A GUIDE TO Church-Fellowship and Order According to the Gospel-Institution WHEREIN These following Particulars are distinctly handled I. The Necessity of Believers to joyn themselves in Church-Order II. The Subject Matter of the Church III. The Continuation of a Church-state and of the Administration of Evangelical Ordinances of Worship briefly vindicated IV. What sort of Churches the Disciples of Christ may and ought to joyn themselves unto as unto Entire Communion By the Late Pious and Learned Minister of the Gospel John Owen D. D. John 5.39 Search the Scriptures c. London Printed for William Marshall at the Bible in Newgate-street 1692. A GUIDE TO Church-Fellowship and Order According to the Gospel-Institution CHAP. I. The Necessity of Believers to joyn themselves in Church-Order IT is the Duty of every Believer of every Disciple of Christ to joyn himself for the due and orderly observation and performance of the Commâ—nds of Christ unto the Glory of God and their own Edification Maâ—th 28.18 19 20. This in general is grâ—nted by all sorts and Parties of men the grant of it is the ground whereon they stand in the management of their mutual feâ—ds in Religion pleading that men ought to be of or joyn themselves unto this or that Church still supposing tâ—at it is thâ—ir Duty to be of one or another Yea it is granted also that Persons ought to chuse what Churches they will joyn themselves unto wherein they may have the best advanâ—age unto their Edification and Salvation They are to chuse to joyn themselves unto that Church which is in all things most according to the mind of God This it is supposed is the Liberty and Duty of every Man for if it be not so it is the foolishest thing in the World for any to attempt to get others from one Church unto another which is almost the whole business of Religion that some think themselves concerned to attend unto But yet notwithstanding these Concessions when things come to the â—riâ—l in particular there is very little gâ—anted in complyance with the Assertion laid down For besides that it is not a Church of Divine Institution that is intended in these Concessions when it comes unto the issue where a Man is born and in what Church he is Baptized in his Infancy there all choice is prevented and in the Communion of that Church he is to abide on the penalties of being esteemed and dealt with as a Schismatick In what National Church any person is baptized in that National Church he is to continue or answer the contrary at his peril And in the Precincts of what Parish his Habitation falls to be in that particular Parish Church is he bound to Communicate in all Ordinances of Worship I say in the judgment of many whatever is pretended of mens jâ—yning themselves unto the truest and purest Churches there is no Liberty of Judgment or Practice in either of these things left unto any of the Disciples of Christ Wherefore the Liberty and Duty proposed being the Foundation of all orderly Evangelical Profession and that wherein the Consciences of Believers are greatly concerned I shall lay down one Proposition wherein 't is asserted in the sence I intend and then fully confirm it The Proposition it self is this It is the duty of every one who professeth Faith in Christ Jesus and takes due care of his own Eternal Salvation voluntarily and by his own choice to joyn himself unto some particular Congregation of Christs Institution for his own Spiritual Edification and the right discharge of his Commands 1. THIS Duty is prescribed 1. unto them only who profess Faith in Christ Jesus who own themselves to be his Disciples that call Jesus Lord. For this is the method of the Gospel that first men by the Preaching of it be made Disciples or be brought unto Faith in Christ Jesus and then be taught to do and observe whatever he commands Matth. 28.18 19 20. first to believe and then to be added unto the Church Act. 2.41 42 46 47. Men must first joyn themselves unto the Lord or give up themselves unto him before they can give up themselves unto the Church according to the mind of Christ 2 Cor. 8.5 We are not therefore concerned at present as unto them who either not at all profess Faith in Christ Jesus or else through ignorance of the Fundamental Principles of Religion and wickedness of Life do dâ—stroy or utterly render useless that Profession We do not say it is the duty of such persons that is their immediate duty in the state wherein they are to joyn themselves unto any Church Nay it is the duty of every Church to refuse them their Communion whilst they abide in that state There are other duties to be in the first place pressed on them whereby they may be made meet for this So in the Primitive times although in the extraordinary Conversions unto Christianity that were made among the Jews who before belonged unto Gods Covenant they were all immediately added unto the Church yet afterwards in the ordinary way of the Conversion of men the Churches did not immediately admit them into compleat Communion but kept them as Catechumeners for the eâ—crease of their knowledge and trial of