church IIX To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition IX And as they shall be sent for to visit to pray over their sick brethren X at other times as opportunity shall serve therunto 3 The office of a Deacon is Instituted in the church by the Lord Jesus somtime they are called Helps The Scripture telleth us how they should be qualified Grave not double tougued not given to much wine not given to filthy lucre they must first be proved then use the office of a Deacon being found Blameless The office and work of the Deacons is to receive the offrings of the church gifts given to the church to keep the treasury of the church therewith to serve the Tables which the church is to provide for as the Lords Table the table of the ministers of such as are in necessitie to whom they are to distribute in simplicity 4 The office therefore being limited unto the care of the temporall good things of the church it extends not unto the attendance upon administration of the spirituall things thereof as the word and Sacraments or the like 5 The ordinance of the Apostle practice of the church commends the Lords day as a fit time for the contributions of the Saints 6 The Instituting of all these officers in the Church is the work of God himselfe of the Lord Iesus Christ of the holy Ghost therefore such officers 〈◊〉 he hath not appointed are altogether unlawfull either to be placed in the church or to be retained therin are to be looked at as humane creatures meer Inventions appointments of man to the great dishonour of Christ Jesus the Lord of his house the King of his church whether Popes Patriarkes Cardinals Arch-bishops Lord 〈◊〉 Arch-â—…eacons Officials Commissaries the like These the rest of that Hierarchy Retinue not being plants of the Lords planting shall all be certeinly be rooted out cast forth 7 The Lord hath appointed ancient widdows where they may be had to minister in the church in giving attendance to the sick to give succour unto them others in the like necessities CHAP IIX Of the Electon of Church-Officers NO man may take the honour of a Church-Officer unto himself but he that was called of God as was Aaron 2 Calling unto office is either Immediate by Christ himself such was the call of the Apostles Prophets this manner of calling ended with them as hath been said or Mediate by the church 3 It is meet that before any be ordained or chosen officers they should first be 〈◊〉 proveâ—… because hands are nâ—…t suddenly to be laid upon any both Elders Deacons must be of honest good repoâ—…t 4 The things in respect of which they are to be Tryed are those gifâ—…s virtues which the Scripture requireth in men that are to be elected into such places viz that Elders must be blamelesâ—… sober apt to teach endued with such other qualifications as are layd downe 1 Tim: 3 2. Tâ—…t 1. 6 to 9. Deacons to be fitted as is directed Acts. 6 3. 1 Tim: 3. 8 to 11. 5 Officers are to be called by such Churches whereunto they are to minâ—…ster of such moment is the preservation of this power that the churches excercised it in the presence of the Apostles 6 A Church being free cannot become subject to any but by a free election Yet when such a people do chuse any to be over them in the Lord then do they becomâ—… subject most willingly submit to their ministry in the Lord whom they have so chosen 7 And if the church have powr to chuse their officers ministers then in case of manifest unworthyness delinquency they have powr also to depose them For to open shut to chuse refuse to constitute in office remove from office are acts belonging unto the same powr 8 Wee judge it much conducing to the wel-being communion of churches that where it may conveniently be done neighbour-churches be advâ—…sed withall their help made use of in the triall of church-officers in order to their choyce 9 The choyce of such Church-officers belongeth not to the civil-magistrates as such or diocesan-bishops or patrones for of these or any such like the Scripture is wholly silent as having any power therin CHAP IX Of Ordination Imposition of hands CHurch-officers are not only to be chosen by the Church but also to be ordeyned by Imposition of hands prayer with which at the ordination of Elders fasting also is to be joyned 2 This ordination wee account nothing else but the solemn putting of a man into his place office in the Church wher-unto he had right before by election being like the installing of a magistrat in the common wealth Ordination therefore is not to go before but to follow election the essence substance of the outward calling of an ordinary officer in the Church doth not consist in his ordination but in his voluntary free election by the Church in his accepting of that election wher-upon is founded the relation between Pastor flock between such a minister such a people Ordination doth not constitute an officer nor give him the essentials of his office The Apostles were elders without Imposition of hands by men Paul Barnabas were officers before that Imposition of hands Acts. 13. 3. The posterity of Levi were Priests the Church that had powr to receive him into their fellowship hath also the same powr to cast him out that they have concerning any other member 7 Church-government or Rule is placed by Christ in the officers of the church who are therefore called Rulers while they rule with God yet in case of mal-administration they are subject to the power of the church according as hath been said before the Holy Ghost frequently yea alwayes where it mentioneth Church-Rule church-government ascribeth it to Elders wheras the work duty of the people is expressed in the phrase of obeying their Elders submiting themselves unto them in the Lord so as it is manifest that an organick or compleat church is a body politick consisting of some that are Governors some that are governed in the Lord 8 The powr which Christ hath committed to the Elders is to feed rule the church of God accordingly to call the church together upon any weighty occasion when the members so called without just cause may not refuse to come nor when they are come depart before they are dismissed nor speak in the church before they have leave from the elders nor continue so doing when they require silence nor may they oppose nor contradict the judgment or sentence of the Elders without sufficient weighty cause becaus such practices are manifestly contrary unto
