Christ Rev. 1. 4 20. John to the seven Churches in Asis Grace be unto you and peace from him which is and which was and which is to come and from the seven spirits which are before his throne v. 20. The mistery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand and the seven golden candlesticks The seven stars are the Angels of the seven Churches Rev. 2. 1. Unto the Angel of the Church of Ephesus write These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks Particular Churches in the primitive times were made up of visible Saints viz. Of such as being of age professed faith in Christ and obedience unto Christ according the Rule of Faith and Life taught by Christ and his Apostles and of their children Acts 2. 38 41 47. v. 38. Then Peter said unto them Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Ghost v 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls v. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people and the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved Compared with Acts 5. 14. And believers were the more added to the Lord multitudes both of men and women 1 Cor. 1. 2. Unto â—he Church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be saints with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours Compared with 2 Cor. 9 13. Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorifie God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ and for your liberal distribution unto them and unto all men Acts 2. 39 For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call 1 Cor. 7. 14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband else were your children unclean but now are they holy Rom. 11. 16. For if the first-fruit be holy the lump is also holy and if the root be holy so are the branches Mar. 10. 14. But when Jesus saw it he was much displeased and said unto them suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdome of God Compared with Mat. 19. 13 14 v. 13. Then were there brought unto him little children that he should put his hand on them and pray and the disciples rebuked them v. 14. But Iesus said suffer little children and forbid them not tâ— come unto me for of such is the Kingdome of heaven Luk. 18. 15 16. v 15. And they brought unto him also infants that he would touch them but when his disciples saw it they rebuked them v. 16. But â—esus called them unto him and said suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdome of God Of the Officers of the Church THe Officers which Christ hath appointed for the edification of his Church and thâ— perfecting of the Saints are Some extraordinary as Apostles Evangelists and Prophets which are ceased Others ordinary and perpetual as Pastors Teachers and other Church-governours and Deacons Pastors THe Pastor is an ordinary and perpetual officer in the Church Jer. 3. 15. 16 17. v. 15. And I will give you pastors according to mine heart which shall feed you with knowledg and understanding v. 16. And it shall come to pass when ye he multiplyed and increased in the land in those dayes saith the Lord they shall say no more The ark of the covenant of the Lord neither shall it come to mind neither shall they remember it neither shall they visit it neither shall that be done any more v. 17. At that time they shall call Ierusalem the throne of the Lord and all the nations shall be gathered unto it to the name of the Lord to Ierusalem neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart Prophecying of the time of the Gospel 1 Pet. 5. 2 3 4. v. 2. Feed the flock of God which is among you taking the oversight thereof not by constraint but willingly not for filthy lucre but of a ready mind v. 3. Neither as being lords over Gods heritage but being ensamples to the flock v. 4. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away Eph. 4. 11 12 13. v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and teachers v. 12. For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ v. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ First It belongs to his office To pray for and with his flock as the mouth of the people unto God Acts 6. 2 4. v. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve Tables v. 4. But we will give our selves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word Acts 20. 36. And when he had thus spoken he kneeled down and prayed with them all Where preaching and prayer are joyned as several parts of the same Office Jam. 5. 14 15. Is any man sick among you let him call for the Elders of the Church and let them pray over him anointing him with oyl in the name of the Lord. v. 15. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up and if he have committed sins they shall be forgiven him The Office of the Elder that is the pastor is to pray for the sick even in private to which a blessing is especially promised much more therefore ought he to perform this in the publick execution of his Office as a part thereof To read the Scripture publickly For the proof of which 1. That the Priests and Levites in the Jewish Church were trusted with the publick reading of the Word as is proved Deut. 31. 9 10 11. v. 9 And Moses wrote this law and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord and unto all the elders of Israel v. 10. And Moses commanded them saying At the end of every seven years in the solemnity of the year of release in the feast of Tabernacles v. 11. When all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall chuse thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their
Of Classical Assemblies THe Scripture doth hold out a Presbytery in a Church both in 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery And in Acts 15. 2 4 6. v. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissention and disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they were received of the Church and of the Apostles and Elders and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter A Presbytery consisteth of Ministers of the Word and such other publick Officers as are agreeable to and warranted by the Word of God to be Church-governours to joyn with the Ministers in the Government of the Church as appeareth Rom. 12. 7 8. v. 7. Or Ministry let us wait on our Ministring or he that teacheth on reaching v. 8. Or he that exhorteth on exhortation he that giveth let him do it with simplicity he that ruleth with diligence he that sheweth mercy with cheerfulness 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues The Scripture doth hold forth that many particular Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Go ernment This proposition is proved by instances 1. First Of the Church of Jerusalem which consisteth of more Congregations then one and all these Congregations were under one Presbyterial Goverment This appeareth tâ—us â— First The Church of Jerusalem consisteth of more Congregations then one as is manifest 1. By the multitude of believers mentioned in divers Both before the dispersion of the believers there by means of the persecutions mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles chap. 8. in the beginning thereof witness Acts 1. 