out themselves According to your divine suffrages conspirators and wicked men should of their owne accord drive themselves out of the Church he here cals the suffrage of the people divine not because infallible but because it is according to Scripture that they should have their vote Againe They alone beare the punishment of their conspiracy who formerly according to your suffrages now according to the judgements of God have deserved to undergo the sentence of their conspiracy and Perversenesse To the same People about the businesse of the lapsed in generall for receiving or still refusing them Cyprian declaring his hope shortly to be restored together with his fellow ministers Whom being present saith he according to your iudgement either way arbitrium likewise and the Common Counsell of us all we may order and exactly handle the things that are to be done as once it seemed good Epist 40. A further Testimony we have formerly set down at the end of the ninth Argument for the matter of the Church shewing at once how the People of the Church were qualified and what power they had for keeping out the unworthy Epist 55. More Testimonies of like nature might be alledged out of the same father but these shall suffice I shall not need here to observe how he ascribes to the People in point of censure as their right counsell consent vote or suffrage judgement either way or arbitrium nor how generall his Testimonies are as including the rest of the ministry the ministry of Rome likewise giving the like Testimony We come now to some few Testimonies out of some of the choycest Divines of the Reformed Churches Calvin Let us observe that this temper is to be held in excommunication that this discipline be exercised by the Common Councell of the Elders and with the consent of the People and this is the remedy whereby Tyranny is prevented in 1 Cor. 5.4 That is the warrantable proceeding in excommunication which Paul shews if not only the Elders do it apart but with the knowledge and approbation of the Church viz. in that manner that the multitude of the People do not rule the action but observe it as a witnesse and keeper that nothing be done by a few at their pleasure Institut lib. 4. cap. 12. sect 7. Bucer This power of the keyes is in the whole Church but the authority of the ministry is in the Elders and Bishops as of old at Rome the Power was in the People the authority in the Senate in Mat. 16.18 19. The same Author expounding Matth. 18.15 c. If the offending brother heare not the second admonition let his stubbornnesse be declared to the Church that he may be the third time admonished by the whole Congregation of those amongst whom he is or whereof he is a part and if he heare not the Church being admonished by her let him be accounted as an heathen and Publicane Againe of the Power of binding and loosing that is of shutting out or receiving into the Church whether at the beginning or after wickednesse committed I have spoken before Mat. 16. but here it is clearly set forth that this power that is the keyes of the kingdome of heaven is in the hands of all those who meet together in the name of Christ that is in faith because theirs is the spirit of the Lord and his word for such only meet in the name of Christ that is trusting upon Christ and grow together many members into one body c. Then interpreting the 19. v. when two of you shal agre together to ask any thing c. he thus speaks of private admonition and absolution in the hands of the brethren the Lord speaks here especially of praying for pardon on their behalfe who had offended Hence therefore we may learne the fruit of private admonition and absolution for if two shall agree together to beg the pardon of a sin that sin must be known to them both and acknowledged as a sin here therefore the private admonition or confession of that sin must have had place Now forasmuch as true prayer shuts out doubting of obtaining it must needs be that a brother may confirme a brother that pardon is granted and by applying it to him may render him secure in the Lord hence the brethren in private according to Christs institution exercise in part the power of the keyes and thence their right of publick exercise of them it being of the same kind wil evidently follow as he there speaks It is true saith he the Lord hath uttered this Promise concerning a few that he might teach how he approves and embraceth us agreeing and consenting together in himselfe though we be never so small a number but we shall please him more if many amongst our selves shall agree together in him and we shall be able to doe things innumerable in his name The same Author The Apostle blames the Corinthians that the whole Church had not appointed mourning that is fasting and publick deprecation of the wrath of God for this wickednesse and that she had not cast out the incestuous Person out of her Communion He did no losse solemnely exhort the Corinthians that after his repentance they would receive him into the favour of the Lord and his Church lib. de regno Christi c. 9. p. 43. There is much more in the same grave Author to the same purpose up and down in his works I shall adde only one short testimony more out of Peter Martyr We conclude saith he without the consent of the Church that is the People of the Congregation no man can be excommunicated loc com de excommunicat sent 9. This right belongs to the Church neither ought it to be taken from her sent 10. We shall forbeare further quotations