Consent or Covenant for all these are here taken for the same Although the more expresse and plain it is the more fully it puts us in minde of our mutuall duty and stirreth us up to it and leaveth lesse room for the questioning of the Truth of the Church-estate of a Company of professors and the truth of membership of particular persons yet we conceive the substance of it is kept where there is a real Agreement and consent of a company of faithful persons to meet constantly together in one Congregation for the publick worship of God and their mutuall edification which real agreement and consent they do expresse by their constant practise in comming together for the publick worship of God Exod 19 5 to 8. 24 3 17 Josh 24 18 to 24 Psal 50 5 Neh 9 38 c 10 1. Gen 17 Deut 29 and by their religious subjection unto the ordinances of God there the rather if we do consider how Scripture covenants have been entred into not only expresly by word of mouth but by sacrifice by hand writing and seal and also somtimes by silent consent without any writing or expression of words at all 5. This forme then being by mutuall covenant it followeth it is not faith in the heart nor the profession of that faith nor cohabitation nor Baptisme 1. Not faith in the heart because that is invisible 2. Not a bare profession because that declareth them no more to be members of one Church then of another 3. Not Cohabitation Athiests or Infidels may dwel together with Believers 4. Not Baptism because it presupposeth a Church estate as circumcision in the old Testament which gave no being unto the Church the Church being before it and in the Wilderness without it Seals presuppose a Covenant already in being one person is a compleat subject of Baptism but one person is uncapable of being a Church 6. Act 2 47 9 26 Mat 3 13 14 15 28.19 20 Psal 133.2 3. 87.7 Mat. 18.20 1 John 1.3 All Beleevers ought as God giveth them opportunity thereunto to endeavor to joyn themselves unto a particular Church and that in respect of the Honor of Jesus Christ in his example and Institution by the professed acknowledgment of and subjection unto the Order and Ordinances of the Gospel as also in respect of their good of communion founded upon their visible union and contain'd in the Promises of Christs special Presence in the Church whence they have fellowship with Him Ps 119. last 1 Pet 2 25 Eph. 4.16 John 22.24 25. Mat 18 15 16 17 and in Him one with another also for the keeping of them in the way of Gods Commandements and recovering of them in case of wandring which all Christs Sheep are subject to in this life being unable to return of themselves together with the benefit of their mutual edification and of their posterity that they may not be cut off from the Priviledges of the Covenant otherwise if a Beleever offends he remains destitute of the remedy provided in that behalf and should all Beleevers neglect this duty of joyning to all particular Congregations it might follow thereupon that Christ should have no visible Political Churches upon Earth CHAP. V. Of the first subject of Church-Power or to whom Church-Power doth first belong THe first subject of Church-Power Mat 28.18 Rev 3.7 Isai 9.6 John 20.21 23. 1 Cor 14 32. T it 1 5 1 Cor 5.12 is either Supream or Subordinat and Ministerial The Supream by way of gift from the Father is the Lord Jesus Christ the Ministerial is either extraordinary as the Apostles Prophets and Evangelists or Ordinary as every particular Congregational Church 2. Ordinary Church-power is either the power of Office that is such as is proper to the Eldership or Power of Priviledg such as belongs unto the Brotherhood The latter is in the Brethren formally Rom 12 4 8. Act 1 23 c 6 3 4 c 14 23 1 Cor 12 29 30 and immediately from Christ that is so as it may according to order be acted or exercised immediately by themselves the former is not in them formally or immediately and therefore cannot be acted or exercised immediately by them but is said to be in them in that they design the persons unto Office who only are to act or to exercise this power CHAP. VI. Of the Officers of the Church and especially of Pastors and Teachers A Church being a company of people combined together by Covenant for the Worship of God it appeareth thereby that there may be the Essence and Being of a Church without any Officers seing there is both the form and matter of a Church which is implyed Acts 14 23 when it is said the Apostles ordained Elders in every Church 2. Nevertheless though Officers be not absolutely necessary Rom 10 17 Jer 3 15 1 Cor 12 28 Ephes 4 11 Psal 68 18 Eph. 4 8 11 to the simple being of Churches when they be called yet ordinarily to their calling they are and to their well-being and therefore the Lord Jesus out of his tender compassion hath appointed and ordained Officers which he would not have done Eph. 4.12 13 if they had not been useful and needful for the Church yea being ascended into Heaven he received gifts for men and gave gifts to men 1 Cor 12 28 Eph 4 11 Gal 1 Act 8 6 26 19 c 11 25 Rom 11 7 8 whereof Officers for the Church are justly accounted no smal parts they being to continue to the end of the world and for the perfecting of all the Saints 3. These Officers were either Extraordinary or Ordinary Extraordinary as Apostles Prophets Evangelists Ordinary as Elders and Deacons The Apostles Prophets and Evangelists as they were called extraordinarily by Christ so their Office ended with themselves 1 Cor 4 9. whence it is that Paul directing Timothy how to carry along Church-Administrations giveth no direction about the choice or course of Apostles 1 Tim. 3.1 2 v. 8. to 13. Tit. 1 5. Act. 20.17.28 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3. Prophets or Evangelists but only of Elders and Deacons And when Paul was to take his last leave of the Church of Ephesus he committed the care of feeding the Church to no other but unto the Elders of that Church The like charge doth Peter commit to the Elders 4. 1 Tim. 3.2 Phil. 1.1 Acts 20.17.28 1 Tim. 5 17. Of Elders who also are in Scripture called Bishops Some attend chiefly to the Ministry of the Word as the Pastors and Teachers Others attend especially unto Rule who are therefore called Ruling Elders 5. Eph. 4.11 Rom. 12.7 8. 1 Cor. 12.8 The Office of Pastor and Teacher appears to be distinct The Pastors special work is to attend to Exhortation and therein to administer a word of Wisdom The Teacher is to attend to Doctrine and therein to administer a word of Knowledg and either of them to administer the Seals
of that Covenant 2 Tim 4.1.2 Tit. 1 9 unto the dispensation whereof they are alike called as also to execute the Censures being but a kind of application of the Word the preaching of which together with the application thereof they are alike charged withal 6. Eph. 4.11 12. chap. 1.22 23. And for as much as both Pastors and Teachers are given by Christ for the perfecting of the Saints and edifying of his body which Saints and Body of Christ is his Church Therfore we account Pastors and Teachers to be both of them Church-officers and not the Pastor for the Church and the Teacher only for the Schools Though this we gladly acknowledg 1 Sam. 10.12 v 19 20 2 King 23 verse 15 that Schools are both lawful profitable and necessary for the training up of such in good Literature or Learning as may afterwards be called forth unto Office of Pastor or Teacher in the Church CHAP. VII Of Ruling Elders and Deacons THe Ruling Elders Office is distinct from the Office of Pastor and Teacher Rom 12 7 8 9 1 Tim 5 17. 1 Cor 12 28. The Ruling Elders are not so called to exclude the Pastors and Teachers from Ruling because Ruling and Governing is common to these with the other Heb 13 17 1 Tim 5 17 whereas attending to teach and preach the Word is peculiar unto the former 1 Tim 5 17 2. The Ruling Elders work is to joyn with the Pastor and Teacher in those acts of Spiritual Rule which are distinct from the ministry of the word and Sacraments committed to them of which sort these be as followeth I. 2 Chron. 