15. And in those dayes Peter stood up in the midst of the Disciples and said The number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty Acts 2. 41 46. 47. v. 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls v. 46. And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart v. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved Acts 5. 14. And believers were the more added unto the Lord multitudes both of men and women Acts 6. 1. 7. v. 1. And in those dayes when the number of the Disciples was multiplied there a rose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration v. 7. And the Word of God increased and the number of the Disciples multiplyed in Jerusalem greatly and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith And also after the dispersion Acts 9. 31. Then had the Churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the holy Ghost were multiplied Acts 12. 24. But the Word of God grew and multiplied Acts. 21. 20. And when they heard it they glorified the Lord and said unto him Thou seest brother how many thousand of Jews there are which believe and they are all zealous of the law Secondly By the many Apostles and other Preachers in the Church of Jerusalem And if there were but one Congregation there then each Apostle preached but seldome which will not consist with Acts 6. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Discipleâ— unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables Thirdly The diversity of Languages amongst the Believers mentioned both in the second and sixth chapters of the Acts doth argue more Congregations then one in that Church 2. Secondly All those congregations were under one Presbyterial government because First They were one Church Acts 8. 1. And Saul was consenting unto his death And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria except the Apostles Acts 2. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people And the Lord added unto the church daily such as should be saved Compared with chap. 5. 11. And great fear came upon all the church and upon as many as heard these things chap. 12 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison hut prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him chap. 15. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question Secondly The Elders of the Church are mentioned Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Acts 15. 4 6 22. v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they mere received of the Church and of the Apostles and Elders and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together to consider of this matter v. 22. Then it pleased the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Bâ—rnabas namely Judas sirnamed Barsabas and Silus chief men among the brethren And ch 21. 17 18. v. 17. And when we were come to Jerusalem the brethren received us gladly v. 18. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James and all the Elders were present Thirdly The Apostles did the ordinary Acts of Presbyters as Presbyters in that Church which proveth a Presbyterial Church before the dispersion Act. 6 Fourthly The several Congregations in Jerusalem being one Church the Elders of that Church are mentioned as meeting together for acts of Government Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Acts 15. 4 6 22. v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they were received of the Church and of the Apostles and Ellers and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter v. 22. Then it pleased the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas namely Judas sirnamed Barsabas and Silas chief men among the brethren Acts 21. 17 18. v. 17. And when they were come to Jerusalem the brethren
of God as was Aaron Ordination is alwayes to be continued in the Church Tit. 15. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every City as I had appointed thee 1 Tim. 5. 21 22. v. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by partiality v. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure Ordination is the solemn setting apart of a person to some publick Church-office Numb 8 10 11 14 19 22. v. 10. And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites v. 11. And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord for an offering of the children of Israel that they may execute the service of the Lord. v. 14. Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel and the Levites shall be mine v. 19. And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel to do the service of the children of Israel in the Tabernacle of the Congregation and to make an atonement for the children of Israel that there be no plague among the children of Israel when the children of Israel come nigh unto the Sanctuary v. 22. And after that went the Levites in to do their service in the Tabernacle of the Congregation before Aaron and before his sons as the Lord had commanded Moses concerning the Levites so did they unto them Acts 6. 3 5 6 v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business v. 5. And the saying pleased the whole multitude and they those Stephen a man full of faith and of the holy Ghost and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Permenas and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch v. 6. Whom they had set before the Apostles and when they had prayed they laid their hands on them Every Minister of the Word is to be ordained by imposition of hands and prayer with fasting by those preaching Presbyters to whom it doth belong 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure Acts 14. 23. And when they had ordained them Elders in every Church and had prayed with fasting they commended them to the Lord on whom they believed Acts 13. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them they sent them away It is agreeable to the Word of God and very expedient that such as are to be ordained Ministers be designed to some particular Church or other ministerial charge Acts 14. 23. See before Tit. 1. 5. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting and ordain Elders in every City as I had appointed thee Acts 20 17 28. v. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the Elders of the Church v. