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Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
power_n	bind_v	church_n	loose_v	4,001	5	10.0884	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A90063	Irenicum; or, An essay towards a brotherly peace & union, between those of the congregational and presbyterian way; shewing out of the most learned and renowned divines of the congregational way, that their positions concerning 1. Church matters and members. 2. Church constitution and form. 3. Church state. 4. Church officers and ordination. 5. Church government and censures. 6. Church combinations and synods. 7. Communion with and separation from churches. are sufficient for the establishing a firme and lasting peace between them and the Presbyterians ... In pursuance of the good design begun at the Savoy, where it was agreed, and declared, that such reforming churches as consist of persons sound in the faith, and of conversation becoming the Gospel, ought not to refuse the communion of each other ... Drawn up and published by Discipulus de Tempore Junior.	Newcomen, Matthew, 1610?-1669.; D. T.	1659 (1659)	Wing N910; Thomason E978_1; ESTC R202985	58,516	89

binde notorious offenders and impenitents under censure and to forgive the repentant Mr. Cotton of the Keys page 13. But yet this enquiring and hearing is not to be understood as if the complaint were immediately and pro primâ instantiâ to be brought to the Church or Fraternity No but it is first to be brought to the Eldership prepared and ripened by them and by them related to the Church for the Elders before that have not onely examined the offender and his offence and the proofs thereof privately but do also publickly revise the heads of all the material passages thereof before the Church and do withall declare the counsel and will of God therein that they may rightly discern and approve what censure the Lord requireth to be administred in such a case Mr Cotton of the Keys page 14. line 36. Quest 15. But yet after the Elders have thus examined the case and declared their judgement concerning it the Church have yet a power to judge have they not Answ Yes but not as an act of rule and authority for there is a judgment of discretion by way of priviledge as well as of authority by way of sentence that of discretion is common to all the Brethren as well as that of authority belongs to the Presbytery of the Church In England the Jury by their verdict as well as the Judge by his sentence do both of them judge the same Malefactor yet in the Jury their verdict is but an act of Popular liberty in the Judge it is an act of his judicial authority Mr. Cotton of the Keys page 14. line 11. Quest 16. What is the difference then between the judgment which the Brethren passe in the censure of Excommunication and that which the Elders passe Answ Great is the difference For though the Jury have given up their judgment and verdict yet the Malefactor is not thereupon legally condemned and much lesse executed but upon the sentence of the Judge In like sort here though the Brethren of the Church do with one accord give up their vote and judgment for the censure of an offender yet he is not thereby censured till upon the sentence of the Presbytery Mr. Cotton Keyes page 14. line 20. Quest 17. Have then the Brethren no power of authority but only of priviledge and liberty Is not binding and loosing an act of authority and power to binde and loose given to the Church of Christ Answ The whole Church may be said to binde and loose in that the Brethren consent and concur with the Elders both before the censure discerning it to be just and equal and declaring this by lifting up their hands or by silence and after the censure in rejecting the offender censured from their wonted communion Idem line 4. Quest 18. Whither is this consent of the Brethren unto the judgement and sentence of the Elders concerning the Excommunication of a Member an act of authority or of obedience Answ The people give consent in obedience to the will and rule of Christ Hence is that speech of the Apostle we have in readinesse to revenge all disobedience when your OBEDIENCE is fullfilled 2 Cor. 10.6 The Apostles revenge of disobedience by way of reproof in preaching doth not follow the peoples obedience but proceedeth whether the people obey it or no it was therefore their revenge of disobedience by way of censure in Discipline which they had in readinesse when the obedience of the Church is fulfilled in discerning and approving the equity of the censure which the Apostles and Elders have declared to them from the Word Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 15. line 6. And if the people cannot convince the Elder of his errour or mistake in the sentence they are bound to joyne their judgment with his in the compleating of the sentence without impertinent questions needlesse scruples wilfull and disorderly gain-sayings Mr. Hookers Survey P. 3. page 42. line 7. Quest 19. But what if the case prove doubtful and there arise a difference between the Elders and the Brethren Answ If the case be doubtful and the difference grows wide and great it is then seasonable to crave the counsel and help of neighbouring Churches Mr. Hookers Survey part 3. page 40. line 15. Quest 20. May not the Brethren proceed to the sentence of Excommunication