their profession until they were judged meet to be joyned unto the Church And they are not to blame who receive not such into compleat Communion with them unto whom it is not a present duty to desire that Communion Yea the admission of such persons into Church-Societies much more the compelling of them to be Members of this or that Church almost whethâ—r they will or no is contrary to the rule of the Word the example of the Primitive Churchâ—s and a great expedient to harden men in their sins We do therefore avow that we cannot admit any into our Church Societies as to compleat Membership and actual Interest in the priviledges of the Church who do not by a profession of Faith in and obedience unto Jesus Christ no way contradicted by sins of life manifest themselves to be such as whose duty it is to joyn themselves unto any Church Neither do we injure any baptized Persons hereby or oppose any of their Right unto and Interest in the Church but only as they did universally in the Primitive Churches after the death of the Apostles we direct them into that way and method wherein they may be received unto the glory of Christ and their own edification And we do therefore affirm that we will never deny that Communion unto any person high or low rich or poor old or young male or female whose duty it is to desire it 2. IT is added in the description of the Subject That it is such an one who takes due care of his own Salvation Many there are who profess themselves to be Christians who it may be hear the word willingly and do many things gladly yet do not esteem themselves obliged unto a diligent enquiry into and a precise
judge of its evidences and fruits in their external Demonstration as unto a participation of the outward Privileges of a Regenerate state and no farther And we shall hereon briefly declare what belongs unto the forming of a right judgment herein and who are to be esteemed fit Members of any Gospel Church State or have a right so to be 1. SUCH as from whom we are obliged to with-draw or with-hold Communion can be no part of the matter constituent of a Church or are not meer Members for the first constitution of it But such are all Habitual Sinners those who having prevalent habits and Inclinations unto Sins of any kind unmortified do walk according unto them Such are prophane Swearers Drunkards Fornicators Covetous Oppressors and the like who shall not inherit the Kingdom of God 1 Cor. 6.9 10.11 Phil. 3.18 19. 2 Thess. 3.6 2 Tim. 3.5 as a man living and dying in any known Sin that is habitually without Repentance cannot be saved so a man known to live in Sin cannot regularly be received into any Church To compose Churches of Habitual Sinners and that either as unto Sins of Commission or Sins of Omission is not to erect Temples to Christ but Chapels unto the Devil 2. SUCH as being in the fellowship of the Church are to be admonished of any scandalous Sin which if they repent not of they are to be cast out of the Church are not meer Members for the Original Constitution of a Church This is the state of them who abide Obstinate in any known Sin whereby they have given Offence unto others without a professed Repentance thereof although they have not lived in it habitually 3. THEY are to be such as visibly answer the Description given of Gospel Churches in the Scripture so as the Titles assigned therein unto the Members of such Churches may on good grounds be appropriated unto them To compâ—â—â— Churches of such Persons as do not visibly answer the character given of what they were of old and what they were always to be by virtue of the Law of Christ oâ— Gospel-contitution is not Church Edification but Destruction And those who look on the things spoken of all Church Members of old as that they were Saints by calling lively stones in the house of God justified and sanctified separate from the World c. as those which were in them and did indeed belong unto them but even deride the necessity of the same things in present Church Members or the Application of them unto those who are so are themselves no small part of that woful Degeneracy which Christian Religion is fallen under Let it then be considered what is spoken of the Church of the Jews in their Dedication unto God as unto their Typical Hâ—linesâ— with the Application of it unto Christian Churches in real Holiness 1 Pet. 2.5.9 with the Description given of them constantly in the Scripture as Faithful Holy Believing as the House of God as his Temple wherein he dwells by his Spirit as the Body of Christ united and compâ—cted by the communication of the Spirit unto them as also what is said concerning their ways walkings and duties and it will be uncontrolably evident of what sort our Church Members ought to be nor are those of any other sort able to discharge the Duties which are incumbent on all Church-members nor to use the Privileges they are intrusted withal Wherefore I say â—o suppose Churches regularly to consist of such persons for the greater part of them as no way answer the Description given of Church-members in their Original Institution nor capâ—ble to discharge the Duties prescribed unto them but giving evidence of Habits and Actions inconsistent therewithal is not only to disturb all Church Order but utterly to overthrow the Ends and Being of Churches Nor is there any thing â—ore scandalous unto Christian Religioâ— than what Bellarmine affirms to be the judgment of the Papists in opposition unto all others namely that no internal Vertue or Grace is required unto the Constitution of a Church in its Members Lib. 3. dâ— Eccles. cap 2. 