as if a Man could not be seen or known that comes upon so weighty and Publick an Undertaking but they must point at him and tell the People who he is as if the Churches Election and his publick Acceptance were not enough to shew the Man 9. This Ceremony hath bin abominably abused by Papists to Superstition and Idolatry and greatly idoliz'd by Protestants r 2 Kings 18.4 and always a Bone of Contention even in the more Reformed Churches ſ 1 Tim. 1.6 Titus 3.9 a great offence and Stumbling-Block to many Therefore it is of great Concern to the Churches for the promoting Peace and Truth to throw it out altogether having no Ground or Warrant for the continuance of it § 12. It will be then enquired In what manner a Church should Ordain its own Ministers The Way is plain and easie if Men make it not hard knowing That Ordination of any one to an Office is no more than the Publick and Solemn Recognition of the Call with his like Declaration of his Acceptance whereby he is enstated in and enters upon his Function and Charge Therefore this Solemnization ought to be before competent Witnesses i. e. Churches by themselves or Pastors and Messengers and ought thus to be performed decently to the Honour of Christ a 1 Cor. 14 40. on a Day of Solemn Prayer set a-part for this End by the Church b Acts 14.23 the neighbouring Churches acquainted therewith and their Presence desired beforehand on the said appointed Day Either a Ruling Elder or other if there be any or a Delegated Brother after first Application unto God by Prayer c Phil. 4.6 Eph. 6.18 puts this Question unto the Church Whether they do freely choose A. B. to be their Pastor Teacher Ruling Elder as the Relation is to be the Ordination of all being alike to be such an one to them And whether they submit to him in the Lord To which Answer being made in the Affirmative the Brethren only holding up their Hands d Ibid. 1 Tim. 2.12 The Elected Elder declares his Acceptance in all Gravity and Humility e 1 Pet. 5.2.3 c. So is the Day filled up with suitable Exhortations and Supplications by the assistance of neighbouring Pastors and the Ordination is finished and the Pastor Ordained enters on his Office in the Conclusion of the Solemn Work of that Day § 13. In the same manner a Deacon is ordained differing only in some respects of Publick Solemnity and that the words of the Question import him not to be a Governing Minister § 14. A Church ought to have a due regard to the Person whom they Call and Ordain a Pastor or Teaching-Elder that he be a Man sound in the Faith a 2 Tim. 1.13 of good Report b 1 Tim. 3.7 Tit. 1.6 no Novice c 1 Tim. 3.6 of Exemplary Grace and Piety d ib. 4.12 1 Pet. 5.3 and approved Abilities to Teach e 1 Tim 3.2 rightly divide the Word of God f 2 Tim. 2.15 and defend the Truth g Tit. 1.9 § 15. The Conceit that Ordination may not be repeated is a Popish and vulgar Error For as Churches are no more Prisons to Ministers than People and there may be sufficient reason for the Pastor Elder or Deacon to remove from one Church to another in such a Case a Man is to be Ordained again and so if he change to another Church afterward for one Churches Ordination of a Man cannot make him Pastor to another § 16. He that Preacheth to a People for Conversion needs no other Ordination than the due Approbation and Mission of a Church of which he is a Member accompanied with their Solemn Prayers for a Blessing on his Ministry CHAP. X. Of Ordinances of General Communion Of the reason of the Word Ordinance Christ's Offices shine forth in Ordinances The Church obliged to wait on Christ in them Ordinances General or Special Which General Publick Preaching what Publick Prayers what Praises of the Church and singing Psalms Contribution Observation of the Lord's Day Of Church Fasts § 1. HAVING shewed what Christ's Ordination of Persons is we come to shew what Christ's Ordination of things is and it is His Enacting divers Ordinances a 1 Cor. 11.2 and Appointments for the Order and Government of his own House b Heb. 3.6 Hence his positive Laws of this kind are called Ordinances because Ordained by him or made by his Ordination c Acts 16.4 § 2. The Lord Jesus Christ exerts his Headship of our Profession by his Institution and Ordination of such Ordinances wherein his Offices may eminently shine forth in some appearing as the Apostle of our Profession a Heb. 3.1 in others as High-Priest i. e. Melchisedech a Kingly High-Priest b Ibid. ch 7.16 17. In the Word Preached c Eph. 2.17 as our Apostolick Prophet d Acts 3.22 In the Seals of the Covenant his Priestly Vertues and Excellencies are held forth e 1 Cor. 11 25 26. Acts 2.38 In the Keyes of Rule and Government his Kingly Office shines forth f Rev. 3.7 Zac. 6.13 And thus he is symbolically described in the midst of the Golden Candlesticks the Churches g Rev. 1.13 14 c. § 3. A Gospel Ordinance of Christ is some visible Means of Grace a Acts 20.32 Eph. 4.7 8 Heb. 12.28 Ordained by Christ as Head of our Profession b He. 3.1.2 wherein a Church of Christ and all the Members thereof are obliged to wait on him Socially or in Communion c Acts 2.42 1 Cor. 10.16 Heb. 10.23 25. for his Presence and Blessing d 2 Cor. 6.16 Rev. 1.13 Ps 132.15 in one place e 1 Cor. 11 20. 14.23 § 4. Christ hath appointed some Church Ordinances to be dispensed in a Publick and General way promiscuously and some to be attended upon in a more peculiar way of Communion being appropriated to the Churches only The Ordinances that appertain to the General Publick Communion of the Church as well as to the separate and retired are Preaching the Word a Acts 11.26 Prayers b Eph. 6.18 Praises c Heb. 13.15 and Contributions d Gal. 6.6 1 Tim. 6.18 Heb. 13.16 § 5. The Publick Preaching of the Word of God is the Reading a Neh. 8.8 Luke 4.16 Expounding b Neh. 8.8 Acts 17.3 28.3 rightly dividing the Word of God c 2 Tim. 2.15 to all spiritual Ends and Uses d ib. 3.15 in order to the Edification of Believers e Acts 20.32 and Conversion of Unbelievers f Acts 26.18 Which Preaching ordinarily belongs to the Teaching Elders g 1 Tim. 5.17 tho occasionally others may Exercise Gifts among them as the Elders of other Churches h 1 Pet. 4.11 1 Cor. 2.4 or Brethren when Called thereto who are able to speak to Edification Exhortation and Comfort with submission to the Judgment of the
