Saints mystically and immediately under Christ their Head so this Political Body shews it self and becomes visible in some particular parts there-only which are called Visible Churches and are under a mediate Rule and Government of Christ and in this respect the Catholick Church comprehends particular Churches as some distinct parts and parcels thereof Phil. Then I suppose your apprehensions are that there is a Catholick Visible Church which is the next and immediate subject of all Officers and Ordinances Christ Mistake me not I have not said so as yet I say the Catholick Church becomes in part visible in particular Congregationâ—s and they are the immediate subjects of visible Ordinances and Officers which are instituted and placed therein for the edification of the Mystical Body of Christ Phil. But is not the universality of Saints Militant the Catholick Visible Church of Christ on Earth Christ The universality of Saints on Earth doth not constitute a Church in a visible standing for many are Believers that as yet make not themselves visible by profession 2. They are not nor can be bound together in visible Union and Communion That which makes a Catholick Church is a Catholick Bond of Union and Catholick Communion which is only mystical and invisible but there is not nor cannot be a Catholick visible Bond for as they cannot appear in one visible Congregation so they cannot be bound to walk together in Fellowship nor can have visible Communion as one Church in the same individual Administration if they profess the same Faith preach the same Word pray alike c. yet this makes not one particular Church 3. If there be a Catholick Visible Church then it must have Catholick Visible Officers every Officer must relate to the whole Church every ordinary Officer must be Officer to the whole Catholick Visible Church and there had need be a Visible Pastor Pastorum over them all 4. All Visible Members of the Catholick Church are not therefore Members of any Visible Church with Ordinances for they must be supposed to be Members of the Catholick Church before they can be made Members of a Visible Church with Ordinances 5. A Visible Church is Organized with Officers to the whole Church and not to a part of it A Pastor Elder Deacon are Officers to the whole and who will say a Deacon hath as much power in all the Churches on Earth as in the Church to which he is constituted he may as well say so as say a Pastor hath 6. If Christ instituted a Catholick Visible Church it was under the Old Testament or under the New but he did neither for there was but one Particular Congregation under the Old and Christ left but one when he ascended Chap. II. Of a Particular Church Phil. I Pray Sir come now to the main thing I aim at viz. to the true nature and constitution of a Gospel Particular Church Christ You mean such a Congregation as is the immediate subject of all the Ordinances and Offices of Christ's Institution where every Believer is bound to wait upon God in Gospel Faith and Order for the glory of Christ and his own edification Phil. Such a Church I mean may not a National Church be it Christ By no means it 's no Church but such whose Members may all meet together in one place for Communion in all Ordinances for so the first Church at Jerusalem did the greatest for ought I know that ever was since and all other that we read of in Scripture since If any comprized all the Saints in the Nation Province or Territory they all assembled for frequent Communion in one place under the same Officers We read of no Particular Church in Scripture but what was Congregational for the National Church of the Jews which was the only one of that kind which ever was in the World of God's Institution was Congregational for all the Males came to the Temple and before to the Tabernacle three times a year to appear before God to worship in acts of Communion therefore it was called the Tabernacle of the Congregation Phil. I am pretty well satisfied now from the weighty arguments I formerly heard from you though my thoughts through prejudice passed lightly over them then that all National Diocesan and Parochial constitution of Churches was merely from Man if not from the Man of Sin which latter I see cause enough to suspect But I pray give me a plain description of a particular Gospel Church Christ With all my heart Sir a Particuler Gospel Church is a separate company of Visible Believers with their Seed or Saints associated together in special bond of Union for the enjoyment of Communion with Christ and one another in all the Ordinances of Christs appointment for their edification Phil. You say the allowed matter of this Church is Visible Believers what understand you by a visible Believer Christ I mean one that makes a credible profession such an one as I am bound by all the rules of Charity to believe he is a true believer on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and I do not say 1. That it is necessary that therefore he be no Hypocrite for so he may be and I not know it 2. Neither do I say that his meer professing makes him a Church member for they in Act. 2. believed before they were Church Members and professed their Faith which gave them right of claim Yea there are many have right of claim and do profess but do not seek to joyn to a particular Church and it cannot be without a voluntary offer and subjection to the Order of the Gospel Phil. What is required to a credible profession for the due satisfaction of a particular Church of Christ Christ The Tree cannot be known to me but by the Fruits see Mat. 7.17 18 19. chap. 12.33 Luk. 6.44 the credible fruits are therefore Holiness of life and profession of Faith It 's required there be visible holiness of life Phil. 1.27 Let your conversation be as becometh the Gospel i. e. both the Doctrine and Order of it And this lies in negative and positive holiness appearing in the conversation 1. Negative that it be without blame Eph. 1.4 Phil. 2.15 1 Th. 5.23 2. A meer negative religion in respect of grosser and more observable sins is no more than what many a Carnal man may attain unto there must be the practice of positive duties required and not merely moral in justice and mercy but such by which a Christian is more peculiarly distinguished from Moral Heathens such as family duties of reading the word and daily prayer those of a more publick nature as constant attendance on the word Preached sanctifying the Lords day free distribution to the necessities of the Saints and a manifest readiness on all occasions to follow Christ as his disciple in all things Tit. 3.8 ch 2.11 12. yea in suffering Phil. But what more profession is needfull besides this visible practical walking is not this enough
of it self Christ It is as the Church shall judge of it for they may be so well acquainted with the Faith as well as the visible holiness of some that there may not be the least doubt that the person offering himself is fit matter for the Spiritual building but the Church will it may be for the edification of others desire to hear the dealings of God with such an one rather than for satisfaction concerning his Spiritual state which they doubt not of Phil. But I pray Sir what is the nature of this verbal profession which you expect Christ There are two things besides what hath been said requisite in an adult Church Member 1. That he have a competent knowledge of God and Christ Prov. 19.2 He that hath not the knowledge of Christ cannot believe Rom. 10.14 ch 3.11 Pro. 9.10 Hos 4.6 2 Pet. 1.3 1 Tim. 2.4 therefore it 's requisite that such as are admited Church Members do shew that they have a knowledge of God in his essence and subsistences the person natures and offices of Christ the state of man by reason of the fall the nature of Christs Mediatory Office in his Humiliation and Exaltation and the great effects thereof in Justification Sanctification and Glorification Phil. I think indeed it 's very requisite that Church Members should have knowledge of Divine Mysteries so far as is necessary to Salvation or else they will but prophane holy things and turn them into meer superstition or Idolatry as the Papists have done who hugg Ignorance as the Mother of Devotion but many a man that hath had good Christian education may give a great account in these matters and not have a Grain of Grace in his Heart Christ So he may nay many â—n one that can discourse with much knowledge in all points of Divinity may be a very loose and wicked man in his life Rom. 2.17 18 19 20 c. nay he may do all externals in Religion and have no power of Godliness Wherefore 2. We go as far as we can to be satisfied and therefore inquire a reason of his Faith and Hope which when he hath satisfied us in we can go no further but own him fit to become a visible Member of the Church And these qualifications are expresly laid before us Rom. 10.10 The reason of the Faith that is in us is to be given when required 1 Pet. 3.15 be ready to give a reason of the hope that is in you It is therefore of the greatest weight to give this reason to a Church for their satisfaction when asked by it and we find that they that were added to the Church Act. 2. gave good evidence of their Repentance and Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the effects of Peter's Sermon Phil. But they were presently added to the Church they allotted no time to make further inspection into their lives and conversations Christ There may be great reason for it for 1. It 's most probable these were all known to be very devout in the Jewish Religion such it may be for conversation as Zechary and Elizabeth and as Cornelius a Proselyte for they were Jews that lived at a distance in remoter Regions that came up constantly to Worship at the Feasts and now came to the Feast of 〈…〉 2. Peter and the rest of the twelve all presided in the Church who were extraordinarily inspired and therefore had a more infallible judgment or more infallible dictates of the Spirit to direct them in Church administrations than ordinary Church Officers since have as appears by many instances in the matter of Simon Magus Ananias and Sapphira c. but we are acquainted by the Spirit of God how true steps they made in receiving of Members that they were still such as should be saved we read not of any false-hearted of all that 3000 unless Ananias and Sapphira were of that number Phil. But is it absolutely necessary that every adult person be admitted into Church Communion and give credible evidence that he is a Member of Christ Christ Yes for 1. Visible Membership of the Catholick Church gives right of claim to Communion with a particular Visible Church a supposal of a persons mystical union to Christ is the true ground of claim of Communion with Christ and his People in instituted Ordinances 2. We have no other sort of Members but visible Saints spoken of as admitted in the primitive Apostolick state of the Churches Rom. 1.7 1 Cor. 1.2 Phil. 1.1 Eph. 1.1 Coâ— 1.2 Saints and faithful Brethren in 〈…〉 Thes 1.1 Eph. 2.1 2. those of the Church of Thessalonica were in God the Father and in Christ Jesus In Solomon's Temple all the Stones were to be squared and fitted before laid a Type of Christ Mystical and Politick in visible Church-state the Apostle Peter alludes to it 1 Pet. 2.2.3 5. he shews the first effects of the Word of God's grace on Converts and then they come to Christ the corner-stone as living stones to be built a spiritual house in visible Communion of the Saints 2. That a Church-Member who ought to be cast out when in is not to be received in but if any surreptitiously crope in be made manifest not to have the fear of God before his eyes he is to be cast out therefore he that doth not appear to have the fear of God is not to be admitted a Church-Member See 1 Cor. 5.11 12. Phil. Your strictness in this kind keeps off many that would otherwise joyn themselves Christ And doth not the holiness of Gospel-Truths as much or more keep off carnal and wicked men from embracing them as they will say but the true reason is their rebellious hearts bigotted to their beloved sins Besides it 's very necessary there should be a bar to keep off unworthy persons from sacred things It is not meet to give holy things i. e. such as are peculiar to God's Children unto Dogs and such are Church-Priviledges 3. We would not willingly debar one even the least Babe in Christ from the appointed ways and means of Communion with Christ and therefore do willingly condescend to the modesty and weakness of any Age or Sex manifesting a spiritual hunger and thirst after the Lord Jesus Christ if there be a ground to judge there is truth of grace in the heart it is accepted and this is ordinarily perceived by them that are spiritual Phil. But you will ask hard Questions in the points of Knowledge Christ No harder than are asked in our ordinary Catechisms which we teach our Children trying only whether a grown Person understands in any competent measure what he saith according as Philip dealt with the Eunuch Phil. But this giving a reason of the hope that is in us is that which most are against and are loath to comply with Christ They that have it not cannot do it unless some glozing Hypocrite that by his Education and Parts hath got much brain-knowledge and can counterfeit any external part of
