that joyns to the Church doth primarily and professedly joyn themselves to the Lord in Church Communion And the immediate declared event of this Exhortation of Barnabas was that they joyned to the Lord in Church fellowship and became a Church ver 26. See also Act. 16.5 2. It appears to be the duty of every Believer to joyn himself to a particular Church from the Nature of Conversion it is the turning the whole man unto God in all the ways and appointments of Christ wherein he is to be found but Church fellowship is a Divine Institution where God is to be found joyned with and submitted unto as is abundantly manifest from the currant of the Old and New Testament This seems to be the meaning of the Apostle when he doth beseech the Romans ch 12.1 by the Mercies of God to present their Bodies i. e. their Persons to give up their Persons by presenting them to or before the Lord viz. in Church Communion a living Sacrifice of thanksgiving Holy and Acceptable unto God which is your reasonable worship 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it should be rendred your word service or worship the word is used for the Word of God 1 Pet. 2. Or a service of Words As new born babes desire 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the sincere Word the Milk or Milk of Word So that the Exhortation of the Apostle seems to be made to Believers to devote and dedicate themselves unto the Lord in Church fellowship by a Covenant or Obligation of Words being called their service of Words viz. their explicate word the Presentment or Devotement of themselves unto the Lord according to Hos 14.2 This Dedication or Devotement is lively signified in Baptism wherein every Believer doth federally oblige himself to Father Son and Holy Ghost and thereby doth both bind himself to joyn unto the Lord in professed Subjection to all his Ordinances and doth shew it Sign and Seal it before the Lord. And every adult one that professeth himself baptized and doth not actually joyn himself unto the Lord in Church fellowship doth practically deny his Baptismal Dedication wherein he is devoted to be a living i. e. visible lively Sacrifice of thanksgiving in his Person and all his performances unto the Lord. 3. That Believer that joyns not himself in Church Society falls short of many great ends of his professed high and holy Vocation for we are called according to Gods purpose of Grace to be a choice Generation a Royal Priesthood a People 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. for a peculiarity i. e. unto God for his special visible service to offer up Spiritual Sacrifices of a true Gospel Nature acceptable unto God through Jesus Christ ver 5. Wherein the Virtues of Christ are shewed forth or declared ver 9. Not only perceived in our selves but shewed forth in Practice and Profession and this is or can be no way so much as in Gospel instituted worship wherein a Believer comes unto and is built up in the Lord Jesus Christ as a living Stone The great reason of squaring a stone is to be laid in the building as the end of squaring the Stones in Mount Lebanon was to lay them in Solomons Temple a Type of a Visible Gospel Church Such I doubt not but the Holy Ghost means by the Apostle Peter saying Ye as lively Stones are built a spiritual House ver 5. and so the Apostle Paul Eph. 2.20 21. Again the Lord Jesus doth declaredly design that Believers should be visibly separated from the World to come out in the way of Gospel Communion from all unclean things and Persons 2 Cor. 6.14 15 16 17. From all Heathenish Antichristian or false unwarranted worship and from Communion with professed Vnbelievers and enter into a solemn explicite Covenant with the Lord without doing of which they answer not the end of their calling in Christ Lastly our Calling is not only to be the Lords singly but conjunctly with the Saints and redeemed ones to a mystical Relation to Christ in a Community of the Elect and called ones which is answered by us as in our inward and spiritual so by our external and visible joyning our selves to the Society of the faithful to serve the Lord in one Body with them for we are called to the Peace of God that rules in our Hearts in one body Col. 3.15 i. e. with other Saints and Believers and therefore are to walk worthy as it becometh this vocation not only as to Moral Duties but instituted worship Eph. 4.1 c. Phil. 1.26 Let your Conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ and this in our Order and stedfastness of our Faith in Christ Col. 2.5 4. There are Duties to be performed by every Believer by Virtue of his Relation to Christ as such which cannot be done but in a way of Church Communion for he is obliged to observe what ever Christ hath commanded Mat. 28.20 And how great things hath Christ required to be observed in a way of Church Communion as the exercise of Brotherly love Heb. 13.1.1 Joh. 3.11 And he there refers to our Saviours express command Joh. 13.34 The Obedience to which lyes in the sensible Expression thereof as it appears by what follows Hereby shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if ye have love one for another i. e. In outward visible acts And the Apostle speaks of the â—ommunion of Love fellowship of the Spirit Bowels of Mercy sameness of Mind c. Phil. 2.1 2 3. Love is a Grace that gives Life to all acts of Communion it flouâ—isheth and branches it self in the most lively manner in a Society and Societies are for the sake of it Destroy love and not only the ends but the very bond and Life of a Society comes to nothing There are great commands of Christ that we are not capable of obeying him in but in Church Communion As frequent assembling together provoking one another to love and good works Heb. 10.24 The remembrance of the Lords Death frequently in the Lords Supper And this is to be observed in a Body or Society of Believers See 1 Cor. 10.16 17. I might instance also in all Duties that concern brotherly watch Pastoral watch each Officers duties by their respective places and Members to them all Discipline actively or passively considered Christs Church Institution Ordinances and Statutes are those which are principally intended by David Psal 119. And such were those that Zechary and Elizabeth walked in blameless Luk. 1.6 5. Every one that supposeth himself in a state of Grace should use all endeavours required by Christ and means instituted by him for growth in Grace Now that Church fellowship and Ordinances are instituted by Christ for growth in Grace I think no sound Christian will go about to deny Believers are exhorted or commanded to grow in Grace 2 Pet. 3.18 And that Churches and their Officers and Ordinances are appointed for that end which we are to abide stedfast in the use of
Apostles at the same time and with them to all faithful Ministers There is another Key of the Kingdom of Heaven which is in the Church of the Gospel viz. The Key of Power which is either of Supream Church-power and is the Power of the Lord Jesus Christ which is Soveraign Absolute Legislative and therefore called the Key of David which he alone hath Rev. 3.7 And there is the Key of subordinate Power which is delegated by Christ unto his Church and therefore given by Christ unto Peter and the rest of the Disciples as his associated Church on Earth to which he himself was Pastor and to which he administred as such the Lords Supper The twelve Apostles had this Key given them as such in that for their time they had all Church Power committed unto to them did exercise it as occasion required as to Constitution of Officers receiving dismissing or excommunicating members But there being none in Succession unto them this Key of Power can be found no where lodged but in a particular Congregation built on the Faith which Peter in the Name of the rest professed Mat. 16.19 Phil. But the great Question is where the Power of the Keys lyes in a particular Congregation whether in the Fraternity or in the Eldership Christ I call the decisive Church Power the Key and say it lyes in the Majority as in all Societies that arise by mutual Consent or Agreement But I distinguish between the Keys and the management of them for a Key is dead and opens no door if there be not a hand to make use of it So that in an Organized Church the orderly managing and making use of the Churches Power lyeth in the Elders But if the Church be not Organized they are guided by a common rule of self-preservation and using all means to procure their well being they act by common consent as they came together in the Name of Christ till they be duely Organized with Officers And therefore they admit members or excommunicate if necessity require as they may before they have Officers But having chosen Officers the orderly way of proceeding is by the authoritative Power of the Officers in management of this Key which is the decisive Power Hence I distinguish between a Churches acting pro necessitate and pro regula ordinis Phil. What part have the ruling Elders viz. the Pastor if there be no more or if there be the ruling Presbyters that take part with him as assistants in admitting of a Member Christ The Elder or Elders work is 1. To speak with the party that desires admission propound him to the Church and upon mature deliberation cause the decisive Vote of the Church to pass upon him Whereby he is received or rejected If received the Elder declares the sence of the Church and doth solemnly in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Church enter into a mutual obligation with the said Member saying You are here now to give up your self and Children if he hath any to the Lord and this Congregation promising as Christ shall help you to walk and abide in and with this Church in all Gospel Conversation according to the rules of Faith and order of the Gospel submitting your self to the watch of the same and promise to bring your Children to the Ordinances of the Church educating them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Likewise adds I do in the Name of Christ and this Congregation give you the right hand of fellowship and receive you in the Lord promising to perform all the duties toward you that are required of us in order to your Edification as Christ shall enable us Phil. Hath an Elder no more part in the decisive Power by Vote than an ordinary Brother Christ Though the Elders Judgment is usually hearkened to and sways many times much with the Congregation giving light unto them from the Word yet when a matter comes by Vote to be determined his Vote is but single as another Brothers and therefore we say this Key of decisive power is in the Fraternity