your edifying Eph. 4. 12. For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ and salvation (d) 1 Tim. 4. 16. Take heed unto thy self and to the doctrine continue in them for in doing this thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee Act. 16. 16 17 18. But rise and stand upon thy feet for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose to make thee a minister and a witness c. v. 17. Delivering thee from the people and from the Gentiles unto whom I now send thee v. 18. To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith that is in me Q. What is required of those that hear the Word preached A. It is required of those that hear the Word preached that they attend upon it with diligence (e) Prov. 8 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors preparation (f) 1 Pet. 2. 1 2. Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envies and evil-speakings v. 2. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby Luk 8. 18. Take beed therefore how ye hear for whosoever hath to him shall be given and whosoever hath not from him shall be taken c. and prayer (g) Psal 119. 18. Open mine eyes that I may behold wonderous things out of thy law Eph. 6. 18 19. Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints v. 19. And for me that utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel examine what they hear by the Scriptures (h) Act. 17. 11. These were more noble then those of Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so receive the truth with faith (i) Heb. 4. 2. For unto us was the Gospel preached as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them being not mixed with faith in them that heard it love (k) 2 Thes 2. 10. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousnesse in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved meekness (l) Jam. 1. 21. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the ingrafted word which is able to save your souls and readiness of mind (m) Act. 17. 11. These were more noble then those in Thessalonica in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so as the Word of God (n) 1 Thes 2. 13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe meditate (o) Luk. 9. 44. Let these sayings sink down into your ears for the Son of man shall be delivered c. Heb. 2. 1. Therefore we ought to give the more diligent heed to the things we have heard left at any time we should let them slip and confer of it (p) Luk. 24. 14. And they talked together of all these things which had hapned Deut. 6. 6 7. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart v. 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up hide it in their hearts (q) Prov. 2. 1 My son if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandments with thee Psal 119. 11 Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives (r.) Luk. 8. 15. But that on the good ground are they which with an honest and good heart having heard the word keep it and bring forth fruit with patience Jam. 1. 25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continueth therein being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the word this man shall be blessed in his deed Q. How do the Sacraments become effectual meanes of salvation A. The Sacraments become effectual meanes of salvation not by any power in themselves or any vertue derived from the piety and intention of him by whom they are administred but only by the working of the holy Ghost and the blessing of Christ by whom they are instituted (Å¿.) 1 Pet. 3. 21. The like figure whereunto even Baptism doth also now save us not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience toward God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ Act. 8. 13 Then Simon himself believed also and when he was baptized he continued with Philâ—p and wondred beholding the miracles and signs which were done Compared with v. 23. For I perceive said Peter to Simon that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity 1 Cor. 3. 6 7. I have planted Apollo watered but God gave the inâ—rease v. 7. So then neither is he that planteth any thing nor he that watereth but God that giveth tâ—e increase 1 Cor. 12. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jewâ—â— â—â— Gentilâ—â— bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit Q. What is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his Church (t) Gen. 17. 7 -10 And I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and their seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting Covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee v. 10. This is my Covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee Every man-child among you shall be circumcised Exod. Cap. 12. Containing the institution of the Passover Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations Baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Mat. 26. 26 27 28 And as they were earing Jesus took bread and blessed it and brake it and gave it to the Disciples and said Take eat This is my body v. 27. And he took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them saying Drink ye all of it v. 28. For this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins to signifie seale and exhibit (u) Rom. 4.
