Our Gracious KING with You His greatest and best Councell And give unto You all the spirits of zeale and feare of the LORD so to Decree and Enact that the Truth the power and Sincerity of the Gospell may bee the honour and glory of this Kingdome with the Ordinances of GOD in the purity thereof all mis-understanding betweene His Royall MAIESTIE and Your selves reconciled and all evill Councellors on both sides removed all dissentions discords and disaffections amongst us people composed And all of Vs againe KING Parliament and people made one as the Truth and Our GOD thereof is one Finally my humble prayer is that Your Wisdomes would pardon my boldnesse And that You would be pleased to construe all that I have done or said to be entiâ—ely and sincerely from the bottome of my heart for the glory of GOD the Honour of KING and Parliament and the dutie of love I owe unto my Christian Neighbours in the fellowship and unitie of the Truth And I shall ever remaine praying for you J. G. To the Reader Christian Friend AS Gods love hath beene free to me so my hearty desire is to manifest my love to all that are his And as in all things I have received of him so especially of the best blessings that we may all prosper even as our soules prosper And therefore the first thing I communicated to the publick was a briefe description of the Kingdome of God and the Children thereof their spirituall conditions and holy persons their estate of suffering and that of triumphing And although therein I have shewed and set it forth yet briefly the great things of Gods Law or Covenant yet some have accounted it a vaine thing so that there was some cause to have spoken no more Yet the generall breach of conformitie and uniforme walking in the publick Ordinances of the Church of England hath so grieved my spirit that I am constrained through the love I beare to Gods people therein I say to make this briefe discourse following Wherein I have kept my selfe close to the Ordinances themselves examining them by such rules in Scriptures as do apparently warrant them so that if all things bee considered there is nothing imposed in the publick by Authoritie that doth any way hinder or prejudice the spirituall sinceritie of the true and pure worshipp of God therefore beloved let us studie to give God thankes for these reformations in the outward wee doe injoy already and that the same God would direct the same power of King and Parliament to goe on to a full perfection of what is begun And in the meane while wee to demeane our selves in obeying praying and studying to shew our selves approved unto God and men giving no offend in any thing that our profession be not blamed And as there 〈◊〉 more truth in the Doctrine of the Church of England then in an other professâ—on of Religion I know of so let our Uniformity anâ— agreements in all other outward Ordinances of publicke communâ— on exceed theirs And let us endeavour to manifest our holy inward and spirituall communion by our external union so shall 〈◊〉 ever be yours that is the Lords I. G. THE CHVRCHES PVBLICK ORDER Wherein the Ordinances of the Church of England for Gods publick worship are proved to bee agreeable to Gods Word argued and opened at a second conference between Silvanus and Hymeneus Hymeneus WEll met friend SILVANUS I have often thought of our discourse when we were last together Sil. Sir I am glad if it have given you occasion for your better meditations that Truth and the God thereof may have any glory by my poore endeavours Hym. I must confesse that I have reviewed it since it hatâ— beene published and I am perswaded your discription both of 〈◊〉 Christian in particular and the true Church in generall is agreeable to Gods Word and that the promises to the Patriarch Prophets and Apostles are truly expounded of which I desire 〈◊〉 have further conference hereafter Silv. It is but a breviation of those many particulars mentioned but if the Scriptures be examined it will make the truth more manifested Hym. You have spoken nothing of the outward condition of the Church neither of Minister nor people which are things I would faine have your judgment in Sil. The true and inward Christian onely knowes how rightly and truely to order state and dispose of ouâ—ward things and the Christian without or outwardly knowes not how to order one or other as Saint Paul saith the spirituall man or he that is spirituall discerneth all things 1 Cor. â—2 15 Hym. I would pray you to resolve me of those foure particulars that concerne the outward estate of the Church First of the Ministers Officers and people of each Congregation or Paâ—rish Secondly of the time or times of Gods publick worship Thirdly the place or places for their meetings Fourthly the worship it selfe both for the matter and manner Sil. Expresse your meaning in the first question Hym. For as much as you deny that the people are to call their Minister shew me how they should be called by the Scriptures Sil. It seemes by calling of Ministers you meane ordination of Ministers and so I understood you