though the orderly management thereof and authoritative declaration thereof in the Name of Christ belongeth to the Elder Phil. In what other Cases is this Key made use of Christ In letting shutting out and turning out of Members 1. In Letting out or translating Members from one Church to another when upon good reasons a Church Member desires to change his or her Communion and asketh a Dismission it is granted by the suffrage of the Church approving his reasons for it Phil. Is there any Scripture ground for a Dismission may not a Church Member not chargeable with any scandalous Sin go away to another Church without a Dismission Christ No! For it will cause Confusion in the Churches and God is the God of Order and not Confusion as in all the Churches of the Saints Besides it 's contrary to the Nature of such Societies and the obligation by which the Members stand mutually bound together in one Body And Christ hath provided as well the orderly departure as stay of Church Members The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 used Rom. 16.1 should be rendred statuo constituo in coetu vobiscum I dismiss to you for tho' our translators render it I recommend yet it should more rightly be rendred I dismiss or place in Church fellowship with you and so all the Apostle speaks afterward are terms of a dismission These Paul needs not he being an Apostle and having had a Seal of his Apostleship among them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are commendatory Letters with Dismission 2 Cor. 3.2 Phil. What then are your Letters of Recommendation Christ A Letter of Recommendation is but a Certificate under the hand of an Officer that this or that Brother or Sister is a Member of such a Congregation walking blamelesly and as becomes the Gospel that when any Brother or Sister comes to other Churches in their travels they may make no scruple to receive them to occasional or transient Communion but transfers not any as Members to another Congregation Phil. How is the Key used for Exclusion of a Member Christ A Church Member is excluded or put out of Communion by Himself or by the Church and either amounts to Excommunication for Excommunication is the putting one out of the Communion of a particular Congregation which is done when a Member doth disorderly withdraw and divide himself from the Church Communion obstinately refusing to be reduced to his place and duty in the said Church This is an usurpation of the Key of Power and separating of himself and I call it Indirect Excommunication because he divides himself violently and schismatically upon which the Church is to reassume the Key and shut the door of Communion upon him either by a direct Excommunication which is the regular way and may be justified from express places of Scripture such as Rom. 16.17 18. Or else if this way of Discipline will not be born Judicially to
over to Satan is as much as our Saviour by whose Spirit the Apostle enjoyns the use of this word expresseth Mat. 18. that such an one should be accounted as an excommunicate Person was by the Church of the Jews or as one out of that Churches Communion viz. An Heathen or Publican for such the Jews would not eat with and condemned our Saviour for so doing There are but two Kingdoms in the World Christs and Satans who is called the Prince of the World that ruleth in the Children of disobedience i. e. the Sons of Belial men that will not come under the yoke of Christs Government and with such Christ can have no concord in his Church 2 Cor. 6.15 And therefore to be put out of the Visible Church as a Child of Disobedience an incorrigible person hardened in sin and to be returned into the World as one that hath no right to the Childrens Bread And this is to be a means to humble him and bring him to shame and godly sorrow so that his flesh a Gospel expression for sin which is corrupt affections and lusts may be destroyed and that his Soul may be saved in the day of Christ And the consequent behaviour required towards such an one abundantly shews it that intimacy of familiarity is not to be kept with him 1 Cor. 5.11 And that such a Person is to be put away from Communion in this manner as to all sacred things peculiar to the Church ver 13. And what doth the Apostle intend 2 Thes 3.14 but the Excommunication of one that is unruly that he may be ashamed for it is setting a mark upon him that others may withdraw from him to his great shame but yet ver 15. to take all opportunities to admonish him in order to his recovery Phil. What rules are to be observed in the Denunciation of this solemn Sentence Christ All the rules of Christ according to the Nature of the offence being private or publick ought to be observed that all due deliberation be used and tenderness towards the offending Brother before the case be put to the suffrage of the Church That being passed and the Offender convict as guilty and ripe for censure the sin is to be laid open with all the aggravations thereof Then the nature of the Sentence and the true end and intent thereof shewed Solemn Prayer is to be made by way of Humiliation to the Church and Supplication for the Conviction Repentance and Humiliation of the Sinner that the Ordinance may obtain it's true and best effect upon him Lastly The Sentence is to be denounced solemnly in the Name of Christ by a ruling Elder if any if none by the Pastor and then the Ordinance is to be concluded with Prayer of Gods blessing of it unto the Sinner for his return and for the Church that God would preserve it from Impurities Apostacies and Decays in Grace and that the fall of this Brother may be a warning Example that He that stands do take heed lest he fall Phil. Is there not a lesser Excommunication which an offending Brother may be tryed with before you proceed to this great and tremendous one Christ There is with some that which they call Suspension but I know no ground for it from the word for a man that is an adult Member hath right to all Ordinances or not and right he hath still till he be duely convict and sentence passed upon him And I know no Power that any Church or Officer hath to debar him from any Ordinance of Church Communion till he be excluded judicially in the Name of Christ Phil. You are ready to receive an Excommunicate Person again upon credible manifestation of his Repentance Christ There ought to be great readiness to receive a repenting and returning Sinner with all Tenderness Compassion and Commiseration but with a due regard to the Honour of Christ his Church and Ordinance to endeavour to get as much satisfaction as may be concerning the Truth and Sincerity of his professed Repentance not only by manifested remorse but in some Cases by experienced Reformation Phil. You were saying that one that is an unjust divider from the Communion of the Church ought to be excommunicated by a direct Excommunication Christ I do verily believe it 's the mind and will of Christ and though our Churches that are now but in a declining state as to matters of Order will not receive it yet Churches have practised it and whenever the Churches flourish they will practise it My Reasons are briefly 1. That it is Schism of the highest nature being the actual dividing of a particular Congregation and there is no other Schism spoken of in Scripture that in the Church of Corinth was but Factions tending to this Division else the Apostle would have given command to excommunicate the causers thereof as well as the incestuous Person For the contentions and factions that had a tendency thereto they were highly rebuked 1 Cor. 1.11 12. ch 3.3 1 Cor. 11.18 2. What way is for marking and withdrawing from a Person but the Sentence of Excommunication Rom. 16.17 1 Thes 5.14 2 Thes 3.14 3. It 's a most scandalous Sin to Jew Gentile and Church of Christ nothing stains the Honour of Christ more in the Congregation 4. It 's a root of bitterness that infects many and ought to be plucked up by censure if it cannot be cured Heb. 12.15 5. To excommunicate such a person is no wrong because he hath excommunicated himself he hath but what he sought after and hath done 6. It 's fit such an one should be excommunicated judicially because he hath by usurpation excommunicated himself and the Church 7. It 's plain it 's a sin and such an one wherein he heareth not the Church and therefore to be made as an Heathen and Publican 8. It 's a gross breach of his Covenant at entrance into Church Communion Phil. Speak something now of the fifth Head of Ordinances which is Contribution to the support of Ordinances Ministry and the necessity of the Saints Christ Contribution on these accounts are manifestly the Office charge of the Deacons to call the Church to it's Duty in this kind and to take care for the faithful distribution of all Collections of this Nature and to give account thereof to the Church They are herein the Churches Stewards it 's fully manifest from the first institution of that Office Acts 6. and by their necessary qualifications spoken of 1 Tim. 3.8 Now the reason of this Office and Ordinance is not only the Gospel Institution which from the places forementioned are without dispute but from the Nature of the Church Society it self No Societies if but civil can be supported according to their Nature without charge and there are many charges necessarily required to support a Church Society for a Ministry must be maintained 1 Cor. 9.9 10 11 12. 1 Tim. 5.17 18. Gal. 6.6 Luke 10.4 Likewise there is charges as to places for the Church
