Churches hear their Ministers as Ministers of the Gospel and hold communion with them in their Churches Answ We may hold and retain communion with them in baptizing our children as occasion may fall out by absence of our Ministers in their Churches Apologetical Narration They say but do not Mat. 23. and by occasional receiving the Supper of the Lord in their Churches and receiving such member of theirs as are duly qualified unto communion with us occasionally also our Ministers to preach in their Congregations and receive theirs also to preach in ours as Ministers of the Gospel Papers given to the Committee of accommodation by Thomas Goodwin Philip Nye William Bridge Sydrach Simson Ierom. Burroughs pag. 29. line 17. Quest 9. What shall we judge then of the Separatists or Brownists are they of Antichrist Answ Sure their practice is blame worthy 1. Because they separate where Christ keeps fellowship Rev. 1.18 and that he walks with us we argue Mr. Cotton because he is still pleased to dispense to us the word of life and edifies many souls thereby and therefore surely Christ hath fellowship with us and shall man be more pure then his Maker where Christ vouchsafes fellowship shall man renounce it if they be converted where had they their conversion 2. Have not many of Gods servants heretofore kept company with Churches as corrupt as ours are did not Peter and John keep company with their persons and shall they be more pure and curious 3. Christ commands if thy brother offend thee admonish him Mat. 18.17 c. then tell it to the Church and if he hear not the Church let him be unto thee as a heathen or a publican he doth not say let the Church be unto the as a heathen or a publican if the Church hear not thy complaint Now there are many of our Separatists never admonish their brethren nor made their complaint to the Church and if they did and the Church heard them not must they therefore excommunicate the Church and renounce it Therefore unless you finde in it blasphemy or idolatry or persecution there is no just ground of separation Mr. Cottons exposition of the first epistle of John fol. 156. l. 38. Object I. They say our worship is corrupt Answ Suppose there were and are sundry abuses in the Church Mr. Cotton yet that is no safe ground of separation Ezek. 5.11 Ezek. 9.4 So when the sons of Eli corrupted the sacrifices of God their sin was great yet it was the sin of the people to separate and abhor 1 Sam. 2.17 Mr. Cottons Exposition of the first epistle of John fol. 157. line 10. Object 2 They say our government is Antichristian Answ We say it is that Government that expelled Antichrist and sundry have witnessed it with their blood and I say further That there is no such corruption in our state as was in Jerusalem when Christ and his Apostles kept fellowship with them as two high Priests c. Ibid. line 13. Obj. 3. They say our Ministry and Calling is Antichristian Answ We say we do not profess our selves enemies to Christ Mr. Cotton and for our Calling many of us are elected by the peoples approbation or by such as are set up by the King or State and if God bless our Ministry to convert thousands to God it is an evident sign God approves our Calling for if it were Antichristian they would not convert souls unto God Ibid. line 18. Object 4. They say our people are corrupt and some such as Paul bids not to have communion with 1 Cor. 5.11 as drunkards whoremongers and the like Answ We cannot deny but that there are very many corrupt and scandalous persons in our Church But Mr. Cotton 1. Private Christians have no authority to put them out 2. For Ministers if they see it would turn to the dissipation and destruction of the flock it were better to forbear 1 Cor. 5. Mat. 13.29 30. Ezra 4.20 they ceased from building the Temple when there came a command against it O that you were wise to consider these things therefore they had better forbear when it cannot be redressed without greater prejudice to the Church 3. The corruption of some doth not corrupt the Church nor the ordinances of God he that eates and drinks unworthily eats and drinks damnation to himself not to the whole Congregation and you shall finde many Churches as corrupt as the Church of Corinth yet the Apostle would not have them renounce it Mr. Cottons exposition of the first epistle of John fol. 157. line 28. Hitherto of communion with and separation from the Church now to draw some positions from these particulars with some inferences upon them 1. There may be acknowledged an universal visible Church which is the materia prima of particular Political Churches and may in some respects be called the first Church and particular Churches ortae Chap. 4. answ to first and second question Therefore the Catholike visile Church is not a Chimaera nor a chief pillar of Popery as some please to speak 2. Every faithful person yea every one that looketh for salvation by Christ is bound to joyn himself to some or other particular Church of Christ See answ to quest 3. chap. 4. Therefore some or other particular Church is bound to receive every one that looks for salvation by Christ and desires to joyn himself unto them for to say that every Christian is bound to joyn himself to some particular Church and yet no Church bound to receive him is to lay an impossible obligation upon a Christian 3. All the believers of one place be it Town Village or Parish are bound to joyn together in one Church and this order cannot be disturbed without guilt of Schisme and it is most for edification for men to be of the Church that is in the place where they dwell See chap. 4. answ to quest 4. Therefore the practice of those who gather into one Church members dwelling in three four or six several places distant many miles each from other tends not to edification nor cannot be excused from guilt of Schism 4. Peoples joyning with a Parish in choosing and calling a Minister is such an engagement as it is not safe for such to remove from such a Minister but upon such grounds as may give him due satisfaction See chap. 4. answ to quest 5. Therefore they have provided but an uneasie pillow for themselves to lay their heads on another day who have cast off those Ministers with contempt and scorn to the breaking and sadding of their hearts whom themselves chose and called as most of the members of the gathered Churches so called throughout England have done 5. To separate from a Church either out of contempt of their holy fellowship or out of covetousness or for greater enlargements with just grief to the Church or out of Schisme or for want of love or out of a spirit of contention in respect of some
IRENICVM OR AN ESSAY Towards a Brotherly PEACE VNION Between those of the Congregational And Presbyterian Way Shewing out of the most Learned and Renowned Divines of the Congregational Way that their Positions Concerning 1. Church Matters and Members 2. Church Constitution and Form 3. Church State 4. Church Officers and Ordination 5. Church Government and Censures 6. Church Combinations and Synods 7. Communion with and Separation from Churches Are sufficient for the establishing a firme and lasting Peace between them and the Presbyterians Drawn up and published by Discipulus De Tempore Junior In pursuance of the good design begun at the Savoy where it was agreed and declared That such Reforming Churches as consist of Persons sound in the Faith and of Conversation becoming the Gospel ought not to refuse the communion of each other so far as may consist With their own principles respectively though they walk not in all things according to the same Rules of Church Order Canon 29. London Printed for Nathanael Webb and William-Grantham at the black Bear in Pauls Church-yard near the little North-door 1659. THE Preface BUt who would write Irenicums seeing they who attempt it reap usually no other fruit then he who running in between two men that are a fighting with an honest intent to part them and make them friends brings both their fists about his own ears or turns both their swords into his own bosome and maketh them both his enemies at least the prevailing party and he that thinks he hath the better of the cause will take it exceedingly ill as the Lutherans do Pareus his Irenicum which some of them call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Scotch non Conformists the Irenicum of their Country man Forbes The consideration of this made the Collector of these Papers though often sollicited with thoughts of that he hath now attempted to lay them by till being a little awakened first with the report of some thing towards an accommodation of dissenting parties endeavoured and as they say effected in Cumberland and Westmerland and in other Counties and with an expectation of some thing that was agreed by the Congregational way in their meeting at the Savoy that might conduce to that end he judged it now seasonable to present these Papers to publike view that he might suum conferre symbolum If this may procure a right understanding and composing of the differences between brethren the Collector hath his desire and reward if it fail and miss that end yet he hopes his reward is with the Lord having this testimony in his own conscience that in singleness of heart he hath managed this cause not knowingly or willingly falsifyng and wresting the words of those reverend men whom he cites from which crime if his own protestation be not enough to clear him thou shalt by and by Reader have the deposition of two sufficient witnesses If thou wilt not believe them neither get the Books and trust thine own eyes If any say these authors elsewhere express themselves otherwise all that I answer is that my design and work was not to reconcile them to themselves but if I could to their Presbyterian Brethren which how far it is done read but read with understanding and without prejudice and then judge Thine in the Lord D. T. The Attestation WE have examined all the several Quotations here alledged by the Books out of which they were taken and finde them to be punctually and syllabically true and that there is no falsification nor violation of them and this we being persons no wayes interested in the controversies between the Presbyterian and Congregational Brethren nor engaged to either Party Testifie under our hands L. K. R. N. To the Judicious Reader AMongst the manifold divisions both in Church and State whereby England hath been and still is damnified and endangered the doleful differences betwixt Presbyterians and Independants are not the least nor least lamented by gracious hearts as in other respects so because the loud noise thereof both from the Pulpit and the Press doth cause their adversaries sinfully to rejoyce 2 Sam. 1.20 In this regard the Popish the prophane and Prelatical party do encourage their hopes that the good work of Covenanted Church-Reformation in England Scotland and Ireland will ere long wither and come to nothing True it is that as neither kingdom nor house so no other society divided against it self can stand Mark 3.24 25. for division maketh way for dissipation Gen. 49.7 Upon this account in pursuance of that Machivilian Maxim Divide impera the Jesuited Papist and the self-seeking Statist do vigorously endeavor to maintain and encrease our divisions in matters of Religion at this day errors and contentions which are like tares hindring the growth of grace amongst Christians Mat. 13.23 are sowed by the Divel their implacable enemy And it is an expression of great displeasure from the Lord when the evil spirit is sent or suffered so far to prevail upon them which should be one in mutual amity that they in passion deal treacherously one with another Judg. 9.23 As it cannot be denyed but that animosities causing sad separations may be found amongst good men For the contention between Paul and Barnabas was so sharpe that they departed asunder one from the other so experience amongst our selves confirmeth Act. 15.39 what Solomon long since asserted A brother offended is harder to win than a strong City and their contentions are like the bars of a Palace In the late Assembly of Divines called together by Authority of Parliament many hours yea days were run up in serious debates that the Presbyterians and their dissenting brethren might be reconciled in matters of Church discipline And since that time many books have been publish't by godly Ministers of both perswasions to drive on that good design but the end intended hath not hitherto been accomplisht Now the good hand of the Almighty the God of Peace hath stirred up the heart of a faithful and able Minister of the Gospel whose name would adde authority to this work though he see cause to conceal it in a new way to attempt a brotherly agreement His design is to stitch up our rents and to heal our breaches by discovering the concessions and positions of the chief Patrons of the Congregational way that in reference to Church constitution of members and officers and in reference to Church administrations by Classes and Synods there is not so great opposition betwixt the Presbyterians and them as the Independent Brethren here amongst us do pretend and publish And let the indifferent Reader who is not byassed with prejudice and partiality judge whether there be not much ingenuity with meeknesse of wisdom and solidity of judgement in the Narrative and inferences herein tendred without any unbrotherly reflections or bitter exasperations The whole Treatise both in regard of the matter and manner of managing it speaketh the Author to be a man of
