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Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
church_n	bishop_n	hand_n	ordination_n	2,718	5	10.1610	5	false

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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A90750	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 at Cambridge in Nevv-England: to be presented to the churches and General Court for their consideration and acceptance in the Lord.	Congregational Churches in New England. Cambridge Synod.; Mather, Richard, 1596-1669.; Winslow, Edward, 1595-1655.	1653 (1653)	Wing P2398; Thomason E692_7; ESTC R206993	39,996	45

election Yet when such a people do chuse any to be over them in the Lord Heb. 13.17 then do they become subject and most willingly submit to their Ministry in the Lord whom they have so chosen 7. Rom. 16 17 And if the Church have power to chuse their Officers and Ministers then in case of manifest unworthiness and delinquency they have power also to depose them For to open and shut to chuse and refuse to constitute in Office and remove from Office are acts belonging unto the same Power 8. Cant. 8.8 9 We judg it much conducing to the well-being and communion of Churches that where it may conveniently be done Neighbor-Churches be advised withal and their help made use of in the tryal of Church-officers in order to their choise 9. The choise of such Church-officers belongeth not to the civil Magistrates as such or diocesan-Diocesan-Bishops or Patrons for of these or any such like the Scripture is wholly silent as having any power therein CHAP. IX Of Ordination and Imposition of hands CHurch-Officers are not only to be chosen by the Church Acts. 13 32. cap. 14.23 1 Tim. 5.22 but also to be ordained by Imposition of hands and prayer with which at the ordination of Elders fasting also is to be joyned 2. Num. 8.10 Acts 6.5 6 cap. 13.2.3 This Ordination we account nothing else but the solemn putting of a man into his place and Office in the Church whereunto he had right before by election being like the installing of a Magistrate in the common-wealth Ordination therefore is not to go before but to follow Election Acts 6.5 6. cap. 14.23 The essence and substance of the outward calling of an ordinary Officer in the Church doth not consist in his Ordination but in his voluntary and free Election by the Church and in his accepting of that Election Whereupon is founded the relation between Pastor and Flock between such a Minister and such a People Ordination doth not constitute an Officer nor give him the essentials of his Office The Apostles were Elders without Imposition of hands by men Paul and Barnabas were Officers before that Imposition of Hands Acts 13.3 The Posterity of Levi were Priests and Levits before hands were laid on them by the Children of Israel 3. 1 Tim 4 14 Acts 13 3 1 Tim 5 22. In such Churches where there are Elders Imposition of hands in ordination is to be performed by those Elders 4. In such Churches where there are no Elders Imposition of hands may be performed by some of the Brethren orderly chosen by the Church therunto Numb 8 10 For if the people may elect officers which is the greater and wherin the substance of the Office consists they may much more occasion and need so requiring impose hands in ordination which is the less and but the accomplishment of the other 5. Nevertheless in such Churches where there are no Elders and the Church so desire we see not why Imposition of hands may not be performed by the Elders of other Churches Ordinary officers laid hands upon the officers of many Churches The presbytery at Ephesus layd hands upon Timothy an Evangelist 1 Tim 4 14 Acts 13 3 The presbytery at Antioch laid hands upon Paul and Barnabas 6. 1 Pet 5 2 Acts 20 18 Church Officers are officers to one Church even that particular over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers Insomuch as Elders are commanded to feed not all flocks but that flock which is commited to their faith and trust and dependeth upon them Nor can constant residence at one congregation be necessary for a minister no nor yet lawful if he be not a minister to one congregation only Acts 20 28 but to the Church universall because he may not attend one part only of the Church wherto he is a minister but he is called to attend unto all the flock 7. Hee that is clearly loosed from his office-relation unto that Church wherof he was a minister cannot be looked at as an officer nor perform any act of Office in any other Church unless he be again orderly called unto Office which when it shall be wee know nothing to hinder but Imposition of hands also in his Ordination ought to be used towards him again For so Paul the Apostle received Imposition of hands twice at least from Ananias Acts. 9.17 and Acts. 13.3 CHAP. X. Of the power of the Church and its Presbytery SUpream and Lordly power over all the Churches upon earth Psal 2 6 Eph 1 21 22 Isay 9 6 Mat 28 18 doth only belong unto Jesus Christ who is King of the Church and the head therof He hath the Government upon his shoulders and hath al power given to him both in heaven and earth 2. A Company of professed believers Ecclesiastically Confederat as they are a Church before they have officers without them Acts 1 23 c 14 23 c 6 3 4 Mat 18 17 1 Cor 5 4 5 so even in that estate subordinate