Church Which speaking is the Prophesying which the Apostle speaks of i 1 Cor. 14 23 24 30 32. § 6. Publick Prayer is a Solemn Ordinance of Christ a Heb. 12.28 Act. 20.36 Eph. 6.18 of general Concern b 1 Tim. 2.9 wherein the Church doth with one accord c Ro. 15.30 address to God for all Grace in the Name of Christ d Heb. 4.16 1 Joh. 5.14 Joh. 14.13 and for a special Blessing on every Ordinance e Ps 133.3 with Confession of Sin f Psa 32.5 Dan. 9.4 Thanksgiving g Col. 4.2 Phil. 4.6 Deprecations h Psa 60.5 11. and Intercessions i 1 Tim. 2.1 2. and here the Elders for the most part go before the Church as in Preaching i 1 Tim. 2.1 2. unless on occasion an Elder of another Congregation or any other Brother be desired to assist of whose Graces and Gifts the Congregation is willing to taste k 1 Cor. 14.3 26. Act. 13.15 § 7. The Praises of the Church are conjoined with Supplications and Confessions in publick Prayers a Phil. 4.6 But singularly expressed in an Ordinance appointed for that end and purpose viz. Singing of Psalms in the Church b Mat. 26.30 Ps 108.3 which Singing of Psalms Hymns or Spiritual Songs c Eph. 5.19 Col. 2.16 Rom. 15.6 indited by the Spirit of God in the Scriptures d 2 Chr. 29 30. is Christ's Institution and ought to be practised with one accord in and by a Church to the Praise and Glory of God and to the Edification and Instruction of the Church and as the Case may require e Isa 12.1 42.10 Psa 95.12 Acts 16.25 Isa 5.13 there being Psalms suitable to every Condition some Didactical some Penitential c. all tending to the Laud and Praise of God but care must be had in suiting the Psalm as to the Subject Time Occasion or Congregation that is to join together in that Ordinance mixt or not Some do scruple Singing in a mixt Congregation But it ought not to be scrupled 1. Any more than the Churches Prayers wherein also are Praises in such a Congregation 2. The Church ought not to forbear the praising God in Prayer or Singing because of others that will join with them in Publick Worship f Ps 108.3 3. They that are not to be excluded from Hearing the Word and praying for a Blessing upon it ought not to be excluded from praising God for the Word of his Grace but Unbelievers are such as ought not c. g Rom. 10.17 1 Cor. 14.25 Psa 100.3 136.9 for they may be converted by it for ought we know if not Why should any Man be hindred from praising of God which all Creatures do in the Congregation 4. Praying and Praising God are parts of Natural Worship h Ps 107.21 22. Mat. 26.30 though Espoused by Christ's Institution and made a part of Church-Worship 5. All good Angels and Creatures join in Consort with the Church in praising God yea and in giving Glory to the Lamb i Rev. 5.12 13 14. 6. The Gentiles and all People are called upon to Laud and Praise God and to rejoice with his People k Rom. 15.9 10 11. 7. A Church is a Candlestick l Re. 1.20 and a Pillar m 1 Tim. 3.15 to hold forth unto the World matter of Prayer and Praises therefore Men of the World are not to be excluded from the Congregation 8. God's common Mercies and Wonders wrought daily call for such Praises n Ps 92.2 148.11 12. 9. The Efficacy of the Gospel Converts the Unbeliever and makes the Stranger joyful in the House of Prayer And should he be hindred from expressing his joyfulness by singing with the Congregation o Isa 56.7 24.16 35.10 § 8. Contribution also is an Ordinance of Christ founded in the Nature of a Visible Body Politick and instituted by Christ whereby not only the actual Members of a Church but the Attenders on the Publick Means of Grace there dispensed are obliged according to ability to cast into Christ's Treasury a Gal. 6.6 1 Tim. 6.18 Mar. 12.43 on the First day of the Week and on other Solemn Days b 1 Cor. 16 1 2. for the Service of that Church in Maintenance of Ordinances c 1 Cor. 9.9 1 Tim. 5.18 and Relief of poor Saints d Rom. 15.26 27. and as far as may be for the help and support of other Churches e Ibid. Which Collections are to be made by the Deacons f Acts 6.6 and brought to the Church Treasury under their Care and Trust and to be disposed of for the said Ends and Uses as the Church shall direct and to the Church they are to give their account and approve themselves to be faithful g Rom. 12.8 1 Cor. 4.2 § 9. It is not to be supposed that the Lord Jesus Christ would institute a Worship in his Churches and not appropriate some time unto the Publick and Solemn Celebration thereof Therefore we hold That he hath appointed a Weekly Day to this End and Purpose the seventh part of time being set apart by God himself in the beginning and it could be no other than the Seventh Day at first but afterward might be another Likewise we hold that the observation of the Seventh Day is Jewish for it was to them a shadow of things to come a Col. 2.16 17. and the very reason of Institution to the Church of Israel alledged by Moses shews the same b Deut. 5.15 yea the very enjoyned manner of Observation in forbearance of all necessary labour by Man and Beast c Exod. 20. And none can assert That God requires such an Observation under the New Testament And lastly Tho God gives a reason from Creation Rest d Heb. 4.4 5. yet Gods first hallowing it was before the Fall and we find not that it was observed by any of the Patriarchs before the Children of Israel came into the Wilderness Therefore as the first Institution was upon account of Creation e Gen. 2.3 so the next was upon the account of Redemption f Deu. 5.15 Accordingly g Ex. 20.1 the Seventh Day was again instituted from their coming out of Egypt a Type of Christ's Redemption h Lu. 1.68 We observe it in Remembrance of a true Redemption wrought for us i 1 Pet. 1.18 by a Victory over Hell and Death in his Resurrection the third day which was the First Day of the Week k 1 Cor. 15 3 4. 1 The. 4.14 Eph. 1.19 20. he lying in the Grave the whole Seventh Day burying it with the whole Mosaic Oeconomy the only Day wherein God could have no acceptable Worship in the World the Vail of the Temple Rent and Christ in the Grave l Mat. 27.51 Job 3.5 6. The Reasons for Observation of the First Day of the Week not as a
Sabbath m Col. 2.16 17. but the Lord's Day are 1. Then Christ finished Redemption and Rose from the Dead n Mat. 28.1 Luke 24.1 2. Then he appeared after his Resurrection to his Disciples assembled o Joh. 20.19 3. On this Day the Churches held their Solemn Assemblies for Preaching and administring the Lords Supper and Contributions p Acts 20.7 1 Cor. 16.12 4. On this Day John was in the Spirit and it 's called the Lord's Day q Re. 1.10 because more peculiarly appropriated to his Service as the Lord's Supper § 10. It is not in the Power of Churches to set apart any stated times Yearly or Monthly to be observed for that would be Superstition and Will-Worship a Gal. 4.10 Col. 16.17 But Days of Fasting and Humiliation may be appointed by any Church of Christ according as weighty Reasons lead it thereunto b Acts 14.23 CHAP. XI Of Ordinances of Special Communion Kinds of Ordinances of Special Communion A Seal what it doth and signifies New Testament Seals but Two What Baptism is What the Lord's Supper is What is to be observed in its Administration § 1. HAVING shewed what are Christ's Ordinances in a Visible Church of General or more common Communion we come in the next place to speak of Ordinances of Special Communion peculiar only to such as are Church-Members and these are such Appointments of Christ as concern the Administration of the Seals or such as concern the Administration of the Keys § 2. A Seal of the Covenant under the New Testament is a visible and sensible Ratification thereof wherein Christ our High Priest doth eminently shew forth unto us the glory of his Priestly Office in makeing himself a Sacrifice for Sin bearing the Charge and Curse of Sin satisfying God's Justice reconciling us to God and procuring Eternal Salvation to us a 1 Pet. 2.9 Heb. 9.26 Col. 1.21 22. Heb. 9.12 who as such is the great Condition of the Covenant of Grace b Isa 42.6 i. e. of Abraham's Covenant c Ro. 4.13 Gal. 3.17 whereby we have upon Profession right to claim all Church-Priviledges Mystical and Visible in the State of Grace and that of Glory hereafter d Gal. 3.9.28 29. In all the Old Testament Seals and in the New especially Christ in the Covenant of Grace is in a most lively manner represented and shewed forth in the Church e 1 Cor. 11 24 25 26. Col. 2.11 12. as to Condition and Promises he being not only the great Condition but the Yea and Amen of all the Promises f 2 Cor. 1.20 which are therein Applied and Sealed at least Ministerially g Gen. 17.7 10. Rom. 4.11 12. Gal. 3.27 § 3. The Seals of the New Testament are Two and no more Baptism and the Lord's Supper which are the only Instituted Rites or Ceremonies in a Church that are ordained by Christ to continue till he come a Matt. 28.19 20. 