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
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
as liâ—…le 〈◊〉 As 1 That by admitting none into the fellowship of our Church but saints by câ—…lling wee 〈◊〉 pâ—…sh-churches of thâ—… bâ—…st 〈◊〉 to make up one of oâ—…r congâ—…gations which is not oâ—…ly to gather churches oâ—…t of churches a thâ—…ng 〈◊〉 â—…f â—…n Scâ—…pture but also to weaken the hearts hands of the best Ministâ—…rs â—…n thâ—… parâ—…shes by dâ—…spoyling them of thâ—…â—…st â—…earers 2 That wee provide no course for the gayning 〈◊〉 in of ignorant erronious 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whom wee 〈◊〉 to receive into our churches so exclude from the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 3 That in our way wee sow seedâ—… of division hâ—…ndrance of edificatâ—…oÌ„ in every fâ—…ly whilst admitting into our churches only voluntarâ—…es the husbaÌ„d wâ—…ll be â—…f onâ—… church the wife of another the parent of one church the children of 〈◊〉 the maâ—…ster of one châ—…rch the servant of another And so the parent maâ—…sters being of dâ—…fferent churches from their childâ—…n servants tâ—…ey cannot take a jâ—…st â—…ccount of their profiting by what they heare yea by this 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 parents maâ—…sters shall be chargable to tâ—…e 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 other churcâ—…es church-officerâ—… besides their own which will prove a charge bâ—…rden unsuppoâ—…ble 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as to 〈◊〉 Foâ—… 〈◊〉 churches out of churches wee cannot sâ—…y tâ—… it is a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The â—…st 〈◊〉 church was 〈◊〉 out â—…f the Iewâ—…sh 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that church 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…f 〈◊〉 partâ—…y of 〈◊〉 Gaâ—…leans who though tâ—…y kâ—…pt some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 parts of puâ—…k 〈◊〉 wiâ—…h the Tâ—…ple yet 〈◊〉 thâ—… 〈◊〉 thâ—…y frequenâ—… thâ—… 〈◊〉 noâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the 〈◊〉 of their 〈◊〉 causes bâ—…t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the Apostles câ—…ch â—…ll â—…he ordâ—…nances of the gosâ—… And for the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 church of the 〈◊〉 at Antoch it appeâ—…reth 〈◊〉 â—…ve â—…een gâ—…hered 〈◊〉 partly of the â—…sed bâ—…hren of the 〈◊〉 at Ierusâ—…lem wheâ—…of soâ—… were men of Cyprus and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Acts â—…1 20 21. If it be saâ—…d the fiâ—…st christâ—…an church at Ierusâ—…lem that at Antioch were gathered not out of any châ—…stian church but out of the Jewish 〈◊〉 and Synagogues which were shortly aftâ—…r to be abolished their gathering to Antâ—…och was upon occasion of dispersion in time of persecution Wee dâ—…sire it may be considered I That the members of the Iewish Church were more strongly and stâ—…tly tyed by express holy covenant to keep fellowshâ—…p with the Iewish church tâ—…ll it was abol shed then any members of christian parish-churches are wont to be tyed to keep fellowshâ—…p with their parâ—…sh-churches The Episcopall Canonâ—… which bind them to attend on thâ—…er parish church it is likely they aâ—…e now abolished with the Episcopaâ—…y The common Law â—…f the Land is satisfy a as wee concive if they attend upon the worship of God in any other church though not 〈◊〉 their own parish But no such like covenant of God nor any other religious 〈◊〉 upon them to attend the worship of God in their own parâ—…sh church as did lye upâ—…n the Iewes to attend upon the woâ—…ship of God in their Temple and Synagogue 2 Tâ—…ugh the Iewâ—…sh Temple Church at Ierusâ—…em was to be abolisâ—… vet that doeth not make the desertion of it by the members to be lawfull â—…ll 〈◊〉 was alâ—…o sheâ—… Future abolition is now errant for present deseâ—…o unless it be lawfull â—…n some case 〈◊〉 the chuâ—…chis yet in present staâ—…ding to 〈◊〉 to witt either for avoyding of present polutions or for hope of greater 〈◊〉 and so fâ—…r better 〈◊〉 to conscience in either future events 〈◊〉 forâ—… of 〈◊〉 to not â—…olve present relatâ—…on Else wives children servants might desert 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 paâ—…ents â—…asters when they be mortally sick 3 What the members of the Iewish châ—…ch did 〈◊〉 to the church aâ—… Antioch in time of persecution it may wâ—…ll be conâ—…ved â—…e 〈◊〉 of any christ an church may dâ—… the lik for satisfaction