the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit even so it is now reviling (a) 1 Cor. 6. 10. Nor thieves nor covetous nor revilers nor drunkards nor extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God rash (b) Matt. 7. 1. Judge not that ye be not judged harsh (c) Act. 28. 4. No doubt this man is a murderer whom though he hath escaped the sea yet vengeance suffereth not to live and partial censuring (d) Gen. 38 24. And it came to pass about three months after that it was told Judah saying Thamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot and also behold she is with child by whoredom and Judah said Bring her forth and let her be burnt Rom. 2. 1. Therefore thou art inexcusable O man whosoever thou art that judgest for wherein thou judgest another thou condemnest thy self for thou that judgest doth the same things misconstruing intentions words and actions (e) Neh. 6. 6 7 8. In which letter that Sanballat sent was written it is reported among the heathen and Cashmu saith it that thou and the Jews think to rebel for which cause thou buildest the wall that thou maist be their King according to these words v. 7. And thou hast also appointed Prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem saying There is a King in Judah and now shall it be reported to the King according to these words Come now therefore and let us take counsel together v. 8. Then I sent unto him saying There are no such things done as thou saist but thou fainest â—hem out of thine own heart Rom. 3. 8. And not rather as we be slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say Let us do evil that good may come whose damnation is just Psal 69. 10. When I wept and chastened my Soul with fasting that was to my reproach 1 Sam. 1. 13 14 15. Now Hannah she spake in the heart only her lips moved but her voice was not heard therefore Eli thought she had been drunken v. 14. And Eli said unto her How long wilt thou be drunken put away thy wine from thee v. 15. And Hannah answered and said No my Lord I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit I have drunk neither wine c. 2 Sam. 10. 3. And the Princes of the children of Ammâ—n said unto Hâ—nun their Lord Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father that he hâ—â—h senâ— comforâ—ers unto thee hath not David rather sent his servant unto thee to search the city and to sâ—y it out â—nâ— to overthrow it flattering (f) Psal 12. 2 3. They speak vanity every maâ— with his neighbour with flattering lips and with a double heart doth he speak v. 3. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaketh proud things vain-glorious boasting (g) 2 Tim. 3. 2. For men shall be lovers of themselves covetouâ— hoâ—sters c. thinking or speaking too highly or too meanly of our selves or others (h) Luk 18. 9-11 And he spake this Parable to certain that trusted in themselves That they were righteous and despised others v. 11 And the Pharisee stood up and prayed thus with himself God I thank thee that I am not as other men are extortioners unjust adulterers or even as this publican Rom. 12. 16. Mind not high things but condescend to men of low estate be not wise in your own conceits 1 Cor. 4. 6. And these things brethren I have in a figure transferred to my selfe and to Apollo for your sakes that you might learn of us not to think of men above that which is written that no one of you be puffed up for one against another Act. 12. 22. And the people gave a shout saying It is the voice of God and not of man Exod. 4. 10 11 12 13 14. And Moses said O my Lord I am not eloquent neither heretofore nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant but am slow of speech and of a slow tongue v. 11. And the Lord said unto him Who hath made the mouth or who maketh the dumb or deaf or the seeing or the blind have not I the Lord v. 12. Now therefore go and I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say v. 13 And he said O my Lord send I pray thee by the hand of him whom thou wilt send v. 14. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses c. denying the gifts and graces of God (i) Job 7 5 6. God forbid that I should justifie you till I dye I will not remove mine integrity from me v. 6. My righteousness I will hold fast and not let it go my heart shall not reproach me as long as I live Job 4. 6. Is not this thy fear thy confidence the uprightness of thy wayes and thy hope aggravating smaller faults (k) Mat. 7. 3 4 5. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye but considerest not the beam which is in thine own eye v. 4. Or how wilt thou say to thy brother Let me pull out c. v. 5. Thou hypocrite first cast out the beam out of thine own eye and then thou shalt see cleerly to cast out the more out of thy brothers eye hiding excusing or extenuating of sins when called to a free confession (l) Prov. â—8 13. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shal find mercy Prov. 30. 20. Such is the way of an adulterous woman she eateth and wipeth her mouth and saith I have done no wickedness Gen. 3. 12 13. And the man said The woman whom thou gavest to be with me she gave me of the tree and I did eat v. 13. and the woman said The Serpent beguiled me and I did eat Jer. 2. 35. Yet thou saist Because I am innocent surely his anger shall turn from me behold I will plead with thee because thou saist I have not sinned 2 Kin. 5. 25. and Elisha said to him Whence comest thou Gehazi And he said Thy servant went no whither Gen. 4. 9. And the Lord said unto Cain where is Abel thy brother And he said I know not Am I my brothers keeper unnecessary discovering of infirmities (m) Gen. 9. 22. And C ham the father of Canaan saw the wickedness of his father and told his two brethren without Prov. 25. 9 10. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself and discover not a secret to another v. 10. Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame and thine infamy turn not away raising false rumours (n) Exod. 23. 1. Thou shalt not raise a false report put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness receiving and countenancing evil reports (o) Prov. 29. 12. If a Ruler hearken to lies all his servants are wicked and stopping our eares against just defence (p) Act. 7. 56 57. And Stephen said Behold I see the heavens opened and the Son of
