of many other Churches in the primitive times were enriched with all knowledge and in all utterance 1 Cor. 1.5 and the same persons which had the gift of prophesie in the Church of Corinth had also the gift of tongues which put upon the Apostle a necessity to take them off from their frequent speaking with tongues by preferring prophesie before it 1 Cor. 14. from ver 2. to 24. so that though all they might prophesie having extraordinary gifts for it yet the like liberty is not allowed to them that want the like gifts In the Church of Israel none besides the Priests and the Levites did ordinarily prophesie either in the Temple or in the Synagogues unlesse they were either furnished with extraordinary gifts of Prophessie as the Prophets of Israel or were set apart and train'd up to prepare for such a calling as the sons of the Prophets When Amos was forbidden by the high Priest of Bethel to prophesie at Bethel Amos doth not alledge nor plead the liberty of an Israelite to prophesie in the holy Assemblies but alledgeth only his extraordinary calling Amos 7.14,15 It appears also that the sons of the Prophets that is that men set apart and train'd up to prepare for that calling were allowed the like liberty 2. But neither the sons of the Prophets nor the Prophets themselves were wont to offer sacrifices in Israel except Samuel and Elias by special direction nor did the extraordinary Prophets in Corinth take upon them to administer the Sacraments Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 20. line 16. Object 2. But if the Prophets in the Church of Corinth had been ended with extraordinary gifts of Prophesie they had not been subject to the judgment of the Prophets which these are directed to be 1 Cor. 14.22 Answ It follows not for the people of God were to examine all Prophesies by the Law and Testimony Mr. Cotton and not to receive them but according to that rule Isa 8.20 Yea and Paul himself referred all his doctrine to the Law and the Prophets Acts 26.22 And the Bareans are commended for examining Pauls doctrine according to the Scripture Idem pag. 21. line 14. Quest 7. But though every private Christian may not yet may not the Magistrate either inferiour or supreme preach and administer the Sacraments hath not he a power Paramount Answ As it is unlawful for Church-Officers to meddle with the Sword of the Magistrate Platforme of Discipline from N. E. so it is unlawful for the Magistrate to meddle with the work proper to Church-Officers the acts of Moses and David who were not only Princes but Prophets were extraordinary therefore not imitable Against such usurpation the Lord witnessed by smiting Uzziah with leprosie for presuming to offer incense Platforme of Discipline from New Engl. chap. 17. sect 5. Imberare that is to rule and praedicare that is to preach are not compatible that is cannot agree to one and the same person hath been a ruled case admitting no contradiction in an ordinary way Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 1. page 13. line 25. Quest 8. You we even now mentioning Ordination are then these Officers which Christ hath appointed in his Church to be ordained to their Office Answ Church-Officers are not only to be chosen by the Church Platforme of Discipline but also to be ordained by imposition of hands and prayer with which at the Ordination of Elders fasting also is to be joyned Platforme of Discipline from New England chap. 9. sect 4. Quest 9. But is not Election alone enough without Ordination Answ No for as Dr. Ames saith Election gives jus ad rem Ordination gives jus in re Mr. Hooker Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipilne part 2. page 40. line penult Quest 10. Is then the right of Ordination immutable Answ That which is a fundamental point of Religion Mr. Hooker that hath divine institution and so becomes immutable unlesse Christ himself repeal it Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 1. page 7. line 21. But Ordination is a fundamental point of Religion Heb. 6. Laying on of hands being by a Metonymie of the adjunct put for Ordination Mr. Hooker part 1. pag. 7. l. 21. Quest 11. To whom then doth the power of ordaining Officers in the Church of Christ belong Answ 1. Ordination is an act of rule Mr. Cotton and pertains to the Presbyters Mr. Cotton way pag. 49. l. 4. 2. When the Churches are rightly constituted and compleated with all the orders and officers of Christ the right of Ordination belongs to the teaching Elders the act appertains to the Presbytery constituted of teaching and ruling Elders Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. pag. 76. l. 1. Quest 12. But what if there be no Elders in the Church who shall ordain the Officers then Answ In such Churches where there are no Elders and the Church so desire Platforme of Discipline we see not why imposition of hands may not be performed by the Elders of other Churches Platforme of Disc from N. E. chap. 9. sect 5. Quest 13. Are the Word and Sacraments to be dispensed by the Ministers thereof only in publick or in private also Answ They must be dispensed publickly in the presence Mr. Hooker and with the concurrence of the Church solemnly assembled It is not in the power of the Church to confine preaching to corners for wisdome cryeth openly in the strâ—ets Prov. 8.2 3. And of old the Church of the Jewes erected Synagogues in every City besides the Temple at Hierusalem for the hearing and preaching of the Word And the Apostle as he compares the Supper of the Lord to their ordinary supper so he opposeth manifestly the Church or Congregation to the private house and declareth that the Lords Supper should be celebrated in the Congregation as the banquet should be kept in their private house Yea the scope and nature of the Ordinance calls for such an administration for since the Sacraments are badges to shew our separation from all other profane societies and to signifie our communion one with another visibly in the profession and confession of the faith as our spiritual union and communion with Christ our head myistcally therefore the administration of them should be such as should suit the nature of the Ordinances and serve the end of it And therefore it is that in times of persecution when the Church dares not nor is meet she should shew her self to the enemy yet not then is the Word nor Sacraments privately preached nor administred neither yet ought to be for though they be done in the house of a private man yet because they are and ought to be administred in the presence of the Congregation there is neither private preaching nor private celebrating of the Sacrament Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 3. pag. 28. line 15 c. Quest 14. To whom are the Pastors and Teachers of the Church to dispense the Sacraments Answ A person hath his first
And at other times as opportunity shall serve thereunto Platforme of Discipline from New England chap. 7. sect 2. Mr. Cotton of the way Mr. Cotton pag. 36. line 20. Idem of the Keys pag. 20 c. Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. page 16. 11. And by the same parity of reason if any want comfort sinking under discouragements and sadnesse of spirit or through ignorance are not able to understand the things delivered they may call for the help of the Elder in private that they may be informed and comforted by him And hence it follows 12. That he hath power to enquire into the condition and take account of the special state of such of the members for else how should he be able to administer seasonable and sutable support Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. pag. 17. line 33. And that these especially the last mentioned are works belonging to the Ruling Elder the nature of the thing would easily perswade a mans reason to yield thereunto for how unequal and unreasonable would it seem to a man acquainted with the weight and work of the Ministery that when the Pastor or Teacher should be attending upon reading and searching the sense and minde of God in his Word and the mysteries of God therein who is sufficient for these things that they should be then taken off their studies and forced to attend upon mens special weaknesses and wants in private when they should prepare for the publick dispensations so that the one must of necessity be neglected or they distracted in both Whereas this appointment of our Saviour provides for both without prejudice or disadvantage to either Mr. Hookers Survey part 2. page 18. line 24. Quest 24. You have shewn fully what is the work of the Ruling Elders but I pray tell me what is that power they are cloathed with in thâ—se acts of theirs Answ 1. Negatively it is not 1. Any Lordly pompous power Mr. Shepherds 2. It is not any Antichristian unlimited power Nor. 3. Is it and Magisterial power Mr. Shepherds wholesome caveat for a time of liberty pag. 97.98 99. But positively 1. They have power given them of ruling and governing from Christ by the people hence they are called Rulers and have a strict charge and command from the Lord to rule Idem page 99. Hence those cast off the Lords government over then who will have no Rulers nor Governours in the Church but leave all to themselves and their liberty and so by this means they are not only single members or officers but Pastor Teacher and Elder and all This generation of men sons of Korah are risen up in these later times especially among Anabaptists and rigid Separatists whose condemnation sleeps not Satan carrying them to extreams and pride lifting them up above themselves above men above Officers above Ordinances above God Idem page 100. line 4. 