of conâ—… Peâ—…ce of 〈◊〉 is mâ—…re 〈◊〉 then the peâ—…ce of the outwaâ—…d 〈◊〉 â—…nd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of consâ—…eÌ„ce is mâ—…re 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to a sincere heaâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 If it be sâ—…d these members of the Christ an Châ—…ch at 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that joyned to the church at Antioch removed their 〈◊〉 together with thâ—…r relations which â—…f the brethren of the 〈◊〉 way 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it wâ—…ll much abate the grievance of their departâ—… from their presbyter all churcheâ—… Wee verily could wâ—…sh them â—…o to aâ—… as â—…ll approvâ—…ng the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…bitation â—…n case of châ—…ging church-relationâ—… 〈◊〉 that it may be done wiâ—…hout too much â—…riment to their outward estate â—…nd wâ—… for our paâ—…tes have done tâ—…e same But to put a necessiâ—…y of removall of habiâ—…â—…n in such 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to foâ—…nt and cherish a corrupt principle of making civâ—…l â—…ation if â—…ot a 〈◊〉 cause yet at least a proper adiunct of church-relation which the truth of the Gospel doâ—…h noâ—… acknoâ—…ledg Now to 〈◊〉 an errour to the prejudice of the trâ—…th of the Gospell is noâ—… to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the truth of the Gâ—…pel as Paul 〈◊〉 Galat. 2. 14. 4 Wee do not think it meet or safe for a meâ—…ber of a presbyteriall Church foâ—… with to desert his relation to his Church betake himself to the fellowship of a 〈◊〉 Church though he may dâ—…scern some defâ—…ct in the estate or government of his owne For 1 Faithfullness of brotherly love in Church-relation requireth that the members of the Church shâ—…ld first convince their brethren of their sinfull defects duely wait for their reformation befâ—…re they depart from them For if wee must take such a course for the healing of a private brother in a way of brotherly love with much â—…eekness patience how more more ought wee so to walk with like tendrness towards a whole church Again 2 By the hasty departure of â—…ound members from a defective church refoâ—…mation is not promoted but many times retarded corruption increased Wheras â—…n the contrary while sincere members breathing after purity of reformation abide together they may by the blessing of God upon their faithfull endeavours prevaâ—…le much with their Elders neighbours towards a reformation â—…t may be so 〈◊〉 as that their Elders in their own church shall receive none to the Lord table â—…ut visible saints in the Classis shall put forth no authoritive â—…ct but câ—…tive only touching the members of other churches nor touching their own but 〈◊〉 the consent sileÌ„t consent at least of their own church which two things 〈◊〉 tâ—…ey can â—…bteyn with any humble meek holy faithfull endeavours wee 〈◊〉 they might by the grace of Christ find liberty â—…f conscâ—…ce to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 relation with their own preâ—…byteriall church wâ—…hout scruâ—…le 5 â—…t to add a word fartheâ—… 〈◊〉 the gathering of Câ—…urches out of Châ—…rches what â—…f theâ—…e weâ—…e â—…o express exampâ—…â—…f such a
Testament which gave no being unto the church the church being before it in the wilderne without it seals presuppose a covenant already in being one person is a compleat subiect of Baptism but one person is uncapable of being a church 6 All believers ought as God giveth them opportunity there unto to endeavour to joyn themselves unto a particular church that in respect of the honour of Jesus Christ in his example Institution by the professed acknowledgment of subiection unto the order ordinances of the Gospel as also in respect of their good of communion founded upon their visible union containd in the promises of Christs special presence in the thurch whence they have fellowship with him in him one with another also for the keeping of them in the way of Gods commandmâ—…nts recovering of them in case of wandring which all Christs sheep are subiect to in this life being unable to returne of themselves together with the benefit of their mutual edification and of their posterity thâ—…t they may not be â—…ut of from tâ—…e priviledges of the covenanâ—… otherwis if a believer offends he remaines destitute of the remedy proviâ—…ed in that behalf should all believers neglect this duty of â—…yning to all particular congregations it