be freely and generally voted that no members may complain of being dispriviledged and good reason for it because they are to be as Fathers to educate and feed them and to provide their souls food in order to their spirituall interest and everlasting good Fourthly 'T is doubtless the Brethrens Priviledge to have the knowledge of recieving or excluding any member or members into or out of communion with them especially in doubtfull or difficult Cases because they are to be or not to be members of the same body 1 Cor. 5.4 5. and to have fellowship with them in the same holy mystery and if there be any sin contracted either in denying recieving detaining or excluding any person the evil may reflect upon the whole Congregation Fifthly Another Priviledge is If any Brother hath any injury offered him or wrong done him he ought to bring it legally to the Church and there claim his Priviledge to be heard and relieved and to call for justice to be executed Then 't is the Churches duty to proceed and do them equity consonant to that good ancient Rule of doing as a man would be done by Mat. 8.7 and that without delay and partiallity that while we are complaining for want of justice from others we may not neglect to do justice in the Churches Sixthly Such among the Lords People as are justly poor being of the body have a right to be relieved in their outward necessity for as there is a right of propriety Heb. 13.3 so there is a right of charity 't is the Lords Rent-charge the Poors due and the Churches duty There are some unjustly poor who are either idle persons or led through their lusts into poverty others by mans oppression are brought into penury there are some impotent poor so naturally and there are the Lords poor who become so through the consequences of Christianity Seventhly There is another Priviledge that belongs to Christians That if any Person or Party in a Congregation should verily judge and absolutely believe they were oppressed and over-ruled by the rest of the Congregation in any case or controversie that it amounts to high contention and disputation Deut. 17.8 9 10. after all christian and serious means used he or they may make their humble appeal to some other Church in the same Faith and if the case be very weighty then to have recourse to some generall Assembly Acts 15.2 that by all means schisme may be prevented and peace and concord preserved To conclude these things There are other Rights Immunities and Priviledges that of right appertain to Church-Members that if any have a gift in Prayer 1 Pet. 4.10 or by way of Exhortation to have his seasonable time of liberty for the exercise of his gift and to have encouragement in so good a work Moreover if any are under temptation as wounding of spirit sickness of body or any other afflictions he may and ought to have recourse to the Ministers and to ask counsell and assistance of the Elders Jam. 5.14 or to call for them to be their visitants and the Elders ought to attend them in waiting upon their duties by Prayers Instruction or any other services wherein Christs Ministers are obliged and become concerned as they are spirituall guides and Gospel-Physitians Thus we may both learn and discern the great Priviledges that pertain to such as belong to Gospel-Churches to have interest in such provisions and advantages and all within themselves under Christs government and dominion and within their own limits and jurisdiction where all rights and proprieties are equally to be distributed their souls duely nourished their temptations considered burdens removed their bodies healed their poverty supplied their injuries redressed and their priviledges maintained and their causes heard and contentions determined Thus ought Christians to have things common in the spirituall Commonwealth and holy Nation and to maintain a free fellowship and communion both in priviledges and sufferings The truth is the charge of these things chiefly respects Officers to whom the Church hath committed her power and upon whom they have cast the burden of their care who ought as instruments in the name of Christ with the Churches consent to exercise the severall parts and offices of Government and as they are intrusted by God so they ought to act faithfull according to his Word and as they ought not to exercise lordship to usurp authority so they ought not to deface and diminish ought of Christs or his Churches power and dignity For if our Lord died to enter the government and our liberties and priviledges were purchased at so dear a rate and now committed to the care of the Churches there is a great obligation lyes upon the Congregation to see that these things be carefully maintained and constantly preserved and especially such as are in publick trust to improve their places and discharge good consciences to be a just defence to all persons in their spirituall rights and immunities that there may be no just cause of complaints in all our streets or borders Fifthly What Disorders are to be prevented corrected and removed AS when duties are put into the best form they appear with the most beauty so when the branches of impiety are set in order they appear in their ugly shape of deformity I will set some before you which I believe are sometimes found amongst you which are a dishonour to Christians and are great disturbances to the peace of the Churches and these evils are both of omission and commission First 'T is found too much neglected by teachers and leaders that the People are not taught but are very ignorant in the orders and principles of true discipline and right government Secondly When a man doth not prize and tender the unity and Peace of the Church as he ought but shall inconsiderately and indiscreetly publish and possibly endeavour to enforce a Principle upon the People or a Practice upon a Person before they themselves have sufficiently tried and proved it or the People or Person are prepared to bear it Ioh. 16.12 or made fit and capale to receive it and so oft-times a disturbance attends it Thirdly Another Disorder which doth mostly respect the Elders That is when disorderly walkers who are known to live and continue in sin and the Church neglects her Duty in Discipline not remembring all the time this sin is unpunished 1 Cor. 5.2 God is dishonoured their Duty neglected the Truth reproached the most religious grieved and scorners at Religion rejoyced Gods appointed Ordinance to destroy the flesh omitted and the proper means neglected by which the sinner should be restored Fourthly Another Disorder is when the members of one Congregation shall receive a member or members from another Congregation without their knowledge or consent or a letter of Recommendation from them to whom he or they did belong except in any case extraordinary by which disorders follow bad consequences Rom. 16.1 2.