the last time we spake of your new fashion in New England Hym. Yes that is my meaning Sil. We finde it written that our Lord Himselfe Marke 3.14 Ordained that is sent his Twelve Apostles and Saint Luke saith he gave them power and authoritie c. and sent them to preach the kingdome of God Luke 9.1 2. And this Evangelist saâ—â—h the Lord appointed or sent other seventy also and further teacheth us to pray therefore the Lord of the Harvest that he would send forth labourers into his harvest ver 2. So likewise after Christ Assension the Apostles that were sent by himselfe sent others And so this same Evangelist witnesses in the Acts that the Apostles prayed and laid their hands on Stepheâ— and Philip and others and did thereby ordaine and senâ— them into the ministery as well as into the Deaconshiâ— Acts 6.6 And indeed wonderfull and powerfull they werâ— in their Ministerie as he afterwards sheweth so the Apostle Paul affirmeth that Timothie received the gift and authoritie to preach thorow the laying on the hands of tâ—â— Ministers which he there calls the Presbyterie 1 Timoâ—â— 4.14 15. And so also himselfe the same Apostle in parâ—â—cular speakes to Timothy 1 Tim. 1.6 Wherefore Iâ—â— put thee in remembrance that thou stirre up the gift of Gâ— that is in thee by the putting in of my hands and so 〈◊〉 Apostle gives him direction also for his ordayning otâ—â— Ministers 1 Timothy 5.22 Lay thy hands suddenly onâ— man neither bee partaker of other mens sinnes keepe thy 〈◊〉 pure According to these Scriptures the Church of Engâ—â—â—â— hath ordained and appointed that none but such meâ— are ordained Ministers shall have power and authoritâ— the ordination of Ministers Hym. These Scriptures you alleadge now and
that beforâ— our first conference Acts 14.23 And they ordained them Eâ— in every Church that is Preachers as you there observed 〈◊〉 Yet not one nor all those places doe shew the forme they 〈◊〉 though they prove the thing they practised Silv. Neither doe the Scriptures lay downe the fâ—â— of Marriage although it bee honoured beyond conâ— by God Himselfe in Paradice Gen. 2.22 As also bâ— Lords first miracle Iohn 2.1 11. And the author 〈◊〉 â—ebrewes layes it down as an Ordinance for ever Marriage 〈◊〉 honourable in all Hebr. 13.4 and yet in all the Scripâ—â—â—es old or new we doe not finde a forme for the manner â—or persons appoined to celebrate the matter but some â—â—nes wee finde the Parents did performe it in the Patriâ—â—hs times and in the Iudges times the Magistrates and 〈◊〉 other places it is said they tooke unto them Wives as 〈◊〉 they married themselves for so it is said Gene. 6.3 â—ow because there is not a forme of words in Scripture â—he holy ordinance of Marriage waste and voyd No â—inke none will be so voyd of Religion to say so but 〈◊〉 it not rather prove that it is left by the Authoritie Gods Word to the liberty of Christs Church to deâ—ine assigne and order in every Countrey as I shall 〈◊〉 anon an Act of Parliament of this Church in anoâ—â—â—â— case Hym. But hath the Church of England appointed a forme â—rdination as it hath done for Marriage â—â—l Yes such holy exhortations divine instructions â—ffectuall expressions as there cannot be better thought 〈…〉 Hym. I pray let me heare your knowledge of it 〈◊〉 As the ignorance of Scriptures is the cause of all 〈◊〉 and faction so also the ignorance of those wholeâ— Lawes and Ordinances which the Church hath proâ—â—â—â— in many particulars makes many have a worse opiâ—â—â—â— of the government of the Church then otherwise â—ould possibly have â—â—nnot but admire the solemne grave and honouâ—â—orme of Matrimony the Scriptures for instruâ—â—â—â—â—ppointed to be read the holy exhortations and adâ—â—ons the union pronounced in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost the concluding the ordnance with pertinent blessings I say I cannot chose but morâ— and more admire it because now a many of unadwâ—sed Ministers use unworthy and unwarrantable forme thereby couzening and cheating those they pretend tâ—â— Marry for except the words are used in the manner appointed by the Law the Law knowes them not marrieâ— but the Wife in the sence of the Law is accounted a whoâ— and the Children Bastards and the next of kinne will 〈◊〉 cover all personall estate and inheritance And the reâ—son is cleare because the Law knowes nor allowes of aâ—â— other forme for Marriage but that enacted Oh woeâ— to such unwise Ministers that have done this wrong aâ— injury to the Children unborne by seducing their ignorâ—â—â—â— Parents But to give you satisfaction in that you desire concerâ—ing Ordination of Ministers the Church hath appointâ—â— a very good rule and forme for it many pithy and apt prâ—â—ers unto God for His blessiing many Scriptures to bee râ—â—â— agreeing to the Ordinance As Saint Pauls counsell to â—mothy and the words and gesture the Apostles used whâ—â— they ordained Stephen and the rest Acts 6. as also 〈◊〉 words of our Lord Iohn 10. And diverse questions are made to them that are to 〈◊〉 ordained such as these are you