Church-power under Christ deligated to them by him doth belong to them in such a manner as is before expressed C. 5. S. 2. and as flowing from the very nature and Essence of a Church It being natural to al bodyes and so unto a Church body to be furnished with sufficient power for its own preservatiō and subsistance 3. This Government of the Church is a mixt Government and so hath been acknowledged long before the term of Independency was heard of In respect of Christ the head and King of the Church Rev 3 7 1 Cor 5 12 the Sovereign power residing in him and exercised by him it is a Monarchy In respect of the body or Brotherhood of the Church 1 Tim 5 17 and power from Christ granted unto them it resembles a Democracy In respect of the Presbytery and power comited to them it is an Aristocracy 4. The Sovereign power which is peculiar unto Christ is exercised I. Gal 1 4 Rev 5 8 9 Mat 28 20. Eph 4 8 11 Jam 4 12 Isai 33 22 1 Tim ● 15 2 Cor 10 4 5. Isai 32 2 Luke 1 71 In calling the Church out of the world unto holy fellowship with himselfe II. In instituting the ordinances of his worship and appointing his ministers and officers for the dispensing of them III. In giving lawes for the ordering of all our wayes and the wayes of his house IV. In giving power and life to all his Institutions and to his people by them V. In protecting and delivering his Church against from all the enemies of their peace 5. The power graunted by Christ unto the body of the Church and Brotherhood is a prerogative or priviledge which the Church doth exercise I. In Choosing their own officers whether Elders or Deacons II. In admission of their own members Acts 6 3 5 c 14 23 c 9 26 and therfore there is great reason they should have power to Remove any

one Apostle had over another yet as one Apostle might admonish another so may one Church admonish another and yet without usurpation In which case if the Church that lyeth under offence Mat. 18.15 16 17. by proportion do not hearken to the Church which doth admonish her the Church is to acquaint other neighbor-churches with that offence which the offending Church still lieth under together with their neglect of the brotherly admonition given unto them whereupon those other Churches are to joyn in seconding the admonition formerly given and if stil the offending Church continue in obstinacy and impenitency they may forbear cōmunion with them and are to proceed to make use of the help of a Synod or counsel of neighbor churches walking orderly if a greater cannot conveniently be had for their conviction If they hear not the Synod the Synod having declared them to be obstinate particular Churches approving and accepting of the judgment of the Synod are to declare the sentence of non-communion respectively concerning them and thereupon out of a religious care to keep their own communion pure they may justly withdraw themselves from participation with them at the Lords Table and from such other Acts of Holy communion as the communion of Churches doth otherwise allow and require Nevertheless if any Members of such a Church as lieth under publick offence do not consent to the offence of the Church but do in due sort bear witnels against it Gen. 18.25 they are stil to be received to wonted communion for it is not equal that the innocent should suffer with the offensive Yea furthermore if such innocent Members after due waiting in the use of all good means for the healing of the offence of their own Church shal at last with the allowance of the counsel of neighbor Churches withdraw from the fellowship of their own Church and offer themselves to the fellowship of another we judg it lawfull for the other Church to receive them being otherwise fit as if they had been orderly dismissed to them from their own Church IV. A fourth way of communion of Churches is by way of Participation the Members of one Church occasionally coming unto another we willingly admit them to partake with us at the Lords Table it being the seal of our communion not only with Christ nor only with the Members of our own Church 1 Cor 12.13 but also with all the Churches of the Saints in which regard we refuse not to baptize their children presented to us if either their own Minister be absent or such a fruit of holy fellowship be desired with us In like case such Churches as are furnished with more Ministers than one do willingly afford one of their own Ministers to supply the place of an absent or sick Minister of another Church for a needful season V. A fifth way of Church-communion is Rom. 16.3 by way of Recommendation when a Member of one Church hath occasion to reside in another Church if but for a season we commend him to their watchful fellowship by letters of recommendation but if he be called to settle his abode there we commit him according to his desire Acts 18.27 to the fellowship of their Covenant by letters of dismission VI. A sixt way of Church-communion is in case of Need to Minister relief and succor one unto another Acts 11.22 either of able Members to furnish them with Officers vers 29. Rom. 13.26 27. or of outward support to the necessities of poorer Churches as did the Churches of the Gentiles contribute liberally to the poor Saints at Jerusalem 3. When a company of Beleevers purpose to gather into Church-fellowship it is requisite for their safer proceeding the maintaining