to repair to him for the more cherishing all good desires and affections in him till he arrive at a competency of knowledg but all this while doth not make him known to the Church so that his infirmities are not blazoned abroad in the World in the least by this way of proceeding Phil. My Friend I pray inform me what you intend by a separate Society and can you justifie separation you know how it 's cryed out against by most learned Divines Ch. Therefore I put in that word because I am sure Separation is a necessary adjunct that doth belong to every true Constituted Church of Christ nay is there any that doth pretend to be a Church of Christ that doth not separate more or less doth not the pretended Church of Rome separate from Turks and mere Pagans doth not our Church of England separate from Rome and why Either because some say it 's no true Church others because it 's corrupted in Doctrine and Worship though a true Church and thereby justifie their separation from it And may not other Churches upon the same ground separate from the Church of England either because as some will say it 's not a true constituted Gospel Church but Antichristian or because as others will say they allow it to be a Church of Christ but polluted in Doctrine Worship Manners both as to the Ministry and People and therefore to be separated from for the enjoyment of a purer Church State and Communion Again the Church of England in her Catechism teacheth separation and solemnly vows it Infants in Baptism Promise by the Sureties or Vangers to forsake the World the Flesh and the Devil What is this but separation And if this were practised as it is promised the members of the Church of England would be a separate people Lastly there is nothing clearer than that a visible Church of Christ ought to be separate 1 Pet. 2.9 What is a choice peculiar people a holy Nation to shew forth the praises of him that hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light but a separate people a Holy Nation in a world lying in wickedness a people called out of a dark world into marvellous light as the Church of old in Goshen had marvellous light while Egypt was in darkness and the praises of Christ thus separating themselves they shew forth in the Churches And what can be opposed with any evidence against that plain and full place to this purpose 2 Cor. 6.14 be not unequally-yoaked together with unbelievers ver 15. what part hath he that believeth with an unbeliever i. e. a visible unbeliever it ought not to be rendered an Infidel as if one sort of unbeliever only was meant for it 's the same Word every where else and v. 14. rendred unbeliever but our English Divines render the word Infidel insinuating that none but Turks and Pagans were to be understood by this Text that we are required to separate from But the Text is most express that it is from all visible Unbelievers The Temple of God is the Gospel Church the fellowship is Church fellowship therefore he bids us come out from among Unbelievers and from all false worship and be separate v. 17. and then God Promiseth to be their God to dwell with them c. I shall add no more at present on this point though much more might be said Phil. You have fully confirmed me in this point I pray tell me whether there be any that are not actual believers that are Church-members Christ All Church members come in upon the right of a Visible Profession but it follows not thence that all Church-members are actual believers for many Hypocrites come in upon the right of Profession but are not actual believers Again Infants and Children of believing Parents come into Churches and are justly made and called members upon the right of Profession but it is of their Parents not of their own Personal Profession neither are they actual Believers their Profession is in the Parents their Covenant Obligation is in the Parents the Priviledges they are capable of is belonging to them by virtue of a Promise wherein they are concerned with their Parents and primarily for the Confirmation of the Parents Faith and secondarily in order to the Salvation of their Children But a little more of this when I come to Baptism Phil. I pray Sir proceed then to speak to the Visible bond whereby this Church Society is bound together Christ I hinted before that Churches are denominated from their bond of Union as from their Communion from Mystical Union and Communion the Church is called Invisible from Visible Union and Communion it is that Churches are called Visible It 's thus in any civil Corporation and Society every man doth not come and partake of the Priviledges of it at his pleasure and leave it when he please no not every one of such a Profession qualified according to the Laws of the Society none but such as being qualified comes and lays claim to his admission on his qualifications wherein to be approved he puts himself upon the Test being approved he immediately enters into a mutual bond or obligation he promiseth by Oath or otherwise to submit to the Laws of the Society they admit him a member to partake of all the Priviledges So it is in Visible Churches which are so many particular Societies that have given up themselves to Christ and bound themselves to walk together in a visible submissionto constant waiting upon Jesus Christ in all his Gospel Institutions and Appointments and it 's requisite this obligation be explicite because first The Church Society is visible and explicite such therefore must the bond be 2. The Profession of his Faith is explicite such therefore should his obligation be to future walking 3. As no man can be a member of any Society constituted by voluntary consent without he voluntarily offer himself so none is governable there by the Laws of it without such an obligation and otherwise the Government of it would be wholly precarious for a man cannot be a subject duely unless a man be a slave and under compulsion to any society but by natural as a Child to a Family or voluntary submission and obligation as here 1. All societies of this nature do justly expect and demand that a Man be true to them and submit to their Laws if he will have protection and partake of their Priviledges Phil. But they say you have no Scripture grounds for this Bond or Church Covenant as some call it Christ It might be enough to say that a society must be encreased the same way as it is made at first and that after Members must be joyned upon the same terms on which the first embodied and associated together but there is no incorporate society but joyn together at first by mutual agreements under some Charter for enjoyment of some priviledges and submit to the prescribed Laws thereof and on these terms
another Congregation and call him to it And why not as well as to call one to be a preaching Elder that is a Brother of another Congregation for all Church Officers should be taken out of Churches and first made Members of that Church wherein they are to serve Christ in Office before they are solemnly set apart thereto Phil. What reasons may a Church be moved by to choose a ruling Elder or more Christ If there be a Brother aptly qualified and can attend it there need be no dispute about it though the Church be but small it may be much Comfort and help to the Pastor and tend to much Edification of the Church 2. The Church may see reason to chuse ruling Elders from the great encrease and largeness of the Church that the management of this part of the Pastoral Office lye not too heavily upon their Pastor 3. The Church may see reason for it because their Pastor qualified it may be with much of Grace Preaching Gifts and Learning may not be qualified with a Spirit of Government and it is very seldom that men of retired studious lives have so great an insight into the right ordering of Politick Affairs A man may be a great Mathematician but yet an ill Seaman not know how to work or stear a Ship so well as a Masters Mate or a Boatswain There is in spirituals as well as temporals a skill in practice to have the senses exercised by reason of use as well as a Knowledge and Understanding of the rule Phil. What is the Office-work of a ruling Elder Christ To have a special regard to admissions to make good enquiry after the Faith and Holy Conversations of such who offer themselves to Church Communion to propound them and bring them to the Church 2. To make inspection into the lives and conversations of actual members frequently to visit them to rebuke any seemingly walking as not becoming the Gospel to enquire after the reason of members absentments from Communion to exhort them to frequent assembling together for mutual edification to comfort the afflicted to support the weak to visit the sick to inform the ignorant c. 3. In all matters of admonition and censure to hear and prepare matters for the Church before hand that there be nothing done in Confusion and in Disquietment of Mind in the Church but with all meekness unanimity and authority in the Name of the Lord Jesus Phil. You have shewed that the Ministerial Offices of the Church are Pastoral or Diaconal and have shewed that the Pastoral or such as belong to the Pastoral care are Exhortation Teaching Administration of the Seals Rule and Government according to all which parts of a Pastors Office the Holy Ghost hath provided affisting Officers and helps such as Teachers and ruling Elders to the full edification of the Church I pray speak now something of the Deacons Office Christ The English word Deacon is derived from the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies a Minister or one that serves Christ and his Church in Office it is used for any Minister at large 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Deaconship is applyed to the Apostleship it self Act. 1.17 25. or to a part of their Ministry as it was at first Act. 6.4 It is applyed to any particular service of the Church Act. 11.29 ch 12.25 And Paul applyeth it to his whole Ministry as an Apostle Act. 20.24 Rom. 11.13 ch 15.31 2. Cor. 6.3 But it hath it's peculiar application to that Ministry which tends to the supply of the Churches and Saints necessities by way of distribution of Collections made to this end and purpose to whosesoever care it is committed and such a service Paul saith he undertook on the behalf of other Churches 2 Cor. 8.4 which is called the Deaconship of this Liturgy 2 Cor. 9.12 rendred the administration of this service Now we find as Office titles of large significancy are brought down by the Holy Ghost to denote a single particular Office in the Church as Apostle Pastor Bishop Presbyter c. So here the word Deacon is often used for all sacred Ministry Liturgy or Service is a Title put by the Spirit of God upon this Officer in the Church who is called and set apart to the Liturgy or service of the Church in this way of Administration by distribution Phil. When was the first Institution of Deacons Christ It was Act. 6. an Apostolick i. e. as much as to say a Divine Institution and it 's not amiss to observe the reason ground of it it was to ease the Apostles in that great burden that lay upon them when those that were converted sold their possessions and brought the Mony and laid it down at their feet and it was to be given forth again for an equal and necessary support to every one as need required This was too great a charge and burthen to the Apostles and likely afterward to be unto ordinary Pastors and hence they institute this Office of Deaconship and therefore is also a more remote Office of Assistance unto the ruling Episcopacy but being very distinct in nature and kind from that sort of Ministry wherefore the Apostles speak after that manner Act. 6.1 4. That the Church should choose them fit men for this daily care and trust and they would betake themselves to the Ministry of the Word and Prayer Phil. What ground have you for this Officer in the Church Christ. The very nature of such a Society as a Church requireth it and I take it to be a very good ground for an Office when it 's founded upon the well being of a Society and it 's ordinary necessities do require it But the Holy Ghost is most express upon this account that the Church of Jerusalem by the appointment of the Apostles chose such Officers for the necessary service of the Church And that they were afterward stated Officers in other Churches appears from Phil. 1.1 And the Apostle Paul doth expresly call their Ministry an Office 1 Tim. 3.10 13. As the Word is rendred and ought to be by our Interpreters Their Qualifications and Encouragements are also very particular v. 8.9 10 13. See Rom. 12.8 He it to be grave sober exemplary in Faith and Holiness c. Phil. What is the Office of a Deacon Christ. The Holy Ghost calls it serving of Tables the Lords Table and the Tables of the Saints in a faithful collection and distribution of the stock of the Church which is given for the maintenance of Ordinances Ministry and relief of the Poor which ought to be done with Simplicity Prudence and Chearfuâ—â—ness And of which they are accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Church let that word Chearfulness be observed because many are apt to murmur at this Office as a burden to them Phil. How many Deacons are there to be Christ There were seven in the first Church of the Gospel but there have seldom Churches arrived to the bigness