4. THEY must be such as do make an open profession of the subjection of their Souls and Consciences unto the Authority of Christ in the Gospel and their readiness to yield Obedience unto all his Commands This I suppose will not be denied for not only doth the Scripture make this Profession necessary unto the participation of any benefit or privilege of the Gospel but the nature of the things themselves requires indispensably that so it should be For nothing can be more unreasonable than that men should be taken into the privileges attending Obedience unto the Laws and Commands of Christ without avowing or professing that Obedience Wherefore our Enquiry is only what is required unto such a Profession as may render men meet to be Members of a Church and give them a Right thereunto For to suppose such a confession of Christian Religion to be compliant with the Gospel which is made by many who openly live in Sin being disobedient and unto every good work reprobate is to renounce the Gospel it self Christ is not the High Priest of such a Profession I shall therefore declare briefly what is necessary unto this Profession that all may know what it is which is required unto the entrance of any into our Churches wherein our Practice hath been sufficiently traduced 1. THERE is required unto it a competent knowledge of Doctrines and Mystery of the Gospel especially concerning the Person and Offices of Christ. The Confession hereof was the ground whereon he granted the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven or all Church Power unto Believers Matth 16.17 18 19. The first Instruction which he gave unto his Apostles was That they should teach men by the preaching of the Gospel in the knowledge of the Truth revealed by him The knowledge required in the Members of the Judaical Church that they might be translated into the Christian was principally if not solely that of his Person and the acknowledgment of him to be the true Messiah the Son of God For as on their unbelief thereof their Eternal ruine did depend as he told them if you believe not that I am he you shall die in your sins so the confession of him was sufficient on their part unto their Admission into the Gospel Church State And the Reasons of it are apparent With others an Instruction in all the Mysteries of Religion especially in those that are fundamental is necessary unto the Profession we enquire after So Justin Martyr tells us what pains they took in those Primitive Times to instruct those in the Mysteries of Religion who upon a general Conviction of its Truth were willing to adhere unto the Profession of it And what was their Judgment herein is sufficiently known from the keeping a multitude in the state of Catecumens before they would admit them into the Fellowship of the Church They are not therefore
render them visible which it becomes their indispensible Duty to do when outward Impediments are not absolutely insuperable But of these things thus far 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 CHAP. IV. What sort of Churches the Disciples of Christ may and ought to joyn themselves unto as unto Entire Communion WE have proved before that it is the Duty of all individual Christians to give themselves up unto the Conduct Fellowstip and Communion of some particular Church or Congregation Our present Enquiry heâ—eon is that whereas there is a great Diversity among professing Societies in the World concerning each whereof it is said Lâ— here is Christ and Lo there is Christ what Church of what Constitution and Order any one that takes care of his own Edification and Salvation ought to joyn himself unto This I shall speak unto first in General and then in the Examination of one particular Case or Instance wherein many at this day are concerned And â—ome things must be premised unto the right stating of the Subject of our Enquiry 1. The Diversities anâ— Divisions among Churches which respect is to be had unto in the choice of any which we will or ought to joyn unto are of two sorts 1. Such as are â—ccasiâ—ned by the remaining Weaknesses Infirmities and Ignorance of the best of Men whereby they know but in parâ— and Prophesie only in part wherein our Edification is concerned but our Salvation not endangered 2. Such as are in and about things Fundamental in Faith Worship and Obedience We shall speak to both of them 2. All Christians were Originally of one Mind in all things needful unto Joynt-Communion so as that there might be among them all Love without Dissimulation Howbeit there was great Variety not only in the