it being generally the doctrine of the Reformers as is well known to such as are acquainted with their Writings CHAP. VI. THis Chapter shall be taken up with certaine Conclusions depending upon the former about discipline 1. As the Prelates stripping both the People and the Elders of the power of discipline violate the Gospe-order in two maine degrees we may adde a third in that they take it into their owne hands who have nothing to do with it so they that will have the Presbyterian Government so exercised as all power shall be confined to the Elders excluding the People violate the Gospell-order in one maine degree at the least 2. Forasmuch as the People of the Church have a power of Church-order for the exercise of discipline both privately and publickly hence we may now clearly see of what necessity it is that the matter of the Church be only visible Saints according to the doctrine and explication of the matter of the Church formerly laid downe Many there are who loosing this Peg in the Tabernacle of the Peoples power for discipline they then loose another concerning their qualification for the due matter of the Church and thence a third their right of
scandalous sinner to personall leaven malice and wickednesse v. 8.4 The same to whom he gives direction for avoiding familiar society with a scandalous brother interpreting the meaning of a former Epistle v. 9 10 11. they are to judge of those within v. 12. and put away from among themselves that wicked person v. 13. Secondly for loosing 2 Cor. 2. the same whom he had formerly made heavy v. 1 2. by rebuking in the former Epistle that from their obedience and repentance he might have much joy of them when he should come to them v. 3 4. whom in part he clears v. 5. They are the many by whom the incestuous Person was rebuked v. 6. and they are to forgive and comfort him v 7.8 The same to whom the Apostle wrote to make proof of their obedience v. 9. with whom as he formerly joyned in binding so now in loosing v. 10 they are stil the same whom formerly he had made heavy and in whom now he rejoyced cap. 7. v. 8. to the end He that can now cast such a mist as shall darken so faire and cleare a context and make us meet with the officers only in all this missing the People I shall allow him this testimony he hath profited very well in the school of darknesse Some footstep of the Peoples power here we had in the ruines of discipline by the Prelates in that the absolved Party was wont to aske the Congregation forgivenesse 3. Every brother hath a power and his duty it is to admonish first singly then jointly before a witnesse or two the case so requiring and there is waight in that admonition for gaining a brother Mat. 18.15 16. how comes it to passe that after the offence is brought to the officers there is no waight in the publick admonition and consequently censure of the whole brotherhood The end of the Censure is to shame and humble the sinner and is there no waight in the solemne judgement of any nor all the brotherhood but only of the officers for this end 4. If this judgement belong only to the officers then Christ hath so instituted this Ordinance as many times it cannot obtaine its end without the sin of the Church this is cleare thus in case the Church or brotherhood apprehend the sentence unrighteous they cannot without sin withdraw from him the Party sentenced suppose by officers proceeding as wickedly as sometimes our Prelates and their creatures were wont to do passing sentence of excommunication for refusing impious Ceremonies or the like if they shal not withdraw the end is not obtained the sentence not obeyed but to say that Christ hath so instituted this or any other Ordinance is to taxe his wisedome and holinesse Quest Suppose some few apprehend the sentence unrighteous what shall they do Answ Modestly declare their dissent and for their parts forbeare to act it 5. That the Church or brotherhood hath some share in the power of the keyes appears by her honourable relation to Christ the Elders are stewards but the Church is his wife Object That is the universall Church Ans Every particular Church or company of combined Saints hath the whole nature of the universall Church and the same relation to Christ that all the Saints together have 1 Cor. 12.27 Object Then women and children should share in the power of the keyes for they are of the Church of beleevers Answ This is a most trifling objection 1. It is granted by many who make this Objection that the brethren have right to chuse their officers who yet deny women and children any share therein 2 A power may belong to such an Order yet not to all in that Order the Lords Supper belongs to the Order of beleevers not to officers only the children of beleevers are in Church-account beleevers yet the supper belongs not to them I will adde that honour which belongs to such an Order reflects upon them in that order who are yet debarred Personal application the honour of circumcision sealing up the Jews into Gods family had reflection upon their women they were of the circumcision in opposition to the Gentiles who were the uncircumcision though they could not be circumcised it is a priviledge and honour of our Nobility in England that they make one House of Parliament and who can deny that the wives and children of Nobles are concerned in this Honour though it belongs not to them to sit in the House Let us now adde the testimonies first of the primitive and then of the reformed Churches