THE
HEADS OF AGREEMENT,
ASSENTED TO BY THE UNITED MINISTERS,
FORMALLY CALLED
PRESBYTERIAN AND CONGREGATIONAL:
UNANIMOUSLY AGREED UPON AND CONSENTED TO BY THE
ELDERS AND ALL THE CHURCHES IN THE COLONY OF
CONNECTICUT, IN NEW ENGLAND, CONVENED BY DELEGATION
IN A GENERAL COUNCIL AT SAYBROOK, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 1708
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Phil 3:5 Let us, therefore, as many as be perfect,
be thus minded; and if in anything ye be otherwise
minded, God shall revel even this unto you.
Eph 4:3. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the
spirit in the bond of peace.
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The Heads of Agreement
(OF CHURCHES AND CHURCH MEMBERS)
I. We acknowledge our Lord Jesus Christ to have one catholic church, or kingdom, comprehending all that are united to Him, whether in heaven or earth. And do conceive the whole multitude of visible believers, and their infant-seed (commonly called the catholic visible church) to belong to Christ's spiritual kingdom in this world. But for the notion of a catholic visible church here, as it signifies its having been collected into any formed society, under a visible common head on earth, whether one person singly, or many collectively, we, with the rest of Protestants, unanimously disclaim it.
Gen 17:7; Mat 23:7-10; Act 2:39; 1Co 12:12-13; Eph 1:10, 22, 44, 5:27
II. We agree, that particular societies of visible saints, who under Christ their head, are statedly joined together for ordinary communion with one another, in all the ordinances of Christ, are particular churches, and are to be owned by each other, as instituted churches of Christ, though differing in apprehensions and practice in some lesser things.
Rom 14:1; 1Co 1:2, 12:27, 14:23; Rev 1:4
III. That none shall be admitted as members, in order to communion a in all the special ordinances of the gospel, but such persons as are knowing and sound in the fundamental doctrine of the Christian religion, without scandal in their lives; and to a judgment regulated by the Word of God, are persons of visible holiness and honesty; credibly professing cordial subjection to Jesus Christ.
Pro 19:2; Eze 44:9; Act 8:32; Rom 10:10; 2Co 9:13; 2Ti 2:19
IV. A competent number of such visible saints, (as before described) do become the capable subjects of stated communion in all the special ordinances of Christ, upon their mutual declared consent and agreement to walk together therein according to gospel rule. In which declaration, different degrees of explicitness, shall no way hinder such churches from owning each other, as instituted churches.
Act 2:41-42, 20:7; Rom 14:3; 1Co 14:23
V. Though parochial bounds be not of Divine Right, yet for common edification, the members of a particular church ought (as much as conveniently may be) to live near one another.
1Th 5:11-13; Heb 10:25
VI. That each particular church has the right to use their own officers; and being furnished with such as are duly qualified and ordained according to the gospel rule, has authority from Christ for exercising government, and of enjoying all the ordinances of worship within itself.
Mat 18:17; Act 6:2; 1Co 11:2; 1Ti 4:14; Tit 1:5-7
VII. In the administration of church power, it belongs to the pastors and other elders of every particular church, if such there be, to rule and govern: and to the brotherhood to consent, according to the rule of the gospel.
1Co 4:1, 5:4; 2Co 6:8,10; lTi 5:17; Heb 3:17
VIII. That all believers, are bound in duty, as they have opportunity, to join themselves as fixed members of some particular church; their thus joining, being part of their professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and an instituted means of their establishment and edification; whereby they are under the pastoral care, and in case of scandalous or offensive walking, may be authoritatively admonished or censured for their recovery, for vindication of the truth, and the church professing it.
Act 2:47, 5:13, 20:28; 2Co 9:13; 1Th 5:12, 14; Heb 10:24-25
IX. That a visible believer thus joined to a particular church, ought to continue steadfastly with the said church; and not forsake the ministry and ordinances there dispensed, without orderly seeking a recommendation to another church; which ought to be given, when the case of the person apparently requires it.
