is rather in the Word and Ordinances of God then in their persons so as without the Word and Ordinances the persons are of no force The power is in the Word not in the Minister in Excommunication not in the person that administers it 2 The authority of the Church though it may be usurped yet it cannot rightly be translated unto other officers then Christ hath committed it to 3 The Churches authority is but ministeriall all she doth or can doe is as a servant to Christ her husband whose properly the keyes are Rev. 1. 4 All authority is to the edification and profit of the Church none hath authority to hurt it or lay stūbling blocks before any 5 All her authority in the use of every thing is limited by the Word which is her charter and lease Hence it may appear what authority she hath and what she hath not What she hath I describe in these Propositions following 1 The Church may reade interpret and publish the Scriptures of God 2 The Church by the Scriptures may binde and loose both in the Ministry of the Word Mat. 16 and Discipline Math. 18 over all that are of the congregation 3 The church hath authority to use aright all the creatures and Ordinances of God all things be hers 1 Cor. 3. 4 The church hath authority from the generals of the Word and the light of Nature to appoint things for the decent and orderly administration of the holy things of God 1 Cor. 11 14. 5 The church hath authority to decree for the avoiding of offence the forbearing or using of any thing indifferent for this is but the commandement of God which the church manifesteth 6 The church hath authority over the members to dispose of them for the good of other places 1 Churches haue no authority to teach any new doctrine but are bound to the Law and Testimony Isa 8 Deut. 4. 2 The Church hath no authority to teach by any way but onely by the Word and those rites which Christ hath left by which he speaks Math. 15 the Pharisies are reproved because they invented washing of hands to teach purity by 3 The church hath no authority to appoint any new Sacraments Math. 28 1 Cor. 11. 4 The church hath no authority to joyn any thing she ordaines to the holy things as parts of Gods worship absolutely necessary or as means to explicate any thing that seems more obscure in the service of God The first is plain Esay 33 formerly proved the second is as plain since Gods own worship is his face secondly men that haue and exercise the gifts of the Spirit shall sufficiently clear all and manifest it to the understanding and conscience 5 The church hath no authority to institute a new Discipline this is plainly proved in an other place 6 The church hath no authority to institute ceremonies or rites 1 Which are not decent and fitting the nature and quality of that present ordinance of God 2 Orderly as first that each thing be done in his due place publique things publiquely private things privately secondly things more execellent and necessary to be respected in the first place 3 That things be done by publique persons that be publique 4 For Edification to build up in the graces of God loathing of Antichrist wherto the church is bound in a speciall manner in these last times of the world 7 The Church hath no authority coactiue but perswasiue Act. 15 1 Pet. 5. 8 The churches authority and commanding of a thing doth not make it simply good nor simply binds but onely ad 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if there be no scandall nor contempt it is no sin to break the same 1 The nature of things cannot be changed by any humane laws 2 Paul after the Decrees Acts 15 taught that it was not simply unlawfull to eat any meat 9 One company of men assembled haue no authority to impose things upon many churches 1 Because none now hath Apostolicall authority 2 Each congregation is a body independant of any Ecclesiasticall power 10 The Church is bound by the law of loue from using such things as are offensiue being otherwise in her power and liberty 1 Cor. 8. Whether they may be a Church that stand subject to Antichrists Government Answ 1 If they dissent in judgment and dislike in affection 2 If they hunger after all meanes to haue true Discipline Mat. 5. 3 If they professe and witnesse as they are called against this false government 4 If men exercise a holy Discipline amongst themselues in admonishing and exhorting one an other 5 If they perforce and by compulsion yeeld to suffer such as usurp Ecclesiasticall government under pretence of his Majesties laws These things in truth where they are argue and proue men to be members of the true catholike church 1 A promise of life is made to such Math. 10 Math. 5. 2 Others sin in usurping over them defiles not them 3 It is a kinde of discipline to the true church suffering for discipline God blessing it to his people 4 The church of God in times of Popery wanted this outward form 5 This outward form is necessary to the wel-being of a reformed church not to the being simply of Christians for subjection of the whole man to the laws of God properly make a Christian Yet lest men should imagine they are well enough that lack this and secondly lest some should think we plead for Baal Therfore obserue that the people and congregations that want this outward government are in great misery in the outward man and are wonderfully blemished 1 He that breaketh the least of Gods commandements and teach men so shall be called the least that is none in the Kingdom of God Mat. 5. 2 The government of Christ rightly administred is a meanes to keep out Satan from raigning it walles in the Church the want of it makes the people exposed to every danger and looseth many a soule 3 One Ordinance of God wanting and another strange devise of man brought in the roome therof brings other Ordinances of God out of request and in time expells them 4 Men though they want discipline yet they are bound to perform such duties the more in private one towards an other SECTION XIII IT is the duty of all the servants of God to keep themselues unspotted of the world especially in the service of God which Satan chiefly seek to corrupt as being the image and face of God Wherefore having shewed before what men are to avoid now it remains to shew whom And herein first of Reading Ministers the bane of many soules and in speaing of them to shew 1 their unlawfulnes 2 Their nullity 3 That they are not to be joyned withall nor maintained in that calling Arguments to proue their unlawfulnesse 1 In the time of the old Testament Priests and Levits were to teach the people to discern betwixt the clean and unclean c. therfore in the time of the new
are reckoned up that are allowed by Christ which place is left as a rule of trying Ministers Try them by their office and use of the same 4 Math. 28.19.20 Ministers must goe and teach making others Christs Disciples and teach them to obseru what he hath commanded Reading Ministers hence are none for he that hath no authority from Christ hath none for he hath all authority in earth as well as in heaven Reading Ministers are not sent by Christ 2 They cannot so teach as others may be made the disciples of Christ 3 They cannot teach the converted to keep the Ordinances of Christ unto the end of the world which is added lest any should think that either men converted and Churches planted should not need the Ministery of the Word or that in some times of scarcity men may put in Readers 5 Math. 24. He that is not faithfull nor wise is not set over the family of the Lord to giue them their portion in due season But Reading Ministers are not faithfull nor wise neither know mens portions neither the portion of one nor another for they cannot discern twixt a civill man and the child of God neither know the portion of the weak nor of the strong neither can they giue each one their portion in due season This is plain by Experience 6 Whom the Holy Ghost hath not set over the people he is none but these are not set over by the Holy Ghost for there is no rule nor example to warrant them This Argument is grounded on Acts 20.28 where the Holy Ghost is the Author of the Ministery 2 The persons are Elders that are and ought to take heed to themselues and others 3 Are to feed and govern the Church of Christ which doth not agree to the order of Reading Ministers 7 He who is a Bishop of God must be apt to teach but these are not for they haue no Ministeriall gift nor haue they the form of wholesom doctrine This Argument is grounded upon Pauls Canons 1 Tim. 3.1 His wrok who is a Minister is so excellent that who is sufficient for these things But reading ministers haue no such work of excellency but any yong Scholler may be sufficient for this work Every true Minister is successor to the Apostles in the substance of their Calling which is teaching the whole counsell of God to that Congregation they are set over by the Holy Ghost But these Readers are successors to dumb Dogs and blind guides All divine relation is grounded either on the nature of the thing or some divine Institution which indeed is the proper ground To be a Minister is a Divine Relation and hath no such ground in these men Object 1. These are sent by the Church therfore they haue authority Answ It is the priviledge of Christ by his Spirit to send forth Ministers as may appear Math. 28 compared with Acts 20.28 2 the Church hath no authority against the Word this is against the Word to haue such Ministers 3 the Church hath no more authority in Ordination then in Excommunication but Ioh. 9 whom men had unjustly excommunicated the Lord absolved Object 2. These are called dumb dogs therfore Dogs Answ The argument is not firm from the name to the thing For the divill raised up by the witch of Endor is called Samuel 2 they are so called that it may be known to whom the Holy Ghost speaketh From hence it is plain how unlawfull a thing it is to joyn with Reading ministers in any ministeriall duty either praying or administring the Sacraments For 1 All worship done to the Lord must be justifiable by the Word and warranted by same But this worship is not There is no place of Scripture to proue the lawfulnesse of this service done by a Reader This argument is strong For the Scripture is a perfect rule for all things but especially for the worship of God And to use another worship then can be warranted is to sin against the Lord and to follow blind devotion without judgement which brings us to death 2 It was the sinne of Ieroboam that as he devised a new worship so new Priests of the lowest of the people This is both a new worship never known in the Church tâ—ll Antichrist got in to haue onely a sâ—t form of prayer and they are of the lowest of the people that are ministers of it wherfore it is but as Ieroboams worship 3 Christ is not there by his institution gifts nor spirit which is the very