in some of their choicest Divines 1. For the primitive times Cyprian To the Presbyters and Deacons As for that which my fellow Presbyters Donatus and Fortunatus Novatus and Gordius wrote about I could write nothing in answer forasmuch as I have determined from the beginning of my Episcopacy to do nothing of mine owne mind or by mine own sentence without your counsell and the consent of my people But when I shall come to you he was now in exile by the grace of God we will then deale about those things in common which either are done or are to be done as mutuall honour requires Epist 6. at the end The like to this in the 18. Epistle about the demand of some of the lapsed that is those who had fallen in time of Persecution desiring to be restored having for that end obtained the Confessors letters the Confessors were such as were imprisoned for the truth This thing saith he since it belongs to the counsell and sentence of us all I would not judge it beforehand neither dare I challenge to my selfe alone a common businesse When some Presbyters had over-hastily received some of the lapsed to the Lords Supper He tels them they must make account to plead their cause before himselfe the rest of the Ministers the Confessors and the whole People Epist 10. When he yet in exile was consulted with by letters by his Presbyters about certaine who had fallen and were now returned desirous to be received againe of the Church he answers I cannot be judge alone in this case many of the ministers are absent and this case requires exact handling not only with my fellow ministers but with the whole People for the thing is to be weighed with well-poised moderation and so to be sentenced as may for after times settle an example about the ministers of the Church Epist 28. The ministery of Rome to Cyprian there being at this time no Bishop at Rome In this great businesse it seemed good to us which thou also hast formerly handled that the Peace of the Church be upheld furthermore so conference of counsels being had with the Bishops Presbyters Deacons Confessors and in like manner with the standing People to handle the cause of the lapsed Epist 31. Cyprian to the People concerning Felicissimus and the five Presbyters of his faction By the Providence of God they undergo the punishment they have deserved that not being cast out by us they should cast
had as the reverend Assembly speaks in answer to the Dissenting Brethren the mutual assent and agreement of the people among whom and over whom discipline is to be exercised is the next foundation of the exercise thereof 2. Discipline being among the weapons of spirituall warfare and having to do onely with the conscience it hath place only upon those who conscientiously in appearance at least have owned this Discipline as an ordinance therupon of free accord voluntarily engaged in it Object The preaching the word is to deal only with the conscience shall it therefore be preached onely to such as voluntarily submit to hearing Ans The preaching of the word is an ordinance first proving it selfe and then all other ordinances as Sacraments Censures therefore so far as it hath first convinced others take place 3. The people of the Church are a willing people 4. The Discipline had no place with the Catechumens of old notwithstanding their personall profession till upon their voluntary giving up themselves to the Church and by the Church approved they were received into full Church fellowship 5. The like method is used by the reformed Churches None are under discipline who have not first been approved and by voluntary tender of themselves received to the Supper 2. The Church is so to be made up of her members in her severall congregations as that the smaller number is ever to be supposed to be cast out of the greater 1. Forasmuch as the people have their Vote in casting out 2. Forasmuch as the presence and censure of those who are to cast out make for the humbling and shameing of those who are to be cast out but if all the scandalous are to be cast out it cannot be supposed that they will be the smaller number in severall congregations 3. Casting out supposeth publique but personall admonition if he hear not the Church and particularly proofe of the fault ' for which the sinner is to be cast out but how this is possible in our Nation I shall only appeal to experience and common sense 4. If all scandalous sinners amongst us be to be cast out then are they all the scandalous of the Church what have I to do to judge them that are without But they are not all the scandalous of the Church with none of the scandalous of the Church must we familiarly keep company and yet may we abide in the world but with-many of the scandalous in the Nation we must upon diverse occasions keep familiar company except we will go out of the world and it is the same case in all Nations of the world 1 Cor. 5.9 with experience HENCE The true way of Reformation amongst us in this that persons fit matter of the Church joyne together in Church fellowship chuse Officers with Cautions formerly said down and so forme Congregations into a disciplinary State exercising discipline among themselves leaving out the rest From Congregationall Churches thus setled Combinations of Churches for mutuall help will arise but here is now our scruple about the civill Magistrate what warrant Christians and Ministers have thus to proceed except he by publick authority take order In answer to this I lay down CHAP. VII The sifth