faith Mr. Cotton of Infant Baptisme page 57. line 31. 2. God may approve a man to be admitted into the Covenant whose person he approves not Mr. Cotton Infant Bapt. page 66. line 39. 3. For it is one thing for the Word of God to approve men to be in Covenant another thing to approve them in the Covenant God he did never approve Saul nor Jehu in their Kingdome yet he approved both should be admitted to their Kingdome Mr. Cotton of Infant Bapt. page 68. line 19. Object But is it not said John 4. that God seeketh such to worship him as worship him in Spirit and truth therefore none but such may be admitted to the Ordinances of God And is it not said Acts 2.47 the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved or saved men as some translate it therefore none but such as are in the state of grace and salvation should be added to the Church Answ It is said God seeketh such to worship him as worship him in Spirit and in truth but it is not said God findeth such in every Church Mr. Cotton of Infant Baptisme page 103. line 35. Much lesse none but such 2. It is said Acts 2. The Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved but it is not said he added none other Were not Ananias and Sapphyra added to the Church and Simon Magus also who yet for ought appears were none of them saved Mr. Cotton of Infant Bapt. page 67. line 35. Object But as none invisibly before God are by him approved at all to have right to any priviledges of grace but only as he looketh upon them in his Sonne No more are there any before man visibly to be approved of so as to have right to the same but as they appear to be in Christ by some effect of faith declaring the same Answ If you mean by grace saving grace it is true none have right to any priviledge of saving grace Mr. Cotton but as God looks at them in his Son either by faith or by election unto faith if you mean by grace the outward dispensation of the covenant of grace and of the seal thereof it is true none have right to any priviledge of the covenant or the seal of it but as they are in Christ either by faith or by election unto faith or by the fellowship with the Church whereof Christ is the head in which respect all the members of the Church and their seed are in Christ as branches in the vine or olive and may be cut off for want of faith to make them fruitful in him Mr. Cotton of infant bapt p. 55. l. 28 c. 2. But when you say none have right to the covenant or the external priviledges thereof but as they appear to be in Christ by some effect of faith declaring the same that you cannot make good from Scripture-light Mr. Cotton of infant bapt p. 56. l. 1 c. Hitherto of Church matter and Church-members Now out of this that hath been spoken I draw these plain positions with some inferences 1. The Church of the old Testament and new do not differ one from another in the qualification of their matter and members See the answer to the first question Therefore the Church of the old Testament consisted of visible Saints as well as the Church of the new 2. Sole want of grace doth not make a man uncapable of Church-membership unless ignorance and scandal do accompany it See the answer to the second and third question Therefore no man may be denyed membership because it doth not appear to the Church in the best judgement of charity and discretion thar he hath true saving grace 3. The members of the visible Church are Saints in respect of outward calling not inward inherent grace See answer to the four th question 4. The holiness from which the members of the visible Church are denominated Saints is not by imputation or regeneration but by separation to God and his worship See answ to quest 5. According to which Saul and Judas and Demas may be denominated Saints See answ to quest 6. Therefore all assemblies of people thus set apart to the worship of God are Churches of Saints and one Church may not say unto another stand apart from me for I am holyer then thou 5. The covenant of grace separates men and women from other people sets them apart to the Lord and his holy worship gives them right to holy priviledges denominates them holy or Saints See the answer to the fifth question Therefore the covenant of grace and not any other constitutes the Church and gives Church membership 6. Neither faith nor consent to the covenant is necessary to the bringing of men outwardly into covenant See the answer to quest 7 8. Therefore an explicite consent is not required to the constituting of a Church 7. The covenant of grace is applied to men not onely because they have faith and are converted but that they may have faith and be converted See answer to question 7. and 9. Therefore by a like reason men are to be admitted members of the Church not onely because they have faith and are converted but that they may have faith and be converted for the Church and the covenant are commensurate 8. Though Christ be a living head yet he counts it no dishonor to him to admit of dead members in his Church which is his mystical body as knowing how to glorifie himself in or by dead members See answer to quest 10. And though Christ be spiritual yet he doth not despise to take into covenant with himself those that are but natural See the answer to the 11. quest Therefore they arrogate to themselves to be wiser and holyer then Christ himself who despise and depart from Church assemblies and communion because of the mixture of those which are not spiritual and have nor the life of grace 9. Christ though he be married to the Church is not presently married to every member of the Church See answer to question 11. 10. Profession of faith in order to admission unto Church-membership is onely required of those that from Judaism and Paganism are converted unto Christ and not from such as being born in the Church are admitted in their infancy for their baptism seals to them their initiation into Church-membership See answer to question 12. Therefore it is an injury done to any that have been baptized in their infancy to deny them admission into the Church unlesse they make a profession of their faith and that before the whole Church 11. It is not the grace of faith but the doctrine of faith the profession whereof is required in Church-members See answer to question 13. Therefore it is irregular to put people upon the relation of the time and manner of their conversion 12. It were an inextricable perplexity to suspend the essence and validity of Churches and Church administrations upon the hidden sincerity of
of the Church at the Lords Table Mr. Cotton of infant baptism pag. 134. line 12. And this he speaks of as the perfection of the New Hierusalem Hitherto of Church-state now to draw some brief positions and inferences from these particulars 1. The faithful Congregations of England are true Churches of Christ See chap. 3. answer to the first question Therefore not to be departed from nor their communion to be desipised 2. Where Word and Sacraments are duly administred there is a faithful Congregation a true Church See Chap. 3. quest 2. answer the first Therefore such a Congregation may challenge from every member of it what ever duty is owing to any Church of Christ 3. The essence of a true Church is preserved though there be found in it some hypocries and some notoriously scandalous both in judgement and practice See chapter 3. quest 2. answ 4. 4. Though all the members of a particular Church should make but an ignorant hypocritical verbal profession of Christ and faith in him yet there remains not onely the name but the nature of a Church so far that the actions thereof are not null See chap. 3. quest 2. answ 5. Therefore quere whether there be any Congregation in England so ignorant or scandalous as not to be capable of the name and nature of a Church according to this position 5. Promises made to the visible Church are made to it for the sake of the elect that are therein See chap. 3. answ 11. quest 3. 6. God allows none tote cast out of his Church but for obstinacy and heinous crimes against the light of nature See chap. 3. answer to question 4. 7. Such as were baptized in their infancy as they are not to be received to full communion till they make profession of faith and repentance so neither are they to be rejected but suffered to enjoy many priviledges in the Church as Church-watch c. for their healing and amendment chap. 3. quest 5. Therefore the more injurious they who cast off some hundreds of baptized ones in their congregtions and surfer neither them nor their children to enjoy any more Church-privileges than meer Turkes or Heathens CHAP. IV. Of Church-officers and their Ordination Question 1. WHat need is there of Officers in the Church of Christ Answ Though Officers be not necessary to the simple being of Churches when they be called Platforme of Discipline from N. E. yet ordinarily to their calling they are and to their well-being and therefore the Lord Jesus out of his tender compassion hath appointed and ordained officers which he would not have done if they had not been useful and needful for the Church Platform of discipline from New England chap. 6. sect 2. Quest 2. What officers then hath Christ appointed and ordained in the Church Answ These officers were either extraordinary or ordinary extraordinary as Apostles Prophets and Evangelists or ordinary as Elders and Deacons Platform of discipline chap. 6. sect 3. Quest 3. How many sorts of Elders hath Christ appointed in his Church Answ Of Elders who are also in Scripture called Bishops there are two sorts Platforme of Discipline from N. E. some attend chiefly to the Ministry of the Word as the Pastors and Teachers others attend especially unto rule who are therefore called ruling-Elders Platform of discipline Chap. 6. sect 4. Quest 4. Have the Pastor and Teacher a like power in the Ministry of the Word Answ They are alike charged with the preaching of the Word Platforme of Discipline from N. E. and the application thereof and either of them to administer the seals of the covenant unto the dispensation whereof they are alike called as also to execute the censures being a kind of application of the Word Platform of discipline chap. 6. sect 5. Quest 5. Is there any such thing as an outward call necessary to the constituting of a Pastor or Teacher Mr. Hooker Answ 1. It is a standing and a staple rule No man taketh this honour to himself Mr. Hooker but he that is called is Aaron Heb. 5.9 Mr. Hookers Surney of discipline part 2. pag. 42. line 33. 2. Without this call none can warrantably do any act that belongs to any officer Ibid. pag. 45. line 28. 3. Without this whatever is done in that behalf is void and of none effect Ibid. line 30. Quest 6. May none then preach the Word and administer the Sacraments in the Church but the Pastor or Teachers Mr. Cotton Answ We are far from allowing that sacrilegious usurpation of the Ministers office which we hear of to our grief to be practised in some places that private Christians ordinarily take upon them to preach the Gospel publickly and to minister the Sacraments Mr. Cotton of the Keys pag. 6. line 33. It is a frenzy of the Anabaptists that begins to labour with the loathsomnesse of it self that any Christian gifted who can teach or minister a word of instruction to win a Disciple after him that he in a corner may baptize him also whom he hath won to his opinion But as Paul said of Jannes and Jambres their madnesse is made appear to all who are not willing to shut their eyes against the Sunne when it shines in its beauty For if the Lord Christ in his infinite wisdome and Kingly care conceived it necessary for the honour of the place and the execution of the work of the Deacon to appoint choice men and solemn ordination to authorize them to the work that they being called and fitted to the work might be accepted therein of the people and blessed of him who did appoint them to the employment In reason what greater need is there that persons who are peculiarly gifted and furnished with grace and abitity should be called to this work of preaching and dispensing these holy mysteries a service above all other of greatest weight and worth Adde hereunto that the Apostle as by a flaming Sword doth stop the way to all pretenders and therefore layes in this prohibition No man taketh this honour to himself but he that is called of God as Aaron he must have a special call from God who must dare to meddle with a service which is of such peculiar eminence in the house of God yea the Lord himself doth appropriate this and that to some persons whom he puts in place He gave some to be Pastors and Teachers Ephes 4.11 Are all Apostles are all Governours are all Teachers 1 Cor. 12.29 This would bring confusion and so destruction to the whole Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 3. pag. 9. line 8 c. and part 2. page 42. line 23. Object 1. But doth not the Apostle 1 Cor. 14.31 say you may all prophesie one by one that all may learn and all may be comforted Answ 1. That place in the Corniths doth not speak of ordinary private members Mr. Cotton but of men furnished with extraordinary gifts the Members of the Church of Corinth as