1 Cor. 11.23 c. All Jewish Ceremonies are vanisht as Shadows and abolished b Heb. 8.5.13 2 Cor. 3.14 as all Ceremonies attending the bestowing Miraculous Gifts are also ceased c 1 Cor. 13.8 such as Imposition of Hands on well or sick Vnction washing of Feet this being but a didactical Ceremony used by Christ to teach the Apostles Humility and not to Lord it over his Churches and was never intended for a standing Ordinance And as none of these which many are fond of and even Idolize some one and some another and upon as good Grounds all as any for each one had any Sanction for continuance so their significancy ceasing the Sign also comes to nought § 4. Baptism is a Sign and Seal of the Righteousness of Faith wherein Washing with Water into the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost a Mat. 28.19 doth represent and shew forth at least Ministerially a Sinners washing from his Sins in the Bloud of Christ b Rev. 1.6 Act 2.38 his New Birth and Renovation by the Spirit of Christ c Titus 3.5 and his Covenant Obligation to be the Lords d Gal. 3.27 28. eib 3.9.26 The Subjects of this Seal are all those who by Profession of Faith in Christ e ib. 3.9.26 which is Abraham's Faith are become Covenant-Members accordingly of a Visible Church and their immediate Infant-Seed f Act. 2.39 they being blessed with faithful Abraham g Gal. 3.7 8 14. and having all essential Church-Blessings come upon them And therefore the Blessing of Membership to the professing Body of Christ h Rom. 15.8 9. ch 4.11 12 and Gospel Church Priviledges as they belong to one or other respectively are Ministerially to be applied of which Baptism is none of the least being the Ordinance of Christ in which only a Believer can bring his Infant-Seed to Christ and he cannot bring it to Christ out of an Ordinance therefore it being his Duty to bring it to Christ it must be in this Ordinance to be blessed with Abraham's Blessing spiritually as he and his Seed are Ecclesiastically the reason that Christ gives for his Command of bringing Infants to him i Matt. 19.14 15. Mark 10.14 16. Luk. 18.16 is That they are Church Members of such is the Kingdom of Heaven and it 's known that Christ means his visible Church in the days of the Gospel by the Kingdom of Heaven and he took them in his Arms received them visibly laid his Hands upon them which is more than for any Ministers to Baptize them and blessed them And doth Christ Bless with any Blessing besides the Blessing of Abraham that comes on the Gentiles § 5. The Lord's Supper is a special Ordinance of Church Communion a 1 Cor. 10.16 instituted and continued by Jesus Christ b 1 Cor. 11 26. wherein by the Giving and Receiving the outward Elements of Bread and Wine c Mat. 26.26 Mar. 14.23 Luke 22.19 1 Cor. 11.23 the Death Satisfaction and Merits of Christ are in a lively manner shewed forth and he who through Christ is a worthy Receiver doth spiritually and really by Faith partake of his Body and Bloud with all the high Benefits thereof and not Ministerially only as he doth who is only an outside professed Member It is called the Lord's Supper d 1 Cor. 11 20. because it is of the Lord's Institution and for this end to shew forth his Death e 1 Cor. 11 26. and because he first Celebrated it the Evening before his Death f ib. v. 23. § 6. This being instituted for so spiritual and solemn Ends and Purposes a 1 Cor. 11 24 25 26 27. Luk. 22.19 cannot be administred or attended upon for any other Purposes such as to qualifie Men upon a secular account without great Prophanation thereof b Mal. 1.11 12. John 6.26 27. Ex. 20.4 7 Rev. 13.16 17. § 7. In the Administration of this Ordinance these things according to the Primitive
his Offices in all his Relations as Head of the Body Apostle and High-Priest of thy Profession Wilt thou not be of that Body Politick to whom he is the Head of that House over which he is Lord that thou mayst offer spiritual Sacrifices 5. He hath called thee out of the World and thou art bound to come out and be separate and Covenant with God 6. However thou professest to be with Christ in this thou art against him and scatterest abroad 7. Hast thou tasted that the Lord is gracious and so art become a living Stone then thou art to come to Christ the chief Corner-Stone in Church-Fellowship to be built up a spiritual House and united therein by Joints and Bands to be a fellow-Citizen of the Saints and to help to fill up a holy Political Temple for a Habitation of God by the Spirit 8. Thou wilt never grow kindly in Grace out of a Church for that is God's Garden his Vineyard which he Plants Prunes Waters with Blessings continually on all the means of Grace there 9. What Fellowship canst thou have in the World What communion hath Christ with Belial Light with Darkness c. 10. Thou lyest open to multitude of Temptations and no wonder if God suffers them to prevail 11. Thou thinkest thou gainest as to the World by not engaging in Church-Fellowship and saist it is not time to build God's House but dost thou not carry out much and bring in little and put what thou gettest into a Bag with Holes 12. To join to a Church of Christ is the highest way of glorifying God visibly in the World 13. Thou canst never have that Communion with God out of Church-Fellowship as in 14. Whilst thou professest Christ and continuest a non-Member thou art a scandal to thy Profession and a means to harden the wicked Now lastly It may be expected that we give some Reasons of Publishing this small Treatise The Reasons are briefly these 1. For the Honour and Interest of the Lord Jesus Christ which is the main End designed and all the following reasons are in subordination thereto 2. Because it's time to build and God in his Providence plainly speaks it in that he blows upon our outward things and blasts them daily because we let the House of Godly waste 3. To vindicate our selves against our false Accusers who render us such as have little regard to the observation of whatever Christ commands 4. Because most of the Writings of the faithful Builders are out of Print or not easily obtained 5. Because many good People that have a love to Christ and desire to walk in obedience to all God's Commandments want due instruction in these Points Hence it was earnestly desired that we would Publish such a short Treatise and we dare not withhold the Truth in unrighteousness 6. Because of the great degeneration and declination of the life of Christianity