life of Christian duties And the servants of God must be where their Master is which is where mâ—n are gathered together in his name which is by his institution and gifts and presence of his holy Spirit 4 These are no true Ministers as is proved before therfore not safe to joyn with them that which they doe is not pleasing to God they having no Calling therunto it is like the sacrifice of Core and Dathan and the sacrifice of Vzzah 5 Men cannot thriue nor grow in grace by such exercisâ—s that haue grace already they cannot come to see theâ—r misery nor be stâ—rred up to râ—nue theâ—r â—epâ—ntance that haue this grace already nor can they keep the Sabboth hereby Wâ—tnâ—sse the experâ—ence of poore Christians â—n this case tâ—at are spirituall and can judge of thâ—ngs these being wells and clouds without water 6 Men cannot possibly be fittâ—d to â—eceiu the Lords Supper by such a Mâ—nistery for thâ—s requires that each should bâ— able to examine himselfe which none can doe but such as are taught the gâ—ounds of Religâ—on 2 Men should be stâ—rred up to this duty being all so backward as is pla n in the practise of the Coriâ—tâ—â—ans which these mâ—n cannot doe Now what dangâ—r it is to receiue the Lords Supper unwoâ—thily you may see 1 Cor. 11 What good or benefit can a man haue by a dumb Dog or a blinde Guâ—dâ— 7 The people should seek the law at his mouth whose lippes prese u knowledge Mal. 2 and goe to that shepheard that can feed them and that Watchman that can admonish them of danger but thâ—se mens lips doe not preseru knowledge 8 These make no difference having no discerning but reade Apocryphall writings and all that is in their way whâ—ch being directly agaâ—nst the Word commandâ—ng Chrâ—st onâ—ly to be heaâ—d how can men joyn in the same wâ—th any comfoâ—t 9 Men hardâ—n the â—gnorant in this evâ—ll way and gâ—ue offence both to the bâ—nd Minâ—stâ—â—s and people makâ—â—g as tâ—ough this were sâ—fficient to salvat on 10 Men by this pâ—oclaine theâ—r small accouâ—t of Gods own Ordâ—nances which they might enjoy by the same pa neâ— cost oâ— removall or â—lse profite themseâ—ues more in prâ—vate You therfore dear brâ—thren that liue under such considâ—r whâ—t you doâ— you liue as Athiâ—sts indeed upon the maâ—teâ— For what are your prayers and recâ—iving of Sacâ—amâ—nts which you th nk is the best serv ce of God but a provoking of the
the Word makes that their ministery grow farre lesse respected People should be driven from Formality and superstition that now come to delight themselues in unprofitable Ceremonies and so delude the Law Then should that be fulfilled Hos 2.18 Popish grounds for maintaining their devises should fall and so Babell should bee cast down and the way shut against all superstition hereafter Thus men shall bring that blessing upon them Psal 137. The people that are in bondage so as they may not examine things but receiu all should freely try the spirits and so hold that which is good Peace should be established 1 With the Lord where they that break the least of his commandements and teach men so shall be counted little or none in the Kingdom of God 2 Peace with our Christian Prince that is over us when as the adversaries of Gods people shall haue nothing like the adversaries of Daniel to accuse them off then shall the King be to the just as the rain upon the mowen grasse Psal 72. 3 Then shall there be peace twixt inferiour Magistrates and Ecclesiasticall persons who should not intermeddle confusedly each in others Province nor one be so adverse to the other 4 Peace twixt Ministers whose hearts burn on against another for these trifles some count us schismaticks and hereticks and others count them Popish to plead for Baal How happy a thing it is and profitable for brethren to dwell together in unity 5 Peace twixt Minister and his people the Minister shall not be then an hatred in the house of God nor shall he spy to intrap others that sincerely and purely worship God as Hos 5.1 6 Peace twixt a man and his neighbour wheras now men reproach and revile one an other for no other cause but dissenting in these then should be fulfilled that Esa 13. 7 Peace with the reformed Churches from whom to dissent having had so long and prosperous a time to get knowledg in and to reform things that are amisle and to speak evill of them that brought such light into the world is shame and sin it indangers their estimation we being so great and happy a Nation But if we doe abuse our prosperity and vaunt our selues because of that to please the Lord and so draw others to us we shall drink deep of the cup of Gods anger 8 Peace with our enemies when our waies please the Lord Prov. 16.7 We shall not need fear the power of the Papist when we hate their sinnes Grounds and certainty of this peace 1 Then men shall be of one judgment when these fire balls shall be removed 2 The blessing of the Lord shall be upon us if wee doe heare and obey Psal 82. 3 All shall set themselues more to please the Lord and drawing neerer to him is the best meanes of concord amongst our selues 4 Wicked profane men shall haue the staffe taken out of their hands wherwith now they smite the Kings faithfull subjects 5 Popish and superstitious persons that now lie hid amongst us and kindle this fire shall be discerned and expelled Are they then enemies to peace that desire reformation and the removall of these Are they not such as pray for the peace of Ierusalem Why are they troubled as enemies to State and Prince And most high and mighty King how happy shall you be if as labouring to set such peace amongst Kings you set this peace in the Church SECTION XXI BY the former grounds I doubt not but men desirous to haue the Lords name sanctified his Kingdom flourish and his will done will easily condiscend to haue these things removed which so trouble the servants of God being meerly unprofitable as all humane inventions are Onely now for the time till they be removed men must know how farre they may joyn in the worship of God where these things are in use which part is needfull for all to learn since the servant of God must haue no fellowship with the unfruitfull workes of darknesse but reproue them rather Therfore first consider these grounds following 1 That these Ceremonies in controversie are imposed upon the people as well as Minister as may appear in the Preface to the Ceremonies in the Service book and that in the name of the people the Minister pronounceth We receiue this child c. 2 That the Church of Rome is an Idolatrous Church full of Idols 3 To eat of things offred unto Idolls and partake in Idolatrous Ceremonies is sinne 4 It is the property of superstitious and idolatrous things to infect and pollute the places where they are 1 Our Saviour Christ cast out all those mony-changers that had seated themselues in the house of the Lord before hee taught in the Temple and Iosiah cleansed the Temple before he offred in it This therefore shews men should not offer their sacrifices where there are abominations and filthines 2 Men must shew an utter dislike and hatred of the garment spotted by the flesh Deut. 7 they must not take it into their house 2 Cor. 6 it must not be touched 3 Men must flee from all Idols and Idolothits and must not look upon them Though men may cavill at the former places as being meant of the innner man yet the latter are plaine This toucheth men in that it is imposed upon all 2 Men doe not flee from it but draw neer unto it 3 The worship there performed is not pure but mixt for men are commanded to break the second commandement 4 Though the personall sins of the Minister doe not hurt the people yet his Ministeriall and publique sins doe hurt which he performs from the people to God 5 What example can be brought where the holy men of God haue communicated with such things 6 Men are bound to protest against all these corruptions Obj. Men hate them in heart Answ The Lord in each commandement in the second especially forbids the least inward respect from the body 2 It it an appearance of evill by which many may be offended weak ones especially Obj. 2. Presence is not approbation since men are not present for that purpose and secondly men may be present to hear corrupt doctrine taught therfore where corrupt ceremonies are used Answ Presence onely is not approbation if men haue a calling thither 2 If they protest openly against the same 3 Consider that the Lords bids thee come thither but man bids thee sin if thou come to worship God after the order of the Congregation wherin this is injoyned it is not onely thy bare presence that argues thine approbation but this thy yeelding in shew to Ceremonies 4 All mens presence together doth uphold and continue them Obj. Men may be present at false doctrine Math. 23 why not at these then Answ 1 Men are not certain that then and there he will preach false doctrine 2 Men in that case are bound if it bee possible to hear sound Teachers and ordinarily to frequent where false doctrine is taught is dangerous and a
CERTAIN OBSERVATIONS OF THAT REVEREND religious and faithfull servant of God and glorious Martyr of Iesus Christ M. RANDAL BATE which were part of his daily meditations in the time of his sufferings whilst he was prisoner in the Gatehouse at Westminster THE FIRST SECTION Every part of Wisedom is from heaven from the father of Lights MOst glorious and eternall Lord God which hast vouchsafed by Iesus Christ in all times to publish thy counsell and holy wil to thine own people raised sufficient witnesses against superstition and wil-worship For the clearing of thy truth vouchsafe thy presence with thy weak servant in this businesse that desires thy glory and the good of thy people That so much of thy truth as is needfull for our times may be plainly made manifest to the conscience and heart of all that belong unto thee Lord thou hast appointed Iesus Christ to be our Shepheard and promised thy Word and Spirit should not leaue thy people Thou hast brought us to be partakers of the first resurrection and drawn us out of the world to know thee in part and loue thy name Oh therfore send thyne annoynting eye-salue and cause such a light from heaven to shine in our dark hearts as all contrary thoughts and conceits that rebel against Christ his Kingdom may be subdued all lukewarmenesse may be expelled and that all with one heart and free perswasion of minde may worship thee the onely King and Lawgiver of the Church according to thy will in the unity of the Spirit Amen IN all times deare brethren and much beloved it hath been found true that satan sowes tares where the Lord hath sown wheat which come up in the night so secâ—etly and are so like the wheat that they are scarce discerned by any till they haue overgrown the corne and choaked the same nay which is more Errours never want men very