thus much That we hope he partakes of the free Grace of God in Christ though at present labours under these or those infirmities And though his reasons for his departure do no way satisfie us yet seeing he cannot be otherwise perswaded we have granted his dismission in order to his contentment and our peace But indeed small or no commendation does in these cases for there is seldom any such departer but the Pastor of some other Church is prepared for the receiving him right or wrong with commendation or without yea with dismission or without for all is Fish that comes to Net with some men Phil. Yea they say there are some Pastors will receive Members that run away from other Churches although they be actually certified that they be under censure Do you 〈◊〉 to send Letters of discommendation to Churches concerning offending Members Christ Yes there is as much or more reason for it than for a letter of commendation For as it concerns a Church to know who it admits to Communion or rejects so it 's requisite that a due Character be given by the Church to which the Member belongs And there is no particular Congregation will offer to receive a person into stated Communion at least without consulting the Church to which he belongs unless it be such a Church as savours too much of an Algerine Spirit in Ecclesiastick affairs Phil. Have you seen ever any Letters Discommendatory sent from one Church to another Shew me if you have Christ Yes I can shew you one And such a Letter need not be a Church act no more than a bare Letter of Commendation It may be done by an Elder only and he is bound by his Office to certifie unto other Churches what capacity a Member is in whether under censure or no. For when an offending Member is brought under the censure of a Church other Churches ought to be acquainted with it that they may not be imposed upon and that he may be ashamed being rejected by the unanimous concurrence of all Churches A Letter of Discommendation may be to this purpose To all the Churches of Christ in particular to that whereto S. T. is Pastor WHereas E. F. hath been a Member of this our Congregation and having fallen by a scandalous Sin or an offence for which he hath been duely proceeded with according to the rules of the Gospel but remaining impenitent is to our great grief and humiliation justly brought under the dreadful Sentence of Excommunication Or Whereas F. B. hath for so long time withdrawn himself from the Commumunion of the Church of Christ in E. whereof he was a Member to the long distraction and great grief thereof and doth persist in his withdrawment notwithstanding all due means which hath been used with all tenderness patience and condescention for the reclaiming of him from the said disorderly walking And that you may not be imposed upon by such an one offering himself to partake with you at the Lords Table and that the Violation of the Communion of Churches â—ay be prevented as well as the further hardenâ—â— of an offender in sin These are to signifie to 〈…〉 that the said person above-named is fallen 〈…〉 censure of this Congregation afore 〈…〉 â—fore according to the known and avowed rules of the Gospel he can be no longer allowed a just claim to Communion with other Churches by vertue of any relation to or right by and under the said Church or of any other pretences whatsoever whilst he stands thus divided from it as hath been declared But that the God of all Grace will encline his Heart to return to his Duty is the unfeigned desire and prayer of the Congregation and of him especially who is your unworthy Brother and Servant in Christ Jesus A. B. Pastor Phil. I thank you for your readiness to satisfie me in these points wherein I am now made sensible through Grace the honour of God and a Christians fixed comfort is most exceedingly concerned I shall exercise your Patience at this time no longer but wait another opportunity when we may further discourse some points of this nature Christ Sir you shall always find me God assisting most ready and chearful in any service of this nature And though these things seem most strange to most men and of an abstruse nature yet the time is coming when all the great truths of the Gospel shall bâ— cleared up before the World For when 〈◊〉 Lord shall build up Zion he will appear 〈…〉 Glory Expect we must yet that th 〈…〉 retick and Doctrinal part of these 〈…〉 Gospel order will be ridiculed by many and the practice thereof brow-beaten and scorned not only by the World but by carnal and ignorant Church Members that are biassed and led away by their own lusts and seductions of others but through Grace none of these things shall move me Vale. There is to be sold by Will. Marshal THE interest of Churches by J. C. The true nature of a Gospel Church by J. O. D. D. A Treatise of the Dominion of Sin and Grace by J. O. D. D. And any other works of the said Author FINIS
ECCLESIASTICVM OR A PLAIN and FAMILIAR Christian Conference CONCERNING Gospel Churches and Order For the Information and Benefit of those who shall seek the Lord their God and ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward SAYING Come and let us joyn our selves unto the Lord in a perpetual Covenant that shall not be forgotten My People have been lost Cheep their Shepherds have caused them to go astray they have turned them away in the Mountains they have gone from Mountain to Hill they have forgotten their resting place Jer. 50.5 6. Shew me thy ways O Lord teach me thy Paths Psal 25.3 4. 27.11 119.12 33. How goodly are thy Tents O Jacob and thy Tabernacles O Israel Numb 24.6 7. Tell me O thou whom my Soul loveth where thou feedest where thou makest thy flocks to lye down at noon for why should I be as one that turns aside to the flocks of thy Companions Cant. 1.7 LONDON Printed by T. S. for the Publisher and are to be Sold by W. Marshall at the Bible in Newgate-street 1690. THE PREFACE TO THE READER HOW small soever the stone cut out without hands now seems to be and hath been for many Ages viz. A poor afflicted People trusting in the Name of the Lord Zion whom no man regardeth a Remnant a Cottage a persecuted Woman in the Wilderness Yet it is great in the Eyes of the Lord and in the Eyes of every one that fears his Name even exalted above all Mountains and Hills in regard of it's spiritual beauty and preciousness and shall e're long in respect of Visible splendor and Prevalency be set on the top of every Mountain to fulfil those Prophecies Isa 2.2 3. Mic. 4.1 2. Zech. 8.20 21 22. When many People shall say Come let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord to the house of the God of Jacob c. Which intends the mighty and chearful gathering and assembling that should be in the last days unto a Visible Church state and Communion in the Faith and Order of the Gospel then will the Lord assemble her that halteth and gather her that is driven out and her that he hath afflicted and then he saith he will make her that halteth those who are not rightly instructed in the Order of the Gospel a Remnant i. e. of living Stones to be built up on the Corner stone in the building of Zion and her that was cast far off by Antichristian corruptions a strong Nation and the Lord shall reign over them in Mount Zion from henceforth and for ever In this Glory shall the Lord appear when he buildeth up Zion Psal 102.16 And by Gods present Providences seemingly unfolding ancient Prophecies he is now arising to have Mercy on Zion the time of the end of one thousand two hundred and sixty days of her Desolation and therefore to favour her being come yea the set time ver 13. and no less seeming to be coming out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the Earth Isa 26.21 For all their cruel Persecution and hellish Idolatry to destroy Babylon that hath wasted her and the Children of Edom Protestant Persecutors of the Egyptian race that have so long been crying aloud to Babylon and the Antichristian Fowers against the inward court worshippers Race it race it even to the Foundation Psal 137. The building of this Zion will be gradual for a Nation cannot be born in one day this Royal Nation by the accomplishment of the great Prophecies by wonderful and great Providences and those of two sorts in breaking scattering and overthrowing the Antichristian Powers the Feet and Toes of Iron and Clay and in setting up a Kingdom of Saints which shall not be left to another People The Inchoation of which hath been already by Preaching the Everlasting Gospel the auspicious augmentation and growth will be in gathering the Saints into a Visible Church-state Churches shall be multiplyed and mightily encreased as of old Act. 2. 9.21 To hasten this great and expected Glory what can we do less than contribute by our Prayers and faithful endeavours to the appearance thereof and who that loves the Lord Jesus and his glorious appearance can do less than to come to our great Corner-stone as living stones that they may be built up an Holy Temple in the Lord and thereto be edified in all holiness serving him therein Day and Night And that this may appear to be the duty of every one professing Faith viz. to joyn himself in fellowship with a particular Church Visible is all that I intend to do at this time as a brief Preface to this short Treatise 1. It was the practice of Believers in the Primitive times Act. 2.41 They that were converted to the Faith of the Lord Jesus Christ by gladly receiving the Word of Promise ver 38.39 were added unto the Church to the number of three thousand Souls And it 's most evident that their believing of it self made them not Members of the Church for the Text is express in it that they first believed and then by another Act of their own and the Churches receiving them they were added to them that were before in fellowship the hundred and twenty and became Church Members as it follows ver 47. And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved i. e. Such as were in a State of Salvation by believing The Lord is said to add them by his Grace that wrought effectually upon their Hearts to believe and believing enclined them also to joyn themselves unto the Lord in Church fellowship On the judicial proceeding of Christ by the Mouth of Peter against two Hypocrites that had joyned themselves and were discovered Act. 5.13 That of the Rest i. e. of the same sort durst none to joyn himself Ananias and Sapphira having been made so eminent Examples but the people magnified them i. e. the Church and the Apostles ver 14. And Believers i. e. sincere-hearted were the more added unto the Lord Multitudes both of Men and Women So that as soon as they believed they looked upon it as their next duty to joyn themselves to a Gospel Church Likewise see the same Practice by the Apostle Paul as soon as he was converted Act. 9.26 27 28. There is also another eminent instance at Antioch where the Disciples were first called Christians they that were converted by the scattered Disciples at Sauls Persecution were exhorted by Barnabas Act. 11.23 To joyn together in Church fellowship for it 's said when he came being sent for that end by the Church at Jerusalem and had seen the Grace of God in these converted ones he was glad and exhorted them all that with purpose or readiness of Heart they would joyn unto the Lord. i. e. In Church fellowship for these phrases of joyning and adding unto the Lord do express adding or joyning to the Church because the Church is the Lords and joyned unto him by a visible Covenant and every one