true Discipline 2 Cor. 2.7 8 9 10 11. and Right Government It is the most effectual means and soveraign help under God against the grand Enemy of our Souls who hath fiery darts and makes desperate Attempts and sets his Ambushments and with policy and cruelty designs against the Saints to betray them by secret insinuation or to fright them out of their Faith and Profession and to weaken their hands for Christian Resolution to break their bands of Union and Charity and to cut the cords of Love and Unity Prov. 6.19 endeavouring to disorder them by sowing Discord among them First to divide them to make way for an advantage to destroy them Now Order is the Life and Strength of any Cause and the most advantage to any People for when a People are freely united and well Disciplined it is the greatest offence and dread to the enemy So 't is when Christians have faith in Gods promises and keep order in his Services it tends to their safety and security When the Souldiers are disordered the Victory is hazarded and he 's no good Christian-souldier that observes not Place and Order 7. Right Government which consist Principally in the execution of Justice and Judgement Isa 32.1 Isa 6.7 It may have the same commendation as was once given to Circumcision for 't is usefull and beneficial every way and when Persons shall see it in it's Beauty and how it brings in profit and themselves being partakers of the benefit of it It will ingage and oblige the hearts of those that live under it peaceably and chearfully to conform themselves to it and not only to approve of it but in their several Duties and Respective Places with Freedome and Affection help to preserve and support it For God himself is the Author of it the Holy Ghost appoints overseer of it God dwels with it and will certainly blesse it for in truth Order duly kept and Government truly ordered is of that Fame Glory it would invite strangers out of the Country As once the Order and Fame of Solomon's House invited the Queen of Sheba If our Spiritual Solomon's House were but wisely governed and the things therein rightly ordered and all Matters and Mannors prudently managed and all Discipline truly executed Strangers would be more invited dissenting friends and differing perswasions would be more ingaged and Christs Church more Renowned Thus I have shewed in part the benefit that comes to Christ's Church by means of Ecclesiastical Government 5. Some Rules tendred how to Effect and Accomplish a right Government THe First thing that I shall propound unto the Church in order to this great end is Their choise of Officers and herein to bespeak and exhort them that they neglect not their duty and care and so the blame to lye at their door None of the Saints and Brotherhood ought to consult for private Interest but for a general and publick good that whosoever among them the Lord hath suitably gifted and fitly qualifi'd for the conversion of sinners the constituting of Churches and the well being and better governing of Christ's Congregations they stand bound in duty legally to elect and orderly to appoint such to the work of the Ministry Acts 13.3 even to Separate and Ordain them according to their several Parts and Abilities to more general and particular places even to follow the Lord to put them into such places as he hath gifted for that purpose Even such who come orderly into and are tutered and brought up in the School of Christs Church and learning there untill they come to good degrees of Knowledge rightly qualified and considerably gifted by Gods Spirit amongst such some are to be freely Elected by the Church and Ordained by Fasting and Prayer and laying on of hands by the Eldership such so Ordained and abiding Faithful we own as Ministers of the Gospell and let them first be proved whether they have such qualifications as the holy Scriptures gives directions This being a principall case towards the obtaining right Government Take therefore advice of both old and New Testament ye may please so far to view Moses Counsel in the Old Testament as to see what kind of Persons was then chosen to be Rulers Provide saith he Wise men Understanding men and known men in your Tribes Men of courage men fearing God men of truth and hating Coveteousness I offer this of Moses not so much for Rule as for the good agreement it bears with the Rules of the New Testament But give heed to St. Pauls Counsell in the general qualifications mentioned Recorded for our directions 1 Tim. 3.8 Tit. 1. c. which the Apostle sets down both Negative and affirmative First What they must not be Not soon angry not given to Wine no striker not self-willed not a brawler not covetous not a Novice Secondly What they must be Blamelesse one that rules well his own house apt to teach a lover of good men sober just temperate holding fast the faithfull Word as he hath been taught that they may improve and convince Gain-sayers and if it can be obtained let them have the Principles of Order and spirit of Government in and about this great Office and Duty We are to look at a mans personal sufficiency the Gravity of his Yoke-fellow the Fidelity of his Posterity and also the good report of his Neighbour-hood and Country For if we would have Church-Government rightly ordered there must be suitable Governours and fit Instruments to accomplish it These Rules that follow touching this point are chiefly imposed upon the Eldership By Election Direction Protection Supplication and Exclusion 2. By Election As there is a great charge lies upon Churches concerning the Election of Officers Mat. 3.8 So there is a special care lies upon Officers touching the receiving and admitting Members into the Congregation To see some Fruits of Repentance Regeneration renewed in the spirit of the mind born again for ye know Churches under the Gospell are not gathered by Generation but by Regeneration Joh. 3.3.5 6. Except a man be born again he cannot enter into the Kingdome of Heaven For if they have not the birth of New Creatures how can we expect the life of well ordered Christians 2 Cor. 5.17 that they should naturally learn the true Doctrine and really observe and duly submit to the true methods of Discipline which so much concerns and adorneth every Gospel Congregation Every one had need understand Gods Ordinances and their own Duties and to be able to demonstrate something of the authority Matter Manner and End of every Principle and practice For Ignorance is the Mother of much mischief for some by their behaviours discover and also their Actions determine that they never past the new birth Neither is their descent from Heaven for they act and walk as not becoming the Royall Family and such as pertain to the Heavenly Posterity For many act so unnatural towards the Lord as if