23 19 Rev 21 12 1 Tim 4 14 Mat 18 17 2 Cor 2 7 8 Acts 2 6 To open and shut the dores of Gods house by the Admission of members approved by the Church by Ordination of officers chosen by the Church and by excommunication of notorious and obstinate offenders renounced by the Church and by restoring of penitents forgive by the Church II. To call the Church together when there is occasion Acts 21.18 22 23 and seasonably to dismiss them again III. To prepare matters in private that in publick they may be carried an end with less trouble and more speedy dispatch IV. Acts 6 2 3 c 13 v 15 2 Cor 8 10 Heb 13 7 7 2 Thes 2 10 11 12 To moderate the carriage of all matters in the Church assembled as to propound matters to the Church to Order the season of speech and silence and to pronounce sentence according to the minde of Christ with the consent of the Church V. To be Guides and leaders to the Church in all matters whatsoever pertaining to Church administrations and actions VI. To see that none in the Church live inordinately out of rank and place without a calling Acts 20 28 verse 32 1 Thes 5 12 Jam 5 14 Acts 20 20 or Idlely in their calling VII To prevent and heal such offences in life or in doctrin as might corrupt the Church VIII To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition IX And as they shall be sent for to visit and to pray over their sick brethren X. And at other times as opportunity shall serve therunto 3. Act 6 3 v 6 Phil 1 1 1 Tim 3 8 1 Cor 12 28 1 Tim 3 8 9 The office of a Deacon is Instituted in the Church by the Lord Jesus sometime they are called Helps The Scripture telleth us how they should be qualified Grave not double tongued not given to much wine not given to filthy lucre they must first be proved and then use the office of a Deacon being found Blameless The office and work of the Deacons is to receive the offrings of the Church gifts given to the Church Acts 4 35 chap. 6 2 3 chap 6 2 and to keep the treasury of the Church Rom 12 8 and therwith to serve the Tables which the Church is to provide for as the Lords Table the table of the ministers and of such as are in necessity to whom they are to distribute in simplicity 4. 1 Cor. 7 17 The office therefore being limited unto the care of the temporall good things of the Church it extends not unto the attendance upon and administration of the spirituall things thereof as the word and Sacraments or the like 5. The ordinance of the Apostle and practice of the Church 1 Cor 16 1 2 3 commends the Lords day as a fit time for the contributions of the Saints 6. 1 Cor. 12.28 Eph. â— 8 11. Acts 20.28 The Instituting of all these officers in the Church is the work of God himselfe of the Lord Jesus Christ of the holy Ghost And therefore such officers as he hath not appointed are altogether unlawfull either to be placed in the Church or to be retained therin and are to be looked at as humane creatures meer Inventions and appointments of man to the great dishonour of Christ Jesus the Lord of his house the King of his Church whether Popes Patriarkes Cardinals Arch-Bishops Lord-Bishops Arch-Deacons Officials Commissaries Mat. 15.13 and the like These and the rest of that Hierarchy and Retinue not being plants of the Lords planting shall all be certeinly rooted out and cast forth 7. The Lord hath appointed ancient widdows where they may be had to minister in the Church 2 Tim. 5.9 10 in giving attendance to the sick and to give succour unto them and others in the like necessities CHAP. VIII Of the Election of Church-Officers NO man may take the honour of a Church-Officer unto himself Heb. 5.4 but he that was called of God as was Aaron 2. Calling unto Office is either Immediate by Christ himself such was the call of the Apostles Galat. 1 1 Acts 14.23 chap 6 3 and Prophets this manner of calling ended with them as hath been said or Mediate by the Church 3. It is meet that before any be ordained or chosen Officers they should first be Tryed and proved 1 Tim. 5.22 chap 7 10 Acts 16 2 chap. 6 3 because hands are not suddenly to be laid upon any and both Elders and Deacons must be of honest and good report 4. The things in respect of which they are to be Tryed are those gifts and virtues which the Scripture requireth in men that are to be elected into such places viz that Elders must be blameless sober apt to teach and endued with such other qualifications as are laid down 1 Tim. 3. and 2. Tit. 1.6 to 9. Deacons to be fitted as is directed Asts 6.3 1 Tim. 3.8 to 11. 5. Act 14 23 c. 1 23. c. 6 3 4 5. Officers are to be called by such Churches whereunto they are to minister Of such moment is the preservation of this power That the Churches excercised it in the presence of the Apostles 6. Gal. 5.13 A Church being free cannot become subject to any but by a free
election Yet when such a people do chuse any to be over them in the Lord Heb. 13.17 then do they become subject and most willingly submit to their Ministry in the Lord whom they have so chosen 7. Rom. 16 17 And if the Church have power to chuse their Officers and Ministers then in case of manifest unworthiness and delinquency they have power also to depose them For to open and shut to chuse and refuse to constitute in Office and remove from Office are acts belonging unto the same Power 8. Cant. 8.8 9 We judg it much conducing to the well-being and communion of Churches that where it may conveniently be done Neighbor-Churches be advised withal and their help made use of in the tryal of Church-officers in order to their choise 9. The choise of such Church-officers belongeth not to the civil Magistrates as such or Diocesan-Bishops or Patrons for of these or any such like the Scripture is wholly silent as having any power therein CHAP. IX Of Ordination and Imposition of hands CHurch-Officers are not only to be chosen by the Church Acts. 13 32. cap. 14.23 1 Tim. 5.22 but also to be ordained by Imposition of hands and prayer with which at the ordination of Elders fasting also is to be joyned 2. Num. 8.10 Acts 6.5 6 cap. 13.2.3 This Ordination we account nothing else but the solemn putting of a man into his place and Office in the Church whereunto he had right before by election being like the installing of a Magistrate in the common-wealth Ordination therefore is not to go before but to follow Election Acts 6.5 6. cap. 14.23 The essence and substance of the outward calling of an ordinary Officer in the Church doth not consist in his Ordination but in his voluntary and free Election by the Church and in his accepting of that Election Whereupon is founded the relation between Pastor and Flock between such a Minister and such a People Ordination doth not constitute an Officer nor give him the essentials of his Office The Apostles were Elders without Imposition of hands by men Paul and Barnabas were Officers before that Imposition of Hands Acts 13.3 The Posterity of Levi were Priests and Levits before hands were laid on them by the Children of Israel 3. 1 Tim 4 14 Acts 13 3 1 Tim 5 22. In such Churches where there are Elders Imposition of hands in ordination is to be performed by those Elders 4. In such Churches where there are no Elders Imposition of hands may be performed by some of the Brethren orderly chosen by the Church therunto Numb 8 10 For if the people may elect officers which is the greater and wherin the substance of the Office consists they may much more occasion and need so requiring impose hands in ordination which is the less and but the accomplishment of the other 5. Nevertheless in such Churches where there are no Elders and the Church so desire we see not why Imposition of hands may not be performed by the Elders of other Churches Ordinary officers laid hands upon the officers of many Churches The presbytery at Ephesus layd hands upon Timothy an Evangelist 1 Tim 4 14 Acts 13 3 The presbytery at Antioch laid hands upon Paul and Barnabas 6. 