and stedfast and close walking of Churches in all the parts of Gospel Order that they may repent and do their first works 7. Not to impose on the Consciences of any but to hold forth unto them what light we have received from the Word of God for the illumination of the ignorant the strengthening the weak removing stumbling-blocks from such as are offended at us and encouragement of all such as are willing and ready to build He that hath Ears to hear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches In which Glory be to God by Jesus Christ throughout all Ages World without End AMEN Errata Page 2. line 7. r. Congregation was p. 11. l. 22. r. social p. 13. l. 21. dele punctum for The r. the p. 18. l. 6. à fi for is r. are p. 20. l. 2. r. Catholicy p. 38. l. 15. for any one r. he p. 41. l. 5. r. themselves p. 46. l. 17. r. discerned p. 73. Margin r. d Num. 8.10 11. THE Divine Institution OF Congregational Churches CHAP. I. Of a Church in General Of the meaning of the Word Church A Meeting-Place no Church It 's a spiritual Building but it 's God's not Man's Building such are not God's Churches many of which there are Notes to discern true or false by Christ the Head of a true Church A Church the Body of Christ How Christ's Body is understood What a True Church is not made of And what it is not And what it is What the remote and next genus of a Church Sect. 1. THE Word Church or Kirk is most likely to be descended of the Greek words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 contracted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying the House of God a 1 Tim. 3.15 And hence the best Notation of it is by this Interpretation That a Church is domus dominica or God's House wherein he dwells by a more than usual Presence in the World Of old God chose a Material House to appear and manifest himself in to his Church of Israel b Jud. 18 31-20.26 2 Chro. 3.3 4.19 24.5 but as those Buildings were not the Church but the Congregations were c Act 7.38 So in the New Testament days more especially God's Church is not a House or Building artificially made by Man but another Building d Hebr. 9.11 i. e. a spiritual Houshold e Eph. 2.19 or Building f 1 Pet. 2.5 § 2. Tho some think a Place of meeting ordinarily for the Worship of God in Publick may by a Metonimy be called a Church in an improper sence and ignorant People from such Usage take such a Place to be so yet it doth appear plainly That there is no just grounds from Scripture to apply such a Trope to an House for a Publick Assembly 1. Nothing is more evident by Scripture than that an Artificial Building is not a Church for the Apostle Paul wrote his Epistles to Churches which could not be Dead-Walls but to a People a 1 Cor. 1.2 2 Ep. 1.1 2. God purchas'd his Church with his Bloud b Act 20.28 which is a People not Artificial Houses 3. We are commanded to give no offence to the Church of God c 1 Cor. 10.32 which cannot be meant of a Meeting-House not capable of offence 4. Paul persecuted the Church of God d 1 Cor. 15.9 Gal. 1.13 which could not be the Meeting-Place neither had the Church then any certain Meeting-Place 5. There is no House or artificial Building in Scripture called a Church § 3. By way of Similitude and Metaphorically a Church is called an House a Temple or Building or City it being such in a spiritual sense a 1 Pet. 2.5 Heb. 3.5 6 built of spiritual Materials join'd and fram'd together in due connection and order b Eph. 2.21 bearing Analogie to the Temple of old a Type of the Gospel-Church c ib. v. 22. and is called Gods House d Heb. 10.21 because it is his Propriety e Deut. 32.19 it 's of his framing and building f
1 Cor. 3.9 Heb. 3.4.6 9.11 it 's his chosen purchased and peculiar inheritance in the World g Deut. 14.2 Ps 132.13 Tit. 2.14 Psa 135.4 1 Pet. 2.9 God dwells and appears therein in a special and gracious manner h 2 Cor. 6.16 Eph. 2.22 Psal 87.2 it is called by his Name i 2 Chro. 7.14 it is called the Church of the living God k 1 Tim. 3.15 God is therein glorified l Eph. 2.20 21. § 4. Churches therefore are not of humane fabrick or fashion nor to suit the carnal Minds and Interests of Men or States Mens Laws cannot establish Churches they must be built after the Pattern which God hath shewed a Exo. 26.30 Heb. 8.5 it 's not Gods Church which Man builds and is after his inventions b Psa 106.29.39 Matt. 15.6 God never gave Commission to the Pope Ecclesiastick or Civil Powers to institute Churches c Isa 1.12.13 14. 42.8 48.11 and as a Church is of God so the whole form and fashion is of Gods teaching only d Eze. 43.10.11 § 5. Hence it is that the Spirit of God in his Word hath witnessed against and renounced nothing more than false Churches such especially with all their appurtenances of Ordinances Officers and Worship which have apostatized from and forsaken his own Pattern and Institution a Eze. 43.8 and fashioned themselves by their Humane Inventions b Psa 106.29 to answer their own carnal Interests c Hab. 1.26 and corrupt Ends d Isa 1.12 13. Ecclesiastical e Hos 5.1.3 or Civil f 1 King 12.27 wherefore such always are charged with spiritual Whoredoms g Hos 5.3 and treated as Harlots h Hos 2.2 most especially the Catholick Visible that Mother of Harlots with all her spurious brood of Subordinations Hierarchical and Representative two especially are laid before us as the most notorious Harlots That of Jeroboam's i 2 Kings 17.21.22 and that of the Antichristian Apostacy k 2 Thes 4.7 by the latter the World is corrupted to this day she sitting under the Name of the Catholick visible Church with her Offspring ruling over the Kingdoms of the Western World as the Mother of Harlots l Rev. 17.5.18 not only breeding but nursing up all Idolatry Superstition Will-Worship and all departure from the Pattern of Christ which hath bin and is by Papists and un-illuminated or interested Protestants m Rev. 18.2.3 Fathering all her spiritual Cheats whereby both sorts are intoxicated on the Name of Christ whence the Seven Women n Esa 4.1 Churches in the Prophetick Language are said to lay hold on one Man i. e. the Lord Jesus Christ desiring to be called by his Name to take away the reproach of spurious and adulterine Churches but yet feed on their own Institutions and are cloathed with their own righteousness § 6. Pretended Churches of Christ may be discerned to be true or false 1. By the foundation whether on the Person Nature Offices and Word of Christ a 1 Pet. 2.4 Ephe. 2.20 2. By the visible matter whether living Stones b 1 Pet. 2.4 3. By the Form Fashion and Frame according to the order of the Gospel c Heb. 8.5.6 3.3 Mat. 28.20 Ezek. 43.11 Col. 2.5 Hence a Church is no Church of God either of these being altogether wanting or is but a faulty and deficient Church so far as its defective in these as to Faith or Order Wherefore the more the Mystery of iniquity comes to be discovered and the true Woman the Lambs Wife comes out of her Wilderness-State we may expect that the Churches will come to an higher degree of Purity and Order d Isa 1.25 Rev. 19.7 8. § 7. Wherefore to a true Church Christ is all and in all a Eph. 1.22 he being the Head in all respects and hath the Preheminence b Col. 1.18 19. being before