Measure of their apprehensions of the Doctrines of Truth but in some Doctrines themselves as about the continuance of the observations of the Law or at least of some of them as also Oppositions from without unto the Truth by Hereticks and Apostates neither of which hindred the Church Communion of true Believers But the Diversity Difference and Divisions that are now among Churches in the World is the effect of the great Aâ—ostasie which befel them all in the latter Ages as unto the Spirit Rule and Practice of those which were planted by the Apostles and will not be healed until that Apostasie be Abolished 3. Sâ—tan having possessed himself of the Advantage of these Divisions whereâ—f he was the Author he makâ—s use of them to act his Malice and Râ—ge in stirring up and iâ—stigating one Party to Persecute Oppress and Devour anothâ—r until the Life Power and Glory of Christian Religion is almost lost in the World It requireâ— therefore great Wisdom to depart our selves aright among these Divisions so as to conâ—ribute nothing unto the Ends of Malice designed by Satan iâ— them 4. In this staâ—e of things until it may be cured which it â—ill never be by any of the ways yet proposed and insisted on the Enquiry is concerning the Duty of any one who takes care of his own Soul as unto a Conjunction with some Church or other And on the Negative Part I say 1. Such an one is bounâ— not to joyn with any Church or Society where any Fundamental Article of Faith is rejected or corrupted There may be a Fundamental Error in a true Church for a season when the Church erreth not Fundamentally 1 Cor. 15. 2 Tim. 2.18 But I suppose the Error in or against the Foundation is part of the Profession of the Church or Society to be joyned unto For thereby the Nature of the Church is destroyed it doth not hold the Head nor abide on the Foundation nor is the Ground and Pillar of Truth Wherefore althâ—ugh the Soâ—iâ—iâ—â—s under a Pretence of Love Forbearance and Mutual Toleration do offer us the Communion of their Churches wherein there is somewhat of Order and Discipline commendible yet it is unlawful to joyn in Church Fellowship or Communion with them For their Errors about the Trinity the Incarnation of Christ and his Satiâ—faction are destructive of the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles and Idolotry in the Divine Worship of a meer Creature is introduced by them 2. Where there is any Church taught or allowed a Mixture of Doctrines or Opinions that are prejuâ—icial unto Gospel Holiness or Obedience no man that takes due care of his Salvation can joyn himself unto iâ— For the Original Rule and Measure of all Church Communion is agreement in the Doctrine of Truth Where therefore there is either not a stable Profession of the sâ—me Doctrine in all substantial Truths of the Gospel but an uncertain sâ—uâ—d is given some sâ—ying one thing some anothâ—r or that Opposition is made unto any Truths of the Importance before mentioned None can be bound or obliged to hold Communion with it nor can incur any blame by refraining from it For it is the Duty of a Christian in all things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And to joyn with such a Church would 1. Stain their Profession 2. Hinder their Edification 3. Establish a new Rule of Communion unknown to the Scriptures namely besides Truth as might easily be manifested 3. Where the Fundamentals of Religious Worship are corrupted or overthrown it is absolutely unlawful to joyn unto or abide in any Church So is it with the Church of Rome The various ways whereby the Foundations of Divine Religious Worship are overthrown in that Church by Superstition and Idolatry have been sufficiently declared These render the Communion of that Church pernitious 4. Nor can any Man be obliged to joyn himself with any Church nor can it be his Duty so to do where the Eternally fixed Rule and Measure of Religious Worship namely that it be of Divine Institution is varied or change by any Additions unto it or Substractions from it For whereas one principal end of all â—hurches is the joynt celebration of Divine VVorship if there be not a certain stable Rule thereof in any Church of Divine Prescription no Man can be obliged unto Communion therewith 5. Where the Fundamentals of Church Order Practice and Discipline are destroyed it is not lawful for any man to joyn in Church Communion These Fundamâ—ntals are of two sorts 1. Such as concern the Ministry of the Church 2. Such as concern the Church it self There are four things that are necessary Fundamentals unto the Order of the Church on the part of the Ministry 1. That all the Ministers or Officers of it be duly chosen by the Church it self and solemnly set apart in the Church unto their Office according unto the Rule and Law of Christ. This is Fundamental unto Church Order the Root of it from whence all other parts of it do Spring And it is that which is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or expresly provided for in the Scripture as we shall see If there be a neglect herein and no other Relation required between Ministers Elders Rulers Bishops and