〈◊〉 extant in the Scriptâ—… 〈◊〉 whâ—… wâ—… 〈◊〉 wâ—… to 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may suffice hear it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thâ—… of may be gathered from just 〈◊〉 of Scripture 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…ase 〈◊〉 for ought wee know wâ—…thout ex 〈◊〉 wâ—…ch he gâ—…e 〈◊〉 4 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ans to 2 Qu C 14. Nuâ—… 16. If any faith he wronged with unjâ—…st vexation or providing for his own 〈◊〉 or in testâ—…ony against sinÌ„ depart from a church where some evills are tollerated joyn himself to another more pâ—…re yet without coÌ„demning of the chuâ—…ch he lâ—…veth he is not therfore to be hâ—…ld as a schismatick or as guilty of any other sinn Wheâ—…e the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which the 〈◊〉 Docter putteth declareth the lawfâ—…llness of the depâ—…ture of a Church-meâ—…er from his church when eâ—…ther through wâ—… 〈◊〉 of unjust vexation or 〈◊〉 way of prâ—…sion for hâ—…s own edification or in testâ—…ny 〈◊〉 sinn 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 coâ—…gtion moâ—…e reformed Any one â—…f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 câ—…use of deâ—…re Though all of them do not concurr together Neither will such a practise dispoyle the best Mâ—…nisters of the pâ—… she s of theâ—… best heâ—…ers For 1 Somtimes the Mâ—…sters themselves are willing to joyn with their better sort of hearers in this way of reformation then they their hâ—…rers contâ—…nue stil their Châ—…ch relatiâ—… together yeâ—… confirmâ—…t mo 〈◊〉 strongly by an express reâ—…ewed covenant thâ—…h the Ministers may still continue their wâ—…ted preâ—…ching to the wâ—…le pâ—…sh 2 If the Mâ—…ster dâ—… 〈◊〉 the way of those wâ—…om they otherwise 〈◊〉 their best meâ—…bers so refuse to joyn with them therin yet â—…f those members can procuâ—…e sâ—…e other Miâ—…ster to joyn with them in their owâ—… way stâ—…ll 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the same town they may easily order the times of the 〈◊〉 assembly as to attend constantly upon the 〈◊〉 of their former Church either after or before the publick assembly of the parish take an opportunity to gather together for tâ—…e 〈◊〉 of SacrameÌ„ts Censureâ—… other church ordinances amongst themselves The fiâ—…st Apostolick 〈◊〉 assembled to hear the word with the Jewish church in the open courts of the Temple but 〈◊〉 gathered together for 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 other acts of church-order from house to house 3 Suppose Preâ—…byteriall churches should coÌ„municate soâ—…e of their best gifted members toward the erecting gathering of another 〈◊〉 â—…t would not forthwith be their detriment but may be their 〈◊〉 It is the most noble perfect work of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 botâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…gate multiply his kindâ—… tâ—… tâ—…e honour of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…t to set forward the worâ—… of Châ—…st 〈◊〉 well 〈◊〉 as at home The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 8â—… 8. to help forwâ—…rd heâ—… little â—…-church wâ—… 〈◊〉 tâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…th heâ—… châ—…yse-materiall even beâ—…es of Cedâ—…r such pretioâ—… living 〈◊〉 â—…s weeâ—… fit to build a Silver pallâ—…ce In the same book the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 compâ—…ed someâ—…e to a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to an orchard Cant 4. 1â—… 13. No 〈◊〉 plant to a garden or orchard but seeketh to get the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plant of his neighbours they freely impâ—…rt them nor doe they accouÌ„tâ—…t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to their garden orchards but ratâ—… 〈◊〉 Nevertheless wee go not so farr we neâ—…ther seek nor â—…alk the choyse-members of the parishes but accept them being offered If it be saâ—… â—…hey are not offered by the Mâ—…nisters nor by the parâ—…sh churcâ—…s who have most right in them but only by themselves It may jâ—…stly be demaâ—…nded what right or what powr have either the ministers or parish church over them Not by solemn church covenâ—…nt for that though it be the fiâ—…est engagement is not owned but rejected If it be by Their joyning with the parish in the calling election of a minister to such a congregation at his first comming there is indeed just weight in such an ingagement nor doe wee judge it safe for such to remove from such a minister unless it be upon such grounds as may justly give him due satisfactioÌ„ But if the unioÌ„ of such members to a parish Church to the ministery therof be only by cohabitation within the precincts of the parish that union as it was founded upoÌ„ humane law so by humane law it may easily be released Or otherwise if a man remove his habitation he removeth also the bond of his relation the ground of offence 4 It need not to be feared that all best hearers of the best ministers no nor the most of them will depart from them upon point of church-governmeÌ„t Those who have found the presence powr of the spirit of Christ breathing in their ministers either to their conversion or edification will be slow to change such a