he was never their Father and so untaught in his word and Oracles that they are no whit like his Disciples and Scholars neither respecting Principles nor Orders and some are already departed being never well grounded nor really and truly converted 3. By Direction By a due and seasonable instructing and directing such as are admitted into Membership 2 Tim. 4.2 to acquaint and educate them in the knowledge of God and the Affairs of the Gospel to learn them to know the Principles of Order true Forms of Government which are to be exercis'd under the New Testament to keep close to the direct Rules of Discipline and right orders of Governing and to beget in them a Respect and Honour to the Truth with all it's Oracles and it 's due Circumstances and to second and seal this with a holy and well ordered and a right governed Conversation admonishing them to observe the true Methods of proceedings towards all differing dissenting weak faln and offending Brerhren Mat. 18.15 To admonish the offending Brother timely before sin hath hardened him Secondly If it be a private Offence to tell him of it privately between thee and him alone which is the ready way to gain him Thirdly To do it in Charity wherein a man most resembles the God of Piety Fourthly the end must be to restore the sinner but to destroy his iniquity alwayes remembring them to perform duty that relates to each other with Compassion and Piety as children of the Father of Mercy Even consonant to their Heavenly Parentage Spiritual Pedegree of the Select number chosen Generation Royall Priest hood peculiar People holy Nation like men of the new Creation such as are redeem'd from a vain Conversation being as dead men to sin buried with Christ in Baptisme risen with him to Newness of life so to exercise a spiritual Dominion and give no place or subjection unto Sathan but to endeavor to raign over the body of flesh and sin But alas how oft is this general and known Rule abused and broken wanting Charity to the person offending or Fidelity to the Rule directing The truth is much of the Churches grief and care breaks in among them at this door but let Christs Ministers lead and guide the Members into Rules of Piety and Orders of Decency and to second their Exhortation by going before them as a pattern and by good Counsel and by good Example to establish the Believers in Doctrine Discipline and other Gospell orders 4. By impartial Admonition and due Correction for as the Scripture saith in another case in a Church-sence we may say in this that Christ's Rulers bear not the spiritual sword in vain but to turn the edge of the Word against all vice iniquity 2 Tim. 3.16 1 Thes 5.12 and to be a defence to all acts of Vertue and Piety waiting all approaches watching all designs of Sathan and all motions and appearances of the flesh For many times the greatest disturbances are brought about by the least beginnings for 't is Sathans policy to carry on his designs by entring them in by the smallest appearances Gal. 5.20 Beware therefore of the works of the Flesh as Hatred Variance Emulation Wrath Strife Seditions Heresies and the like which war against the Soul which actings cause breaches and disorders unto which Officers and Over-seers are to have a fore-sight of preventing and a ready hand of suppressing such things as disturb the peace of the Churches and break orders without regard to Causes or respect to Person by a diligent and severe hand against all Tale-bearers Evill surmisers Back-biters Rule-breakers Devision-makers secret Censurers and private Judges of others who in their Court of Confusion condemn their Brethren and cast them upon their Reputation These and such like are all Disquieters of Churches Wounders and Underminers of Governments and for the better discovering and removing all-such disturbances let all diligence be exercised all Circumstances of Reprehension and Correction be truly observed and all such offenders timely restrained and duly punished 5. By Countenancing and Protecting good orders and giving incouragement to orderly Walkers Psal 15.4 To look with a sowre face upon evill doers and a severe countenance against Evill workers but to honour the Pious and to praise the truly Religious to cherish them in their Duties and incourage them in Gods services Now Gospel-order is not only Beautiful and Honourable but acceptable to God and profitable to men for the Lord himself is Author of it and his Peoples experience prove the great benefit by it Let the Lords Overseers approve themselves prevalent instruments to effect and keep 1 Cor. 14. good Government by good Exhortation and Provocation study to maintain good order For the Lord strictly charges precisely enjoyns Order in all his Services and Sacrifices Typical and Ceremonial more especially then in the Worship and Service of the Gospel where Duties are more rarely blessed and Defaults more sorely punished Let Rulers know their places and do their Offices even cherish good people promote good Causes to assist good Consciences and to endeavour to preserve Christiansin their Liberties and Priviledges suitng and sorting their Counsels and Instructions observing and taking advantages of seasons and the Peoples conditions improving all abilities and the best faculties to defend them from deceivers giving timely admonition to Church-disturbers Succour the Tempted incourage the Faint-hearted to take off yoaks and remove oppressions that may lye upon mens consciences watching diligently over them carefully to govern them gently leading such as be with young to keep them from decaying to support them from fainting to restore them from erring and like good Shepherds to feed and rule them to defend and secure them from all those Poxes and Wolves that seek to scatter them and endeavour to destroy them 6. By sincere and fervent Supplication and Prayer because all things are sanctified by the Word and Prayer a duty never out of date 1 Tim. 4.5 Phi. 4.6 1 Thes 5.17 but in season and more especially upon such weighty Concernments and eminent occasions as the elections of Officers the admission of Members and in the great duties of Direction Correction Protection and Exclusion To acknowledge Gods grace to be the efficient Cause in all such Matters and to beg his Blessing upon all endeavours without which all labour is nothing pray to be directed aright to use the means and then pray that the means may be sanctified may be successeful and effectual praying and waiting upon the great Counsellor the prime Director and God of Order that he would be graciously pleased to give Governing Principles to right gathered Churches and he would please so far to own and honour them as to bestow upon them the precious gifts of Discerning Discretion and Moderation towards all Persons upon all occasions and in all conditions and more particular for the Spirit of Judgement and the spirit of
sin against God the Author of Family-Government 'T is a sin against man which God hath appointed as his Vicegerent 'T is against their own father and so 't is unnatural and contrary to the light of Nature But let children humbly obey their Parents and see that they do their duties so may they expect in due time to inherit Gods promised blessings 5. Masters which also stand in the place of Superiours and may do much for God in their places and by that power and command they have under God and over their Servants by restraining them from vice and vanity and by giving liberty and incouragement in acts of Vertue and Piety Masters are to give unto their Servants that which is equall and just knowing they have a Master in Heaven Col. 4.1.9 who respects not Persons but just and equall dealings They also are to forbear Threatnings and oppressings because whatsoever is measured to another by any man the same measure shall be measured to him back again 6. Servants ought to obey and submit to their Masters in all things as unto the Lord not only to the gentle and good but to such also of them as are froward not with eye service as men-pleasers but with singleness of heart as the Servants of Christ acknowledging their power by obeying their precepts striving toplease them wel in all things not answering again Tit. 2.9 10. nor purloyning walking in all honesty and shewing all Fidelity that in all services and by all means they may adorn the Doctrine of Christ in all things 7. And Lastly Let every one do their duties in their several Obligations whether Superiours or Inferiours I may adde to the rest Land-lords and Tenants who ought to deal faithfully each to other as unto the Lord. Land-lords are in such places and have great advantages to do good services if they do improve themselves for the Lord and give good Councel to their Tenants according to his Holy Word Let them remember although they are Landlords to men yet they are but Tenants and Stewards to the God of Heaven Who hath the disposing of all things who can increase and diminish at pleasure and gives and takesaway as he pleaseth as they expect Obedience Dues and Just accounts of their Tenants So the Lord the great Land-lord expects his