busy and dilligent in tending and nourishing them so that if they haue not the chiefe place and be kept with all observance you shall see their Patrones fly in mens faces for the least neglect This too lamentable experience of the Churches condition sufficiently proveth amongst both Iewes and Gentiles For the lying serpent though he study to poyson all mens soules with damnable doctrine yet more principally the visible Church wh ch being a fountaine of living waters troubled by him filthy streames must needs flow thence to all the world Besides when the Church corrupts Gods worship in whole or in part devising any thing of her own it greatly hardens wicked men in their superstitions and devised Religions who seeing the same outside in the Religion of God which they themselues follow are hindred from discerning the graue and simple Majesty of Gods true worship thinking this to be but like their own an invention of men or at least that men are not altogether taught of God in this way nor receiue all that they professe from him alone but doe borrow many things and devise some of their owne to beautifie that which by forra gne beauty is evermore deformed sowcing an old patch of a different colour into a new garment which makes a rent where all was well before To prevent wh ch offence though unfittest I acknowledge of any I haue undertaken th s small Treatise wherein farre be t from me to seek any disgrace of the State because I d scover some corruptions in the Church for it is the Ministe s duty to reproue With much thankefulnesse we all acknowledge Gods mercy towards us in the light and liberty we haue injoyed by meanes of three renoumed Princes whereof two are fallen asleep and one now the Lords annointed surviveth on whom the Lord multiply all graces of his Spirit Neither doe I thinke that men of any reasonable understanding wiâ— think the publi hing of the t uth in a plaine manner any disgrace if it be done in way of exhortation for suppose I should erre in judgment yet the thing being done in loue and humility with all respect and due regard unto the State I doubt not but his Majesty and the State under him wil take it as a fruit of loue from him that unfeynedly seeks their peace and happinesse I know it will be said we are factious and sowe discord and therefore deserue sharpe punishment for troubling the quiet and peace of the State But mens cenâ—ures doe not feare me nor is my life precious unto me so as my race may be run with joy and a good conscience whether I â—iue it is unto Christ and for h m or whether I dye it is unto him and for his Glory And let not any of our oppositâ—s dream but the Lord will raise up such by his Spirit that shall repâ—oue thâ—se remainders of superst tion more and more â—â—aâ—ply till he come himself in his own person He will not be overcome by men but will set up his Christ in all his Ordinances As for troubling the State I professe I doe not trouble the land for we adhere to Christ and walk by his light onely And let all men know it is farre better they should heare the sharpest reproofes that doe most cut then feeâ—e the smaâ—t hand of God for continuing unreformed which men cannot but look for if they goe on in this way which the Lord hath â—o often reproved and dehorted us from Many I suppose on the other hand will blame and censure me because I t ach not an utter depaâ—ture from a corrupt form of worship whom I doe seriously desire to peruse the grounds herein conteyned for their satisfaction in this point Wherfore considering no just cause of offence is given to any for the substance of the matter especially and the necessity there is to witnesse the truth I haue published this to settle the judgement and informe the conscience of them that want better means I know and see what an hinderance it is to many in mayn points and duties of Religion to doubt in matters of small moment in shew and circumstantiall I know how many mens hearts are torn each from other and divided about these things Many going further on the right hand in detestation of errours then they are called by the Lord Doe not these call upon every man for the use of his tallent that the hey and stubble built on the foundation may be removed by the approach of the light and all may walk in one way making truth and peace to kisse each other Onely there are two things yet questionable 1 For the maner of handling these controversies it seemes nothing fit that such plain and simple stuffe should be brought to the building of the Tabernacle especially there be ng so many men of excellent parts furnished with all manner of learning and sound judgement that might travell with more successe in this businesse To which I answer from my heart that I could with it to be so and â—f they be not otherwise imployed I doe desire them
to perfect and goe through w th what I haue rudely begun For mine own satisfaction in th s doubt this hath perswaded me to doe that which I haue done through Gods assistance 1 The light and resolution I haue attayned through Gods blessing by these grounds following 2 How wonderfull the Lord is to glorifie himselfe in weake meanes when men goe not beyond their calling and the gifts bestowed upon them 3 The comfort some haue had in the reading of these things A second doubt is that many may be hereby b ought into danger if they will follow these ruses taught and dissent from the common customes and received orders To which the answer is easy 1 The fire doth ever follow Christ where he is truely Preached and his Ordinances desired and followed 2 It is better Gods people be troubled by men then by their own conscience and liue in the least sin against God 3 Trouble is raised already and this is but to advise men for what willingly to suffer trouble Let no man therefore maligne this poore fruit of my prayers and meditations but reade it with the same spirit of loue I write it and so doing doubtlesse thou shalt gaine something that may profit thee in a good way Christ himselfe is a rock of offence for the rising and fall of many in Israel witnesse all ages wherein many in the visible Church haue been offended and stumbled at some part of his doctrine sacraments and government Many are not the sheep of Christ but belong to another Kingdome ne ther can they beleeue because we tell the truth It is not to be expected therefore th s poore writing of mine should finde any better intertainment in the world then the great Shepheard himselfe and all true Prophets that followed him Neverthelesse my desire and humble prayer is that men may not stumble and dash themselues in peeces by their falls and make others st mble to Wherefore deer Christian thou that tenderest thine own and others good take heed to thy selfe of falling upon this stone It is no small nor light matter either to deride scoffe at the truth when it is brought unto thee or to be made worse or turned further in affection from Christ and his servants reade Math. 18 howsoever men thinke by their witty and nice distinctions to evade the plain light and cast mists before their own and others eyes and joyning herewith power and authorized credit uphold their Kingdome yet the truth is they shall be broken in peeces and the Kingdome of God shall be taken from them and given to a people that will bring forth the fruit of it It is not possible to hold the Gospell among us and reject thâ—se truths and the like and persecute the servants of God for them Nay further danger then this comes for men stumbling before others come to be scandals and offences to others and so Mat. 13 shall be gathered by the Angels and cast into eternall fire Contrarywise blessed is the man that is not offended in Christ but receiues him as he offers himselfe in his Word to be the true and onely King Priest and Prophet of his Church Wherefore to prevent that which the wisest are in danger of for the builders cast away Christ and all others by them I desire thee before thou judge of these things following see thou be one fitted for this businesse And therefore 1 See thou haue learned soâ—ndly the maine grounds of Religion m lk must be well dâ—gested afore men can dâ—gest strong meat It is a shame indeed that mâ—n should be so â—gnorant in such times as God hath given under Christ an Princes and it is one sinne that brings captivity and desolation Learn these Principles well therfore thou â—naâ—t be the better able to discern of every spirit otherwise he that cannot reade nor see the great things of the Law it is not possible he should see any lesser points 2 See thou be well acquainted with thine own blindnesse and brutâ—sh folly for such shall be made wise by Christ that become fooles in themselues a man that knowes not this shall be like the Pharisies that when Christ is preached most plainly their eyes shall not sâ—e nor their eaâ—es heare the things of God 3 Men must be such as turn from their sinnes at the correction and reproofe of God that profit by the word and judgements they haue been under then the Lord will be their Teacher and powre out his minde unto them and cause men to understand his wayes till then the vail covers them The naturall man discernes not these things such therefore as deteyne the truth in injustice liue in sinnes against their conscience or goe on in a secure course being never changed let them never expect that further truths should be made known to them but that which they haue shall be taken from them 4 Such as exercise themselues in prayer much and often med tation with feeling and hunger after knowledge Iam. 1 It is well known this is the key to open the closet of God and where should men see the truth but in the presence of God Such therefore as through their unbeleâ—fe and prophane contempt of this Ordinance of God set themselues to schoole to men onely and think by a little study at furthest to comprehend any truth deceiue themselues as well as the ignorant and impenitent person that cannot or dare not come to God whose heart respecting wickednesse accuseth and daunteth him if not seared up or benummed Prov. 2.1 5 See thine heart be not set much upon these earthly treasures and wordly happines for such an heart will neither cry nor call earnestly for nor esteem of the truth but sell it for a morsell of bread It is well known affection corrupts the judgement and a man for the present evill world will make the Lord speak pleasing th ngs and entertain any lye for the truth that may br ng earthly possessions and prosperity Phil. 3 2 Pet. 2.14.15 6 Such as make conscience of small matters nâ—their own practice as petty othes justing lyes idle speeches which is the true sea of the Lord Prov. 3 Psal 25 For as for men of the Pharisies judgement to w t that the Lord onely forbids great sinnes no marvell if they swallow such lesser matt rs Thou must therfore exercise thy self in this namely n all things to keep a cleer conscience towards God and man especially herein that thou be carefull to giue no offence through the use of thy Christian liberty to thy brethren Rom. 14.13 1 Ioh. 2.10 and account nothing smaâ— that God commands Math 5.19 7 That thou haue a sound loue of the truth and Christ especially 1 Cor. 8 for the divell will pluck treasures from thy minde and rob thine understanding if thou doe not receiue the truth in loue 2 Thess 2. The truth therfore must be deerer then thousands of gold or silver unto thee the Gospell and every branch of it