ministery of faith holyness for the liberty of church-order Upon which ground sundry other such like their be doubtless sundry godly judicious hearers in many parishes in England that doe will prefer their relation to their ministers though in a presbyteriall way above the Congregâ—…tionall confoederation 5 But if all or the most part of the best hearers of the best ministers of parishes should depart from them as preferring in their judgments the congregationall way yet in case the congregationall way should prove to be of Christ it will never greiv the holy hearts of godly ministers that their hearers should follow after Christ yea many of themselves upon due deliberation will be reaedy to go along with them It never greived nor troubled John Baptist that his best disciples departed from him to follow after Christ Joh. 3. But in case the congregationall way should prove to be not the institution of Christ as wee take it but the inveÌ„tion of men then doubtless the presbyteriall form if it be of God will swallow up the otherâ—… as Moses rod devoured the rods of the Aegyptians Nor will this put a necessity upon both the opposite partyes to shâ—…ft for themselves to seek to supplant one another but only it will call upon them {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} to seek to follow the trueth in love to attend in faithfullness each uÌ„to his own flock to administer to theâ—… all the holy things of God their port oÌ„ of food in due season as for others quietly to forbear them yet to instruct them with meekness that are contrary minded leaving it to Christ in the use of all good meanes to reveal his own trueth in his own time mean while endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace 〈◊〉 p. 3. 15 16. Ephesians 4. 3. To the 2 Exception That wee take no coâ—…rse for the gayning healing 〈◊〉 in of ignorant erronious scandalâ—…s persoÌ„s whom wee refuse to receive into our churches so exclude them from the reÌ„midy of church 〈◊〉 Wee conceive the
Testament which gave no being unto the church the church being before it in the wilderne without it seals presuppose a covenant already in being one person is a compleat subiect of Baptism but one person is uncapable of being a church 6 All believers ought as God giveth them opportunity there unto to endeavour to joyn themselves unto a particular church that in respect of the honour of Jesus Christ in his example Institution by the professed acknowledgment of subiection unto the order ordinances of the Gospel as also in respect of their good of communion founded upon their visible union containd in the promises of Christs special presence in the thurch whence they have fellowship with him in him one with another also for the keeping of them in the way of Gods commandmâ—…nts recovering of them in case of wandring which all Christs sheep are subiect to in this life being unable to returne of themselves together with the benefit of their mutual edification and of their posterity thâ—…t they may not be â—…ut of from tâ—…e priviledges of the covenanâ—… otherwis if a believer offends he remaines destitute of the remedy proviâ—…ed in that behalf should all believers neglect this duty of â—…yning to all particular congregations it might follow therupon that 〈◊〉 should hâ—…ve no visible political câ—…rches upon earth CHAP V. Of the first subject of church powr or to whom church powr doth first 〈◊〉 THe first subject of church powr is eyther Supream or Subordinat Ministerial the Supream by way of gift from the father is the Lord Iesus Christ the Ministerial is either extraordinary as the Apostles Prophets Evangilists or Ordinary as every particular Congregational church 2 Ordinary church powr is either the power of office that is such as is proper to the eldership or power of priviledge such as be longs unto the brotherhood the latter is in the brethren formally immediately from Christ that is so as it may according to order be acted or excercised immediately by themselves the former is not in them formâ—…lly or immediately therfore cannot be acted or excercised immediately by them but is said to be in them in that they design the persons unto office who only are to act or to excercise this power CHAP VI Of the Officers of the Church especially of Pastors Teachers A Church being a company of people combined together by covenant for the worship of God it appeareth therby that there may be the 〈◊〉 being of a church without any officers seeing there is botâ—… 〈◊〉 and matter of a church which is implyed when it iâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ordained elders in 〈◊〉 â—…urch 2 〈◊〉 though 〈◊〉 be not 〈◊〉 necessâ—…ry to the simple being of churches when thâ—…y be 〈◊〉 yet ordinarily to their calling they are and to their well being and therfore the Lord Iesus out of his tender compassion hath appointed and ordained officers which he would not have done if they had not been usefull need full for the church yea being Ascended into heaven he received gifts for men and gave gifts to men whereof officers for the church are Justly accounted no small parts they being to continue to the end of the world and for the perfecting of all the Saints 3 These officers were either extraordinary or ordinary extraordinary as Apostles Prphets Evangilists ordinary as Elders 〈◊〉 The Apostles Prophets Evangelists as they were called extraordinarily by Christ so their office ended with themselves whence it is that Paul directing Timothy how to carry along Church-Administrations Giveth no direction about the choice or course of Apostles Propheâ—… or Evangeâ—…sts but only of Elders Deacons when Paul was to take his last leave of the church of Epheâ—…s he commited the care of feeding the church to â—…o ther but unto the Elders of that church The like câ—…rge doth 〈◊〉 commit to the