1 Pet 5 2 Acts 20 18 Church Officers are officers to one Church even that particular over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers Insomuch as Elders are commanded to feed not all flocks but that flock which is commited to their faith and trust and dependeth upon them Nor can constant residence at one congregation be necessary for a minister no nor yet lawful if he be not a minister to one congregation only Acts 20 28 but to the Church universall because he may not attend one part only of the Church wherto he is a minister but he is called to attend unto all the flock 7. Hee that is clearly loosed from his office-relation unto that Church wherof he was a minister cannot be looked at as an officer nor perform any act of Office in any other Church unless he be again orderly called unto Office which when it shall be wee know nothing to hinder but Imposition of hands also in his Ordination ought to be used towards him again For so Paul the Apostle received Imposition of hands twice at least from Ananias Acts. 9.17 and Acts. 13.3 CHAP. X. Of the power of the Church and its Presbytery SUpream and Lordly power over all the Churches upon earth Psal 2 6 Eph 1 21 22 Isay 9 6 Mat 28 18 doth only belong unto Jesus Christ who is King of the Church and the head therof He hath the Government upon his shoulders and hath al power given to him both in heaven and earth 2. A Company of professed believers Ecclesiastically Confederat as they are a Church before they have officers without them Acts 1 23 c 14 23 c 6 3 4 Mat 18 17 1 Cor 5 4 5 so even in that estate subordinate Church-power under Christ deligated to them by him doth belong to them in such a manner as is before expressed C. 5. S. 2. and as flowing from the very nature and Essence of a Church It being natural to al bodyes and so unto a Church body to be furnished with sufficient power for its own preservatiō and subsistance 3. This Government of the Church is a mixt Government and so hath been acknowledged long before the term of Independency was heard of In respect of Christ the head and King of the Church Rev 3 7 1 Cor 5 12 the Sovereign power residing in him and exercised by him it is a Monarchy In respect of the body or Brotherhood of the Church 1 Tim 5 17 and power from Christ granted unto them it resembles a Democracy In respect of the Presbytery and power comited to them it is an Aristocracy 4. The Sovereign power which is peculiar unto Christ is exercised I. Gal 1 4 Rev 5 8 9 Mat 28 20. Eph 4 8 11 Jam 4 12 Isai 33 22 1 Tim ◠15 2 Cor 10 4 5. Isai 32 2 Luke 1 71 In calling the Church out of the world unto holy fellowship with himselfe II. In instituting the ordinances of his worship and appointing his ministers and officers for the dispensing of them III. In giving lawes for the ordering of all our wayes and the wayes of his house IV. In giving power and life to all his Institutions and to his people by them V. In protecting and delivering his Church against from all the enemies of their peace 5. The power graunted by Christ unto the body of the Church and Brotherhood is a prerogative or priviledge which the Church doth exercise I. In Choosing their own officers whether Elders or Deacons II. In admission of their own members Acts 6 3 5 c 14 23 c 9 26 and therfore there is great reason they should have power to Remove any
from their fellowship again Hence in case of offence any one brother hath power to convince admonish an offending brother Mat 18.15 16 17 and in case of not hearing him to take one or two more to set on the Admonition and in case of not hearing them to proceed to tell the Church T it 3 10 Col 4 17 Mat 18 17 2 Cor 2 7 8 and as his offence may require the whole Church hath power to proceed to the publick Censure of him whether by Admonition or Excommunication upon his repentance to restore him again unto his fromer communion 6. In case an Elder offend incorrigibly the matter so requiring as the Church had power to cal him to office Col 4 17 Rom 16 17. so they have powr according to order the counsell of other Churches where it may be had directing therto to remove him from his office being now but a member in case he add contumacy to his sin the Church that had power to receive him into their fellowship Mat. 18.17 hath also the same power to cast him out that they have concerning any other member 7. 1 Tim. 5.17 Heb. 13.17 1 Thes 5 12 Church-government or Rule is placed by Christ in the Officers of the Church who are therfore called Rulers while they rule with God yet in case of mal-administration they are subject to the power of the Church Rom 12.8 1 Tim. 5.17 1 Cor. 12 28 29. Heb. 13.7 17 according as hath been said before the Holy Ghost frequently yea alwayes where it mentioneth Church-Rule and Curch-government ascribeth it to Elders wheras the work and duty of the people is expressed in the phrase of obeying their Elders and submitting themselves unto them in the Lord so as it is manifest that an organick or compleat Chuch is a body politick consisting of some that are Governors and some that are governed in the Lord. 8. The power which Christ hath committed to the Elders is to feed and rule the Church of God Acts 20 28 chap 6 2 Num 16 12 Ezek. 46 10 Acts 13 15 and accordingly to call the Church together upon any weighty occasion when the members so called without just cause may not refuse to come nor when they are come depart before they are dismissed Hosea 4 4 nor speak in the Church before they have leave from the Elders nor continue so doing when they require silence nor may they oppose nor contradict the judgment or sentence of the Elders without sufficient and weighty cause because such practices are manifestly contrary unto order and government and in-lets of disturbance and tend to confusion 9. Rev. 2.2 1 Tim. 5 19 Acts 21 18 22 23 1 Cor. 5.4 5 It belongs also unto the Elders to examine any officers or members before they be received of the Church to receive the accusations brought to the Church and to prepare them for the Churches hearing In handling of offences and other matters before the Church they have power to declare and pubilsh the Counsel and wil of God touching the same Num. 6.23 to 26 and to pronounce sentence with consent of the Church Lastly they have power when they dismiss the people to bless them in the name of the Lord. 10 This power of Government in the Elders doth not any wise prejudice the power of priviledg in the brotherhood as neither the power of priviledg in the brethren doth prejudice the power of government in the Elders Acts 14.15 v. 23. c 6.2 1 Cor. 5.4 2 Cor. 2.6 7 but they may sweetly agree together as wee may see in the example of the Apostles furnished with the greatest Church-power who took in the concurrence and consent of the brethren in Church-administrations Also that Scripture 2 Cor. 2.9 and chap. 10.6 do declare that what the Churches were to act and do in these matters Heb 13 17 they were to do in a way of obedience and that not only to the direction of the Apostles but also of their ordinary Elders 11. From the Premises namely that the ordinary power of Government belonging only to the Elders power of priviledg remaineth with the brotherhood as power of judgment in matters of censure and power of liberty in matters of liberty It followeth that in an organick Church and right administration all Church acts proceed after the manner of a mixt administration so as no Church act can be consumated or perfected without the consent of both CHAP. XI Of the Maintenance of Church-Officers THe Apostle concludes 1 Cor 9 9 v 15 Mat 9 38 c 10 1â— 1 Tim 5 18 that necessary and sufficient maintenance is due unto the Ministers of the Word from the law of Nature and Nations from the Law of Moses the equity thereof as also the Rule of common Reason Moreover the Scripture doth not only cal Elders Laborers and Workmen but also speaking of them doth say Galat 6 6 That the Laborer is worthy of his Hire 1 Cor 9 9 verse 14 1 Tim 5 18 and requires that he which is taught in the Word should communicate to him in all good things and mentions it as an Ordinance of the Lord that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel and forbiddeth the muzling of the mouth of the Ox that treadeth out the Corn. 2. The Scriptures alledged requiring this maintenance as a bounden duty and due debt and not as a matter of alms and free gift therefore people are not at liberty to do or not to do what and when they please in this matter no more than in any other commanded Duty and Ordinance of the Lord but ought of Duty Rom 15 20 1 Cor. 9 11 to minister of their carnal things to them that labor amongst them in the Word and Doctrine as well as they ought to pay any other Workmen their wages or to discharge and satisfie their other debts or to submit themselves to observe any other Ordinance of the Lord. 3. The Apostle Gal. 6.6 injoyning that he which is taught Galat 6 6 communicate to him that teacheth in all good things doth not leave it arbitrary what or how much a man shall give or in what proportion but even the later 1 Cor. 16.2 as well as the former is prescribed and appointed by the Lord. 4. Not only Members of Churches but all that are taught in the Word Galat. 6 6. are to contribute unto him that teacheth in all good things In case that Congregations are defective in their contributions the Deacons are to call upon them to do their duty Acts 6.3 4. if their call suffiseth not the Church by her Power is to require it of their Members and where Church-power through the corruption of men doth not or cannot attain the end Neh. 13.11 the Magistrate is to see the Ministry duely provided for as appears from the commended example of Nehemiah The Magistrates are nursing Fathers