their subjects in preventing their hurt It is the Lord onely that must keep others from abusing holy thâ—ngs now the Lord wâ—ll keep onely things of his own appointment and such as are profitable If amongst the Israelites an oxe were used to push and gore and it were testified to the owner and he did not put him to death if any were hurt by him the owner was to answer either with his life or goods Exod. 21.29.30 So Magistrates not removing dangers are accessary to all the falls which thousands catch thereby 5 Princes haue authority to compell all their subiects to covenant with the Lord to serue him onely according to his will So did Iosua Ios 24. So did Asa and Iosiah So did Moses and the Elders of Israel Deu. 26.5 So did the great King Nebuchadnezzar that saw but one speciall work of the Lord in the delivering of his faithfull servants So did Ezekiah And this reacheth to make Lawes and publique Edicts that binde all To punish the obstinate offenders with death to send for men with command to come to the service of the Lord so did the former Prâ—nces This men are bound to Psal 101. For 1 all men are superstitious or Atheists naturally and therfore they need to bee kept in compasse and drawn to the meanes 2 All men following their own inventions pollute the land and bring judgments therupon like the men that claue to Baal-Peor 6 Princes haue authority to send out Ministers fitted with gifts to preach the Word so did Iehosaphat The Magistrate is to sâ—e that the Lord may haue most glory in the publishing of salvation that Christs Kingdom be set up that none perish for want of meanes Therefore are they called Gods especially 7 Princes in things not commanded by the Lord but left indifferent ought rather then otherwise to make distinction twixt their people and Idolaters Deut. 4.1.2 For first Gods people are the children of the Lord God to be holy unto him in a peculiar manner Secondly The Lord hath used so to put many barres twixt us and Idolaters and then indeed things indifferent so used most edifie the Church Thirdly Idolaters are made hereby the sooner to consider of their Religion Fourthly of all persons Ministers are most bound to abhorre the least reliques of idolatry and can be least forced to the use thereof Levit. 21.5 they draw neerest to the Lord that is a consuming fire 2 Magistrates and people haue a speciall charge to sanctifie the Priest Lev. 21.8 8 Magistrates are bound to be so carefull that the people fall not back to idolatry that they are bound to remoue all idolaters especially false Prophets and Seducers Deut. 13.6 Deut. 17.2 Deut. 7.2 Exod. 32 Ex. 22.20 2 King 10 Iehu Iosias 2 King 23 Elias For 1 these pervert the straight wayes of the Lord. 2 It is as great a sinne now to call upon a Saint or an Angell as it was to offer to an Idoll Therfore all Princes should follow Asaes worthy example 2 Chron. 1â— 13 The summe of all is that Princes may reforme abuses and establish the pure worship of God among their people If it be said This seemes to be a burthen and abasing to Princes rather then any honour the Answer is plain That it is the honour of the creature to procure the honour of God Thus doe the Angels 2 It is great honour to be about the Lord in any place 3 All offices are but ministeries 4 None but the Magistate can doe this This Authority though the Scriptures manifest that others executed it yet with all they doe it with the consent of the Princes 2 By the advice and d rection of the Prophets of God so did David 3 By drawing on the people in the demolishing of Idotry Thus thou seest in part wherin the Magistrates Authority consists now follows to shew wherein it is limited in the positions following 1 The Magistrate cannot institute any thing in the outward worship of God None of the Kings of Iudah without extraordinary warrant did but reform which is to remoue superstition and bring men to the true worship of God 2 The Lord hath commanded that men should not adde which binds directly in outward worship 3 The Lord hath given direction for as much service as he requires of men and will accept Isa 29.13 Io. 2. What better colour then to haue mony-changers and sheep in the Temple to further and speed the service of God and dispatch the unacquainted Israelites that came from far But this as all humane helps not sanctified by the Lord doe prophanes the house of God and therfore justly banished thence by our Saviour Christ Nothing may come neerer the Lord then hee appoints and all that comes from man is filthy and defiles both the Lord and the user 2 Circumstances in Gods worship are not free neither in these things may Princes command what they please 1 Chron. 28.19 Salomon hath a pattern of the Temple and direction for the place 2 Chron. 3.1 So for the ordering of men to these and these offices Because all things being inexpedient edifie not Acts 1 Acts 6 1 Corinth 10. 3 The Princes commanding of a thing indifferent is no sufficient ground for the usage of it in the service of God For first all things must be sanctified by the Word which shewes the right use of these things Also Princes commands in things indifferent in many cases are not to be obeyed As 1 if the party cannot be resolved of the lawfulnesse of them then the Lord forbids to use them 2 If they hurt or destroy for all power is for the good of others 3 Though they be indifferent in themselues yet having been monuments of Idolatry or being now abused by Idolaters in state of divine worship Hes 2. 4 When they are commanded for ill ends as to be signes of the new covenant of grace for men may not ordain new signes of the covenant of grace 4 Princes may not appoint significant ceremonies the second commandement forbids it Ezech. 43.8 These are parts of Gods outward worship for they are religious actions 2 They lessen the esteem of Gods own Ordinances 3 There is no such example in the whole Scripture of any holy Prince that did any such thing 4 Christ is the onely Teacher of his Church therfore all doctrins and ceremonies not appointed by him are to be rejected for we are bound to hear his voyce onely 5 As these abound so hath the Lord withdrawn his presence from the visible Church Ezech. 43.8 6 The Lord accounts nothing his but what he appoints 7 The wil of God only makes things acceptable to him and profitable to the Church 5 Princes haue not power to binde the conscience Isa 33.21 Iam. 4.12 For 1 they cannot make a thing simply evill 2 They canot discern nor punish the inner man that is onely the priviledg of the Lord. 3 Christians are not servants of men but onely of Christ that hath purchased
the guiding and governing of the Church They are called Elders in respect of their age and office which was to govern with the Ministers and perform all private duties for the good of the congregation as necessity required as to pray wâ—th the sick to admonish reprou and joyn with the Minister in excommunication to ordain officers for the congregation and to provide by all good means for the outward good of the Church That these ought to beâ—n eveâ—y Congregation we hold firmly agaâ—â—st the maintainers of this strange and uncouth discipline And it may appear first out of Math. 18 where Christs institutes what is needfull for the Church whereof this is one secondly the Church doth what it doth not confusedly but by the ministry of some thirdly the promise is made â—n binding and roosing to two or three which imposts that though the right of the keyes bee in the whole Church yet the Ministery therof is in some few selected and chosen out for that purpose Our Saviour alludes to the custome of the Iewish Synagogues wherein there were Eldâ—rs But howsoever this place may seem too weak at first sight to build the erection of this office upon yet the practise of the Apostles withall compared and the directions they haue left to the Church in this case will put all out of doubt to him that wrangles not for himselfe and to please men To goe along therfore in the Scripture and first the Acts of the Apostles which conta ns a type and map of the primâ—tiue times and purest Chuâ—ches that ever were in the world mentâ—on these Acts 15.4 22 whâ—ch place cannot be understood but of such â—uâ—ing Elders of the people as were amongst the â—ewes not of teaching Elders For the Apostles were as the Ministeâ—s and did perform all Ministeriall duties having none their Curats under thâ—m as Bishops had afterward For Evangelist were to accompany the Apostles in planting Churches neither â—s there any mention of any such here 2 They are dâ—stinguished here both from the Church called the brethren and Apostles Neither can this title be understood of Pastors because the Apostles were wont to appoint them onely when Churches were gathered and they were to leaue them as may appear Acts 14.23 Tit. 1.5 3 These here mentioned are as assistants to the Apostles governing and ordering the Churches businesse as both here and Acts 21 where they are present with the Apostles and in none other office nor use imployed but onely this Lastly Paul and Barnabas and some others came up to Ierusalem to the Apostles and Elders which had caâ—e of the Discipline and Religion with them The third place is Rom. 12.8 he that rules in or with dilligence where first the Apostle distinguisheth this ruling both from the ministery of the Word and from distributing and shewing mercy Hence therfore there must be some to rule in the church 2 Men are charged according to their callings and measure of gifts received to exercise themselues for the churches good who sees not plainly that the Regiment of the church is not in one Lord Bishops hand since Bishops are not in each congregation where they rule 2 That this ought to be where the Ministry of the Word is 3 This diligence cannot be meant of a three yeares visitation nor yearly Synods wherein presentments are Rece ved what bold and impudent face once dare think so wickedly of the Apostles but of that continuall care and oversight which they should shew towards the sheep of Christ which ever need some spirituall medâ—cine and Phisick for their soules 4 A fourth place is 1 Cor. 12.28 where the Apostle reckons up the severall gifts and offices which