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over the which the holy Ghost hath made you over-seers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood He that is to be ordained Minister must be duly qualified both for life and Ministerial abilities according to the Rules of the Apostles 1 Tim. â—3 2 3 4 5 6. v. 2. A Bishop hen must be blameless the husband of one wife vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach v. 3. Not given to wine no striker not greedy of filthy lucre but patient not a brawler not covetons v. 4. One that ruleth well his own house having his children in subjection with all gravity v. 5. For if a man know not how to rule his own house how shall he take care of the Church of God v. 6. Not a novice lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the Devil Tit. 1. 6 7 8 9. v. 6. If any man be blameless the husband of one wife having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly v 7. For a Bishop must be blameless as the Steward of God not self-willed not soon angry not given to wine no striker not given to filthy lucre v. 8. But a lover of hospitality a lover of good men sober just holy temperate v. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gain-sayers He is to be examined and approved by those by whom he is to be ordained 1 Tim. 3. 7 10. v. 7. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without lâ—st he fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil v. 10. And let these also first be proved then let them use the office of a Deacon being found blameless 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure No man is to be ordained a Minister for a particular Congregation if they of that Congregation can shew just cause of exception against him 1 Tim. 3. 2. A Bishop then must be blameless the husband of one wife vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach Tit. 1. 7. For the Bishop must be blameless as the Steward of God c. Touching the Power of Ordination ORdination is the Act of a Presbytery 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophesie with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery The power of ordering the whole work of Ordination is in the whole Presbytery which when it is over more Congregations then one whether those Congregations be fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is indifferent as to the point of Ordination 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophesie with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery It is very requisite that no single Congregation that can conveniently associate do assume to it self all and sole power in Ordination 1. Because there is no Example in Scripture that any single Congregation which might conveniently associate did assume to it self all and sole power Ordination neither is there any rule which may warrant such a practise 2. Because there is in Scripture Example of an Ordination in a Presbytery over divers Congregations as in the Church of Jerusalem where were many Congregations these many Congregations were under one Presbytery and this Presbytery did ordain The Preaching Presbyters orderly associated either in Cities or neighbouring Villages are those to whom the imposition of hands doth appertain for those Congregations within their bounds respectively To the Right Honourable THE LORDS
you and upon your brethren this do and ye shall not trespass So Christ who hath instituted a Government and Governours Ecclesiastical in the Church hath furnished some in his Church beside the Ministers of the Word with gifts for governments and with commission to execute the same when called there unto who are to joyn with the Minister in the government of the Church Rom. 12. 7 8. v. 7. Or Ministry let us wait on our ministring or he that teacheth on teaching v. 8. Or he that exhorteth on exhortation he that giveth let him do it with simplicity he that ruleth with diligence he that sheweth mercy with cheerfulness 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues Which Officers reformed churches commonly call Elders Deacons THe Scripture doth hold out Deacons as distinct officers in the church Phil. i. â— Paul and Timotheus the servant of Jesus Christ to all saints in Christ Jesus whith are at Philippi with the Bishops and Deacons 1 Tim. 3. 8. Likewise must the Deacons be grave not double-tongued not given to much wine not greedy of filthy lucre Whose Office is perpetual 1 Tim. 3. 8. Likewise must the Deacons be grave not double-tongued not given to much wine not greedy of filthy lucre to ver 15. see in the Bible Act. 6. 1 2 3 4. v. 1. And in those dayes when the number of the Disciples was multiplyed there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily manistration v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business v. 4. But we will give our selves continually to prayer and to the Ministry of the word To whose Office it belongs not to preach the Word or administer the Sacraments but to take special care in distributing to the necessities of the poor Act. 6. 1 2 3 4. see before Of Particular Congregations IT is lawful and expedient that there be fixed congregations that is a certain company of christians to meet in one Assembly ordinarily for publick Worship When believers multiply to such a number that they cannot conveniently meet in one place it is lawful and expedient that they should be divided into distinct and fixed congregations for the beter administration of such ordinances as belong unto them and the discharge of mutual duties 1 Cor. 14. 26 33 40. v. 26. Let all things be done unto edifying v. 33. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace as in all Churches of the Saints v. 40. Let all things be done decently and in order The ordinary way of dividing Christians into distinct Congregations and most expedient for edification is by the respective bounds of their dwellings First Because they who dwell together being bound to all kind of moral duties one to another have the better opportunity thereby to discharge them which moral tye is perpetual for Christ came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it Deut. 15. 7 11. If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee thou shalt not harden thy heart nor shut thy hand from thy poor brother v. 11. For the poor shall never cease out of the land therefore I command thee saying Thou shalt open thy hand wide unto thy brother to the poor and to the needy in the land Mat. 22. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Mat. 5. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Secondly The communion of saints must be so ordered as may stand with the most convenient use of the Ordinances and discharge of moral duties without respect of persons 1 Cor. 14. 26. Let all things be done unto edifying Heb. 10. 24 25. v. 24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works v. 25. Not forsaking the Assembling of our selves together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as ye see the day approaching Jam. 2. 