Instruction There is a church-Church-Power formally distinct from the Civill One conclusion will here be of use before we insist upon the proofe of this Instruction And it is this The authority and relation of Magistracy is one and the same whether the person of the Magistrate be Christian or not as the authority and relation of a father is one and the same in both cases It belongs to the office of Magistracy to preserve authoritatively both Tables of the law of God to take order that the Subjects may live in godlinesse and honesty though onely the Christian Magistrate hath principles for exercising this power in a Christian way This premised we come to the proofe 1. From the ensignes of these Powers the Sword of the Civill the Keyes of the Ecclesiasticall these as of different name and nature so they represent that power whereof they are the ensignes different 2. From the nature of these Powers compared 1. In their Object of the one the Common-wealth of the other the Church 2. In their laws of the one such as humane wisedome findes necessary or expedient for the society of mankind of the other only the word of God 3. Their authority of the one Imperiall commanding in their own names as Lawgivers to the Subjects of the other ministerial commanding only in the name of Christ the only Lawgiver of his Church 4. In their punishments rewards of the one such as concern the outward man as for punishments fines imprisonment banishment death c. For rewards revenues honours c. Of the other such as concerne the inward man binding or loosing the weapons of this warfare are spirituall retaining or remitting sins 3. From the institution of these powers the institution of Magistracy is divine in generall The powers that be are ordained of God The constitution in particular is humane in diverse nations diverse in some the Governement by the king in others by the State in others by the People Be subject to every humane creation 1 Pet. 2.13 The institution of Church-office is divine both generally that there be officers in the Church and particularly that these be they and no other 1 Cor. 12.28 the civill magistrate is nowhere in the list or roll of Church-officers 4. From the conveyance of these powers 1. The civill magistrate to instance in the supreme Person may be by succession Church-officers must be by Election the civill magistrate to instance in the supreme Court may be by election of the people of the Common-wealth as such whether duly qualified for Church-Government or not Church-officers must be by election of the People of the Church as such and they must be qualified according to Scripture-Characters that they may rightly be chosen 5. From the exercise of these powers both these powers were exercised in their full height for the first three hundred years after Christ when yet neither was any Church-officer a civill magistrate neither did any civill magistrate pretend to be a Church-officer 6. From the dissolution of these powers excommunication dissolves all Church-power in the hand of a Church-officer when rightly administred against him it neither dissolves nor weakens civill power in the hand of the Magistrate when rightly administred against him 7. From the farre distance of these Powers a woman may be a civill magistrate as Deborah in Israel Queen Elizabeth in England but a woman may not be a Church-officer a Person may by good right be a Magistrate yet by no right a Church-member much lesse a Church-officer 8. Adde to these the concurrent judgement of all Churches who have ever avouched both in Doctrine and Practice these powers distinct Hence a CONSECTARY To the Church as the Church it belongs to exercise all Church-power whether the civill
with Presbyters The denyall of the Proposition he accounts contentious wrangling whence this discourse proceeds clear 3. Argument from the same testimonies The name of Bishop is equally given to all the Elders Phil. 1. All the ministers saluted by that name for what reason can be imagined supposing Bishops and Elders distinct why he should salute only the Bishops and Deacons and leave out all the other ministers Acts 20. the same who are called Elders v. 17. are Bishops v. 28. The same Argument Tit. 1.5 with the seventh 4. Argument from the last testimonie Where the names are used indifferently one for another and the selfe same qualifications for office subjoyned to each name there the selfe same office is set out under each name But so it is here The Apostle enjoyning Titus to appoint Elders if any be blamelesse c. v. 5 He gives the reason v. 7. for a Bishop must be blamelesse c. If Bishop and Presbyter be not one and the same the Apostle had not reasoned at all might it not be replyed it is true a Bishop must be blamelesse c. but every Presbyter is not a Bishop Here we may take notice of the miserable shifts of the Jesuits and with them our Prelates The names say they were then common but the office distinct Answ 1. Because the names were common and that perpetually therefore the father here according to all reason in the world argues the office one and the same 2. Not only the names are common but the qualifications for office are here one and the same under those names The selfe same office is set forth their glosse here doth yet further betray the nakednes of their evasion A Presbyter say they is comprehened in a Bishop for every Bishop is a Presbyter though withal he bemore as every Captaine is a Souldier and therefore the names are common Answ 1. Where