Article 32. Of the order and discipline of the Church

Article 32. Of the order and discipline of the Church

In the mean time we believe, though it is useful and beneficial, that those, who are rulers of the church, institute and establish certain ordinances among themselves for maintaining the body of the church; yet they ought studiously to take care, that they do not depart from those things, which Christ, our only master, hath instituted. And therefore, we reject all human inventions, and all laws, which man would introduce into the worship of God, thereby to bind and compel the conscience, in any manner whatever. Therefore we admit only of that, which tends to nourish and preserve concord, and unity, and to keep all men in obedience to God. For this purpose, excommunication or church discipline is requisite, with the several circumstances belonging to it, according to the word of God.