Elders 4 Of 〈◊〉 who are also in Scripture called â—…shops Some attend chiefly to the ministry of the word Aâ—… the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Teachers Others attend especially unto Râ—…le who are therfore called Rulâ—…ng Elders 5 The office of Pastor Teacher appears to be distinct The Pastors special work is to attend to exhâ—…tation therein to Administer a word of Wisdom the Teacher is to attend to Dâ—…mo therein to Administer a word of Knowledg either of them to administer the Seales of that Covenant unto the dispensation wherof the are alike called as also to execute the Censuâ—…e being but a kind of application of the word the preaching of which together with the application therof they are alike charged withall 6 And for as much as both Pastors Teachers are given by Christ for the perfecting of the Saints edifying of his body which Saints body of Christ is his church Therfore wee account Pastors Teacher to be both of them church-officers not the Pastor for the church the Teacher only for the Schools Though this wee gladly acknowledg that Schoole are both lawfull profitable necessary for the trayning up of such in good Litrature or learning as may afterwards be called forth unto office of Pastor or Teacher in the church CHAP VII Of Ruling Elders Deacons THe Ruling Elders office is distinct from the office of Pastor Teacher The Ruling Elders are not so called to exclude the Pastors Teachers from Ruling because Ruling Governâ—…ng is common to these with the other wheras attending to teach and preach the word is peculiar unto the former 2 The Ruling Eâ—…er work is to joyn with the Pastor Teacher in those acts of spiritual Rubc which are distinct from the ministry of the word Sacraments committed to them of which sort these be as followeth 1 to open shutâ—… the dores of Gods house by the Admission of members approved by the church by Ordination of officers chosen by the church by excommunication of notorious obstinate offenders renounced by the church by restoring of poenitents forgiveÌ„ by the church II To call the church together when there is occasion seasonably to dismiss them agayn III To prepare matters in private that in publick they may be carried an end with less trouble more speedy dispatch IV To moderate the carriage of all matter in the church assembled as to propound matters to the church to Order the season of speech silence to pronounce sentence according to the minde of Christ with the consent of the church V To be Guides leaders to the church in all matters what-soever pertaining to church administrations actions VI To see that none in the church live inordinately out of rank place without a calling or Idlely in their calling VII To prevent heal such offences in life or in doctrin as might corrupt the
order government in-lets of disturbance tend to confusion 9 It belongs also unto the Elders to examine any officers or members before they be received of the church to receive the accusations brought to the Church to prepare them for the churches hearing In handling of offences other matters before the Church they have powr to declare publish the Counsell will of God touching the same to pronounce sentence with consent of the Church Lastly they have powr when they dismiss the people to bless them in the name of the Lord 10 This powr of Government in the Elders doth not any wise prejudice the powr of priviledg in the brotherhood as neither the powr of priviledg in the brethren doth prejudice the power of government in the Elders but they may sweetly agree together as wee may see in the example of the Apostles furnished with the greatest church-powr who took in the concurrence consent of the brethren in church-administrations Also that Scripture 2 Cor 2. 9. chap 10 6. doe declare that what the churches were to act doe in these matters they were to doe in a way of obedience that not only to the direction of the Apostles but also of their ordinary Elders 11 From the premisses namely that the ordinary powr of Government belonging only to the elders powr of priviledg remaineth with the brotherhood as powr of judgment in masters of censure powr of liberty in matters of liberty It followeth that in an organick Church right administration all church acts proceed after the manner of a mixt administration so as no church act can be consummated or perfected without the consent of both CHAP XI Of the maintenance of Church Officers THe Apostle concludes that necessary sufficient maintenance is due unto the ministers of the word from the law of nature nations from the law of Moses the equity thereof as also the rule of common reason moreover the scripture doth not only call Elders labourers workmen but also speaking o◅ them doth say that the labourer is worthy of his hire requires that he which is taught in the word should communicate to him in all good things mentions it as an ordinance of the Lord that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel forbideth the muzl◅ng of the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn 2 The Scriptures alledged requiring this maintenance as a bounden duty du◅◅eci not as a matter of almes free gift therefore people are not at liberty to doe or not to doe what when they pleas in this matter no more then in any other commanded duty ordinance of the Lord but ought of duty to minister of their ca◅ail ◅ngs to them that labour amongst them in the word doctrine as well as they ought to pay any other work men their wages or to discharge satisfie their other debts or to submit themselves to observe any other ordinance of the Lord 3 The Apostle Gal 6 6. injoyning that he which is taught communicate to him that teacheth ◅ad good things doth not leave it arbitrary what or how much a man shall give or in what prop◅on but even the later as well as the former