is manifest from Eph. 4.14 15. compared with the Primitive practice Act. 2.42 ch 9.5 See also Eph. 2.19 6. All that profess themselves to be translated into the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ should walk as professed Subjects thereof and this they cannot do but in Communion with a visible Church for particular Churches are the visible parts of Christs Kingdom Here Christ rules as King Law-giver and appears as High priest and Prophet giving forth himself to the Faith of his People with all his fullness of Grace in Gospel Ordinances and Dispensations Here then it is that a Believer doth exalt the Lord Jesus Christ most eminently as to visibility in his regal Power and therefore so long as a Believer joyns not himself to a particular Church he stays in the Verge of Satans Kingdom exposeth himself at no small rate to his Temptations Rage and Tyranny and salls short of one great end of his Faith in the Salvation of his Soul which is to be a professed Subject of Christs Kingdom deals disloyally with Christ instead of promoting prejudiceth the Interest of Christ both in respect of himself and others in the World he may be a Nicodemus like Friend of Christ but why doeth he not professedly and openly practice Obedience to all the Laws and Ordinances of his House and bear witness thereto Is it not a tacite and implicite denying of Christ and will not Christ take it so and mens talking of Christs Kingdom is but a vain shew unless they do him this particular personal service as to joyn themselves actually and visibly to a Church of Christ therein espousing his Interest in giving up their Names unto him and walking in his Name as Micah 4.5 All people will walk every one in the Name of his God and we will walk in the Name of the Lord our God for ever and ever Objections that are made against this practice are very inconsiderable and should bear little weight in a Mind truely enlightned some of which are answered in the ensuing discourse others I should here remove if there were room for it I think the Naming them is the shaming of them to all men that have learned Christ and tasted that the Lord is Gracious 1. The scorn and reproach men shall fall under from the prophane World I think no wise man will be laugh't out of his Estate how much less out of his Religion and Souls Salvation 2. A Suspicion lest they should come under too strict tyes and bonds to Holy and Religious Conversation Read 1 Pet. 1.14 15 16 17 18 19. 3. Others are kept off by prejudices arisen by reason of the sins and failings of Churches and Church-Members But will wise men refuse a good Calling or Estate because there are so many abuse them And name a Church or Christian without failings and considerable ones It is your duty to choose the purest Society and you are at your Liberty to do it where you may have most Comfort and Edification Lastly Many are hindred from their ignorance or misled apprehensions concerning the Nature of a Gospel Church For their Information and Rectification especially I have published this Christian Conference that was in my hands and that it may obtain the desired end is the sincere wish and prayer of an unworthy Servant of Christ Isa Chauncy This Conference is managed by Mr. Cornelius Philomathes a Countrey Gentleman and Mr. Peter Christophilus a Minister Neighbour to him The Introduction Christophilus Mr. Philomathes I am heartily glad to see you methinks you are mightily enjoying your self in your pleasant and retired walks will not my company disturb your meditations Philomathes I take it kindly Sir you are pleased to give me a Visit for indeed I live somewhat lonely I am glad of good company especially sometimes for divertisement but there is no friend more welcome than your self to me because your chearfulness revives me and your discourse profits me Christoph Dear Sir I deserve not so great a character and commendation it is your generous disposition that leads you to speak these things for you know we use to differ pretty much in many things especially in matters of Religion and in discourse seemingly hot opponents of each other but I think never the worse Friends Phil. Sir I have so near as I know my own heart a most cordial love to every one that fears God though he be not in every thing of my mind but for you Sir I have more than an ordinary respect and esteem as having been my old acquaintance and intimate friend and neighbour in all the late Changes in Church and state for above these forty years we never had any lasting difference but for the most part a very friendly correspondence Christ And to your great honour with a grateful remembrance may I often rehearse to the praise and glory of God the marvelous Christian kindness and commiseration that you shewed to me and my wife and family in our late Persecutions that you often sheltered me from the rage of my enemies and when they haled me to Prison and plundered all my goods that my Wife and Children had not Beds to lie on Victuals to eat nor Vessels to dress any thing in left you were pleased to take them into your house and provide plentifully for them and this you did when you were in a capacity to have done us more hurt than they who did it and ran no small hazard from time to time in not doing it Phil. No no I hope God will keep me from a persecuting spirit I bless his name he hath kept me from it hitherto and it is a change in our Nation much to be admired that we have such a day of Liberty as we have that all good men may live quietly and peaceably one by another and serve God according to their Consciences Christ Ay Sir especially if we consider the stupendous circumstances of Providence these few last years past that hath wrought about matters to effect that which we so long prayed and waited for Phil. But my friend I must whisper a word in your ear things are not right yet Christ No no nor will not be yet as they shall be but blessed be God they are so well as they are and that God is going on so fast in the way of his Providence towards finishing his Mystery Phil. I see you are on your Prophetick hints still I must confess my self here Asinus ad lyram for the darkness of Prophecies and the disagreement of Interpreters and Events refuting so many that have been very confident hath quite discouraged me that as I look not into them my self so I give little heed to what others say for all men will abound in their own sense and a man may be saved whether he be right or wrong in those things Christ Well Sir then we 'll let those things alone I would not introduce any ungrateful discourse but would rather enter upon something more suitable to
Saints mystically and immediately under Christ their Head so this Political Body shews it self and becomes visible in some particular parts there-only which are called Visible Churches and are under a mediate Rule and Government of Christ and in this respect the Catholick Church comprehends particular Churches as some distinct parts and parcels thereof Phil. Then I suppose your apprehensions are that there is a Catholick Visible Church which is the next and immediate subject of all Officers and Ordinances Christ Mistake me not I have not said so as yet I say the Catholick Church becomes in part visible in particular Congregationâ—s and they are the immediate subjects of visible Ordinances and Officers which are instituted and placed therein for the edification of the Mystical Body of Christ Phil. But is not the universality of Saints Militant the Catholick Visible Church of Christ on Earth Christ The universality of Saints on Earth doth not constitute a Church in a visible standing for many are Believers that as yet make not themselves visible by profession 2. They are not nor can be bound together in visible Union and Communion That which makes a Catholick Church is a Catholick Bond of Union and Catholick Communion which is only mystical and invisible but there is not nor cannot be a Catholick visible Bond for as they cannot appear in one visible Congregation so they cannot be bound to walk together in Fellowship nor can have visible Communion as one Church in the same individual Administration if they profess the same Faith preach the same Word pray alike c. yet this makes not one particular Church 3. If there be a Catholick Visible Church then it must have Catholick Visible Officers every Officer must relate to the whole Church every ordinary Officer must be Officer to the whole Catholick Visible Church and there had need be a Visible Pastor Pastorum over them all 4. All Visible Members of the Catholick Church are not therefore Members of any Visible Church with Ordinances for they must be supposed to be Members of the Catholick Church before they can be made Members of a Visible Church with Ordinances 5. A Visible Church is Organized with Officers to the whole Church and not to a part of it A Pastor Elder Deacon are Officers to the whole and who will say a Deacon hath as much power in all the Churches on Earth as in the Church to which he is constituted he may as well say so as say a Pastor hath 6. If Christ instituted a Catholick Visible Church it was under the Old Testament or under the New but he did neither for there was but one Particular Congregation under the Old and Christ left but one when he ascended Chap. II. Of a Particular Church Phil. I Pray Sir come now to the main thing I aim at viz. to the true nature and constitution of a Gospel Particular Church Christ You mean such a Congregation as is the immediate subject of all the Ordinances and Offices of Christ's Institution where every Believer is bound to wait upon God in Gospel Faith and Order for the glory of Christ and his own edification Phil. Such a Church I mean may not a National Church be it Christ By no means it 's no Church but such whose Members may all meet together in one place for Communion in all Ordinances for so the first Church at Jerusalem did the greatest for ought I know that ever was since and all other that we read of in Scripture since If any comprized all the Saints in the Nation Province or Territory they all assembled for frequent Communion in one place under the same Officers We read of no Particular Church in Scripture but what was Congregational for the National Church of the Jews which was the only one of that kind which ever was in the World of God's Institution was Congregational for all the Males came to the Temple and before to the Tabernacle three times a year to appear before God to worship in acts of Communion therefore it was called the Tabernacle of the Congregation Phil. I am pretty well satisfied now from the weighty arguments I formerly heard from you though my thoughts through prejudice passed lightly over them then that all National Diocesan and Parochial constitution of Churches was merely from Man if not from the Man of Sin which latter I see cause enough to suspect But I pray give me