921.73 W589w.pdf - Mesa FamilySearch Library

ffev. Samuel lC/zili_zg, z23
is so purely ecclesiastical, but the civil power
may in its way deal therein. We are far from
thinking the churches have no power but what
is derived from the Christian magisti'ates, or
that the civil magistrate hath ecclesiastical pow-
ers, yet [he] may, and ought, the matter so re-
quiring, [to-] take cognizance and give judgment
in solving a case, not in a church but civil way.
We suppose we have kept much wit.hin these
bounds in the case that hath been before us,
and that our opinion and practice herein hath
been as clear from Erastianisme as some men's
assertions have been from the opposite error,
and the declared judgments of our congregational
divines. In that point we own and de-
sire so to regulate our proceedings accordingly.
The God of order guide all our ministrations
to his glory and the peace and edification of
his people.
" By order and unanimous consent of the
County Court, sitting at Ipswich, May 5th,
t663, p. me.
" ROBERT LORD,C/erZ,."