then the Church without such graduall proceeding is to cast out the offender from their holy communion for the further mortifying of his sinn and the healing of his soule in the day of the Lord Jesus 4. In dealing with an offender great care is to be taken that wee be neither overstrict or rigorous nor too indulgent or remiss Galat 6 1 our proceeding herein ought to be with a spirit of meekness considering our selves lest wee also be tempted Mat 18 34 23 c 6 14.35 Ezek 13 10 Jer 6 14 that the best of us have need of much forgivnes from the Lord. Yet the wining healing of the offēders soul being the end of these endeavors wee must not daub with untempered morter nor heal the wounds of our brethren slightly On some have compassion others save with fear 5. Mat 18 17 1 Cor 5 11 2 Thes 3 6 14 While the offender remains excommunicate the Church is to refrarn from all member-like communion with him in spirituall things and also from al familiar cōmuniō with him in civil things farther then the necessity of natural or domestical or civil relations do require and are therfore to forbear to eat drink with him that he may be ashamed 6. Excommunication being a spirituall punishment it doth not prejudice the excommunicat in nor deprive him of his civil rights and therfore toucheth not Princes or other Magistrates in point of their civil dignity or auothority 1 Cor 14 24 25 And the excommunicate being but as a publican and a heathen heathens being lawfully permitted to come to hear the word in Church assemblyes 2 Thes 3 14 wee acknowledg therfore the like liberty of hearing the word may be permitted to persons excommunicate that is permitted unto heathen And because wee are not without hope of his recovery wee are not to account him as an enemy but to admonish him as a brother 7. If the Lord sanctifie the censure to the offender so as by the grace of Christ 2 Cor 2 7 8 he doth testifie his repentance with humble confession of his sin and judging of himself giving glory unto God the Church is then to forgive him and to comfort him and to restore him to the wonted brotherly communion which formerly he injoyed with them 8. The suffering of prophane or scandalous Livers to continue in fellowship Rev 2 14 15 vers 20 and partake in the Sacrament is doubtless a great sin in those that have power in their hands to redress it and do it not Nevertheless Mat 23 3 Acts 3 1 in as much as Christ and his Apostles in their times and the Prophets and other godly in theirs did lawfully partake of the Lords commanded Ordinances in the Jewish Church and neither taught nor practised separation from the same though unworthy ones were permitted therin and inasmuch as the faithfull in the Church of Corinth wherin were many unworthy persons 2 Cor 6 chap 15 12 and practises are never commanded to absent themselves from the Sacraments because of the same therfore the godly in like cases are not presently to separate 9. As separation from such a Church wherin profane and scandalous Livers are tolerated is not presently necessary so for the members therof otherwise worthy hereupon to abstain from communicating with such a Church 2 Chron 30 18 Gen 18 25 in the participation of the Sacraments is unlawfull For as it were unreasonable for an innocent person to be punished for the faults of others wherin he hath no hand and wherunto he gave no consent so is it more unreasonable that a godly man should neglect duty and punish himself in not coming for his portion in the blessing of the seals as he ought because others are suffered to come that ought not especially considering that himself doth neither consent to their sin nor to their approaching to the Ordinance in their sin Ezek. 9.10 nor to the neglect of others who should put them away and do not but on the contrary doth heartily mourn for these things modestly and seasonably stir up others to do their duty If the Church cannot be refermed they may use their liberty as is specified chap. 13. Sect. 4. But this all the Godly are bound unto even every one to do his endeavor according to his power and place that the unworthy may be duely proceeded against by the Church to whom this matter doth appertain CHAP. XV. Of the Communion of Churches one with another ALthough Churches be distinct Rev. 1.4 Cant. 8.8 Rom. 16.16 1 Cor 16.19 Acts 15.23 Rev. 2.1 and therefore may not be confounded one with another and equal and therefore have not dominion one over another yet all the Churches ought to preserve Church-communion one with another because they are all united unto Christ not only as a Mystical but as a Political Head whence is derived a communion suitable thereunto 2. The communion of Churches is exercised sundry ways 1. Cant. 8.8 By way of mutual care in taking thought for one anothers welfare II. By way of consultation one with another when we have occasion to require the judgment and counsel of other Churches touching any person or cause wherewith they may be better acquainted than our selves As the Church of Antioch consulted with the Apostles and Elders of the Church at Jerusalem Acts 15 2 about the question of circumcision of the Gentils and about the false Teachers that broached that Doctrin In which case Acts 15 6 when any Church wanteth light or peace amongst themselvs it is a way of communion of Churches according to the Word to meet together by their Elders and other Messengers in a Synod to consider argue the points in doubt or difference Vers 22 23 and having found out he way of truth and peace to commend the same by their Letters and Messengers to the Churches whom the same may concern But if a church be rent with divisions amongst themselves or lie under any open scandal yet refuse to consult with other Churches for healing or removing of the same it is a matter of just offence both to the Lord Jesus and to other Churches as bewraying too much want of mercy and faithfulness Ezck. 34.4 not to seek to bind up the breaches and wounds of the Church and Brethren and therefore the state of such a Church calleth aloud upon other Churches to exercise a fuller act of brotherly communion to wit by way of Admonition III. A third way then of communion of Churches is by way of admonition to wit In case any publick offence be found in a Church which they either discern not Gal. 2.11 to 14. or are slow in proceeding to use the means for the removing and healing of Paul had no authority over Peter yet when he saw Peter not walking with a right foot he publickly rebuked him before the Church though Churches have no more authority one over another than