a plain description of a particular Gospel Church Christ With all my heart Sir a Particuler Gospel Church is a separate company of Visible Believers with their Seed or Saints associated together in special bond of Union for the enjoyment of Communion with Christ and one another in all the Ordinances of Christs appointment for their edification Phil. You say the allowed matter of this Church is Visible Believers what understand you by a visible Believer Christ I mean one that makes a credible profession such an one as I am bound by all the rules of Charity to believe he is a true believer on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and I do not say 1. That it is necessary that therefore he be no Hypocrite for so he may be and I not know it 2. Neither do I say that his meer professing makes him a Church member for they in Act. 2. believed before they were Church Members and professed their Faith which gave them right of claim Yea there are many have right of claim and do profess but do not seek to joyn to a particular Church and it cannot be without a voluntary offer and subjection to the Order of the Gospel Phil. What is required to a credible profession for the due satisfaction of a particular Church of Christ Christ The Tree cannot be known to me but by the Fruits see Mat. 7.17 18 19. chap. 12.33 Luk. 6.44 the credible fruits are therefore Holiness of life and profession of Faith It 's required there be visible holiness of life Phil. 1.27 Let your conversation be as becometh the Gospel i. e. both the Doctrine and Order of it And this lies in negative and positive holiness appearing in the conversation 1. Negative that it be without blame Eph. 1.4 Phil. 2.15 1 Th. 5.23 2. A meer negative religion in respect of grosser and more observable sins is no more than what many a Carnal man may attain unto there must be the practice of positive duties required and not merely moral in justice and mercy but such by which a Christian is more peculiarly distinguished from Moral Heathens such as family duties of reading the word and daily prayer those of a more publick nature as constant attendance on the word Preached sanctifying the Lords day free distribution to the necessities of the Saints and a manifest readiness on all occasions to follow Christ as his disciple in all things Tit. 3.8 ch 2.11 12. yea in suffering Phil. But what more profession is needfull besides this visible practical walking is not this enough
are Members and capable of being judged by it so it is here Christians meet and agree together to walk in Church fellowship and what do they promise solemnly to God and one another to give up themselves to the Lord and one another to walk in all the ways ordinances and appointments of Christ Now I find this is that which is called adding to the Lord when a people first joyn themselves to Christ in Church fellowship and so the first gathering the Church at Antioch is expressed for Act. 11.19 some scattered upon the persecution by Saul men of Cyprus and Cyrene I doubt not but Prophets inspired at Pentecost Preached to the Grecian Jews the Lord Jesus Christ v. 20. and the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number turned unto the Lord v. 21. Upon the tidings of this success Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem who was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of Faith And much People were added to the Lord i.e. they by mutual consent gave up themselves unto the Lord Jesus Christ they turned to the the Lord by Repentance by the Preaching of these first comers But now the Spirit tells us the success of Barnabas his coming and it was upon his exhortation of them thereto v. 23. and when he was come and saw the Grace of God which had prevail'd unto conversion he rejoyced and exhorts them all with full purpose of Heart i. e. with sincerity and resolution 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to joyn themselves for constancy unto the Lord in Church fellowship afterward when Paul comes v. 26. he finds them a Church and as such abides among them for an whole year for it 's said Paul and Barnabas assembled themselves with the Church 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Preaching to a great multitude many of which were not yet of the Church and that this adding or joyning to the Lord is entring into the Church obligation is manifest also from Act. 5. where it appears upon the signal Judgments that Ananias and Sapphira fell under v. 13. of the rest such Hypocrites as they none durst joyn themselves the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying to cement and unite into a Body it 's used for joyning to the Church of Jerusalem Act. 9.26 and 1 Cor. 6.17 in the same sence And it 's said here v. 14. Believers were the more added to the Lord which must be by some visible overt act whereby they became Members of the Church after believing for it cannot be meant of their mystical joyning to Christ by believing for then the Antithesis would not hold between them that durst not and them that did In the same sence is the adding a Member to a Church which is joyned to the Lord Act. 2.41 47. there they were first visible Believers then added to a society by some overt solemn act and therefore said to be added to the Church It would be too long in this way of conference between you and me to evince this Truth particularly from the method that God used in the constituting and maintaining a visible Church from the beginning to look back but as far as Abraham how he and his family and his seed became a Visible Church it was by explicite obligations and overt acts in binding them by Sacrifice I might mention the several express obligations that Church came under from time to time in Moses time at Horeb Joshua's the Judges Samuel's especially David's and the rest of the Reforming Kings remarkably by Josiah and after the Captivity in Ezra's and Nehemiah's days And that this was not a dispensation peculiar only to the Old Testament State and standing of the Church is manifest from Isa 56.3 4 5 6. for there God speaks of the priviledges of the Gospel Salvation which was near meaning the Gentile by the Son of the stranger and by the Eunuch any other excluded from the priviledges of the Church of the Jews and incapacitated by Levitical uncleanness these saith the Lord being Believers and joyning themselves to the Lord the words used in the acts and taking hold of his Covenant shall have a place and a name in my house i. e. to be Church Members and have right to all Church Priviledges And this is that bond of the Covenant which the Prophet Ezekiel foretells that the Great and Gospel restauration of the Jews should bring them under Ezek. 20.37 of which the Prophet Jeremiah chap. 50.4 5 6. and Zech. 2.10 11. I refer you in this matter to that clear discourse that the Learned Mr. J. Cotton hath upon this subject in his way of the Churches of N.E. Pag. 59 60 61 c. where you may receive full satisfaction in this point if what I have briefly spoken be not enough You may read also Mr. J. Davenport's power of Congregational Churches his answer to Mr. J. Paget where he shews pag. 27. that this Covenant obligation is the formal cause of a Church and sheweth the nature and evinceth the necessity of it to a Churches being as likewise Mr. Hookers survey chap. 4. page 45. Phil. Sir I thank you for discovering these authors to me I have heard of them that they were Reverend Pious Learned Men who suffered much for the Testimony they bore against our corruptions prejudice for a long time hath kept me off from reading the works of such men but I pray Sir give the heads of the Arguments they insist on for it Chr. 1. Believers are under Church power this way or quatenus Believers If quatenus professing Believers then where ever they come the Church and Officers there may challenge power over them as Members this will be denied by most till they voluntarily submit themselves it may be some will come for Church priviledges but will not admit of any Church power for their Reformation to be administred towards them 2. They argue from all Civil Societies of that nature and Marriage it self cannot have a formal being without mutual compact and agreement so there is a mutual relation that all Church Members stand in one to another and all of them to their Officers and their Officers to them and reciprocal duties to be performed these cannot be performed or will not without mutual consent and obligation 3. They argue from all the Metaphors whereby a Church is described a House and Temple is bound and pin'd together a natural body hath all the Members knit together by joints and bands it 's represented as a City compact Rev. 11.2 Eph. 2.19 and what City can become enfranchised but this way and manner 4. It 's no reason any should challenge priviledges of a Society without they be subject to the orders and rules of walking 5. If this be not but Members may come in and out as they please without obligation Churches have no power to keep themselves pure by Admission or Excommunication for as a Member can come at pleasure so he may depart 6. Lastly the practice of the Primitive