Persons different in peculiar Calling or Commission do yet agree in one common denomination it cannot be said they are one and the same No man faith though every Captaine be a Souldier that a Captaine and a Souldier are one and the same but here Jerome expresseth according to the Scripture that Bishop and Presbyter are one and the same 2. In such a difference of Persons the lesse may be affirmed indefinitely or universally of the greater but not the greater of the lesse it is true every Captain is a Souldier but it is not true that every Souldier is a Captaine but here the Bishop is affirmed of the Elder Acts 20.17 with 28. and Tit. 1.5 with v. 7. Their second shift is as miserable for this hold is so weak they are forced to quit it That in the Apostles times the office of Bishop and Presbyter was distinct but both at one time conferred upon the same Persons Answ 1. This is to be wise above what is written no such thing any where hinted 2. The highest operations are ascribed to the Elders as such to feed to labour in the word and doctrine therefore the Bishops office could not be above theirs 3. How miserably then had Jerome argued What folly is this saith he that any man should preferre Deacons before Presbyters speaking of the Presbyters of his time when the custome of the Church had obtained that Bishops were above Presbyters that is before Bishops and thence carries on his dispute that according to divine institution there is no difference Now if this Jesuitical Allegation was true the Answer was ready they had in the Apostles time the office of Presbyter and Bishop both though distinct yet in one Person as now they are distinct in several Persons therefore Presbyters now are not by divine institution equall to them the truth is it is one office which was then in one Person undivided is now divided and so shared into severall Persons 5. Argument From 1 Tim. 4.14 If that which is challenged peculiarly to Bishops belong to the Presbyters as such then their office is not distinct but so it is that which is challenged c. Nothing more peculiarly challenged then Ordination yet is that here by Jerome pleaded for the Presbyters in this very question wherin he is pleading the equality of or identity rather of Bishops and Presbyters The same we may argue from Act. 13.1 c. The separating of Barnabas and Saul to their Ministery among the Gentiles by imposition of hands cannot well be conceived belonging to any other then to those to whom it belongs to set a part by like imposition of hands the ordinary Ministers of the word at least not to any inferiour to those But Paul and Barnabas were separate to their Ministery not by Bishops above Presbyters but by Prophets and Teachers who were Presbyters Object The greater cannot be Ordained by the lesse Paul Ordained Timothy Answ This imposition of hands is of like nature with Ordination at the least the Presbyters concurred with Paul 6. Argument From 1 Pet. 5.1.2 The Greek word saith he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 over-seeing or taking the over-sight is more significant whence the name of a Bishop is drawn The Argument is thus Whatsoever operations belong to the Bishop by his Office the same belong to the Presbyter by his therefore they are not distinct Officers but one and the same The former part is proved thus All that belongs to the Bishops office is comprehended in the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies to performe the part of a Bishop from whence the very name of Bishop is derived but whatsoever is comprehended in the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 belongs to the Presbyters by expresse testimony here they must act the part of Bishops which were they not the same with Bishops would be to usurpe Therefore if not onely Ordination but Jurisdiction belongs to Bishops the same by as authentique Commission belongs to Presbyters or Pastors and Teachers of severall Congregations Hence as formerly for Ordination so for Jurisdiction we may observe that it is to be performed without Bishops distinct from and above Presbyters 1 Cor. 5. per totum there were then no Bishops in Corinth Object The Apostle there excommunicated vers 3. I have judged already c. Answ 1. Some as Beza for one hold excommunication prevented by publique rebuke and repentance thereupon 2 Cor. 2.6 the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rendred punishment signifies rebuke 2. The Apostles judgement was a judgement of doctrinall determination appointing them what to do in case publike rebuke or admonition should not reclaime him not of juridicall execution The Church was to be gathered in the name and with the power of Christ to deliver c. 3. Had not this Church the same power with those Churches Rev. 2 But they were to proceed by the Apostles direction blamed that they had suffered such and such as the Nicolatians Jezabel c. The Apostle himselfe not formally executing 1 Tim. 5.17 All Church rule is distributed among the Elders or Presbyters therefore