Wine poured out signifie the Body and Soul sufferings of the Lord Christ they are exhibited in this Ordinance in a lively manner to our thankful remembrance of Gods and Christs love to us therefore by the ancients called the Eucharist 2. Hereby our acts of Faith are renewed and our Faith greatly strengthned in the love of God to us in the Redemption wrought by Jesus Christ for us in his Death and Suffering for our present Justification and Sanctification and Future Glory 3. It is a sign and Seal of our Union to and Communion with the Lord Jesus Christ and to one another our Communion together by a common participation of Christ our Head in his personal Excellencies and mystical Communications as also our Communion in him one with another as a mystical and visible Politick Body 4. It is a visible Testimony and Profession of our mutual love and Obligations therein as members one of another 5. There is a sweet Communion in each others Gifts and Graces in order to edification and growth in Grace Phil. To what Church Officer doth the administration of this Ordinance appertain Christ It appertains to the Pastoral teaching Office for the Seals are teaching Ceremonies by way of Instruction unto us for increase in Faith and Love and by way of Consolation and Confirmation in our right to Covenant Benefits and Priviledges And hence it belongs primarily to the Pastor that is principally called to the whole Office of feeding the flock for Christ the great Pastor first administred it And secondarily to the Teacher who is called to bear a share with him in his Teaching work which is feeding the flock with wholesome Doctrine and administring such instituted signs and seals as tends to the Confirmation thereof unto their Souls and Consciences and therefore where there is actually Pastor and Teacher it may for the ease of the Pastor that part of this Labour may be born by the Teacher as well as that of teaching And in case of the Death of the Pastor the whole pastoral charge as to Teaching and Administring falls upon the Teacher unless the Church think meet to choose another Pastor Phil. But I pray what do you think of the practice of our Minister and if I mistake not some Non-conformists use it still viz. for the Administrator or Administrators for I have known several at the same time in one Congregation to go about from Person to Person and deliver the Bread and Wine into the hand of each repeating as oft the Words of institution Take eat c. Take drink c. Christ I take it to be an unscriptural usage for Luke 22.17 Christ said Take this and divide it among your selves And if it be said that is spoken of the Passover Cup it makes not against us for in the same manner as that Cup went about did also the Bread and Wine that followed And we have no ground to suppose that he delivered the Bread with the Words This is my Body take eat nor the Wine c. any more than once Again it 's plain that this practice came from Rome from that blasphemous Heresie of theirs that the Bread is the very Body of Christ after Consecration of the Priest and therefore not to be touched by the Communicant but put into his Mouth by the supposed sacred Hands of the Priest Therefore it hath the same Idolatrous Original as Kneeling in receiving hath nourisheth much vain Superstition in the people makes the Ordinance most tedious and troublesome if not too Comical Phil. You mention Kneeling methinks that seems to be a comely gesture enough in so solemn and sacred an Ordinance though I confess I am not for imposing of it Christ I need not tell you the reason and ground of that Innovation viz. From the Idolatrous worshiping the Bread And I need not tell you that the posture in receiving was not so from the beginning but after the eastern manner of sitting at a Feast It is not proper or comely to kneel at a Feast which is for a sociable rejoycing Kneeling is a posture of prostration in Prayer but this is a distinct Ordinance from Prayer though it be blessed by Prayer The Prayer is over when the Element is distributed and then our business is not to pray but to feed in a Feasting Sacramental and Spiritual manner Neither is the practice of some Communicants to be commended who after the Element is blessed by the Prayers of the Congregation betake themselves to their particular private prayers before they eat or drink it 's a new Consecration as if the Element were not sufficiently consecrated Or as if they were to receive in an act of Prayer Whereas now they are to receive their spiritual food to the satisfaction of their hungring and thirsting Souls with rejoycing and gladness of Heart making it the Bread of Consolation and cup of Salvation praising the Name of the Lord. The Nature of receiving clearly appears from this that it is a Feast of Remembrance and therein for spiritual Repast Nourishment and Consolation and it appears in that the distribution of the last Element ends with a Psalm or Hymn of praise before we arise from the Table and therefore to be performed in the same posture we were in when we received the Cup and we use not a kneeling posture in singing Phil. I have read many considerable Arguments indeed against this posture in receiving which gives ground to suspect there is too much of Superstition in it and that it was derived from Rome but I have not before considered what you say of its great disagreement to the very Nature of the Ordinance the Act of receiving being a distinct duty from praying and therefore I believe many that profess to more Knowledge in these things than I do do they know not what in betaking themselves to private Prayers when they should be exercised after another manner and so do unduly mix one Ordinance with another or thrust out one spiritual duty by another I am glad you mention it to me I hope it will be matter of good instruction to me in my practice for the future Christ I am glad to find your Heart so moulded by the Grace of God that you are ready to receive the impression of Truth It was otherwise not long ago Phil. I think the next Head of Church Ordinances which you mentioned were the Keys I pray speak to them Christ. By Keys I mean Church power of opening and shutting It is a Scripture Word but Metaphorical A Key is used in respect of spiritual Knowledge or in respect of Power In respect of Knowledge Luke 11.52 In this respect Peter had the Key of the Kingdom of Heaven committed to him as an Apostle as is spoken by our Saviour Mat. 16.19 Being the first Apostle instructed by God to open the door for preaching the Gospel unto the Gentiles Act. 10. But this Key tho' first turned in exercise by Peter was given to the rest of the
Apostles at the same time and with them to all faithful Ministers There is another Key of the Kingdom of Heaven which is in the Church of the Gospel viz. The Key of Power which is either of Supream Church-power and is the Power of the Lord Jesus Christ which is Soveraign Absolute Legislative and therefore called the Key of David which he alone hath Rev. 3.7 And there is the Key of subordinate Power which is delegated by Christ unto his Church and therefore given by Christ unto Peter and the rest of the Disciples as his associated Church on Earth to which he himself was Pastor and to which he administred as such the Lords Supper The twelve Apostles had this Key given them as such in that for their time they had all Church Power committed unto to them did exercise it as occasion required as to Constitution of Officers receiving dismissing or excommunicating members But there being none in Succession unto them this Key of Power can be found no where lodged but in a particular Congregation built on the Faith which Peter in the Name of the rest professed Mat. 16.19 Phil. But the great Question is where the Power of the Keys lyes in a particular Congregation whether in the Fraternity or in the Eldership Christ I call the decisive Church Power the Key and say it lyes in the Majority as in all Societies that arise by mutual Consent or Agreement But I distinguish between the Keys and the management of them for a Key is dead and opens no door if there be not a hand to make use of it So that in an Organized Church the orderly managing and making use of the Churches Power lyeth in the Elders But if the Church be not Organized they are guided by a common rule of self-preservation and using all means to procure their well being they act by common consent as they came together in the Name of Christ till they be duely Organized with Officers And therefore they admit members or excommunicate if necessity require as they may before they have Officers But having chosen Officers the orderly way of proceeding is by the authoritative Power of the Officers in management of this Key which is the decisive Power Hence I distinguish between a Churches acting pro necessitate and pro regula ordinis Phil. What part have the ruling Elders viz. the Pastor if there be no more or if there be the ruling Presbyters that take part with him as assistants in admitting of a Member Christ The Elder or Elders work is 1. To speak with the party that desires admission propound him to the Church and upon mature deliberation cause the decisive Vote of the Church to pass upon him Whereby he is received or rejected If received the Elder declares the sence of the Church and doth solemnly in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Church enter into a mutual obligation with the said Member saying You are here now to give up your self and Children if he hath any to the Lord and this Congregation promising as Christ shall help you to walk and abide in and with this Church in all Gospel Conversation according to the rules of Faith and order of the Gospel submitting your self to the watch of the same and promise to bring your Children to the Ordinances of the Church educating them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Likewise adds I do in the Name of Christ and this Congregation give you the right hand of fellowship and receive you in the Lord promising to perform all the duties toward you that are required of us in order to your Edification as Christ shall enable us Phil. Hath an Elder no more part in the decisive Power by Vote than an ordinary Brother Christ Though the Elders Judgment is usually hearkened to and sways many times much with the Congregation giving light unto them from the Word yet when a matter comes by Vote to be determined his Vote is but single as another Brothers and therefore we say this Key of decisive power is in the Fraternity though the orderly management thereof and authoritative declaration thereof in the Name of Christ belongeth to the Elder Phil. In what other Cases is this Key made use of Christ In letting shutting out and turning out of Members 1. In Letting out or translating Members from one Church to another when upon good reasons a Church Member desires to change his or her Communion and asketh a Dismission it is granted by the suffrage of the Church approving his reasons for it Phil. Is there any Scripture ground for a Dismission may not a Church Member not chargeable with any scandalous Sin go away to another Church without a Dismission Christ No! For it will cause Confusion in the Churches and God is the God of Order and not Confusion as in all the Churches of the Saints Besides it 's contrary to the Nature of such Societies and the obligation by which the Members stand mutually bound together in one Body And Christ hath provided as well the orderly departure as stay of Church Members The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 used Rom. 16.1 should be rendred statuo constituo in coetu vobiscum I dismiss to you for tho' our translators render it I recommend yet it should more rightly be rendred I dismiss or place in Church fellowship with you and so all the Apostle speaks afterward are terms of a dismission These Paul needs not he being an Apostle and having had a Seal of his Apostleship among them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are commendatory Letters with Dismission 2 Cor. 3.2 Phil. What then are your Letters of Recommendation Christ A Letter of Recommendation is but a Certificate under the hand of an Officer that this or that Brother or Sister is a Member of such a Congregation walking blamelesly and as becomes the Gospel that when any Brother or Sister comes to other Churches in their travels they may make no scruple to receive them to occasional or transient Communion but transfers not any as Members to another Congregation Phil. How is the Key used for Exclusion of a Member Christ A Church Member is excluded or put out of Communion by Himself or by the Church and either amounts to Excommunication for Excommunication is the putting one out of the Communion of a particular Congregation which is done when a Member doth disorderly withdraw and divide himself from the Church Communion obstinately refusing to be reduced to his place and duty in the said Church This is an usurpation of the Key of Power and separating of himself and I call it Indirect Excommunication because he divides himself violently and schismatically upon which the Church is to reassume the Key and shut the door of Communion upon him either by a direct Excommunication which is the regular way and may be justified from express places of Scripture such as Rom. 16.17 18. Or else if this way of Discipline will not be born Judicially to