that we from the heart forgive others their offences (c) Lu. 11. 4. And forgive us our sins for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us c. Mat. 6. 14 15. For if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you V. 15. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses Mat. 18. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Q. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (d) Mat. 6. 13. acknowledging that the most wise righteous and gracious God for divers holy and just ends may so order things that we may be assaulted foiled and for a time led captive by temptations (e) 2 Chron. 32. 31. Howbeit in the business of the Ambassadors of the Princes of Babylon who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land God left him to try him that he might know all that was in his heart that Satan (f) 1 Chron. 21. 1. And Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel the world (g) Luke 21. 34. And â—ake heed to your selves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfetting and drunkenness and acres of this life and so that day come upon you unawares Mark 4. 19. And the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches and the lusts of other things entring in choke the word and it becomes unfruitful and the flesh are ready powerfully to draw us aside in snare us (h) Jam 1. 14. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed and that we even after the pardon of our sins by reason of our corruption (i) Gal. 5. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other so that ye cannot do the things that ye would weakness want of watchfulness (k) Mat. 26. 41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak are not onely subject to be tempted and forward to expose our selves unto temptations (l) Mat 26. 69 70 71 72. Now Peter sate without in the Palace and a damsel came to him saying Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee V. 70. But he denyed before them all saying I know not what thou sayest V. 71. And when he was gone into the porch another maid saw him and said to them that were there This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth V. 72. And again he denied with an oath saying I do not know the man Gal. 2. 11 12 13 14. But when Peter was come to Antioch I withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed V. 12. For before that certain came from James he did eat with the Gentiles but when they were come he withdrew and separated himself fearing them of the circumcision V. 13. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation V 14. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel I said to Peter c. 2 Chr. 18. 3. And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah wilt thou go with me to Ramoth Gilead And he answered him I am as thou art and my people as thy people and we will be with thee in the war Compared with 2 Chron 19. 2. and Jehu the son of Hanani the Seer went out to meet him and said to king Jehoshaphat shouldst thou help the ungodly and love them that hate the Lord therefore is wrath upon thee before the Lord. but also of our selves unable and unwilling to resist them to recover out of them and to improve them (m) Rom. 7. 23 24. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin that is in my members V. 24. O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from this body of death 1 Chron. 21. 1 2 3 4. And Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel V. 2. And David said to Joab and the rulers of the people go number Israel from Bersheba to Dan c. V. 3. And Joab answered The Lord make his people an hundred times so many more as they be but my lord the King are they not my lords servants why then doth my lord require this thing why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel V. 4. Nevertheless the Kings word prevailed against Joab wherefore Joab departed and went c. 2 Chr. 16. 7 8 9 10. And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asâ— King of Judah and said to him because thou hast rested on the King of Syria and not relied on the Lord thy God therefore is the host the King of Syria escaped out of thine hand V. 8. Were not the Ethiopians and Lubins a huge host c. and yet because thou didst rely on the Lord he delivered them into thine hand V. 9. For the eyes of the Lord run too and fro throughout the earth to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose hearts is perfect towards him herein thou hast done foolishly therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars V. 10. Then Asa was wroth with the seer and put him into a prison house for he was in a rage with him because of this thing and Asa oppressed some of the people the same time worthy to be left under the power of them (n) Psal 81. 11 12. But my people would not hearken unto my voice and Israel would have none of me V. 12. So I gave them up unto their hearts lust and they walked in their own counsels we pray that God would so over-rule the world and all in it (o) Joh. 17. 15. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil subdue the flesh (p) Psal 51. 10 Create in me a clean O God and renew a right spirit within me Psal 119. 133. Order my steps in thy word and let not any iniquity have dominion over me and restrain Satan (q) 2 Cor. 12. 7 8. And lest I should be exalted above measure trhough the abundance of revelations there was given to me a throne in the flesh the messenger of Satan to buffet me lest I should be exalted above measure V. 8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me order all things (r) 1 Cor. 10. 12 13. Wherefore let him that thinks he standeth take heed lest he fall V. 13. There hath no