2. This power which the Ruling-Elder hath is more than any one member hath which is not an Officer It would be a most simple ridiculous thing if there should be Election Ordination many prayers much tryal of men to rule and guide and govern separation from the rest and yet to have no more power than any other private member therefore saith the Apostle submit to them that are over you 1 Thess 5.12 Obey them that rule over you Heb. 13.17 Master Shepherds wholsome caveat c. page 100. line 28. Hence those that do acknowledge Gevernours in the Church for names sake but they are such as have no more power than a private brother They are to watch say they so are private members to admonish so is every private member c. these allow the name but deny the thing Idem page 101. line 8. Hence also when men shall cry for liberty to speak an Elder forbids it what may not the Church have liberty yes true but you are not the Church An Elder reproves they will reprove again what shall not the Church have liberty An Elder gives reasons strong and unanswerable for something to be done a young fellow steps up and saith without ground or shew of it that is your light and mine is otherwise what may not the Church have liberty yes but you are not the Church This is very sad and hath been a root of greatest scandal that ever Gods wayes had Idem page 102. line 9 c. 3. In the execution of their office according to Christ they are over the whole Church Heb. 13. Obey them that rule you he speaks to the whole Church Mr. Shepherds wholesome caveat pag. 102. line 26. Their power rightly executed is the power of Christ Hence refuse it you refuse to be subject to him if men will not be ruled by ordinances but will rule ordinances they go about to rule Christ Ibid. pag. 104. line 28. 4. They have power to oversee when they see cause Act. 20.28 and to enquire into the state of the flock to know their spiritual condition Mr. Shepherd pag. 105. line 20. Hence men cast off the government of Christ when they will not have their spiritual condition searched into the Elders foot is now too great for his shoe I am to give an account to God so are they also of theirs Now thou canst not give it if thou enquirest not how thy condition stands neither can they with comfort unless thou tellest them how it stands with thee Ibid. pag. 106. l. 3. The Ministers charge is to cast the seed the Elders duty is to enquire after the fruit in the husbandry of Christ but you can quarrel and snap at the Elders when they come to enquire of your condition and why do you enquire you take too much upon you Ibid. 5. They have power to guide counsel and warn the Church at least in all weighty affairs which may concern them and their common good Heb. 13.17 Malac. 2.7 Mr. Shepherd pag. 106. Hence for men in matters of great and weighty affairs which concern the good of the whole Church nay all Churches never to enquire at Abel is a casting off the Lord as in election of Officers in the Church or Magistrates in the Commonwealth Hence to receive any opinion different from all the Elders in the Church and never so much as speak much less come to a sad debate about it is to cast off this yoak Hence to propose a doubtful question to the Church which may trouble or bring an offenders sin to the Church without councel of the Elders hence when men will not take warning from the Elders of evil to come it is a casting off the Lords yoke Ibid. pag. 107. 6. They have power of publike reproof of any member of the Church in case of plain open and publike offences others without leave cannot nor ought not Reproofs are part of the power peculiar to the Governors in any society where Governors are present and at hand In a family no wise man will suffer brawles among children and servants
not yet convinced though perhaps himself be nor admonished from these or like reasons to withdraw from publike communion in word or seals or censures is unlawful and sinful Platform of discipline cap. 13. sect 5. Quest 6. But what if there be many wicked and scandalous persons and the Church tolerate them in it ought not the godly to withdraw and depart from such a Church Answ 1. To separate from a Church for want of some Ordinances or to separate from the true worship of God Platforme of Discipline because of the sin of some worshippers is unlawful Mr. Hookers Survey of discipline Preface A. 3. 2. The suffering of profane and scandalous livers to continue in the Church and partake in the Sacrament is doubtless a great sin yet the godly are not presently to separate from it nor to â—bstain from communion with such a Church in the participation of the Sacrament Platforme of discipline chap. 14. sect 8 9. 3. The hypocrisie of sundry members of the Church and toleration of some open scandal doth not presently take away the nature of the Church nor is separation presently to be made from it Mr. Cotton of holiness of Church members pag. 2. line 8. 4. Christ and his Apostles in their times and the Prophets and other godly in theirs did lawfully partake of the Lords commanded Ordinances in the Jewish Church and never taught nor practised separation from the same though unworthy ones were permitted to be therein Platform of discipline chap. 14. sect 8. And the Apostles kept communion with the Jews as a Church notwithstanding their want of faith in Christ Mr. Cotton of Infant Bapt. pag. 56. line 28. And the faithful in the Church of Corinth wherein were many unworthy persons and practises are never commanded to absent themselves from the Sacrament because of the same therefore the godly in like causes are not presently to separate Platform of discipline chap. 14. sect 8. Quest 7. But if I can go to a Church that is more pure and where things are better ordered and more according to the minde of Christ why may I not leave communion with one Church and go to another As suppose I think the Congregational Churches purer then the Presbyterian may I not leave the Presbyterian and joyn to the Congregational Answ We do not judge it safe or meet for any member of a Presbyterian Church Platforme of Discipline forthwith to desert his relation to his Church and betake himself to the fellowship of a congregational Church though he may discern some defect in the estate and government of his own 1. For first Faithfulness of brotherly love in Church relation requires that the members of the Church should first convince their brethren of their sinful defects and duely wait for their reformation before they depart from them for if we must take such a course for the healing of a private brother by way of brotherly love with much meekness and patience how much more ought we to walk with like tenderness towards the whole Church 2. Secondly By the hasty departure of sound members from a defective Church reformation is not promoted but many times retarded and corruption increased whereas on the contrary when sincere members breathing after purity of reformation abide together they may by the blessing of God upon their faithful endeavors prevail much with their elders and neighbors towards a reformation it may be so much that their Elders in their own Church shall receive none to the seals but visible Saints and in the Classes shall put forth no authoritative act touching the members of other Churches but consultative onely nor touching their own but with the consent silent consent at least of their own Church which two things if they can obtain with any holy humble meek faithful endeavors we conceive they might by the grace of Christ find liberty of conscience to continue their relation to their own Presbyterian Churches without scruple Platform of discipline preface pag. 5. line I. Object But we scruple not onely these but many other things As first Your Ministers many of them had their Ordination from the Bishops and they theirs from Rome and so your Ministery is Antichristian and those that are not ordained by Bishops are Ordained by