right to a Sacrament because he hath an interest in the Covenant of the Gospel Mr. Hooker of which it is a seal but he must come to it in a right order of Christ that is the party must be a Member of a visible Congregation because the seals can there only be rightly and orderly administred I say it is sufficient the party be a member of a visible Congregation not this or that particular Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. pag. 65. l. 26. Yet it is requisite that such members of a particular Church as were baptized and received their membership in their infancy should come to their tryal and examination and manifest their faith and repentance by an open profession thereof before they come to the Lords Supper or else not be admitted thereunto Platforme of Discipline from New England chap. 12 sect 7. Quest 15. How is this tryal and examination to be made Answ In case any through excessive fear or other infirmity Platforme of Discipline be unable to make the relation of their spiritual estate in publick it is sufficient that the Elders having received private satisfaction make relation thereof in publick before the Church they testifying their assent thereunto this being the way that tendeth most to edification Platforme of Discipline chap. 12. sect 4. And this is necessary for some and warrantable for all women it is most without exception to receive all women after the same manner Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 3. pag. 6. line 37. Quest. 16. But may those that are members of one Church partake of the Sacraments in another Answ The members of one Church occasionally coming to another Platforme of Discipline 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 but with all the Churches of the Saints Platform of Discipline chap. 15. sect 4. Quest 17. But this priviledge is restrained only to members of gathered Churches is it not Answ The members that come commended from the faithful Congregations in England to ours here Mr. Hooker so that it doth appear to the judgment of the Church whence they come that they are by them approved and not scandalous they ought to be received into Church communion with us as members of other Churches in New Engl. in like cases so commended and approved Hookers Survey Preface A. 3. Quest 18. Are the administrations of men outwardly called to the work of the Ministry valid though the persons themselves be destitute of inward sanctity and saving grace Answ Who ever in a regular way hath received this outward call Mr. Hooker is a compleat and true officer and may act any part of his office though not inwardly graced and fitted worthily for such a place and work by God The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses Chaire had this outward call to that office therefore they must be heard by Gods own charge though they were most unworthy men had neither sufficiency of parts to do the work of the place nor yet sincerity of heart and life to endeavour much lesse to discharge the weight of the services which should be done by them being blinde guides painted sepulchres grossely hypocritical and scandalously vile in their general course corrupting the Law by their false and unlearned glosses and perverting the simple by their lewd carriages polluting all Gods Ordinances by their corrupt handling and administration thereof Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. pag. 45. line 34. Quest 19. Is the office of the ruling Elder distinct from the Pastour and Teacher Answ The ruling Elders office is distinct from the office of the Pastour and Teacher Platforme of Discipline Platform of Discipline from N. E. chap. 7. sect 1. Quest 20. Why is this officer called a ruling Elder Answ The ruling Elders are not so called to exclude the Pastors and Teachers from ruling Platforme of Discipline but because ruling and governing is common to these with the other whereas attending to teach and preach the Word is peculiar to the former Platform of Disc chap. 7. sect 1. Quest 21. How do you prove that there is such an Office as a ruling Elder appointed by Christ in the Church Answ That there is such an office and officer appointed by Christ Mr. Hooker as the Scriptures are plain to him whose spirit and apprehension is not pre-possess't and fore-stalled with prejudice so this hath been maintained by many of Christs worthies of former and of later times So that we have no controversie here but with hierarchical persons the force of whose argument lies especially in a pursevant and a prison armed with authority of a high Commission Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. p. 8. l. 11. Quest 22. But what Scripture have you to bottome this office upon Answ The first argument we have from Rom. 12.7 Mr. Cotton He that ruleth with diligence Mr. Hooker part 2. p. 8. l. 28. Mr. Hooker Mr. Cotton of the way of the Churches pag. 13. line 31. The second argument is taken from 1 Cor. 12.28 God hath set in his Church governments Mr. Hooker part 2. page 10. line 15. Mr. Cotton of the way of the Churches page 15. line 29. A third argument is taken from that famous place which is full to the purpose Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour 1 Tim. 5.17 Mr. Hookers Survey part 2. page 11. line 25. Mr. Cottons way page 19. line 17. Quest 23. What is the work of the ruling Elder Answ The ruling Elders work is to joyn with the Pastour and Teacher in those acts of spiritual rule which are distinct from the Ministery of the Word and Sacraments committed to them Platforme of Discipline of which sort are these that follow 1. To open and shut the doors of Gods house by admission of members ordination of officers excommunication of offenders restoring of penitents 2. To call the Church together when there is occasion and seasonably to dismisse them again 3. To prepare matters in private that in publick they may be carried on with lesse trouble and more speedy dispatch 4. To moderate the carriage of all matters in the Church assembled to propound matters to the Church to order the season of speech and silence to pronounce sentence according to the minde of Christ with the consent of the Church 5. To be guides and leaders to the Church in all matters whatsoever pertaining to Church-administrations and actions 6. To see that none in the Church live inordinately and out of rank and place without a calling or idly in their calling 7. To prevent and heal such offences in life or doctrine which might corrupt the Church 8. To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition 9. And as they shall be sent for to visit and pray over their sick brethren 10.
given in wisdom and compassion to his Church quest 1 2. 3. Therefore how those Churches can be said to come neerest the rule and walk closest to the rule who either have no officers at all as the Church of H. and the Church of N. or else content themselves with one officer a Pastor having neither Teacher Ruler nor Deacon as most of the gathered Churches in England is this to walk according to rule is not this either to slight the compassion of Christ in giving these officers or to contradict the wisdom of Christ and proclaim those offices needless and useless which Christ judged needful and useful and therefore appointed in his Church 5. Ordination is a fundamental in Church discipline and gives the officer right in his office jus in re See quest 9 10. Therefore ordination is more than election which onely gives jus ad rem And quaere how many Ministers of our gathered Churches can have a full right and authority to administer all ordinances having onely election of the people which gives but jus ad rem and not ordination which give jus in re 6. Ordination is an act of rule and pertaines to the Presbytersy or Presbytery Que. 11. Therefore not to the fraternity or body of the people 7. The Word and Sacraments are to be dispensed in publike Quest 1â— Therefore why do many of the Church-way so frequently baptize children in private 8. The Saâ—raments are badges to shew our separation from all profane Societies and to signifie our communion one with another in the profession and confession of the faith as our spiritual union and communion with Christ our head mystically See quâ—st 13. answ Therefore the Sacraments are notes of the true Church as the Protestant writers have alwayes maintained against the Papists 9. A person hath his first right to the Sacrament because he hath an interest in the covenant of the Gospel of which it is a seal Quest 14. Therefore the Church covenant as they call it gives not a man his first right to the Sacrament for that is not the covenant of the Gospel nor is the Sacrament a seal of that 10. For the receiving of the Sacrament in a right order of Christ it is sufficient that the party be a member of a visible Congregation not this or that particular Quest 14. Therefore whether the Congregation be constituted after this or that form by express covenant or not whether it be an Independent Congregation or a Classical Congregation it is all one if a man be a member of a visible Congregation he comes in a right order of Christ 11. It is requisite that those who were baptized and received their member-ship in their infancy should come to their tryal and examination before they be admitted to the Supper and this examination may be made by the Elders yea in some cases it is necessary it should be so and for all women it is most warrantable and most without exception Therefore such examination in Presbyterian Churches is not sinful and unlawful nor deserves so much ignominy and scorn as some have cast upon it 12. The Sacraments are seals not onely of our communion with Christ and with the members of our own Church but with all the Churches of the Saints See quest 16. Therefore they who will partake with none but the members of their own Church or a Church of the like constitution nor suffer their members to partake in none but their own Churches are guilty of the greatest breach of Christian love that can be unsainting and unchurching all the Churches that Christ hath upon the earth but themselves and with a kinde of Papal pride judging and as much as in them is excommunicating all other Churches contrary to their own principles that say No one Church hath power over another 13. The wickedness of a Minister does no wayes make void the acts of his Ministry nor give the people a dispensation to contemn it See quest 18. 14. The ruling Elders office is so clearly and fully grounded in Scripture as none can controvert it but he whose spirit and apprehension is prepossest and forestalled with prejudice Quest 21.22 15. The power and work of the ruling Elder is very great and his office very needful in the Church Quest 23 24. Therefore they that will have none of these ruling Elders over them but leave all to themselves and their liberty and by this means are not onely single members or officers but Pastors and Teachers and Elders and all This generation of men cast off the Lords government are sons of Korah whose condemnation sleeps not c. Quest 24. answ 1. Quaere whether some others be not guilty of this as well as Anabaptists Familists c. 16. If the ruling Elder be confined within his compass the wings of the Pope and Bishop will be clipt and their power exceedingly impeached Quest 25. Therefore there is neither truth or modesty in them that say the Presbyterian Government which is managed by ruling Elders as well as the Congregational is as tyrannical as Prelacy and as Antichristian as Popery 17. It is the divels subtilty to disgrace divide pull down the ruling Elder Quest 23. Let them therefore consider whose work they do and what reward without repentance they are like to have who drive such a design 18. Deacons are officers instituted by Christ and needful to be continued in the Church Quest 26. 19. The maintenance of Ministers is an act of justice not mercy debt not almes Quest 28. 20. Officers and Ordinances are bestowed upon the visible Church not for their sake but for the sake of the elect that are among them whose good next under his own glory Christ principally intended Quest 29. Therefore the visible Church is not first in Christs intention Therefore the visible Church especially the Church of a particular Congregation as such hath no reason to boast her self in her priviledges as the Spouse and Lacy and Queen of Christ seeing these and all other priviledges are given her not for her own sake but for the sake of the elect CHAP. V. Of Church Government and Censures Question 1. WHo are the seat or subject of Church Rule or Government Answ Church government or Rule is placed by Christ in the officers of the Church Platform of discipline who therefore are called Rulers the holy Ghost frequently yea alwayes when he mentioneth Church Rule and Church Government ascribeth it to Elders whereas the worke and duty of people is expressed in the phrase of obeying their Elders and submitting themselves to them in the Lord. Platform of discipline from New England Chap. 10. Sect. 7. Quest 2. How is Church government to be considered Answ Church government is to be attended either in regard of the essentials or circumstantials of it Mr. Hooker part 1. page 3. line 18. Quest 3. What are the essentials of Church government Answ The essentials required to the compleating of Church government are partly
