wheras persons are of better abilityes there it is most expedient that they make their relations confessions personally with their own mouth as David professeth of himselfe 5 A personall publick confession declaring of Gods manner of working upon the soul is both lawfull expedient usefull in sundry respects upon sundry grounds Those three thousands 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 sinns which now wounded their consciences their ready receiving of the word of promise and exhortation Wee are to be ready to â—…der a reason of the hope that is in us to every one that asketh us thâ—…fore wee must be able and ready upon any occasion to declare shew our repentance for sinn faith unfamed effectuall calling because these are the reason of a well grounded hope I have not hidden thy righteousness from the great congregation Psal 40. 10. 6 This profession of faith repentance as it must be made by such at their admission that were never in Church-society before so nothing hindreth but the same way also be performed by such as have formerly been members of some other church the church to which they now joyn themselves as members may lawfully require the same Those three thousand Acts. 2. which made their confession were meÌ„bers of the church of the Jewes before so were they that were baptised by John Churches may err in their admission 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 tryall the matter so requiring both the liberty of churches would hereby be infringed in that they might not examine those concerning whose fitness for communion they were unsatisfied besides the infringing of their liberty the churches themselves would uÌ„avoidably be corrupted 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 therfore equall 7 The like tryall is to be required from such members of the church as were born in the same or received their membership were baptized in their infancy or minority by vertue of the covenaÌ„t of their parents when being grown up unto yeares 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 therfore it is requisit that these as well as others should come to their tryall examiÌ„ation manifest their faith repentance by an open profession therof before they are received to the Lords supper otherwise not to be be admitted there unto Yet these Church-members that were so born or received in their childhood before they are capable of being made partakes of fall coÌ„munion have many priviledges which others not church-meÌ„bers haâ—…not they are in covenant with God have the seale therof upon thâ—… 〈◊〉 Baptisme so if not regenerated yet are in a more hopefull way of attayning regenerating grace all the spiritual blessings both of the covenaÌ„t seal they are also under Câ—…rch-watch consequently subject to the reprehensions ad nonâ—…tions censures therof for their healing and amendment as need shâ—…ll require CHAP XIII Of Church-members their removall from one Church to another of letters of recoÌ„mendation dismission CHurch-members may not remove or depart from the Church so one from another as they please nor without just weighty cause but ought to live dwell together for as much as they are coÌ„manded not to forsake the assembling of themselves together Such departure tends to the dissolution ruine of the body as the pulling of stones peâ—…ces of timber from the building of members from the naturall body tend to the destruction of the whole 2 It is theÌ„rfore the duty of Church-members in such times places when counsell may be had to consult with the Church wherof they are meÌ„mbers about their removall 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 the church may not consent therunto for in so doing they should not act in saith should pertake with him in his sinn If the case be doubtfull the person not to be perswaded it seemeth best to leave the matter unto God not forcibly to detayn him 4 Just reasoÌ„s for a meÌ„bers removall of himselfe from the church are I If a man caÌ„not continue without partakig in sinn II In case of personall persecution so Paul departed from the desciples at Damascus Also in case of generall persecution when all are scattered III In case of real not only pretended want of competent subsistence a door being opened for better supply in another place together with the meanes of spirituall edification In these or like cases a member may lawfully remove the church cannot lawfully detayne him 5 To seperate from a Church eyther out of contempt of their holy fellowship or out of 〈◊〉 or for greater inlargements with just greife to the church or out of 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of a spirit of 〈◊〉 in respect of some unkindness or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 only conceiâ—…ed or indeed in the Church which might should be tolèrated heared with a spirit of meekness of which evill the church is not yet coÌ„vinced though perhaps himselfe bee nor admonished for these or like reasons to withdraw from publick coÌ„munion in word or seales or censures is unlawfull sinfull 6 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 is apt to corrupt others which if many should follow would threaten the dissolution confusion of churches contrary to the Scripture 7 Order requires that a member thus removing have letters testimoniaâ—… of 〈◊〉 from the church wherof he yet is unto the church wherunto he desireth to be joyned lest the church shâ—…uld be deluded that the church may receive him in faith not be corrupted by receiving deceivers false brethren Untill the person dismissed be received into another church he ceaseth â—…ot by his letters of dismission to be a member of the church wherof he was The church canÌ„ot make a member no member but by excoÌ„munication 8 If a member be called to remove only for a time where a Church is letters of Recommendation are requisite sufficient for coÌ„munion with that church in the