Act 2:42; Rom 16:1-2; Heb 10:25
(OF THE MINISTRY)
I. We agree, that the ministerial office is instituted by Jesus Christ, for the gathering, guiding, edifying and governing of His church; and to continue to the end of the world.
Matt. 28:19-20; Eph 4:11-12
II. They who are called to this office, ought to be endued with competent learning and ministerial gifts, as also with the grace of God, sound in judgment, not novices in the faith and knowledge of the gospel; without scandal, of holy conversation, and such as devote themselves to the work and service thereof.
Rom 12:6; 1Ti 3:2-7, 4:16; 2Ti 2:24; Tit 1:6-7
III. That ordinarily none shall be ordained to the work of this ministry, but such as are called and chosen thereunto by a particular church.
Act 14:23
IV. That in so great and weighty a matter as the calling and choosing a pastor, we judge it ordinarily requisite, that every such church consult and advise with the pastors of neighboring congregations.
Pro 11:14, 15:22
V. That after such advice the person consulted about, being chosen by the brotherhood of that particular church over which he is to be set, and he accepting, be duly ordained, and set apart to his office over them; wherein it is ordinarily requisite, that the pastors of neighboring congregations concur with the preaching-elder, or elders, if such there be.
Act 14:23; 1Ti 4:14
VI. That whereas such ordination is only intended for such as never before had been ordained to the ministerial office; If any judge, that in the case also of the removal of one formerly ordained, to a new station or pastoral charge, there ought to be a like solemn recommending him and his labors to the grace and blessing of God; no different sentiments of practice herein, shall be any occasion of contention or breach of communion among us.
Eph 4:2-3; Phs 3:15
VII. It is expedient, that they who enter on the work of preaching the gospel, be not only qualified for the communion of saints; but also that, except in cases extraordinary, they give proof of their gifts and fitness for the said work, unto the pastors of churches, of known abilities to discern and judge of their qualifications; that they may be sent forth with solemn approbation and prayer; which we judge needful, that no doubt may remain concerning their being called unto the work; and for preventing (as much as in us lies) ignorant and rash intruders.
1Ti 1:22, 3:6
(OF CENSURES)
I. As it cannot be avoided, but that in the purest churches on earth, there will sometimes offenses and scandals arise by reason of hypocrisy and prevailing corruption; so Christ has made it the duty of every church, to reform itself by spiritual remedies, appointed by him to be applied in all such cases; vis. admonition and excommunication.
Mat 8:7; 1Co 5:6; Tit 3:10; Heb 12:15
II. Admonition, being the rebuking of an offending member in order to convict, is in case of private offenses to be performed according to the rule in Matthew 18:15-17 and in case of public offenses, openly before the church, as the honor of the gospel, and nature of the scandal shall require: And if either of the admonitions take place for the recovery of the fallen person, all further proceedings in a way of censure, are thereon to cease, and satisfaction to be declared accordingly.
Mat 18:15, 17; lTi 1:20
III. When all due means are used, according to the order of the gospel, for the restoring an offending and scandalous brother; and he notwithstanding remains impenitent, the censure of excommunication is to be proceeded unto; wherein the pastor and other elders (if there be such) are to lead, and go before the church; and the brotherhood to give their consent, in a way of obedience unto Christ, and to the elders, as over them in the Lord.
Mat 18:15-17; 1Co 5:1-13; 1Th 5:5, 12; Tit 3:10
IV. It may sometimes come to pass, that a church member, not otherwise scandalous, may sinfully withdraw and divide himself from the communion of the church to which he belongs; in which case, when all due means for the reducing him, prove ineffectual, he having thereby cut himself off from that church's communion; the church may justly esteem and declare itself discharged of any further inspection over him.
Rom 16:17; 2Th 3:14; Heb 10:25
(OF COMMUNION OF CHURCHES)
I. We agree, that particular churches ought not to walk so distinct and separate from each other, as not to have care and tenderness towards one another. But their pastors ought to have frequent meetings together, that by mutual advice, support, encouragement, and brotherly intercourse, they may strengthen the hearts and hands of each other in the ways of the Lord.