them are 1. That constant Difference be put between the Good and the Bad in all Church Administrations 2. That Persons openly or flâ—gitiously wicked be not admitted into the Society of the Church or a participation of its Priviledges 3. That Holiness Love and Usefulness be openly avowed as the Design and interest of the Church But they are all so comprized in the General Head of Discipline as that I shall not in particular insist upon them From what hath been thus declared it will appear on the other hand what Church it is that a Disciple of Christ who takes due care of his own Edification and Salvation ought in duty to joyn himself unto in compleat Communion To ansâ—er this Enquiry is the end of all those Discourses and Controversies which have been about the Notes of the true Church I shall briefly determine concerning it according to the Principles before Evincâ—d 1. IT must be such a Church as wherein all the Fundamental Truths of the Gospel are believed owned and professed without Controversie and those not born withal by whom they are denied or opposed Without this a Church is not the Ground and Pillar of Truth it doth not hold the Head it is not built on the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles Neither is it sufficient that those things are generally professed or not denied A Church that is filled with wranglings and contentions about fundamental or important Truths of the Gospel is not of choice to be joyned unto For these things subvert the Souls of Men and greatly impede their Edification And although both among distinct Churches and among the Members of the same Church mutual Forbearance be to be exercised with respect unto a variety in Apprehensions in some Doctrines of lesser Moment Yet the Incursion that hath been made into sundry Protestant Churches in the last and present Age of Novel Doctrines and Opinions with Differences Divisions and endless Disputes which have ensued thereon have rendered it very difficult to determine how to engage in compleat Communion with them For I do not judge that any man is or can be obliged unto constant total Communion with any Church or to give up himself absolutely unto the conduct thereof wherein there are incurable dissensions about important Doctrines of the Gospel And if any Church shall publickly avow countenance or approve of Doctrines contrary unto those which were the Foundation of its first Communion the Members of it are at Liberty to refrain the Communion of it and to provide otherwise for their own Edification 2. IT must be such a Church as wherein the Divine Worship Instituted or approved by Christ himself is diligently observed without any Addition made thereunto In the Observation of this Worship as unto all external occasional Incidencies and Circumstances of the Acts wherein it doth consist it is left unto the Prudence of the Church it self according to the Light of Nature and general Rules of Scripture and it must be so unless we shall suppose that the Lord Jesus Christ by making men his Disciples doth unmake them from being rational Creaâ—ures or refuseth the Exercise of the rational Faculties of our Souls in his service But this is so remote from Truth that on the contrary he gives them an improvement for this very end that we may know how to deport our selves aright in the Observance of his Commands as unto the outward discharge of them in his Worship and the Circumstances of it And this he doth by that Gift of Spiritual Wisdom wheâ—eof we shall treat afterwards But if Men if Churches will make Additions in or unto the Rites of religious Worship unto what is appointed by Christ himself and require their Observance in their Communion on the force and efficacy of their being so by them appointed no Disciple of Christ is or can be obliged by vertue of any Divine Institution or Command to joyn in total absolute Communion with any such Church He may be induced on various considerations to judge that something of that Nature at some season may not be evil and sinful unto him which therefore he will bear with or comply withal yet he is not he cannot be obliged by vertue of any Divine Rule or Command to joyn himself with or continue in the Communion of such a Church If any shall suppose that hereby too much Liberty is granted unto Believers in the choice of their Communion and shall thereon make severe Declamations about the Inconveniences and Evils which will ensue I desire they would remember the Principle I proceed upon which is that Churches are not such sacred Machines as some suppose erected and acted for the outward Interest and Advantages of any sort of men but only means of the Edification of Believers which they are bound to make use of in Obedience unto the Commands of Christ and no otherwise Whereas therefore the Disciples of Christ have not only a Divine warranty justifying them in the doing of it but an express command making it their indispensible Duty to joyn in the Celebâ—ation of all that Religious Worship which the Lord Christ the only Law giver of