is prescribed appointed by the Lord 4 Not only members of Churches but all that are taught in in the word are to contribute unto him that teacheth in all good things In case that Congregations are defective in their contributions the Deacons are to call upon them to doe their duty if their call sufficeth not the church by her powr is to require it of their members where church-powr through the corruption of men doth not or can̄ot attaine the end the Magistrate is to see ministry be duely provided for as appeares from the commended example of Nehemiah The Magistrates are nursing fathers nursing mothers stand charged with the custody of both Tables because it is better to prevent a scandal that it may not come easier also then to remove it when it is given It s most suitable to Rule that by the churches care each man should know his proportion according to rule what he should doe before he doe it that so his iudgment heart may be satisfied in what he doeth just offence prevented in what is done CHAP XII Of Admission of members into the Church THe doors of the Churches of Christ upon earth doe not by Gods appointment stand so wide open that all sorts of people good or bad may freely enter therein at their pleasure but such as are admitted therto as members ought to be examined tryed first whether they be fit meet to be received into church-society or not The Evnuch of Aethiopia before his admission was examined by Philip whether he did beleive on Jesus Christ with all his heart the Auged of the church at Ephesus is commended for trying such as said they were Apostles were not There is like reason for trying of them that profess themselves to be beleivers The officers are charged with the keeping of the doors of the Church therfore are in a special man̄er to make try all of the fitnes of such who enter Twelve Angels are set at the gates of the Tem ple lest such as were Ceremonially unclean should enter therinto 2 The things which are requisite to be found in all church members are Repentance from sin saith in Jesus Christ And therfore these are the things wherof men are to be examined at their admission into the church which then they must profess hold forth in such sort as may satisfie rationall charity that the things are there indeed Iohn Baptist admitted men to Baptism confessing bewayling their sinns of other it is said that they came confessed shewed their deeds 3 The weakest measure of faith is to be accepted in t◅ose that desire to be admitted into the church becaus weak christians if sincere have the substance of that faith repentance holiness which is required in church members such have most need of the ordinances for their confirmation growth in grace The Lord Jesus would not quench the smoaking flax nor breake the bruised reed but gather the tender lambes in his arms carry them gently in his bosome Such charity tenderness is to be used as the weakest christian if sincere may not be excluded nor discouraged Severity of examination is to be avoyded 4 In case any through excessive fear or other infirmity be unable to make their personal relation of their spirituall estate in publick it is sufficient that the Elders having received private satisfaction make relation therof in publick before the church they testifying their assents therunto this being the way that tendeth most to edification But
ordinance in their watch as Phoebe a servaÌ„t of the church at Cencâ—…ea had letters writteÌ„ for her to the church of Rome that shee might be received as becoÌ„â—…eth saints 9 Such letters of Recommendation 〈◊〉 were written for Apollos For Marcus to the Colâ—…siaÌ„ for Phoebe to the RomaÌ„eâ—… for suÌ„dry others to other churches the Apostle telleth uâ—… that some persons not sufficiently known otherwise have special need of such letterâ—… though he for his part had no need therof The uâ—…e of them â—…s to be a benefit help to the party for whom they are writteÌ„ for the furthering of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 amongst the Saints in the plâ—… wheâ—…to 〈◊〉 goeth the dâ—…e satâ—…faction of them in their receiving of hâ—…m CHAP XIV Of excommunication other Censures THe Censures of the church are appointed by Christ for the preventâ—…ng removing healing of offences in the Church for the reclayming gayning of offending brethren for the deterring of others from the like oâ—…eces for purging out the leaven which may infect the whole lump for vindicating the honour of Christ of his church the holy profession of the gospel for preventing of the wrath of God that may justly fall upon the church if they should suffer his covenant the sâ—…ales therof to be prophaned by notorious obstinate offenders 2 If an offence be privâ—… one brother offending another the offender is to goe acknowledg his repentaÌ„ce for it unto his offended brother who is then to forgive him but if the â—…ffender neglect or refuâ—…e to doe it the brother offeÌ„ded is to goe coÌ„vince admonish him of it between themselves privatly â—…f therupon the offender bee brought to repent of his offeÌ„ce the admonisher hath won his brother but if the offender heare not his brother the brother offended is to take with him one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witneses every word may be established whether the word of admonition if the offender receive it or the word of complaint if he refuse it for if hè refuse it the offeÌ„ded brother is by the mouth of the Elders to tell the church if he heare the church declare the same by peâ—…teÌ„t confession he is recovered gayned if the church discern him to be willing to hear yet not fully coÌ„vâ—…ced of his offence as in case â—…f heresy They are to dispeÌ„ce to him a publick admonition which declaring the offeÌ„der to ly under the publâ—…ck offence of the church doth tâ—…e by with-hold or