remark by the decisive Power of the Church and declare that such an one hath sinfully or disorderly withdrawn and divided himself from the Communion of the Church whereby he must immediately be looked upon as Ecclesiastically felo de se and one cut off from the Communion of the Churches of Christ being separated from that Congregation to which he did belong For he that challengeth Communion with other Churches can do it but as a Member of one particular Church from which being divided by his act having disclaimed it and secluded thereupon by the act of the Church he is doubly excommunicate and hath no ground to claim right of Communion any where but is as a dead branch cut off a Tree twice dead in respect of his visible Church-standing and plucked up by the roots Phil. I am glad to understand that in the way of Church discipline you do profess to there is a regular way of proceeding to curb such kind of disturbers of Churches for it 's easier to correct those who are chargeable with scandal For such make parties divide Churches and depart from their Communion bidding defiance to all Rule and Government and that out of a pretence of Conscience Now the way you speak of would tend much to the humbling such proud and prejudiced professors who under pretence of serving Christ serve not the Lord Jesus but their own Lusts which to gratifie they regard not the defaming and breaking the best Churches on Earth But other Churches and Elders will countenance abett and receive them as I have known some do Christ I must acknowledge it to our great sorrow and shame that is of some Elders and Churches that will be still taking part with the offenders and censured Members of other Churches and have no Conscience of the violation of the Communion of Churches but there is not many of them It cannot be expected but as among a great many Churches some will be disorderly and unruly so among many Churches some will be of that nature and become Common-shores for Mammon sake to all lawless ungovernable Members of other Congregations But a little more of this when we come to speak of the Communion of Churches Phil. What is that which you call direct Excommunication Christ It is when the Church by its decisive power adjudgeth a person an impenitent obstinate offender or grosly scandalous layeth him under a sentence of Excommunication Phil. What Rules are there to proceed by in that case Christ There are two sorts of Offences to be proceeded upon and accordingly are the Rules of proceeding 1. Cases of less hainous nature and privately committed as one Brother's sinning against another in lying defrauding purloining c. and so sins not publickly known not being so criminal and hainous In this kind of offences Christ hath laid us down the degrees of proceeding and if at last he is not convinced of his sin when the Church adjudgeth there is abundant ground of conviction laid before him it is to proceed to censure and he is to be looked upon as a Heathen or Publican that hath no right to Church-priviledges 2. There are some sins hainous more criminal publickly committed and known to the World such as Blasphemy Drunkenness Whoredom Perjury c. These sins are not to be dallied with in a gradual way of proceeding for they go before the sinner to Judgment and such are immediately to be proceeded against to Excommunication 1. Because it was so practised in the case of the incestuous person by the command of the Apostle 1 Cor. 5.2 It is requisite it should be so for the vindication of the honour of Christ and his Church before the World 3. That whatever pretences there are of present remorse it is not meet such a person should be permitted to abide an actual Church Member under the reproach of such a Sin without suffering the utmost censure so long time as is requisite to satisfie the Church of the dueness of his remorse and truth of his repentance The dealing with the incestuous person after Excommunication is a rule to Churches to walk by in the like cases Phil. The receiving in of an Excommunicated person upon due Repentance is also by the decisive power of the Church Christ It is so for it is the same Key that opens to cast out and shut the Door and therefore must open it again to let in the Penitent Sinner upon his Repentance Phil. For what Sins is a person to be Excommunicated Some of your persuasion say not for any but hainous crimes such as the light of Nature condemns as Murther Adultery Theft Blasphemy And the Acts of those sins must be clearly proved too any scandalous actions leading to these sins will not bear the dreadful sentence of Excommunication As for example words of threatning and revenge and actions manifestly such lascivious carriages keeping ill and wicked company purloyning over-reaching cheating equivocating lying these are not sins with them to be excommunicated for nor any sins of omission As for example never to pray in a family or read the Word c. nor for great errours Christ I must confess I have much wondred upon what grounds some men speak and write in this case But I find it mostly was those that prudentially made this plea an evasion to excuse themselves from the exercising of any censure upon any Church-Member especially from questioning and dealing with any rich and honourable for any sin For Pastors are hereby pretty well secured upon this account from this trouble so long as there is none to be excommunicated but such as are burnt in the Hand at the Old Baily or whipt at the Carts Tail or condemn'd to be Hang'd at Tiburn But we have not this limitation from the Spirit of God but from corrupt man for there is no sin specified Mat. 18. yea any manifest sin is supposed by that text to be cause enough of Excommunication if a manifest impenitency be found in the offender and he be not by any due means to be reduced and brought to a sight and sense of the sin he is charged with and there is sufficient proof of it As for sins of ordinary infirmity they are watched against to be corrected by the brotherly admonitions of others and frequently bewail'd by our selves but not made the causes of Church censures Phil. In case one come under the censure of Excommunication in what form and manner is it usually denounced in your Churches Christ In the very Words which the Apostle Paul commanded the Corinthians to Excommunicate the Incestuous Person 1 Cor. 5. Phil. Is not that a dreadful curse to deliver one to Satan for the Destruction of the flesh c. I pray what doth these words import Christ The Sentence is very terrible and awful but it 's for a good and desirable end viz. The recovery of a Sinner from Sin and saving his Soul the words which you mention are of marvellous spiritual signification To deliver
over to Satan is as much as our Saviour by whose Spirit the Apostle enjoyns the use of this word expresseth Mat. 18. that such an one should be accounted as an excommunicate Person was by the Church of the Jews or as one out of that Churches Communion viz. An Heathen or Publican for such the Jews would not eat with and condemned our Saviour for so doing There are but two Kingdoms in the World Christs and Satans who is called the Prince of the World that ruleth in the Children of disobedience i. e. the Sons of Belial men that will not come under the yoke of Christs Government and with such Christ can have no concord in his Church 2 Cor. 6.15 And therefore to be put out of the Visible Church as a Child of Disobedience an incorrigible person hardened in sin and to be returned into the World as one that hath no right to the Childrens Bread And this is to be a means to humble him and bring him to shame and godly sorrow so that his flesh a Gospel expression for sin which is corrupt affections and lusts may be destroyed and that his Soul may be saved in the day of Christ And the consequent behaviour required towards such an one abundantly shews it that intimacy of familiarity is not to be kept with him 1 Cor. 5.11 And that such a Person is to be put away from Communion in this manner as to all sacred things peculiar to the Church ver 13. And what doth the Apostle intend 2 Thes 3.14 but the Excommunication of one that is unruly that he may be ashamed for it is setting a mark upon him that others may withdraw from him to his great shame but yet ver 15. to take all opportunities to admonish him in order to his recovery Phil. What rules are to be observed in the Denunciation of this solemn Sentence Christ All the rules of Christ according to the Nature of the offence being private or publick ought to be observed that all due deliberation be used and tenderness towards the offending Brother before the case be put to the suffrage of the Church That being passed and the Offender convict as guilty and ripe for censure the sin is to be laid open with all the aggravations thereof Then the nature of the Sentence and the true end and intent thereof shewed Solemn Prayer is to be made by way of Humiliation to the Church and Supplication for the Conviction Repentance and Humiliation of the Sinner that the Ordinance may obtain it's true and best effect upon him Lastly The Sentence is to be denounced solemnly in the Name of Christ by a ruling Elder if any if none by the Pastor and then the Ordinance is to be concluded with Prayer of Gods blessing of it unto the Sinner for his return and for the Church that God would preserve it from Impurities Apostacies and Decays in Grace and that the fall of this Brother may be a warning Example that He that stands do take heed lest he fall Phil. Is there not a lesser Excommunication which an offending Brother may be tryed with before you proceed to this great and tremendous one Christ There is with some that which they call Suspension but I know no ground for it from the word for a man that is an adult Member hath right to all Ordinances or not and right he hath still till he be duely convict and sentence passed upon him And I know no Power that any Church or Officer hath to debar him from any Ordinance of Church Communion till he be excluded judicially in the Name of Christ Phil. You are ready to receive an Excommunicate Person again upon credible manifestation of his Repentance Christ There ought to be great readiness to receive a repenting and returning Sinner with all Tenderness Compassion and Commiseration but with a due regard to the Honour of Christ his Church and Ordinance to endeavour to get as much satisfaction as may be concerning the Truth and Sincerity of his professed Repentance not only by manifested remorse but in some Cases by experienced Reformation Phil. You were saying that one that is an unjust divider from the Communion of the Church ought to be excommunicated by a direct Excommunication Christ I do verily believe it 's the mind and will of Christ and though our Churches that are now but in a declining state as to matters of Order will not receive it yet Churches have practised it and whenever the Churches flourish they will practise it My Reasons are briefly 1. That it is Schism of the highest nature being the actual dividing of a particular Congregation and there is no other Schism spoken of in Scripture that in the Church of Corinth was but Factions tending to this Division else the Apostle would have given command to excommunicate the causers thereof as well as the incestuous Person For the contentions and factions that had a tendency thereto they were highly rebuked 1 Cor. 1.11 12. ch 3.3 1 Cor. 11.18 2. What way is for marking and withdrawing from a Person but the Sentence of Excommunication Rom. 16.17 1 Thes 5.14 2 Thes 3.14 3. It 's a most scandalous Sin to Jew Gentile and Church of Christ nothing stains the Honour of Christ more in the Congregation 4. It 's a root of bitterness that infects many and ought to be plucked up by censure if it cannot be cured Heb. 12.15 5. To excommunicate such a person is no wrong because he hath excommunicated himself he hath but what he sought after and hath done 6. It 's fit such an one should be excommunicated judicially because he hath by usurpation excommunicated himself and the Church 7. It 's plain it 's a sin and such an one wherein he heareth not the Church and therefore to be made as an Heathen and Publican 8. It 's a gross breach of his Covenant at entrance into Church Communion Phil. Speak something now of the fifth Head of Ordinances which is Contribution to the support of Ordinances Ministry and the necessity of the Saints Christ Contribution on these accounts are manifestly the Office charge of the Deacons to call the Church to it's Duty in this kind and to take care for the faithful distribution of all Collections of this Nature and to give account thereof to the Church They are herein the Churches Stewards it 's fully manifest from the first institution of that Office Acts 6. and by their necessary qualifications spoken of 1 Tim. 3.8 Now the reason of this Office and Ordinance is not only the Gospel Institution which from the places forementioned are without dispute but from the Nature of the Church Society it self No Societies if but civil can be supported according to their Nature without charge and there are many charges necessarily required to support a Church Society for a Ministry must be maintained 1 Cor. 9.9 10 11 12. 1 Tim. 5.17 18. Gal. 6.6 Luke 10.4 Likewise there is charges as to places for the Church