church IIX To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition IX And as they shall be sent for to visit to pray over their sick brethren X at other times as opportunity shall serve therunto 3 The office of a Deacon is Instituted in the church by the Lord Jesus somtime they are called Helps The Scripture telleth us how they should be qualified Grave not double tougued not given to much wine not given to filthy lucre they must first be proved 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 to keep the treasury of the church therewith to serve the Tables which the church is to provide for as the Lords Table the table of the ministers of such as are in necessitie to whom they are to distribute in simplicity 4 The office therefore being limited unto the care of the temporall good things of the church it extends not unto the attendance upon administration of the spirituall things thereof as the word and Sacraments or the like 5 The ordinance of the Apostle practice of the church commends the Lords day as a fit time for the contributions of the Saints 6 The Instituting of all these officers in the Church is the work of God himselfe of the Lord Iesus Christ of the holy Ghost therefore such officers 〈◊〉 he hath not appointed are altogether unlawfull either to be placed in the church or to be retained therin are to be looked at as humane creatures meer Inventions 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 〈◊〉 Arch-â—…eacons Officials Commissaries the like These the rest of that Hierarchy Retinue not being plants of the Lords planting shall all be certeinly be rooted out cast forth 7 The Lord hath appointed ancient widdows where they may be had to minister in the church in giving attendance to the sick to give succour unto them others in the like necessities CHAP IIX Of the Electon of Church-Officers NO man may take the honour of a Church-Officer unto himself 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 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 〈◊〉 proveâ—… because hands are nâ—…t suddenly to be laid upon any both Elders Deacons must be of honest good repoâ—…t 4 The things in respect of which they are to be Tryed are those gifâ—…s virtues which the Scripture requireth in men that are to be elected into such places viz that Elders must be blamelesâ—… sober apt to teach endued with such other qualifications as are layd downe 1 Tim: 3 2. Tâ—…t 1. 6 to 9. Deacons to be fitted as is directed Acts. 6 3. 1 Tim: 3. 8 to 11. 5 Officers are to be called by such Churches whereunto they are to minâ—…ster of such moment is the preservation of this power that the churches excercised it in the presence of the Apostles 6 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 then do they becomâ—… subject most willingly submit to their ministry in the Lord whom they have so chosen 7 And if the church have powr to chuse their officers ministers then in case of manifest unworthyness delinquency they have powr also to depose them For to open shut to chuse refuse to constitute in office remove from office are acts belonging unto the same powr 8 Wee judge it much conducing to the wel-being communion of churches that where it may conveniently be done neighbour-churches be advâ—…sed withall their help made use of in the triall of church-officers in order to their choyce 9 The choyce of such Church-officers belongeth not to the civil-magistrates as such or diocesan-bishops or patrones for of these or any such like the Scripture is wholly silent as having any power therin CHAP IX Of Ordination Imposition of hands CHurch-officers are not only to be chosen by the Church but also to be ordeyned by Imposition of hands prayer with which at the ordination of Elders fasting also is to be joyned 2 This ordination wee account nothing else but the solemn putting of a man into his place office in the Church wher-unto he had right before by election being like the installing of a magistrat in the common wealth Ordination therefore is not to go before but to follow election the essence substance of the outward calling of an ordinary officer in the Church doth not consist in his ordination but in his voluntary free election by the Church in his accepting of that election wher-upon is founded the relation between Pastor flock between such a minister 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 Barnabas were officers before that Imposition of hands Acts. 13. 