Act 15:23, 20:17,28.
II. That none of our particular churches shall be subordinate to one another; each being indued with equality of power from Jesus Christ. And that none of the said particular churches, their officer, or officers, shall exercise any power, or have any superiority over any other church, or their officers.
Sos 8:8; Act 15:23; 1Co 16:19; Rev 1:4
III. That known members of particular churches, constituted as aforesaid, may have occasional communion with one another in the ordinances of the gospel, viz. the word, prayer, sacraments, singing of psalms, dispensed according to the mind of Christ: Unless that church, with which they desire communion, has any just exception against them.
Act 18:27; Rom 16:1-2; 1Co 12:13; 2Co 3: l
IV. That we ought not to admit any one to be a member of our respective congregations, that has joined himself to another, without endeavors of mutual satisfaction of the congregation concerned.
V. That one church ought not to blame the proceedings of another, until it has heard what that church charged, its elders, or messengers, can say in vindication of themselves from any charge of irregular or injurious proceedings.
Deu 13:l4; Pro 18:l7; Mat 7:1
Vl. That we are most willing and ready to give an account of our church proceedings to each other, when desired; for preventing or removing any offenses that may arise among us. Likewise we shall be ready to give the right hand of fellowship, and walk together according to the gospel rules of communion of churches.
Jos 22:13, 21, 30; Act 11:2-4,18;
(OF DEACONS AND RULING ELDERS)
We agree, the office of a deacon is of Divine appointment, and that it belongs to their office to receive, lay out, and distribute the churches stock to its proper uses, by the direction of the pastor, and brethren if need be. And whereas many are of opinion, that there is also the office of ruling elders, who labor not in word and doctrine; and others think otherwise; we agree, that this difference make no breach among us.
(OF OCCASIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS, ETC)
I. We agree, that in order to concord, and in any other weighty and difficult cases, it is needful, and according to the mind of Christ, that the ministers of the several churches be consulted and advised with about such matters.
Pro 24:6; Act 15:26
II. That such meetings may consist of smaller or greater numbers, as the matter shall require.
III. That particular churches, their respective elders and members, ought to have a reverential regard to their judgment so given, and not dissent therefrom, without apparent grounds from the word of God.
Act 16:4-5;
(OF OUR DEMEANOR TOWARDS THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE)
I. We do reckon ourselves obliged continually to pray for God’s protection, guidance and blessing upon the rulers set over us.
II. That we ought to yield unto them not only subjection in the Lord, but support, recording to our station and abilities.
III. That if at any time it shall be their pleasure to call together any number of us, or require an account of our affairs, and the state of our congregations, we shall most readily express all dutiful regard to them herein.
(OF A CONFESSION OF FAITH)
As to what appertains to soundness of judgment in matters of faith, we esteem it sufficient, that a church acknowledge the Scriptures to be the word of God, the perfect and only rule of faith and practice; and own either the doctrinal part of those commonly called the Articles of the Church of England, or the Confession, or Catechisms, Shorter or Larger, compiled by the Assembly at Westminster, or the Confession agreed on at the Savoy, to be agreeable to the said rule.
(OF OUR DUTY AND DEPORTMENT TOWARDS THEM
THAT ARE NOT IN COMMUNION WITH US)
I. We judge it our duty to bear a Christian respect to all Christians; according to their several ranks and stations, that are not of our persuasion or communion.
Rom l2:10, 14:1-23;
II. As for such as may be ignorant of the principles of the Christian religion, or of vicious conversation, we shall in our respective places, as they give us opportunity, endeavor to explain to them the doctrine of life and salvation, and to our utmost persuade them to be reconciled to God.
III. That such who appear to have the essential requisites to church-communion, we shall willingly receive them in the Lord, not troubling them with disputes about lesser matters.
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