the Church and who was faithful both in and over the House of God as the Son â—ath Instituted and commanded but have no such warranty or command for any thing else it is their Duty to stand fast in the Liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free And if by the same â—reath in the same Rule Law or Canon they are commanded and obliged to observe in the Worship of God what the Lord Christ hath appointed and what he hath not appointed both on the same Grounds namely the Authority of the Church and on the sâ—â—e Penalties of their Omission no man can be divinely obliged to embrace the Communion of any Church on such Terms 3. IT is required that the Ministry of a Church so to be joyned with is not defective in any of those things which according to the Rule of the Gospel are fundamental thereunto What these are hath been declared And because Edification which is the end of Church Communion doth so eminently depend on the Ministry of the Church there is not any thing which we ought to have a more diligent consideration of in the joyning of our selves unto any such Communion And where the Ministry of any Church be the Church of what sort or size it will is incurably Ignorant or Negligent or thro' a defect in Gifts Grace or conscientious attendance unto their Duty is insufficient unto the due Edification of the Souls of them that believe no man can account himself obliged unto the Communion of the Church but he that can be satisfied with a Shadow and the Names of things for the Substance and Reality of them If therefore it be granted as I think it is that Edification is the principal End of all Church Communion it is not intelligible how a Man should be obliged unto that Communion and that alone wherein due Edification
to be blamed they do but discharge their Duty who refuse to receive into Church Communion such as are ignorant of the fundamental Doctrines and Mysteries of the Gospel or if they have learned any thing of them from a form of words yet really understand nothing of them The promiscuous driving of all sorts of persons who have been baptized in their Infancy unto a participation of all Church privileges is a profanation of the holy Institutions of Christ. This knowledge therefore belonging unto profession is it self to be professed 2. THERE is required unto it a professed subjection of Soul and Conscience unto the Authority of Christ in the Church Matth. 28.18 19 20. 2 Cor. 8.5 This in general is performed by all that are Baptized when they are Adult as being by their own actual consent baptized in the Name of Christ. And it is required of all them who are baptized in their Infancy when they are able with Faith and Understanding to profess their consent unâ—o and abiding in that Covenant whereinto they were initiated 3. An Instruction in and consent unto the Doctrine of Self-denial and bearing of the Cross in a particular manner For this is made indispensably necessary by our Saviour himself unto all that will be his Disciples And it hath been a great disadvantage unto the Glory of Christian Religion that men have not been more and better instructed therein It is commonly thought that who ever will may be a Christian at an easie rate it will cost him nothing But the Gospel gives us another account of these things For it not only warns us that Reproaches Hatred Sufferings of all sorts oft-times to Death it self are the common lot of all its Professors who will live godly in Christ Jesus but also requires that at our initiation into the Profession of it we consider aright the dread of them all and engage cheerfully to undergo them Hence in the Primitive Times whilst all sorts of miseries were continually presented unto them who embraced the Christian Religion their willing engagement to undergo them who were converted was a firm evidence of the sincerity of their Faith as it ought to be unto us also in times of Difficulty and Persecution Some may suppose that the Faith and Confession of this Doctrine of Self-denial and readiness for the Cross is of use only in time of Persecution and so doth not belong unto them who have continually the countenance and favour of publick Authority I say it is at least as they judge well for them with others it is not so whose outward state makes the publick avowing of this Duty indispensably necessary unto them And I may add it as my own thoughts though they are not my own alone That notwithstanding all the Countenance that is given unto any Church by the publick Magistracy yet whilst we are in this World those who will faithfully discharge their Duty as Ministers of the Gospel especially shall have need to be prepared for sufferings To escape sufferings and enjoy worldly advantages by sinful compliances or bearing with men in their Sins is no Gospel Direction 4 Conviction and Confession of Sin with the way of deliverance by Jesus Christ is that answer of a good Conscience that is required in the Baptism of them that are Adult 1 Pet. 3. 