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1

  Although churches be distinct, ptcular and therefore may

not be confounded one w^th another; & Equall, & therefore

may have not dominion one over another, yet all

churches ought to preserve church communion one w^th

another, because they are all united unto ch^t, not

only as a Mysticall, but as a Politicall head, whence

is derived a communion suteable thereunto.

2

  The communion of churches is exercised sundry ways. 1

by way of mutuall care in taking thought one for

anothers welfare^(a)   2^ly way of consultacion one w^th

another, when we have occasion to require the counsell

and judgem^t of other churches: touching any pson or cause,

wherew^th they may be better acquainted then o^r selves. As

the church of Antioch consulted w^th the Apostles & Elders of

the church at Jerusalem, about the question of the Circumcision

of the Gentiles, and about the false Teachers that broached

that doctrine^(b) In w^ch case when any church wanteth

light or peace amongst themselves, it is a way of commu=

nion of churches (according to the word) to meet togeather

by their Elders and other messengers in a Synod, to

consider and argue^(c) the points in doubt or difference,

and having found out the way of truth & peace, to

commend the same by their letters^(d) & messengers to

the churches, whom the same may concerne. But

if a church be rent w^th divisions amongst themselves, or

lye under any other open Scandall, & yet refuse to consult

w^th other churches; for healing & remooving of y^e same, It

is a matter of just offence both to y^e Lord Jesus & to other