3. The posterity of Levi were Priests the Church that had powr to receive him into their fellowship hath also the same powr to cast him out that they have concerning any other member 7 Church-government or Rule is placed by Christ in the officers of the church who are therefore called Rulers while they rule with God yet in case of mal-administration they are subject to the power of the church according as hath been said before the Holy Ghost frequently yea alwayes where it mentioneth Church-Rule church-government ascribeth it to Elders wheras the work duty of the people is expressed in the phrase of obeying their Elders submiting themselves unto them in the Lord so as it is manifest that an organick or compleat church is a body politick consisting of some that are Governors some that are governed in the Lord 8 The powr which Christ hath committed to the Elders is to feed rule the church of God 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 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 weighty cause becaus such practices are manifestly contrary unto
A PLATFORM OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE GATHERED OUT OF THE WORD OF GOD AND AGREED UPON BY THE ELDERS AND MESSENGERS OF THE CHURCHES ASSEMBLED IN THE SYNOD OF CAMBRIDGE IN NEW ENGLAND To be presented to the Churches and Generall Court for their consideration and acceptance in the Lord The Eight Moneth Anno 1649 Psal 84 1. How amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord of Hosts Psal 26. 8. Lord I have loved the habitation of thy house the place where thâ—…ne honour dwelleth Psal 27. 4. One thing have I desired of the Lord that will I seek after â—…hat I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the dayes of my life to behold the Beauty of the Lord to inquire in his Temple Printed by S G at Cambridge in New England and are to be sold at Cambridge and Boston Anno Dom 1649. THE PREFACE THE setting forth of the Publick Confâ—…ssion of the Faith of Churchâ—… atâ—… a 〈◊〉 â—…d 〈◊〉 bâ—…h tenâ—…ing to puplic 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of the faâ—…h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seâ—…f secondly thâ—… holding 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Unâ—…ty Harmâ—… both amongst with other Churches Our Chuâ—…es hâ—…e as â—…y the grace of Chrâ—…st wee beleive profess the samâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…e 〈◊〉 â—…f â—…he Gospell which generally is received in â—…ll the reformed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…st in â—…rope so 〈◊〉 wee desire not to vary fâ—…om the â—…octrine of fâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…eld foâ—… by â—…he churches of our natâ—…ve country For though it be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that can breed vs 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 minâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wâ—…e for to havâ—… the glorâ—…ous faâ—…h of our Lord Iesus wâ—…th respect of persons yet as Pâ—…ul who waâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…rofessed to hold forth the doctrine of justâ—…fication by faith of thâ—… 〈◊〉 of the deâ—… 〈◊〉 as he know his godly countrymen did who were â—…wes by nature Galaâ—… 2. 15. Acts 26. 6 7. soe wee who are by nature Engâ—…sh mâ—…n dâ—… dâ—…sire to hold forth the sâ—…me 〈◊〉 of religion especially 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whâ—… wee see knâ—…w to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by thâ—… churches of England accorâ—…g to the truth of the Gospell The more wee 〈◊〉 that which wee doe have cause to doe with incessant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉 unbrâ—…therly unchristian contentions of our godly brethrâ—…n countrymen â—…n matters of church-government he more ernâ—…stly doâ—… wee desire to see thâ—…m joyned together in one common faith our selves wâ—… 〈◊〉 For thâ—…s â—…nd hâ—…ng perused the publâ—…k confession of faith agreed uponly the Reverend assembly of Dâ—…ines at 〈◊〉 findâ—…ng the sumâ—… suâ—…stance therof in matters of doctrine to express not thâ—… own judgements oâ—…ly 〈◊〉 oâ—…rs also and being likewise called upon by our godly Magâ—…strates to dâ—…w up a publick 〈◊〉 of that fâ—…ith which is constanâ—…ly taught generaâ—…y 〈◊〉 amongst us wee thought good to pâ—…esent â—…nto them with them to our 〈◊〉 wâ—…h them to all the churchâ—…s of Christ abroad our profâ—…ssed hearty 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to thâ—… whole 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 faith fâ—…r 〈◊〉 of dâ—…ctrine which 〈◊〉 Reverend 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hâ—…nourable 〈◊〉 of Englâ—… Excepâ—…ing only some 〈◊〉 in the 25 30 31. Câ—…apters of their confâ—…ssion whicâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of conâ—…roversie in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whiâ—… wee refâ—…re our selves to the draught of church-discpline in the ensueing treatise The truth of what we here declare may appear by the unanimous voâ—…e of the Synod of the Elders messengers of our churches