God himselfe hath set and appointed in his church Apostles are chiefe then Prophets and Governments There the Apostle distinguisheth Governments from the Ministry of the word 2 Being appointed by the Lord none can remoue them but he againe 3 The Lord giues extraordinary meanes for soule and body in extraordinary times when a church is to be planted because there want ordinary means 2 to procure the more authority and respect to the church then and ever he giues sufficient 4 The Lord hath sâ—t government in the church which the Magistrate cannot alter 5 The church is a perfect body that hath members sufficient to uphold and mâ—nâ—ster to all its own necessities neither is this to be neglected that the holy Ghost both here and Rom. 12 sets Government after Deaconship as though hee saw how some would arise and conjoyn things severed by the Lord which to preveÌ„t he shews these are not to be so conjoyned as though the Minister should haue all the government in his own hands but some speciall persons are to be assiâ—nâ—d whâ—ch may govern the Minister themselues 5 1 Tim. 4.14 with imposition of hands of the Presbytery which is to be understood of the Colledge of Presbyters contayning these amongst others For these had a speciall hand in electing and ordaining all church-officers 2 these joyned in making decrees for the government of the church Act. 15 therfore much more in executing of them 3 Timothy was called ordinarily at first not to be an Evangelist as appears Acts 16 Paul called him to that after the Churches had witnessed of him 4 The Apostle Paul Acts 20 speaks to them amongst others that they â—â—ould tend the Church and they hav ng government in their hands were to suffer no wolues to come in But because men of a contentious spirit whose greatest hopes depend upon the contrary discipline will haâ—dly yeeld tâ—ll plain force driue them nay force of the word will not till the sword of the Magistrate compells therfore the next place is 1 Tim. 5.17 in deluding of which place many sweat much in vaine for the Apostâ—e being to giue direction to Timothy how to carry himselfe in the Church of God shews h m his duty towards every condition as widdows in the beginning of th s chapter next Elders and such as rule well are worthy of double honour especially such as labour in the word and doctrine which first words implyes necessarily that there were then in the Church Elders that did govern the Churches which did not labour in the word and doctrine 2 Such ought to be had in speciall account that doe rule well 3 Such as labour in the word and doctâ—ine ought more to be respected then they that onely governe 4 That all Mâ—nâ—sters are to haue a specâ—all hand in the governing of the Churches commuted to them I will not much insist upon this place more for I know some adversaries need not so much convâ—ct on as to haue their hâ—aâ—ts perswaded Pray thou that readest that the Lord would perswade them to dwell in the tâ—nts of Shem and be content to suffer here with their brethren that thâ—y may â—aâ—gn with Christ hereafter Many adversaries will not set themselues to learn the tâ—â—th but being drunk with selfe-concert thâ—nk nothing good
That the Minâ—sters that would preserue the church pure must carefully tend to the choise of such officers as are found both for doctrine and manners 3 That no man should dare to alter any order or remoue or hâ—nder any office God hath appointed who in speciall manner is Lord of this Congregation and Assembly From whence the rest of the world are to learn that truth they haue in matters of Religion And it is memorable that Timothy needeth direction how to govern the Church being so excellent an instrument Doth not this sufficiently proue that â—o man can govern the church though he were an Evangelist except he haue direction even in that speciality from the Lord himselfe by meanes of them that were immediately taught by him Therfore let no man dare to goe against this institution of the Apostle except he can shew better warrant or higher authority to exempt him from these canons then Paul had to binde to obedience A third Ground in which we will be shorter is that Rom. 12 hee that distributeth in simplicity that is trustily without respect of persons This therefore being one of the offices not duties and callings there the Apostle shews both that they ought to be in the church and how to execute their places that they should know their callings and be content with the same studying to doe service in the same which is the best meanes for unity and to prevent the manifold distractions which intermedling each with others place and office brings A fourth ground is 1 Cor. 12.28 where these officers are called helps Fifthly The planting of them in every church as appears Phil. 1.1 Sixthly the continuance of them long in their own nature which is to distribute teaching onely when the Lord fits them in a speciall manner for the same Grounds of these are besides such as are mentioned before 1 The Lord takes care both for soules and bodies of men and therfore institutes such offices peculiarly serving for that purpose Because there is no such office and calling it is impossible things should be so well ordered provided for 2 Because the hearts of Gods children may be the more free from feare and with more dilligence follow their own callings having men of such graces to provide for the poore 3 That the Church may be the more inriched with heavenly and spiritual blessings for she receiues grace and gifts for the discharge of each calling 4 That men may be more willingly stirred ud to help the poor and needy considering that the Lord hath appointed a speciall office for that purpose 5 That there should be no complaints but that all the poore might be comforted against their poverty and wants The second kind of Offices â—s the Widow called Diaconesses of which much needs not to be spoken Onely consider 1 Tim. 5 where the Apostles shews what sort of widdows he would haue chosen both for religion conversation and yeares where it may appear these were not chosen onely to receiue but to doe some good The Apostle reprehends idlenesse wherfore he doth not appoint them only to receiu but to doe some service 2 Why should he require such an age except they were to attend strangers in performance of which duty he would not haue the least suspition of uncleannesse to fall out as much as may be This is firm for other widdowes wanting meanes must be provided for by the Church as well as these 2 This Office is set down Rom. 12 Shee that sheweth mercy with cheerfulnesse their office theefore was to be the instruments of the church in shewing mercy to them that were sick or travellers 3 Rom. 16 Phebe was servant and Minister of the Church of Cenchrea now women could not exercise any publique office in the congregation The grounds and reasons of this are besides the same with the former 1 Wisedom to imploy such as being to receiue maintainance from the church are fit for nothing but th s and fittest for th s. 2 That none may lack any thing for their good and preservation 3 That men may be the rather incouraged to goe about the Churches businesses having such to attend them This kinde of discipline though it seem strange and novellous because it hath been so long omitted through the corruption of men in times of Popery yet plain reason shewes it every way most fitting and profitable For 1 This expresseth most liuelâ—ly the caâ—e and watchfull eie of Gods speciall providence towards every member and part of the church 2 This imposeth on the Pastors sufficiency of gifts holy carriage necessary residence diligence in preaching which are the very life of the Church SECTION XI HItherto gentle Reader through the assistance of Gods spirit searching the Scriptures I haue endeavoured so to giue Caesar the things that are Caesars that the Lord may retain his right and be absolute King amongst us which is the glory and safety of a nation and people When thus Moses Ioshua and the succeeding Iudges governed Israel it was well with the land Religion and prosperity going hand in hand joyntly together Thus in Davids time Hezakiahs time and others But when any stâ—pt into the Lords throne and served the Lord after a new fashion borrowing from foolish heathens that were aliens from Israel peace and plenty straight vanished and the Lord sent strangers into whose hands he sold his people Wherfore since this teacheth the right way to strengthen Kingdoms and establish Princes in their throne Mourn thou that seekest the peace of Israel that this doctrine should finde such small acceptance and hard entertainment and wonder at the shamelesse impudency of them that dare avouch themselues friends to Christ and the Magistrate too and yet clean put out Christ that themselues may raign and cause the Magistrate to sin against Christ and so to procure Gods anger upon himself These are Achans that trouble Israel by taking to themselues the accursed thing which the Lord hath consecrated causing dissention where else there would be a happy unity But lest I seem too censorious and of spleen to wound any Let us now further proceed from the former grounds to demonstratâ— the unchangeablenesse of Discipline that ordinance which the Lord hath left to govern his church by In treating wherof we doe nothing against the authority of the Magistrate but onely contend for the faith which is given us by the Prophets and Apostles That it may appear therfore how farre wide they are that imagine the government of the Church a bitâ—ary and what wrong they doe to the Lord what wrong to Princes to inwrap them in ther sinnes and to fight against the Lord with his own authority what wrong to his Church in thrusting such a government as being not approved by the Lord cannot be blessed of him for the good of his people let us consider Matth. 18.15.16 where the Lord shews the end of discipline the recovering and bringing home againe of that which was soft the order