to assemble and meet in The Primitive Churches assembled in upper rooms of ordinary Houses Act. 1.13 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they went up into an upper room And Paul preached in his own hired house Act. 28.30 31. The Churches were at the charge of hiring places to meet in and so have been ever since the Profession of Christian Religion they are built or hired There are Elements for the Lords Table which are matter of charge There are the Poor to be supported and relieved And that it was the practice of the Churches to have frequent Collections for these ends and purposes is beyond all dispute 2 Cor. 9.1 1 Cor. 16.1 2. The time and manner for making these Collections seems to be left to the prudent Consideration of each Church as may be most agreeable to it's circumstances though Paul seems to intimate to the Corinthians that the first day of the week when the Church assembleth is a suitable and meet time for it As for the administration of other Ordinances of Christ and the proportion that every one is bound in Conscience to give to all such occasions of Contribution is from time to time as God hath prospered him and the manner specified He that giveth with simplicity he that sheweth Mercy with chearfulness Rom. 12.8 Phil. You seem to add one thing more to be observed and practised in Churches as an Ordinance of Christ for Edification the frequent assembling of the Church for Prayer and Conference Christ Whatever may have a manifest tendency to Edification is undoubtedly required and is to be practised in a Church of Christ This assembling of the Church all together or in parts or neighbourhoods doth undoubtedly do so and if there were no other place of Scripture to be pleaded for it that is enough to encourage it Mal. 3.16 17. But the Apostle seems Heb. 10.24 25. to lay frequent assemblings in this kind as a great charge upon the Churches of Christ And we find that there was a practice of this nature frequent in the Primitive Churches when Brethren spake by way of Exhortation in Conference one with another and it was called prophesying 1 Cor. 14.3 4 5. And it 's plain that it was but speaking and praying in this manner of the Brethren for the edifying of the Church and to this practice doth the Apostles discourse 1 Cor. 11.2 3 4 c. seem plainly to look Phil. How were those meetings for Conference or mutual Edification managed Christ It was by Brethrens speaking one after another not several talking of spiritual matters in the same roomin divers Companies as it was before that the Apostle corrected that disorder 1 Cor. 14.29 But the regular way of carrying it on is that one speak at once and the rest judge viz. That a practical question be propounded and two or three or more speak briefly in answer thereto one after another if that an Officer should be there or one appointed in chief to Judge to review the Consonancy to Truth of what is spoken then Let others submit thereto according to the light brought 1 Cor. 14.30 CHAP. VII Of Communion of Churches Phil. IS the Supream Jurisdiction Ecclesiastical in every particular Congregation Is there none Superiour to appeal to Episcopal or Classical Christ None but Christ himself For all Churches are coordinate in Power one with another nextly and immediately under Christ neither hath Christ constituted any Officers with Apostolick Power over many Churches Phil. But what if matter of difficulty arise ought not Elders of neighbouring Churches to assemble and decide it Christ There are two sorts of things wherein matters of Controversie do usually lye 1. There may be a case in Thesi which to understand the Mind of God clearly in is of great concernment to the Church and if the Pastor and other Officers cannot sufficiently satisfie the Mind of the Brethren then it 's requisite to consult other Churches and Elders who when they give their Judgment in the Case it is no further binding than it carries the light of Truth with it for no Elders can impose any rule of practice upon the Churches and their Judgment hath no more force than Ministerial so far as carrying the Authority of Christ in his declared Mind and Will Here then it 's very necessary and requisite that in matters of greater and weightier concern other Churches should be acquainted and consulted Other things are referrible all to matter of fact in elections admissions translations and exclusions And here the Church is the supream Judge and none to be appealed to Why should not a Church of Christ be as able to judge in any case of this Nature as well as a Jury in Civil Affairs to whose Judgment as to matter of fact our Lives and Estates are left daily Therefore if we hold the distinction de jure de facto this matter of the Jurisdiction of Churches will be clear In cases de jure a Church can be led only by the best light they can have and the more the better and knowing this they have a foundation to proceed upon in matter of fact whereupon the binding and loosing lyes in themselves Phil. What if a Member or Minor part of a Church think themselves wronged upon the supposed irregular proceedings of the Majority Christ He or they may complain to another Church That Church is to hear what the Sister Church saith in vindication If it satisfie not nor is convinced of it's error then another Church i. e. the Elders with Messengers thereof to deal with the offending Church And if it hear not then the case is to be brought before the vicinity of Churches All which finding this Church justly chargeable with sin and incorrigible therein agree to declare non-Non-communion with it which is virtually an Excommunication for the rule of Churches dealing with each others is of the same nature as that Mat. 18. where a rule is laid down by our Saviour for the orderly proceeding of one Church Member with another Phil. What if an Elder fall under offence in a Church is it in the power of that Church to deal with him as with an ordinary Brother Christ There is no doubt of it the Jurisdiction is in the Church as to Officers who are Brethren as well as to others and the manner of proceeding is the same but an accusation against an Elder is not presently to be received it must be clearly evidenced by two or three Witnesses Again in such cases it 's good for the Church to proceed with the advice and approbation if possible of other Neighbouring Churches and Elders Phil. Wherein consists the practical part of Communion of Churches Christ 1. A concurrence in principles of Faith and Order 2. In giving each other the Right Hand of Fellowship As 1. In receiving each others Members unto transient Communion as due occasion requires 2. In dismissing Members to each others or receiving Members orderly dismissed 3. In refusal to
admit such to Communion which are under the censure of another Church or disorderly withdrawn from it signification being made thereof 3. There is Communion of Churches in mutual advice and counsel which should be maintained by Elders frequent assembling and meeting together for this end and purpose 4. By sympathizing with each others Poverty and Afflictions by relieving and supporting as much as possible such as labour in this kind And this is a Communion in giving and receiving as the Apostle calls it Phil. Is there not a Communion of Churches in the office power of the Elders v. gr for one Pastor to administer the Lords Supper in another and for the Elders of one or more Congregations to ordain Elders in another Christ Officers have a peculiar relation to the Society that hath called them and there only they are such and that society only can constitute and ordain them and there only they can exercise their particular Office charge As a Pastor can administer the Lords Supper only in the Church to which he is overseer neither the ruling Elder can govern nor the Deacon hath power to distribute any where but where he is a Deacon or hath that Office charge committed to him for if the Officer of one Church were thereby made an indefinite Officer to all it would soon bring confusion to all and the Elders of one Church might excommunicate in another Phil. I thank you Sir for this brief account you have given me of your Church Order As for the Ordinances of Christs institution I think all reformed Churches own them more or less and the Romanists themselves in their way though with innumerable Superstitions and Idolatrous additions And for the Church Officers you insist on methinks I see there is something analogous to them remaining in our parochial Churches which hath been handed down from the primitive practice through Antichristian Darkness As in some of our Parishes we have the Parson as Pastor the Assistant in Preaching as the Teacher the Church Wardens as ruling Elders the overseers of the Poor as Deacons and though these labour under many abuses now and irregularities by Popish corruptions yet it shews that these are the Officers that do fully answer the necessity of a Christian Congregation and that if it be large none of them can well be spared Chap. VIII Of Letters of Commendation and Discommendation Phil. BEfore we break up this conference I pray inform me of the manner of translating of a Church Member from one Church to another I have heard some say there is no difference between Letters of recommendation and of dismission Christ I have told you a Letter of recommendation is but a Certificate under an Elders Hand that such an one is a Church Member and orderly walker in order to his free admission to occasional Communion with other Churches it need not be a Church Act. 2. It 's not in order to the parting with a Member 3. It need not be directed to any particular Congregation 4. When Members of each Congregation are well known to one another they are needless as the Apostle saith of himself 2 Cor. 3.1 2. we need not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Letters of Commendation to you Phil. I pray in what form doth a Letter of Commendation run Christ It may be in these or such like words To the Churches of Christ and their respective Elders to whom these presents shall come Grace Mercy and Peace c. SEeing God by his Providence hath called this our Brother A. B. to be conversant in places remote from us for a time and that he may reap the comfort of Christian Communion in Gospel Ordinances in any places whither he is lawfully called and where any Church of Christ is planted by vertue of Communion of Churches These are to certifie that this our Brother A. B. is under no censure but in actual Communion with us hath walked in all Christian and Holy Conversation as becomes the Faith and Order of the Gospel to the great honour of Christ and our rejoycing Wherefore you need not doubt to give him the Right Hand of Fellowship in occasional Communion whensoever he shall desire the same We greet you well in the Lord. C. D. Pastor Phil. Is not this sufficient for to translate a Member to another Church and make him an actual Member there Christ No this makes him not a Member of any one Church more than another 2. Here the Church to which he belongs gives up no right in him Neither doth any Church act pass to that purpose or is desired by him The end of this is but to be a Testimonial to other Churches that they may know him to be a Church Member and one under no censure but approved and therefore that no other Churches may scruple to admit him to their Communion as occasion shall require Phil. I pray then how do you write a dismission some dismiss Members but to no Church Christ It may be wrote with these or such like expressions as the matter requires for in some cases variation is required Phil. What are those cases Christ I will tell you Some dismissions cannot be wrote with so great commendation as others may some departing Members giving considerable cause of offence in their carriages toward the Church and Ministry before and in their asking dismission Phil. How do you write a dismission wit◠commendation Christ A dismission with commendation may be after this manner and it must be directed to a particular Church To the Church of Christ in such a place to which the Reverend Mr. L. P. is Pastor Grace Mercy c. Dearly beloved in the Lord WHereas F. D. a Brother in fellowship with us hath walked in all good Conscience and Holy Conversation as becometh the Gospel and his profession continuing stedfastly in attendance on all the Ordinances of Christ in this Congregation And now having consulted us and given us reasons why he apprehends it his duty to ask his dismission Which reasons being duely considered by us and approved as satisfactory we think it no less our duty to grant his said request and do hereby dismiss him unto you discharging him from his nearer relation and obligation unto us and commit him to your particular watch and care desiring you to receive him in the Lord and that you will be every way helpful to him to promote his edification and comfort For which Spiritual ends we commend you and him with you to the word of his Grace who is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified Subscribed by the consent and in the name of the Church of Christ at K. by A. N. Pastor Phil. But what kind of dismission can you give without commendation Christ There must be some in every one and charity allows us to give some commendation to a Member that stands under very dissatisfactory circumstances which we hope proceed from his infirmity only and therefore can say
