of the
scripture-government and discipline in the Church of God. And to make
known what this government is from the law and testimony, by preaching
or writing, comes properly and peculiarly within the sphere of our place
and vocation.

2. A cloud of darkness and prejudice, in reference to this matter of
church government, too generally rests upon the judgments and
apprehensions of men (yea of God's own people) among us, either, 1st,
through the difficulty or uncommonness of this matter of church
government, (though ancient and familiar in other reformed churches, yet
new and strange to us;) or, 2d, through the strange misrepresentations
that are made hereof, by those that are small friends to the true
presbyterial government, or that are enemies to all church government
whatsoever; or, 3d, through the different opinions about church
government, which are to be found among pious people and ministers: by
all which the weak and unstable minds of many are cast into a maze of
many confused thoughts and irresolutions.

3. Though many learned treatises have been published, some whereof have
positively asserted, others have polemically vindicated divers parts of
church government, and the divine right thereof, yet hitherto no
treatise of this nature is extant, positively laying open the nature of
a divine right, what it is, and a system of that government, which is
so, and proving both by the Scriptures; without which, how shall the
judgments and consciences of men be satisfied, that this is that church
government, according to the word of God, which they have covenanted to
endeavor to promote, and whereto they are obliged to submit? And since
it is our lot to travel in an unbeaten path, we, therefore, promise to
ourselves, from all sober and judicious readers, the greater candor and
ingenuity in their measuring of our steps and progress herein.

II. The advantage which may probably accrue hereupon, we hope shall be
manifold: For, 1. Who can tell but that some of them, that in some
things are misled and contrary-minded, may be convinced and regained?
and it will be no small reward of our labors if but one erring brother
may be brought back. 2. Some satisfaction may redound to such as are of
doubtful, unresolved minds, by removing of their doubts and scruples,
and ripening of their resolutions, to settle more safely in point of
church government. 3. Those that as yet are unseen in the matter of
church government, or that want