Obedience Dues and just accounts as we stand his Tenants and Servants Let Tenants also deal faithfully and do equally in Justice Mat. 7.2.12 agreeable to the good Rule of doing as a man would be done by acting according to the laws of Righteousnesse towards God and the Principles of Uprightness towards men For whosoever shall make a breach upon the Rules of equity and equal dealing the Lord will requite them in Justice answerable to the Law of Retalliation But let Superiours know the limits of their Commands which is over Bodies and not Consciences Some Rules concerning private and personal Government EVery particular person is charged with a souls protection and it being a weighty imployment to be charged with a Souls Concernment Joh. 2.8 it being of a greater value than can be reckoned the gain and losse of it being more than the gain and losse of the whole World Let the former Rules be taken upon once again in order to personal Regulation For there we ought to begin the Foundation for the better accomplishing of the great work of Church-Reformation for although this come last 't is none of the least works to be done and that which pertains to every Christian man to set and keep things in order at home in this little World and more private Jurisdiction For 't is the greatest piece of Knowledge for a man to know the depth of himself and the highest Conquest for a man to overcome himself and the most excellent part of Government when a man can rightly order his own heart govern his own life and rule well his own spirit Prov. 16.32 'T is not only reported but experienced that Heart-work is the most difficult work to which we had need use all the means that may be allowed and to make use of all the helps that can be obtained 1. By Election As the Universal Lord hath set too great Lights to rule in the Universall World and hath appointed Guides and Overseers to enlighten and govern the Church of God so hath he been graciously pleased to make Heavenly provision to order and rule the Inner man and as the Lord in his matchless love hath freely sent his Son to ransome us from everlasting slavery so he hath freely given his Spirit to conductous towards eternal felicity Acts 5.32 Let every one then choose imbrace that means God hath Ordained for the obtaining and receiving Gods holy Spirit which with Reverence I may truly call The prime Overseer over the Soul he is the great Teacher Leader and Conducter of the Saints and whose Office may be fitly compared to the Office of an Overseer or Ruler He is the Christians guide to enlighten and direct them to sanctifie and comfort them to strengthen and confirm them to improve and quicken them to duties and likewise he helps our infirmities interprets our groans and presents our supplications and makes requests for Saints according to the will of God The bodies of Saints are the Temples of the Holy Ghost and the Tabernacle of God where he dwels and governs according to his word he helps us to mortifie our sins and is grieved at our Transgressions Thus is the Kingdome of Heaven within you agreeable as the Scripture hath exprest which consists of Righteousnesse Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost He also convinceth the World of Sin strives and waits upon man to correct and conform them the Gospel Order and holy Profession Jo. 16.13 and so guides the saints into all truth and shews them things to come Secondly Conscience may be called an Overseer in a more subordinate and limited sence which the Lord hath set in man which is the Epitome and Breviate of the World which will act for God and assist for the Souls spiritual good serving to rule and order the whole man even to regulate and Record every word and action The Office of Conscience is to oppose sin reprove sin condemn for sin and if the sinner be impenitent it terrifies and torments the sinner and like a faithfull friend first tell him of his fault secretly if he amends 't is forgiven by God freely but if not Conscience either discovers it to be judged here Rom. 2.15 or else bears witnesse against them at the Bar of Judgement hereafter But Conscience will do Justice in it's Office for it will excuse if guiltlesse and bear testimony to a mans simplicity and godly sincerity and upon every pious action it ministers joy to the Inner-man I may adde the light of Nature which I may call a help in this personal Government 1 Cor. 11.14 which in morall things will give information and
and fervent prayer of a Righteous man availeth much being mixed with Faith obtaineth Vertue and Power from God to assist and us to order and govern our selves according to his Word Isa 5.16 and that he would be graciously pleased to enable and quicken us to our duties to teach us to number our days to improve us by his Spirit supply us with his grace relieve us by his power protect us by his providence to furnish us with Might in the Inner-man to know our selves to rule our own houses to command our own spirits that we may be patterns of Order and Government to other believers and that he would be intreated to learn us spiritual Art and holy Skill to defend and secure our selves our souls and Soul-Treasures against all the wiles and policies of our grand enemies that having the Rule over our own spirit we may be as him that hath taken a City and obtained the Conquest over the great Adversary and so by Gods grace we may be safely conducted through all Combats and Temptations and at last received into Everlasting Mansions 6. By Exclusion To exclude all false Counsels foolish conceits and vain imaginations from the heart Ephes 4.31 22. and to banish all lurking lusts and absurd pretences from the Court of the Inner-man But in order to the Executing and Effecting this good Work let every soul apart call and keep a private and particular Court within the limits of his own personal dominion and let this judgement be holden as Gods spirit hath given Charge and Commission and so to exercise the power of a just and righteous government and to bring every word and action into judgement and because the heart is deceitfull and will oft-times disguise it self and evade the truth and is full of windings and turnings Pro. 19.21 and false pleadings Let every one take an exact and legall way of tryall and a strict and formal way of Judgement and so proceed to Examination Probation Pro. 28.26 Condemnation and Execution and let all be done according to Law and Truth For a man may do Injustice upon himself Let Conscience sit as Judge for Conscience will side with the Lord and judge for God and for the souls good Let the pure Law of God conteined in his Word be the Rule to proceed by let the knowing and understanding part be the witnesses to give in the testimony to every action and against every Circumstance of evill doing let all the faculties of Soul and body be as Jurors and call in every miscariage to make up the clearnesse of the Evidence which is the ground and guide of Justice Let the Law and the Offence be equally compared and neither bosome nor secret sins be respected that the Old man with his deeds may be cast and condemned and the body of sin executed and destroyed and buried in the grave of Oblivion never to have any more Resurrection Either to disquiet our peace here or to evidence against us hereafter knowing the terrour of the Lord moves me to be earnest to perswade 1 Cor. 11.31 For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged of the Lord neither condemned with the World Let us therefore beware and sin no more for behold the great Judge stands before the door 7. By Execution To put personal Discipline into due Execution without which all is nothing for practice is the life of the Law for if the practick part be neglected the blessing will not be obtained and that because the condition is unperformed Let all persons learn to command and rule themselves and especially Superiours who should command and rule others For