be preferred before obedience to an affirmative precept that is not fundamental though therefore a hoof of truth is to be preferred before the liberties and lives of the ten thousands of Israel yet when the whole community is more endangered by the want of publick order than by the present not observing of some affirmative command not fundamental we ought to have more regard to publick order than to the present obedience of such a command 5. Therefore the particular Church in this case may and ought to submit it self to such order but yet without sin Mr. Nortons answ to Apollonius pag. 118.119 Quest 18. But how can that been done Answ 1. The truth is not to be dissembled Mr. Norton but the Church is modestly and peaceably to bear witnesse to the truth 2. Effor is never to be approved though for awhile in regard of the iniquity of the time it is to be tolerated 3. Wisely and patiently we must wait in our stations in the due use of means till God in his own proper season shall reveal the truth Mr. Norton against Apollonius page 119. line 30. Quest 19. Have all the Members of a Synod equal power Answ A Synod consisting Mr. Cotton as we have heard it doth of Elders and Brethren their power is not the same but distinct the power which the Brethren have it is a power of liberty the power which the Elders have it is a power of authority The Brethren have first liberty to dispute their doubts modestly and Christianly among the Elders so in that Synod at Jerusalem Acts 15.7 12. Secondly they had liberty to joyne with the Apostles and Elders in determining the same as the common sense of them all Thirdly they had liberty to joyn with the Apostles and Elders in choosing and sending Messengers and in writing Synodal letters in the name of all for the publishing of the sentence of the Synod Acts 13. ver 22 23. to 29. But the authority of the decrees lay chiefly if not only in the Apostles and Elders as appears Acts 16.4 So then it will be most safe to preserve to the Church of Brethren their due liberty and to the Church of the Elders their due authority Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 26. line 1. Quest 20. Whether may a person or persons wronged by particular Churches appeal to a Synod or no for redress Answ There is a right of appeals in weighty causes from an inferior to a superior sentence Mr. Norton And seeing that in Ecclesiastical causes and among Ecclesiastical persons many differences do arise who can deny but that this right of appeals must be granted there Appeals are of divine and natural right and necessary in all societies because of the ignorance and unrighteousnesse of many who are Judges Mr. Nortons answer to Apoll. 3. pag. 112. line antepenult page 114. Hitherto of the Combination or Consociation of Churches and of Synods and their power Now from these particulars that have been delivered let us draw some positions with their inferences First it is lawful for particular Churches to joyne together in a holy Covenant and communion amongst themselves to administer all Church Affairs of weight and difficulty and common concernment not without common consultation and consent about them See answer to quest 1. Hence it follows 1. That if an expresse consent and Covenant be the formalis ratio and constitutive of a Church then these particular Churches thus joyned together make up one Church not representativè impropriè but truly and properly having the true formale of a Church and that which dat essentiam 2. If they have thus covenanted together to transact things by common consent then every Church of the Consociation hath the same power in all matters that the fraternity of a particular Church hath to wit of consenting or of dissenting 3. If they Covenant to administer all their affairs not without common consent then quere whether every particular Church hath not a negative voice which is more then the Presbyterians contend for 4. If they Covenant to administer all matters of weight and common concernment NOT without common consent then the excommunication of any person being a matter of weight as doubtlesse the delivering up of a soul to Satan is and also a matter of common concernment he that is cast out of one Church being cast out of all will it not from the concession follow that no particular Church can excommunicate a Member without the consent of the associated Churches 2. This Consociation of Churches is safe useful and wholesome and in some case necessary See answ to quest 2.3 5 8. they therefore who refuse to associate with other Churches when it is offered let these consider whether they do not forsake their own mercies 3. Even the strongest and best Churches have need of Association first that they may help the weak for all Churches are not in a like athletick plight and secondly for themselves for the best may soon degenerate and for want of Association may sink and fall into deep Apostasie See answ to quest 4. therefore 1. These Associations ought not to be elective for then the strong and athletick Churches may combine together and exclude the weaker and lesse athletick saying we have no need of you which would frustrate the end of combination and therefore the best way is for Churches that are in vicinity to combine together 2. If the strongest Church may need Consociation to prevent degeneration and Apostasie then the best way is to have these Consociations fixed and stated not occasional only pro re nata Sero med cina paratur Quum mala per long as invaluere moras 4. Combination of Churches is an holy Ordinance of Christ See answ to quest 6. Therefore let them consider how they will answer it to Jesus Christ who not only live without this Ordinance but despise it and speak evil of it and yet have covenanted to walk in all the Ordinances of Christ and would be thought so to do 5. Combination of Churches is no more destructive to the power of particular Churches than the Consociation of the Apostles was to their Apostolical power See answer to quest 6. 6. As the Apostles giving the right hand of fellowship one to another strengthened their hands in the work of the Ministery so the Elders of Churches giving the right hand of fellowship one to another upon any fit occasion cannot but strengthen the heart and hands of one another in the Lords work See answ to quest 7. Therefore for the Elders of Congregational Churches to refuse to associate with their brethren of another judgment and to refuse to give them the right hand of fellowship what doth it declare but this that either they do not think we in our Ministery work the work of the Lord or else that they are resolved to weaken our hands and hinder our work as much as they can because though we do Gods work
yet we do not do it in their ways 7. A Combination of Churches or a Classical Church is a pure Gospel Church according to the most perfect platform it is the new jerusalem that came down from heaven Rev. 21.16 See answ to quest 7. therefore they are much mistaken that say it is an Antichristian platform 8. Classes and Synods Provincial and National are lawful and warrantable See answ to quest 9. therefore they exceedingly prevaricate who go about to render them either ridiculous as some or odious as others 9. A Synod is an Ordinance of Christ necessary though not to the being yet to the well-being of Churches See answ to quest 10. therefore it is as necessary as the rest of discipline which is necessary only for the well-being of Churches not to their being And secondly therefore it is no more improper to have Combinations or Synods fixed and stated than it is to have other meetings for Discipline so fixed 10. Delegation to be a member of a Synod is a lawful Gospel-employment See answ to quest 11. 11. All the Churches of a Nation may meet together to consult and to renew their Covenant for Reformation if the Covenant constitute the Church quere whither they be not now a National Church See answ to quest 12. 12. The practice of the Church in Hezekiahs dayes and in Josiahs dayes is a president for National Synods and Councils See answ to quest 12. 13. Synods are useful and have power in cases of difficulty and in such cases particular Churches are bound to make use of them See answ to quest 13. and 15. and in case of male-administration and in such cases the Consociated Churches are bound to take cognizance of it redresse it See answ to quest 13. 14. Synods have power and authority from Christ not only to direct and give counsel and declare the minde of Christ but also to command and injoyne See answ to quest 19. 15. Synods have some part of the binding power of the Keyes See answ to quest 14. Quere why not all as well as some and where Christ hath made the Partition 16. The decrees and injunctions of Synods so far as they are agreeable to the Word of God binde not only materially because they are agreeable to the Word but formally because they are the decrees of a Synod which is the Ordinance of Christ See answ to quest 14. and 15. 17. In the determination of the major part of a Synod approved by the Christian Magistrate particular Churches are bound to acquiesce upon pain 1. Of being guilty of disturbing the order and peace of the Church 2. Of non-communion 3. Of punishment by the Magistrate See answ to quest 15. if so then first the Magistrate may use compulsion and coercion in matter of Religion Secondly the vote of the major part of the late Assembly at Westminster had more obliging power than some body would own and some body is guilty of something 18. The decrees of Synods though erroneous yet if not fundamentally erring are not to be rejected or scorned but received and submitted to rather than peace and order disturbed See answ to quest 17. If I understand this aright our brethren say as much as can be desired if not more O that any thing near this had been practised 19. It is not easily to be granted that Synods erre and particular persons and Churches that are contrary-minded have the truth See answ to quest 7. 20. Appeals are warrantable by the Law of God and the Law of nature and necessary in all Societies because of the ignorance or iniquity of them that are Judges See answ to quest 20. therefore great is either their ignorance or their iniquity who deny the members of their society this just and necessary liberty of appeals CHAP. VII Of Communion with and Separation from the true Church Question 1. WHether there is an universal visible Church Platform of Discipline Answ There may be acknowledged an universal visisible Church Platform of discipline chap. 2. sect 3. Quest 2. What relation or respect do particular visible Churches bear to the universal visible Church Answ A Congregational Church by the institution of Christ is a part of the militant visible Church Platform of Discipline Platform of Discipline sect 6. This Catholick Mystical Church is the Materia prima out of which Political Churches by their combination are formed Defence of the 9. positions pag. 104. The Catholick Church is in some respects the first Church and particular Churches ortae Ibid. pag. 78. Quest 3. Is every particular person bound to be of some particular congregation Answ Every faithful person is bound by vertue of positive precept to joyn himself to some such single congregation Mr. Owen having the markes and notes by which a true Church may be known and discerned Dr. Owen in his Eshcol Preface A 3. It is the part of all Christians who look for salvation by Christ Jesus to joyn themselves to one or other particular Church of Christ Mr. Cotton of the way c. pag. 2. line 10. Quest 4. But is a man bound to joyn himself to the Church of that place where his dwelling is Answ Members ought to joyn themselves to the Church where they do inhabit if it may be Platform of Discipline otherwise they can neither perform the duties nor receive the priviledges of members such an example tolerated in some is apt to corrupt others which if they should follow would threaten the confusion and dissolution of Churches contrary to Scripture Platform of discipline chap. 13. sect 6. 2. All believers of one place are bound to joyn together in one congregation unless through their being too numerous they are by common consent distinguished into more which order cannot be disturbed without the guilt of schisme Dr. Owens Eshcol Prefao A. 3. Quest 5. But is a man bound after he hath once joyned himself to a Church to continue a member of this Church all his dayes Answ 1. Church-members may not remove and depart from the Church Platform Discipline and so one from another as they please but ought to dwell together Platform of discipline chap. 13. sect 1. 2. Peoples joyning with a Parish at the calling and electing of a Minister at his first coming hath such just weight in it and is such an engagement as we do not judge it safe for such to remove from such a Minister unless it be upon such grounds as may give him due satisfaction Platform of discipline Preface pag. 7. 3. To separate from a Church either out of contempt of their holy fellowship or out of covetuousness or for greater enlargements with just grief to the Church or out of Schisme or want of love or out of a spirit of contention in respect of some unkindness or some evil onely conceived or indeed in the Church which might and should be tolerated and healed with a spirit of meekness and of which the Church is