Get thee hence Satan for it is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serve Psal 29. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness Q. What is forbidden in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment forbiddeth the denying (k) Psal 14. 1. The fool hath said in his heart there is no God they are corrupt they have done abominable works there is none that doth good or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God (l) Rom. 1. 21. Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were they thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkned and our God (m) Psal 81. 10. I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt open thy mouth wide and I will fill it v. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me and the giving that worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone (n) Rom. 1. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creatures more then the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen v. 26. For this cause God gave them up vnto vile affections for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature Q. What are we especially taught by these words before me in the first Commandment A. These words before me in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things taketh notice of and is much displeased with the sin of having any other God (o) Ezek. 8. 5. to theend Psal 44. 20 21. But if we have forgotten the name of our God or stretched out our hands to a strange God v. 21. Shall not God search this out for he knoweth the secrets of the heart Q. Which is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy selfe to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments (p) Exod 20 4 5 6. Q. What is required in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving observing and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and Ordinances as God hath appointed in his word (q) Deut. 32. 46. And he said unto them Set your hearts unto all the words which I testifie among you this day which ye shall command your children to observe to do all the words of this law Mat. 28. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alwayes unto the end of the world Act. 2. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Q. What is forbidden in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by Images (r) Deut. 4. 15 16 17 18 19. v. 15. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire v. 16. Lest you corrupt your selves and make you a graven Image the similitude of any figure the likeness of male or female v. 17. The likeness of any beast that is on the earth the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air v. 18. The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth v. 19. And least thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven and when thou feest the Sun Moon and Starres even all the host of heaven shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them which the Lord God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven Exod. 32. 5-8 And when Aaron saw it he built an Altar before it and Aaron made proclamation and said Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord. v. 8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten calf and have worshipped it and have sacrificed thereunto and said These be thy Gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt or any other way not appointed in his word (Å¿) Deut. 12. 31 32. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God for every abomination to the Lord which he hateth have they done unto their gods for even their sons and their daughters have they burnt in the fire to their gods v. 32. What thing soever I command you observe to do it thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment are Gods soveraignty over us (t) Psal 95. 2 3 6 Let us come before his prefence with thanksgiving and make a joiful noise unto him with Psalms v. 3. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all Gods v. 6. O come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our maker his property in us (u) Psal 45. 11. So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty for he is thy Lord and worship thou him and his zeal he hath to his own worship (*) Exod. 34. 13 14. But ye shall destroy their altars break their images and cut down their groves V. 14. For thou shalt worship no other God for the Lord whose name is Jealous is a jealous God Q. Which is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain (x) Exod. 20. 7. Q. What is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of Gods Name (y) Mat. 6. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father which art in heaven hallowed be thy Name Deut. 28. 58. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book that thou maist fear this glorious and fearful name THE LORD THY GOD. Title (z) Psal 68. 4. Sing unto God sing praises to his name extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH and rejoycâ— before him Attributes (a) Rev. 15. 3 4. And they sing the Song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb saying great and marvellous are thy words Lord God Almighty just and true are thy wayes thou King
exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men 1 Cor. 14. 15 16. v. 15. What is it then I will pray with the spirit and will pray with understanding also I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the understanding also v. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen as the giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest The Word read although there follow no immediate explication of what is read the Word expounded and applyed Catechizing the Sacraments administred Collection made for the poor dismissing the people with a blessing Of Church-Government and the several sorts of Assemblies for the same CHrist hath instituted a Government and Governours Ecclesiastical in the Church to that purpose the Apostles did immediately receive the keys from the hand of Jesus Christ and did use and exercise them in all the Churches of the world upon all occasions And Christ hath since continually furnished some in his Church with gifts of Government and with commission to execute the same when called thereunto It is lawful and agreeable to the word of God that the Church be governed by several sorts of Assemblies which are Congregational Classical and Synodical Of the Power in common of all these Assemblies IT is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that the several Assemblies before mentioned have power to convent and call before them any person within their several bounds whom the Ecclesiastical business which is before them doth concern proved by Mat. 18. 15 16 17 18 19 20. v. 15. Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother v. 16. But if he will not hear thee then take with thee one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be estâ—blished v. 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them tell it unto the Church but if he neglect to hear the Church let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican v. 18. Verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall binde on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven v. 19. Again I say unto you that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven v. 20. For where two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I in the midst of them They have power to hear and determine such causes and differences as do orderly come before them It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that all the said Assemblies have some power to dispense Church-censures Of Congregational Assemblies that is The meeting of the Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation for the Government thereof THe Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power Authoritatively to call before them any member of the Congregation as they shall see just occasion To enquire into the knowledg and spiritual estate of the several members of the Congregation To admonish and to rebuke Which three branches are proved by Heb. 13. 17. Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you 1 Thes 5. 12 13. v. 12. And we beseech you brethren to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you v. 13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake and be at peace among your selves Ezek. 34. 4. The diseased have ye not strengthened neither have ye healed that which was sick neither have ye bound up that which was broken neither have ye brought again that which was driven away neither have ye sought that which was lost but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them Authoritative suspension from the Lords Table of a person not yet cast out of the Church is agreeable to the Scripture First Because the Ordinance it self must not be profaned Secondly Because we are charged to withdraw from these that walk disorderly Thirdly Because of the great sin and danger both to him that comes unworthily and also to the whole Church Mat. 7. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs neither cast ye your pearls before swine lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rent you 2 Thes 3. 6 14 15. v. 6. Now we command you brethren in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye withdraw your selves from every brother that walketh disorderly and not after the tradition which he received of us v. 14. And if any man obey not our word by this Epistle note that man and have no company with him that he may be ashamed v. 15. Yet count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a brother 1 Cor. 11. 27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. So on to the end of the chap. Compared with Jude v. 23. And others save with fear pulling them out of the fire hating even the garment spotted by the flesh 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure And there was power and Authority under the Old Testament to keep unclearn persons from holy things Lev. 13. 5. And the priest shall look on him the seventh day and behold if the plague in his sight be at a stay and the plague spread not in the skin then the priest shall shut him up seven dayes more Numb 9. 7. And those men said unto him We are defiled by the dead body of a man wherefore we are kept back that we may not offer an offering of the Lord in his appointed season among the children of Israel 2 Chr. 23. 19. And he sets porters at the gates of the house of the Lord that none that was unclean in any thing should enter in The like power and Authority by way of Analogy continues under the New Testament The Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power authoritatively to suspend from the Lords Table a person not yet cast out of the Church First Because those who have Authority to judg of and admit such as are fit to receive the Sacrament have Authority to keep back such as should be found unworthy Secondly Because it is an Ecclesiastical business of ordinary practice belonging to that Congregation When Congregations are divided and fixed they need all mutual help one from another both in regard of their intrinsecal weaknesses and mutual dependence as also in regard of enemies from without