word of God are to be received with reverence submission not only for their agreement therwith which is the principal ground therof and without which they bind not at all but also secondarily for the power wherby they are made Acts 15 as being an ordinance of God appointed therunto in his word 6. Because it is difficult if not impossible for many churches to com al together in one place in al their members universaly therfore they may assemble by their delegates or messengers as the church of Antioch went not all to Jerusalem Acts 15 2 but some select men for that purpose Because none are or should be more fit to know the state of the churches nor to advise of wayes for the good thereof than Elders therfore it is fit that in the choyce of the messengers for such assemblies they have special respect unto such Acts 15 2. vers 22 23 Yet in as much as not only Paul Barnabas but certayn others also were sent to Ierusalem from Antioch Acts 15. and when they were come to Jerusalem not only the Apostles Elders but other brethren also doe assemble meet about the matter therfore Synods are to consist both of Elders other church-members endued with gifts sent by the churches not excluding the presence of any brethren in the churches CHAP. XVII Of the Civil Magistrates power in matters Ecclesiastical IT is lawfull profitable And necessary for Christians to gather themselves into Church estate and therin to exercise all the ordinanaces of Christ accoridng unto the word Acts 2 41 47 c 4 1 2 3 although consent of the Magistrate could not be had therunto because the Apostles Christians in their time did frequently thus practise when the Magistrates being all of them Jewish or pagan and mostly persecuting enemies would give no countenance or consent to such matters 2. Church-government stands in no opposition to civil government of common-wealths John 18 36 nor any way intrencheth upon the authority of Civil Magistrates in their jurisdictions John 18.36 Acts 25.8 nor any whit weakneth their hands in governing but rather strengthneth them and furthereth the people in yielding more hearty conscionable obedience unto them whatsoever some ill affected persons to the wayes of Christ have suggested to alienate the affections of Kings and Princes form the ordinances of Christ as if the Kingdom of Christ in his church could not rise stand without the falling weakning of their government which is also of Christ Isay 49.23 wheras the contrary is most true that they may both stand together and flourish the one being helpfull unto the other in their distinct and due administrations 3. The power and authority of Magistrates is not for the restraiing of churches Rom. 13.4 1 Tim. 2.2 or any other good workes but for helping in furthering therof therfore the consent countenance of Magistrates when it may be had is not to be slighted or lightly esteemed but on the contrary it is part of that honour due to christian Magistrates to desire crave their consent approbation therin which being obtayned the churches may then proceed in their way with much more encouragement and comfort 4. It is not in the power of Magistrates to compell their subjects to become church-members and to partake at the Lords table for the priests are reproved Ezek. 44.7.9 1 Cor. 5.11 that brought ūworthy ones into the sanctuarie then as it was unlawful for the preists so it is as unlawful to be done by civil Magistrates Those whom the church is to cast out if they were in the Magistrate ought not to thrust into the church nor to hold them therin 5. As it is unlawfull for church-officers to meddle with the sword of the Magistrate Matth. 20.25.26 so is it ūlawfull for the Magistrate to meddle with the work proper to church officers the Acts of Moses David who were not only Princes 2 Chron. 26 16 17. but Prophets were extraordnary therfore not imitable Against such usurpation the Lord witnessed by smiting Uzziah with leprosie for presuming to offer incense 6. It is the duty of the Magistrate to take care of matters of religion and to improve his civil authority for the observing of the duties commanded in the first Psal 82.2 as well as for observing of the duties commanded in the second table They are called Gods The end of the Magistrates office 1 Tim. 2.1.2 is not only the quiet peaceable life of the subject in matters of righteousness and honesty but also in matters of godliness yea of all godliness Moses Joshua David Solomon Asa Jehoshaphat Hezekiah Josiah 1 Kings 15.14 c. 22.43 2 King 12.3 c. 14.4 c 15 35. 1 Kings 20.42 Job 29.25 c. 31 26.28 Neh. 14. Jonah 3 7. Ezra 7. Dan. 3.29 are much commended by the Holy Ghost for the putting forth their authority in matters of religion on the contrary such Kings as have been fayling this way are frequently taxed reproved by the Lord. And not only the Kings of judah but also Job Nehemiah the King of Niniveh Darius Artaxerxes Nebucadnezar whom none looked at as types of Christ though were it so there were no place for any just objection are cōmended in the book of God for exercising their authority this way 7 The object of the power of the Magistrate are not things meerly inward and so not subject to his cognisance view as unbeleif hardness of heart erronious opinions not vented but only such things as are acted by the outward man neither is their power to be exercised in commanding such acts of the outward man 1 Kings 20.28 vers 11 and punishing the neglect therof as are but meer inventions devices of men but about such acts as are commanded forbidden in the word yea such as the word doth clearly determine though not alwayes clearly to the judgment of the Magistrate or others yet clearly in it slfe In these he of right ought to putt forth his authority Deut. 13. 1 Kings 20.28 vers 42 Dan. 3.29 Zach. 13.3 Neh. 13.21 1 Tim. 2.2 Rom. 13.4 though oft-times actually he doth it not 8 Idolatry Blasphemy Heresy venting corrupt and pernicious opinions that destroy the foundation open contempt of the word preached prophanation of the Lords day disturbing the peaceable administration exercise of the worship holy things of God and the like are to be restrayned and punished by civil authority 9 If any church one or more shall grow schismaticall rending it self from the communion of other churches or shall walke incorrigibly or obstinately in any corrupt way of their own contrary to the rule of the word in such case the Magistrate is to put forth his coercive power as the matter shall require Joshua 22 The tribes on this side jordan intended to make warr against the other tribes for building the alter of witness whom they suspected to have turned away therin from follwing of the Lord. FINIS A Table of the Contents of the Chapters in this Platform of Church-Discipline Chap. I. Of the Form of Church-government in general and that it is one immutable and prescribed in the Word of God Page 1 Chap. II. Of the Nature of the Catholick Church in general and in special of a particular visible Church Page 2 Chap. III. Of the matter of the visible Church both in respect of quality and quantity Page 3 Chap. IV. Of the Form of a visible Church and of Church-Covenant Page 4 Chap. V. Of the first subject of Church-power or to whom Church-power doth first belong Page 7 Chap. VI. Of the Officers of the Church and especially of Pastors and Teachers Page 7 Chap. VII Of Ruling Elders and Deacons Page 8 Chap. VIII Of Election of Church-Officers Page 10 Chap. IX Of Ordination and Impositionof hands Page 11 Chap. X. Of the Power of the Church and its Presbitery Page 12 Chap. XI Of the maintenance of Church-Officers Page 15 Chap. XII Of the Admission of Members into the Church Page 16 Chap. XIII Of Church-Members their removal from one Church to another and Letters of Recommendation and Dismission Page 19 Chap. XIV Of Excommunication and other Church-Censures Page 20 Chap. XV. Of the Communion of Churches one with another Page 23 Chap. XVI Of Synods Page 27 Chap. XVII Of the civil Magistrates Power in matters Ecclesiastical Page 28
with them in all the Doctrinals of Religion we hope it may appear to the world that as we are a remnant of the People of the same Nation with them so we are Professors of the same common Faith and fellow Heirs of the same common Salvation Yea moreover as this our Profession of the same faith with them will exempt us even in their judgments from suspicion of Heresie so we trust it may exempt us in like sort from suspicion of Schism that though we are forced to dessent from them in matters of Church-Discipline yet our dissent is not taken up out of arrogancy of spirit in our selves whom they see willingly condescend to learn of them neither is it carried with uncharitable censoriousness towards them both which are the proper and essential Characters of Schisem but in meekness of wisdom as we walk along with them and follow them as they follow Christ so where we conceive a different apprehension of the mind of Christ as it falleth out in some few points touching Church-order we still reserve due reverence to them whom we judg to be through Christ the glorious Lights of both Nations and only crave leave as in spirit we are bound to follow the Lamb whither soever be goeth and after the Apostles example as we beleeve so we speak And if the example of such poor outcasts as our selves might prevail if not with all for that were too great a blessing to hope for yet with some or other of our Brethren in England so far as they are come to mind and speak the same thing