5. Unto this Profession is required the constant performance of all known Duties of Religion both of Piety in the publick and private Worship of God as also of Charity with respect unto others Shew me thy Faith by thy Works 6. A careful Abstinence from all known Sins giving scandal or offence either unto the World or unto the Church of God And the Gospel requires that this Confession be made with the Mouth Confession is made unto Salvation against 1. Fear 2. Shame 3. The Course of the World 4. The Opposition of all Enemies whatever Hence it appears that there are none excluded from an Entrance into the Church State but such as are either 1. grosly Ignorant or 2. Persecutors or reproachers of those that are good or of the ways of God wherein they walk or 3. Idolaters or 4. Men scandalous in their Lives in the Commission of Sins or Omission of Duties thro' vitious Habits or Inclinations or 5. such as would partake of Gospel Privileges and Ordinances yet openly avow that they will not submit unto the Law and Commands of Christ in the Gospel concerning whom and the like the Scripture Rule is peremptory From such turn away And herein we are remote from exceeding the example and care of the Primitive Churches Yea there are but few if any that arrive unto it Their endeavour was to Preach unto all they could and rejoiced in the multitudes that came to hear the Word But if any did essay to join themselves unto the Church their diligence in their Examination and Instruction their severe Enquiries into their Conversation their disposing of them for a long time into a state of Expectation for their Trial before their Admittance were remarkable And some of the Ancients complain that their promiscuous Admittance of all sorts of persons that would profess the Christian Religion into Church Membership which took place afâ—erwards ruined all the Beauty Order and Discipline of the Church The things ascribed unto those who are to be esteemed the proper Subject Matter of a Visible Church are such as in the judgment of Charity entitles them unto all the Appellations of Saints Called Sanctified that is Visibly and by Pâ—ofession which are given unto the Members of all the Churches in the New Testament and which must be answered in those who are admitted into that Priledge if we do not wholly neglect our only Patterns By these things although they should any of them not be real living Members of the Mystical Body of Christ unto whom he is an Head of spiritual and vital influance yet are they meer Members of that Body of Christ unto which he is an Head of Rule and Goveâ—nment as also meer to be esteeâ—ed Suâ—jects of his Kingdom And none are excluded but such as concerning whom Rules are given either to withdraw from them or to cast them â—ut of Church Society or are expresly excluded by God himself from any share in the Prieiledges of his Covenant Psal. 50.16 17. But unto the Wicked God saith What hast thou to do to declare my Statutes or that thou shouldest take my Covenant in thy Mouth Seeing thou hatest instruction and castest my wâ—rds behind thee Advertisement OF the Subject Matter of the Church You may be saâ—isfied farther in a Book lâ—tely Published Intituled Tâ—e true Nature of a Gâ—spel Church and its Government â—y the same Author wherein those following particulars are distinctly handled I. The Subject Matter of the Church II. Formal Cause of a particular Church III. Of the Polity unto or Discipline of the Church in General IV. The Officers of the Church V. The Duty of Pastors of Churches VI. The
the Church but what is raised and created by Ways and Rules of mens appointment or if there be a Temporary disposal of Persons into a discharge of that Office without a solemn Call Choice Ordination and Separation unto the Office it self and its work the Law of Christ is violated and the Order of the Church disturbed in its Foundation 2. That those who are called unto the Office of the Ministry be duly qualified by their Endowment with Spiritual Gifts for the discharge of their Duty is Fundamental unto the Ministry that the Lord Jesus Christ doth still continue his Dispensation of Spiritual Gifts unto Men to fit and enable them unto the Office and work of the Ministry that if he doth not do so or should at any time cease so to do the whole Office of the Ministry must cease and the Being of the Church with it that it is altogether useless for any Churches or Persons to erect an Image of the Gospel Ministry by outward Rites and Ceremonies without the enlivening form of these Spiritual Gifts I have proved sufficiently in my Discourse of Spiritual Gifts and their câ—ntinuance in the Church Wherefore a Communication of Spiritual Gifts peculiarly enabling Men unto the Work of the Ministry antecedent unto their solemn Separation unto the Office in some good Measure is absolutely necessary unto the due continuance of the Office and its Work See Ephes. 