not yet convinced though perhaps himself be nor admonished from these or like reasons to withdraw from publike communion in word or seals or censures is unlawful and sinful Platform of discipline cap. 13. sect 5. Quest 6. But what if there be many wicked and scandalous persons and the Church tolerate them in it ought not the godly to withdraw and depart from such a Church Answ 1. To separate from a Church for want of some Ordinances or to separate from the true worship of God Platforme of Discipline because of the sin of some worshippers is unlawful Mr. Hookers Survey of discipline Preface A. 3. 2. The suffering of profane and scandalous livers to continue in the Church and partake in the Sacrament is doubtless a great sin yet the godly are not presently to separate from it nor to â—bstain from communion with such a Church in the participation of the Sacrament Platforme of discipline chap. 14. sect 8 9. 3. The hypocrisie of sundry members of the Church and toleration of some open scandal doth not presently take away the nature of the Church nor is separation presently to be made from it Mr. Cotton of holiness of Church members pag. 2. line 8. 4. Christ and his Apostles in their times and the Prophets and other godly in theirs did lawfully partake of the Lords commanded Ordinances in the Jewish Church and never taught nor practised separation from the same though unworthy ones were permitted to be therein Platform of discipline chap. 14. sect 8. And the Apostles kept communion with the Jews as a Church notwithstanding their want of faith in Christ Mr. Cotton of Infant Bapt. pag. 56. line 28. And the faithful in the Church of Corinth wherein were many unworthy persons and practises are never commanded to absent themselves from the Sacrament because of the same therefore the godly in like causes are not presently to separate Platform of discipline chap. 14. sect 8. Quest 7. But if I can go to a Church that is more pure and where things are better ordered and more according to the minde of Christ why may I not leave communion with one Church and go to another As suppose I think the Congregational Churches purer then the Presbyterian may I not leave the Presbyterian and joyn to the Congregational Answ We do not judge it safe or meet for any member of a Presbyterian Church Platforme of Discipline forthwith to desert his relation to his Church and betake himself to the fellowship of a congregational Church though he may discern some defect in the estate and government of his own 1. For first Faithfulness of brotherly love in Church relation requires that the members of the Church should first convince their brethren of their sinful defects and duely wait for their reformation before they depart from them for if we must take such a course for the healing of a private brother by way of brotherly love with much meekness and patience how much more ought we to walk with like tenderness towards the whole Church 2. Secondly By the hasty departure of sound members from a defective Church reformation is not promoted but many times retarded and corruption increased whereas on the contrary when sincere members breathing after purity of reformation abide together they may by the blessing of God upon their faithful endeavors prevail much with their elders and neighbors towards a reformation it may be so much that their Elders in their own Church shall receive none to the seals but visible Saints and in the Classes shall put forth no authoritative act touching the members of other Churches but consultative onely nor touching their own but with the consent silent consent at least of their own Church which two things if they can obtain with any holy humble meek faithful endeavors we conceive they might by the grace of Christ find liberty of conscience to continue their relation to their own Presbyterian Churches without scruple Platform of discipline preface pag. 5. line I. Object But we scruple not onely these but many other things As first Your Ministers many of them had their Ordination from the Bishops and they theirs from Rome and so your Ministery is Antichristian and those that are not ordained by Bishops are Ordained by a Classis or Presbytery which is a power forreign and extrinsecal to the Church whose Ministers they are Answ First For the Ministers that were ordained by Bishops take it thus Mr. Cotton The power whereby the Ministers in England do administer the Word and Sacraments is either spiritual and proper essential to their calling or adventitious or accidental The former they have received from Christ by a twofold act of his First He hath furnished many of them with ministerial gifts Secondly He hath enclined the hearts of his people to choose them and call them as in many Parishes in the City and in sundry Market-Towns and elsewhere or at least to accept them and submit to them being commended to them by the Patron The latter power which is adventitious and accidental that which they receive from the Patron who presents them to the Bishop and from the Bishop who ordains and licenseth them to Minister to Christ and to his people This power though it hath been established by the Law of the Land yet it is both adventitious and accidental for the Ministers power is compleat without it and it is also usurped For neither had the law lawful power from Christ to give such power to the Patron and Bishop neither had the Bishop or Patron lawful power to receive it neither could the people then choose their Minister without the leave of their Patron nor induct him into the Church without the ordination or leave of the Bishop Thus when Pyrates have invaded a ship no man in it neither Officer nor Passenger can come by his own goods but by leave of the Pyrate who upon their submission will give them their keyes of their own vessels and chests this power to come to their own goods received from the Pyrate it is not that which gives them true and proper right to enter upon the possession and use of their own goods for that right they had by a former just title which Pyrates cannot disannull Mr. Cotton but it is onely adventitious and accidenttal I need not apply it to the case in hand the application is obvious Mr. Cotton of Infant Bapt. pag. 181. line 25. And as for those Ministers that are ordained by Classes or Presbyteries as you call them I answer first Ordination is a work of rule and pertains to Presbyters Mr. Cotton way of the Churches pag. 49. line 4. And secondly In such Churches where there are no Elders and the Church so desires we see not why imposition of hands may not be performed by the Elders of other Churches Platform of Discipline from N.E. chap. 9. sect 5. Quest 8. May then we who are members of gathered or constituted
unkindness or some evil onely conceived or which might be tolerated and healed c. is sinful and unlawful See chap. 4. quest 5. answ 2. Therefore O that those who have rent themselves from us to gather themselves into distinct Churches would be wiâ—ling to behold the face of what they have done in and judge it by this friendly glass and repent of what they have done unlawfully and sinfully 6. Neither the hypocrisie of some members nor the toleration of open scandals nor want of some Ordinances is a sufficient ground for men to separate from the Church Therefore our brethren can alledge no sufficient ground for their separation on from the Churches whereof they were sometimes members 7. Faithfulness of brotherly love in Church relation requires that the members of the Church should first convince their brethren of their sinful defects and duely wait for their reformation before they depart from them For secondly By the hasty departure of sound members from a defective Church reformation is not promoted but many times retarded Chap. 4. answ to quest 7. Therefore let those who have separated themselves the Ministery and assemblies they did sometimes attend upon lay their hands upon their hearts and seriously as before the Lord consider whether they have thus endevored and waited for a reformation in the Congregation where their fixed abode is or whether they have not by their hasty departure or by other indirect means hindred the work of reformation as much as in them lies the Lord lay it not to their charge If for this they be not condemned by their own consciences I am sure they are by their friends and brethren 8. The Ordination of Ministers in England by the Bishops is adventitious and accidental to their calling See chap. 4. quest 7. answer to Object 4. Therefore their ordination by the Bishops doth not make their calling null and void nor is it necessary that they should renounce that call and put themselves upon a new call unless withall they change their station 9. The difference between Independents and Presbyterians is not so great but that it might be healed and there might a be an union if some distempers and carnal corrupt respects did not prevail above principles of judgement and love to peace and truth See chap. 4. answ to quest 8. 10 No just ground of separation from a Church unless you find in it blasphemy idolatry or persecution See chap. 4. quest 9. answ 3. Therefore none of these crimes being proved against the Churches of England they have done unjustly who have separated from them The Conclusion ANd now Brethren If I could with Jotham get up into some Mount Gerizim where I might be heard and not seen or at least where I might be extra jactum lapidum I would speak plainly to you and not as he in parables And I would numbly and as in the sight and fear of God desire you to give not me but the Christian world some conscientious and satisfactory reason of your departing and yet continuing so departed from the Churches into which you were baptized wherein you were converted which reverend Mr. Cotton is not ashamed to own saying We cannot we dare not deny to bless the wombe that bare us and the paps that gave us sucke Mr. Cotton lett print A. 1641. pag. 3. line 27. the most of you that are converted and whereof many of you were sometimes Minister yet now you have not onely made a Negative secession from them but a positive and have drawn and culled out of those Congregations whom yet you confess to be true Churches as many of the choicest members as you could and gathered them as you speak into Churches not onely distinct from but opposite to the Rest of the Churches and Congregations of the Nation I say opposite for verily if you lived among Papists or Jews you could scarce shew a greater opposition or abhorrence of their assemblies and worship than you do of these Some of you may be will hear some of their Ministers sometimes preach though others of you will not vouchsafe that so some of you have heard a Rabbi in a Jewish Synagogue you know this is no act of Church communion you know you hear them Equivocally not as Ministers of Christ but as gifted brethren But who of you will break bread in their Assemblies though the principal leaders of your way have given it under their hand see Pap. of accommodat first to the Parliament and since to the world that they could do it who of you will vouchsafe your presence at the administration of Baptism in their Churches let it be the infant of never so holy parents but make as much hast out of their Assemblies as John the Evangelist did out of the Bath when he heard Cerinthus was in it What is this but to lay all these Churches and all the Members of them at least under the sentence of non communion And for this practice I could never yet hear any thing alledged but what is here fully answered and refelled out of your own Authors 1. If you say Their Churches are no true Churches See cap 3. per totum 2. If you say these Churches they have not the matter of a true Church which is visible Saints Answ This hath been answered already First for the matter Master Cotton hath told you Chap. 1. quest 1. That the Churches of the New Testament consist of no other matter than the Churches of the old consisted of and what visible Saints they were the books of the Kings and Chronicles Isaiah Ieremiah and the rest of the Prophets tell you That unregeneracy unless it be accompanied with such fruits as are openly scandalous doth not keep any from Church fellowship Answ to quest 3. cap. 1. that federal holiness or holiness by separation admits to the ordinances cap. 1. quest 4. And that persons who received their membership in their infancy proving notoriously scandalous ought not to be continued in Church-membership yet if they be that separation must not presently be made is the judgement both of Master Hooker and the rest of the Elders of New England See this chap. 7. answ to quest 6. 3. If you say These Presbyterian Churches have not the right form and constitution that is expresse consent and covenant Answ Why this hath been answered for Master Hooker and Master Cotton and the rest of the Elders agree that the Congregations of England have that which doth as truely constitute them Churches as if they were constituted by covenant as appears cap. 2. answer to question 4. See more cap. 3. 4. If you say In these Presbyterian Churches the Officers Lord it over the inheritance of the Lord and rob and spoile the brethren of the power which Christ hath purchased for them and bequeathed to them Answ It is clear by what hath been spoken already that the brethren in the Congregational way have no more nor other power than what the brethren in
