contending about it till the Kindom be destroyed did not the Lord Jesus when he dedicated his sufferings for his Church and his Church also unto his Father make it his earnest and only Prayer for us in this world that we all might be one in him John 17.20 21 22 23. And is it possible that He whom the Father heard alwaies John 11.42 should not have this last most solemn Prayer heard and granted or shall it be granted for all the Saints elsewhere and not for the Saints in England so that amongst them disunion shall grow even about Church-union and communion If it be possible for a little faith so much as a grain of Mustard-seed to remove a mountain is it not possible for so much strength of faith as is to be found in all the the godly in the Kingdom to remove those Images of jealousie and to cast those stumbling blocks out of the way which may hinder the free passage of brotherly love amongst Brethren It is true indeed the National Covenant doth justly ingage both Parties faithfully to endeavor the utter extirpation of the Antichristian Hierarchy and much more of all Blasphemies Heresies and damnable Errors Certainly if Congregational Discipline be Independant from the inventions of men is it not much more independant from the delusions of Satan what fellowship hath Christ with Belial Light with Darkness Truth with Error The faithful Jews needed not the help of the Samaritans to Re-edifie the Temple of God yea they rejected their help when it was offered Ezra 4.1 2 3. And if the Congregational way be a way of Truth as we beleeve and if the Brethren that walk in it be zealous of the Truth and hate every false way as by the Rule of their holy Discipline they are instructed 2 John 10.11 then verily there is no branch in the National Covenant that ingageth the Covenanters to abhor either Congregational Churches or their way which being duly administred do no less effectually extirpate the Antichristian Hierarchy and all Blasphemies Heresies and pernitious Errors than other way of Discipline doth which is more generally and publickly received and ratified But the Lord Jesus commune with our hearts in secret and he who is the King of his Church let him be pleased to exercise his Kingly Power in our Spirits that so his Kingdom may come into our Churches in Purity and Peace Amen Amen CHAPTER I. Of the Form of Church-Government and that it is one immutable and prescribed in the Word of God 1 ECclesiastical Polity or Church-Government or Discipline is nothing else Ezek 43.11 Col. 2 5 1 Tim 3 15 but that Form and Order that is to be observed in the Church of Christ upon Earth both for the Constitution of it and all the Administrations that therein are to be performed 2. Church-Government is considered in a double respect either in regard of the Parts of Government themselves or necessary circumstances thereof Heb 3 5 6 The Parts of Government are prescribed in the Word because the Lord Jesus Christ the King and Law-giver of his Church is no less faithful in the House of God than was Moses Exod 25 40 who from the Lord delivered a Form and Pattern of Government to the children of Israel in the old Testament 2 Tim 3 16 And the holy Scriptures are now also so perfect as they are able to make the man of God perfect and throughly furnished unto every good Work and therefore doubtless to the well ordering of the House of God 3. 1 Tim 3.15 1 Chron 15 13. Ex. 20 4 1 Tim 6 13 v 16 Heb 12 27 28 1 Cor 15 24 The Parts of Church-Government are all of them exactly described in the Word of God being parts or means of Instituted Worship according to the second Commandement and therfore to continue one and the same unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ as a Kingdom that cannot be shaken until he shal deliver it up unto God even the Father So that it is not left in the Power of Men Officers Deut 12 32 Ezek 43 8 1 Kings 12 31 32 33 Churches or any State in the World to add or diminish or alter any thing in the least measure therein 4. The necessary circumstances as time and place c. 1 Kings 12 v 28 29 belonging unto order and decency are not so left unto men as that under pretence of them they may thrust their own inventions upon the Churches Isay 29 13 Col 2 22 23. Acts 15 28 Being circumscribed in the Word with many general limitations where they are determined in respect of the matter to be neither worship it self Mat 15 9 1 Cor 11 23 c 8 34 nor circumstances seperable from Worship in respect of their end they must be done unto edification in respect of the manner 1 Cor 14 26 1 Cor 14 40 1 Cor 11 14 1 Cor 11 16 1 Cor 14 12 19. Acts 15 28 decently and in order according to the Nature of the things themselves and Civil and Church Custom doth not even Nature it self teach you yea they are in some sort determined particularly namely that they be done in such a manner as all circumstances considered is most expedient for edification so as if there be no error of man concerning their determination the determining of them is to be accounted as if it were Divine CHAP. II. Of the Nature of the Catholick Church in general and in special of a particular visible Church THe Catholick Church Ephes 1 22 23 5 25 26 30. Heb. 22 23 is the whol Company of those that are Elected Redeemed and in time effectually called from the state of sin and death unto a state of Grace and Salvation in Jesus Christ 2. Rom 4 17 2 Tim 2 12 c 4 8 Eph 6 12 13 This Church is either Triumphant or Militant Triumphant the number of them who are glorified in Heaven Militant the number of them who are conflicting with their enemies upon Earth 3. 2 Tim 2 19 Rev 2 17 1 Cor 6 17 Eph 3 17 Rom 1 8 1 Thes 1 8 Isay 2 2 1 Tim 6 12 This Militant Church is to be considered as Invisible and Visible Invisible in respect of their relation wherein they stand to Christ as a Body unto the Head being united unto him by the Spirit of God and Faith in their hearts Visible in respect of the Profession of their Faith in their Persons and in particular Churches and so there may be acknowledged an universal Visible Church 4. The Members of the Militant Visible Church considered either as not yet in Church-order Acts 19 1 Colos 2 5 Mat 18 17 1 Cor 5 12 or as walking according to the Church-order of the Gospel In order and so besides the Spiritual union and communion common to all Beleevers they injoy moreover an union and communion Ecclesiastical-Political so we deny an universal Visible Church
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-Congregational-Church is by the institution of Christ a part of the militant-visible-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