if a man knows not how to command himself how should he command Inferiours and as the Apostle speaks If a man knows not how to rule his own house how should he take care of the Church of God According to the old saying If every man would rightly order and govern one 't is the ready way to reform the whole Congregation I hope the words I have written touching personal Regulation will not be thought so Impertinent but that they being timely applyed sutably improved may tend to the furthering and establishing a Righteous Government And as I have been speaking of some particulars touching the governing a mans life so I would adde a few words by way of Remembrance what is to be set in order at or before a mans death I will ground my speech upon the words of the Prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah Isai 38.1 who was commanded to set his House in order because he should not live but dye we being all under the sentence of Mortality become concerned to set our houses in order speedily Doubtlesse as Hezekiah was a King he was under a great care to set and leave things in order within his dominion and as he was head of a Family to set things in order within his Family-Jurisdiction and as he was a servant and child of God to set his accounts in order according to his Will and Word so is every Christian concerned within the compasse of his place and power as he may have the charge of a Congregation or the charge of a Family and the charge of his own soul to discharge our trust and do our duty and so set our house in order before we dye Hezekiah's pattern is a good precedent for every mans direction to prepare our reckoning to form and present our accounts Mark well what he saith in Verse the third Isa 38.3 in giving up his Accounts to the Lord saying 1. I have walked before thee in truth 2. And have done that with a perfect heart Thirdly And that which is good in thy sight This is but a brief and short breviate but it contains an excellent and full account 1. I have not talked but I have walked not before others but before thee not in Error but in Truth 2. Not in shew but in heart not with a double and impure heart but with a upright and perfect heart 3. He doth not say he would and will do but I have done not that which is vain but that which is good not in the sight of men but in the sight of God To be short let these words be laid to heart For God is exact and will view every mans Account 2 Cor. 5.10 for we must all appear at the Judgement Seat See that ye have prepared a good account to present in the day of Accounts 2. As every Christian is to set things in order to account with God Rom. 14.12 so he is to leave behind him some examples of Piety to the World that his orderly life zeal for godlinesse and his acts of charity when he is no more may perfume his memory and be like Abels Sacrifice to speak after he dyes and may be worthy of Imication to Church-family and Neighbour-hood Nation 3. As touching temporal substance that the Lord hath made a man Master of or
them to instruct them and convince them from the Scriptures and shew them the Laws they have broken that judge them trespassers and condemns them for transgressors 4ly shew them their sin in it's body and deformity the sad accidents and bad consequences that attend sin and to make them sensible of their iniquity from the evidence of Scripture-testimony say to the sinner Come see what you have done look upon your sin in it's aggravation how serpent like it darts and stings every one it reflects upon Gods honour it darts Religion stings the brethren disturbs your Inner-man gives an occasion of stumbling to the weak in profession it daunts the well-wishers and enquires after Religion and gives the enemies truth an occasion of rejoycing Fifthly To learn to know the offenders design for oft-times a design by an act intended may be worse than the action it self committed there may be Circumstances depending to be considered by which the Act may be much mitegated or aggravated as ignorance or wilfulnesse as in pretence of conscience or a design of disturbance as from a principle of Charity or in a course of subtilty the best of these Circumstances will make no justification for any evill action for that will be to countenance sin but the better circumstances are to have their mittegations in damages I mean in punishments and the other their aggravations 6. To observe the disposition capacity and temper of the person not to favour his sin but in order to gain an advantage upon the sinner some to save with compassion some with fear some with gentlenesse others with sharpnessei always tosort fit and direct all admonishions reproofs and corrections as may best suit with the offenders disposition and the demerits of his sin and transgression Seventhly To take the most convenient season as I have said things done in their season and order are like apples of gold in pictures of silver they are not only beautifull to the action but a disadvantage to the enemies design but beware lest while ye are about to heal some breaches you neither prevent nor disturb your selves in some other weighty and publick services and so let in Satan to make his advantages For a man must have some respect in matters of Government to three Estates The honour of God the quiet of Conscience and the peace of the Church Thus I presume to tender my Counsell and offer my Judgement and direction especially to such as have any trust and publick imployment over their brethren for men of wisdome honesty and sufficiency are most sensible of the Office and buthen of the place carefull of the Charge and apprehensive of the accounts they must make like men of discretion let them well observe the nature of their Office and the worthinesse of their places and judge for God according to the rule of his Word with all justnesse and gravity As one observing the Judges sit in the Judgement Seat while they were grave and just he thought they were gods but when they changed into lighenesse and fell into passion he concluded they were but men Let Christs Officers and Ministers act gravely justly and discreetly instructing themselves and others in their several obligations both as they are men and Christians As once a Governour of a Nation observed saith he I am King of Bodyes not of Souls a Commander of men not of Conscience And as our Lord himself hath taught us to distinguish of duties and to render every one their dues and to owe nothing to any man but love To honour our Lord Christ as the head of the Church and to respect civil Magistrates as the politick fathers of our Countries To conclude this point let me say to my brethren as once a Prince said to his son observing him to mind trifles said Come my Son leave trifles and mind the matters of the Kingdome So I say to my brethren and every Christian to leave the trifles of this World and mind the matters of Christs Kingdome Peace and Unity is the great end I have here designed and 't is a design God hath greatly blessed The Scholars in Christs Church ought to be Students for quietnesse and peace in the Churches The Lord hath not only commanded it but he prefers Peace before any other Sacrafice Mat. 5.24 2. He enjoyned his Disciples to seek peruse and prosecute Peace 3. 