assured or doe you beleâ—â— you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upâ—â— you this office and ministration to serve God for the pâ—moting his glory and the edifying his people And he â—â—swers I beleeve so Also hee is askt doe you thinke you are truly called â—â—cording to the will of our Lord Iesus Christ doe 〈◊〉 unfainedly beleeve all the Canonicall Scriptures of 〈◊〉 â—ld and New Testament and will you apply your selfe to â—udy read and preach the same they promise they will 〈◊〉 And further also to lay aside the studies of the World 〈◊〉 the flesh to endeavour by good life and holy examâ—e to edifie Christs flock These and many more are the â—questions and exhortations then doth the Minister ordainâ—ng speake to the whole Congregation declaring to them â—e Ordination and there being no cause shewed against â—y the people hee proceeds in prayer and layes on his â—d upon him thereby giving him power to preach and â—ficiate in all other administrations Hym. This forme is very good and seems to mee warranâ—e but what rule hath the Church of England for ordination â—other Officers Sil. For such as have the place of ruling Elders comâ—only called Church-wardens and for such as receive and â—tribute to the necessity of the poore commonly called â—erseers the Minister and Congregation doe choose â—â—â—m together by most voyces according to Act of Parâ—â—â—ment Hym. But how are the people or Congregation ordered Silvanus All Parishes or Congregations are â—orporated and Ordayned by Act of Parliament â—e law gives power to the Minister and Churchâ—ficers to examine and see that obedience by yeelded to 〈◊〉 such things as concerne the time the place the manner 〈◊〉 matter of Gods worship in publick and accordingly â—acquit them if innocent or to indite or present them â—uiltie Anno 1. Edw. 6. Anno 1. Eliz. 2. Hym. I pray Sir resolve mee in my second question how a â—e may be commanded for it seemes to me the Apostles doctâ— teacheth otherwise Galath 4.10 11. Where he saith Yee â—ve dayes and moneths and times and yeares I am afraid of of you lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vaine Sil. The Apostle being rightly understood doth not write to the Galatians against a time or times to be appointed by authority for the publick worship of God but hee teacheth against the use of such Ceremonies that the cleare and open manifestation of the Truth and substance thereof made weake beggerly and uselesse and more principally hee directly preacheth against them as some thereby and in Obedience to sought life and justification against this the Apostle concludes peremptorily to the Romans Romans 3 28. in these words Wee conclude therefore that a man is justified by faith without the workes of the Law and hee accepts none to the Galatians but affirmeth that whosoever seeks justification by the Law he is fallen from Grace Gala. 5.4 And aggravates it by reduplications as most certaine and a thing never to be questioned the holy Ghost bearing witnesse with him and therefore speakes in a phrase never to be repealed for by the workes of the Law shall no flesh be justified Gal. 2 16. Hym. What rule have you then for the time and times of Gods publick worship Sil. The first day of the week and all other dayes and times are by Ordinance of the Church appointed this hath beene the judgement of former times amongst the Fathers as Hierome Austine and Tertullian Master Frith and Master Tindall amongst the Martyrs Master Calvin and many others in the book called the Harmony of confessions
come as doing it by that place and seniority he had in the Church And therefore he speaks in the singular number I will and not in the plurall and so in another place he speaks as if the care of all the Churches lay upon him 2 Cor 11.28 And as the care was specially in gathering and edifying the Churches by Doctrine so also in ordering therefore he saith as he had given order to the Church of Galatia about things that had not beene ordered by the Scriptures even so doe yee saith hee to the Church of Corinth 1 Cor. 16.1 And he rejoyceth in the holy Order that was in the Church of Collossia being much comforted in the order as well as in the grace it self in these words for though I be absent in the flesh yet am I with you in the spirit joying and beholding your Order and the stedfastnesse of your faith in Christ Col. 2.5 And this was not Saint Pauls practice alone but generall in all Churches by other Apostles Elders and Evangelists as appeares by his Epistle to Titus saying For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and ordaine Elders in every City as I had appoynted thee Titus 1.5 All which in totall in what hath beene said the Apostle to the Thessalonians makes a conclusion without any exception in these words Therefore Brethren stand stast and hold the traditions which yee have beene tâ—ught whether by word or by our Epistle 2 Thes 2.15 Hym. These Scriptures doe clearly shew that the Church hath power to prescribe Order and make rules for such things as Gods word doth not