Cotton of Infant Baptism page 132. line 11 12. Quest 2. Who then may be admitted or accounted members of the Church in the New Testament and who not Answ The ignorant persons that are grosly ignorant of the first principles and foundations of Religion are not to be received members into the Church or if born in the Church yet so continuing in their ignorance to their ripe age are not to be confirmed members That is they are not to be admitted to the seal of the Lords Supper and so are not to be admitted to other rights of a Church-member as election of officers admission of members censure of offenders c. Mr. Cotton Holiness of Church-members pag. 19. line 32. 2. Atheists Witches Papists and all Hereticks who either deny the faith or profess a false faith against the foundation of Christian Religion they are not to be received members into the Church without reformation and repentance Pag. 20. l. 4. 3. Notorious persons scandalous for any gross crime as Idolatry Adultery Fornication Drunkenness Oppression Perjury Profaneness Lying are not to be received into the Church or not continued in it Ibi. pag. 20. line 11. Quest 3. Yea but if a man be not truâ—ly converted and regenerate is not that enough to make him uncapable of Church-membership though he bâ— neither grosly ignorant nor notoriously scandalous Answ Irregeneration alone doth not keep any from Church fellowship Mr. Cotton unless it be accompanied with such fruits as are openly scandalous and do convincingly manifest unregeneration as gross ignorance palpable hypocrisie or such like spiritual wickednesses Mr. Cotton Holiness of Church-members p. 92. line 35. And therefore though it be comfortable and desireable in the admission of members into the Church when the whole Church and all the members thereof are satisfied in the sincerity of the regeneration of such who are to be received especially in the first planting or gathering of Churches yet neither in judgement nor in practice do we suspend their admission till we be convinced in our consciences of the certain and unfallible signes of their regeneration Mr. Cotton holinesse of Church members p. 2. line ult And as for that the Members should at several times in several companies repair to those that are to be admitted to examine the time and manner of their conversion I am afraid it is a presumed kind of liberty which wants precept and example for any thing that ever appeared to me in the Scripture Mr. Hooker Survey of Discipline part 3. page 5. Object 1. But is it not said John 3.3 5. except a man be born again of water and of the Holy Ghost he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven therefore he cannot be admitted into the Church for that is the kingdom of heaven except he be regenerate Answ By the kingdom of heaven there is meant not the Church of God but the state of glory Mr. Cotton of Infant Baptism pag. 139. line 2. Object 2. But it is spoken of the new Hierusalem Rev. 21.27 which is the Gospel-Church that no unclean thing shall enter thereinto therefore no unregenerate person ought to be admitted into the Church Answ That text is a part of the description of the pure Church of the Jews after their last conversion called the new Hierusalem by the condition of such Proselites as from among the Nations shall enter into fellowship with them they shall not be prophane persons corrupters and defilers of others nor makers of images which are abominations and lyes and that the description agreeth to infants though unregenerate as well as to others Mr. Cotton of Infant bapt p. 133. l. 24. Quest 4. But is there not more required to Church-membership then that a man be neither ignorant nor scandalous Is there not positive holinesse required why else are the members of the Churches in the New Testament so frequently called Saints Answ Saints by external calling as distinct from Saints by internal calling are the true matter of the visible Church Mr. Hookers Survey of discipline part 1. pag. 21. line 28. Quest 5. Who then are Saints by external calling Answ There are three sorts of holiness one by imputation from Christ a second by regeneration from the spirit a third by separation to God and his worship and to participation of the Ordinances through the Covenant many enjoy this last holiness though they do not enjoy the two former Mr. Cotton of infant baptisme p. 125. line 1. And they may be holy by covenant who are not yet holy by the spirit of regeneration Ibid. pag. 67. line 30. and they w ho believe with temporary or historical faith onely may be holy by covenant Ibid. line 28. And the covenant of grace is holy because it gives right to holy priviledges and denominates them holy whether persons families or Nations nations holy by covenant therefore Churches those whom God calls to such covenant with himself Mr. Cotton of infant bapt for it separates them from other people and sets them apart to the Lord and his holy worship as it is Deut. 7.6 7 8. Ibid. pag. 111. line 11. Quest 6. But can any be said to be in or belong unto the covenant of grace but those that are in the state of grace Answ There is a twofold state of grace one adherent which some not unfitly call federal grace sanctifying to the purifying of the flesh Heb 9.13 the other inherent sanctifying the inward man And of this there are two sorts one whereby persons in covenant are sanctifyed by common graces which makes them serviceable and useful in their callings as Judas Demas and such like hypocrites and according to this fence may we not say Saint Saul Saint Demas Saint Judas and that the Church made up of such as these is a Church of Saints The other whereby persons in covenant are sanctified unto union and communion with Christ Mr. Cotton of infant baptisme p. 43. l. 16. Now though all that are in the Church be not sanctified and in the state of grace in this last and strictest fence yet in the two former they may Quest 7. But seeing faith is the condition of the covenant are not all who believe not excluded from the covenant and must they not first come to faith before they can come to the Covenant Answ 1. There is no place proves all are excluded from the outward dispensation of the Covenant but Believers onely Mr. Cotton of infant baptism p. 58. l. 12. If the covenant were onely to them that believe then the faith whereby we believe is not given to any by the covenant Ibid. p. 62. l. 3. If the Church consists onely of real Saints then real sanctifying grace is never given to any in the Churchy but alwayes in the world 2. It is not first faith and then to the covenant but first the covenant and then faith written and wrought in the heart by the spirit to fulfill the covenant Mr. Cotton f infant baptisme page 54.
engaging of the people to reformation by Edward the sixth and Queen Elizabeth had the vertue of a covenant to constitute the Church See Chapter second answer to question the fourth Therefore much more the late solemn league and covenant 6. Peoples ordinary and fixed attending together upon one Ministery and joyning ordinarily together in the duties of publike worship hath the nature and vertue of a Church covenant See chap. 2. answ to quest 4. And therefore they who most urge the necessity of a covenant cannot condemn our Parochial assemblies as no Churches for want of such a covenant 7. The work now to do in England is not to make Churches where none are but to reduce them to their primitive institution See chap. 2. answ to quest 5. Therefore they who have troubled themselves and the Church so much with constituting and gathering new Churches have troubled themselves and others with a work they have nothing to do withall and so have cause to fear that the Lord Christ will say unto them another day Who hath required this at your hands CHAP. III. Of Church State Question 1. WHat think you of the Assemblies and Congregations of England Answ The faithful Congregations in England are true Churches of Christ Mr. Hooker Survey of discipline preface a 3. Mr. Hooker Quest 2. But what is meant by faithful congregations Answ 1. There is the nature of a true visible Church where the word of God is purely preached Mr. Cotton the Sacraments duely administred with discipline also according to the word of God But then the Sacrament must not be administred to undue persons such as are the ignorant and scandalous nor the ignorant and scandalous must not be admitted into the Church if discipline be rightly administred yea though all these do not concur joyntly yet the essence of a true Church may be found though defective for integrity Mr. Cotton Holinesse of church-members pag. 10. line 17. 2. For where there hath been a Church that hath yeelded professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ then in case a settled Ministry be continued there God still continues a true visible Church there Mr. Cotton holiness of Church-members pag. 5. line 12. And the essence of a true visible Church is preserved though there be found in it some hypocrites and some notoriously scandalous both in judgement and practice Mr. Cotton holiness of Church-members p. 19. l. 1. 3. Neither doth the hypocrisie of sundry members of the Church and the toleration of some open scandals presently take away the nature of the Church Mr. Cotton holiness of Church-members pag. 2. line 8. 4. For the members of the Church though orderly constituted may in time grow corrupt which though they ought not to be tolerated in the Church yet their continuance therein through the defect of the execution of discipline and Church-censures doth not immediately dissolve the being of the Church as appears in the Church of Israel and in the Churches of Galatia Corinth Pergamus and Thyatira Platform of discipline from New England chap. 3. sect 3. 5. Yea if all the members of the Church should make but an hypocritical ignorant and verbal profession of Christ and faith in him yet I will not deny but such a society may have the name of a Church and thus far the nature of it that the actions thereof are not null Mr. Cotton holiness of Church-members p. 62. l. 33. Quest 3. But there are many precious promises made to and many glorious things spoke of the Church of Christ and can they be truely applied to such a Church as this Answ Look what promises are made to the invisible Church Mr. Cotton they are for their sakes offered to all the members of the visible whereof the lively are the chief Mr. Cotton of infant baptisme p. 6. l. 9. 2. It is one thing to prophesie of the transcendent glorious happiness of an exact pure Church in some age of it another to command and foretell the perpetual continuance of it in such a degree of purity Mr. Cotton of infant bapt p. 134. l. 20. Quest 4. But were it not better therefore to gather the Saints those that are really gracious and holy into bodies by themselves separate from the rest that are corrupt members Answ This were upon the point to cast them upon supposal that these corrupt members be such as receive her membership in their infancy out of the Church Mr. Cotton and the Lord hath allowed but two causes for the casting off any person out of the Church first obstinacy persisted in after the admonition foâ— an offence first private Mat. 18.17 Secondly breaking ouâ— into some heinous crime against the light of nature 1 Cor. 5.11 Mr. Cotton holiness of Church-members p. 56. l. 21. Quest But if such members as these are be not to be cast out nor withdrawn from what is to be done Answ Such as are born of Christian parents and baptized in their infancy into the fellowship of the Church Mr. Cotton are initiated members of the same Church though destitute of spiritual grace untill they justly deprive themselves of the priviledge of that fellowship for even of such is the Kingdom of God Mark 10.14 Mr. Cotton holiness of Church-members pag. 1. line 16. 2. Such members of the Church as were born in the same and received their membership in their infancy by vertue of the covenant of their parents when growing to years of discretion they desire to be made partakers of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper unto which because holy things are not to be given to the unworthy therefore it is requisite that these as well as others should come to their tryal and examination and manifest their faith and repentance by an open profession thereof before they be received to the Lords Supper or otherwise not to be admitted thereto Platform of discipline from New England chap. 12. sect 7. 3. Yet these Church members that were so born or received in their child-hood before they are capable of being made partakers of full communion have many priviledges which others not Church-members have not they are in covenant with God have the seal thereof upon them to wit baptisme and so if not regenerate are in a more hopeful way of attaining regenerating grace and all the spiritual blessings both of the covenant and seal they are also under Church-watch and so consequently subject to the reprehensions admonitions and censures thereof for their healing and amendment as need shall require Platform of discipline chap. 12. sect 7. Infants though born in the Church yet if when they grow up to years they shall degeenrate into a prophane or scandalous course they shall not be tolerated to abide in the Church yea if they shall not take hold of the covenant of their fathers but content themselves in an ignorant civil worldly course of life they shall not be allowed to enter into the holy communion with the sincere members