all things and above all things the Head of Principalities in Dignity and Dominion worshipped by Angels c Heb. 1.6 Psa 89.27 higher than the Kings of the Earth It hath pleased the Father that there should be a special relation and mutual Fulness between Christ and the Church Christ being so the Head of his Church as he is to none else and as Christ filleth the Church so the Church is the fulness of Christ d 1 Cor. 12 12. Eph. 1.21 22. § 8. This Headship of Christ is divers ways illustrated to us in Scripture by a Natural Man's Head and Body a Col. 1.18 by a Family or Conjugal Head b Eph. 5.23 by a Root or Vegetable Head c John 15.1 Rom. 11.24 by an Head of an artificial Building the Head Corner-Stone d 1 Pet. 2.4.5 and hence it appears That Christ is such a Head as represents the whole Body and transacts all things for it e Isa 42.6 Heb. 10.9 10. That Christ is the vital Head of his Church the Spring and Fountain from whence all Life and Motion flows f John 1.14.16 Col. 2.3 He is the Head Corner-Stone the strength and support of all the Building g Psa 118.22 He is the Conjugal Head and Saviour of the Body h Eph. 5.15 of whom all the Family is named i Eph. 3.25 And lastly Christ is set forth by these similitudes and otherwise unto to us as a graciously ruling and governing Head unto his Church set on this holy Hill k Psalm 2. the Throne of David l Luke 1.32 he is the Political Head the Apostle and High-Priest of our Profession m Heb. 3.1 § 9. As Christ stands in relation to the Church as the Head so the Church is related to Christ as the Body a Col. 1.18.24 Eph. 1.23 being in that respect his fulness Christ and his Church making one Mystically b 1 Cor. 12.12 The Body of Christ in Scripture is variously taken 1. It is taken for the substance of the Mystery of Christ typified and shadowed forth by the Ceremonial Law c Col. 2.17 2. It is taken for the Humane Nature of Christ wherein he lived and suffered here d Rom. 7.4 Heb. 10.5.10 3. It 's used for the Sacramental or Symbolick Body of Christ e Luke 22.19 4. It 's taken for a Church or People embodied or incorporated in Christ Jesus and is his Political Body f Eph. 5.23 Col. 1.18 5. It 's used in a proper sense for the very Body of Christ separate and distinct from his Soul g Mat. 27.58 It is the fourth Acceptation that we are here concerned in § 10. A Church of God as to the most general consideration is the Body of Christ in a Spiritual and Political acceptation of a Body a Col. 1.24 in which respect it 's compared to a Family and City and Candlestick 1. It is a Company congregated not one or two in the Body are many Members
belong to this and not to other m Heb. 12.23 § 13. The Catholick Church is but one onely a Eph. 4.4.5 1 Cor. 12.12 and it cannot be visible as Catholick for the greatest part are not seen by us being Saints in Heaven b Eph. 1.10 3.15 Elect Infants and many not known by Profession and if Men apply Catholick to the Professors of Christianity living at the same time upon the Earth and call them the Catholick Visible Church it is a mistaken Appellation for they are neither a Visible Church nor Catholick Not a Visible Church because 1. Christ hath instituted none such 2. They are never seen in coetu or in a Congregation as a Visible Church is nor can be till the last Day c Mat. 13.41 3. Christ never gave Ordinances for such a Communion 4. All these are not under any visible bond of Confederation together which is the form of a Visible Church Profession is no Bond but a proper requisite only thereto 5. Christ never instituted such a Church Ministry but what were set in a particular Church and exercised in such The Apostles Christ's extraordinary Ministers were first set in the Church at Jerusalem d Eph. 4.11 1 Cor. 12.28 and were first Officers there and tho their Commission reached to the Planting and Governing other Churches that should succeed yet they exercised not their Ministry or Apostolick Power to any supposed Catholick Church Visible nor wrote to such but gathered particular Churches out of the World and in them settled a distinct Ministry and Ordinances peculiar to each wherein they exercised their own power as far as necessary for their Settlement and Edification Again there is no Catholick Visible Church for 1. If there be there is two Catholick Churches which is a contradiction and contrary to that Creed called the Apostles 2. All visible Professors if a Church cannot be Catholick because they are not all the Members of Christ on Earth and they that profess at large at least are not Members of Christ many if not most of them 3. It is not a Catholick Church because it 's not a Body-Corporate in any visible manner nor are capable of answering the ends of such in Government Order or Priviledges 4. If there be a Catholick visible Church it 's rational there should be a Catholick visible Pastor and from these Principles arose the Pope and the Papal Jurisdiction established throughout the professing World In the first Ages after Christ each particular Church called it self Catholick from the Profession of that Doctrine which was called the Catholick Faith because received by all the Churches Afterward the Word Catholick was applied to a supposed Universal Visible Church and became not only serviceable to the rising of the Mystery of Iniquity but a great Foundation of the Antichristian Fabrick which was afterward built thereon with all the Ecclesiastical Tyranny and Papal Superstitious Pomp imaginable The Protestants that have cast off the Universal Pastorship of one and will not endure a Catholick single Pastor do most of them retain the Notion of an Universal Visible Church as also of divers Catholick Pastors dividing that Catholocy which they will not allow the Pope among themselves each one exercising the Office and Power of a Catholick visible Pastor where-ever he comes having bin ordained by a Presbytery of a Catholick Constitution to a Catholick Pastorship to the Catholick Church To conclude Our best Protestants in opposition to the Papists have still denied the being of a Catholick Visible Church amongst whom was Famous Dr. Whitaker whose Arguments upon this Question against Duraeus are Quoted by Mr. Hooker in his Survey ch 15. p. 265. Our Savoy Confession allows the Name but denies the Nature Ch. 26. § 2. Institution of Churches § 6. for it saith it s not entrusted with the Administration of any Ordinances nor hath any Officers to Rule and Govern as such and what a kind of Visible Church is that that is neither the subject of Ordinances or Officers Mr. Hooker saith Church is the Genus of all particular Churches but a Visible Church in the generical consideration can no more be found existing out of individual particular Churches than a Man can be found existing under the generical consideration of Man out of individual Men. But that a totum aggregatum of all Churches in this World can be made and be a visible Church he denies upon Learned and convincing Reasons which will stand their Ground against all contradiction To whom for brevity sake we refer the Reader where also he evinceth that there 's no Catholick Visible Church considered as a totum Representativum i. e. as a Representative Church in all the Pastors that there cannot be a Catholick Visible Representative Church and that there is no such thing as a Representative Church of any kind of greater or lesser extent § 14. What the Scripture speaks of a Church is either of a Church in general and indefinitely belongs to any or of a Church in Specie either Catholick and invisible or particular and visible but saith nothing of a Catholick Visible CHAP. III. Of a Congregational Church in General Of Christ's Dispensation as Head A visible Church defined Revealed Worship exercis'd first in Families then in Instituted Churches The Foundation of visible Churches laid in Abraham's Covenant Two parts thereof The Church of Israel First Essential then Organized The difference between the Mosaical and Gospel Oeconomy The Church of Israel Congregational § 1. THE Lord Jesus Christ exerts his Headship not only by the more immediate Administration of his Spirit a 1 Cor. 2.11 12. 