without the Elders Answ Excommunication is one of the highest acts of rule in the Church and therefore cannot be performed but by some Rulers Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 16. line 6. Object But the twenty foure Elders who represent the private Members of the Church as the foure living creatures do the foure Officers had all of them Crowns upon their heads and sate upon Thrones which are signes of Regal Authority Answ The Crowns and Thrones argue them to be Kings no more than their white garments argue them to be Priests verse 4. but neither Priests nor Kings by office but by liberty to performs like spiritual duties by grace which others do by office and grace both Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 16. line 19. Quest 21. What are the things or cases for which the censure of Excommunication is to be inflicted Answ It must not be for petty and small aberrations but for such evils as the mind and conscience of a man inlightned by the Church of God would condemn in himself or any upon the first serious consideration was his understanding left to the liberty of reason to act thereby and not crack-brained and perverted with prejudice and selfishnesse Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 3. page 34. line 30. Quest 22. But tell us somewhat more particularly and expressely what is the matter of Excommunication Answ Such evils as are either heinous or abominable as fornication murder adultery incest treason or if not so grosse yet carry the face of evil in their fore-head upon the first serious and well-grounded consideration of reason and have been pertinaciously and obstinately persisted in after all means improved for their conviction and reformation Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 3. page 34. line 37. Quest 23. You did a little above Quest 8 mention suspension as a censure distinct from Excommunication in what cases is that practised or used in the Church of Christ Answ In two Cases First thus Members born in the Church and having received their Membership in their infancy being grown to years of discretion must come to tryal and examination and manifest their faith and repentance by an open profession thereof before they be received to the Lords Supper or otherwise not to be admitted thereunto Platform of Discipline from New Eng. chap. 12. sect 7. see before chap. 3. Quest 5. though thy suspension be not strictly a censure being rather actus charitatis than potestatis and as they call it suspensio per modum cautelae Secondly thus while the offending brother lyeth under the censure of admonition he stands in the judgment of the whole Church as a convinced publick offender

Covenant with God and conclude and determine upon a course that may tend to the healing and salvation of them all this was frequent in the Old Testament in the time of Asa Hezekiah and Josiah these and the like examples were not peculiar to the Israelites as one intire National Church these examples hold forth no superiority in one Church or Court over another but all of them in an equal manner give advice in common and therefore such examples are fit precedents for Churches of equal power within themselves to assemble together and take order with one accord for the Reformation of them all Mr. Cotton of the Keyes pag. 24 l. 22. Quest 13. But what is the work that properly belongs to Synods Answ It belongs unto Synods and Councels to debate and determine controversies of faith and cases of conscience Platforin of Discipline to clear from the Word holy directions for the holy worship of God and good government of the Church to bear witnesse against male-administration and corruption of doctrine and manners in any particular Church and to give direction for the Reformation thereof Platforme of Discipline from N. E. chap. 16. sect 14. In any part of the Churches way Mr. Cotton which is more hard to hit right upon as in Elections Ordinations and censures of eminent persons in office it is a safe and holy faithful office of the vigilancy of the community of Churches to be present with them and helpful to them in the Lord and at all times when a particular Church shall wander out of the way whither out of the way of truth or peace the community of the Churches may by no means be excused from reforming them again into their right way according to the authority which the Lord hath given them for the publick edification of all the several Churches within their Covenant Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 58. line 36. Quest 14. What is then that power or authority which Synods and Combinations of Churches have in these cases is it only declarative and directive or consultative Answ We dare not say that their power reacheth no further than giving counsel Mr. Cotton for such as their ends be for which according to God they do assemble such is the power given them of God as may attain those ends As they meet to minister light and peace to such Churches as through want of light and peace lye in error or doubt at least and variance so they have power by the grace of Christ not only to give light and counsel in matter of truth and practice but also to command and injoyn the things to be believed and done The expresse words of the Synodal Letter imply no lesse It seemeth good to the Holy Ghost and us