frequently the seven Angels that sounded the seven trumpets and the seven Angels that powred out the seven vials were not seven singular Persons but seven Companies or sorts of men performing that service 3. The Angel of the Churches Rev. 2. and 3. must be taken collectively or the whole company of the ministers of the Church as is evident Rev. 2.24 To you in the plurall number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 writing to the Angel as distinguished from the rest of the Church Having seen the unwarrantablenesse of the Diocesan Bishop we shall not need to speak of the true officers for rule in the Church for Pastors and Teachers they are doubted by none but the Episcopall Party for ruling Elders to them adjoyned as it hath been the doctrine and practice of the Reformed Churches generally so of late there are diverse discourses easie to be met with fairly and clearly pleading their divine right among the rest the way of the Church of Christ in New England the Jus Divinum c. the summe of the survey of discipline by Master Hooker I shall therefore passe to another instruction about particular Congregations CHAP. X. The seventh Instruction To a particular Congregation of visible Saints furnished with officers it belongs to exercise all parts of discipline within it selfe In it power of all discipline whether all power of discipline or not 1. The Churches instanced in Scripture of Corinth Ephesus c. thus far they seem to have been each a particular Congregation 1. All the ordinary officers were chosen by the People as officers in command to the flock in common this appears from the doctrine of the Peoples choyce formerly of the Church of Corinth their ministers were chosen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it seeming good to the whole Church in the time of Clemens Romanus 2. In the exercise of discipline the People generally concurred with the officers jointly this from the doctrine of discipline formerly those officers formerly by them in common chosen and thus the Churches true liberty was preserved As for that Objection the number of Christians and officers were so great they could not ordinarily meet in one place for worship the answer is suppose that to be truth yet might the officers interchangeably administer to them as officers in common to the flock in common as wel for all publick administrations of worship as for discipline joyntly As for the other maine objection variety of languages therefore their Congregations must be many and fixt Answ There were interpreters of languages that those who in the Congregation understood not their language spoken in might by interpretation understand it this argues their Congregations were not fixt according to the difference of languages 3. Where there are all sorts of power for discipline there is an entire right for the exercise of it for power is for exercise but in every Congregation there are all sorts of Power there is power of order and power of office and for office-office-power there are both sorts of officers Elders labouring in the word and doctrine and others for rule with them and in this they of the Presbyterian and Congregationall way agree 4. Where our Saviours rule may be observed Matth. 18.15 16 17. there is entire power of discipline But in every Congregation so framed that rule may be observed Admonition first single then before a witnesse or two and lastly by the Church 5. Where authoritative suspension may be there may be excommunication but in every such Congregation authoritative suspension may be this later is granted the former is thus confirmed Where there is power of Church-admonition there is power of excommunication Mat. 18.17 but where there is power of authoritative suspension there is power of Church-admonition 1. Suspension supposeth such admonition 2. Admonition is a lesse act of power and jurisdiction then Suspension is 6. Where there is right to entire Church-fellowship in the Ordinances of Publicke Worship and private Communion there is right for the exercise of discipline this appears thus A scandalous sinner in such a society retained is leaven leavening the whole lump involving the whole society in guilt 1 Cor. 5. therefore it is their duty and in their power to cast him out But in every Congregation so framed there is right for entire Church-fellowship c. This is not questioned Hence to the Church of Corinth power is ascribed and she blamed for not casting out the incestuous Person not because she had thus and thus many officers but because she was a Church entirely framed for discipline having in her all kinde of power for that purpose CHAP. XI The eighth Instruction To a Congregation of visible Saints not yet possest of officers it belongs to possesse themselves of them HEre are two things fall into consideration Election Ordination 1. For election forasmuch as it is the Peoples right as such as hath been proved in the third instruction hence it belongs to any number of them joyned together into a congregation by choyce to call Officers to themselves 2. If they have not this right among themselves whence shall it be derived to them 1. From other Churches but how came they by their officers 2. From a Synod but a Synod is made up of the delegates of setled Congregations therefore Congregations must first be setled There is the same answer for a Classis 3. From the civill magistrate This hath been prevented in the fifth Instruction 4. From the combination of diverse ministers Be it granted that the People now about to forme into a disciplinary Congregation and to chuse their officers ought to consult and follow the just guidance of able and faithfull Ministers proceeding aright in directing them yet ought not those ministers to appoint officers over them whom they shall not upon their directions freely consent to Preachers to them not Pastors and Rulers over them may they with the help of civill authority fix among them In a setled