might follow therupon that 〈◊〉 should hâ—…ve no visible political câ—…rches upon earth CHAP V. Of the first subject of church powr or to whom church powr doth first 〈◊〉 THe first subject of church powr is eyther Supream or Subordinat Ministerial the Supream by way of gift from the father is the Lord Iesus Christ the Ministerial is either extraordinary as the Apostles Prophets Evangilists or Ordinary as every particular Congregational church 2 Ordinary church powr is either the power of office that is such as is proper to the eldership or power of priviledge such as be longs unto the brotherhood the latter is in the brethren formally immediately from Christ that is so as it may according to order be acted or excercised immediately by themselves the former is not in them formâ—…lly or immediately therfore cannot be acted or excercised immediately by them but is said to be in them in that they design the persons unto office who only are to act or to excercise this power CHAP VI Of the Officers of the Church especially of Pastors Teachers A Church being a company of people combined together by covenant for the worship of God it appeareth therby that there may be the 〈◊〉 being of a church without any officers seeing there is botâ—… 〈◊〉 and matter of a church which is implyed when it iâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ordained elders in 〈◊〉 â—…urch 2 〈◊〉 though 〈◊〉 be not 〈◊〉 necessâ—…ry to the simple being of churches when thâ—…y be 〈◊〉 yet ordinarily to their calling they are and to their well being and therfore the Lord Iesus out of his tender compassion hath appointed and ordained officers which he would not have done if they had not been usefull need full for the church yea being Ascended into heaven he received gifts for men and gave gifts to men whereof officers for the church are Justly accounted no small parts they being to continue to the end of the world and for the perfecting of all the Saints 3 These officers were either extraordinary or ordinary extraordinary as Apostles Prphets Evangilists ordinary as Elders 〈◊〉 The Apostles Prophets Evangelists as they were called extraordinarily by Christ so their office ended with themselves whence it is that Paul directing Timothy how to carry along Church-Administrations Giveth no direction about the choice or course of Apostles Propheâ—… or Evangeâ—…sts but only of Elders Deacons when Paul was to take his last leave of the church of Epheâ—…s he commited the care of feeding the church to â—…o ther but unto the Elders of that church The like câ—…rge doth 〈◊〉 commit to the Elders 4 Of 〈◊〉 who are also in Scripture called â—…shops Some attend chiefly to the ministry of the word Aâ—… the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Teachers Others attend especially unto Râ—…le who are therfore called Rulâ—…ng Elders 5 The office of Pastor Teacher appears to be distinct The Pastors special work is to attend to exhâ—…tation therein to Administer a word of Wisdom the Teacher is to attend to Dâ—…mo therein to Administer a word of Knowledg either of them to administer the Seales of that Covenant unto the dispensation wherof the are alike called as also to execute the Censuâ—…e being but a kind of application of the word the preaching of which together with the application therof they are alike charged withall 6 And for as much as both Pastors Teachers are given by Christ for the perfecting of the Saints edifying of his body which Saints body of Christ is his church Therfore wee account Pastors Teacher to be both of them church-officers not the Pastor for the church the Teacher only for the Schools Though this wee gladly acknowledg that Schoole are both lawfull profitable necessary for the trayning up of such in good Litrature or learning as may afterwards be called forth unto office of Pastor or Teacher in the church CHAP VII Of Ruling Elders Deacons THe Ruling Elders office is distinct from the office of Pastor Teacher The Ruling Elders are not so called to exclude the Pastors Teachers from Ruling because Ruling Governâ—…ng is common to these with the other wheras attending to teach and preach the word is peculiar unto the former 2 The Ruling Eâ—…er work is to joyn with the Pastor Teacher in those acts of spiritual Rubc which are distinct from the ministry of the word Sacraments committed to them of which sort these be as followeth 1 to open shutâ—… the dores of Gods house by the Admission of members approved by the church by Ordination of officers