and degrees of Discipline by private admonition then by two or three lastly to acquaint the Congregation All which not reclayming the sinner he is to be accounted as an heathen and the Church to haue no communion with him 3 There the power is given to the church to bind and loose 4 The manner not one to doe this but some company together and calling upon the name of the Lord to proceed according to the rules aforesaid This place is so plain that the divels cannot withstand it It is an order from the wisedom of the Father by the Sonne which is the Prophet of his Church therfore the men that are adverse to it make themselues guilty of the bloud of mens soules For election of Officerrs wee haue from the Apostles Act. 1 Act. 6 Acts 14. From all which the manner of bringing in of officers may be learned 1 Every church must haue her Elders 2 These must not be appointed till places be vacant 3 Every congregation ought to haue such as look to mens bodies and necessities 4 The Congregations are to choose some and present them 5 They are to be ordained with prayer and fasting 6 No one may doe this alone but all Ministers joyntly in the places over which they are to be set These places binde us 1 These things the Apostles learned from Christ Act. 1.3 2 As the Father sent Christ so Christ sent his Apostles 3 These things are written for our learning Rom. 12 7.8 see elsewhere The Apostle reckons up offices which men may not confound teaching and exhortation comprehending the Doctor and Pastors offices governning Elders distributing Deacons shewing mercy the Widdows These must needs be distinct offices else they are not pertinently inserted by the Apostle 2 It shews that men had divers gifts for the same 3 That they are to continue because they are members of Christs body without which the body cannot consist This place binds us 1 Cor. 5. The church is reproved for not executing this Discipline in Excommunication where is a notable-description of the manner how it should be performed first the persons on whom it is to be executed must be such as are within secondly such as haue committed some notorious sin 2 The persons by whom it is executed 1 the whole Church gathered together 2 such as haue power to cast out 3 The power by which they are to doe it is not humane authority but Christs authority which he giues to every congregation to cast out the evill 4 The manner first mourning for such offence secondly meeting together and calling upon the Lord thirdly having the like spirit Paul had 5 The act it selfe of Excommunication to be cast out from amongst the Church 6 The end 1 that the corruption might be mortified and 2 that grace and spirituall part might be preserved and restored 7 The necessity of it 1 lest the whole church be guilty of the sin 2 the salvation of the party sinning 3 lest others be infected with the same or like wickednesse This place binds us being for the good of the Church as it is a Church and not appropriated to them in Corinth 2 All the arguments and motiues are generall and binde all Acts 15. The Holy Ghost sets down the manner of governing of the church First when there arise questions and controversies that trouble the mindes of any whence we learn these conclusions 1 That it is the duty of all Ministers to take notice of such opinions as are hatched and spread contrary and besides the form of doctrine received 2 In the confâ—ting of those opinions that are novellous and dangerous ministers are to seek the counsell and direction of others wherfore these ought to be Synods assembled 3 The persons that are to meet are Ministers Elders and people 4 The Ministers and Elders are to haue the managing and ordering of matters in â—isquisition of truthes 5 Nothing is rashly to be concluded but much consâ—â—atation and disputation is to bee used before 6 Men must not burden those that haue received the spirit of God and true faith with any 〈◊〉 which the Lord hath not 〈…〉 it is to tâ—mpt the Lord. 7 That which Ministers themselues know not necessary they are not to impose on any as necessary 8 Obtruding of any thing of mens own upon Churches troubles and overthrows the soules of men 9 Amongst equalls there may be for order one as Moderator which hearing all mens judgments is to conclude according to the determination of the Scriptures 10 Things that may be done yet troubling others are not nor ought to be forced upon men 11 Men are so farre to yeeld to keep peace with their brethren as is possible and yet to doe nothing against a good conscience 12 In Synods greatest sins must chiefly be interdicted 13 To prevent offence to the brethren that are weak we may and the Church ought to conclude things indifferent to bee abstayned from by all 14 Charity ought to be the ground of that which the Church commands in things indifferent 15 The Churches decrees binde not saue as they further the salvation of others and prevent offence 16 The whole Church is to take order for the execution of such wholesome and profitable constitutions as are agreed upon 17 The Church of God is to procure respect to their decrees by perswasion of learned and holy men rather then by threats and compulsion 18 There ought nothing to be agreed upon and urged upon the Church by such Synods but what is necessary for the present times 19 Things concluded on rightly by the Church are to be observed though not as necessary to salvation yet as profitable to prevent offence 20 The churches decrees freeing men from the bondage of ceremonies are very comfortable to the servants of God 21 The church hath power to send Ministers from place to place upon occasion to other churches from whence they may not return till they may be dismissed thence The necessity of this first for the peace of the Church secondly to detect such as under the name of the church obtâ—ude things upon the Church without command The excellency and authority of these First the spirit of God is specially amongst them that gather rightly together secondly God will blesse their decrees for the great good of the church The rule of judging things here is first by the authority of Scriptures which is both affirmatiue and negatiue 2 the peace of mens consciences which ought tenderly to be regarded 3 outward peace of the Church amongst the true members of the same 1 Cor. 14 The Apostle sets down how men should perform publique service to the Lord whence for our direction these positions may be learned 1 That men must chiefly bend themselues to prophecy and teach the people thâ—s binds us also to seek the good of the people 2 Since the divell in all ages hath indeavoured to corrupt Gods ordinances and remoue preaching that is most profitable therfore the
greater care must be had of all that we doe not suffer his policies to prevail 3. Men should not speak with strange tongues in publick without interpretation 4 No publique duty is to be performed which doth not edifie 5 Prayer and thanks-giving are to be conceived by one alone 6 Private persons are to giue assent and testifie the same by voice in the end by this word Amen every one in his own person not one called Clark for others 7 Good things not done in a good manner cease to be good 8 The whole Church ought to meet together to perform publique worship 9 Vnbeleevers may be suffred and admitted to hear 10 Such things as may discredit Gods Ordinances and worship to simple persons and men of different religion being not commanded by the Lord ought to bee avoyded as kneeling in the Sacrament c. 11 True preaching must be such as makes ignorant and wicked men acknowledge Gods presence with his Ordinances 2 Such as layes open the very secrets of mens hearts 12 They whom the word soundly works on will worship God reverence his Ministers It is not ceremonies that maks Ministers known but the Word preached soundly 13 Every man ought so to imploy his gifts as the church may haue most benefit by him 14 Two or three Prophets at the most are to speak at one publique ordinary meeting 15 Prophets must discern for the people that no false doctrine be broached by any 16 Prophets ought to speake one by one 17 The church hath need of all mens gifts 18 Since the end of the Ministery is to gaine knowledge and comfort to all men all must labour in the word for these ends 19 Men must so order things as all may exercise their gifts for the publique good 20 Every mans doctrine and preaching may and should be tryed and discerned by the Prophets 21 The disorder and dissension which is in the church springs not from the Lord. 22 The order appointed by the Lord keeps peace 23 No woman ought to speak in the publique congregation 24 All holy actions must be done with a seemly decency which is in fitting and reverent manner sutable to the action we goe about So as the benefit of the exercise may redound to others 24 All holy things must be done in order so as one holy action be not confounded and drowned by another but each part of divine worship and every person is to haue his proper place Meanes for Decency and Order 1 The nature and use of each gift and duty must be known 2 Men must carry themselues not so as they please themselues and win credit but as they may profit best the church and keep peace with others 3 Obserue in the like case what Gods servants haue done afore that are mentioned in Scriptures This place binds because it is the commandement of the Lord. 2 All the reasons are generall Tit. 1.5 Titus must doe all things in Crete according as Paul had commanded him nothing was left to his own a bitrament now Titus was an Evangelist and had greater power and authority then any ordinary Pastor therfore the church may not aâ—ter the government left by the Apostles For out of these words these positions arise naturally 1 That Paul taught a form and manner of ordering churches 2 Titus was bound to this and to none other 3 Deacons and Elders and the least things are described by the Apostles and left us in their writings as afterwards shall appear God willing These things binde us as Moses writings bound the people of the Iewes for they were sent to us to make us Christs disciples and plant churches therfore discipline is no wayes arbitrary 4 The Apostles are injoyned to teach the churches to obserue all things which Christ had commanded Whence it is plain that men must be taught the will of God for the way and meanes of salvation 2 they must be dedicated to the Lord by Baptism 3 they must be taught to keep all things besides which Christ hath commanded Sacrament of the Lords Supper c. and Discipline 4 Christ is present where these things are to blesse them to the churches good 5 they ought to continue to the end of the world 6 the church ought not to be burthened with things not commanded by Christ This place bindes firmly 1 because Christ Mat. 18 gaue such commandement 2 the Apostles taught these things to the churches therfore they were commanded by Christ before Ephes 4 Christ hath given gifts unto men both callings and abilities which are sufficient onely profitable to his church These gifts are for restoring of the Saints and work of the Ministery therfore contain discipline under them which both restoreth the Saints and is a work of the Ministry therfore the churches government is not arbitrary From hence note 1 It is Christs priviledg to appoint Ministers and the degrees therof 2 That he appoints both extraordinary and ordinary 3 Hee appoints sufficient for his church 4 The same that teach men by the Word are to execute discipline over them Hitherto by the Scriptures hath this truth been proved Now evident reason grounded on holy Scripture proues the same Reas 