a Classis or Presbytery which is a power forreign and extrinsecal to the Church whose Ministers they are Answ First For the Ministers that were ordained by Bishops take it thus Mr. Cotton The power whereby the Ministers in England do administer the Word and Sacraments is either spiritual and proper essential to their calling or adventitious or accidental The former they have received from Christ by a twofold act of his First He hath furnished many of them with ministerial gifts Secondly He hath enclined the hearts of his people to choose them and call them as in many Parishes in the City and in sundry Market-Towns and elsewhere or at least to accept them and submit to them being commended to them by the Patron The latter power which is adventitious and accidental that which they receive from the Patron who presents them to the Bishop and from the Bishop who ordains and licenseth them to Minister to Christ and to his people This power though it hath been established by the Law of the Land yet it is both adventitious and accidental for the Ministers power is compleat without it and it is also usurped For neither had the law lawful power from Christ to give such power to the Patron and Bishop neither had the Bishop or Patron lawful power to receive it neither could the people then choose their Minister without the leave of their Patron nor induct him into the Church without the ordination or leave of the Bishop Thus when Pyrates have invaded a ship no man in it neither Officer nor Passenger can come by his own goods but by leave of the Pyrate who upon their submission will give them their keyes of their own vessels and chests this power to come to their own goods received from the Pyrate it is not that which gives them true and proper right to enter upon the possession and use of their own goods for that right they had by a former just title which Pyrates cannot disannull Mr. Cotton but it is onely adventitious and accidenttal I need not apply it to the case in hand the application is obvious Mr. Cotton of Infant Bapt. pag. 181. line 25. And as for those Ministers that are ordained by Classes or Presbyteries as you call them I answer first Ordination is a work of rule and pertains to Presbyters Mr. Cotton way of the Churches pag. 49. line 4. And secondly In such Churches where there are no Elders and the Church so desires we see not why imposition of hands may not be performed by the Elders of other Churches Platform of Discipline from N.E. chap. 9. sect 5. Quest 8. May then we who are members of gathered or constituted
the Presbyterian way for Mâ— Cotton saith the power which the Brethren have it is but a power of liberty but the power of Authority is in the Elders See cap. 5. answ to quest 14 15 16. 1. If you say The brethren In the Presbyterian way have not so much liberty as in the congregational For first they have not the liberty of exercising their gifts in prophecying Answ Master Cotton and Master Hooker both have told us how farre they are from allowing this liberty which some presume to take to themselves See before cap. 4. answer 〈◊〉 question 6. 2. If you say They in the Presbytery have not that liberty of consenting or dissenting in the admission of members as the congregational have but the examination is taken in private by the Elders Answ So it is frequently in the Congregational Churches and for some persons constantly as we have seen above cap. 14. ans to quest 14 15. 3. If you say The brethren in the Presbyterian way have not the same liberty and power in censures that they have in the congregational Answ Yea the same for the brethren in the Congregational way have not power to receive complaints in the first place to hear and examine witnesses but these things are transacted before and among the Elders Secondly The Elders they make reports of matters to the Church of brethren and withall declare what they judge to be the mind of Christ concerning the censuring or not censuring of the person Thirdly The people they upon this relation judge of the whole but with a judgement of discretion not with a judgement of Authority Fourthly They thus judging bind the offender by consent not Authority Fifthly This consent is an act of obedience not of power all these we have seen clearly asserted cap. 5. in answ to quest 14 15 16 17 18. Now all this the brethren may and do enjoy and exercise in the Presbyterian way If you say Brethren in the Presbyterian way cannot excommunicate without their Officers Answ No more may they in the Congregational way as appeared cap. 3. answ to quest 20. If you say The Brethren of the Presbyterian way have not power to choose their own officers as they have in the Congregational Answ According to the Presbyterian principles they have and the practice is so in France Netherlands Geneva Scotland and if it be otherwise in England it is because the laws of the land do yet invest the Patron with a power of nominating and presenting a Minister but the brethren have their vote in choosing the other officers Elders and Deacons and the Presbyterian affirms and they grant they ought to have it in the choosing of their teaching Elders much more besides there are many instances of Presbyterian Congregations in London and elsewhere in England that do chuse their own Officers If you say The brethren of the Presbyterian way cannot depose their Ministers or other officers without the consent of a Classis or Synod Answer No more may the brethren of the congregational way regularly according to their own principles and assertions See cap. 6. quest 1.13 14. If you say These Presbyterian Churches have Ordinances that are not of Christs institution As 1. They examine those whom they admit to the Sacrament although they own them for members Answ Yet they nowhere say that this is an Ordinance of Christ but a prudential practice which the brethren of the Congregational way own and practice as well as they See cap. 4. answ to quest 14 15. 2. If you say The Presbyterian Churches have suspensions of persons not excommunicated as an Ordinance of Christ. Answ They own and use it no otherwise than the brethren of the Congregational way do as appears cap. 3. answer to quest 22 23. If you say They have Classes and Synods as an Ordinance of Christ I answer The Congregational Churches own them for such and ascribe more than a consultative power to them See cap. 6. per totum If you except against the ordination of their Ministers See cap. 7. quest 7. answ to the objection If you say Their-Churches are true Churches but not pure you have purer Churches and purer ordinances I answer These are indeed the devices whereby people are drawn away from them to you but I beseech you tell us particularly what Ordinances have you purer then your brethren Is the Word more purely preached amongst you than amongst them came the Gospel forth from you or came it unto you onely are there purer prayers and purer Sacraments amongst you than amongst them do not they call upon the true Jehovah in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as you do abhorring and renouncing all other objects and means of worship do not they Baptize with water in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost as you do do not they break the same bread and drink the same cup according to Christs institution in memorial of his death as you do Where then or what are these purer Ordinances which you have more than your brethren And for the purity of your Churches I am loth to answer as our Reformed Divines answered the like cavil of the Anabaptists and Brownists by Recrimination Yet I think I may say Are there not with you even with you also sinners against the Lord but I will refer you for answer to your own friends cap. 1. per totum and cap. 7. quest 6 7. And now brethren I beseech you consider the grounds upon which you have made and do yet continue this sad division and if you have no other than these as I think you have not let all the world judge whether they be not destroyed and overthrown by your own concessions And let me be permitted to speak to you once again in the words of Iotham Hearken to me that God may hearken to you you have been studying the purity of Churches to the utmost apex of it and it may be beyond there may be a purity supra statutum as well as a devotion But O that you would study the peace of Churches and that not onely these of your own Idea and Platform but of all the Churches of Christ I have heard some much complain of rigid Presbyterians Do not you derive that title of rigid to your selves The brethren of the Presbyterian way have sufficiently declared their readinesse to peace in their several models of association published by several Countries to which these collections out of the Authors of the Congregational way