1 2. v. 1. My brethren have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of glory with respect of persons v. 2. For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring in goodly apparel and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment Thirdly The pastor and people must so nearly cohabite together as that they may mutually perform their duties each to other with most conveniency In this company some must be set apart to bear office Of the Officers of a particular Congregation FOr Officers in a single Congregation there ought to be one at the least both to labour in the Word and Doctrine and to rule Prov. 29. 18. Where there is no vision the people perish but he that keepeth the law happy is he 1 Tim. 5. 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine Heb. 13. 7. Remember them which have the rule over you who have spoken unto you the word of God whose faith follow considering the end of their conversation It is also requisite that there should be others to joyn in Government 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church First Apostles Secondarily Prophets Thirdly Teachers after that Miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues And likewise it is requisite that there be others to take special care for the reliefe of the poor Acte 6. 2 3. v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdome whom ye may appoint over this business The number of each of which is to be proportioned according to the condition of the Congregation These officers are to meet together at convenient and set times for the well ordering of the affairs of that Congregation each according to his office It is most expedient that in these meetings one whose office is to labour in the Word and Doctrine do moderate in their proceedings 1 Tim. 5. 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine Of the Ordinances in a particular Congregation THe Ordinances in a single Congregation are Prayer Thanksgiving and singing of Psalms 1 Tim. 2. 1. I
and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with griefs and we hid as it were our faces from him he was despised and we esteemed him not the wrath of God (g) Luk. 22. 44. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground Mat. 27. 46. And about the ninth hour Jesus cryed with a loud voice saying ELI ELILAMA-SABACTHANI that is to say My God my God why hast thou forsaken me and the cursed death of the cross (h) Phil. 2. 8. And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross in being buried (i) 1 Cor. 15. 4. And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and continuing under the power of death for a time (k) Mat. 2. 40. As Jonas was three dayes and three nights in the whales belly so shall the Son of man be three dayes and three nights in the heart of the earth Act. 2. 24 25 26 27 -31 v. 24. Woom God bath raised having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it v. 25. For David speaketh concerning him I foresaw the Lord alwayes before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved v. 26. Therefore did my heart rejoyce and my tongue was glad moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope v. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption v. 31. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ that his soul was not left in hell neither did his flesh see corruption Q. Wherein consisteth Christs Exaltation A. Christs exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day (l) 1 Cor. 15. 4. And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures in ascending up into heaven (m) Mark 16. 19. So then after the Lord had spoken to them he was received up into heaven and sate on the right hand of God in sitting at the right hand of God the Father (n) Eph. 1. 20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places and in coming to judge the world at the last day (o) Act. 1. 11. Which also said Ye men of Galilee why stand ye gâ—zing up into heaven this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven Chap. 17. v. 31. He hath appointed a day in the which he shall judge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Q. How are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ A. We are made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ by the effectual application of it to us (p) John 1. 11 12. v. 11. He came unto his own and his own received him not v. 12. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his Name by his holy Spirit (q) Tit. 3. 5 6. v. 5. Not by works of righteousnesse which we have done but according to his mercy â—e saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost v. 6. Which be shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Sâ—viour Q. How doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption purchased by Christ A. The Spirit applieth to us the Redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us (r) Eph. 1. 13 14. v. 13. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the Word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise v. 14. Which is an earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory Joh. 6. 37 39. v. 37. All the Father giveth me shall come unto me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out v. 39. And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given I should lose nothing but should raise it again at the last day Eph. 2. 8. By grace ye are saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual Calling (Å¿) Eph. 3. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love 1 Cor. 1. 9. God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Q. What is effectual Calling A. Effectuall calling is the work of Gods Spirit (t) 2 Tim. 1 9. Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began 2 Thes 2. 13 14. v. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alwayes to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth v. 14. Whereunto he called you by our Gospâ—l to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ whereby convincing us of our sin and misery (u) Act. 2. 37. Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles men and brethren what shall we do inlightning our minds in the knowledg of Christ (*) Act 26. 18. To open their eyes and to turn them from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me and renewing our wills (x) Ezek. 36. 26 27. v. 26. A new heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh v. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them he doth perswade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel (y) John 6. 44 45. v. 44. No man can come unto me except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him up at the last day v. 45. As it is written in the Prophets and they shall be all taught of God every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me Phil. 2.