chosen by the church by excommunication of notorious obstinate offenders renounced by the church by restoring of poenitents forgiveÌ„ by the church II To call the church together when there is occasion seasonably to dismiss them agayn III To prepare matters in private that in publick they may be carried an end with less trouble more speedy dispatch IV To moderate the carriage of all matter in the church assembled as to propound matters to the church to Order the season of speech silence to pronounce sentence according to the minde of Christ with the consent of the church V To be Guides leaders to the church in all matters what-soever pertaining to church administrations actions VI To see that none in the church live inordinately out of rank place without a calling or Idlely in their calling VII To prevent heal such offences in life or in doctrin as might corrupt the
order government in-lets of disturbance tend to confusion 9 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 to prepare them for the churches hearing In handling of offences other matters before the Church they have powr to declare publish the Counsell will of God touching the same to pronounce sentence with consent of the Church Lastly they have powr when they dismiss the people to bless them in the name of the Lord 10 This powr of Government in the Elders doth not any wise prejudice the powr of priviledg in the brotherhood as neither the powr of priviledg in the brethren doth prejudice the power of government in the Elders but they may sweetly agree together as wee may see in the example of the Apostles furnished with the greatest church-powr who took in the concurrence consent of the brethren in church-administrations Also that Scripture 2 Cor 2. 9. chap 10 6. doe declare that what the churches were to act doe in these matters they were to doe in a way of obedience that not only to the direction of the Apostles but also of their ordinary Elders 11 From the premisses namely that the ordinary powr of Government belonging only to the elders powr of priviledg remaineth with the brotherhood as powr of judgment in masters of censure powr of liberty in matters of liberty It followeth that in an organick Church right administration all church acts proceed after the manner of a mixt administration so as no church act can be consummated or perfected without the consent of both CHAP XI Of the maintenance of Church Officers THe Apostle concludes that necessary sufficient maintenance is due unto the ministers of the word from the law of nature nations from the law of Moses the equity thereof as also the rule of common reason moreover the scripture doth not only call Elders labourers workmen but also speaking o◅ them doth say that the labourer is worthy of his hire requires that he which is taught in the word should communicate to him in all good things mentions it as an ordinance of the Lord that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel forbideth the muzl◅ng of the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn 2 The Scriptures alledged requiring this maintenance as a bounden duty du◅◅eci not as a matter of almes free gift therefore people are not at liberty to doe or not to doe what when they pleas in this matter no more then in any other commanded duty ordinance of the Lord but ought of duty to minister of their ca◅ail ◅ngs to them that labour amongst them in the word doctrine as well as they ought to pay any other work men their wages or to discharge 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 communicate to him that teacheth ◅ad good things doth not leave it arbitrary what or how much a man shall give or in what prop◅on but even the later as well as the former is prescribed appointed by the Lord 4 Not only members of Churches but all that are taught in in the word 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 doe their duty if their call sufficeth not the church by her powr is to require it of their members where church-powr through the corruption of men doth not or can̄ot attaine the end the Magistrate is to see ministry be duely provided for as appeares from the commended example of Nehemiah The Magistrates are nursing fathers nursing mothers stand charged with the custody of both Tables because it is better to prevent a scandal that it may not come easier also then to remove it when it is given It s most suitable to Rule that by the churches care each man should know his proportion according to rule what he should