assembled at Cambridg the last of the sixth month 1648 woâ—…ch ioyntly passed in these words This Synod having perused considered with much gladness of heart thankfullness to God the coÌ„fession of faith published â—…f late by the Reverend Assembly in England doe judge it to be very holy orthodox judicious in all matters of faith doe therfore freely fully consent therunto for the substance therof Only in those things which have respect to church government discipline wee refer our selves to the platform of church-discipline agreed upon by this present asseÌ„â—…ly doe therfore think it meet that this confession of faith should be coÌ„mended to the churces of Christ amongst us to the Honoured Court as worthy of their due consideration acceptance Howbeâ—… wee may not conceal that the doctrine of vocation expressed in Chap 10. S 1. summarily repeated Chap 13. 1. passed not without some debate Yet considering that the term of vocation others by which it is described are capable of a larg or more strict sense use and that it is not intended to bind apprehensions precisely in poâ—…t of order or method there hath been a generall condescendency therunto Now by this our professed consent free concurrence with them in all the doctrinalls of religion wee hope it may appear to the world that as wee are a remnant of the people of the same nation with them so wee are professors of the same common faith fellow heyres of the same common salvation Yea moreover as this our profession of the same faith with them will exempt us even in their judgmeÌ„ts from suspicion of heresy so wee trust it may exempt us in the like sort from suspicion of schism that though wee are forced to dissent 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 carryed with uncharitable censoriousness towards them both which are the proper essentiall charracters of schism but in meekness of wâ—…sdom as wee walk along wâ—…th them follow them as they follow Christ so where wee 〈◊〉 a â—…fferent apprehention of the mind of Christ as it faileth out in some few points 〈◊〉 church-order wee still reserve due reverence to them whom wee judge to be thâ—…ough Chrâ—…st the glorious lâ—…ghts of both nations only crave leave as in spirit wee are bound to follow the Lamb wâ—…thersoever he goeth after the Apostles example as wee beleâ—…ve so wee speak And if the example of such poor outcasts as our selves might prevaile if not with all for that were too great a blessing to hope foâ—… yet with some or other of our brethren in England so farr as they are come to â—…ind speake the same thing with such as dissent from them wee hope in Christ it would not onely moderate the harsh judging and condemning of one another in such differences of judgment as may be found in 〈◊〉 châ—…ysest saâ—…nts but also preven â—…y the mercy of 〈◊〉 the perill of the distraction 〈◊〉 of all the churches 〈◊〉 both kâ—…ngdoms Otherwise if brethren shall goe on to bite devoure one another the Apoâ—… feareâ—… as wee alsâ—… â—…th sâ—…dness of 〈◊〉 aâ—… 〈◊〉 will tend to the 〈◊〉 of them 〈◊〉 whâ—…ch tâ—…e Loâ—…d prevent Wee are not ignorant that besides these 〈◊〉 of Heresy Schisâ—… other exceptions also are takâ—…n at our wâ—…y of church governâ—… 〈◊〉 as wee conceâ—… uâ—…
place that the unworthy may be duely proceeded against by the Church to whom this matter doth appertaine CHAP XV Of the coÌ„munion of Churches one with another ALthough Churches be distinct therfore may not be confouÌ„ded one with another equall therfore 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 mysticall but as a politicall head whence is derived a communion suitable therunto 2 The communion of Churches is exercised sundry wayes I By way of mutuall care in taking thought for one anothers wellfare II By way of Consultation one with another when wee have occasion to require the judgment counsell of other churches touching any person or cause wherwith they may be better acquainted then our selves As the church of Antioch consulted with the Apostles Elders of the church at Ierusalem about the question of circumcision of the gentiles about the false teachers that broached that doctrine In which case when any Church wanteth light or peace amongst themselves it is a way of communion of churches according to the word to meet tâ—…ether by their Elders other messengers in a synod to consider argue the points in doubt or dâ—…fference haveing found out the way of truth peace to commend the same by their letters messengers to the churches whom the same may concern But if a Church be rent with divisions amongst themselves or ly 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 to other churches as bewraying too much want of mercy faithfulness not to seek to bind up the breaches wounds of the church brethren therfore the state of such a church calleth aloud upon other churches to excercise a fuller act of brotherly communion to witt by way of admonition III A third way then of coÌ„munion of churches is by way of admonition to witt in case any publick offeÌ„ce be found in a church which they either discern not or are slow in proceeding to use the meaÌ„es for the removing 