with such as dissent from them we hope in Christ it would not only moderate the harsh judging and condemning of one another in such differences of judgment as may be found in the choycest Saints 3 but also prevent by the mercy of Christ the peril of the distraction and distruction of all the Churches in both Kingdoms Otherwise if Brethren shall go on to bite and devour one another the Apostle fears as we also with sadness of heart do it will tend to the consuming of them and us all which the Lord prevent We are not ignorant that besides these aspersions of Heresie and Schism other exceptions also are taken at our way of Church-Government but as we conceive upon as little ground As 1. That by admitting none into the fellowship of our Church but Saints by calling we rob many Parish-Churches of their best Members to make up one of our Congregations which is not only to gather Churches out of Churches a thing not heard of in Scripture but also to weaken the hearts and hands of the best Ministers in the Parishes by dispoyling them of their best Hearers 2. That we provide no course for the gaining and calling in of ignorant and erronious and scandalous persons whom we refuse to receive into our Churches and so exclude from the wholsom remedy of Church-Discipline 3. That in our way we sow seeds of division and hindrance of edification in every Family whilst admitting into our Churches only Voluntaries the Husband will be of one Church the Wife of another the Parents of one Church the Children of another the Master of one Church the Servants of another and so the Parents and Masters being of different Churches from their Children and Servants they cannot take a just account of their profiting by what they hear yea by this means the Husbands Parents and Masters shall be chargable to the maintenance of many other Churches and Church-Officers besides their own which will prove a charge and burden unsupportable But for Answer as to the first For gathering Churches out of Churches we cannot say that it is a thing unheard of in Scripture The first Christian Church was gathered out of the Jewish Church and out of many Synagogues in that Church and consisted partly of the Inhabitants of Jerusalem partly of the Galileans who though they kept some communion in some parts of publick Worship with the Temple yet neither did they frequent the Sacrifices nor repair to the Sanedrim for the determining of their Church-causes but kept entire and constant communion with the Apostles Church in al the Ordinances of the Gospel And for the first Christian Church of the Gentiles at Antioch it appeareth to have been gathered and constituted partly of the dispersed Brethren of the Church at Jerusalem whereof some were men of Cyprus and Cyren and partly of the beleeving Gentiles Acts 11.20 21. If it be said the first Christian Church at Jerusalem and that at Antioch were gathered not out of any Christian Church but out of the Jewish Temple and Synagogues which were shortly after to be abolished and their gathering to Antioch was upon occasion of dispersion in time of Persecution We desire it may be considered 1. That the Members of the Jewish Church were more strongly and straitly tyed by express holy Covenant to keep fellowship with the Jewish Church till it was abolished than any Members of Christian Parish-churches are wont to be tied to keep fellowship with their Parish-churches The Episcopal Canons which bind them to attend on their Parish Church it is likely they are now abolished with the Episcopacy The common Law of the Land is satisfied as we conceive if they attend upon the Worship of God in any other Church though not within their own Parish But no such like Covenant of God nor any other Religious Tye lieth upon them to attend the Worship of God in their own Parish Church as did lie upon the Jews to attend upon the Worship of God in their Temple and Synagogues 2. Though the Jewish Temple Church at Jerusalem was to be abolished yet that doth not make the desertion of it by the Members to be Lawful till it was abolished Future abolition is no warrant for present desertion unless it be Lawful in some case whilst the Church is yet in present standing to desert it to wit either for avoiding of present polutions or for hope of greater edification and so for better satisfaction to conscience in either future events or foresight of them do not desolve present relation Else Wives Children Servants might desert their Husbands Parents Masters when they be mortally sick 3. What the Members of the Jewish Church did in joyning to the Church at Antioch in time of persecution it may well be conceived the Members of any Christian Church may do the like for satisfaction of conscience Peace of conscience is more desirable than the peace of the outward Man and freedom from scruples of conscience is more comfortable to a sincere heart than freedom from persecution If it be said these Members of the Christian Church at Jerusalem that joyned to the Church at Antioch removed their habitations together with their Relations which if the Brethren of the Congregational way would do it would much abate the grievance of their departure from their Presbyterial Churches We verily could wish them so to do as well approving the like
5. The state of the Members of the Militant Visible Church walking in Order Gen 18 19 was either before the Law Oeconomical that is in Families Exod 19 6 or under the Law National or since the coming of Christ 1 Cor 14 23 only Congregational The term Independant we approve not Therefore neither national provincial nor classical 1 Cor 14 36 1 Cor 1 2 1 Cor 12 27 Exod 19 56 Deut 29 9 to 15 Acts 2 42 1 Cor 14 26 6. A Congregational-Church is by the institution of Christ a part of the Militant-visible-Church consisting of a company of Saints by calling united into one body by a holy covenaut for the publick worship of God and the mutuall edification one of another in the Fellowship of the Lord Jesus CHAP. III. Of the matter of the visible Church both in respect of Quality and Quantity 1 Cor 1 2 Ephes 1 1 THe matter of a visible Church are Saints by calling 2. By Saints we understand Heb 6 1 1 Cor 1 5 Rom 15 14 Psal 50 16 17. Act 8 37 Mat 3 6 Rom 6 17 1 Cor 1 2 Phil 1.1 Col 1 2 1. Such as have not only attained the knowledge of the principles of Religion and are free from gross and open scandals but also do together with the profession of their faith and Repentance walk in blameless obedience to the word so as that in charitable discretion they may be accounted Saints by calling though perhaps some or more of them be unsound and hypocrites inwardly because the members of such particular Churches are commonly by the holy Ghost called Saints and faithful brethren in Christ Eph 1.1 1 Cor 5.2.13 Rev 21 15 20. Ezek 44 7 9 chap 23 36 39 Num 29 20 Hagg 2 13 14 1 Cor 11.27 29 Psal 37 21 1 Cor 5 6 1 Cor 7 14 Jer 2 21 1 Cor 5 12 Jer 1.4 Gal 5 4 2 Cor 12 21 Rev 2.14 15 21 21. and sundry churches have been reproved for receiving and suffering such persons to continue in fellowship amongst them as have been offensive and scandalous the name of God also by this means is Blasphemed and the holy things of God defiled and Prophaned the hearts of godly grieved and the wicked themselves hardned holpen forward to damnation the example of such doth endanger the sanctity of others A little Leaven Leaveneth the whole lump 2. The children of such who are also holy 3. The members of Churches though orderly constituted may in time degenerate and grow corrupt and scandalous which though they ought not to be tolerated in the Church yet their continuance therein through the defect of the execution of discipline and just censures doth not immediately dissolve the being of the Church as appeares in the Church of Israell and the Churches of Galatia and Corinth Pergamus and Thyatira 4. 