come so neer that if you refuse to come in and unite especially at such a time as this when we have seen already such ill fruits of our divisions and have cause to fear yet worse the rigidnesse will lie at your door Seeing your Brethren and you agree in faith and worship why should you live like Jews and Samaritans like Protestants and Papist like Lutherans and Calvinists Know you not it will be bitternesse in the end Why seeing your selves are convinced and have declared That Members of reforming Churches ought not to refuse communion one with another so far as may consist with their principles respectively And communion with Presbyterians may consist with your principles at least it doth with the principles of these from whom you professe to have received the principles of your way Why should ye yet abhorre their communion if you do judge whether your own mouths and hands have not condemned you Hearken therefore to me that God may hearken unto you or if you will not hearken unto me yet heark to Irenaeus lib. 4. adv haeres cap. 4. Probatio vera minime contradictioni obnoxia quae etiam ab adversaries ipsis symbola testificationis profert i. e. That 's a true proof and not to be contradicted that brings forth the Testimonies even of the adversaries Hearken to Basil homil in Chr. Nativ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i.e. The witnesses of adversaries are most worthy of credit Hearken to Chrysostome homil 82 â—n Iohan. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This is an unrefragable demonstration of Truth if a man call adversaries to witness what he speaks Hearken to Cyprian de Uni Eccles Quomodo possunt duo aut tres in nomine Christi colligi quos constat a Christo ab ejus Evangelio separari non enim nos ab illis sed illi a nobis recesserunt Et cum haereses schismata postmodumnatae sunt dum conventicula sibi diversa constituunt veritatis caput atque originem reliquerunt i. e. How can two or three be gathered together in the name of Christ when t is manifest they are separated from Christ and from his Gospel for we have not departed from them but they from us c. Hearken to Aust Epistola ad orthod Con. Donat. Quicunque de Christo scripturis sanctis consentiunt unitati Ecclesiae non communicant non sunt in Ecclesia Libr. 3. Cont. Donat. Non habet dei charitatem qui Ecclesiae non diligit unitatem i.e. They that agree concerning Christ and the Scriptures and do not communicate in the unity of the Church are not in the Church He hath not the love of God who doth not love the Churches unity Hearken to Paul l Cor. 1.10 Now I beseech you Brethren by the name of our Lord Iesus Christ that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you but that ye be perfectly joyned together in the same minde and in the same judgement Phil. 2.1 2 3 4. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ if any comfort of love if any fellowship of the spirit if any bowels and mercies Fulfill ye my joy that ye be like minded having the same love being of one accord of one minde Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory but in lowllness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves Look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others Gal. 5.15 But if ye bite and devour one another take heed ye be not consumed one of another Errata Page 9. line 3. read on p. 22. l. 13. r. endued p. 29. l. 24. r. Governors p. 43. l. 35. r. this p. 46. l. 36. r. or p. 47. l. 32. r. consotiation p. 54. l. 1. r. be FINIS
IRENICVM OR AN ESSAY Towards a Brotherly PEACE VNION Between those of the Congregational And Presbyterian Way Shewing out of the most Learned and Renowned Divines of the Congregational Way that their Positions Concerning 1. Church Matters and Members 2. Church Constitution and Form 3. Church State 4. Church Officers and Ordination 5. Church Government and Censures 6. Church Combinations and Synods 7. Communion with and Separation from Churches Are sufficient for the establishing a firme and lasting Peace between them and the Presbyterians Drawn up and published by Discipulus De Tempore Junior In pursuance of the good design begun at the Savoy where it was agreed and declared That such Reforming Churches as consist of Persons sound in the Faith and of Conversation becoming the Gospel ought not to refuse the communion of each other so far as may consist With their own principles respectively though they walk not in all things according to the same Rules of Church Order Canon 29. London Printed for Nathanael Webb and William-Grantham at the black Bear in Pauls Church-yard near the little North-door 1659. THE Preface BUt who would write Irenicums seeing they who attempt it reap usually no other fruit then he who running in between two men that are a fighting with an honest intent to part them and make them friends brings both their fists about his own ears or turns both their swords into his own bosome and maketh them both his enemies at least the prevailing party and he that thinks he hath the better of the cause will take it exceedingly ill as the Lutherans do Pareus his Irenicum which some of them call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Scotch non Conformists the Irenicum of their Country man Forbes The consideration of this made the Collector of these Papers though often sollicited with thoughts of that he hath now attempted to lay them by till being a little awakened first with the report of some thing towards an accommodation of dissenting parties endeavoured and as they say effected in Cumberland and Westmerland and in other Counties and with an expectation of some thing that was agreed by the Congregational way in their meeting at the Savoy that might conduce to that end he judged it now seasonable to present these Papers to publike view that he might suum conferre symbolum If this may procure a right understanding and composing of the differences between brethren the Collector hath his desire and reward if it fail and miss that end yet he hopes his reward is with the Lord having this testimony in his own conscience that in singleness of heart he hath managed this cause not knowingly or willingly falsifyng and wresting the words of those reverend men whom he cites from which crime if his own protestation be not enough to clear him thou shalt by and by Reader have the deposition of two sufficient witnesses If thou wilt not believe them neither get the Books and trust thine own eyes If any say these authors elsewhere express themselves otherwise all that I answer is that my design and work was not to reconcile them to themselves but if I could to their Presbyterian Brethren which how far it is done read but read with understanding and without prejudice and then judge Thine in the Lord D. T. The Attestation WE have examined all the several Quotations here alledged by the Books out of which they were taken and finde them to be punctually and syllabically true and that there is no falsification nor violation of them and this we being persons no wayes interested in the controversies between the Presbyterian and Congregational Brethren nor engaged to either Party Testifie under our hands L. K. R. N. To the Judicious Reader AMongst the manifold divisions both in Church and State whereby England hath been and still is damnified and endangered the doleful differences betwixt Presbyterians and Independants are not the least nor least lamented by gracious hearts as in other respects so because the loud noise thereof both from the Pulpit and the Press doth cause their adversaries sinfully to rejoyce 2 Sam. 1.20 In this regard the Popish the prophane and Prelatical party do encourage their hopes that the good work of Covenanted Church-Reformation in England Scotland and Ireland will ere long wither and come to nothing True it is that as neither kingdom nor house so no other society divided against it self can stand Mark 3.24 25. for division maketh way for dissipation Gen. 49.7 Upon this account in pursuance of that Machivilian Maxim Divide impera the Jesuited Papist and the self-seeking Statist do vigorously endeavor to maintain and encrease our divisions in matters of Religion at this day errors and contentions which are like tares hindring the growth of grace amongst Christians Mat. 13.23 are sowed by the Divel their implacable enemy And it is an expression of great displeasure from the Lord when the evil spirit is sent or suffered so far to prevail upon them which should be one in mutual amity that they in passion deal treacherously one with another Judg. 9.23 As it cannot be denyed but that animosities causing sad separations may be found amongst good men For the contention between Paul and Barnabas was so sharpe that they departed asunder one from the other so experience