thus much That we hope he partakes of the free Grace of God in Christ though at present labours under these or those infirmities And though his reasons for his departure do no way satisfie us yet seeing he cannot be otherwise perswaded we have granted his dismission in order to his contentment and our peace But indeed small or no commendation does in these cases for there is seldom any such departer but the Pastor of some other Church is prepared for the receiving him right or wrong with commendation or without yea with dismission or without for all is Fish that comes to Net with some men Phil. Yea they say there are some Pastors will receive Members that run away from other Churches although they be actually certified that they be under censure Do you 〈◊〉 to send Letters of discommendation to Churches concerning offending Members Christ Yes there is as much or more reason for it than for a letter of commendation For as it concerns a Church to know who it admits to Communion or rejects so it 's requisite that a due Character be given by the Church to which the Member belongs And there is no particular Congregation will offer to receive a person into stated Communion at least without consulting the Church to which he belongs unless it be such a Church as savours too much of an Algerine Spirit in Ecclesiastick affairs Phil. Have you seen ever any Letters Discommendatory sent from one Church to another Shew me if you have Christ Yes I can shew you one And such a Letter need not be a Church act no more than a bare Letter of Commendation It may be done by an Elder only and he is bound by his Office to certifie unto other Churches what capacity a Member is in whether under censure or no. For when an offending Member is brought under the censure of a Church other Churches ought to be acquainted with it that they may not be imposed upon and that he may be ashamed being rejected by the unanimous concurrence of all Churches A Letter of Discommendation may be to this purpose To all the Churches of Christ in particular to that whereto S. T. is Pastor WHereas E. F. hath been a Member of this our Congregation and having fallen by a scandalous Sin or an offence for which he hath been duely proceeded with according to the rules of the Gospel but remaining impenitent is to our great grief and humiliation justly brought under the dreadful Sentence of Excommunication Or Whereas F. B. hath for so long time withdrawn himself from the Commumunion of the Church of Christ in E. whereof he was a Member to the long distraction and great grief thereof and doth persist in his withdrawment notwithstanding all due means which hath been used with all tenderness patience and condescention for the reclaiming of him from the said disorderly walking And that you may not be imposed upon by such an one offering himself to partake with you at the Lords Table and that the Violation of the Communion of Churches â—ay be prevented as well as the further hardenâ—â— of an offender in sin These are to signifie to 〈…〉 that the said person above-named is fallen 〈…〉 censure of this Congregation afore 〈…〉 â—fore according to the known and avowed rules of the Gospel he can be no longer allowed a just claim to Communion with other Churches by vertue of any relation to or right by and under the said Church or of any other pretences whatsoever whilst he stands thus divided from it as hath been declared But that the God of all Grace will encline his Heart to return to his Duty is the unfeigned desire and prayer of the Congregation and of him especially who is your unworthy Brother and Servant in Christ Jesus A. B. Pastor Phil. I thank you for your readiness to satisfie me in these points wherein I am now made sensible through Grace the honour of God and a Christians fixed comfort is most exceedingly concerned I shall exercise your Patience at this time no longer but wait another opportunity when we may further discourse some points of this nature Christ Sir you shall always find me God assisting most ready and chearful in any service of this nature And though these things seem most strange to most men and of an abstruse nature yet the time is coming when all the great truths of the Gospel shall bâ— cleared up before the World For when 〈◊〉 Lord shall build up Zion he will appear 〈…〉 Glory Expect we must yet that th 〈…〉 retick and Doctrinal part of these 〈…〉 Gospel order will be ridiculed by many and the practice thereof brow-beaten and scorned not only by the World but by carnal and ignorant Church Members that are biassed and led away by their own lusts and seductions of others but through Grace none of these things shall move me Vale. There is to be sold by Will. Marshal THE interest of Churches by J. C. The true nature of a Gospel Church by J. O. D. D. A Treatise of the Dominion of Sin and Grace by J. O. D. D. And any other works of the said Author FINIS
that joyns to the Church doth primarily and professedly joyn themselves to the Lord in Church Communion And the immediate declared event of this Exhortation of Barnabas was that they joyned to the Lord in Church fellowship and became a Church ver 26. See also Act. 16.5 2. It appears to be the duty of every Believer to joyn himself to a particular Church from the Nature of Conversion it is the turning the whole man unto God in all the ways and appointments of Christ wherein he is to be found but Church fellowship is a Divine Institution where God is to be found joyned with and submitted unto as is abundantly manifest from the currant of the Old and New Testament This seems to be the meaning of the Apostle when he doth beseech the Romans ch 12.1 by the Mercies of God to present their Bodies i. e. their Persons to give up their Persons by presenting them to or before the Lord viz. in Church Communion a living Sacrifice of thanksgiving Holy and Acceptable unto God which is your reasonable worship 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it should be rendred your word service or worship the word is used for the Word of God 1 Pet. 2. Or a service of Words As new born babes desire 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the sincere Word the Milk or Milk of Word So that the Exhortation of the Apostle seems to be made to Believers to devote and dedicate themselves unto the Lord in Church fellowship by a Covenant or Obligation of Words being called their service of Words viz. their explicate word the Presentment or Devotement of themselves unto the Lord according to Hos 14.2 This Dedication or Devotement is lively signified in Baptism wherein every Believer doth federally oblige himself to Father Son and Holy Ghost and thereby doth both bind himself to joyn unto the Lord in professed Subjection to all his Ordinances and doth shew it Sign and Seal it before the Lord. And every adult one that professeth himself baptized and doth not actually joyn himself unto the Lord in Church fellowship doth practically deny his Baptismal Dedication wherein he is devoted to be a living i. e. visible lively Sacrifice of thanksgiving in his Person and all his performances unto the Lord. 3. That Believer that joyns not himself in Church Society falls short of many great ends of his professed high and holy Vocation for we are called according to Gods purpose of Grace to be a choice Generation a Royal Priesthood a People 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. for a peculiarity i. e. unto God for his special visible service to offer up Spiritual Sacrifices of a true Gospel Nature acceptable unto God through Jesus Christ ver 5. Wherein the Virtues of Christ are shewed forth or declared ver 9. Not only perceived in our selves but shewed forth in Practice and Profession and this is or can be no way so much as in Gospel instituted worship wherein a Believer comes unto and is built up in the Lord Jesus Christ as a living Stone The great reason of squaring a stone is to be laid in the building as the end of squaring the Stones in Mount Lebanon was to lay them in Solomons Temple a Type of a Visible Gospel Church Such I doubt not but the Holy Ghost means by the Apostle Peter saying Ye as lively Stones are built a spiritual House ver 5. and so the Apostle Paul Eph. 2.20 21. Again the Lord Jesus doth declaredly design that Believers should be visibly separated from the World to come out in the way of Gospel Communion from all unclean things and Persons 2 Cor. 6.14 15 16 17. From all Heathenish Antichristian or false unwarranted worship and from Communion with professed Vnbelievers and enter into a solemn explicite Covenant with the Lord without doing of which they answer not the end of their calling in Christ Lastly our Calling is not only to be the Lords singly but conjunctly with the Saints and redeemed ones to a mystical Relation to Christ in a Community of the Elect and called ones which is answered by us as in our inward and spiritual so by our external and visible joyning our selves to the Society of the faithful to serve the Lord in one Body with them for we are called to the Peace of God that rules in our Hearts in one body Col. 3.15 i. e. with other Saints and Believers and therefore are to walk worthy as it becometh this vocation not only as to Moral Duties but instituted worship Eph. 4.1 c. Phil. 1.26 Let your Conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ and this in our Order and stedfastness of our Faith in Christ Col. 2.5 4. There are Duties to be performed by every Believer by Virtue of his Relation to Christ as such which cannot be done but in a way of Church Communion for he is obliged to observe what ever Christ hath commanded Mat. 28.20 And how great things hath Christ required to be observed in a way of Church Communion as the exercise of Brotherly love Heb. 13.1.1 Joh. 3.11 And he there refers to our Saviours express command Joh. 13.34 The Obedience to which lyes in the sensible Expression thereof as it appears by what follows Hereby shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if ye have love one for another i. e. In outward visible acts And the Apostle speaks of the â—ommunion of Love fellowship of the Spirit Bowels of Mercy sameness of Mind c. Phil. 2.1 2 3. Love is a Grace that gives Life to all acts of Communion it flouâ—isheth and branches it self in the most lively manner in a Society and Societies are for the sake of it Destroy love and not only the ends but the very bond and Life of a Society comes to nothing There are great commands of Christ that we are not capable of obeying him in but in Church Communion As frequent assembling together provoking one another to love and good works Heb. 10.24 The remembrance of the Lords Death frequently in the Lords Supper And this is to be observed in a Body or Society of Believers See 1 Cor. 10.16 17. I might instance also in all Duties that concern brotherly watch Pastoral watch each Officers duties by their respective places and Members to them all Discipline actively or passively considered Christs Church Institution Ordinances and Statutes are those which are principally intended by David Psal 119. And such were those that Zechary and Elizabeth walked in blameless Luk. 1.6 5. Every one that supposeth himself in a state of Grace should use all endeavours required by Christ and means instituted by him for growth in Grace Now that Church fellowship and Ordinances are instituted by Christ for growth in Grace I think no sound Christian will go about to deny Believers are exhorted or commanded to grow in Grace 2 Pet. 3.18 And that Churches and their Officers and Ordinances are appointed for that end which we are to abide stedfast in the use of