of the communion of Churches Gal. 2.1 2. and 9. by proportion that they signifie their intent unto the neighbor Churches walking according unto the order of the Gospel and desire their presence and help and right hand of fellowship which they ought readily to give unto them when there is no just cause of excepting against their proceedings 4. Besides these several waies of communion there is also a way of propagation of Churches when a Church shal grow too numerous it is a way Isay 40.20 Cant 8 8 9 fit season to propogate one Church out of another by sending forth such of their mēbers as are willing to remove and to procure some Officers to them as may enter with them into Church-estate a mongst themselves as Bees when the hive is too ful issue forth by swarms and are gathered into other hives so the Churches of Christ may do the same upon like necessity and therin hold forth to them the right hand of fellowship both in their gathering into a Church and in the ordination of their Officers CHAP. XVI Of Synods SYnods orderly assembled and rightly proceeding according to the pattern Acts 15.2 to 15. Acts 15. we acknowledg as the ordinance of Christ and though not absolutely necessary to the being yet many times through the iniquity of men and perversness of times necessary to the wel-being of Churches for the establishment of truth and peace therein 2. Synods being Spiritual and Ecclesiastical Assemblyes are therfore made up of Spiritual and Ecclesiastical causes The next efficient cause of them under Christ is the power of the Churches sending forth their Elders Acts 15.2 3 other Messengers who being met together in the Name of Christ Verse 6. are the matter of the Synod and they in arguing debating and determining matters of Religion according to the Word ver 7. to 23 and publishing the same to the Churches whom it concerneth do put forth the proper and formal acts of a Synod verse 31. Acts 16.4.15 to the conviction of errors and heresies and the establishment of truth and peace in the Churches which is the end of a Synod 3. Magistrates have power to call a Synod by calling to the Churches to send forth their Elders and other Messengers 1 Chron. 29 4 5. to 11. to counsel and assist them in matters of Religion but yet the constituting of a Synod Acts 15. is a Church act and may be transacted by the Churches even when civil Magistrates may be enemies to Churches and to Church-Assemblyes 4. It belongeth unto Synods and Counsels to debate and determin controversies of faith Acts 17.1.2.6.7 1 Chron. 15 23. and cases of conscience to clear from the Word holy directions for the holy Worship of God good government of the Church to bear witness against mis-administration and Corruption in doctrine or maners in any particular Church 2 Chron. 29.6 7 Acts 15 24. vers 28 29 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 Synods directions and 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 principal ground therof and without which they bind not at all but also secondarily for the power wherby they are made Acts 15 as being an ordinance of God appointed therunto in his word 6. Because it is difficult if not impossible for many churches to com al together in one place in al their members universaly therfore they may assemble by their delegates or messengers as the church of Antioch went not all to Jerusalem Acts 15 2 but some select men for that purpose Because none are or should be more fit to know the state of the churches nor to advise of wayes for the good thereof than Elders therfore it is fit that in the choyce of the messengers for such assemblies they have special respect unto such Acts 15 2. vers 22 23 Yet in as much as not only Paul Barnabas but certayn others also were sent to Ierusalem from Antioch Acts 15. and when they were come to Jerusalem 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 power in matters Ecclesiastical IT is lawfull profitable And necessary for Christians to gather themselves into Church estate and therin to exercise all the ordinanaces of Christ accoridng unto the word Acts 2 41 47 c 4 1 2 3 although consent of the Magistrate could not be had therunto because the Apostles Christians in their time did frequently thus practise when the Magistrates being all of them Jewish or pagan and mostly persecuting enemies would give no countenance or consent to such matters 2. Church-government stands in no opposition to civil government of common-wealths John 18 36 nor any way intrencheth upon the authority of Civil Magistrates in their jurisdictions John 18.36 Acts 25.8 nor any whit weakneth their hands in governing but rather strengthneth them and furthereth the people in yielding more hearty conscionable obedience unto them whatsoever some ill affected persons to the wayes of Christ have suggested to alienate the affections of Kings and Princes form the ordinances of Christ as if the Kingdom of Christ in his church could not rise stand without the falling weakning of their government which is also of Christ Isay 49.23 wheras the contrary is most true that they may both stand together and flourish the one being helpfull unto the other in their distinct and due administrations 3. The power and authority of Magistrates is not for the restraiing of churches Rom. 13.4 1 Tim. 2.2 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 slighted or lightly esteemed but on the contrary it is part of that honour 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 and comfort 4. It is not in the power of Magistrates to compell their subjects to become church-members and to partake at the Lords table for the priests are reproved Ezek. 44.7.9 1 Cor. 5.11 that brought ūworthy ones into the sanctuarie then as it was unlawful for the preists so it is as unlawful to be done by civil Magistrates Those whom the church is to cast out if they were in the Magistrate ought not to 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 Matth. 