12.4 7.13 Eph. 4.3 7. internally in the hearts of his People whereby he constitutes his Mystical and Catholick Body but also as the Apostle and High-Priest of our Profession b Heb. 3.1.2 6. by external Means of Grace Constituting and Ordaining particular visible Churches and in them Ministry and Ordinances suited to the State and respective Ages of the World c Heb. 9.1.8.10 Deut. 29.1 for the filling up and edification of his Mystical Body d Eph. 4.12 13. and blesseth such accordingly to his great Glory and good of his Chosen e Eph. 3.21 Ps 106.45 Exo. 20.24 Deut. 4.8 § 2. A Visible Church is a Particular Assembly of Professing Believers a 1 Cor. 1.2 visibly embodied in Christ b 1 Cor. 12.27 for a stated and holy Communion c Act 9.31 in one place d 1 Cor. 11 20. with God and one another in all instituted Ordinances e Act 2.42 appertaining to themselves and their immediate seed f Act. 2.39 Isa 61.9 65.23 Eph. 6.4 for God's Glory in Christ g Eph. 3.21 and their mutual Edification h 1 Cor. 14 5.12.26 § 3. God's External Worship by Revealed Religion was first celebrated in Adam's Family a Gen. 4.3 4. and continued in the Families of the Faithful till the time of Abraham
and accordingly give to each other the right hand of fellowship m 2 Cor. 4 15. Which Question answered in the Affirmative the said deputed person doth in the Name of the Lord Jesus declare them a Church of Christ As likewise the Elders and Brethren of other Churches there present as they ought to be if they can be had to behold their Faith and Order n Col. 2.5 should also declare that they own and acknowledge them a Church of Christ to their great satisfaction and rejoicing o 2 Thes 1.3 4. 1 Thes 2.13 Then lastly to continue the Work of the Day with some Word of Exhortation and earnest Supplication that God would be pleased to bless this Flock and cause it to grow as also that God would give them a faithful Pastor p Jer. 3.15 Mat. 9.38 with other Ministerial Officers giving thanks to God for this so hopeful a beginning and what he hath graciously done for them q Phil. 4.6 § 6. A Church thus constituted is a true Church and a Body of Christ and tho it s not yet organized with Ministerial Officers yet it wants nothing of the Essence of a Church of Christ a 1 Cor. 12 27. Rev. 1.20 for if a Church ceaseth not to be a Church when it hath lost all its Ministerial Officers and reduced to this state then this Church is an essential Church Besides a Church must be before a Pastor can be because that Relation must arise out of the Church and cannot arise from elsewhere a Church being a Corporation by Charter from Christ but yet though it be a true Church as to its Essence and Being yet it is not compleat as to its well-being b Titus 1.5 in that it is not furnished with all its Priviledges that Christ hath purchased and provided for it having not due instruments for the administration of all Ordinances or execution of the Power committed to it in the most orderly and regular manner c Eph. 4.11 12. § 7. Hence the first subject of the Keys is a Church essential for it s impowered by Commission from Christ to choose its own Ministerial Officers a Act. 14.23 and if they be one or more belonging to other Churches or non-Members they can receive them Members b Act 6.3 Likewise they can admit other Members that desire to join with them Lastly it hath power to admonish or reject any scandalous or any offending Member and that before such a Church hath Elders or Deacons c 1 Cor. 5.7 These are plain from the nature of a Body Corporate § 8. To conclude If in the Gathering a Church any Person offering to join a Member be on any account excepted against his admission ought to be deferred for the present and his Case to have a due hearing and consideration afterward and not to interrupt the further Proceedings of that day a Phil. 2.2.3 Eph. 4.3 CHAP. VI. Of the Extraordinary Ministers of the Churches Christ hath provided for the well-being of his Churches Ministers for the Erection and Planting the First Churches Gospel Constitution offered to the Jews first Extraordinary Ministers who And what their Call Qualifications Work Apostles and Evangelists how differing The first Prophets and Teachers no Ruling Officers Extraordinary Ministers continue not but are ceased § 1. THE Lord Jesus Christ the Great Shepherd a 1 Pet. 5.4 the Apostle and High Priest of our Profession faithful in his own House b Heb. 3.1 2. doth not only build it c ibid. v. 3. but furnish it with all Means of Grace conducing to visible and spiritual exercise of life and Godliness d 2 Pet. 1.3 and having shewed the form of his House to any People taken out from and ashamed of the ways they walked in in their former ignorance e 1 Pet. 1.14 15. separated and set them apart to the Lord in a spiritual Building f Eph. 2.19 22. doth likewise shew them the goings out thereof and the comings in thereof and all the Forms thereof and all the Ordinances thereof and all the Laws thereof and writes it in their sight that they may keep the whole Form thereof and all the Ordinances thereof and do them which is the Law of his House g Eze. 43.11 12. whereby he hath provided for the well-being of his Churches in a fit and suitable Ministry and Ordinances which he gave and dispensed chiefly at his Exaltation h Eph. 4.10 11. and according to his Commission from his Father hath commanded them diligently to observe i Matt. 28.20 § 2. And accordingly at first he provided for his Churches such a Ministry as should be best fitted to the Infant-state of his first Churches after his Ascention a Hos 11.1 3. both for the planting and watering of them b 1 Cor. 3.6 9. therefore Nominates and Ordains the first Ministers as is usual in the like case among Men in his Charter by Name c Mat. 10.2 ch 28.20 Act. 1.2 3 13. giving them more than ordinary Power and qualifying them with more than ordinary Gifts and Graces of his Holy Spirit d Mar. 16.17 18. Act 2.4 whereby they had light and authority e Act. 20.27 to teach and put in practice the whole Mind and Will of Christ in planting governing and furnishing the Churches with their ordinary and appropriate Ministry which was to be stated and standing in them to the end of the World f Mat. 28.19 20. § 3. As the Gospel in its full