particularize so that the traditions be consonant thereunto Sil. That the rule for reading the Scriptures is agreeable to the Word I have sufficiently proved before but that you may beyond all exception be satisfied here what the Apostle saith to 〈◊〉 â—hurches of Collosse and and Laodicea And when th◠〈◊〉 is read amongst you cause that it be also read in the Church of the Laodiceans Col. 4.16 And the command of our Lord Christ to search the Scriptures is to read the Scriptures Iohn 5.39 According to that Matthew 29. Let him that readeth consider as also blessed is hee that readeth and they that here the words of this prophesie and keep those things that are written therein Rom. 1. Hym. But what warrant is there for the reading of those parts of the Scriptures appoynted of the Psalmes the Chapters the Epistles and Gospels Sil. If you grant it is warrantable to read them Order and conveniency calls to authority to appoynt which and how much for all the Scriptures cannot be read at one time therefore it was well done of the Church to divide the Prophesies of each Prophet that are long and the History of the Evangelists and the Epistles of the Apostles into severall parts or Chapters and in the use we find it profitable and therefore warrantable though there be no rule for it in Scripture but meerely of humane Order And for the Epistles and Gospells they are but parts of the Chapters for the most part of them but such portions of Scriptures as doe most fit the occasion and the time of solemne Feasts and dayes of humiliation According to our Saviour Christs example Luke 4.17 It is said there was given unto him the Book of the Prophet Esayas And when he had opened the book hee found the place wherein it was written The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath aunoynted me to preach the Gospell to the poore he hath sent me to heale the broken hearted c. to preach the acceptable yeare of the Lord. And when he had read this portion of Scripture hee closed the book and gave it againe to the Minister By which it is plaine our Saviour Christ sought in the Prophesie for that part and such a part it was that fitted the particular occasion as himselfe saith verse 21. This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your eares Hym. I must confesse this is cleare to me But pray shew how the Statutes and the Scriptures agree in appointing set formes for prayer and prayses in the Congregation Sil. Authority in appoynting a forme for prayer and prayses doth not require nothing but set formes for the publick for before and after Sermons their prayers are left to their owne ordering and each man is free in regard of any forme imposed But the Church for the better direction of the Minister and edification of the many doth appoynt and command some to be used but they are such as are both for matter and manner without just exception 〈◊〉 onely observing there in words of Truth to the onely truâ— God to which we adding our spirituall affections make up the true Worship of God in every part of it as our Lord hath taught us God is is a spirit and hee that worships God must worship him in Spirit and Truth Iohn 4.29 T The brevity shortnesse and exactnesse of these formes â—f prayer following are agreeable to the wisedome of Soâ—omon his Order for Gods publike worship When thou goest saith he into the house of God bee not rash with thy mouth c. for God is in heaven therefore let thy words be few Eccles 5.1 2. And such is the councell of the King of Kings the wisedome of wisedome Matth. 6.7 When yee pray use no vaine repetition as the heathen doe c. for your father knoweth what things you have need of before you aske him According to which see and read the generall Confession of sinnes and that O God which art the Author of peace and lover of concord c. As also O Lord our heavenly Father Almighty and everlasting God which hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day c. with the rest examine and see how plain and full the expressions are so briefe pithy and pertinent as words can possibly bee thought of termes of such excellent yet plaine meaning that the lowest and meanest capacity may joyne in affection that a sweet harmony may be made by the supplication of the whole Congregation in truth to the God of Truth Now to prove that such set-formes of words are lawfull to pray and invocate God by the Scriptures are plentifull both in the Old and new Testament as Luke 11.2 The Disciples desiring the Lord to teach them to pray as Iohn taught his Disciples our Lord saith unto them when yee pray say Our Father which art in Heaven c. And he gives them a perfect forme of words And the example of our Blessed Lord himselfe is left written for our example Matthew 26.44 that he prayed the third time the same words Marke it here is a large consideration in a short Petition excellent in brevity pertinency fervencie and importunity all the men in the world cannot answer this command and example of our Saviour Christ which gives warrant without controule that God may be worshipped truely