(3.) That the younger may be educated under the grave advice and counsels of the elder.
(4.) That the concord of themselves, and the churches under them, may be preserved.
But if they would grow imperious, tyrannical, heretical, or contentious, the magistrate shall hinder their stated, ordinary meetings; that it be not accounted a thing simply necessary, nor used to the disturbance of the church or state. And all provincial, national, and larger councils, shall be held by the magistrate's consent.
26. He that taketh himself to be wrongfully excommunicated in one church, shall have a treble remedy:
(1.) To have his cause heard by the associated pastors of the neighbour churches; though not as rulers of the bishop or pastor of that particular church, yet as counsellors, and such whose judgment bindeth to concord in lawful things.
(2.) To be admitted by another church, if it appear that he is wronged. And,
(3.) To appeal to the magistrate, as the preserver of justice and order in all societies.
27. The magistrate shall appoint some of the most grave, and wise, and godly, and moderate of the ministers, to have a general inspection over many churches; and to see that they be well taught and ordered, and that pastors and people do their duty: who shall therefore oft visit them, and shall instruct and exhort the younger ministers; and with the countenance of the magistrate, and their own seniority and ability, shall rebuke the slothful and faulty ministers; and persuade them to diligence and fidelity: but shall exercise no outward force by the sword; nor any excommunication by themselves alone, or otherwise than in the aforesaid regular way.
28. All ordinations shall be performed, (except in case of necessity,) either in the assembly of the associated pastors, with their president; or in the vacant church, by some of them, appointed by the rest; or by the general visitor, last mentioned, with a competent number of assistants. But still, an ordination to the ministry in general, shall not be taken to be formally the same as the affixing him to this or that church in particular; nor more than the licensing of a physician is the same with the affixing him to a particular hospital.
29. A catalogue shall be drawn up of some of the greatest verities, which are not expressly found in the creed, Lord's prayer, or decalogue; which, as the articles of confession of the associated churches of the nation, shall serve for these three uses:—