Churches seems very clear as hath been touched but suppose it had not been so clearly expressed I know not out if God institutes a Society or other thing what ever is necessarily required to the very nature essence of the thing without which it would inevitably be destroyed ought to be done the general rule in such-cases ought to lead us to the practice of duty in all those particulars that must necessarily attend obedience thereunto Phil. But if this bond of visible obligation be the formal Cause of a Church then there is no true Churches but such where it is which seems to be hard Christ How far the Lord Jesus Christ will own a people professing themselves a Church and how far he will dispense with their failures and defects in matter of order especially while it hath been in the Antichristian Wilderness he himself only knows Much hath been done by Christ undoubtedly in the latter times of that great Apostacy in the days of Reformation and that he hath had his true Churches all along it 's not to be questioned but that for the most part was in a mystical not a visible organical standing and in many congregations where the Word and Sacraments have in some measure of purity been administred in respect of the matter of the Congregation visible Saints and the manner of administration freed from Romish Pollutions and humane Inventions we will not deny but there may have been a true though not right regulated Church of Christ without this express and solemn obligation it is implicit and such as is to be supposed as intended by their practice in attending and constant waiting upon God in all the Ordinances of his appointment in one assembly or congregation especially in that great Ordinance of Communion in the Lords Supper wherein they seal their union in one body 1 Cor. 10 17. And undoubtedly a people that is congregated having explicitely chosen their Pastor or implicitely subjected to him and received this Sacred Ordinance from his hands are bound to abide as a society mutually related one to another in constant and frequent Communion by the nature of the Ordinance it self But the coming of a Church thus together 1. Is far short of the order of the Gospel 2. The generality of communicants of this sort do not apprehend themselves hereby bound to one Congregation more than another and their Ministers look not upon themselves bound to one People more than another any more than for external emolument taking themselves to be Ministers to the Catholick Church and so may administer the Sacrament to as many people as they Preach to here or there without designing a peculiar flock to take charge of So that their Churches are occasional most times and but for a while during their pleasure to administer to them 3. Such a Congregation is not at all governable though as to priviledges so called they take and leave as they please yet for their disorders miscarriages and sins they think themselves not accountable to any And so liable to no censure and therefore though we would go as far as possible in allowing the Right Hand of fellowship to professing Protestant Congregations yet we cannot do to all promiscuously but may undoubtedly use the judgment of discretion therein so as we be careful we do not by our practices in this and other cases nullify the appointed order of our Lord Jesus Christ and pollute our Communions Phil. I pray what is the manner of a Peoples first entring into a Church State Christ I will tell you the usual manner of them in N. E. and other places who have chosen to practise most agreeably to Gospel order when a competent number of professing Believers living within a vicinity desire to joyn together in a Church State having good knowledge one of another and having solemnly sought God together for help and direction in this weighty matter they appoint a day for it and acquaint Churches with it that their Pastors or Messengers or as many of other Churches as please may be present at the time After spending some part of the day in such solemn duties as concern the matter in Hand they do declare the dealings of God with their Souls one after another then or before one being chosen by the consent of all to preside for order sake this day it may be some Brother upon whom they have their Eye for a Pastor he then declares in the name of all there now intending to associate naming each of them at which they are standing the speaker addressing himself to the Pastors and Messengers of other Churches present after this or the like manner Brethren you are Witnesses of that great and solemn obligation that we are entring into that we may have a name and a place within the Walls of the House of God together with you and may have but the Honour to be reckoned one of the least of the Tribes of Israel We therefore here upon mature consideration and chearfully do give up our selves with Children to the Lord Jesus and one another promising in the strength of the Lord to subject our selves to all the Commands and Institutions of Christ in the Gospel and continue stedfastly in fellowship one with another to the Glory of him that hath called us and our mutual comfort and edification and do accordingly receive each other in the Lord and cleave to each other in Brotherly love and mutual subjection according to God These words whether more or less to the same purpose may be used only to declare their professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ in Faith and Order Accordingly one of the Pastors or Brethren of other Churches stands up in the name of the rest of the Brethren of other Churches there present and declares their joyfulness and gladness of Heart to see their Faith and Order and accordingly doth reach out unto them the Right Hand of Fellowship with holy wishes and desires that as their Foundation is laid in Christ Jesus so they may be Edified in him walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost and be multiplied See Cotton's way to the same purpose Phil. Sure this practice looks very much as becomes the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ But what is the next thing to be done Christ Now the next thing is to Organize this Body with Officers in order to due administration of Ordinances Chap. III. Of Church Officers Phil. HAVE they power within themselves to choose their Officers Christ They must undoubtedly have the nature of the society is such that they must have it for they associate not themselves by the Command or Power of Man but of the Lord Jesus If none hath power over them but the Lord Jesus alone none but himself by their own free act can constitute a Pastor over them 2. The power of chusing their Officers is one of the subordinate ends for which they do associate because they will not
be imposed upon in this kind 3. This power naturally grows up with and is inseparable from all free societies gathered by mutual consent unless they be limited by their Charter in this kind or be so false to themselves and successors to give away their Priviledges as many have done to Antichristian and Usurping Powers 4. Thus you see Officers were chosen by common suffrage Act. 1.23 ch 6. Act. 14.23 it should be read that when they had constituted Elders by common suffrage or lifting up of Hands in every Church so that it was the usual way The Apostles or their substitutes one or more might be present to encourage or direct but the People ordained by choice Phil. Doth their Power reach to call whom they will into Office Christ 1. So as he be qualified for them and the Office they call him to as the Holy Ghost requires they are to be very observant of the rule of the Gospel for that is their Charter by which they associate and by which they do act 2. They are hereby limited to chuse men out from among themselves Act. 6. Phil. But what if as yet they have none duly qualified among themselves Christ They may then invite qualified men that can be spared from other Churches with the leave of the Church or Churches from whence they invite or call them Phil. Doth such an invitation or call of one that is a Member of another Church or Non-Member to any Church make an Officer Christ No it is but in order to the making such an one an Officer for he must be incorporated as a Member before he can be chosen and constituted an Officer It is so in all civil societies of the like nature an Office is Power and Priviledge which none can enjoy in any society but the Members thereof unless he come to it by force or usurpation Phil. How many may be a sufficient number to begin a Church Society some say two or three agreeing in this kind is a sufficient number from Mat. 18.19 20. Christ They misunderstand the place who say so for the two or three there may be understood of Women as well as Men and are capable of performing the Duties which our Saviour there intends But the Holy Ghost allows them no Office unless of Deaconesses no ruling Office or Power of suffrage in Election and therefore if all of them be such or but two or one they cannot constitute a Church for the ends Christ hath appointed it It 's plain the words of our Saviour they are only to encourage a Church Duty and the regular gradual proceeding therein in case of private offences arising between Brother and Brother And promiseth his Presence with And Blessing upon the smallest number that are found to exercise themselves in agreement to perform any duty required of them in their capacities for the Honour of Christ and in this case for the Restoration of a fallen Brother See Cottons Way As for the exact number that may begin a particular Church the Holy Ghost hath left it indefinite only it is easily to be supposed that spiritual reason and Christian discretion must be our guide that there be such a number as is consistent with the Nature of the thing the greater the better And that we begin not a Church with so small a number as may render the institution of Christ absurd and his Obedience unto his commands therein impracticable Phil. I perceive then you allow not women any power in the Church they are members and incorporated in the same body by mutual obligation to Communion with the Brethren why have they not equal power with them Christ Women are members and very useful and profitable many ways in their Graces and Gifts and capable of performing any admonition between one another according to Mat. 18. for it belongs to mutual watch required of all members indefinitely But our Lord Jesus Christ hath excluded them from all acts that are not suitable to their Sex in respect of Modesty and the state of Subjection that they placed in to the man 1. They are not Ministerially to teach nor speak authoritatively 1 Cor. 14.34 Let your Women keep silence for it s not permitted to them to speak but to be under obedience Not but there may be occasion for a Woman to speak in way of obedience as to speak in answer to Questions asked her as at admission to answer in giving a reason of her Faith when asked in case of offence to answer for her self if accused or to witness for or against another But to do any ministerial act in teaching or to speak in the management of any act of power or judicial proceeding it belongs to the men and not the women 2. They may not exert any power of the keys so much as by publick giving their suffrage or vote for this reason 1 Tim. 2.12 I suffer not a Woman to teach or usurp authority over the man but to be in silence viz. In the Church it 's plain by the Text and Context that the Apostle treats of the Womans carriage in the Church and that it ought always to be in a way of Submission and Subjection not with Rule and Power for such a carriage is Usurpation of that which belongs not to her the Words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is no where else used in the New Testament and seldom in other authors a thing is said to be authentick when it 's legal true and right it 's used of writings when approved and so of witnesses and authority that there is no ground to contradict the one or question the legality and just right of the other therefore this kind of Power is denied to the Woman the Translators render it well by usurping Authority where any assume Power or Authority to themselves that belongs not to them there they usurp it the Apostle saith they have no authentick Power i. e. Just and belonging to them neither shall exercise any regularly in the Church of Christ Phil. I am satisfied that God never intended any ruling Power to Women in any Societies but in Families over Children and Servants and there not over their Husbands therefore not a decisive supream Power unless Providence remove their Husbands But if they should have an equal suffrage with men in civil or ecclesiastick Societies they must certainly then have exercise of Power over the men so far as they carry their share in the Majority But I confess it seems odd that members of the same Body each challenging an equal membership should not have all the same power Christ There is nothing absurd in it at all because Christ hath so appointed and if we look but into natural Bodies to which the Church is compared for there are some members that are ruling as the Head so the faculties of the Brain and Soul and others are ruled as Tongue Hands Feet and the whole Body consents to it and each of them consents that the ruling Power be in the