suspend him from the holy fellowshâ—…p of the Lords sâ—…pper till his offence be removed by penitent coÌ„fession If he â—…ll 〈◊〉 obstinate they are to call him out by excoÌ„n unicâ—…tion 3 But if the offeÌ„ce be more 〈◊〉 at first of a more â—…ous 〈◊〉 to wit such as are condeÌ„â—…ed by the light of nature then the church wâ—…thout such graduall proceeding is to cast out the offender from therâ—… holy coÌ„munior for the further mortifying of his 〈◊〉 the healing of his soule in the day of the Lord Jesus 4 In dealing with an offeÌ„der great care is to be takeÌ„ that wee be neither overstrict or rigorous nor too indulgent or remiss our proceeding hereâ—… ouâ—…ht to be with a spirit of â—…ekness considering our selves lâ—…st wee also be teÌ„pted that the best of us have need of much forg 〈◊〉 from the Lord Yet the winiÌ„g healiÌ„g of the offeÌ„ders soul being the end of theâ—…e eÌ„deavours wee must not daub with uÌ„tempered morter nor heal the wounds of our brethren sleightly on some have compâ—…oÌ„ others save with fear 5 While the offender remayns excoÌ„municate the Church is to refrayn from all member-like communion with him in spirituall things also from all familiar coÌ„munioÌ„ with him in civil things farther then the necessity of natural or domestical or civil relatioÌ„s doe require are therfore to for bear to eat drike with him that he may be 〈◊〉 6 ExcoÌ„munication being a spirituall punishment it doth not prejudice the excoÌ„municate in nor deprive him of his civil rights therfore toucheth not princes or other magistrates in point of their civil dignity or authority And the excoÌ„municate being but as a publican a heathen heathens being lawfully permitted to come to hear the word in church assemblyes wee acknowledg therfore the like liberty of hearing the word may be permitted to persons excommunicate that is permitted unto heathen And because wee are not without hope of his recovery wee are not to account him as an enemy but to admonish him as a brother 7 If the Lord sanctifie the censure to the offender so as by the grace of Christ he doth testifie his repentance with humble coÌ„fession of his sinn judging of himselfe giving glory unto God the Church is then to forgive him to comfort him to restore him to the wonted brotherly communion which formerly he injoyed with them 8 The suffring of prophane or scandalous livers to continue in fellowship partake in the sacraments is doubtless a great sinn in those that have power in their hands to redress it doe it not Nevertheless inasmuch as Christ his Apostles in their times the Prophets other godly in theirs did lawfully partake of the Lords commanded ordinances in the Jewish church neyther taught nor practised seperation from the same though unworthy ones were permitted therin inasmuch as the faithfull in the church of Corinth wherin were many unworthy persons practises are never commanded to absent themselves from the SacrameÌ„ts because of the same therfore the godly in like cases are not presently to seperate 9 As seperation from such a Church wherin prâ—…phaÌ„e scandalous livers are tolerated is not presently necessary so for the members therof otherwise worthy hereupon to abstaâ—…n from communicating with such a church in the participation of the Sacraments is unlawfull For as it were unreasonable for an inÌ„ocent person to be punished for the faults of other wherin he hath no hand wherunto he gave no consent soe is it more unreasonable that a godly man should neglect duty punish himselfe in not coÌ„ming for his portion in the blessing of the seales as he ought because others are suffered to come that ought not especially considering that himselfe doth neyther consent to their sinn nor to their approching to the ordinance in their sinn nor to the neglect of others who should put them away doe not but on the contrary doth heartily mourn for these things modestly seasonably stirr up others to doe their duty If the Church câ—…nnot be reformed they may use their liberty as is specified chap 13. sect 4. But this all the godly are bound unto even every one to do his indeavour according to his powr
to theÌ„ the right hand of fellowship both in their gathering into a church in the ordination of their officers CHAP XVI Of Synods SYnods orderly assembled rightly proceeding according to the pattern Acts. 15. wee acknowledg as the ordinance of Christ though not absolutely necessary to the being yet many times through the iniquity of men perversness of times necessary to the wel-being of churches for the establishment of truth peace therin 2 Synods being spirituall ecclesiasticall assemblyes are therfore made up of spirituall ecclesiasticall causes The next efficient cause of them under Christ is the powr of the churches sending forth their Elders other messengers who being mett together in the name of Christ are the matter of the Synod they in argueing debating determining matters of religion according to the word publishing the same to the churches whom it concerneth doe put forth the proper formall acts of a Synod to the convictioÌ„ of errours heresyes the establishment of truth peace in the Churches which is the end of a Synod 3 Magistrates have powr to call a Synod by calling to the Churches to send fâ—…rth their Elders other messengers to counsel assist them in matters of relâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…t yeâ—…t the constituting of a Synod is a church act may be tâ—…d by the churches even when civil magistrates may be enemyes to churches to churchassemblyes 4 It belâ—…ngeth unto Synod counselâ—… to debate determine controversies of faith caâ—… of consâ—… to cleare from the word holy directions for the â—…ly worshâ—…p of God good government of the church to beare witâ—… against â—…al administration Corruption in doctrine or manÌ„ers in any particular