amongst our selves confirmeth Act. 15.39 what Solomon long since asserted A brother offended is harder to win than a strong City and their contentions are like the bars of a Palace In the late Assembly of Divines called together by Authority of Parliament many hours yea days were run up in serious debates that the Presbyterians and their dissenting brethren might be reconciled in matters of Church discipline And since that time many books have been publish't by godly Ministers of both perswasions to drive on that good design but the end intended hath not hitherto been accomplisht Now the good hand of the Almighty the God of Peace hath stirred up the heart of a faithful and able Minister of the Gospel whose name would adde authority to this work though he see cause to conceal it in a new way to attempt a brotherly agreement His design is to stitch up our rents and to heal our breaches by discovering the concessions and positions of the chief Patrons of the Congregational way that in reference to Church constitution of members and officers and in reference to Church administrations by Classes and Synods there is not so great opposition betwixt the Presbyterians and them as the Independent Brethren here amongst us do pretend and publish And let the indifferent Reader who is not byassed with prejudice and partiality judge whether there be not much ingenuity with meeknesse of wisdom and solidity of judgement in the Narrative and inferences herein tendred without any unbrotherly reflections or bitter exasperations The whole Treatise both in regard of the matter and manner of managing it speaketh the Author to be a man of
Churches Church Officers or members See answer to question 13. Therefore they make desperate snares for their consciences and the consciences of others that say none may be Officers or members of a Church but such as are really converted ones 13. God approved Saul and Jehu to be admitted to their kingdom though he did not approve their persons or way of administring their kingdom See the answer to question 15. So by a parity of reason we may conclude that God approves some men to be admitted officers or members of the Church whose persons and wayes he doth not approve 14. It cannot be made good by Scripture-light that none have right to the covenant and external priviledges thereof but as they appear to be in Christ by some effect of faith declaring the same See answer to the last question Therefore to reject any for want of evidence of faith is not warrantable by the word CHAP. II. Of the Form and constitutions of a Church Question 1. WHether had the Church of England ever a true constitution Answ To say that the Church of England never had any true constitution Mr. Cotton is a rash and a false speech rash for can you say it or do you know it because you were then born or because the number of your dayes is great as God questioneth with Job in another case Iob 38.21 Or have you found such a matter by reading of ancient records and stories If you dare credit them as doubtless they are more worthy of credit that lived near those times and had the view of antient records then some of your later books who speak either out of partiality to Rome as the Jesuites or out of prejudice against the state of the Church of England some rigid Separatists do But those antient records will tell you that England received the faith of Christ by Ioseph of Arimathea and Simon Zelotes and others of those primitive Apostolick Saints who doubtless planted Churches not after the pattern of Antichrist but after the manner of the Apostles Mr. Cotton of infant Baptism pag. 186. line 3. Therefore to say the Church of England never had a true constitution is not onely rash but falsâ— for the Churches of England were rightly gathered and planted at the first Mr. Cottons way of the Church pag. 111. line 26. Quest 2. But have nâ—t the Churches of England been wofully corrupted since by Antichristian usurpations and innovations Answ 1. Yes yet that did not cast them into a worse estate than the ten tribes in Israel under Ieroboam and his successors especially under Ahab and Iâ—sabel Mr. Cotton and the time succeeding them when yet God owned them for his Church and their circumcision was not a nullity Mr. Cotton of Infant Bapt. pag. 187. line 9. 2. For the Church now in being most of their members had their admission into the Church sealed in Baptism For many children are born in the Church to whom the pastor is by office a Pastor and whose conversion he is bound to attend and intend Mr. Cotton of holinesse of Church-members pag. 51. line 21. And their baptism seals to them their initiation into Church-membership Ibi. pag. 96. line 31. Quest 3. But they who are now Church-members were baptized upon the account of the baptism of their forefathers and they that is their forefathers were bap ized under Antichrist and so their baptism was a stone lying in Antichrists foundation and how can this give right of admission into the Church of Christ Answ The baptism of believers and of their seed is no more a stone lying in Antichrists foundation then is the doctrine of the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost Mr. Cotton three persons in one God into which we and our children are baptized That and other Gospel-ordinances they were in Rome but as the vessels of the temple were in Babylon reserved for the use of the Church after their return Mr. Cotton of Infant baptism pag. 163. line 28. Quest 4. But to the true and right constitution of a Church entring into covenant is necessary is it not Answ 1 That was done in King Edward and Queen Elizabeths days Mr. Cotton and whereas they say our Church is but a Parliament constitution that doth not weaken but establish our Church Mr. Cotton on the 1 Epist of Iohn 2 chap. 19 vers page 157. line 43 44 amp c. 2. The substance of the Church constituting covenant is keâ—t where there is a real agreement and consent of a company of faithful persons to meet constantly together in one Congregation for the publike worship of God and their mutual edification which agreement and consent they do express by their constant practice of coming together for the publike worship of God and Religious subjection to the Ordinances of God Their Platform of Church discipline agreed upon by the Elders and messengers of the Churches in New England chap. 4. sect 4. 3. The people in the Parishes of England where there is a Minister put upon them by the Patron or Bishop they constantly hold them to the fellowship of the people of such a place attend all the Ordinances there used and the dispensation of the Minister so imposed upon them submit thereunto perform all services that may give countenance and encouragement to his person in the work of his Ministry By such actions and a fixed attendance upon all such services they declare that consent and covenant by their practice which others do hold forth by publike profession Mr. Hooker Survey of discipline part 1. pag. 47. line 36. Quest 5. What then is the work that is now to do in the Churches of England Answ The work which is now to do in the Churches of England is not to make Churches where there were none Mr. Cotton but to reduce them to their first primitive institution Mr. Cotton way of the Churches pag. 151. line ult Hitherto of the constitution and form of a Church Now out of this I shall also draw some few plain positions with some inferences 1. To say that the Church of England never had a true constitution is a rash and false speech See chapter 2. answer to the first question 2. The Antichristian usurpations and innovations that have overgrown the Church of England have not nullified the first constitution of it See chapter 2. answer to question 2. 3. The baptism administred and received in the Church of England is no more Antichristian then the doctrine of the Trinity See chapter 2. answer to question the third Therefore they are condemned who refuse to be present in our assemblies when baptisme is administred 4. Not onely baptisme but other Gospel-Ordinances were reserved in Rome for the use of the Church in after times as the vessels of the temple in Babylon See chap. 2. answer to quest 3. Thence quere why not ordination reserved there for the Churches use as well as baptism and yet no more Antichristian then baptism 5. The