of that since neither doth the Spirit seem to limit to a certain number The Church is to Judge how many are requisite to perform the duties required in that Office according to their present stare and standing yea they may increase their number if they see need requires Phil. Is there any help in this Ministration speciffied by the Holy Ghost Christ Yes and it seems to be pretty plain that there were Widdows or Deaconesses or Matrons who were to do that part of the Office which was not so convenient for men such as to visit the Sick especially Sisters and enquire into their necessities and bring an account to the Deacons if any be without necessary supply for food raiment physick attendance and the like see 1 Tim. 5.5 9 10. And Phabe seems to have been a Deaconess to the Church of Cenchrea Rom. 16.1 Phil. You have spoken to all the fixed Officers in a particular Congregation although there are some who would deny some of these to be distinct Officers yet seeing here is in every Church these Office services to be performed and the Holy Ghost speaks of them distinctly under these two Heads Bishops and Deacons that the Pastor Teacher and ruling Elder all concur to the fulfilling the Pastoral or Episcopal Office for the Churches Edification and Men and Women Deacons make up the Liturgical or Diaconal Office I have received much satisfaction upon this account but methinks I am much to seek about one great concern of Christ and his Kingdom viz. The propagation of the Gospel to the unconverted for which work and service I cannot see how Christ hath provided since the Apostles times for all the Officers you have mentioned are Officers only in and to the Church and so far as men are capable of hearing the Word preached in the Churches they have a converting Ministry but they that are remote must be without a Ministry because there is no Churches Christ Christ hath constituted no stated Officers but in and to a particular Congregation He hath not called and sent any to the work of the Ministry for Conversion in the purest state and standing of the first Churches but from the Churches the first Apostles themselves went out from the Church of Jerusalem Paul and Barnabas from the Church at Antioch so that it is according to the prophesie of the latter days The Law shall go out from Zion and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem And Christ hath provided a way to send the Gospel to Infidels and unconverted ones for Rom. 10.14 15. How shall they preach except they be sent And though I doubt not but God hath had his way in a providential manner of sending the Gospel into the blind parts of the Earth when visible Churches were hardly to be found through Antichristian Darkness that overspread the Earth yet Christ hath an instituted way of sending the Gospel to the unconverted world For men may have a Call and Dedication to some peculiar work and service to be done for Christ out of the Church viz. To be an Ambassador for Christ to beseech men to be reconciled unto God The Word of the Lord hath providentially been sent to many places as the scattering the Church by Persecution was the occasion Act. 11.19 Of preaching the Gospel at Phoenice Cyprus and Antioch c. and when tidings of these things that were done came to the Church at Jerusalem they sent forth Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch and afterward he was sent forth again from the Church at Antioch I shall not enlarge now on this point I may meet with it again elsewhere the due and orderly way of going forth to the exercise of the Ministry is by the mission of a particular Congregation by the suffrage and Prayers thereof and he may be called a Teacher such as were in the Church of Antioch and so I distinguish of Teachers 1. Such as are stated Teachers to the Church wherein they are 2. Such that are sent forth to open blind eyes c. To preach to the World men lying in their infidelity Phil. You having given me a distinct account of the several Officers of a Gospel Church I desire to understand how they are made and constituted in an orderly regular manner Christ It can be but by Ordination Phil. What all of them by Ordination Elders and Deacons the Lay-Officers Christ I told you before we own no such Officers but them that are Ecclesiastically so and therefore not Lay-Officers the way of Ordination of ruling Elders and Deacons is the same with that of Pastor and Teacher Phil What by laying on of the hands of the Presbytery it seems to be a mighty prophanation of that Sacred ordinance to apply it to men that are illiterate and have not been at the University Christ Christ did not limit any Ordinances to Literate men and to University men his practice was quite contrary but I pray Sir tell me 1. Where imposition of hands is called Ordination 2. Whether the Deacons had not imposition of hands Act. 6.3 Where any other ordinary Church Officers had imposition of hands And therefore if there had not been some more reason of the Holy Ghost than ordinary for applying it to Deacons whether they should have had it If it was in an ordinary way of Administration and therefore all Church Officers to have it then they have eminent right to it still And then what prophanation is it to apply an Ordinance according to it's first institution Phil. You suggest strange notions about Ordination I must get you to clear them up to me Christ Sir you shall excuse me for the present I shall do it another time I only tell you now that all Church Officers are made by Ordination and ordained alike and that imposition of hands is not Ordination and if the most be made of it it 's but a Ceremony annexed which now is obsolete And that all Ordination belongs to the Church of whom the Person ordained is a member yea if imposition of hands be a necessary Ceremony therein it 's not to be performed by the Elders of other Churches but by the Presbytery or delegated Brethren of the said same Church These things shall be demonstrated to you according to that measure of light which Christ hath given Phil. These things look not only Heterodox in respect of the common sentiments of ordinary Professors of the reformed Religion but contrary to what many yea most of our Learned Divines have wrote and practised but I shall wait till you give me further light into them and demonstration for the assertions you have laid down In the mean time give a brief account of Gospel ordinances instituted by Christ for a Churches Edification Chap. VI. Of Church Ordinances of Christs Institution Christ THe instituted Ordinances of the Lord Jesus Christ are 1. Preaching the Word 2. Prayer and Praises 3. The Seals of the New Testament 4. The Keys which are the
Churches exercise of it's power 1. In Election of Officers 2. Admission of Members 3. Translating Members to other Churches Admonition and Censures 5. Contribution for the support of Ordinances Ministry and necessity of the Saints 6. I may add unto this Holy Conference for mutual Edification These are given either as peculiar Priviledges to the Churches such as the Seals and Keys of Discipline or primarily though for the Conversion and in order to the Salvation of others but for the sake of the Churches for their Multiplication growth and Confirmation in Grace Phil. Speak to these Gospel Ordinances particularly as to the distinct Nature End and Use of them Christ 1. The Preaching of the Word comprehends 1. The reading of it frequently in the Church 2. The opening and expounding of it 3. The applying it unto the Consciences of Saints and unbelieving Sinners according to the true intent thereof by Instruction Reprehension Exhortation Direction Consolation in the evidence and demonstration of the Spirit 4. By the instilling and promoting the knowledge of God in the Mysteries of the Gospel by Catechizing Children Youth in such a way and manner as may conduce most to the enlightning their understandings in and bringing over their affections to the things of God in their tender years Phil. Sir I doubt in the last thing mentioned many if not most of your Churches have been too defective Christ I grant it and fear the next Generation will have great cause to complain of us for the Children of Church Members do manifestly grow up in Ignorance carnality and looseness little care is taken of most religious Parents and less by the Churches to educate them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord all or the chief of Parents care is how to provide well for them in the World Besides every way of Catechizing will not answer the end to learn a Catechism meerly by rote and a preaching upon it will make no more impression on their Ages than other preaching there must be care to instill in to their understandings by little and little in a plain and familiar way of discourse with them as they are able to receive if a great deal of Water be flusht on upon a narrow-mouth'd Bottle very little or none will go in but you may by a small stream and gradually fill it Ignorance in Religion is destruction of Religion it hath been the mother of all false Worship and Error in Doctrine and it 's evident it is the cause for the most part of the disorders in and among Churches Phil. To what Officers doth the ministration of the word in Churches belong Christ To the Pastor and Teacher if there be any they being the Preaching Elders that labour in the Word and Doctrine The Pastors work in Preaching