THE MILLENARY PETITION
London, 1603


Points of Difference between congregational governance and the Church of England

1) A truly congregational organization is so, because it is truly scriptural.The scriptures provide sufficient guidance to set up instruction and guidance.

2) The people of this true Church are called and separated from the world by the word of God, and make voluntarie profession of faith in Christ.

3) Every such church has the power to choose its Pastors, Teachers, Elders and Deacons, like those Christ appointed his Apostles. Any discreet, faithfull, and able man may be appointed to preach the gospel.

4) Men who have knowledge and are converted may then be joined together in holy communion. Sacraments should be administered only to the faithfull, and Baptism to their seed.

5) Ministers are not allowed to become civil officers, nor burdened with civil affaires, the celebration of marriage, burying the dead, etc. Maintenance of the [church's] officers should be a free and voluntarie contribution of the people.

6) The Church should meet together in one place, and jointly perform their duties to God and one another, and should insure that the admonition and excommunication meted out for sin, a sin convicted and obstinately maintained, will be done in due manner [in a review and vote of its members].

8) The Church will not be governed by Popish Canons, Courts, Classes, Customs or any human inventions, but by the lawes and rules of Christ, in the Liturgy of his Testament, not by any imposed by men. All garments of idolatry will be abolished.

9) The Church will sanctify only the Lord’s Day, that Christian liberty may be retained. And what God hath left free, none will make bound.

10) All Churches and people are to be bound to accept and submit unto the Covenant, the Ministry, the Worship, and order which Christ as Lord and King hath appointed unto his Church, and not to any other devised by [any] man whatsoever.

Source:
Walker (1960).