20.25.26 so is it ūlawfull for the Magistrate to meddle with the work proper to church officers the Acts of Moses David who were not only Princes 2 Chron. 26 16 17. but Prophets were extraordnary therfore not imitable Against such usurpation the Lord witnessed by smiting Uzziah with leprosie for presuming to offer incense 6. It is the duty of the Magistrate to take care of matters of religion and to improve his civil authority for the observing of the duties commanded in the first Psal 82.2 as well as for observing of the duties commanded in the second table They are called Gods The end of the Magistrates office 1 Tim. 2.1.2 is not only the quiet peaceable life of the subject in matters of righteousness and honesty but also in matters of godliness yea of all godliness Moses Joshua David Solomon Asa Jehoshaphat Hezekiah Josiah 1 Kings 15.14 c. 22.43 2 King 12.3 c. 14.4 c 15 35. 1 Kings 20.42 Job 29.25 c. 31 26.28 Neh. 14. Jonah 3 7. Ezra 7. Dan. 3.29 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. And not only the Kings of judah but also Job Nehemiah the King of Niniveh Darius Artaxerxes Nebucadnezar whom none looked at as types of Christ though were it so there were no place for any just objection are cōmended in the book of God for exercising their authority this way 7 The object of the power of the Magistrate are not things meerly inward and so not subject to his cognisance view as unbeleif hardness of heart erronious opinions not vented but only such things as are acted by the outward man neither is their power to be exercised in commanding such acts of the outward man 1 Kings 20.28 vers 11 and punishing the neglect therof as are but meer inventions devices of men but about such acts as are commanded forbidden in the word yea such as the word doth clearly determine though not alwayes clearly to the judgment of the Magistrate or others yet clearly in it slfe In these he of right ought to putt forth his authority Deut. 13. 1 Kings 20.28 vers 42 Dan. 3.29 Zach. 13.3 Neh. 13.21 1 Tim. 2.2 Rom. 13.4 though oft-times actually he doth it not 8 Idolatry Blasphemy Heresy venting corrupt and pernicious opinions that destroy the foundation open contempt of the word preached prophanation of the Lords day disturbing the peaceable administration exercise of the worship holy things of God and the like are to be restrayned and punished by civil authority 9 If any church one or more shall grow schismaticall rending it self from the communion of other churches or shall walke incorrigibly or obstinately in any corrupt way of their own contrary to the rule of the word in such case the Magistrate is to put forth his coercive power as the matter shall require Joshua 22 The tribes on this side jordan intended to make warr against the other tribes for building the alter of witness whom they suspected to have turned away therin from follwing of the Lord. FINIS A Table of the Contents of the Chapters in this Platform of Church-Discipline Chap. I. Of the Form of Church-government in general and that it is one immutable and prescribed in the Word of God Page 1 Chap. II. Of the Nature of the Catholick Church in general and in special of a particular visible Church Page 2 Chap. III. Of the matter of the visible Church both in respect of quality and quantity Page 3 Chap. IV. Of the Form of a visible Church and of Church-Covenant Page 4 Chap. V. Of the first subject of Church-power or to whom Church-power doth first belong Page 7 Chap. VI. Of the Officers of the Church and especially of Pastors and Teachers Page 7 Chap. VII Of Ruling Elders and Deacons Page 8 Chap. VIII Of Election of Church-Officers Page 10 Chap. IX Of Ordination and Impositionof hands Page 11 Chap. X. Of the Power of the Church and its Presbitery Page 12 Chap. XI Of the maintenance of Church-Officers Page 15 Chap. XII Of the Admission of Members into the Church Page 16 Chap. XIII Of Church-Members their removal from one Church to another and Letters of Recommendation and Dismission Page 19 Chap. XIV Of Excommunication and other Church-Censures Page 20 Chap. XV. Of the Communion of Churches one with another Page 23 Chap. XVI Of Synods Page 27 Chap. XVII Of the civil Magistrates Power in matters Ecclesiastical Page 28