seems to lye most in dealing with the Consciences and Affections of the hearers whether for Conversion or Edification The Teacher insists most on the enlightning the understanding by doctrinal Truths Catechising Argumentation and Conviction of gainsayers Rom. 12.7 8. If one Officer according to the present circumstances can perform his Office to the full edification of the Church in all these things it 's well if not then both are requisite as hath been spoken And the word is to be so preached as hath been said 2 Tim. 4.2 3. Eph. 4.12 Act. 2.42 the Apostles doctrine is the word that is to be Preached and to be attended on by us Phil. I look upon prayer and praises ab be great Church Ordinances as well as duties of a Universal nature to all and individual persons in private and secret Christ It is a solemn Church Ordinance expressed either way in publick prayers or in praises not only in the Prayers of a single person the mouth of the Congregation but in Psalms and Hymns That prayer is a Church ordinance and a duty to be performed frequently in the Church service see Act. 1.14 These continued with one accord in Prayer and Supplication so Act. 2.42 no other Ordinance can be duly administred without it Phil. I think there is no Christians but hold that Prayer is a Church Ordinance but I have heard some except against singing of Psalm in Metre as we do Christ That singing Psalms is an Ordinance of the Church I think is plain 1. That singing Praises to God with an audible voice was practised in the Apostles times by the Apostles Act. 16.25 2. That they are to be sung in the Church at the most solemn Ordinance of the Lords Supper is without dispute Mat. 26.30 Mark 14.26 3. That singing with words of Psalms and Hymns at the same time making melody in the Heart is recommended to us Eph. 5.19 so Col. 3.16 teaching and admonishing your selves so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should be rendred and not one another for thus Interpreters have rendred the same word your selves Eph. 5.19 in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Odes in Grace singing in your Heart to the Lord. From both which places singing Spiritual Psalms and Hymns for instructing and quickning a gracious Heart sweetly and affectionately carried forth in them is highly recommended to us by the Spirit of God And that it 's a duty to sing in conjunction with others appears by what was practised by our Saviour and his Disciples at the institution of the Lords Supper that they Sang an Hymn And by Paul and Silas in Prison but what the Holy Ghost sayeth expresly he expects of us Rom. 15.6 that you may with one Mind and one Mouth i.e. with sameness of Words and Heart glorifie God Phil. Some may say this is to use forms Christ A. 1. Tho' it be to use a form in Singing it 's not an imposed form but freely taken and chosen no more than the Ministers Text is imposed 2. A form allowed or enjoyned by the Spirit of God may and ought to be used as the words of institution in administration of the Seal of Baptism or of the Elements in the Lords Supper 3. The nature of the thing requireth that it be premeditated that the Singing be melodious i. e. orderly not with confusion and not in absurd dissonies Phil. But some are against singing in mixt Congregations Chr. They may as well be against publick Praying in mixt Congregations Doth not he that Prayeth endeavour to use such expressions as most may joyn with him in So he that propounds a Psalm or Hymn endeavours to suit it to the Congregation where and the time and occasion when it is to be sung It 's due to God from all his creatures to praise him it 's his Saints only bless him but it 's not in our power to judge the heart of him that joyns in a publick duty and if it be to be performed publickly as Praying and Preaching we are not to hinder any that will joyn with us if they are not upright in one or profited by the other the sin lyes on themselves to answer for it Phil. Which be the Seals of
another Congregation and call him to it And why not as well as to call one to be a preaching Elder that is a Brother of another Congregation for all Church Officers should be taken out of Churches and first made Members of that Church wherein they are to serve Christ in Office before they are solemnly set apart thereto Phil. What reasons may a Church be moved by to choose a ruling Elder or more Christ If there be a Brother aptly qualified and can attend it there need be no dispute about it though the Church be but small it may be much Comfort and help to the Pastor and tend to much Edification of the Church 2. The Church may see reason to chuse ruling Elders from the great encrease and largeness of the Church that the management of this part of the Pastoral Office lye not too heavily upon their Pastor 3. The Church may see reason for it because their Pastor qualified it may be with much of Grace Preaching Gifts and Learning may not be qualified with a Spirit of Government and it is very seldom that men of retired studious lives have so great an insight into the right ordering of Politick Affairs A man may be a great Mathematician but yet an ill Seaman not know how to work or stear a Ship so well as a Masters Mate or a Boatswain There is in spirituals as well as temporals a skill in practice to have the senses exercised by reason of use as well as a Knowledge and Understanding of the rule Phil. What is the Office-work of a ruling Elder Christ To have a special regard to admissions to make good enquiry after the Faith and Holy Conversations of such who offer themselves to Church Communion to propound them and bring them to the Church 2. To make inspection into the lives and conversations of actual members frequently to visit them to rebuke any seemingly walking as not becoming the Gospel to enquire after the reason of members absentments from Communion to exhort them to frequent assembling together for mutual edification to comfort the afflicted to support the weak to visit the sick to inform the ignorant c. 3. In all matters of admonition and censure to hear and prepare matters for the Church before hand that there be nothing done in Confusion and in Disquietment of Mind in the Church but with all meekness unanimity and authority in the Name of the Lord Jesus Phil. You have shewed that the Ministerial Offices of the Church are Pastoral or Diaconal and have shewed that the Pastoral or such as belong to the Pastoral care are Exhortation Teaching Administration of the Seals Rule and Government according to all which parts of a Pastors Office the Holy Ghost hath provided affisting Officers and helps such as Teachers and ruling Elders to the full edification of the Church I pray speak now something of the Deacons Office Christ The English word Deacon is derived from the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies a Minister or one that serves Christ and his Church in Office it is used for any Minister at large 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Deaconship is applyed to the Apostleship it self Act. 1.17 25. or to a part of their Ministry as it was at first Act. 6.4 It is applyed to any particular service of the Church Act. 11.29 ch 12.25 And Paul applyeth it to his whole Ministry as an Apostle Act. 20.24 Rom. 11.13 ch 15.31 2. Cor. 6.3 But it hath it's peculiar application to that Ministry which tends to the supply of the Churches and Saints necessities by way of distribution of Collections made to this end and purpose to whosesoever care it is committed and such a service Paul saith he undertook on the behalf of other Churches 2 Cor. 8.4 which is called the Deaconship of this Liturgy 2 Cor. 9.12 rendred the administration of this service Now we find as Office titles of large significancy are brought down by the Holy Ghost to denote a single particular Office in the Church as Apostle Pastor Bishop Presbyter c. So here the word Deacon is often used for all sacred Ministry Liturgy or Service is a Title put by the Spirit of God upon this Officer in the Church who is called and set apart to the Liturgy or service of the Church in this way of Administration by distribution Phil. When was the first Institution of Deacons Christ It was Act. 6. an Apostolick i. e. as much as to say a Divine Institution and it 's not amiss to observe the reason ground of it it was to ease the Apostles in that great burden that lay upon them when those that were converted sold their possessions and brought the Mony and laid it down at their feet and it was to be given forth again for an equal and necessary support to every one as need required This was too great a charge and burthen to the Apostles and likely afterward to be unto ordinary Pastors and hence they institute this Office of Deaconship and therefore is also a more remote Office of Assistance unto the ruling Episcopacy but being very distinct in nature and kind from that sort of Ministry wherefore the Apostles speak after that manner Act. 6.1 4. That the Church should choose them fit men for this daily care and trust and they would betake themselves to the Ministry of the Word and Prayer Phil. What ground have you for this Officer in the Church Christ. The very nature of such a Society as a Church requireth it and I take it to be a very good ground for an Office when it 's founded upon the well being of a Society and it 's ordinary necessities do require it But the Holy Ghost is most express upon this account that the Church of Jerusalem by the appointment of the Apostles chose such Officers for the necessary service of the Church And that they were afterward stated Officers in other Churches appears from Phil. 1.1 And the Apostle Paul doth expresly call their Ministry an Office 1 Tim. 3.10 13. As the Word is rendred and ought to be by our Interpreters Their Qualifications and Encouragements are also very particular v. 8.9 10 13. See Rom. 12.8 He it to be grave sober exemplary in Faith and Holiness c. Phil. What is the Office of a Deacon Christ. The Holy Ghost calls it serving of Tables the Lords Table and the Tables of the Saints in a faithful collection and distribution of the stock of the Church which is given for the maintenance of Ordinances Ministry and relief of the Poor which ought to be done with Simplicity Prudence and Chearfuâ—â—ness And of which they are accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Church let that word Chearfulness be observed because many are apt to murmur at this Office as a burden to them Phil. How many Deacons are there to be Christ There were seven in the first Church of the Gospel but there have seldom Churches arrived to the bigness