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 then one Apostle had over another yet as one Apostle might admonish another so may one church admonish another yet without usurpation In which case if the church that lyeth under offence do not harken to the church which doth admonish her the church is to aquait other neighbour-churches with that offeÌ„ce which the offending church still lyeth under together with their neglect of the brotherly admonition given unto them wherupon those other churches are to joyn in seconding the admonitioÌ„ formerly giveÌ„ and if still the offeÌ„ding church continue in obstinacy impenitency they may forbear communion with them are to proceed to make use of the help of a Synod or counsell of neighbour-churches walkig orderly if a greater canÌ„ot convenieÌ„tly be had for their conviction If they hear not the Synod the Synod having declared them to be obstinate particular churches approving accepting of the judgmeÌ„t of the Synod are to declare the sentence of non-coÌ„munion respectively concerning them therupon out of a religious care to keep their own communion pure they may justly withdraw themselves from participation with them at the Lords table from such other acts of holy coÌ„mâ—…ion as the communion of churches doth otherwise allow require Nevertheless if any members of such a church as lyeth under publick offence doâ—… not consent to the offence of the church but doe in due sort beare witness against it they are still to be received to wonted communion for it is not equall that the inâ—…cent should suffer with the offensive Yea furthermore if such innocent members after due wayting in the use of all good meanes for the healing of the offence of their â—…wn church shall at last with the allowaÌ„ce of the counsel of ne ghâ—…our-churches withdraw from the fellowship of their own châ—…ch 〈◊〉 offer themselves to the fellowship of another wee judge it lawll for the other church to receive them being otherwise fitt as if they had been orderly dismissed to them from their own churcâ—… IV A fourth way of communion of churches is by way of participâ—…n the members of one church occasionâ—…lly comming unto another wee willingly admitt tâ—…em to 〈◊〉 with us at the Lords tâ—…le it being the seale of our communion not only with Christ nor oâ—…ly with the members of our own church but also with all the churches of the saints in which regard wee refuse not to baptize their children presented to us if either their own minister be absent or such a fruite of holy fellowshâ—…p be desired with us In like case sâ—…ch churches as are furnished with more ministers then one doe willingly afford one of their own ministers to supply the place of an absent or sâ—…ck minister of another church for a needfull season V A fifth way of Church-communion is by way of â—…mendation when a member of one church hath occasion to reside in another church if but for a season wee coÌ„mend him to their watchfâ—…ll ffellowshâ—…p by letters of recommendation but if he be 〈◊〉 to settle his abode there wee commit him according to hâ—…s desire to the ffellowship of their covenant by letters of dâ—…smission VI A sixt way of Church-communion is in case of Neâ—… to minister reliefe succour one unto another 〈◊〉 of able members to furnish them with officers or of outward â—…pport to the necessityes of poorer churches as did the 〈◊〉 of the Gentiles contribute liberally to the poor sâ—…ints at Ierusalem 3 When a compaÌ„y of beleivers purpose to gather into church fellowship it is requisite for their saâ—…er proceeding the maintaining of the communion of churches that they signâ—…fie their intent unto the neighbour-churches walking according unto the order of the Gospel desire their presence help right hand of fellowship which they ought readily to give unto them when their is no just cause of excepting against their proceedings 4 Besides these severall wayes of communion there is also a way of propagation of churches when a church shall grow too numerous it is a way fitt season to propagate one Church out of an other by sending forth such of their meÌ„bers as are willing to remove to procure some officers to them as may enter with them into church-estate amongst themselves as Bees when the hive is too full issue forth by swarmes are gathered into other hives soe the Churches of Christ may doe the same upon like necessity therin hold forth