to lay upon you no other burden this burden therefore to observe these necessary things which they speak of they had power to impose it is an act of the binding power of the Keyes to binde burdens and this binding ariseth not only materially from the weight of the matters imposed which are necessary necessitare praecepti from the Word but also formally from the authority of the Synod which being the Ordinance of Christ binds the more for the Synods sake As a truth of the Gospel taught by a Minister of the Gospel it bindeth to faith and obedience not only because it is Gospel but also because it is taught by a Minister for his Callings fake and surely also a Synod sometimes meeteth to convince and admonish and offending Church or Presbytery they have power if they cannot heal the offenders to determine to withdraw communion from them and further seeing they meet likewise sometimes for general Reformation they have power to decree and publish such Ordinances as may conduce according to God to such Reformation examples whereof we have Nehem. 10.32 39. 2 Chron. 15.12 13. Mr. Cotton of the Keys page 25. line 10. Quest 15. How farre then are particular Churches bound to submit themselves to the directions or decrees of Synods Answ Particular Churches are so far subject to the Consociation of Churches Mr. Hooker that they are bound in case of doubt and difficulty to crave their counsel and if it be according to God to follow it or if the particular Churches erre from the rule and continue obstinately therein the Consociation have authority to renounce the right hand of fellowship Mr. Hookers Survey part 2. page 80. line 10. The Synods directions and determinations so far as consonant to the Word of God are to be received with reverence and submission not only for their agreement therewith but secondarily for the power whereby they are made as being an Ordinance of God appointed thereunto in his Word Platforme of Discipline from New England chap. 16. sect 5. Particular Churches are bound to acquiesce in the lawful decrees of Synods received by the major part of the Churches and approved by the Christian Magistrate Mr. Nortons answ to Apollonius page 118. line 3. And this 1. Under the danger of incurring the guilt of disturbing the order of the Church 2. Under the penalty of non-communion by the rest of the Churches 3. Under the penalty of civil punishment to be inflicted by the Magistrate as the matter shall require Mr. Norton ib. l. 9 c. Quest 16. But hath the Synod authority to determine or conclude any thing that shall binde the Churches but according to the instruction which they have received before from the Churches Answ We do not so apprehend it for what need Churches send to a Synod for light and direction in ways of truth and peace if they be resolved before hand how far they will go but if the Elders be gathered in the Name of Christ in a Synod and proceed according to rule the Word of Christ they may consider and conclude sundry points expedient for the estate of their Churches which the Churches were either ignorant or doubtful of before Mr. Cotton of the Keys pag. 26. line 33. Quest 17. But what if the Synod conclude and determine against the truth and the Church stand for the truth Answ 1. It is not readily to be granted though neither is it simply to be denyed that in Reformed times Mr. Norton the opinion of a particular Church should be more sound than the opinion of a Synod 2. As it is in civil things there is an absolute truth and there is a judicial truth and the sentence of the supreme civil Judge suppose the Parliament is true quoad homines though it be not absolutely true so it is in Ecclesiastical things the Synod being the supreme and highest Judge of the question the sentence of the Synod though it be not absolutely true yet it is Ecclesiastically true Scil. in foro exteriore 3. Although the truth after some new decrees of a new Synod repealing the act of the former may remain with the Church 4. If the error be not fundamental publick order is to

yet we do not do it in their ways 7. A Combination of Churches or a Classical Church is a pure Gospel Church according to the most perfect platform it is the new jerusalem that came down from heaven Rev. 21.16 See answ to quest 7. therefore they are much mistaken that say it is an Antichristian platform 8. Classes and Synods Provincial and National are lawful and warrantable See answ to quest 9. therefore they exceedingly prevaricate who go about to render them either ridiculous as some or odious as others 9. A Synod is an Ordinance of Christ necessary though not to the being yet to the well-being of Churches See answ to quest 10. therefore it is as necessary as the rest of discipline which is necessary only for the well-being of Churches not to their being And secondly therefore it is no more improper to have Combinations or Synods fixed and stated than it is to have other meetings for Discipline so fixed 10. Delegation to be a member of a Synod is a lawful Gospel-employment See answ to quest 11. 11. All the Churches of a Nation may meet together to consult and to renew their Covenant for Reformation if the Covenant constitute the Church quere whither they be not now a National Church See answ to quest 12. 12. The practice of the Church in Hezekiahs dayes and in Josiahs dayes is a president for National Synods and Councils See answ to quest 12. 