4.7 11 12 13 14 15. To suppose that the Lord Christ doth call and appoint Men unto a certain Office and Work in his Church secluding all others from any Interest in the one or other and yet not endow them with peculiar Gifts and Abilities for the discharge of that Office aâ—d Work is to ascribe that unto him which is every way unbecoming his Wisdom and Grace with his Love unto the Church But when Men look on all Church Order as a lifeless Machine to be acted moved and disposed by External Rules Laws Canons and Orders without respect unto the Actings of the Spirit of Christ going before in the Rule of his Word to enliven every part of it the true Disciples of Christ will receive no advantage thereby 3. It is of the same Importance that Persons so called do take heed unto their Ministry that they fulfil it that they give themselves unto the VVord and Prayer that they labour continually in the VVord and Doctrine and all those other Duties which in the Scripture are prescribed unto them and this not only as unto the Matter of them but as unto the Manner of their performance with Zeal Love Compassion and Diligence Where there is a great Defect in any of these things on what Pretence soever it be where Men esteem themselves exempted from this Work or not obliged unto it when they suppose that they may discharge their Office at a cheaper rate and with less trouble as unto their present Interest by such ways as I shall not here express No Man is no Man can be obliged to confine his Church Communion unto such a Ministry 4. It is required that they be Examples unto the Flock in the Expression of the Nature and Power of the Doctrine which they Preach in their Conversation especially in Zeal Humility Self-denial and readiness for the Cross. Where these things are not there is such a defect in the Fundamentals of Church Practice us unto the Ministry of it that no Man who takes care of his own Edification can joyn himself unto a Church labouring under it For Ministers and Churches are nothing but instituted means of the Conversion of Sinners and the Edification of Believers And when any of them through their own default cease so to be there is no obligation unto any man to joyn or continue in their Communion nor do they contract any Guilt in a peaceable departure from them but discharge their Duty That this be done peaceably without strife or contention without judging of others as unto their Interest in Christ and Eternal Salvation the Law of Moral Obedience doth require That it be done with Love and Compassion and Prayer towards and for them who are left is the peculiar Direction of that moral Duty by the Gospel Such a Practice at present would fall under severe charges and accusations as also brutish Penalties in some places But when all Church Craft shall be defeated and the uses that are made of its imaginary Authority be discarded there will be little occasion of this Practise and none at all of Offence Again There are Things Fundamental unto Church Practise and Order in the Church it self which where they are neglected no man ought of choice to joyn himself unto that Church seeing he cannot do it without the Prejudice of his Edification the furtherance whereof he ought to design in that Duty And these are 1. That the Discipline of Christ be duly exercised in it according unto his mind and by the Rules of his Prescription There never was any Sect Order or Society of men in the world designed for the Preservation and Promotion of Vertue and things Praise-worthy but they had Rules of Discipline proper unto the Ends of their Design to be observed in and by all that belong unto them VVhere the Erection of such Societies is continued in the VVorld as it is much in the Papacy both their Constitution and their Conversation depend on the especial Rules of Discipline which they have framed unto themselves And this is done by them in great Variety for being ignorant of the Discipline of the Gospel and so esteeming it insufficient unto their Design they have made no end of Coyning Rules unto themselves To suppose that our Lord Jesus Christ who in this Church-state according unto his infinite VVisdom hath erected the most perfect Society for the most perfect Ends of Religion of Obedience towards God of Love and Usefulness among our selves hath not appointed a Discipline and given Rules concerning its Administration for the Preservation of that Society and the attaining of those Ends is highly injurous unto his Honour and Glory VVhere therefore there is a Church or any Society that pretends so to be wherein there is an utter Neglect of this Discipline of Christ or the establishment of another not administred by the Laws and Rules that he prescribed no Disciple of Christ can be obliged to joyn unto or to continue in the Total sole Communion of such a Church And whereas there are two Parts of this Discipline of Christ That which is Private among the Members of the Church for the Exercise and Preservation of Love and that which is Publick in and by the Authority of the Rulers of the Church for the Preservation of Purity and Order a Neglect in either of them doth much impeach the Fundamental Constitution of a Church as unto its Practise 2. There are sundry other things which belong unto this Discipline in General which are of great consideration in the Discharge of the Duty we enquire into Among