of the Church at the Lords Table Mr. Cotton of infant baptism pag. 134. line 12. And this he speaks of as the perfection of the New Hierusalem Hitherto of Church-state now to draw some brief positions and inferences from these particulars 1. The faithful Congregations of England are true Churches of Christ See chap. 3. answer to the first question Therefore not to be departed from nor their communion to be desipised 2. Where Word and Sacraments are duly administred there is a faithful Congregation a true Church See Chap. 3. quest 2. answer the first Therefore such a Congregation may challenge from every member of it what ever duty is owing to any Church of Christ 3. The essence of a true Church is preserved though there be found in it some hypocries and some notoriously scandalous both in judgement and practice See chapter 3. quest 2. answ 4. 4. Though all the members of a particular Church should make but an ignorant hypocritical verbal profession of Christ and faith in him yet there remains not onely the name but the nature of a Church so far that the actions thereof are not null See chap. 3. quest 2. answ 5. Therefore quere whether there be any Congregation in England so ignorant or scandalous as not to be capable of the name and nature of a Church according to this position 5. Promises made to the visible Church are made to it for the sake of the elect that are therein See chap. 3. answ 11. quest 3. 6. God allows none tote cast out of his Church but for obstinacy and heinous crimes against the light of nature See chap. 3. answer to question 4. 7. Such as were baptized in their infancy as they are not to be received to full communion till they make profession of faith and repentance so neither are they to be rejected but suffered to enjoy many priviledges in the Church as Church-watch c. for their healing and amendment chap. 3. quest 5. Therefore the more injurious they who cast off some hundreds of baptized ones in their congregtions and surfer neither them nor their children to enjoy any more Church-privileges than meer Turkes or Heathens CHAP. IV. Of Church-officers and their Ordination Question 1. WHat need is there of Officers in the Church of Christ Answ Though Officers be not necessary to the simple being of Churches when they be called Platforme of Discipline from N. E. yet ordinarily to their calling they are and to their well-being and therefore the Lord Jesus out of his tender compassion hath appointed and ordained officers which he would not have done if they had not been useful and needful for the Church Platform of discipline from New England chap. 6. sect 2. Quest 2. What officers then hath Christ appointed and ordained in the Church Answ These officers were either extraordinary or ordinary extraordinary as Apostles Prophets and Evangelists or ordinary as Elders and Deacons Platform of discipline chap. 6. sect 3. Quest 3. How many sorts of Elders hath Christ appointed in his Church Answ Of Elders who are also in Scripture called Bishops there are two sorts Platforme of Discipline from N. E. some attend chiefly to the Ministry of the Word as the Pastors and Teachers others attend especially unto rule who are therefore called ruling-Elders Platform of discipline Chap. 6. sect 4. Quest 4. Have the Pastor and Teacher a like power in the Ministry of the Word Answ They are alike charged with the preaching of the Word Platforme of Discipline from N. E. and the application thereof and either of them to administer the seals of the covenant unto the dispensation whereof they are alike called as also to execute the censures being a kind of application of the Word Platform of discipline chap. 6. sect 5. Quest 5. Is there any such thing as an outward call necessary to the constituting of a Pastor or Teacher Mr. Hooker Answ 1. It is a standing and a staple rule No man taketh this honour to himself Mr. Hooker but he that is called is Aaron Heb. 5.9 Mr. Hookers Surney of discipline part 2. pag. 42. line 33. 2. Without this call none can warrantably do any act that belongs to any officer Ibid. pag. 45. line 28. 3. Without this whatever is done in that behalf is void and of none effect Ibid. line 30. Quest 6. May none then preach the Word and administer the Sacraments in the Church but the Pastor or Teachers Mr. Cotton Answ We are far from allowing that sacrilegious usurpation of the Ministers office which we hear of to our grief to be practised in some places that private Christians ordinarily take upon them to preach the Gospel publickly and to minister the Sacraments Mr. Cotton of the Keys pag. 6. line 33. It is a frenzy of the Anabaptists that begins to labour with the loathsomnesse of it self that any Christian gifted who can teach or minister a word of instruction to win a Disciple after him that he in a corner may baptize him also whom he hath won to his opinion But as Paul said of Jannes and Jambres their madnesse is made appear to all who are not willing to shut their eyes against the Sunne when it shines in its beauty For if the Lord Christ in his infinite wisdome and Kingly care conceived it necessary for the honour of the place and the execution of the work of the Deacon to appoint choice men and solemn ordination to authorize them to the work that they being called and fitted to the work might be accepted therein of the people and blessed of him who did appoint them to the employment In reason what greater need is there that persons who are peculiarly gifted and furnished with grace and abitity should be called to this work of preaching and dispensing these holy mysteries a service above all other of greatest weight and worth Adde hereunto that the Apostle as by a flaming Sword doth stop the way to all pretenders and therefore layes in this prohibition No man taketh this honour to himself but he that is called of God as Aaron he must have a special call from God who must dare to meddle with a service which is of such peculiar eminence in the house of God yea the Lord himself doth appropriate this and that to some persons whom he puts in place He gave some to be Pastors and Teachers Ephes 4.11 Are all Apostles are all Governours are all Teachers 1 Cor. 12.29 This would bring confusion and so destruction to the whole Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 3. pag. 9. line 8 c. and part 2. page 42. line 23. Object 1. But doth not the Apostle 1 Cor. 14.31 say you may all prophesie one by one that all may learn and all may be comforted Answ 1. That place in the Corniths doth not speak of ordinary private members Mr. Cotton but of men furnished with extraordinary gifts the Members of the Church of Corinth as
right to a Sacrament because he hath an interest in the Covenant of the Gospel Mr. Hooker of which it is a seal but he must come to it in a right order of Christ that is the party must be a Member of a visible Congregation because the seals can there only be rightly and orderly administred I say it is sufficient the party be a member of a visible Congregation not this or that particular Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. pag. 65. l. 26. Yet it is requisite that such members of a particular Church as were baptized and received their membership in their infancy should come to their tryal and examination and manifest their faith and repentance by an open profession thereof before they come to the Lords Supper or else not be admitted thereunto Platforme of Discipline from New England chap. 12 sect 7. Quest 15. How is this tryal and examination to be made Answ In case any through excessive fear or other infirmity Platforme of Discipline be unable to make the relation of their spiritual estate in publick it is sufficient that the Elders having received private satisfaction make relation thereof in publick before the Church they testifying their assent thereunto this being the way that tendeth most to edification Platforme of Discipline chap. 12. sect 4. And this is necessary for some and warrantable for all women it is most without exception to receive all women after the same manner Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 3. pag. 6. line 37. Quest. 