1 Cor 14 21. The matter of the Church in respect of it's quantity ought not to be of greater number then may ordinarily meet together conveniently in one place Mat 18 17 nor ordinarily fewer then may conveniently carry on Church-work Hence when the holy Scripture maketh mention of the Saints combined into a Church-estate Rom 16 1 1 Thes 1 1 Rev 2 8 c 3 7 in a Town or City where was but one Congregation it usually calleth those Saints the Church in the singular number as the Church of the Thessalonians the Church of Smyrna Philadelphia and the like But when it speaketh of the Saints in a Nation or Province wherein there were sundry Congregations 1 Cor 16 1 19 Gal 1 2 2 Cor 8 1 1 Thes 2 14 It frequently and usually calleth them by the name of Churches in the plurall number as the Churches of Asia Galatia Maccdonia and the like which is further confirmed by what is written of sundry of those Churches in particular how they were Assembled and met together the whole Church in one place Acts 2 46 c 5 12 c 6 2 Acts 14 27 s 15 38 1 Cor 5 4 c 14 23 Rom 16 1 as the Church at Jerusalem the Church at Antioch the Church at Corinth and Cenchrea though it were more neer to Corinth it being the port thereof and answerable to a Village yet being a distinct Congregation from Corinth it had a Church of its owne as well as Corinth had 5. Nor can it with reason be thought but that every Chuch appointed and ordained by Christ had a ministrie ordained and appointed for the same and yet plain it is that there were no ordinary officers appointed by Christ for any other then Congregational Churches Acts 20 28 Elders being appointed to feed not all flocks but that particular flock of God over which the holy Ghost had made them overseers and that flock they must attend even the whole flock and one Congregation being as much as any ordinary Elders can attend therefore there is no greater Church then a Congregation which may rodinarily meet in one place CHAP. IV. Of the From of A Visible Church and of Church Covenant SAints by Calling 1 Cor 12 27 1 Tim 3 15 must have a Visible-Political-Union amongst themselves or else they are not yet a particular Church as those similitudes hold forth which the Scripture makes use of to shew the nature of particular Churches As a Body A building or House Hands Eyes Feet and other members must be united or else remaining seperate are not a Body Stones Timber though squared hewen and pollished are not an house untill they are compacted and united so Saints or believers in judgment of charity are not a Church unless Orderly knit together 2. Particular Churches cannot be distinguished one from another but by their formes Ephesus is not Smyrna Revel 1 and Pergamus Thyatira but each one a distinct society of it self having officers of their owne which had not the charge of others Vertues of their own for which others are not praysed Corruptions of their owne for which others are not blamed 3. This Form is the Visible Covenant Agreement Exod 19 5 verse 8 Deut 29 12 13 Zach. 11 14 c 9 11 or consent wherby they give up themselves unto the Lord to the observing of the ordinances of Christ together in the same society which is usually called the Church-Covenant For we see not otherwise how members can have Church-power one over another mutually The comparing of each particular Church unto a City Ephes 2 19 2 Cor 12 2 and unto a Spouse seemeth to conclude not only a Form but that that Form is by way of Covenant The Covenant Gen 17 7 Deut 29 12 13 Ephes 2 12 19 as it was that which made the Family of Abraham and children of Israel to be a Church and people unot God so is it that which now makes the several societyes of Gentil-believers to be Churches in these dayes 4. This Voluntary Agreement
Isay 49.23 and nursing Mothers and stand charged with the custody of both Tables because it is better to prevent a scandal that it may not come and easier also than to remove it when it is given 2 Cor. 8.13 14. It s most sutable to Rule that by the Churches care each man should know his proportion according to Rule wha1t he should do before he do it that so his judgment and heart may be satisfied in what he doth and just offence prevented in what is done CHAP. XII Of Admission of Members into the Church THe Doors of the Churches of Christ upon Earth 2 Chron. 23 19. Mat. 13.25 22.12 do not by Gods appointment stand so wide open that all sorts of people good or bad may freely enter therein at their pleasure but such as are admitted thereto as Members ought to be examined and tried first whether they be fit and meet to be received into Church-society Acts 8.37 or not The Eunuch of Aethiopia before his admission was examined by Philip Rev. 2.2 whether he did beleeve on Jesus Christ with all his heart the Angel of the Church at Ephesus is commended for trying such as said they were Apostles and were not Acts 9.26 There is like reason for trying of them that profess themselves to be Beleevers The Officers are charged with the keeping of the doors of the Church Rev. 21.12 2 Chron. 23 19. and therefore are in a special manner to make tryal of the fitness of such who enter Twelve Angels are set at the gates of the Temple Act. 2.38 to 41. c. 8. 37. lest such as were ceremonially unclean should enter thereinto 2. The things which are requisite to be found in all Church-Members are Repentance from sin and Faith in Jesus Christ And therefore these are the things wherof men are to be examined at their admission into the Church and which then they must profess and hold forthin such sort Matth. 3.6 as may satisfie rational charity that the things are there indeed John Baptist admitted men to Baptism confessing and bewailing their sins and of others it is said that they came Acts 19.18 and confessed and shewed their deeds 3. The weakest measure of Faith is to be accepted in those that desire to be admitted into the Church Rom. 14.1 because weak Christians if sincere have the substance of that faith repentance and holiness which is required in Church-Members and such have most need of the Ordinances for their confirmation and growth in grace Mat. 12.20 The Lord Jesus would not quench the smoaking flax nor break the bruised reed Isay 40.11 but gather the tender Lambs in his arms and carry them gently in his bosom Such charity and tenderness is to be used as the weakest Christian if sincere may not be excluded nor discouraged Severity of examination is to be avoided 4. In case any through excessive fear or other infirmity be unable to make their personal relation of their spiritual estate in publick 't is sufficient that the Elders having received private satisfaction make relation thereof in publick before the Church they testifying their assents thereunto this being the way that tendeth most to edification But whereas persons are of better abilities there it is most expedient that they make their relations and confessions personally with their own mouth as David professeth of himself Psal 66.16 5. A personal and publick confession and declaring of Gods manner of working upon the soul is both lawful expedient and useful in sundry respects and upon sundry grounds Those three thousand Acts 2.37.41 before they were admitted by the Apostles did manifest that they were pricked in their hearts at Peters Sermon together with earnest desire to be delivered from their sins which now wounded their consciences and their ready receiving of the Word of Promise and Exhortation 1 Pet. 3.15 We are to be ready to render a reason of the hope that is in us to every one that asketh us therfore we must be able and ready upon any occasion to declare and shew our repentance for sin faith unfeigned and effectual calling Heb. 11.1 Ephes 1.18 because these are the reasons of a well grounded Hope I have not hidden thy righteousness from the great Congregaaion Psal 40.10 6. This profession of Faith and Repentance as it must be made by such at their admission that were never in Church-society before so nothing hindreth but the same may also be performed by such as have formerly been Members of some other Church and the Church to which they now joyn themselves as Members may lawfully require the same Those three thousand Acts 2. which made their confession Mat. 3.5 6. Galat. 