doe before he doe it that so his iudgment heart may be satisfied in what he doeth 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 doe 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 therto as members ought to be examined tryed first whether they be fit meet to be received into church-society or not The Evnuch of Aethiopia before his admission was examined by Philip whether he did beleive on Jesus Christ with all his heart the Auged of the church at Ephesus is commended for trying such as said they were Apostles were not There is like reason for trying of them that profess themselves to be beleivers The officers are charged with the keeping of the doors of the Church therfore are in a special man̄er to make try all of the fitnes of such who enter Twelve Angels are set at the gates of the Tem ple lest such as were Ceremonially unclean should enter therinto 2 The things which are requisite to be found in all church members are Repentance from sin saith in Jesus Christ And therfore these are the things wherof men are to be examined at their admission into the church which then they must profess hold forth in such sort as may satisfie rationall charity that the things are there indeed Iohn Baptist admitted men to Baptism confessing bewayling their sinns of other it is said that they came confessed shewed their deeds 3 The weakest measure of faith is to be accepted in t◅ose that desire to be admitted into the church becaus weak christians if sincere have the substance of that faith repentance holiness which is required in church members such have most need of the ordinances for their confirmation growth in grace The Lord Jesus would not quench the smoaking flax nor breake the bruised reed but gather the tender lambes in his arms carry them gently in his bosome Such charity tenderness is to be used as the weakest christian if sincere may not be excluded nor discouraged Severity of examination is to be avoyded 4 In case any through excessive fear or other infirmity be unable to make their personal relation of their spirituall estate in publick it is sufficient that the Elders having received private satisfaction make relation therof in publick before the church they testifying their assents therunto this being the way that tendeth most to edification But
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
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—…
ordinance in their watch as Phoebe a servaÌ„t of the church at Cencâ—…ea had letters writteÌ„ for her to the church of Rome that shee might be received as becoÌ„â—…eth saints 9 Such letters of Recommendation 〈◊〉 were written for Apollos For Marcus to the Colâ—…siaÌ„ for Phoebe to the RomaÌ„eâ—… for suÌ„dry others to other churches the Apostle telleth uâ—… that some persons not sufficiently known otherwise have special need of such letterâ—… though he for his part had no need therof The uâ—…e of them â—…s to be a benefit help to the party for whom they are writteÌ„ for the furthering of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 amongst the Saints in the plâ—… wheâ—…to 〈◊〉 goeth the dâ—…e satâ—…faction of them in their receiving of hâ—…m CHAP XIV Of excommunication other Censures THe Censures of the church are appointed by Christ for the preventâ—…ng removing healing of offences in the Church for the reclayming gayning of offending brethren for the deterring of others from the like oâ—…eces for purging out the leaven which may infect the whole lump for vindicating the honour of Christ of his church the holy profession of the gospel for preventing of the wrath of God that may justly fall upon the church if they should suffer his covenant the sâ—…ales therof to be prophaned by notorious obstinate offenders 2 If an offence be privâ—… one brother offending another the offender is to goe acknowledg his repentaÌ„ce for it unto his offended brother who is then to forgive him but if the â—…ffender neglect or refuâ—…e to doe it the brother offeÌ„ded is to goe coÌ„vince admonish him of it between themselves privatly â—…f therupon the offender bee brought to repent of his offeÌ„ce the admonisher hath won his brother but if the offender heare not his brother the brother offended is to take with him one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witneses every word may be established whether the word of admonition if the offender receive it or the word of complaint if he refuse it for if hè refuse it the offeÌ„ded brother is by the mouth of the