13. Synods are useful and have power in cases of difficulty and in such cases particular Churches are bound to make use of them See answ to quest 13. and 15. and in case of male-administration and in such cases the Consociated Churches are bound to take cognizance of it redresse it See answ to quest 13. 14. Synods have power and authority from Christ not only to direct and give counsel and declare the minde of Christ but also to command and injoyne See answ to quest 19. 15. Synods have some part of the binding power of the Keyes See answ to quest 14. Quere why not all as well as some and where Christ hath made the Partition 16. The decrees and injunctions of Synods so far as they are agreeable to the Word of God binde not only materially because they are agreeable to the Word but formally because they are the decrees of a Synod which is the Ordinance of Christ See answ to quest 14. and 15. 17. In the determination of the major part of a Synod approved by the Christian Magistrate particular Churches are bound to acquiesce upon pain 1. Of being guilty of disturbing the order and peace of the Church 2. Of non-communion 3. Of punishment by the Magistrate See answ to quest 15. if so then first the Magistrate may use compulsion and coercion in matter of Religion Secondly the vote of the major part of the late Assembly at Westminster had more obliging power than some body would own and some body is guilty of something 18. The decrees of Synods though erroneous yet if not fundamentally erring are not to be rejected or scorned but received and submitted to rather than peace and order disturbed See answ to quest 17. If I understand this aright our brethren say as much as can be desired if not more O that any thing near this had been practised 19. It is not easily to be granted that Synods erre and particular persons and Churches that are contrary-minded have the truth See answ to quest 7. 20. Appeals are warrantable by the Law of God and the Law of nature and necessary in all Societies because of the ignorance or iniquity of them that are Judges See answ to quest 20. therefore great is either their ignorance or their iniquity who deny the members of their society this just and necessary liberty of appeals CHAP. VII Of Communion with and Separation from the true Church Question 1. WHether there is an universal visible Church Platform of Discipline Answ There may be acknowledged an universal visisible Church Platform of discipline chap. 2. sect 3. Quest 2. What relation or respect do particular visible Churches bear to the universal visible Church Answ A Congregational Church by the institution of Christ is a part of the militant visible Church Platform of Discipline Platform of Discipline sect 6. This Catholick Mystical Church is the Materia prima out of which Political Churches by their combination are formed Defence of the 9. positions pag. 104. The Catholick Church is in some respects the first Church and particular Churches ortae Ibid. pag. 78. Quest 3. Is every particular person bound to be of some particular congregation Answ Every faithful person is bound by vertue of positive precept to joyn himself to some such single congregation Mr. Owen having the markes and notes by which a true Church may be known and discerned Dr. Owen in his Eshcol Preface A 3. It is the part of all Christians who look for salvation by Christ Jesus to joyn themselves to one or other particular Church of Christ Mr. Cotton of the way c. pag. 2. line 10. Quest 4. But is a man bound to joyn himself to the Church of that place where his dwelling is Answ Members ought to joyn themselves to the Church where they do inhabit if it may be Platform of Discipline otherwise they can neither perform the duties nor receive the priviledges of members such an example tolerated in some is apt to corrupt others which if they should follow would threaten the confusion and dissolution of Churches contrary to Scripture Platform of discipline chap. 13. sect 6. 2. All believers of one place are bound to joyn together in one congregation unless through their being too numerous they are by common consent distinguished into more which order cannot be disturbed without the guilt of schisme Dr. Owens Eshcol Prefao A. 3. Quest 5. But is a man bound after he hath once joyned himself to a Church to continue a member of this Church all his dayes Answ 1. Church-members may not remove and depart from the Church Platform Discipline and so one from another as they please but ought to dwell together Platform of discipline chap. 13. sect 1. 2. Peoples joyning with a Parish at the calling and electing of a Minister at his first coming hath such just weight in it and is such an engagement as we do not judge it safe for such to remove from such a Minister unless it be upon such grounds as may give him due satisfaction Platform of discipline Preface pag. 7. 3. To separate from a Church either out of contempt of their holy fellowship or out of covetuousness or for greater enlargements with just grief to the Church or out of Schisme or want of love or out of a spirit of contention in respect of some unkindness or some evil onely conceived or indeed in the Church which might and should be tolerated and healed with a spirit of meekness and of which the Church is