of many other Churches in the primitive times were enriched with all knowledge and in all utterance 1 Cor. 1.5 and the same persons which had the gift of prophesie in the Church of Corinth had also the gift of tongues which put upon the Apostle a necessity to take them off from their frequent speaking with tongues by preferring prophesie before it 1 Cor. 14. from ver 2. to 24. so that though all they might prophesie having extraordinary gifts for it yet the like liberty is not allowed to them that want the like gifts In the Church of Israel none besides the Priests and the Levites did ordinarily prophesie either in the Temple or in the Synagogues unlesse they were either furnished with extraordinary gifts of Prophessie as the Prophets of Israel or were set apart and train'd up to prepare for such a calling as the sons of the Prophets When Amos was forbidden by the high Priest of Bethel to prophesie at Bethel Amos doth not alledge nor plead the liberty of an Israelite to prophesie in the holy Assemblies but alledgeth only his extraordinary calling Amos 7.14,15 It appears also that the sons of the Prophets that is that men set apart and train'd up to prepare for that calling were allowed the like liberty 2. But neither the sons of the Prophets nor the Prophets themselves were wont to offer sacrifices in Israel except Samuel and Elias by special direction nor did the extraordinary Prophets in Corinth take upon them to administer the Sacraments Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 20. line 16. Object 2. But if the Prophets in the Church of Corinth had been ended with extraordinary gifts of Prophesie they had not been subject to the judgment of the Prophets which these are directed to be 1 Cor. 14.22 Answ It follows not for the people of God were to examine all Prophesies by the Law and Testimony Mr. Cotton and not to receive them but according to that rule Isa 8.20 Yea and Paul himself referred all his doctrine to the Law and the Prophets Acts 26.22 And the Bareans are commended for examining Pauls doctrine according to the Scripture Idem pag. 21. line 14. Quest 7. But though every private Christian may not yet may not the Magistrate either inferiour or supreme preach and administer the Sacraments hath not he a power Paramount Answ As it is unlawful for Church-Officers to meddle with the Sword of the Magistrate Platforme of Discipline from N. E. so it is unlawful for the Magistrate to meddle with the work proper to Church-Officers the acts of Moses and David who were not only Princes but Prophets were extraordinary therefore not imitable Against such usurpation the Lord witnessed by smiting Uzziah with leprosie for presuming to offer incense Platforme of Discipline from New Engl. chap. 17. sect 5. Imberare that is to rule and praedicare that is to preach are not compatible that is cannot agree to one and the same person hath been a ruled case admitting no contradiction in an ordinary way Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 1. page 13. line 25. Quest 8. You we even now mentioning Ordination are then these Officers which Christ hath appointed in his Church to be ordained to their Office Answ Church-Officers are not only to be chosen by the Church Platforme of Discipline but also to be ordained by imposition of hands and prayer with which at the Ordination of Elders fasting also is to be joyned Platforme of Discipline from New England chap. 9. sect 4. Quest 9. But is not Election alone enough without Ordination Answ No for as Dr. Ames saith Election gives jus ad rem Ordination gives jus in re Mr. Hooker Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipilne part 2. page 40. line penult Quest 10. Is then the right of Ordination immutable Answ That which is a fundamental point of Religion Mr. Hooker that hath divine institution and so becomes immutable unlesse Christ himself repeal it Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 1. page 7. line 21. But Ordination is a fundamental point of Religion Heb. 6. Laying on of hands being by a Metonymie of the adjunct put for Ordination Mr. Hooker part 1. pag. 7. l. 21. Quest 11. To whom then doth the power of ordaining Officers in the Church of Christ belong Answ 1. Ordination is an act of rule Mr. Cotton and pertains to the Presbyters Mr. Cotton way pag. 49. l. 4. 2. When the Churches are rightly constituted and compleated with all the orders and officers of Christ the right of Ordination belongs to the teaching Elders the act appertains to the Presbytery constituted of teaching and ruling Elders Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. pag. 76. l. 1. Quest 12. But what if there be no Elders in the Church who shall ordain the Officers then Answ In such Churches where there are no Elders and the Church so desire Platforme of Discipline we see not why imposition of hands may not be performed by the Elders of other Churches Platforme of Disc from N. E. chap. 9. sect 5. Quest 13. Are the Word and Sacraments to be dispensed by the Ministers thereof only in publick or in private also Answ They must be dispensed publickly in the presence Mr. Hooker and with the concurrence of the Church solemnly assembled It is not in the power of the Church to confine preaching to corners for wisdome cryeth openly in the strâ—ets Prov. 8.2 3. And of old the Church of the Jewes erected Synagogues in every City besides the Temple at Hierusalem for the hearing and preaching of the Word And the Apostle as he compares the Supper of the Lord to their ordinary supper so he opposeth manifestly the Church or Congregation to the private house and declareth that the Lords Supper should be celebrated in the Congregation as the banquet should be kept in their private house Yea the scope and nature of the Ordinance calls for such an administration for since the Sacraments are badges to shew our separation from all other profane societies and to signifie our communion one with another visibly in the profession and confession of the faith as our spiritual union and communion with Christ our head myistcally therefore the administration of them should be such as should suit the nature of the Ordinances and serve the end of it And therefore it is that in times of persecution when the Church dares not nor is meet she should shew her self to the enemy yet not then is the Word nor Sacraments privately preached nor administred neither yet ought to be for though they be done in the house of a private man yet because they are and ought to be administred in the presence of the Congregation there is neither private preaching nor private celebrating of the Sacrament Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 3. pag. 28. line 15 c. Quest 14. To whom are the Pastors and Teachers of the Church to dispense the Sacraments Answ A person hath his first
and therefore till he be reconciled to the Church by the penitent and publick acknowledgement of his sin before them he doth abstain from the Lords Table according to the direction of our Saviour who would not have an offender present himself nor his guift before the Altar while the guilt of the offence of his brother lay upon him Mat. 5.23 24. Or as the Priests in the Law did forbear to eat of the holy things whilest they lay in uncleannesse Lev. 22. 3 4. Or as one Who lying in his uncleannesse did rather pollute the holy Ordinance of God by partaking of it than receive any holinesse from it Mr. Cottons way of the Churches page 91. line 26. Object But this seems to be but a voluntary act of the offending party this is not a Church censure Answ If the Church discern the offending brother to be willing to hear but not yet fully convinced of his offence as in case of Herefie they are to dispense to him a publick Admonition with declaring the offender to be under the publick offence of the Church who doth thereby withhold or suspend him from the holy fellowship of the Lords Supper till his offence be removed by penitent confession Platforme of Discipline from N. E. cap. 14. sect 2. and this is truly and properly sâ—spensio per modum censurae Hitherto of Church Government and Censures Now out of these particulars draw we these positions with inferences thereupon 1. Church-government or rule is placed by Christ in the officers of the Church who therefore are called Rulers See answ to quest 1. Therefore the fraternity are not the seat or subject of Rule or power 2. The essentials of Church-government are unalterable See answer to quest 1. Therefore they who believe ruling Elders to be essentials of government and yet constitute none in their Churches live in a neglect of duty contrary to their judgment and perswasion 3. Church Censures are Christs appointments See answ to quest 7. and cannot be dispensed at least some of them without Rulers See answ to q. 19. Therefore Churches that have no Rulers do not nor cannot observe all the Ordinances and appoinments of Jesus Christ 4. Petty matters and small aberrations are not to be censured by excomunication but such evils as are either heinous and abominable or at least are such as the minde and conscience of a man inlightned by the truth of God would condemn in any upon the first serious consideration See answer to quest 20 21. 5. Offences are not immediately and at the first dash to be brought to the Church or community but first to the Elders to be considered debated ripened by them received as serious and weighty or rejected as slight and frivolous See answer to quest 11. And therefore that Tell the Church which is the next immediate step after the first and second brethren and private admonition it is not Tell the fraternity or community but Tell the Elders 6. The power which the brethren have in censures it is not a power of rule and authority but a power of liberty and the judgement they passe it is not a judgement of authority but a judgement of discretion they are but as the Jury the Eldership is as the Judge See answer to quest 14 15 16. 7. The Church binds and looses only by consenting to the judgement and sentence of the Elders which consent of theirs is an act of obedience and they are bound to yeeld to it unless they can manifest that the judgement of the Eldership is corrupt and erroneous See answer to quest 18. 8. In doubtful cases and in matters of difference it is seasonable to crave the help and counsel of neighboring Churches See answer to quest 19. 9. There are two sorts of Church-Members some compleat who are admitted to all Ordinances some incompleate who having received their Membership in their infancy are suspended from the Lords Table and other Church-priviledges till they have passed a tryal and have received approbation of their fitness for those enjoyments An offending brother lying under publike admonition is suspended from the Lords Table before he be excommunicated therefore suspension is a censure distinct from Admonition and Excommunication CHAP. VI. Of Combination or Consotiation of Churches into Classes or Synods Question 1. WHether is it lawful for particular Congregations consisting of Elders and brethren and walking with a right foot in the truth and peace of the Gospel to joyn together in consotiation on combination of Churches Answ Though the Church of a particular Congregation consisting of Elders and Brethren Mr. Cotton c. be the first subject of all Church power needfull to be exercised within it self and consequently be independent from any other Church or Synods in the use of it yet it is lawful yea it is an useful safe and wholesome and holy Ordinance of Christ and in some cases necessary for such particular Churches to joyn together in holy covenant or communion and consotiation so I think it was intended by the Author though the printed copy say consolation amongst themselves to administer all their Church affairs which are of weighty and difficult and common concernment not without common consultation and consent of other Churches about them Mr. Hookers Survey of discipline preface A. 3. Mr. Cotton of the Keys pag. 54. line 27. Quest 2. Why do some say this consotiation of Churches is useful Answ The consotiation of Churches is not onely lawful but useful serving not alone to search out the truth but to settle the hearts of all that are sincerely minded in a right apprehension of the same Mr. Hooker Mr. Hooker Survey of discipline part 4. pag. 1. line 2. When many and those select and eminent lay the best of their abilities together improve their parts and prayers disquisitions consultations determinations to promote the knowledge and practice of the things of Christ the establishment of the Churches in the unity of the faith and their eternal peace Mr. Hooker Survey of discipline part 4. pag. 2. line 2. Quest 3. Why do you say it is safe Answ It is safe for in the multitude of Councellers there is safety as in civil so in Church affairs Prov. 11.14 Mr. Cottons Keys pag. 55. line 4. Mr. Cotton The light of nature and right reason forceth men out of their own necessities and experiences to confess this that in multitude of Counsellers there is safety Et plus vident oculi quam oculus c. The issue of the Councel evidenceth as much Act. 16.4 5. They delivered the decrees c. and the Churches were established in faith Mr. Hookers Survey of discipline part 4. pag. 2. line 9. Quest 4. But if the Church be of a good and strong constitution and walk with a right foot in the truth and peace of the gospel what need of such consotiation Answ Though this or that particular Church may be of a good and strong constitution and walk with a