Congregation where by death or removall or censure only one officer is wanting the rest of the officers have not Power to impose another upon the Congregation without her choyce as is cleare by the third Instruction formerly shewing the right of the Peoples Election but those her owne officers have greater authority over her then any combination of Ministers not yet disciplinarily setled in severall Congregations Much lesse hath any one Minister this power 2. For Ordination Not to dispute whether it be the formall Constitution of an officer or the solemne approbation of him by the Peoples Election formally constitute 1. According to Scripture-rule and thence the Practice both of the Primitive and Reformed Churches it ought to succeed the Peoples Election this is cleare for a Pastor or Teacher to a Church gathered whatsoever may be said for a Teacher by office for gathering a Church 2. Be it granted that the People having chosen their officers ought to present them having the opportunity to some approved Ministers for Imposition of hands it must likewise be granted that those Ministers without just exception against that People or their choyce ought not to refuse the officer so presented 3. Supposing such Ordination cannot be had whether are the People to remaine without the publike ministery and so without the publike Ordinances of worship and discipline or doth their election and approbation alone in this exigency invest with office-power Let us indeavour to frame a judgement by instance of a case or two 1. Suppose a company of Saints cast upon a remote Island not neare any Churches or Ministers and there they are to fixe their habitations may they not having Persons among them fitted settle among themselves a publike ministery 2. Suppose a company of People in the midst of the Romane territories savingly enlightned with the truth of the Gospel 1. Ought they not having fit Persons among them to choose out some for the publick ministeries of the Church 2. Ought they in case Imposition of hands might be so obtained to present them to the Romane Prelates for it Beza saith no. 3. In case that they either ought not or it could not be obtained might they not without it settle their officers among themselves 3. In case then that a Congregation stands convinced of the true bounds of the matter of the visible Church and the true confinement of discipline to them within those bounds hath fit Persons for the publike ministry among them but can not obtain Imposition of hands upon their choyce from Ministers sought unto as differing in judgement about the matter and discipline of the Church why hath not this Congregation the same liberty in this case that the others had in the former Object Here they make themselves Judges Answ 1. So in the former instances 2. What way soever they are in or what Governement soever they are under except they see it with their owne eyes to be according to rule it is but blinde walking and blind obedience and therefore unacceptable Quest In case they go wrong and the ministery with other Christians against them be right what is to be done Answ 1. For them they are to obey their own consciences though we cannot say erring Persons have a right to obey their owne consciences yet may we say that it is their duty An erroneous conscience bindes 2. For the Ministry and Orthodox Christians against them as the Church is to proceed against Schismaticks so are they against those in case they themselves be in a State of discipline and judge the offence of that moment Quest Suppose they be right and the Ministry and Christians against them wrong Answ 1. For the ministery c. as formerly on the other part here is their duty though not their right to proceed as the Church ought to do against Schismaticks 2. For the Congregation it is their duty and their right to proceed as in other cases the true Church is to hold on her way though persecuted as schismaticall and hereticall CONSECTARY With more evidence yet A Minister consenting with diverse Christians nay diverse Ministers so consenting may together with those Christians joyning with them settle discipline among themselves In this case here is all intrinsecall power for setling discipline FINIS
distinct from and above Presbyters is manifest in this instance of the Church of Alexandria where till Heraclas and Dionysius a Bishop was no other but one of the Presbyters by the choice and consent of the rest set in an higher degree 2. Another pretence from antiquity is the Catalogues of Bishops succeeding each other in such and such Churches Answ How doth it appeare that these Bishops had peculiar Ordination and above Presbyters there is as formall a Catalogue given in of the Bishops of Alexandria as of any other Church succeeding Mark the Evangelist in this order 1. Anianus 2. Abilius 3. Cerdo 4. Primus 5. Justus 6. Eumenes 7. Marcus 8. Celadion 9. Agrippas or Agrippinus 10. Julianus 11. Demetrius 12. Heraclas 13. Dionysius Whereas yet we have it cleare from Ierome that Heraclas was the first who had distinct Ordination and Office above a Presbyter 3. Pretence from antiquity such testimonies as are given to the honour and power of Bishops by the Ancients and here above all Ignatius helps at every turne Answ 1. Forasmuch as five of his Epistles are granted by diverse advocates of Episcopacy to be such as do evidently betray no little forgery who shall assure us that those seven by them avouched in all things genuine are so indeed what more