to theÌ„ the right hand of fellowship both in their gathering into a church in the ordination of their officers CHAP XVI Of Synods SYnods orderly assembled rightly proceeding according to the pattern Acts. 15. wee acknowledg as the ordinance of Christ though not absolutely necessary to the being yet many times through the iniquity of men perversness of times necessary to the wel-being of churches for the establishment of truth peace therin 2 Synods being spirituall ecclesiasticall assemblyes are therfore made up of spirituall ecclesiasticall causes The next efficient cause of them under Christ is the powr of the churches sending forth their Elders other messengers who being mett together in the name of Christ are the matter of the Synod they in argueing debating determining matters of religion according to the word publishing the same to the churches whom it concerneth doe put forth the proper formall acts of a Synod to the convictioÌ„ of errours heresyes the establishment of truth peace in the Churches which is the end of a Synod 3 Magistrates have powr to call a Synod by calling to the Churches to send fâ—…rth their Elders other messengers to counsel assist them in matters of relâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…t yeâ—…t the constituting of a Synod is a church act may be tâ—…d by the churches even when civil magistrates may be enemyes to churches to churchassemblyes 4 It belâ—…ngeth unto Synod counselâ—… to debate determine controversies of faith caâ—… of consâ—… to cleare from the word holy directions for the â—…ly worshâ—…p of God good government of the church to beare witâ—… against â—…al administration Corruption in doctrine or manÌ„ers in any particular Church 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 Synodâ—… directions determinations so farr as consonant to the word of God are to be received with reverence submission not only for their agreement therwith which is the â—…ncipall ground therof without which they bind not at all â—…t also secondâ—…ly for the powr wherby they are made as being an ordinance of God appointed therunto in his word 6 Bâ—… is dâ—…ficult if not impossible for many churches to câ—… altogether in one place â—…n all theirâ—…â—…rs universally therfore they may assemble by their delegates oâ—… messengers as the church of Antioch went not all to Ierusalem but some select men for that purpose Because none are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be more fitt to know the state of the churches not to advise of wayes for the good thereof then Elders therfore it is fitt that in the choice of the messengers for such assemblies they have special respect uÌ„to such Yet in as much as not only Paul Barnabas but certayn others also were sent to Ierusalem from Antioch Acts 15. when they were come to Ierusalem 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 powr in matters Eâ—…câ—…esâ—…l IT is lawfull profitable necessary for christians to gather themselves into Church estate therin to exercise all the ordâ—… of chrâ—…st according unto the word although the consent of Magistrate could not be had therunto because the Apostles christâ—…ans in their time did frequently thus practise when the Magistrates being all of them Jewish or pagan mostly persecuting enemies would give no countenance or consent to such matters 2 Church-government stands in no opposition to civil goveâ—…ment of coÌ„mon-welths nor any intrencheth upon the authority of Civil Magistrates in their jurisdictions nor any whit weakneth their handâ—… in governing but rather strengthneth them farthereth the people in yielding more hearty conscâ—…onable obedience uÌ„tâ—… theâ—… whatsoever some ill affected persons to the wayes of Christ have suggested to alienate the affections of Kings Princes from the ordinance of Christ as if the kingdome of Christ in his church could not rise stand without the falling weakning of their government which is alâ—…o of Christ wheras the contrary is most true that they may both stand together flourish the one being helpfull unto the other in their distinct dâ—… administrations 3 The powr authority of Magistrates is not for the restraâ—…ing of churches 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 â—…ghted or lightly esteemed but on the contrary it is part of that honâ—…ur 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 comfort 4 It is not in the powr of Magistrates to compell their sâ—…bjects to become church-members to partake at the Lords table for the priests are reproved that brought â—…worthy ones into the â—…tuarie then as it was unlawfull for the preists so it is as unlawfull to be done by civil Magistrates Those whom the church is to cast out if they were in the Magistrate ought not 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 sâ—… 〈◊〉 it â—…wfull for the Magistrate to meddle with the work pâ—…per to câ—…ch officers the Acts of Moâ—… Davâ—…d who were not only Pâ—… but Pâ—… were exâ—… therfore not â—…ble Agâ—…â—…n 〈◊〉 the Lâ—…d witâ—… by 〈◊〉 Uzzâ—…h wâ—… 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 to offer 〈◊〉 6 It is the duty of the Maâ—… to take â—…e of matters of relâ—…gion to â—…nprove his â—…l authoâ—…ty for the obleâ—…ing of the duties commanded in the first is well as for observing of the duties commanded in the second table They are called Gods The end of the Magistrateâ—… office is not only the qâ—… pâ—…ble lâ—…fe of the subjâ—…t in 〈◊〉 of rigâ—… hoâ—…ty but also in matter of â—…ss yea of all 〈◊〉 Mâ—… jâ—… Dâ—… Sâ—… Asa Jehoshaphat Hezekiah Josiah 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 not only the Kings of Judah but also Job Neheâ—…h the king of Ninâ—…veh Darius Artaxerxes Nebucadâ—…ezar whom none looked at as types of Christ thouh were it soe there were no place for any just objection are coÌ„meÌ„ded in the book of God for exercising their authority this way 7 The object of the powr of the Magistrate