of that Covenant 2 Tim 4.1.2 Tit. 1 9 unto the dispensation whereof they are alike called as also to execute the Censures being but a kind of application of the Word the preaching of which together with the application thereof they are alike charged withal 6. Eph. 4.11 12. chap. 1.22 23. And for as much as both Pastors and Teachers are given by Christ for the perfecting of the Saints and edifying of his body which Saints and Body of Christ is his Church Therfore we account Pastors and Teachers to be both of them Church-officers and not the Pastor for the Church and the Teacher only for the Schools Though this we gladly acknowledg 1 Sam. 10.12 v 19 20 2 King 23 verse 15 that Schools are both lawful profitable and necessary for the training up of such in good Literature or Learning as may afterwards be called forth unto Office of Pastor or Teacher in the Church CHAP. VII Of Ruling Elders and Deacons THe Ruling Elders Office is distinct from the Office of Pastor and Teacher Rom 12 7 8 9 1 Tim 5 17. 1 Cor 12 28. The Ruling Elders are not so called to exclude the Pastors and Teachers from Ruling because Ruling and Governing is common to these with the other Heb 13 17 1 Tim 5 17 whereas attending to teach and preach the Word is peculiar unto the former 1 Tim 5 17 2. The Ruling Elders work is to joyn with the Pastor and Teacher in those acts of Spiritual Rule which are distinct from the ministry of the word and Sacraments committed to them of which sort these be as followeth I. 2 Chron. 23 19 Rev 21 12 1 Tim 4 14 Mat 18 17 2 Cor 2 7 8 Acts 2 6 To open and shut the dores of Gods house by the Admission of members approved by the Church by Ordination of officers chosen by the Church and by excommunication of notorious and obstinate offenders renounced by the Church and by restoring of penitents forgive by the Church II. To call the Church together when there is occasion Acts 21.18 22 23 and seasonably to dismiss them again III. To prepare matters in private that in publick they may be carried an end with less trouble and more speedy dispatch IV. Acts 6 2 3 c 13 v 15 2 Cor 8 10 Heb 13 7 7 2 Thes 2 10 11 12 To moderate the carriage of all matters in the Church assembled as to propound matters to the Church to Order the season of speech and silence and to pronounce sentence according to the minde of Christ with the consent of the Church V. To be Guides and leaders to the Church in all matters whatsoever pertaining to Church administrations and actions VI. To see that none in the Church live inordinately out of rank and place without a calling Acts 20 28 verse 32 1 Thes 5 12 Jam 5 14 Acts 20 20 or Idlely in their calling VII To prevent and heal such offences in life or in doctrin as might corrupt the Church VIII To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition IX And as they shall be sent for to visit and to pray over their sick brethren X. And at other times as opportunity shall serve therunto 3. Act 6 3 v 6 Phil 1 1 1 Tim 3 8 1 Cor 12 28 1 Tim 3 8 9 The office of a Deacon is Instituted in the Church by the Lord Jesus sometime they are called Helps The Scripture telleth us how they should be qualified Grave not double tongued not given to much wine not given to filthy lucre they must first be proved and 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 Acts 4 35 chap. 6 2 3 chap 6 2 and to keep the treasury of the Church Rom 12 8 and therwith to serve the Tables which the Church is to provide for as the Lords Table the table of the ministers and of such as are in necessity to whom they are to distribute in simplicity 4. 1 Cor. 7 17 The office therefore being limited unto the care of the temporall good things of the Church it extends not unto the attendance upon and administration of the spirituall things thereof as the word and Sacraments or the like 5. The ordinance of the Apostle and practice of the Church 1 Cor 16 1 2 3 commends the Lords day as a fit time for the contributions of the Saints 6. 1 Cor. 12.28 Eph. ● 8 11. Acts 20.28 The Instituting of all these officers in the Church is the work of God himselfe of the Lord Jesus Christ of the holy Ghost And therefore such officers as he hath not appointed are altogether unlawfull either to be placed in the Church or to be retained therin and are to be looked at as humane creatures meer Inventions and 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-Bishops Arch-Deacons Officials Commissaries Mat. 15.13 and the like These and the rest of that Hierarchy and Retinue not being plants of the Lords planting shall all be certeinly rooted out and cast forth 7. The Lord hath appointed ancient widdows where they may be had to minister in the Church 2 Tim. 5.9 10 in giving attendance to the sick and to give succour unto them and others in the like necessities CHAP. VIII Of the Election of Church-Officers NO man may take the honour of a Church-Officer unto himself Heb. 5.4 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 Galat. 1 1 Acts 14.23 chap 6 3 and 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 Tryed and proved 1 Tim. 5.22 chap 7 10 Acts 16 2 chap. 6 3 because hands are not suddenly to be laid upon any and both Elders and Deacons must be of honest and good report 4. The things in respect of which they are to be Tryed are those gifts and virtues which the Scripture requireth in men that are to be elected into such places viz that Elders must be blameless sober apt to teach and endued with such other qualifications as are laid down 1 Tim. 3. and 2. Tit. 1.6 to 9. Deacons to be fitted as is directed Asts 6.3 1 Tim. 3.8 to 11. 5. Act 14 23 c. 1 23. c. 6 3 4 5. Officers are to be called by such Churches whereunto they are to minister Of such moment is the preservation of this power That the Churches excercised it in the presence of the Apostles 6. Gal. 5.13 A Church being free cannot become subject to any but by a free