Light was first by Christ's Ordination to be offered to the Jews a Matt. 10.5 6. Act 13.4 6 who according to Moses were bound to hear Christ and prefer his Person and Ministry before that of Moses b Deut. 18.15 Act 7.37 So the Lord Jesus Christ himself and Apostles made the first offer of a Gospel-Constitution of Churches to them c Act 3.25 26. and placed a Gospel and powerful Ministry in that First and Famous Church at Jerusalem d 1 Cor. 12 28. which in its building precious matter e Is 54.11 1 Pet. 2.5 6. beautiful form and most rich furniture did so out-shine and darken all the Glory of their Worldly Sanctuary and services appertaining thereto f Heb. 9.1 c. that the whole Church Establishment by the Ceremonial Law of Moses the Vail under which Gospel-Mysteries lay obscured g 2 Cor. 3.14 was manifestly removed and done away h ibid. v. 13 14. having not only bin first Nailed to the Cross of Christ i Col. 2.14 but also by another Building k Heb. 9.11 and Ministration l Heb. 8.6 come in the room thereof of much more spiritual Glory and Lustre ecclipsed insomuch that what Moses had made glorious had no glory in this respect by reason of the glory that excelleth m 2 Cor. 3 10 11. Hence the Church of the Jews in regard of all its Mosaical
are added to a Visible Church ought to be such as are judged by their Profession to be such as shall be saved f Act 2. ult Rom. 12.1 2 3 4. 1 Pet. 2.5 the judgment of infallibility being peculiar to God g Joh. 6.64 Deu. 29.29 § 12. Without a Competency of Knowledge for all have not the same degree the heart cannot be good a Pro. 19.2 therefore without some knowledge of God in his glorious Attributes of the Doctrine of the Trinity the Person and Natures of Christ the Nature of the Law of the Fall by Sin and the Curse Man's State by Nature in the Guilt and Pollution of Sin Original and Actual and his miserable undone Estate thereby a Child of Wrath The Nature of the Redemption wrought by Christ in Satisfaction to God's Justice Reconciliation of Sinners to God and Purchase of Eternal Life for them that our Sins were Imputed to Christ and his Righteousness alone to us unto Justification received by Faith alone c. Likewise to know how these Mysteries of Life and Salvation are held forth to a Believer in the Seals of the Covenant a 1 Cor. 11.29 And the knowledge of these things is the more particularly to be enquired after by the Elders of Churches because many Professors build their Conversion upon meer common Convictions and only some general Notions of God and Christ when indeed they are very strangers unto and ignorant of the Great Mysteries of the Gospel b 15.34 Yet such as these ought not to be discouraged nor the smoking flax quenched c Isa 42.3 Mat. 12.20 but to be led on with gentle Instructions to a further knowledge of Divine Truth d Eph. 4.2 which if there be any beginnings of True Grace in the heart they will with a great and sincere spiritual Appetite receive as new-born Babes e 1 Pet. 2.2 and the Church ought to be careful not to reject any that they judge have the least degree of saving Grace wrought in them f Rom. 14.1 § 13. Such a Conversation is to be looked after as becomes the Gospel a Phil. 1.27 which shews the Professors Faith by his works b James 2 18. and blameless demeanour in the World as the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation teacheth c Titus 2.11 12. The afore-mentioned Course is not often taken and therefore there are so many corrupt Members in Churches Tho the exactest may be deceived a 2 Tim. 3.5 yet the carelesness b Eze. 34.7 8 10. and carnal Minds of Churches and their Elders ambition to encrease their Churches into great Numbers for the external Pomp thereof and for Wordly Advantage are the great prevailing causes of the Corruption and Apostacy of Churches c 1 Tim. 6 5. 1 Pet. 5.2 § 14. The Pastor or Elders thus receiving satisfaction that the Person offering himself is a fit Stone for Christ's Building a 1 Pet. 2.5 he is in a Church-Meeting to be Propounded to the Church b 1 Cor. 14 23. and a competent time alotted to the Church for converse with the said Person c Acts 9.26 27. and enquiry after his Christian Deportment that all the Members of the Congregation may be satisfied in a Person whom they admit to so holy a Communion with them which time being expired and nothing objected against the said Person the Elders bring him before the Church to give the Reasons of his Hope either by Word of Mouth or by Writing if bashfulness hinder him or her from speaking d Rom. 14.16 19 20. 15.1 2. which the Elder or Pastor reads and if any Brother desire any further Question should be asked it ought not to be denied The Person owning the Declaration read and no Objection made the Elder puts the Question Whether the Church are satisfied in the Party propounded and do consent to his Admission e Phil. 2.2 desiring them to answer in the Affirmative by their Suffrage in lifting up their Hands and then if any be otherwise minded to speak or shew their disagreement by the same Sign Which agreed the Pastor or Elder doth ask the Party thus approved Whether he doth in the strength of Christ yield professed subjection to the Gospel f 2 Cor. 9.14 Act 11.23 and promise to walk with that Church in the Communion of the Faith and Order thereof g Col. 2.5 giving up himself and his Seed to the Lord and the Congregation h Ro. 12.1 2 Cor. 8.5 according to the Tenor of Abraham ' s Covenant i Rom. 15.7 8 9. or words of a foederal obligation to Christ and the Church to the same purpose Which he promiseth solemnly to do by the Help of God Whereupon the Elder doth in the Name of Christ receive him into Church-Fellowship promising on the behalf of the Church and himself To watch over him in the Lord k Heb. 13.17 and discharge towards him those incumbent Duties which may promote his edification in the ways of God l 2 Cor. 1.24 ch 10.8 8. Or Words to that purpose § 15. A Person thus joined to a Congregation is joined to and become a Member of a spiritual Corporation a 1 Cor. 12 27. Isa 56.3 Acts 5.36 Rom. 12.5 to the whole Body not to the Pastor or Elder only as some ignorant People think and therefore run away when the Pastor or Elder disgusts them or dieth but are by Covenant united to the Church and are not Discharged while that lasts without the Church's leave tho all the Officers die Moreover he is now obliged by his Covenant Relation to attend ordinarily upon the Ministry and Ordinances administred in that Church b Act 2.42 Heb. 10.25 and seek the Prosperity thereof for if a joined Member to one Church ordinarily attend the Ministry of another upon pretence of better Edification or upon any other pretence He 1. Hereby condemns his own Choice c Gal. 2.18 2. He cannot expect better Edification where God hath not placed him d 1 Cor. 7.24 Psal 92.13 3. If he cannot Edifie at Home he should ask his Dismission and not feed abroad every day 4. There is ordinarily some Corruption lies under that Plea 5. It is a living in continual breach of a solemn Covenant 6. It is quite contrary to the Primitive Practices 7. It destroys the end of Churches which is that Brethren should walk together in Vnity Unanimity and Fellowship e Ps 133.1 8. It discourageth and breaketh the hearts of faithful Pastors and Elders 9. It is a Practice that Christ will not bless because it so directly strikes at his Glory in his Churches 10. The Apostle makes such Deserters to be in the High-way to Apostacy f Heb. 10.25 26. 11. God is most glorified in every ones keeping his own Vineyard and not others § 16. As a Church-Member hath covenanted to walk in Communion of all Ordinances with hat