unlikely then that they should escape tampering by the same hands 2. Those seven most stood upon are by very learned men amongst others Salmasius judged in the very testimonies very spurious and that not from blasse but upon good grounds 1. The arrogance of some of them take that for one in his Epistle to the Trallians What is the Bishop but he that is strongly possest of all Principality and Authority beyond all as much as is possible for men to be possest being made an imitatour according to Power of Christ who is God He that can find here an Apostolicall spirit breathing surely hath little acquaintance with the Apostles writings saith Salmasius and indeed how unlike to that of the Apostle is it 1 Cor. 3.5 Who then is Paul and who is Apollo but ministers by whom you beleeved c. This was Pauls way to take up schisme how contrary to this Ignatius here for the Prevention of it 2 Of the falsenesse of some that in the same Epistle Reverence the Bishop as Christ as the blessed Apostles commanded you Where is this command That in his Epistle to the Smyrnians Let that be accounted a firme Eucharist which is by the Bishop administred or by him to whom he shall have committed it it is not lawfull without the Bishop either to baptize or to offer c. Hath not the Holy Ghost committed preaching and baptisme and administration of the Supper joyntly to every Presbyter this sounds ill in every care except of Papist or Prelate the Church of Alexandria had no true baptisme for about two hundred and sixty years if this be true doctrine as for the Reformed Churches they are in the same case 3. The idolatrous strayne of some take that in the same Epistle In the Church is nothing greater then the Bishop consecrate to God for the salvation of the whole world 4. The impertinencie of some take that in his Epistle to the Philadelphians Let the Princes obey the Emperour the Souldiers the Princes the Deacons the Presbyters those High-Priests the Presbyters and the Deacons and the rest of the Clergy and who are they I wonder and what part of the Clergy is the Deacon with all the People and the Souldiers and the Princes and the Emperour let them obey the Bishop Setting aside other flawes what impertinencie is here to enjoyne the Princes and the Emperour to obey the Bishop when there were not at this time nor many years after any Emperour or Princes Christian These are some few gleanings more of the like stamp there to be found that not without reason it is by the learned conjectured that about the beginning or middle of the second Century was this forged Author surreptitiously brought into the Church about which time this kinde of Episcopacy soaring above Presbytery began 3. How little our prelates and their party regard his writings only they plead them to serve their own turne is manifest that we hear so little from them of subjection to the Presbyters and Deacons which Ignatius urgeth so much in his Epistle to the Trallians It is necessary that ye do nothing without the Bishop but that ye be in subjection likewise to the Presbytery as to the Apostles of Jesus Christ And ye ought by all means to please the Deacons being of the mysteries of Jesus Christ The Presbyters are the great Councell of God and the Chain of the Apostles of Jesus Christ In his Epistle to those in Tarsus Let the Presbyter be subject to the Bishop the Deacons to the Presbyters the People to the Presbyters and the Deacons they that keep this good order my soul for theirs Much more to the same purpose up and down in him where Salmasius conjectures this spurious Author was about the midst or towards the beginning of the second century whilst the Presbytery yet retaind much of its authority Now what do our Prelates and their party here For Presbyters they allow them no rule by way of jurisdiction for Deacons they have first changed their office and then ordered it so as it is never long standing being only a degree to Presbytery And indeed here this Ignatius seemes to ascribe that office and power to Deacons which the scripture takes no notice of which hath appointed them to the service of tables not to preach and rule in the Church as Jerome argues and this furthers discovers that this is no true Ignatius 4. Conclude from Jerome that before schisme fell out in the Churches and that long after the Apostles times the Church was governed only by Presbyters that the Bishop above the Presbyters was brought into some Churches sooner into others later according as schisme gave the occasion that it was about 260 years ere this change was made in the Church of Alexandria that wheresoever it was made it stands not upon divine authority but upon Church Custome and this by Scripture strongly proved therefore these testimonies of Ignatius or whatsoever the like so farre as they plead for Episcopacy above Presbytery cannot stand either with the truth of the Scripture or the practice of the first and purest Churches We returne to Jerome his Epistle to Evagrius That which next follows concernes not the matter in hand but is against the superiority of the Bishop of Rome and against a perverse custome in Rome that a Presbyter was ordained upon the testimony of a Deacon that which concernes the present question followes in these words Presbyter and Bishop one is the name of age the other of dignity whence to Titus and Timothy the Apostle speaks of the Ordination of the Bishop and Deacon concerning the Presbyters he is altogether silent because in the Bishop the Presbyter