1 Christ by Moses taught how the church should be governed in the time of the old Testament both for the officers Priests high Priests and Levits therfore it cannot be but that he comming in his own person that was the Day-star Sun of righteousnesse from whence all the other borrowed their light must needs teach his church how it should be ordered and governed for the light foretold extended to all things concerning the churches good 2 The Church is the house of God and therfore to be governed according to his own will which he hath manifested for that end and it is not to be supposed since the Lord requires us to set our houses in order he amongst men is counted a carelesse unthrift that leaus his servants to doe what they lâ—st that he will himself neglect to giue order how both steward and children and servants should be dealt withall And if it be presumption for meaner persons to dare to intrude and govern noble mens houses according to their own will what is this to rush into the house of God and sway all all things there by affection or carnall reason without direction from God 3 No human wisedom is sufficient or able to govern the church of Christ wherin so many diseases are to bee healed and businesses to be dispatched for the good of men soules and preserving the people of God and upholding the Kingdom of Christ Who is sufficient when hee hath all things to his hand for doctrine both matter and manner Then much lesse is he able to govern when neâ—ther the peâ—sons nor manner is expressed And if the worth est servants of God were not able not durst order any thing but what they learned from the Lord who are they that conceâ—t their own wâ—sedom
shew care both of Gods worship that it might be ever provided for and mans ease and speed that he might haue ready at hand sacrifices to offer 3 What true zeal abhors ought to be constant but true zeal abhors these therfore Here are Grounds therfore to stand against all 1 Because shew of reason is no sufficient ground to bring any thing into the service of God 2 Bringing in of these things defiles the house of God It is not therfore foolish precisenesse but the image of Christ that would haue these things utterly cast out of Gods worship Arg. 25 out of Ioh. 4.22 23. 1 Men that worship the true God after their own manner worship they know noâ— what 2 The worship of God in the time of the new Testament is not carnall but spirituall This place is directly against all our Ceremonies now in controversie 1 Because men worship without ground as the Samaritans did neither doe they know they are accepted 2 This worship is carnall and Iewish we ought to worship God in spirit and not in any outward things of mans appointing This place therfore doth warrant men to stand against these traditions of men 1 Because every one ought to be assured that that which he doth unto the Lord bee accepted of him which the Word onely doth teach 2 The true worship of God onely brings salvation and good unto men 3 Men must worship God in spirit and truth and so they haue all such promises made good unto them as the Lord manifests in his Word Such are promised to haue their hearts circumcised to judg themselues vile c. Hence therfore it may well be demanded how men can suspend Ministers for not conforming to such things as ought not to be used in time of the new Testament Arg. 26 out of Col. 2. 1 Vers 3. All the Church needs to know is manifested by Christ in his Word Sacraments and Discipline 2 Vers 6. As men haue received Christ so they must walk in him without adding or diminishing or altering 3 V. 8. Traditions of men that are not from Christ deceiuâ— and ought to be taken heed of 4 V. 10. Whatsoever the Lord would haue us know or doe in his service hee hath revealed by Christ therfore Order is taught 5 Men that walk according to the light received by Christ are perfect and need not nor ought they take from any other 6 V. 18. Men must not subject themselus to be taught or judged by others without the word and except they haue that doctrin and judgment from Christ 7 V. 20. It is a thing very absurd for Christians freed by Christ from Ceremonies of God to be brought in bondage to mens traditions 8 It is the world not the true Church that stands upon human devises 9 V. 21. False Teachers sanctifie that which God leaues indifferent 10 V. 22. Mens meer commands and doctrine in matters of religion are of small value the word of God onely giues life to outward Ordinances to be the worship of God 11 Mens devised traditions haue but a shew of wisedom men endued with the spirit can see foolishnesse in them 12 Mans most glorious inventions in any will-worship are of no reckoning or worth 13 Mens traditions that seem most to profit in any kinde doe not but nourish corruption directly These grounds plainly overthrow all our traditions and government Ecclesiasticall as may appear in each particular 1 If these things had been necessary Christ would haue taught them and they might haue been learned from his Word 2 Every man is bound out directly from altering any thing or adding in doctrine or traditions to the Church Therfore wee are bound to the primitiue times and the example of Christ and his Apostles Now we haue nothing for these Ceremonies nor this Government from Christ but receiu him without Crosse or Surplus from the Apostles therfore wee ought not to receiue the same nor walk in them 3 Men doe but deceiue others that urge these Ceremonies 2 We are in effect bidden here not to Crosse wear the Surplus or Kneel since they are but traditions of men 4 This order is not from Christ nor is it pleasing to the Lord. 5 It is foolishnesse to superad to Christs bond of perfection which hee hath set Christians 2 Nothing devised by man can make any jot better for they are perfect by Christ 3 None ought to put away such as obseru Christs rules from the service of God being Ministers or people since the Lord counts them perfect 4 to receiue these as better then without is to deny perfection by Christ 6 The Churches doctrine if it be not Christs doctrine is nothing 2 Men must not beleeue such as preach things they cannot proue by the Word 3 Mens judging thee except the Word condemns thy doing and thy person should not fear thee 7 It is not the spirit of the Apostles to urg humane Ceremonies so strictly upon men 2 Christ hath set us free from all manner of Ordinances in his worship that are not from him and will justifie our not conforming to them 8 To urge these upon us is to make the Church like the world Christs Spouse like the whore of Babel 2 It is a note of worldlings that they urge and yeeld with all willingnesse to humane traditions 9 Doe not men sanctifie the Crosse and Surplus Festivall times and this Government which Christ hath never commanded but forbidden 10 There is no word for these Ceremonies and therfore they are none of Gods worship 11 These ceremonies are but the commandements of men and doctrines of men and therfore in Gods worship not to be yeelded unto since human authority is not sufficient to bind in Gods worship 12 This government seems onely to be but is not a wise invention for it is a means rather of much confusion and hurt as is shewed before 2 Ceremonies haue done no good but hurt both to Papists and Protestants though in carnall policy they were retained at first therfore all arguments for these are but a shew of wisedom let none be deceived with them 2 Men that refuse these ceremonâ—es haue true knowledg and discern that the opposits are deceived and missed 3 Men are not to use them since Christians are to be truely wise not in shew onely 13 Men are not to offer up that to the Lord which is nothing worth halt and maimed things 2 Men are not one whit the worse for omitting humane traditions 3 How can this be justified in the sight of God to depriue Ministers of their Ministery and people of their food for trifles 14 These Ceremonies please the flesh onely and therfore are not to be used By all these it may appear that Christians haue great cause to withstand all human traditions 1 The commandement of the Apostle speaking immediatly from Christ 2 Christian liberty dearly purchased for which we are to stand 3 These things are meerly unprofitable Therfore doe not please your selues
with teares And yet these men are had in request and honoured and thought favourers of the State and friends to the Kingdom and Church Oh England who hath bewitched thee that thou shouldst not know the things that belong unto thy peace Oh that thou wouldest know and receiu instruction and correction from God himselfe What mean so many judgments in our land if the Lord be not angry And discipline being neglected amongst us doe you not feel the strokes of God avowing the truth and calling of those Ministers that haue pronounced threats against the land Is not the hand of the Lord heavier and the burthen hee makes you bear greater then the burthen which he would haue you take up Obj. To alter were a disgrace for the Church Ans 1 It is more disgrace not to alter 2 Mens Credit must giue way to Gods glory and the Churches good 3 It causeth wonderfull rents in the Church which are a greater disgrace then this would be 4 The Lord will certainly reform if men doe not 5 Men at first did not intend this should be a perpetuall rule to posterity but onely for the present it seemed the best way to draw on the people to our religion Obj. 2. This doctrine brings confusion and so much adoe Ans Zeal in reforming seems tumultuous as our Saviour Christ when he overthrew the tables of the money changers 2 It seems much adoe because men are loth to part with their own conceits else things were soon ended and ordred 3 It is no small matter to bring the Church from the darknesse of Popery to that measure of reformation which is required Quest Why haue men joyned with these hitherto Ans 1 Want of consideration of these particulars 2 Many no doubt haue sejoyned and severed from them at least in affection 3 Men must doe as they are farther enlightened and guided by the spirit of God who from step to step leads his people Iewish Ceremonies might better be tollerated then ours 1 These were once commanded by the Lord ours never 2 Those were not commanded as necessary but onely some things to be done or forborn for offence sake 3 Those the Apostles knew would perish of themselues Ierusalem being destroyed But these being joyned to the worship of God as things decent will not fall with Rome 4 There was a time for the death burial of those Ceremonies which was to be effected by the ministry of the Apostles informing the Churches of the right use and abolition of these Ceremonies till which time some Ceremonies were indifferent in right use SECTION XX. HAving shewed the unlawfulnesse of these Ceremonies in the next place we are to perswade