Church to give directions for the reformation therof Not to exercise Church-censures in way of discipline nor any other act of church-authority or jurisdiction which that presidentiall Synod did forbeare 5 The Synodâ—… directions determinations so farr as consonant to the word of God are to be received with reverence submission not only for their agreement therwith which is the â—…ncipall ground therof without which they bind not at all â—…t also secondâ—…ly for the powr wherby they are made as being an ordinance of God appointed therunto in his word 6 Bâ—… is dâ—…ficult if not impossible for many churches to câ—… altogether in one place â—…n all theirâ—…â—…rs universally therfore they may assemble by their delegates oâ—… messengers as the church of Antioch went not all to Ierusalem but some select men for that purpose Because none are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be more fitt to know the state of the churches not to advise of wayes for the good thereof then Elders therfore it is fitt that in the choice of the messengers for such assemblies they have special respect uÌ„to such Yet in as much as not only Paul Barnabas but certayn others also were sent to Ierusalem from Antioch Acts 15. when they were come to Ierusalem not only the Apostles Elders but other brethren also doe assemble meet about the matter therfore Synods are to consist both of Elders other church-members endued with gifts sent by the churches not excluding the presence of any brethren in the churches CHAP XVII Of the Civil Magistrates powr in matters Eâ—…câ—…esâ—…l IT is lawfull profitable necessary for christians to gather themselves into Church estate therin to exercise all the ordâ—… of chrâ—…st according unto the word although the consent of Magistrate could not be had therunto because the Apostles christâ—…ans in their time did frequently thus practise when the Magistrates being all of them Jewish or pagan mostly persecuting enemies would give no countenance or consent to such matters 2 Church-government stands in no opposition to civil goveâ—…ment of coÌ„mon-welths nor any intrencheth upon the authority of Civil Magistrates in their jurisdictions nor any whit weakneth their handâ—… in governing but rather strengthneth them farthereth the people in yielding more hearty conscâ—…onable obedience uÌ„tâ—… theâ—… whatsoever some ill affected persons to the wayes of Christ have suggested to alienate the affections of Kings Princes from the ordinance of Christ as if the kingdome of Christ in his church could not rise stand without the falling weakning of their government which is alâ—…o of Christ wheras the contrary is most true that they may both stand together flourish the one being helpfull unto the other in their distinct dâ—… administrations 3 The powr authority of Magistrates is not for the restraâ—…ing of churches or any other good workes but for helping in furthering therof therfore the consent countenance of Magistrates when it may be had is not to be â—…ghted or lightly esteemed but on the contrary it is part of that honâ—…ur due to christian Magistrates to desire crave their consent approbation therin which being obtayned the churches may then proceed in their way with much more encouragement comfort 4 It is not in the powr of Magistrates to compell their sâ—…bjects to become church-members to partake at the Lords table for the priests are reproved that brought â—…worthy ones into the â—…tuarie then as it was unlawfull for the preists so it is as unlawfull to be done by civil Magistrates Those whom the church is to cast out if they were in the Magistrate ought not thrust into the church nor to hold them therin 5 As it is unlawfull for church-officers to meddle with the sword of the Magistrate sâ—… 〈◊〉 it â—…wfull for the Magistrate to meddle with the work pâ—…per to câ—…ch officers the Acts of Moâ—… Davâ—…d who were not only Pâ—… but Pâ—… were exâ—… therfore not â—…ble Agâ—…â—…n 〈◊〉 the Lâ—…d witâ—… by 〈◊〉 Uzzâ—…h wâ—… 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 to offer 〈◊〉 6 It is the duty of the Maâ—… to take â—…e of matters of relâ—…gion to â—…nprove his â—…l authoâ—…ty for the obleâ—…ing of the duties commanded in the first is well as for observing of the duties commanded in the second table They are called Gods The end of the Magistrateâ—… office is not only the qâ—… pâ—…ble lâ—…fe of the subjâ—…t in 〈◊〉 of rigâ—… hoâ—…ty but also in matter of â—…ss yea of all 〈◊〉 Mâ—… jâ—… Dâ—… Sâ—… Asa Jehoshaphat Hezekiah Josiah are much commended by the Holy Ghost for the putting forth their authority in matters of religion on the contrary such Kings as have been fayling this way are frequently taxed reproved by the Lord not only the Kings of Judah but also Job Neheâ—…h the king of Ninâ—…veh Darius Artaxerxes Nebucadâ—…ezar whom none looked at as types of Christ thouh were it soe there were no place for any just objection are coÌ„meÌ„ded in the book of God for exercising their authority this way 7 The object of the powr of the Magistrate