'T is further told us from the Lord without Peace and Holnesse no man shall see God 4. Such as pray for Peace shall be blessed with Prosperity 5. To the Councellors of Peace there shall be Joy 6. The makers of Peace are honored by being called Gods posterity 7. Peace is a fruit of Gods spirit and a Character of heavenly wisdome To hast God is the God of Peace and Christ is a Prince of Peace and the Kingdome of God is Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Thus are Saints to preserve Peace among them and the Peace of God that passeth all understanding shall keep them Thus are Christians become concerned to endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of Peace that is What the Spirit of God hath united formed and compacted together either in respect of Fundamentals Ephes 4.3 governing and perfecting Principles always to maintain the ancient Form and true Pattern of sound Doctrine and right Discipline That Truth and Peace may go hand in hand together be constant Companions and imbrace each other You may please to learn a Lesson from our experience in the Nation When we are at Peace at home then we see our Enemies are quiet abroad when we disturb and afflict each other by way of persecution it invites and emboldens our enemies of other Nations and in the midst of home-bred contentions we hold open a door to let in forreign adversaries Let Christians make spiritual application who are within the borders of the holy Nation to beware of Strife and Envy which makes way for the souls enemy but to maintain Concord and Unity which are as Bulwarks against the Adversary but let Union be made and Charity increase and have salt in your selves and be at Peace one with another and as a conclusion I would impose this one Obligation as the late Legacy of a dying man that the parties more chiefly concerned may seriously apply it and profitably improve it to Gods glory and their own felicity 'T is an Incumbent among Christians I wish it may never cease to keep the Unity of the spirit and Truth in the bond of Peace Seventhly and Lastly Some Directions given how to uphold and support Church-Government IN order to the preserving and supporting Church-Government the matter will charge every mans concernment both Offices and Members It invites them to their duties and obligeth them as Christians to discharge good consciences in all due concernments as they are under several obligations and become concerned in their respective places And First to my well beloved Brethren in the Lord whom God hath
called to high Offices honored with great Endowments and obliged in publick services and therefore I do honor them in their respective places Even those Elders whom the Lord hath commissionated upon a more general account who hath inlarged their missions into the Nations and betrusted them with the care of the Churches I will not presume to teach them because I have more need to be taught by them yet I would humbly take leave to be their Remembrancer and to intreat them as Fathers to observe their Gospell-lessons as they are directed to them by their several Appellations First they are sometimes called Angells to hold forth Innocency and Purity Secondly Ambassadors in Christ stead to personate his Majesty and hold forth his glory in the World sent to treat with sinners and to state the terms of Reconciliation to engage their souls in affection with all bowels of Christian compassion to beseech them to be reconciled to God Thirdly Messengers sent out by the Churches upon the Lords message 2 Cor. 8.23 24. even upon the grand errand of publishing glad tidings That matchlesse and welcome news to poor sinners Phil. 2.25 even to publish and proclaim a free tender of a crucified Christ unto a perishing and lost World that Lamb of God that cleanses souls by his precious bloud These are Instruments in Commission from Christ to unite strangers to affect sinners to prepare members to people the Churches Fourthly They are called Bishops to shew they have a charge and are Overseers of the souls of such as are Gospell-professors and are to feed Christs flock and to rule the Church of God which he hath dearly purchased with his own blood 5. Ye are Ministers to shew ye ought not to have dominion over the peoples Faith neither to be Lords over Gods heritage but to be faithfull servants to Christ and the Churches 6. Ye are called Rulers to regulate Ecclesiastical Affairs and to set in order things that are wanting in the Churches to ordain them Elders and reform disorders in the several Congregations 7. Ye are called Stewards placed over the Lords Houshold to make provisions and to give them their spiritual portion of meat in due seasons which Office presupposeth a high trust and ye must expect to give a faithfull and just account at last Now that you may be guided aright to rule for God I can do lesse but pray and wish that the blessing of Heaven may be upon you and in you even the blessings of soul and body health and prosperity but more especially in the holy and high concerns of Eternity That ye may have all increase of grace fulnesse of of peace and at last your portion in the everlasting state of perfection and in the mean time I freely wish ye may be all sanctified and richly furnished with all spiritual gifts and heavenly treasures and plentifully accommodated with the fulnesse of the Holy Ghost that ye may hold forth the Image of God and the glory of Christ in dignity mercy purity and severity To prize and praise the Godly and Pious to disclaim and condemn the Irreligious and that ye may be duly directed and constantly protected by the goodness and providence of God in and about the most sacred acts of Religion and in that serious and ponderous imployment of the Ministry that the same Lord that hath commanded your service and given you authority would be pleased to attend you with his presence and give you security and that you may lay sure foundations and build aright Gods holy habitations that ye may be Pious Examples to the believers both in Doctrine and Conversation and worthy patterns of Government in every Congregation leaving behind you solemn and solid precidents of humility fidelity and gravity with harmlesse and discreet demeanors accompanied with holy policy cincerity and purity that you may both constitute and consolate Churches unite Christians repair breaches and establish the Congregations Even to perfect faith and conduct souls to the everlasting habitations 2. Concerning Elders appointed over particular Churches I Now direct my speech to the Elders charged with particular Congregations My well-beloved Brethren Considering my relation with you Acts 14.23 and the great charge committed to you and the great account that 's required of you I could not well omit to advise exhort and entreat you not so much to instruct you as to remember you Tit. 1.5 to ponder the worthiness of your places and the weightiness of your obligations That ye are to serve Christ under his three fold Offices in subordination to him under the Offices of Prophet Priest and King And 1. In order and honour to his Propheticall to teach the people whatsoever God hath commanded you and to with-hold nothing that is profitable for them instructing them publickly privately and from house to house declaring all the counsell of God that ye may be pure from every mans bloud and seasonably faithfully and constantly opening and preaching the wholesome words and found doctrine as ye have received it from the Apostles according to the holy Scriptures which was sealed by God and confirmed to them by miracles In Christs name to teach and perswade and in much affection to exhort to duty and by good instruction and a good pattern to lead and guide the believers in acts and orders of Religion and a well ordered conversation observing seasons and dispensations having an eye to the peoples estate and conditions discovering to every one their duty with the benefits that attend it and also acquainting them with the danger upon the neglects and contempts of it 2 Under his Priestly Office ye are to enquire of God for them and to intercede him in their behalf that they may have an evidence of their interest in Christs sacrifice and assurance of the remission of sin through him That the Lord would please to encrease their graces and that the bloud of Christ might purge them from all corruptions and upon every occasion and in every condition to commend them to God by supplication and that they may be supported and comforted in the inner man to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving unto God for them for all benefits and benedictions freely received from him Moreover to instruct and acquaint them with the great blessings that are presented and conveyed by Christs Death and Passion and to principle them in the great priviledge of his Intercession and oft to celebrate the commemoration of that memorable act that so evidently preaches a crucified Christ to teach them to discern the Lords Body and to direct them how to communicate worthily then to call them to the Lords Supper and endeavour to feast them with the Lords dainties being communicants at the Lords Table craving a blessing in every administration and a sanctified use of every priviledge and blessing rejoycing with them and offering thanksgiving for them for all benefits bestowed upon them 3. Under his Kingly Office ye are to make known