received us gladly v. 18. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James and all the Elders were present and so forward Which proves that those several Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government And whether these Congregations were fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is all one as to the truth of the Proposition Nor doth there appear any material difference betwixt the several Congregations in Jerusalem and the many Congregations now in the ordinary condition of the Church as to the point of fixednesse required of Officers or Members 3. Thirdly Therefore the Scripture doth hold forth that many Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Government II. Secondly By the instance of the Church of Ephesus for 1. That they were more Congregations then one in the Church of Ephesus appears by Act 10. 31. Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears Where is mention of Pauls continuance at Ephesus in preaching for the space of three years And Acts 19. 18. And many that believed came and confessed and shewed their deeds v. 19. Many also of them which used curious arts brought their books together and burned them before all men and they counted the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver v. 20. So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed Act. 19. 10. And this continued by the space of two years so that all they who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus both Jews and Greeks v. 17. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus and fear fell on them all and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified 1 Cor. 16. 8. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost v. 9. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me and there are many adversaries v. 19. The Churches of Asia salute you Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord with the Church that is in their house Where the special effect of the Word is mentioned and verse 10 and 17 of the same Chapter where is a distinction of Iews and Greeks and 1 Cor. 16. 8 9. where a reason of Pauls stay at Ephesus untill Pentecost and verse 19 where is mention of a particular Church in the house of Aquila and Priscila then at Ephesus as appears Acts 18. 19. And he came to Ephesus and left them there but he himself entred into the Synagogue and reasoned with the Iews v. 24. And a certain Iew named Apollos born at Alexandria an Eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures came to Ephesus v. 26. And he began to speak boldly in the Synagogue whom when Acquila and Priscilla had heard they took him unto them and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly All which laid together doth prove that the multitudes of believers did make more Congregations then one in the Church of Ephesus 2. That there were many Elders over these many Congregations as one flock appeareth Act. 20. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the Elders of the Church v. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over the which the holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood 3. That these many Congregations were one Church and that they were under one Presbyterial Government appeareth Rev. 2. 1 2 3 4 5 6. v. 1. Unto the Angel of the Church of Ephesus write These things saith he that holdeth the seven Stars in his right hand who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks v. 2. I know thy works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not bear them which are evil and thou hast tryed them which say they are Apostles and are not and hath found them liars v. 3. And hast horn and hast patience and for my names sake hast laboured and hast not fainted v. 4. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love v. 5. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do the first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent v. 6. But this thou hast that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans which I also hate Joyned with Act. 20. 17 28. of which see before Of Synodical Assemblies THe Scripture doth hold out another sort of Assemblies for the Government of the Church beside Classical and Congregational all which we call Synodical Acts 15. 2 6 22 23. v. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no smal dissention and disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter v. 22. Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas namely Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas chief men among the brethren v. 23. And wrote letters by them after this manner The Apostles and Elders and Brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia Pastors and Teachers and other Church-Governours as also other fit persons when it shall be deemed expedient are members of those Assemblies which we call Synodical where they have a lawful calling thereunto Synodical Assemblies may lawfully be of several sorts as Provinical National and Occumenical It is lawful and agreeable to the word of God that there be a subordination of Congregational Classical Provincial and National Assemblies for the Government of the Church Of Ordination of Ministers UNder the head of Ordination of Ministers is to be considered either the Doctrine of Ordination or the power of it Touching the Doctrine of Ordination NO man ought to take upon him the Office of a Minister of the Word without a lawful calling Joh. 3. 27. John answered and said a man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven Rom. 10. 14 15. v. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher v. 15. And how shall they preach except they be sent as it is written How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things Jer. 14. 14. Then the Lord said unto me The prophets prophesie lies in my name I sent them not neither have I commanded them neither sake I unto them they prophesie unto you a false vision and divination and a thing of nought and the deceit of their heart Heb. 5. 4. And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called