 16.13. , That as Fellow labourers in the Gospel of Christ We may make a Brotherly improvement of each others Advice and Assistance, that our Hearts may be comforted being knit together in Love, whilst we are following the things which make for Peace and wherewith We may Edify one another in Our most Holy Faith 
h 1 Thes. 3.2. Philem. 24. Col. 2.2. Rom. 14.19. Judas, vers. 20. .  
Consentimus nos infrascripti.  
FINIS.