hath already appointed to intercede him that he would be graciously pleased to furnish them with wisdome enrich them with graces and spirituall treasures and bestow upon them the spirit of revelation to ask for spirituall boldness and for the gift of utterance and that they may be spirited against all allurements and discouragements that neither the fear of men nor the cares of this world may remove them or divide them from their duties in Gods services but that they may speak as they ought to speak with courage and faithfulness And to beg of God that he would please to give them right principles of government and to honour them with the spirit of discerning and judgment and as the Apostle saith 2 Thes 3.1 Pray for us that the Gospel may have a free course and run and be glorified and the Gospel-Ministers preserved and delivered For as we are to pray and give thanks for Kings and all that are in Authority that we may live a peaceable life under them so we ought to make prayers and supplications for all spirituall Guiders and Governours that the Gospell may be advanced by them Let all Christians know 't is a materiall duty in the severall Congregations to assist the Preachers of the Word by their fervent and constant supplications and that giving of thanks be returned and duely rendred unto God for all those gifts and graces he hath bestowed on them and for the blessing of God you enjoy by them and for all the experiences they have enjoyed through Gods goodness to them the admirable provisions made for them and his wonderfull providences over them and for the unexpected benefit you reap by the enjoyments of your Ministers and that they are not yet removed into corners Let these things be freely owned and sensibly and thankfully acknowledged and Gods due praises sutably and constantly rendred and if our duties and the Lords due Rents be seasonably discharged it may be our priviledges may be enlarged our spirituall immunities encreased our gifts and graces augmented and our liberties and freedomes established 7. Lastly Touching Gods Ordinance that respects his Ministers Maintenance First The Church of Christ ought to observe Gods Ordinance to assist and encourage Gospel-Ministers with a Gospel-maintenance that the Gospell may not stand at their door and the obstruction and neglect of this good work may not be charged upon their score And because this point may seem the most strange I would borrow the more time to speak more at large In my prosecution I would observe this method following to distinguish of it What it is and what it is not 1. What it is not 'T is not a compelled and forced maintenance no otherwise than the Word of God compelleth 2. Christs Ministers ought not to make reward so their end of Preaching 1 Cor. 9.17 as no pay no preach 3. They ought not to expect much less to extort from poor men to whom they had more need to give than receive 4. Upon the neglect and none-payment 2 Cor. 12 14. there 's no rule in the Gospell to inflict bodily punishment 2. What Gospel-maintenance is 'T is a free communicating by him that is taught in the Word Gal. 6.6 to him that teacheth in all good things he that preacheth the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.14 11. and such as minister spirituall things to the people the people ought to minister temporall things to them 'T is due by divine right the Lord hath ordained it and commanded it his eminent servants have pleaded it and also received it and St. Paul speaking of his priviledges saith he hath power to forbear working and the same Apostle labouring with his hands reckons it among the rest of his afflictions and enjoyns Timothy to give himself wholly to the Ministry And although they may not preach for lucre yet they ought to be supplyed in necessities if not with conveniencies and though they may not expect great revenues and augmentations yet doubtless they ought to be so remembred as to prevent decayes and poverties that so the Ministry may be preserved from reproaches some having spent a great part of their outward substance some their all and some more than all which is a temptation to Ministers and a dishonour to the Gospell 3. The Arguments alledged for the probation of it As the Gospel-Ministers are reckoned within the Saints Inventory and their graces the peoples by legacy so Christs Ministers have a right of propriety in the peoples common treasury The Lord hath given his own precept for it and hath charged his Church in trust to perform it the neglect is not only the breach of a Law and omission of duty but it highly reflects upon the Lords honour and dignity who hath designed all things to be acted freely God loved us freely Christ dyed freely this good news is to be preached freely and such as are taught ought to communicate freely Every mans servants are allowed some recompence for their labours all differing perswasions do much countenance their Ministers and shall ours want their due encouragements and this is no more in substance than what was confest and subscribed in the Confession of Faith 1660 If a man neglect his own private occasions and for the good of others adventure himself into eminent dangers 't is reasonable he should be accommodated from the peoples treasures It neither consists with Religion nor common reason that a man in this case should bear his own burden expend his own particular substance upon the publick cause and generall occasion as the Apostle speaks No man goes to warfare at his own charges 1 Cor. 9.7 as the Scripture saith Who is there among you that would shut the doors for nought St. Paul doth not say they that preach the Gospell may live but should or ought to live of the Gospell He further reasons the case from naturall civillity and common equity to convince the Corinthians of the Gospel-Ministers maintenance and although he refused to take of the Corinthians because of the false teachers yet he tells them again he robbed other Churches to do their services And he saith elsewhere they that are imployed in Gospel-labour are accounted worthy of double honour 1 Tim. 5.17 18. the workman is worthy of his meat and the labourer of his wages And though they labour not so much with their hands yet they labour with their brains and undertake and undergo great difficulties they are set not only to preach but defend the Gospell rulers of a holy Nation stewards of a spirituall Court warriers against spirituall adversaries planters in the Lords Vineyard feeders of his Flock governours of his ships physitians of his patients plowers of his earth sowers of his seed labourers in his harvest and as threshers in his barn and all for spirituall provision for the nourishment of souls even for their welfare safety and present profit and to guide and conduct them to their