16. But may those that are members of one Church partake of the Sacraments in another Answ The members of one Church occasionally coming to another Platforme of Discipline we willingly admit them to partake with us at the Lords Table it being the seal of our communion not only with Christ nor only with the members of our own Church but with all the Churches of the Saints Platform of Discipline chap. 15. sect 4. Quest 17. But this priviledge is restrained only to members of gathered Churches is it not Answ The members that come commended from the faithful Congregations in England to ours here Mr. Hooker so that it doth appear to the judgment of the Church whence they come that they are by them approved and not scandalous they ought to be received into Church communion with us as members of other Churches in New Engl. in like cases so commended and approved Hookers Survey Preface A. 3. Quest 18. Are the administrations of men outwardly called to the work of the Ministry valid though the persons themselves be destitute of inward sanctity and saving grace Answ Who ever in a regular way hath received this outward call Mr. Hooker is a compleat and true officer and may act any part of his office though not inwardly graced and fitted worthily for such a place and work by God The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses Chaire had this outward call to that office therefore they must be heard by Gods own charge though they were most unworthy men had neither sufficiency of parts to do the work of the place nor yet sincerity of heart and life to endeavour much lesse to discharge the weight of the services which should be done by them being blinde guides painted sepulchres grossely hypocritical and scandalously vile in their general course corrupting the Law by their false and unlearned glosses and perverting the simple by their lewd carriages polluting all Gods Ordinances by their corrupt handling and administration thereof Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. pag. 45. line 34. Quest 19. Is the office of the ruling Elder distinct from the Pastour and Teacher Answ The ruling Elders office is distinct from the office of the Pastour and Teacher Platforme of Discipline Platform of Discipline from N. E. chap. 7. sect 1. Quest 20. Why is this officer called a ruling Elder Answ The ruling Elders are not so called to exclude the Pastors and Teachers from ruling Platforme of Discipline but because ruling and governing is common to these with the other whereas attending to teach and preach the Word is peculiar to the former Platform of Disc chap. 7. sect 1. Quest 21. How do you prove that there is such an Office as a ruling Elder appointed by Christ in the Church Answ That there is such an office and officer appointed by Christ Mr. Hooker as the Scriptures are plain to him whose spirit and apprehension is not pre-possess't and fore-stalled with prejudice so this hath been maintained by many of Christs worthies of former and of later times So that we have no controversie here but with hierarchical persons the force of whose argument lies especially in a pursevant and a prison armed with authority of a high Commission Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. p. 8. l. 11. Quest 22. But what Scripture have you to bottome this office upon Answ The first argument we have from Rom. 12.7 Mr. Cotton He that ruleth with diligence Mr. Hooker part 2. p. 8. l. 28. Mr. Hooker Mr. Cotton of the way of the Churches pag. 13. line 31. The second argument is taken from 1 Cor. 12.28 God hath set in his Church governments Mr. Hooker part 2. page 10. line 15. Mr. Cotton of the way of the Churches page 15. line 29. A third argument is taken from that famous place which is full to the purpose Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour 1 Tim. 5.17 Mr. Hookers Survey part 2. page 11. line 25. Mr. Cottons way page 19. line 17. Quest 23. What is the work of the ruling Elder Answ The ruling Elders work is to joyn with the Pastour and Teacher in those acts of spiritual rule which are distinct from the Ministery of the Word and Sacraments committed to them Platforme of Discipline of which sort are these that follow 1. To open and shut the doors of Gods house by admission of members ordination of officers excommunication of offenders restoring of penitents 2. To call the Church together when there is occasion and seasonably to dismisse them again 3. To prepare matters in private that in publick they may be carried on with lesse trouble and more speedy dispatch 4. To moderate the carriage of all matters in the Church assembled to propound matters to the Church to order the season of speech and silence to pronounce sentence according to the minde of Christ with the consent of the Church 5. To be guides and leaders to the Church in all matters whatsoever pertaining to Church-administrations and actions 6. To see that none in the Church live inordinately and out of rank and place without a calling or idly in their calling 7. To prevent and heal such offences in life or doctrine which might corrupt the Church 8. To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition 9. And as they shall be sent for to visit and pray over their sick brethren 10.
given in wisdom and compassion to his Church quest 1 2. 3. Therefore how those Churches can be said to come neerest the rule and walk closest to the rule who either have no officers at all as the Church of H. and the Church of N. or else content themselves with one officer a Pastor having neither Teacher Ruler nor Deacon as most of the gathered Churches in England is this to walk according to rule is not this either to slight the compassion of Christ in giving these officers or to contradict the wisdom of Christ and proclaim those offices needless and useless which Christ judged needful and useful and therefore appointed in his Church 5. Ordination is a fundamental in Church discipline and gives the officer right in his office jus in re See quest 9 10. Therefore ordination is more than election which onely gives jus ad rem And quaere how many Ministers of our gathered Churches can have a full right and authority to administer all ordinances having onely election of the people which gives but jus ad rem and not ordination which give jus in re 6. Ordination is an act of rule and pertaines to the Presbytersy or Presbytery Que. 11. Therefore not to the fraternity or body of the people 7. The Word and Sacraments are to be dispensed in publike Quest 1â— Therefore why do many of the Church-way so frequently baptize children in private 8. The Saâ—raments are badges to shew our separation from all profane Societies and to signifie our communion one with another in the profession and confession of the faith as our spiritual union and communion with Christ our head mystically See quâ—st 13. answ Therefore the Sacraments are notes of the true Church as the Protestant writers have alwayes maintained against the Papists 9. A person hath his first right to the Sacrament because he hath an interest in the covenant of the Gospel of which it is a seal Quest 14. Therefore the Church covenant as they call it gives not a man his first right to the Sacrament for that is not the covenant of the Gospel nor is the Sacrament a seal of that 10. For the receiving of the Sacrament in a right order of Christ it is sufficient that the party be a member of a visible Congregation not this or that particular Quest 14. Therefore whether the Congregation be constituted after this or that form by express covenant or not whether it be an Independent Congregation or a Classical Congregation it is all one if a man be a member of a visible Congregation he comes in a right order of Christ 11. It is requisite that those who were baptized and received their member-ship in their infancy should come to their tryal and examination before they be admitted to the Supper and this examination may be made by the Elders yea in some cases it is necessary it should be so and for all women it is most warrantable and most without exception Therefore such examination in Presbyterian Churches is not sinful and unlawful nor deserves so much ignominy and scorn as some have cast upon it 12. The Sacraments are seals not onely of our communion with Christ and with the members of our own Church but with all the Churches of the Saints See quest 16. Therefore they who will partake with none but the members of their own Church or a Church of the like constitution nor suffer their members to partake in none but their own Churches are guilty of the greatest breach of Christian love that can be unsainting and unchurching all the Churches that Christ hath upon the earth but themselves and with a kinde of Papal pride judging and as much as in them is excommunicating all other Churches contrary to their own principles that say No one Church hath power over another 13. The wickedness of a Minister does no wayes make void the acts of his Ministry nor give the people a dispensation to contemn it See quest 18. 14. The ruling Elders office is so clearly and fully grounded in Scripture as none can controvert it but he whose spirit and apprehension is prepossest and forestalled with prejudice Quest 21.22 15. The power and work of the ruling Elder is very great and his office very needful in the Church Quest 23 24. Therefore they that will have none of these ruling Elders over them but leave all to themselves and their liberty and by this means are not onely single members or officers but Pastors and Teachers and Elders and all This generation of men cast off the Lords government are sons of Korah whose condemnation sleeps not c. Quest 24. answ 1. Quaere whether some others be not guilty of this as well as Anabaptists Familists c. 16. If the ruling Elder be confined within his compass the wings of the Pope and Bishop will be clipt and their power exceedingly impeached Quest 25. Therefore there is neither truth or modesty in them that say the Presbyterian Government which is managed by ruling Elders as well as the Congregational is as tyrannical as Prelacy and as Antichristian as Popery 17. It is the divels subtilty to disgrace divide pull down the ruling Elder Quest 23. Let them therefore consider whose work they do and what reward without repentance they are like to have who drive such a design 18. Deacons are officers instituted by Christ and needful to be continued in the Church Quest 26. 