is manifest from Eph. 4.14 15. compared with the Primitive practice Act. 2.42 ch 9.5 See also Eph. 2.19 6. All that profess themselves to be translated into the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ should walk as professed Subjects thereof and this they cannot do but in Communion with a visible Church for particular Churches are the visible parts of Christs Kingdom Here Christ rules as King Law-giver and appears as High priest and Prophet giving forth himself to the Faith of his People with all his fullness of Grace in Gospel Ordinances and Dispensations Here then it is that a Believer doth exalt the Lord Jesus Christ most eminently as to visibility in his regal Power and therefore so long as a Believer joyns not himself to a particular Church he stays in the Verge of Satans Kingdom exposeth himself at no small rate to his Temptations Rage and Tyranny and salls short of one great end of his Faith in the Salvation of his Soul which is to be a professed Subject of Christs Kingdom deals disloyally with Christ instead of promoting prejudiceth the Interest of Christ both in respect of himself and others in the World he may be a Nicodemus like Friend of Christ but why doeth he not professedly and openly practice Obedience to all the Laws and Ordinances of his House and bear witness thereto Is it not a tacite and implicite denying of Christ and will not Christ take it so and mens talking of Christs Kingdom is but a vain shew unless they do him this particular personal service as to joyn themselves actually and visibly to a Church of Christ therein espousing his Interest in giving up their Names unto him and walking in his Name as Micah 4.5 All people will walk every one in the Name of his God and we will walk in the Name of the Lord our God for ever and ever Objections that are made against this practice are very inconsiderable and should bear little weight in a Mind truely enlightned some of which are answered in the ensuing discourse others I should here remove if there were room for it I think the Naming them is the shaming of them to all men that have learned Christ and tasted that the Lord is Gracious 1. The scorn and reproach men shall fall under from the prophane World I think no wise man will be laugh't out of his Estate how much less out of his Religion and Souls Salvation 2. A Suspicion lest they should come under too strict tyes and bonds to Holy and Religious Conversation Read 1 Pet. 1.14 15 16 17 18 19. 3. Others are kept off by prejudices arisen by reason of the sins and failings of Churches and Church-Members But will wise men refuse a good Calling or Estate because there are so many abuse them And name a Church or Christian without failings and considerable ones It is your duty to choose the purest Society and you are at your Liberty to do it where you may have most Comfort and Edification Lastly Many are hindred from their ignorance or misled apprehensions concerning the Nature of a Gospel Church For their Information and Rectification especially I have published this Christian Conference that was in my hands and that it may obtain the desired end is the sincere wish and prayer of an unworthy Servant of Christ Isa Chauncy This Conference is managed by Mr. Cornelius Philomathes a Countrey Gentleman and Mr. Peter Christophilus a Minister Neighbour to him The Introduction Christophilus Mr. Philomathes I am heartily glad to see you methinks you are mightily enjoying your self in your pleasant and retired walks will not my company disturb your meditations Philomathes I take it kindly Sir you are pleased to give me a Visit for indeed I live somewhat lonely I am glad of good company especially sometimes for divertisement but there is no friend more welcome than your self to me because your chearfulness revives me and your discourse profits me Christoph Dear Sir I deserve not so great a character and commendation it is your generous disposition that leads you to speak these things for you know we use to differ pretty much in many things especially in matters of Religion and in discourse seemingly hot opponents of each other but I think never the worse Friends Phil. Sir I have so near as I know my own heart a most cordial love to every one that fears God though he be not in every thing of my mind but for you Sir I have more than an ordinary respect and esteem as having been my old acquaintance and intimate friend and neighbour in all the late Changes in Church and state for above these forty years we never had any lasting difference but for the most part a very friendly correspondence Christ And to your great honour with a grateful remembrance may I often rehearse to the praise and glory of God the marvelous Christian kindness and commiseration that you shewed to me and my wife and family in our late Persecutions that you often sheltered me from the rage of my enemies and when they haled me to Prison and plundered all my goods that my Wife and Children had not Beds to lie on Victuals to eat nor Vessels to dress any thing in left you were pleased to take them into your house and provide plentifully for them and this you did when you were in a capacity to have done us more hurt than they who did it and ran no small hazard from time to time in not doing it Phil. No no I hope God will keep me from a persecuting spirit I bless his name he hath kept me from it hitherto and it is a change in our Nation much to be admired that we have such a day of Liberty as we have that all good men may live quietly and peaceably one by another and serve God according to their Consciences Christ Ay Sir especially if we consider the stupendous circumstances of Providence these few last years past that hath wrought about matters to effect that which we so long prayed and waited for Phil. But my friend I must whisper a word in your ear things are not right yet Christ No no nor will not be yet as they shall be but blessed be God they are so well as they are and that God is going on so fast in the way of his Providence towards finishing his Mystery Phil. I see you are on your Prophetick hints still I must confess my self here Asinus ad lyram for the darkness of Prophecies and the disagreement of Interpreters and Events refuting so many that have been very confident hath quite discouraged me that as I look not into them my self so I give little heed to what others say for all men will abound in their own sense and a man may be saved whether he be right or wrong in those things Christ Well Sir then we 'll let those things alone I would not introduce any ungrateful discourse but would rather enter upon something more suitable to
Coetus or Congregatio 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 condixit so that it 's taken for the solemn assembly gathered together at Gods appointed time or for the assembly at the appointed place viz. the Tabernacle and therefore the Tabernacle of the Congregation which Congregation was the Church of old Act. 7.38 Ecclesia in the New Testament is taken for any assembly though rude and riotous Act. 19.32 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is not used v. 37. where our Interpreters use our English word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ought to be rendred robbers of Temples Heathenish and Jewish but it is mostly used for and appropriated to a sacred assembly as Mat 18.17 Act. 2.47 Ch. 8.1 Ch. 11.26 1 Cor. 1.2 c. Phil. What do you say then is a Church of Christ in the most comprehensive sence Christ A Church of Christ is a Congregation of Saints associated in Christ Jesus our Lord Eph. 3.21 In the Church in Christ Jesus Phil. Why do you say associated Christ Because a Church is not a transient and occasional Congregation but fixed and a joyned Society by Union and Communion with Christ and one another 1 John 1.3 and because the Saints are the members of Christ and he is the Head they are said to be gathered together always in Christ Jesus really or professedly they are gathered unto him by way of insertion mystically or Politically they are gathered together in his Name or Authority Phil. Then a Church comes under various considerations Christ Yes Sir it doth but the Church of Christ is properly but one as he is the one Head and only so the Body is but one 1 Cor. 12.12 For as the Body is one and hath many members and all the members of the one Body being many are one body so also is Christ i. e. Mystical Phil. I pray be as distinct as you can upon the several considerations of this one Church of Christ Christ I will you know the most comprehensive consideration of the Church of Christ is under the name of Catholick and there are two Articles in the Creed called the Apostles that express our Faith therein 1. I believe the Holy Catholick Church 2. I believe the Communion of Saints which two words Holy and Saints denote the Matter and Form of this Church that it is Saints in Christ Jesus it is a Holy Church made up of Saints and then that it is comprehensive of all Saints And lastly That the formal nature of this Church consists in a certain Union and Communion for the latter always implys the former Phil. But is there not particular Churches do you not call every single Congregation a Church Christ. Yes we do so but that you may have the right and distinct notion of it we must duly weigh the Catholick Church as to its Relation to Christ its Head The Catholick Church is to be considered as to its mystical and political standing in Christ In respect of its mystical standing these things belong unto it 1. That it is the general assembly or collection of real Saints Heb. 12.23 ye are come 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the Catholick assembly and Church or Congregation of first born whose names are written in Heaven This is the Heavenly Church to which he saith Believers in the Gospel days are come to which Church Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant is the Head of influence and to which all Saints as such are spiritually knit and with whom they have Communion and in him one with another 2. The Church in this sence is it which Christ hath purchased and are effectually partakers of all his benefits Eph. 5.25 26 27. to it belongs Election Redemption Effectual Vocation Justification Adoption Sanctification and Glorification John 17.9 10 11. Rom. 8.29 30. 3. Here in this respect the Church is said to be Catholick in relation to individual Saints only it 's not Catholick as a genus comprehending many species of Churches but as a totum integrale comprizing many parts and all have a coordinate standing in subordination only to Christ their Head yea they all conduce to the making up of Christ Mystical one body being members in particular 4. This Mystical Body is to be considered according to its manner of existing secundum modum existendi and that two ways 1. In its Militant State or Standing or in its Triumphant in Viâ or in Patriâ In its Militant State it comprehends all the true believers in the world existing at the same time whether they are visible by professing or not the complement whereof are all the Saints actually glorified or the Spirits of just men made perfect And this distinction is only of the Church in respect of the different state in the enjoyment of Christ in the way of Communion in Grace and Glory the difference is only gradual and no more the Union is the same 2. It is to be considered in its Invisible and Visible standing The Church's Invisible standing is wholly in respect of that inward spiritual Relation which the Saints have to Christ and one another It s Visible standing is in professing Saints that are real members of Jesus Christ Phil. I Pray Sir give a right understanding of the Church in its relation to Christ as a Political Head Christ Thus Christ is to be considered as King and Law-giver to his Church and People and he governs his Church either immediately by his ruling Spirit in the heart of every Member of his Body whereby they are influenced Eph. 4.4 There is one Spirit one Body one Lord c. Or he governs mediately as a Politick Head and that is only so far as the Church is visible and professing and as such he hath given Immunities Laws Officers Ordinances for establishment of Visible Polities Societies or spiritual Corporations And here we are to observe diligently these things 1. That under this consideration the Catholick Church is most large and extensive for it comprehends all credible Professors though not real and all actual Church-Members though secret Hypocrites Ephes 3.15 Of him the whole family is named in Heaven and in Earth i.e. real and professing 2. That the Church so far as it 's capable of Visible Communion and Fellowship is the subject of Christ's mediate Political Rule and Government and that is only in particular Congregations to them he hath given his Word Ordinances and Officers and to no other for he suited them to particular Societies neither hath he substituted any Officers or Ordinances to the meer mystical standing of the Church 3. All the Instituted External Worship though it be given to the Church in its visible standing which it hath in particular Churches yet it is for the sake of the Mystical Body for the edifying and building it up by the Means of Grace Eph. 4.12 13 and for the multiplying it by calling in the Elect. 4. In this sense and acceptation as the Catholick Church being a Political Body of all