for the removall of them Therfore the second Commandeement should be fully known and acknowledged and so the Lord shall haue great glory Now the substance of this commandement is to bar the dore against all false worship and human inventions wherin the Lord forbids man to make to himselfe of his own head all religious Ceremonies This commandement being as all others are a common head to which all the very least things in that kind are to be referred And the Lords backing this with such forcible reasons should moue all honest and good hearts It is the Lord that forbids who dare countermand or bid the contrary 1 It is thy God by covenant that thou hast given thy name unto 2 It is thine husband if authority will not perswade yet let loue rule thee 3 The Lord is a jealous God and cannot indure any part of divine worship to be given to mans devises that they should be counted his Name the Lord sees this to bee the beginning of declining 4 The Lord visites the sinnes of parents that haue instituted and followed these devises of man in his worship upon the children that so reverence their forefathers and antiquity that they will tread in their steps and retain the same Ceremonies 5 All this devising of Ceremonies and appointing of them is hatred against the Lord. 6 Pure worship of God argues men doe truely loue him and haue care to keep his Commandements 7 This brings blessings upon us and many generations even thousands that worship the Lord according to his will Hearken ô yee men brethren and fathers unto the Lord our God and cease to provoke him to wrath it is too long wee haue lived in the breach of this commandement troubling them that haue desire to walk sincerely with the Lord. A second Ground is because then Christ shall be known to be the onely King of his Church and men shall not dare to propound any thing as doctrine nor urge the servants of God to any practise but what the word commands Now under the name of the Church and Christian Magistrate How is the Kingdom of Christ weakened by some Then shall that Ezech. 34.24 bee fulfilled I will be their God and my servant David shall be Prince amongst them A third ground is the beauty of Gods face and the glory of the Gospell should more appear and shine forth which now is clouded heerby many waies For 1 men wrest the Scriptures for the defence of these 2 the whole counsell of God cannot be freely preached 3 that divine order in each Congregation is dissolved which should shew who are sheep and who are goats 4 the Lord is brought in favouring the wicked and making sad the hearts of his own servants for men of tender consciences are accused and traduced as turbulent spirits Men should then bend themselues to teach the main grounds of Religion which now are unknown and how dear should this be to us Englishmen especially by whose means our land hath been so highly honoured and wonderfully lifted up aboue others 4 Christian meetings and holy communion of Saints the nourisher of grace wherin men might be benefitting and edifying one another should be suffred Wheras men now meeting for holy ends are troubled as making Conventicles dangerous to the State What were it for our Magistrates to haue the prayers of so many good hearts for their safety Then should that be fulfilled Zachar. 8.20.21 c. 5 The Gospell should be freely preached there would then be nothing to hinder either admittance or continuance in the Ministery This liberty of the Gospell procures continuance of our liberty and tho restrayning of this makes the Lord depart and brings bondage captivity and the sword upon the Nation Then should the people that sit in ignorance and the shadow of death see a great light so many should not perish for want of vision 6 Magistrates should be out of danger of those threats Hos 5 for passing their bounds and Esa 29 none should make Israel sin and wound their consciences with these lesser things at first and then afterwards fall into extremity and height of wickednesse 7 Ministers should haue more gifts and more authority for the setting up these restrain the spirit of God and such urging of these without ground from
labourer because his wastcoat is not white 6 Our Saviour did not restrain him that cast out devils though he followed not him and why doe you hinder such as cast down the strong holds of Saâ—an because they doe not follow you Surely a good servant prefers his Masters work and credit more then his own pomp 7 They are specially called that are virgins not defiled with women Rom. 14 these follow the Lamb whither hee goes even these that are redeemed from amongst men now counted factious How dare any presume to think them unfit whom he holds in his right hand Are you grown so proud that you will fight with the Lamb and wart against heaven 8 There is no example of the like practise in Scripture or Writers saue amongst Papists but many of the contrary some put to death some restrained from their Ministery because they went to idolatry 9 It was his Majesties pleasure they should be convinced first and then censured which how it hath been performed all the world is witnesse of which sees what offers of disputation haue been made what ample and learned books come forth which yet could never be answered 10 These men are greatest enemies to Papists the danger of our State which daily increase and spring up as the lights in any place are removed It is against all policy therfore to stop these which if their Ministery were profitable for nothing else yet they may be kept as stones to weigh the ballance even 11 Doe but indifferently consider them and us severally their Religion is it not lip-labour and meer formality like theirs Esa 29.13 May not naturall men goe as far as they require 2 They doe not teach soundly the doctrine of repentance giving warning of judgements or of the particular sins which bring the same which good Watch-men should doe 3 They take away preaching out of the land both by extolling reading and preaching so as the people can gather nothing by it And under colour of long prayers prâ—sâ—e men by their Canons more strictly to their divince service then to the Word preached 4 They cannot endure men should examine doubt and search into things they would perswade the people these things belongs not to Tradesmen but to Schollers and Ministers of a contrary mind was our Saviour 5 They punish more severely the breach of a Tradition of their own appointing then the breach of Gods commandement Is not this Pharisaicall hypocrifie 6 They are glad to use Papists Arguments against us and ours against them as it hath been proved in experience that they haue held their grounds 7 They set up vile profane and ignorant Ministers over Congregations is not this to let in Wolues far contrary was Pauls practise and counsell Act. 20. 8 Ambition covetousnesse and pride where dwelleth it but amongst them Is not their Kingdom of this world Such was not Paul nor our Saviour Christ 9 These men build upon human Ceremonies holding this position no Ceremony no Bishop a â—it prop for their Calling to rest upon 10 They justifie many things because the Church cannot be perfect as though the least corruption should be born withall in the Spouse of Christ that is known and pointed at 11 They grow in nothing saue in carnall wisedom and cunning to defend their own traditions 12 Things openly evill in their own judgment are not redâ—essed amongst them as unpreaching Ministers Non residents Pluralists taking Gods name in vain and notorious profanenesse 13 They hate and forbid the very substance of Religion in practise as Christian Meetings and the like 14 Mâ—n that are under their Ministerie how naked poor and miserable are they I beseech you that mind the good of your soules be not overcarried with an externall pomp and how of learning but examine and thy all things 2 Consider all men are lyers that no man ought to be credited further then they haue sound testimony of the Scripture which is the rule and ground of faith and the light of the Church 3 That all men are bound to try the spirits whether they be of God or no. 4 That men must not be your Doctors and Masters but you must try all things and hold that which is good 5 Hath not every man the spirit by measure though therfore they are learned that oppose yet in many things they may be ignorant 6 That the Highest Callings haue been corrupted and counterfeited as Prophets Apostles high Priests who therfore grounds upon men builds not upon Christ and the Scriptures are onely judge of all opinions and practises to this the Apostles subjected themselues and our Saviour The contrary is the gap to all errour and superstition witnesse the Popish Church who giving all to the Clergy and suffering themselues to be led by these into what monstrous and fundamentall errours are they fallen Christ is the onely Prophet of his Church Every man must speak that which he hath received from Christ and the ground of a mans judgment that would not be carried about with every blast of new doctrine must be infallible Vouchsafe on the other hand to consider the way so much spoken against 1 It holdeth the doctrine of the Scriptures according to the practise of our Saviour and the purest times of the Church and nothing else Act. 20. 2 This cleaus to the whole truth of God and to every part of it Math. 5.19 3 This way most opposeth the whore of Babilon and overthrows her grounds is most zealous against all her inventions these are the virgins Rev. 14. 4 These are taught of God so as they doe not depend upon man but discern the voice of Christ Ioh. 10. 5 The Majesty graue simplicity and power of Gods Ordinances doth most appear in the wise free holy bold fervent and constant use of the same changing men hereby into the image of God 6 This prayeth according to occasions and feeling of our inward wants by the motion of Gods spirit Rom. 8. 7 Men in this way seek the glory of God in the spreading of his truth and the good of mens soules Ioh. 7 not speaking evill of the most forward nor by the shew of learning seeking to raise themselues 8 In this way men take up their crosses and follow Christ Math 16 they suffer much hardship for the Gospell wheras the other ready for every winde avoide the Crosse 9 In this way is the true communion of the Saints both for communicating of the graces of the spirit and of outward blessings Act. 2. 10 Naturall men most hate it and the more wicked any is the more evill they speak of it and of them that teach and practise it Rom. 8. 11 This crucifieth the flesh onely wheras others use their liberty as an occasion of the flesh this therfore is a straight way 12 This brings peace to the soules of men both while they doe these things and suffer for them 13 Men falling from this way spirituall judgments haue followed them sensibly they haue