maintained and the poor relieved The Lord is pleased to define the sin and calls it robbery and injustice he repayes the evill with a curse of penury And as all Scripture is recorded for our learning and instruction so these presidents of miscarriages and punishments are become our premonitions and warnings that by preventing the sins we may clearly escape the punishments Thus much be spoken touching the Caution and Admonition Lastly A word of Encouragement and so I have done I am of St. Peters perswasion to put you in remembrance of these things although ye know them and be established in them but to observe the speciall notice the Lord takes and countenance he manifests to such as are just and righteous as Noah Lot and Phineas Caleb Joshua and many others who for their integrity fidelity and singularity are blest with speciall security that while others fall under judgement and misery as a demonstration the Lord records their names commends their actions secures their persons and comprehends in the blessing their posterities and families The Prophet Jeremiah speaking in commendations of Josiah King of Judah said thus of him Jer. 22.15 16. that he did execute judgement and justice and then it was well with him this is rightly to know God Was not this to know me saith the Lord. These that were men of justice and faithfulness the Lord counts it unto them for righteousness John the Baptist was a righteous man and faithfull and just in reproving sin and so obtained this commendation to be called a just and holy man Also the Lord was pleased greatly to honour Abraham in making him privy to his design of justice upon Sodom and admits him to parle touching their destruction the Lord gives this character of him that he will command his children and his houshold after him Gen. 18.19 and like a man of government to keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgement The Lord doth so highly account and so much delight in truth and judgement that if there were but one man found in the City Jerusalem Jer. 5.1 to seek for it and in the execution of it notwithstanding a wicked City he would pardon it The Lord takes such pleasure in justice that he prefers it above other sacrifice for it is the habitation of his holiness Finally The benefits that attend such as give Christs servants their due encouragements If I may take leave once again to look back into the Old Testament Mapp recorded in the Prophesie of Malaechy I will shew you a three-fold blessing that attends this duty 1. The Lord invites and tempts them to do their duty 2. He is pleased to promise upon doing their duty he will pour out blessings and that abundantly for their sakes 3. He will remove the curse stop the destroyer reprove the consumer and rebuke the devourer 4. The Lord will so raise their fame and commendations that they shall be called a blessed people and that by all Nations In my making use of Old Testament Scriptures 't is not to make it our rule but to make use of their concurrences and assistances for they may in some measure help us as mapps and glasses to discover our duties and to see our dangers For as in the Gospell dayes duties are more richly and rarely blessed so new testaments neglects Heb. 10.28 29. and contempts are more sorely and dreadfully punisht Thus I have as it were set some Land-marks to guide you in the way to felicity and also discovered some Sea-marks to avoid the rocks of misery and having thus born my testimony I commend you all to God and wish you eternall mansions of glory FINIS POSTSCRIPT NOw if any Brother or Well-wisher shall conscientiously doubt or be dis-satisfied touching any particular Point contained in this Treatise because of my speaking to many things in a little room And if he or they shall be serious in so doing and will be-friend me so far and do me that courtesie to send to me before they condemn me and let me know their scruples in a few words of writing I shall look upon my self obliged both in affection and reason to endeavour to give them full satisfaction FINIS A Table of the principall Matters contained in this Book CHAP. I. THe Causes of peace and prosperity in the Churches of Jesus Christ page 1 2. The antiquity and dignity of Church-Government p. 3. The personall and princely Excellencies in Christ as the head of his Church p. 6. Chap. 2. Shewing the definition of Church-Government in New Testament dayes viz. in not inflicting bodily punishment upon offenders but spiritually executing Laws without knowing faces respecting persons wresting causes either for favour or prejudice to any persons p. 9. A true Ministers most speciall work and duty to the flock under all circumstances laid down p. 11 12. Chap. 3. Shewing the necessity of and reasons for Church-Governours and Governments p. 12 13. Chap. 4. Shewing the good use and great benefit that comes by right Government p. 19. Right Government is destructive to iniquity and a protection to piety p. 22 23. Chap. 5. Rules tendred to accomplish a right Government and the manner how to choose their Officers p. 26. 27. The work of the Officers when chosen p. 28 29 30. Chap. 6. Shewing the duty of Christians as they stand related to civill Magistrates requiring civill subjection not only for wrath but for conscience sake p. 38. Chap. 7. Treating of Family duties Superiours to Inferiours and Inferiours to Superiours with Directions to a religious choice in Yoke-fellows p. 40 41 c. Chap. 8. Treating particularly of Family duties p. 51. Chap. 9. Treating of private and personall Government p. 56. Cautions not to grieve Gods Spirit nor offend Conscience p. 61. Rules for the heart mouth eyes and ears p. 65 c. Chap. 10. Shewing the true order and right manner of executing Church-Government in seven Rules p. 73 74. Chap. 11. Treating of restitution to be made by an offender p. 76. Concerning dealing with Hereticks and other offenders p. 77 78. Chap. 12. Rules of Discipline how to treat an offender in orderlyest wayes how to restore him p. 80. Rules of better observation of the Lords Day or First Day Sabbath p. 83. Rules for Admonition of penitent persons after Excommunication p. 87. Chap. 13. Shewing what Priviledges are to be maintained to Officers and Members in Christs Congregation p. 88 c. Chap. 14. Shewing what Disorders ought to be prevented corrected or removed p. 95. Rules how the offended ought to treat the offending Brother p. 97 c. Seven Descriptions of the nature of the Devil the Churches adversary by his names p. 102. Chap. 15. Shewing what Branches of injustice and oppression are to be avoided in the punishment of sin p. 103. Chap. 16. Shewing the true order and the execution of Discipline and Justice p. 105. Rules to set out the ugly nature of sin in its aggravations to the thorow humbling the offender p. 109. Usefull Directions for the promoting and preserving unity and peace in the Churches of Christ p. 112 113 c. Chap. 17. Giving Directions how to uphold and preserve Church-Government p. 115 c. Chap. 18. Shewing the duty of particular Elders over particular Churches p. 119. to 124. Chap. 19. Shewing the Office and Duty of Deacons in Christs Congregations p. 124. to 129. Chap. 20. Shewing the Duty of Church-members to their Officers p. 129 130 c. A Duty incumbent and of high concern for Churches to present humble frequent and fervent prayers for such as are called to be Gospell-Governours that they may rule for God in justice and righteousness and for the encrease of faithfull Labourers in his harvest p. 132 to 135. Chap. 21. Shewing what God hath ordained respecting his Ministers Maintenance p. 135 136 c. The Necessity of making carefull and sutable provision for the Ministry with the sad effects that accompany the contrary p. 139 140 c. Encouragements to this work shewing the advantages that attend the due performance of it p. 143 144 c. Counsell to forwardness in assisting the Ministry with our worldly possessions Also a Caution against Covetonsness describing what it is p. 145 146. Objections against this needfull work answered p. 148. A generall resolution in all difficult and doubtfull Cases p. 149. The dreadfull consequences in Minister and People to do the work of the Lord negligently with comfortable Encouragements to constant diligence p. 150 151 152 c.