JOHN ROBINSON.
WILLIAM BREWSTER.
The second and ampler declaration was this:
As regards the Ecclesiastical ministry, etc., as in the former declaration, we agree in all things with the French Reformed Churches, according to their public Confession of Faith; though some small differences may be found in our practices,—not at all in the substance of the things, but only in some accidental circumstances.
1. Their ministers pray with their heads covered; ours uncovered.
2. We choose none for governing elders but such as are able to teach; which ability they do not require.
3. Their elders and deacons are annual, or at most for two or three years; ours perpetual.
4. Our elders deliver admonitions and excommunications for public scandals, publicly, before the congregation; theirs more privately, in their consistories.
5. We administer baptism only to infants of whom one parent, at least, is of some church, which some of their churches do not observe; though in this our practice accords with their public confession, and with the judgments of the most learned amongst them.
Other differences worth mentioning, we know of none. Then about the Oath of Supremacy, as in the former declaration.