2.4 1 Tim. 5.24 were Members of the Church of the Jews before so were they that were baptized by John Churches may err in their admission and Persons regularly admitted may fall into offence Otherwise if Churches might obtrude their Members or if Church-members might obtrude themselves upon other Churches without due tryal the matter so requiring both the liberty of Churches would hereby be infringed in that they might not examin those concerning whose fitness for Communion they were unsatisfied and besides the infringing of their liberty Cant. 8.8 the Churches themselves would unavoidably be corrupted and the Ordinances defiled whilst they might not refuse but must receive the unworthy which is contrary unto the Scripture teaching that all Churches are Sisters and therefore equal 7. The like tryal is to be required from such Members of the Church as were born in the same or received their Membership and were baptized in their infancy or minority by vertue of the Covenant of their Parents when being grown up unto years of discretion they shall desire to be made partakers of the Lords Supper unto which because Holy things must not be given unto the unworthy Matth. 7.6 1 Cor. 11.27 therefore it is requisite that these as well as others should come to their tryal and examination and manifest their Faith and Repentance by an open profession thereof before they are received to the Lords Supper and otherwise not to be admitted thereunto Yet these Church-members that were so born or received in their Child-hood before they are capable of being made partakers of full cōmunion have many priviledges which others not Church-members have not they are in Covenant with God have the seal thereof upon them viz. Baptism and so if not regenerated yet are in a more hopeful way of attaining regenerating grace and al the spiritual Blessings both of the Covenant and Seal they are also under Church-watch and consequently subject to the reprehensions admonitions and censures thereof for their healing and amendment as need shall require CHAP. XIII Of Church-members their removal from one Church to another and of Letters of recommendation and dismission CHurch-members may not remove or depart from the Church Heb. 10.25 and so one
one Apostle had over another yet as one Apostle might admonish another so may one Church admonish another and yet without usurpation In which case if the Church that lyeth under offence Mat. 18.15 16 17. by proportion do not hearken to the Church which doth admonish her the Church is to acquaint other neighbor-churches with that offence which the offending Church still lieth under together with their neglect of the brotherly admonition given unto them whereupon those other Churches are to joyn in seconding the admonition formerly given and if stil the offending Church continue in obstinacy and impenitency they may forbear cōmunion with them and are to proceed to make use of the help of a Synod or counsel of neighbor churches walking orderly if a greater cannot conveniently be had for their conviction If they hear not the Synod the Synod having declared them to be obstinate particular Churches approving and accepting of the judgment of the Synod are to declare the sentence of non-communion respectively concerning them and thereupon out of a religious care to keep their own communion pure they may justly withdraw themselves from participation with them at the Lords Table and from such other Acts of Holy communion as the communion of Churches doth otherwise allow and require Nevertheless if any Members of such a Church as lieth under publick offence do not consent to the offence of the Church but do in due sort bear witnels against it Gen. 18.25 they are stil to be received to wonted communion for it is not equal that the innocent should suffer with the offensive Yea furthermore if such innocent Members after due waiting in the use of all good means for the healing of the offence of their own Church shal at last with the allowance of the counsel of neighbor Churches withdraw from the fellowship of their own Church and offer themselves to the fellowship of another we judg it lawfull for the other Church to receive them being otherwise fit as if they had been orderly dismissed to them from their own Church IV. A fourth way of communion of Churches is by way of Participation the Members of one Church occasionally coming unto another we willingly admit them to partake with us at the Lords Table it being the seal of our communion not only with Christ nor only with the Members of our own Church 1 Cor 12.13 but also with all the Churches of the Saints in which regard we refuse not to baptize their children presented to us if either their own Minister be absent or such a fruit of holy fellowship be desired with us In like case such Churches as are furnished with more Ministers than one do willingly afford one of their own Ministers to supply the place of an absent or sick Minister of another Church for a needful season V. A fifth way of Church-communion is Rom. 16.3 by way of Recommendation when a Member of one Church hath occasion to reside in another Church if but for a season we commend him to their watchful fellowship by letters of recommendation but if he be called to settle his abode there we commit him according to his desire Acts 18.27 to the fellowship of their Covenant by letters of dismission VI. A sixt way of Church-communion is in case of Need to Minister relief and succor one unto another Acts 11.22 either of able Members to furnish them with Officers vers 29. Rom. 13.26 27. or of outward support to the necessities of poorer Churches as did the Churches of the Gentiles contribute liberally to the poor Saints at Jerusalem 3. When a company of Beleevers purpose to gather into Church-fellowship it is requisite for their safer proceeding the maintaining of the communion of Churches Gal. 2.1 2. and 9. by proportion that they signifie their intent unto the neighbor Churches walking according unto the order of the Gospel and desire their presence and help and right hand of fellowship which they ought readily to give unto them when there is no just cause of excepting against their proceedings 4. Besides these several waies of communion there is also a way of propagation of Churches when a Church shal grow too numerous it is a way Isay 40.20 Cant 8 8 9 fit season to propogate one Church out of another by sending forth such of their mēbers as are willing to remove and to procure some Officers to them as may enter with them into Church-estate a mongst themselves as Bees when the hive is too ful issue forth by swarms and are gathered into other hives so the Churches of Christ may do the same upon like necessity and therin hold forth to them the right hand of fellowship both in their gathering into a Church and in the ordination of their Officers CHAP. XVI Of Synods SYnods orderly assembled and rightly proceeding according to the pattern Acts 15.2 to 15. Acts 15. we acknowledg as the ordinance of Christ and though not absolutely necessary to the being yet many times through the iniquity of men and perversness of times necessary to the wel-being of Churches for the establishment of truth and peace therein 2. Synods being Spiritual and Ecclesiastical Assemblyes are therfore made up of Spiritual and Ecclesiastical causes The next efficient cause of them under Christ is the power of the Churches sending forth their Elders Acts 15.2 3 other Messengers who being met together in the Name of Christ Verse 6. are the matter of the Synod and they in arguing debating and determining matters of Religion according to the Word ver 7. to 23 and publishing the same to the Churches whom it concerneth do put forth the proper and formal acts of a Synod verse 31. Acts 16.4.15 to the conviction of errors and heresies and the establishment of truth and peace in the Churches which is the end of a Synod 3. Magistrates have power to call a Synod by calling to the Churches to send forth their Elders and other Messengers 1 Chron. 29 4 5. to 11. to counsel and assist them in matters of Religion but yet the constituting of a Synod Acts 15. is a Church act and may be transacted by the Churches even when civil Magistrates may be enemies to Churches and to Church-Assemblyes 4. It belongeth unto Synods and Counsels to debate and determin controversies of faith Acts 17.1.2.6.7 1 Chron. 15 23. and cases of conscience to clear from the Word holy directions for the holy Worship of God good government of the Church to bear witness against mis-administration and Corruption in doctrine or maners in any particular Church 2 Chron. 29.6 7 Acts 15 24. vers 28 29 to give directions for the reformation therof Not to exercise Church-censures in way of discipline nor any other act of church authority or jurisdiction which that presidentiall Synod did forbeare 5. The Synods directions and determinations so farr as consonant to the