right foot in the truth and peace of the Gospel Mr. Cotton yet all Churches are not in a like athletick plight and they that are not so will be loth to call in or look out for help as much or more then others though they have more need then others yea and the best Churches may soon degenerate and stand in as much need of help as others and for want of it may sink and fall into a deep Apostacy which other Churches might have prevented if they had discerned it at first Mr. Cotton Keyes pag. 55. line 7. Quest 5. Why do you say this combination and consotiation of Churches is wholesome Answ It is wholesome as tending to maintain brotherly love and soundness of doctrine in Churches Mr. Cotton and to prevent many offences which may grow up in this or that particular Church when it transacts all such things in it self without con-Mr Cotton of the Keyes p. 55. line 17. Quest 6. But how do you prove it an Ordinance of Christ Answ It is an holy Ordinance of Christ as having just warrant from a like precedent the Apostles were as much independent one from another Mr. Cotton and stood in as little need of help one from another as Churches do And yet Paul went up to Jerusalem to confer with Peter Jamâ—s and John lest he should in vain run in the course of his Ministery Gal. 2.2 And though in conference the chief Apostles added nothing to Paul ver 6. yet when they perceived the Gospel of uncircumcision was committed to Paul and Barnabas as that of the circumcision was to Peter James and John they gave unto one another the right hand of fellowship Now then it will follow by just proportion that if the Apostl s who were independent each of them one of another had need to consult and confer together to procure a freer passage to their calling and to their doctrine than surely Churches and Elders of Churches though independent one of another had need to communicate te their courses and proceedings in such cases one with another to procure the freer passage to the same And if the Apostles giving the right hand of fellowship one to another did mutually strengthen their hands in the work of the Ministery then the Elders of Churches giving the right hand of fellowship one to another in their ordination or upon any fit occasion cannot but much strengthen the hearts and hands of one another in the Lords work Mr. Cotton of the Keys page 55. line 22. Quest 7. Is there any thing which may be added if not for confirmation yet for illustration of the point Answ Yes by comparing the dimension of the new Jerusalem which is the perfect platforme of a pure Church as it shall be constituted in the Jewish Church State at their last conversion Mr. Cotton The dimensions of this Church as they are described by Ezekiel chap. 48.30 are twelve furlongs that is about three miles in length and as many in breadth But the dimension of the same Church Rev. 21.16 is said to be twelve thousand furlongs Now how can those two dimensions stand together that are so far discrepant one from another as twelve and twelve thousand the fittest and fairest reconciliation seems plainly to be this that Ezekiel speaketh of the dimension of any ordinary Jewish Church of one particular Congregation but John speaketh of the dimension of many particular Jewish Churches combining together in some cases even to the communion of a thousand Churches Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 56. line 7. Object But Theologia Symbolica non est argumentativa Arguments from Parables and mystical resemblances are not valid Answ If there were no argumentative power in Parables Mr. Cotton why did the Lord Jesus delight so much in that kinde of teaching and why did John and Daniel and Ezekiel deliver a great part of their Prophesies in Parables if we must take them for Riddles and not for Documents or Arguments surely if they serve not for Arguments they serve not for Documents Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 56. line 36. Quest 8. But is this Combination of Churches necessary as well as lawful Answ The Consociation of Churches is not only lawful Mr. Hooker but in some cases necessary Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline preface a. 3. Nemo inquit Parkerus quod sciam Ecclesiae alicujus reformatae alumnus ante Hugonem Grotium negavit Synodos esse necessarias quibus nos 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 libenter profitemur Norton adversus Apollonium pag. 112. Mr. Parker saith that no man that was a Disciple of the reformed Churches did ever deny the necessity of Synods before Hugo Grotius and we do unanimously confesse the necessity of them Mr. Norton against Apollonius page 112. line 17. Quest 9. How many sorts and degrees of Consociation of Churches are there Answ This Consociation is of several sorts and degrees some lesser some greater as Classes Synods Mr. Hooker and these Provincial National and Oecumenical thus farre we agree Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 4. page 2. line 15. and 25. Quest 10. What is a Synod Answ Synods we acknowledge being rightly ordered as an Ordinance of Christ Mr. Cottons Keyes page 23. line 21. And though not absolutely necessary to the being Platform of Discipline yet many times necessary to the well-being of Churches Platforme of Discipline from N. E. chap. 16. sect 1. Quest 11. How is a Synod to be composed and of what Members ought it to consist Answ Because it is difficult if not impossible for many Churches to come altogether in one place Platform of Discipline in all their Members universally therefore they may assemble by their delegates or messengers as the Church of Antioch went not all to Jerusalem 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 therefore it is fit that in the choice of the messengers for such Assemblies they have special respect unto such yet in as much as not only Paul and Barnabas but certain others also were sent to Jerusalem from Antioch Acts 15. and when they were come to Jerusalem not only the Apostles and Elders but other Brethren also do assemble and meet about the matter therefore Synods are to consist both of Elders and other Church-members endued with gifts and sent by the Churches not excluding the presence of any Brethren in the Churches Platforme of Discipline chap. 16. sect 6. Quest 12. Whether may there be called and kâ—pt a National Synod or no Answ It may so fall out that the State of all the Churches in the Country may be corrupted Mr. Cotton and beginning to discern their corruption may desire the concourse and counsel of one another for a speedy and safe and general reformation and then so meeting all conferring together may renew their
Covenant with God and conclude and determine upon a course that may tend to the healing and salvation of them all this was frequent in the Old Testament in the time of Asa Hezekiah and Josiah these and the like examples were not peculiar to the Israelites as one intire National Church these examples hold forth no superiority in one Church or Court over another but all of them in an equal manner give advice in common and therefore such examples are fit precedents for Churches of equal power within themselves to assemble together and take order with one accord for the Reformation of them all Mr. Cotton of the Keyes pag. 24 l. 22. Quest 13. But what is the work that properly belongs to Synods Answ It belongs unto Synods and Councels to debate and determine controversies of faith and cases of conscience Platforin of Discipline to clear from the Word holy directions for the holy worship of God and good government of the Church to bear witnesse against male-administration and corruption of doctrine and manners in any particular Church and to give direction for the Reformation thereof Platforme of Discipline from N. E. chap. 16. sect 14. In any part of the Churches way Mr. Cotton which is more hard to hit right upon as in Elections Ordinations and censures of eminent persons in office it is a safe and holy faithful office of the vigilancy of the community of Churches to be present with them and helpful to them in the Lord and at all times when a particular Church shall wander out of the way whither out of the way of truth or peace the community of the Churches may by no means be excused from reforming them again into their right way according to the authority which the Lord hath given them for the publick edification of all the several Churches within their Covenant Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 58. line 36. Quest 14. What is then that power or authority which Synods and Combinations of Churches have in these cases is it only declarative and directive or consultative Answ We dare not say that their power reacheth no further than giving counsel Mr. Cotton for such as their ends be for which according to God they do assemble such is the power given them of God as may attain those ends As they meet to minister light and peace to such Churches as through want of light and peace lye in error or doubt at least and variance so they have power by the grace of Christ not only to give light and counsel in matter of truth and practice but also to command and injoyn the things to be believed and done The expresse words of the Synodal Letter imply no lesse It seemeth good to the Holy Ghost and us to lay upon you no other burden this burden therefore to observe these necessary things which they speak of they had power to impose it is an act of the binding power of the Keyes to binde burdens and this binding ariseth not only materially from the weight of the matters imposed which are necessary necessitare praecepti from the Word but also formally from the authority of the Synod which being the Ordinance of Christ binds the more for the Synods sake As a truth of the Gospel taught by a Minister of the Gospel it bindeth to faith and obedience not only because it is Gospel but also because it is taught by a Minister for his Callings fake and surely also a Synod sometimes meeteth to convince and admonish and offending Church or Presbytery they have power if they cannot heal the offenders to determine to withdraw communion from them and further seeing they meet likewise sometimes for general Reformation they have power to decree and publish such Ordinances as may conduce according to God to such Reformation examples whereof we have Nehem. 10.32 39. 2 Chron. 15.12 13. Mr. Cotton of the Keys page 25. line 10. Quest 15. How farre then are particular Churches bound to submit themselves to the directions or decrees of Synods Answ Particular Churches are so far subject to the Consociation of Churches Mr. Hooker that they are bound in case of doubt and difficulty to crave their counsel and if it be according to God to follow it or if the particular Churches erre from the rule and continue obstinately therein the Consociation have authority to renounce the right hand of fellowship Mr. Hookers Survey part 2. page 80. line 10. The Synods directions and determinations so far as consonant to the Word of God are to be received with reverence and submission not only for their agreement therewith but secondarily for the power whereby they are made as being an Ordinance of God appointed thereunto in his Word Platforme of Discipline from New England chap. 16. sect 5. Particular Churches are bound to acquiesce in the lawful decrees of Synods received by the major part of the Churches and approved by the Christian Magistrate Mr. Nortons answ to Apollonius page 118. line 3. And this 1. Under the danger of incurring the guilt of disturbing the order of the Church 2. Under the penalty of non-non-communion by the rest of the Churches 3. Under the penalty of civil punishment to be inflicted by the Magistrate as the matter shall require Mr. Norton ib. l. 9 c. Quest 16. But hath the Synod authority to determine or conclude any thing that shall binde the Churches but according to the instruction which they have received before from the Churches Answ We do not so apprehend it for what need Churches send to a Synod for light and direction in ways of truth and peace if they be resolved before hand how far they will go but if the Elders be gathered in the Name of Christ in a Synod and proceed according to rule the Word of Christ they may consider and conclude sundry points expedient for the estate of their Churches which the Churches were either ignorant or doubtful of before Mr. Cotton of the Keys pag. 26. line 33. Quest 17. But what if the Synod conclude and determine against the truth and the Church stand for the truth Answ 1. It is not readily to be granted though neither is it simply to be denyed that in Reformed times Mr. Norton the opinion of a particular Church should be more sound than the opinion of a Synod 2. As it is in civil things there is an absolute truth and there is a judicial truth and the sentence of the supreme civil Judge suppose the Parliament is true quoad homines though it be not absolutely true so it is in Ecclesiastical things the Synod being the supreme and highest Judge of the question the sentence of the Synod though it be not absolutely true yet it is Ecclesiastically true Scil. in foro exteriore 3. Although the truth after some new decrees of a new Synod repealing the act of the former may remain with the Church 4. If the error be not fundamental publick order is to