19. The maintenance of Ministers is an act of justice not mercy debt not almes Quest 28. 20. Officers and Ordinances are bestowed upon the visible Church not for their sake but for the sake of the elect that are among them whose good next under his own glory Christ principally intended Quest 29. Therefore the visible Church is not first in Christs intention Therefore the visible Church especially the Church of a particular Congregation as such hath no reason to boast her self in her priviledges as the Spouse and Lacy and Queen of Christ seeing these and all other priviledges are given her not for her own sake but for the sake of the elect CHAP. V. Of Church Government and Censures Question 1. WHo are the seat or subject of Church Rule or Government Answ Church government or Rule is placed by Christ in the officers of the Church Platform of discipline who therefore are called Rulers the holy Ghost frequently yea alwayes when he mentioneth Church Rule and Church Government ascribeth it to Elders whereas the worke and duty of people is expressed in the phrase of obeying their Elders and submitting themselves to them in the Lord. Platform of discipline from New England Chap. 10. Sect. 7. Quest 2. How is Church government to be considered Answ Church government is to be attended either in regard of the essentials or circumstantials of it Mr. Hooker part 1. page 3. line 18. Quest 3. What are the essentials of Church government Answ The essentials required to the compleating of Church government are partly
Covenant with God and conclude and determine upon a course that may tend to the healing and salvation of them all this was frequent in the Old Testament in the time of Asa Hezekiah and Josiah these and the like examples were not peculiar to the Israelites as one intire National Church these examples hold forth no superiority in one Church or Court over another but all of them in an equal manner give advice in common and therefore such examples are fit precedents for Churches of equal power within themselves to assemble together and take order with one accord for the Reformation of them all Mr. Cotton of the Keyes pag. 24 l. 22. Quest 13. But what is the work that properly belongs to Synods Answ It belongs unto Synods and Councels to debate and determine controversies of faith and cases of conscience Platforin of Discipline to clear from the Word holy directions for the holy worship of God and good government of the Church to bear witnesse against male-administration and corruption of doctrine and manners in any particular Church and to give direction for the Reformation thereof Platforme of Discipline from N. E. chap. 16. sect 14. In any part of the Churches way Mr. Cotton which is more hard to hit right upon as in Elections Ordinations and censures of eminent persons in office it is a safe and holy faithful office of the vigilancy of the community of Churches to be present with them and helpful to them in the Lord and at all times when a particular Church shall wander out of the way whither out of the way of truth or peace the community of the Churches may by no means be excused from reforming them again into their right way according to the authority which the Lord hath given them for the publick edification of all the several Churches within their Covenant Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 58. line 36. Quest 14. What is then that power or authority which Synods and Combinations of Churches have in these cases is it only declarative and directive or consultative Answ We dare not say that their power reacheth no further than giving counsel Mr. Cotton for such as their ends be for which according to God they do assemble such is the power given them of God as may attain those ends As they meet to minister light and peace to such Churches as through want of light and peace lye in error or doubt at least and variance so they have power by the grace of Christ not only to give light and counsel in matter of truth and practice but also to command and injoyn the things to be believed and done The expresse words of the Synodal Letter imply no lesse It seemeth good to the Holy Ghost and us to lay upon you no other burden this burden therefore to observe these necessary things which they speak of they had power to impose it is an act of the binding power of the Keyes to binde burdens and this binding ariseth not only materially from the weight of the matters imposed which are necessary necessitare praecepti from the Word but also formally from the authority of the Synod which being the Ordinance of Christ binds the more for the Synods sake As a truth of the Gospel taught by a Minister of the Gospel it bindeth to faith and obedience not only because it is Gospel but also because it is taught by a Minister for his Callings fake and surely also a Synod sometimes meeteth to convince and admonish and offending Church or Presbytery they have power if they cannot heal the offenders to determine to withdraw communion from them and further seeing they meet likewise sometimes for general Reformation they have power to decree and publish such Ordinances as may conduce according to God to such Reformation examples whereof we have Nehem. 10.32 39. 2 Chron. 15.12 13. Mr. Cotton of the Keys page 25. line 10. Quest 15. How farre then are particular Churches bound to submit themselves to the directions or decrees of Synods Answ Particular Churches are so far subject to the Consociation of Churches Mr. Hooker that they are bound in case of doubt and difficulty to crave their counsel and if it be according to God to follow it or if the particular Churches erre from the rule and continue obstinately therein the Consociation have authority to renounce the right hand of fellowship Mr. Hookers Survey part 2. page 80. line 10. The Synods directions and determinations so far as consonant to the Word of God are to be received with reverence and submission not only for their agreement therewith but secondarily for the power whereby they are made as being an Ordinance of God appointed thereunto in his Word Platforme of Discipline from New England chap. 16. sect 5. Particular Churches are bound to acquiesce in the lawful decrees of Synods received by the major part of the Churches and approved by the Christian Magistrate Mr. Nortons answ to Apollonius page 118. line 3. And this 1. Under the danger of incurring the guilt of disturbing the order of the Church 2. Under the penalty of non-communion by the rest of the Churches 3. Under the penalty of civil punishment to be inflicted by the Magistrate as the matter shall require Mr. Norton ib. l. 9 c. Quest 16. But hath the Synod authority to determine or conclude any thing that shall binde the Churches but according to the instruction which they have received before from the Churches Answ We do not so apprehend it for what need Churches send to a Synod for light and direction in ways of truth and peace if they be resolved before hand how far they will go but if the Elders be gathered in the Name of Christ in a Synod and proceed according to rule the Word of Christ they may consider and conclude sundry points expedient for the estate of their Churches which the Churches were either ignorant or doubtful of before Mr. Cotton of the Keys pag. 26. line 33. Quest 17. But what if the Synod conclude and determine against the truth and the Church stand for the truth Answ 1. It is not readily to be granted though neither is it simply to be denyed that in Reformed times Mr. Norton the opinion of a particular Church should be more sound than the opinion of a Synod 2. As it is in civil things there is an absolute truth and there is a judicial truth and the sentence of the supreme civil Judge suppose the Parliament is true quoad homines though it be not absolutely true so it is in Ecclesiastical things the Synod being the supreme and highest Judge of the question the sentence of the Synod though it be not absolutely true yet it is Ecclesiastically true Scil. in foro exteriore 3. Although the truth after some new decrees of a new Synod repealing the act of the former may remain with the Church 4. If the error be not fundamental publick order is to