Elders to tell the church if he heare the church declare the same by peâ—…teÌ„t confession he is recovered gayned if the church discern him to be willing to hear yet not fully coÌ„vâ—…ced of his offence as in case â—…f heresy They are to dispeÌ„ce to him a publick admonition which declaring the offeÌ„der to ly under the publâ—…ck offence of the church doth tâ—…e by with-hold or suspend him from the holy fellowshâ—…p of the Lords sâ—…pper till his offence be removed by penitent coÌ„fession If he â—…ll 〈◊〉 obstinate they are to call him out by excoÌ„n unicâ—…tion 3 But if the offeÌ„ce be more 〈◊〉 at first of a more â—…ous 〈◊〉 to wit such as are condeÌ„â—…ed by the light of nature then the church wâ—…thout such graduall proceeding is to cast out the offender from therâ—… holy coÌ„munior for the further mortifying of his 〈◊〉 the healing of his soule in the day of the Lord Jesus 4 In dealing with an offeÌ„der great care is to be takeÌ„ that wee be neither overstrict or rigorous nor too indulgent or remiss our proceeding hereâ—… ouâ—…ht to be with a spirit of â—…ekness considering our selves lâ—…st wee also be teÌ„pted that the best of us have need of much forg 〈◊〉 from the Lord Yet the winiÌ„g healiÌ„g of the offeÌ„ders soul being the end of theâ—…e eÌ„deavours wee must not daub with uÌ„tempered morter nor heal the wounds of our brethren sleightly on some have compâ—…oÌ„ others save with fear 5 While the offender remayns excoÌ„municate the Church is to refrayn from all member-like communion with him in spirituall things also from all familiar coÌ„munioÌ„ with him in civil things farther then the necessity of natural or domestical or civil relatioÌ„s doe require are therfore to for bear to eat drike with him that he may be 〈◊〉 6 ExcoÌ„munication being a spirituall punishment it doth not prejudice the excoÌ„municate in nor deprive him of his civil rights therfore toucheth not princes or other magistrates in point of their civil dignity or authority And the excoÌ„municate being but as a publican a heathen heathens being lawfully permitted to come to hear the word in church assemblyes wee acknowledg therfore the like liberty of hearing the word may be permitted to persons excommunicate that is permitted unto heathen And because wee are not without hope of his recovery wee are not to account him as an enemy but to admonish him as a brother 7 If the Lord sanctifie the censure to the offender so as by the grace of Christ he doth testifie his repentance with humble coÌ„fession of his sinn judging of himselfe giving glory unto God the Church is then to forgive him to comfort him to restore him to the wonted brotherly communion which formerly he injoyed with them 8 The suffring of prophane or scandalous livers to continue in fellowship partake in the sacraments is doubtless a great sinn in those that have power in their hands to redress it doe it not Nevertheless inasmuch as Christ his Apostles in their times the Prophets other godly in theirs did lawfully partake of the Lords commanded ordinances in the Jewish church neyther taught nor practised seperation from the same though unworthy ones were permitted therin inasmuch as the faithfull in the church of Corinth wherin were many unworthy persons practises are never commanded to absent themselves from the SacrameÌ„ts because of the same therfore the godly in like cases are not presently to seperate 9 As seperation from such a Church wherin prâ—…phaÌ„e scandalous livers are tolerated is not presently necessary so for the members therof otherwise worthy hereupon to abstaâ—…n from communicating with such a church in the participation of the Sacraments is unlawfull For as it were unreasonable for an inÌ„ocent person to be punished for the faults of other wherin he hath no hand wherunto he gave no consent soe is it more unreasonable that a godly man should neglect duty punish himselfe in not coÌ„ming for his portion in the blessing of the seales as he ought because others are suffered to come that ought not especially considering that himselfe doth neyther consent to their sinn nor to their approching to the ordinance in their sinn nor to the neglect of others who should put them away doe not but on the contrary doth heartily mourn for these things modestly seasonably stirr up others to doe their duty If the Church câ—…nnot be reformed they may use their liberty as is specified chap 13. sect 4. But this all the godly are bound unto even every one to do his indeavour according to his powr