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
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
from another as they pleas nor without just weighty cause but ought to live and dwell together for as much as they are commanded not to forsake the assembling of themselves together Such departure tends to the dissolution and ruine of the body as the pulling of stones and pieces of timber from the building and of members from the naturall body tend to the destruction of the whole 2. It is therfore the duty of Church-members in such times and places when counsell may be had Prov. 11.14 to consult with the Church wherof they are members about their removal that accordingly they having their approbation may be incouraged or otherwise desist They who are joyned with consent should not depart without consent except forced therunto 3. If a members departure be manifestly unsafe and sinfull Rom. 14.23 1 Tim. 5.22 Acts 21.14 the Church may not consent therunto for in so doing they should not act in faith and should pertake with him in his sinn If the case be doubtfull and the person not to be perswaded it seemeth best to leave the matter unto God and not forcibly to detayn him 4. Just reasons for a members removal of himself from the Church are 1 If a man cannot continue without partaking in sin 11. Ephes 5.11 Acts 9.25 and ver 29 30. c. 8.1 In case of personal persecution so Paul departed from the Desciples at Damascus Also in case of general persecution when all are scattered 111. In case of real and not only pretended Neh. 13.10 want of competent subsistance a door being opened for better supply in another place together with the meanes of spiritual edification In these or like cases a member may lawfully remove and the Church cannot lawfully detaine him 5. To separate from a Church 2 Tim 4 10. either out of contempt of their holy fellowship or out of covetousness or for greater inlargements with just greife to the Church or out of Schism or want of love Rom 16 17. Jude 10 and out of a spirit of contention in respect of some unkindness or some evil only conceived or indeed Eph. 4.2 3. Col 3 13 Galio 1 2 in the Church which might and should be tolerated healed with a spirit of meekness of which evil the Church is not yet cōvinced though perhaps himselfe bee nor admonished for these or like reasons to withdraw from publick communion in word or seales or censures is unlawfull and sinfull 6. Isai 56 8 Acts 9 26 Such members as have orderly removed their habitation ought to joyn themselves unto the Church in order where they doe inhabit if it may bee otherwise they can neyther perform the dutyes nor receive the priviledges of members such an example tolerated in some 1 Cor 14 33 is apt to corrupt others which if many should follow would threaten the dissolution and confusion of Churches contrary to the Scripture 7. Acts 18 27 Order requires that a member thus removing have letters testimonial and of dismission from the Church wherof he yet is unto the Church wherunto he desireth to be joyned lest the Church should be deluded that the Chuch may receive him in faith and not be corrupted by receiving deceivers and false brethren Untill the person dismissed be received into another Church he ceaseth not by his letters of dismission to be a member of the Church wherof he was The Church cannot make a member no member but by excommunication 8. Rom 16 1 2 2 Cor 3 1 If a member be called to remove only for a time where a Church is letters of Recommendation are requisite and sufficient for communion with that Church in the ordinances in their watch as Phoebe a servant of the Church at Cenchrea had letters written for her to the church of Rome that shee might be received as becometh saints 9. Such letters of Recommendation and dismission were written for Apollos Acts 18 27 Col 4 10 Rom 16 1 For Marcus to the Colosians for Phoebe to the Romans for sūdry others to other Churches the Apostle telleth us that some persons not sufficiently known otherwise have special need of such letters 2 Cor 3 1 though he for his part had no need therof The use of them is to be a benefit help to the party for whom they are written for the furthering of his receiving amongst the Saints in the place wherto he goeth and the due satisfaction of them in their receiving of him CHAP. XIV Of excommunication and other Censures THe Censures of the Church 1 Tim 5 20 Deut 17 12 13 are appointed by Christ for the preventing removing and healing of offences in the Church Jude 29 Deut 13 11 1 Cor 5 6 Rom 2 24 for the reclaiming and gaining of offending brethen for the deterring of others from the like offences for purging out the leaven which may infect the whole lump for vindicating the honor of Christ and of his Church Rev 2 14 15 16 20 the holy profession of the Gospel and for preventing of the wrath of God that may justly fall upon the Church if they should suffer his covenant and the seales therof to be prophaned by notorious and obstinate offenders 2. Mat 5 23 24 Luk 17 3 4 If an offence be private one brother offending another the offender is to goe acknowledg his repentance for it unto his offended brother who is then to forgive him but if the offender neglect or refuse to do it the brother offended is to goe Mat 18 15 convince admonish him of it between themselves privatly if therupon the offender be brought to repent of his offēce the admonisher hath won his brother but if the offender hear not his brother Verse 16 the brother offended is to take with him one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established whether the word of admonition if the offender receive it or the word of complaint if he refuse it Verse 17. for if he refuse it the offended brother is by the mouth of the Elders to tel the Church and if he hear the Church and declare the same by penitēt confession he is recovered and gayned and if the Church discern him to be willing to hear yet not fully convinced of his offence Tit 3 10 as in case of heresy they are to dispence to him a publick admonition which declaring the offender to ly under the publick offence of the Church doth therby with-hold or suspend him from the holy fellowship of the Lords supper till his offence be removed by penitent confession Mat 18 17 If he still continue obstinate they are to cast him out by excommunication 3. But if the offence be more publick at first 1 Cor 5 4 5 verse 18. and of a more heynous and criminal nature to wit such as are condened by the light of nature