till he hath given satisfaction to the Church § 18. Some speak much of and practice a Censure of Suspension when an offending Brother is forbid by the Church to come to its Communion in the Lord's Supper till it appear whether he be guilty or no of the Sin charged on him Our Lord Jesus Christ hath given no such Rule to Churches to walk by For till a Brother is fully Convict before the Church the Church hath no power to deprive him of any Church-Priviledges that belong to him by reason of his Membership and while the Church is in the way of its Duty it is not guilty of the Sin of a particular Member Hence Brethren sin greatly in withdrawing from a Church's Communion because a Brother or more lyeth under the charge of some Sin which they have not yet convinced him of before the Church either for the matter or Nature of the thing till both which is done in the Judgment of the Church he is not Convict nor can be excluded from Ordinances but being Convict and incorrigible he is fully ripe for the Censure of Excommunication and there is no room for Suspension therefore Suspension before Conviction is unjust and Suspension after is needless and comes short of Christ's Institution But if to gratifie some through weakness startled at the presence of a suspected un-convict Person at the Lord's Supper who is under the Church's dealing in order to Conviction the suspected Brother will forbear Communion it is to be lookt on as an act of his own but no Censure of the Church CHAP. XIV Of Communion of Churches That there is Communion between Churches Some things incommunicable in Churches Some communicable and what Wherein Communion of Churches consists In Cases of Difficulties and Differences what is to be done § 1. VIsible Communion is of Members in particular in a Visible Church a Body Politick or Corporate which we have spoken unto It remains that something be spoken of the Communion of those Bodies viz. Churches between whom there is a Visible Communion And it is such a common participation of visible Priviledges of the Means of Grace in the instituted Ordinances of Christ and a mutual Communication of benefits as occasion may serve as is between co-ordinate Bodies Politick without infringement of their particular and appropriate Priviledges limited to and bounded within themselves only § 2. The Priviledges of a particular Church are to be considered in Communion of Churches as incommunicable and as communicable They that are incommunicable are such as one Church cannot hand over to or communicate to another without breaking the Charter and overthrowing their own Constitution and they are such as these 1. A Church chooseth its own Elders and Deacons but cannot choose either for another Church 2. Such Ministerial Officers being chosen the relation stands firm between them in the Church which chose them and they are not Elders or Deacons to another Church the Pastor and Deacon to the Church at Coloss are not Pastor and Deacon to the Church of Ephesus 3. The doing of any Act which is inseparably distinguishing to that Office Relation in the execution thereof cannot be communicated or carried from Church to Church As for Example the Administration of Seals or use of the Keys are such acts therefore a Minister to one Church cannot dispence them in another because they are performed by vertue of his Office that is limited to one Church nor can he transfer his relation or the proper Adjuncts thereof 4. There is also a peculiar Corporation-Relation and Priviledge that a Brother hath in the Church of which he is a Member and can have neither in any other where he is not an actual Member as Membership in stated Fellowship under the Watch and Government of the said Church this he hath no where else Likewise he can Vote and give his Suffrage in any Church acts which he cannot do elsewhere Wherefore one Church cannot have Communion with another in choosing or ordaining Elders or Deacons any further than to look on and be Eye-Witnesses of what they do nor in admitting or casting out of Members 5. There can be no Communion by way of mixing or conjoining powers as there cannot be of transferring any more than the Corporation of Bristol and Glocester can mix and conjoin their Juridical Power § 3. But there are some things wherein Communion of Churches according to the Nature of them doth consist as in Natural Bodies there are things and actions wherein they can communicate to each other so far as is consistent with their Nature to commix or conjoin but there are some things wherein its impossible they should as in Sensation or in the use of the Senses we may hear see taste c. with one another but cannot transfer our Hearing Tasting Smelling or Seeing to one another So in Bodies Politick there are some things we can enjoy or participate of together and can communicate to each other but there are others that we cannot So it is in the Communion of Churches 1. We may benefit by each others Gifts and Graces the exercise whereof are separable from any particular Relation that any one hath to a Church Such things belong to general Communion as to Expound Preach and Pray c. These the Pastor of one Congregation may exercise in another without any consideration of his Pastoral Relation only as one that is Gifted for such Services to common advantage 2. There is Communion in counsel and advice and such there was between the Church of Jerusalem and that at Antioch a Acts 15. 3. There is Communion between Churches in giving and in receiving b Phil. 4.15 4. There is Communion in respect of Members so as one may recommend or dismiss Members to another but this cannot be in Officers one Church cannot dismiss an Elder or Deacon as such to another Whatever Office a Man bears in a Church it 's so in all Civil Corporations he cannot be dismist with his Office but only as to his Membership The Mayor of Glocester may be transferred to Bristol and taken in a common Member but cannot be transferred as Mayor to the Mayoralty of Bristol no not for one Sessions Day or Hour 5. They may communicate with each other as to fraternal Entertainments in spiritual Feasts so far as to give each other the right hand of Fellowship as to the Members of true Churches of Christ and hence the Members of one Church as occasion is do partake in Ordinances with another so far as Office-Relation is not concern'd So the Member of one Congregation partakes in the Lord's Supper with another or brings his Child to be there baptized where the Pastor is administring in his proper Place and Relation But the Pastor cannot come and administer either Seal in a Congregation to which he hath no Pastoral Relation nor can be owned in any Pastoral act there The Pastor himself may receive in a Neighbouring Church as a Brother