Churches seems very clear as hath been touched but suppose it had not been so clearly expressed I know not out if God institutes a Society or other thing what ever is necessarily required to the very nature essence of the thing without which it would inevitably be destroyed ought to be done the general rule in such-cases ought to lead us to the practice of duty in all those particulars that must necessarily attend obedience thereunto Phil. But if this bond of visible obligation be the formal Cause of a Church then there is no true Churches but such where it is which seems to be hard Christ How far the Lord Jesus Christ will own a people professing themselves a Church and how far he will dispense with their failures and defects in matter of order especially while it hath been in the Antichristian Wilderness he himself only knows Much hath been done by Christ undoubtedly in the latter times of that great Apostacy in the days of Reformation and that he hath had his true Churches all along it 's not to be questioned but that for the most part was in a mystical not a visible organical standing and in many congregations where the Word and Sacraments have in some measure of purity been administred in respect of the matter of the Congregation visible Saints and the manner of administration freed from Romish Pollutions and humane Inventions we will not deny but there may have been a true though not right regulated Church of Christ without this express and solemn obligation it is implicit and such as is to be supposed as intended by their practice in attending and constant waiting upon God in all the Ordinances of his appointment in one assembly or congregation especially in that great Ordinance of Communion in the Lords Supper wherein they seal their union in one body 1 Cor. 10 17. And undoubtedly a people that is congregated having explicitely chosen their Pastor or implicitely subjected to him and received this Sacred Ordinance from his hands are bound to abide as a society mutually related one to another in constant and frequent Communion by the nature of the Ordinance it self But the coming of a Church thus together 1. Is far short of the order of the Gospel 2. The generality of communicants of this sort do not apprehend themselves hereby bound to one Congregation more than another and their Ministers look not upon themselves bound to one People more than another any more than for external emolument taking themselves to be Ministers to the Catholick Church and so may administer the Sacrament to as many people as they Preach to here or there without designing a peculiar flock to take charge of So that their Churches are occasional most times and but for a while during their pleasure to administer to them 3. Such a Congregation is not at all governable though as to priviledges so called they take and leave as they please yet for their disorders miscarriages and sins they think themselves not accountable to any And so liable to no censure and therefore though we would go as far as possible in allowing the Right Hand of fellowship to professing Protestant Congregations yet we cannot do to all promiscuously but may undoubtedly use the judgment of discretion therein so as we be careful we do not by our practices in this and other cases nullify the appointed order of our Lord Jesus Christ and pollute our Communions Phil. I pray what is the manner of a Peoples first entring into a Church State Christ I will tell you the usual manner of them in N. E. and other places who have chosen to practise most agreeably to Gospel order when a competent number of professing Believers living within a vicinity desire to joyn together in a Church State having good knowledge one of another and having solemnly sought God together for help and direction in this weighty matter they appoint a day for it and acquaint Churches with it that their Pastors or Messengers or as many of other Churches as please may be present at the time After spending some part of the day in such solemn duties as concern the matter in Hand they do declare the dealings of God with their Souls one after another then or before one being chosen by the consent of all to preside for order sake this day it may be some Brother upon whom they have their Eye for a Pastor he then declares in the name of all there now intending to associate naming each of them at which they are standing the speaker addressing himself to the Pastors and Messengers of other Churches present after this or the like manner Brethren you are Witnesses of that great and solemn obligation that we are entring into that we may have a name and a place within the Walls of the House of God together with you and may have but the Honour to be reckoned one of the least of the Tribes of Israel We therefore here upon mature consideration and chearfully do give up our selves with Children to the Lord Jesus and one another promising in the strength of the Lord to subject our selves to all the Commands and Institutions of Christ in the Gospel and continue stedfastly in fellowship one with another to the Glory of him that hath called us and our mutual comfort and edification and do accordingly receive each other in the Lord and cleave to each other in Brotherly love and mutual subjection according to God These words whether more or less to the same purpose may be used only to declare their professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ in Faith and Order Accordingly one of the Pastors or Brethren of other Churches stands up in the name of the rest of the Brethren of other Churches there present and declares their joyfulness and gladness of Heart to see their Faith and Order and accordingly doth reach out unto them the Right Hand of Fellowship with holy wishes and desires that as their Foundation is laid in Christ Jesus so they may be Edified in him walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost and be multiplied See Cotton's way to the same purpose Phil. Sure this practice looks very much as becomes the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ But what is the next thing to be done Christ Now the next thing is to Organize this Body with Officers in order to due administration of Ordinances Chap. III. Of Church Officers Phil. HAVE they power within themselves to choose their Officers Christ They must undoubtedly have the nature of the society is such that they must have it for they associate not themselves by the Command or Power of Man but of the Lord Jesus If none hath power over them but the Lord Jesus alone none but himself by their own free act can constitute a Pastor over them 2. The power of chusing their Officers is one of the subordinate ends for which they do associate because they will not
entrusted and authorized by the Lord Jesus Christ the Members are to obey and submit themselves unto them Heb. 13.17 Phil. You seem to give away all the power from the Officers to the People and make the Officers insignificant Christ I say the power is wholly in the People before there is Officers and when there is Officers they have not given away their power but retain it in conjunction with their Officers I mean as to the decisive power or key for letting in and out it is the Officers and Brethren Though the authoritative management of Church rule as to declaration of the mind of Christ the prudential ordering matters and presiding in all cases belongs to Officers The management of our civil rights in England is a great illustration in this case We chuse to be judged by our Peers in matters of Life and Estate as to matter of fact the Jury adjudges the decisive power is committed to them and the Judge doth but preside in the Court and see that all things be legally and orderly managed declares the mind of the Law unto the Jury and then delivers the Sentence of the Law as the Jury finds the fact So it is in Churches the Officers for rule have as much power in a Church according to the nature of that Constitution as a Judge or a Mayor hath that sits on the Bench to hear and determine civil concerns Phil. You have greatly satisfied me now that as our Constitution is the best in the World were it not abused for judging civil concerns so I believe such a Constitution of a Church must needs be the freest from exception For 1. A people cannot be offended at such a judgment as is passed by themselves for who would a Member of any Society be freer to be tryed by than his Peers And the Apostle blames the Corinthians for seeking a decision in doubtful cases of civil matters out of the Church 1 Cor. 6.2 2. And as for Church Officers I think the most judicious would not desire an absolute power in themselves to lye liable to the many censures of men and the odium that would be cast by reproachful Tongues upon their most righteous and upright proceedings Christ If the matters of the greatest concern in civil affairs as to Life and Estate be tryed by twelve honest neighbours of ordinary Morality scarce so much many times and all men usually acquiesce in it how much more ought we to be satisfied that all Ecclesiastical debates should come to decision as to matter of Fact by the judgment of so choice a community as a Church of Christ is or should be Phil. But ordinary Christians are to seek in many great and weighty matters of Faith Order and cannot determine where the Truth lies it is fitter for Divines to judge Christ I distinguish between matter of Fact and matter of Law The Churches decision is of matter of Fact as to matter of the Law or the mind and will of Christ it 's the Pastor or Elders place to inform them and if they are not satisfied therewith it may be carried as a case to advise upon with other Churches or Elders Phil. I have little farther to object against the principles of Order which you have laid down only one thing which is I confess of no great weight to me I have heard some Church-Members say they joyn to this or that Church only because of the present Pastor yea that they joyned to the Pastor only not to the Church and when the Pastor dieth they are at liberty to go whither they please Christ This proceeds from the Ignorance Corruption of many Members who are not or will not be rightly informed in the Principles which they would seem to profess This is so absurd a thing that the asserters thereof would be ashamed of it in civil Societies of such a Nature Doth any Man joyn himself to the Master or Wardens of the Company only or to the Company it self when he is made a Member Officers are changeable either by the fundamental Constitution of the Society or by Death and if this were so then all Churches were dissolved upon the Death of their Pastor Besides the terms of admission into Congregational Societies speaks plainly otherwise that they give up themselves to Christ and the Congregation put themselves under the Office watch and the watch of each Member are admitted by the common suffrage of the Church therefore such things as these are but some of the Wiles and Subterfuges of Satan which loose-spirited and Principled Members make use of for the shaking off the Yoak of Christ Phil. But when a case falls out to be determined by the decisive power of the Church after due debate as supposing the choosing of an Officer or in the Key of rule in admission or exclusion of a Member and the Fraternity or the Elders and Fraternity divide into a Major and Minor part what should the Minor do Christ It is by the known Laws of the Society to acquiesce in what is done by the major part as that which is the Churches act or else it 's not possible to maintain any Societies of that Nature yea they must fall Butif a particular Member or more will not acquiesce in the Churches Act as he is not fit to continue for the Peace and Order of the Church so he may peaceably depart at the same door he came in at to another Church by an express dismission Phil. What if he will not ask such a dismission but withdraw from Communion and reject it in a kind of defiance and continue incorrigible therein Christ Such an one ought to be dealt with in form and manner as in some scandalous sin of another nature for such an one is herein scandalous Besides he is incorrigible whereupon the Church is to proceed against him as such an one he appearing to others but a man of Belial which is an ungovernable person for so the Spirit speaks 2 Cor. 6.15 What fellowship hath Christ with Belial viz. a lawless person that is not fit for any Society especially of the Church he will not bear the yoke of Christs Government Chap. IV. Of Officers extraordinary Phil. I Desire you will now acquaint me what are the Offices and Ordinances which Christ hath Instituted in his Church Christ The Officers Instituted by Christ are Pastoral and Diaconal viz. Bishops and Deacons Phil. 1.1 Phil. Are not Presbyters and Bishops distinct Orders Our Church makes them so Christ Nay the Scripture make Presbyters and Bishops the same there 's no difference between them For a Bishop is but an Overseer of the Church so is every Presbyter or Elder see Acts 20.28 and there he is no more than an Elder to a Particular Congregation Phil. How comes it to pass that our Bishops are exalted so far above Presbyters in Office and Benefice Christ From the corruptions of the pretended Church and Ministry viz. through Ambition Covetousness and Human