V.
The Churches should understand that the Ecclesiastical As∣semblies of Colloques, and Synods, as well Provincial as National are the Bands and Supports of Ʋnion and Con∣cord, against the Schisms, Heresies, and all other inconve∣nients, to the end they should use all endeavour, and apply themselves by all means, that the said Ecclesiastical Assem∣blies may be continued and maintained, and in case some Churches and particular Persons, would not contribute to the Charges needful to be present at the Ecclesiastical Assem∣blies, such shall be surely sensur'd, as Deserters of the Holy Communion which should be amongst us. The Minister also which shall not promote what is above contained, shall be grievously sensur'd by the Provincial Synod.
There is nothing in all the Antient Discipline which is more strictly enjoyn'd than the holding of Synods, where the Conductors of Churches were obliged to be, as shall be shewn on the Eighth chap. and where by con∣sequence, they were to go at the charge of the Chur∣ches which they serv'd; this is collected from the Eigh∣teen Cannon of the Third Council of Toledo assembled in the Year of Our Lord, 589; for it ordains, that in∣stead of assembling in Synods twice a year according to the Order of the Cannons, * 1.1 they shall assemble but once, by reason of the poverty of the Churches of Spain.