are not things meerly inward â—…o not subject to his cogniâ—…ance view as unbeleife hardness of heart erronious opinions not vented but only such things as are acted by the outward man neither is their powr to be exercised in commanding such acts of the outward man punnishig the neglect therof as are but meer inveÌ„tions devices of men but about such acts as are commanded forbidden in the word yea such as the word doth clearly determine though not alwayes clearly to the judgment of the Magistrate or others yet clearly in it selfe In these he of right ought to putt forth his authority though oft-times actually he doth it not 8 Idolatry Bâ—…phemy Heresy venting corrupt pernicious opinions that destroy the foundation open contempt of the word preached prophanation of the Lords day disturbing the peaceable administration exercise of the worship hâ—…ly things of God the like are to be restrayned punished by civil authority 9 If any church one or more shall grow scâ—…smaticall rending it self from the communion of other churches or shall walke incorâ—…gibly or obstinately many corrupt way of their own contrary to the rule of the word in such case the Magistrate is to put forth his coâ—…ve powr as the matter shall require The tribes on this side 〈◊〉 intended to make warr against the other tribes for buâ—… the altar of witness whom they suspected to have turned away therin from following of the Lord FINIS Ezek 43. 1â—… Col. 2. 5 1 Tim 3 15 Hebâ—… 3. 5. 〈◊〉 Exod 25 40 2 Tim 3 16 〈◊〉 Tim 3 1â—… 1 Chron â—…5 13. Ex 20 4 1 Tim 6 13 v 16. Heb 1â—… 27 28. 1 Cor 15 24. Deut 12 32. Ezek 43 8. 1 Kings 12 31 32 33 1 King â—…2 v 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Isâ—…i 2â—… 13. Câ—…l 2 â—…2 〈◊〉 Actâ—… 15 2â—… Mâ—…tt 15 9 〈◊〉 Cor 1â—… 23 〈◊〉 8 34. 1 Cor 14 26 1 Cor 14 40 1 Cor 11 14 〈◊〉 Cor 11 16 1 Cor 14 12 19. Acts â—…5 28. â—…ph 1 22 23 5 25 26 30. Heb â—…2 23. 〈◊〉 v. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…7 2 Tim 2 12 C 〈◊〉 8. Eph 6 〈◊〉 â—…3 2 Tim 2 19. Rev 217. 1 Cor 6 17. Eph 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 â—…hes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Isâ—… 2. 2 〈◊〉 Tim 6 â—…2 Acts 19. 〈◊〉 Colos 2. 5. Matt 1â—… 17. 〈◊〉 Coâ—… 〈◊〉 12. Gen. 18. 19 Exod 〈◊〉 6. 1 Cor. â—…4 23 1 Cor. 14. 36 1 Cor. 〈◊〉 2. 1 Cor â—…2 27. Exo 〈◊〉 19 〈◊〉 6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. 9 to 〈◊〉 Acts. 2. 42. 1 Cor 14 26. 〈◊〉 Cor 1 2 Iâ—…phe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hebr 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cor. 1 〈◊〉 Rom. â—…5 â—…4 Isâ—… 1â—… 16 17. Acâ—… 〈◊〉 Mâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 6 17. 1 Cor. 〈◊〉 2. Phiâ—…lip 1 〈◊〉 Colloâ—… 〈◊〉 2. â—…phes 〈◊〉 1. 〈◊〉 Co 5 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 14 15 20. Ezek. 4â—… 7 9. 〈◊〉 châ—…p 2â—… 3â—… 〈◊〉 Num 〈◊〉 20. â—…gg 2 13 14. 1 Cor. 1â—… 27 29 Psâ—…l 37 21 1 Cor. 5 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 7 14. Ier. 2 21. 1 Cor. 〈◊〉 1 Ier. 14. Gâ—… 5 4. 2 Coâ—… 12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1â—… 1â—… 〈◊〉 2â—… 21â—… 〈◊〉 19 5 〈◊〉 8 〈◊〉 24 3 1â—… 〈◊〉 24 â—…8 to 24 Psâ—…l 50 5. 〈◊〉 38 〈◊〉 10 〈◊〉 Gen 17. Deu 29. Act 2 47. 〈◊〉 26. Matt 3 13 14 15. 28 1â—… 20. Psal 〈◊〉 2 3 87 〈◊〉 Matt 182â—… 1 Iohn 1 3. 〈◊〉 119 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pet 2. 25 Eph 4 16 â—…oh 22 24 25 〈◊〉 25 16 1â—… Mâ—…tt 28 〈◊〉 Rev 3 〈◊〉 Isâ—… 9 〈◊〉 John 2â—… 〈◊〉 â—…3 1 Cor 14 32. â—…tus 1 5. 〈◊〉 Cor. 〈◊〉 12. Roâ—…â—…4 〈◊〉 Acts 1 23 〈◊〉 6 3 4 〈◊〉 14 23 1 Coâ—… 29 3â—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3 15 〈◊〉 Cor 〈◊〉 28 â—…phe 4 〈◊〉 Psal 68 18â—… Eph 4. 8 11 â—…ph 4 12 â—…3 1 Câ—… 12 〈◊〉 Eph 4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Act 8 6 〈◊〉 19. 〈◊〉 11 28 Rom 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Coâ—… 4 9. 1 Timâ—… 1 2 〈◊〉 8 to 13 Tit 1. 5. â—…ct 20 17 28 1 pet 〈◊〉 1 2 3. 1 Tim 2 2 Phil 1 1. Acts 20 19 〈◊〉 1 Tim 5 29. Sph 4 11. â—…om 12 7â—… 1 Cor 12 8 2 Tim 41 2 â—…it 〈◊〉 9 Eph 4 11 12 Cap 1 22 23 〈◊〉 â—…am 10 12 〈◊〉 10 20 2 king 23 〈◊〉 15. Rom 119 〈◊〉 9. 1 Tim 5 17. 1 Cor 1â—… 23. 〈◊〉 13 17 1 Tim 5 17 〈◊〉 Tim 5. 17. 2 Chro. 23 19. Rev 2â—… 12. 1 Tim 4 14. Mâ—… 18 17. 2 Cor 2 7. 8 Act 2. 6 Acts 〈◊〉 1â—… 22. 23. Acts 6. 2. 3 c. 13. 〈◊〉 15 2 Cor 8. 10 Heb 13. 7 7 2 Thes 2. 10 11. 12 Acts 20. 28 v 32. 〈◊〉 Thes 5. 12. Jam. 5. 14 Acts 20. 20 Act 6. 〈◊〉 v 6 Pail 1. 1 1 Tim 3. 8 1 Cor 12. 28 1. Tim 3. 8. 9 Acts 4. 〈◊〉 c 6. 2. 3 c 6. 2 Rom. 22. 8. 1 Cor 9. 〈◊〉 1 C. 16. 1. 2. 3 1 Cor 11. 28 Eph 4. 8. 11 Acts 20. 28 Matt 15. 13 〈◊〉 Tim 5. 9. 10. Heb. 5. 4 Galat 〈◊〉 1 Acts 14. 23 cap 6. 3 〈◊〉 Tim 5. 22 c p 7 10 Acts 16. 2 cap 6. 3 Act 14. 23 c 1. 23. c 6 3. 4. 5. Gal 5. 13 Hebr. 13. 17 Rom. 16. 19 Cant. 8. 8. 9 Acts. 1â—… 〈◊〉 cap 14. 23 1 Tim. 5. 22 Nâ—…m 8. 10 Act 6. 5. 6 cap 13. 2. 3 Acts. 6. 5. 6 cap 14. 23 Matt. 18. 17 1 Tim. 5. 17 Hebr. 13. 17 〈◊〉 Thes. 5. 12 Rom. 12. 8 1 Tim. 〈◊〉 17 〈◊〉 Cor. 12. 28 29. Hebr. 13 7. 17. Acts. 20. 28 cap 6. 2 Num. 16. 12 Ezek. 46. 10 Acts. 13. 15 â—…osh 4. 4. Rev. 2. 2 1 Tim. 5. 19 Acts. 21. 18 22. 23 〈◊〉 Cor. 5. 4. 5 Num. 6. 23. â—…o 26. Acts. 14. 15 vi 2â—… c 6. 2 〈◊〉 Cor. 5. 4 2 Cor. 2. 6. 7 Hebr. 13. 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 9. 9â—… 15. Matt. 9â—… 38. c 10. 1â—… 1 Tim. 5. 18 Gala. 6. 6. 1 Cor. 9. 〈◊〉 vers. 14. 1 Tim. 5. 18 Rom 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cor. 9. 11. Gala. 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cor. 16. 2 Galat. 6. 6 Act. 6. 3. 4 Neh. 13. 1â—… â—…say 49. 23 〈◊〉 Cor. 8. 13 〈◊〉 2 Chron. 23. 19. Mat. 13. 25. 22. 12 Acts. 8. 37 Rev. 2. 2 Acts 9. 2â—… Rev. 2â—… 1â—… 2 Châ—… 23. 19 Act 2. 38 1â—… 〈◊〉 c 8 37 Matt 3. 6. Acts 19 5. Roâ—… 14. 2 Matt 12. 20. Isay 4â—… 15. psaâ—…â—…6 16 1 Peâ—…â—…3 〈◊〉 â—…ebr 11. 〈◊〉 â—…phe 1. 〈◊〉 Matt. 3. 5 6 Gallat 2. 4 〈◊〉 Tim. 5. 24 Câ—…nt 8. 8 Matt. 7. 6 〈◊〉 Cor. 11. 27 Hebr. 10. 2â—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prov. 11. 14 Rom 14. 〈◊〉 1 Tim 5. 22. Acts 21. 14. Ephe. 〈◊〉 1â—… Acts 9. 2â—… ver 29. â—…0 chap 8 â—…1 Nehe â—…3 10 2 Tim 4. 1â—… Râ—…m 16. 17 Jude 19. 〈◊〉 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. 13 〈◊〉 6. 1 〈◊〉 Isâ—…y 56. 8 Acts 9. 26 〈◊〉 Cor. â—…4 3â—… 〈◊〉 â—…8 27 Rom 16. 1. 2 〈◊〉 Câ—…r 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1â—… 27 Coâ—…l 4. 10. Rom. 16. 1 〈◊〉 Câ—…r 3. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jude 29. Dâ—…ut 13. 11 1 Cor. 5. 6 Râ—…m 2. 2â—… Rev. 2. 14. 15. 16. 2â—… Mat. 5. 23 〈◊〉 Luâ—… â—…7 3. 〈◊〉 Matt. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 v 〈◊〉 v 〈◊〉 Tit. 〈◊〉 1â—… Matt. 18. 〈◊〉 1 Cor 5. 〈◊〉 5. v 〈◊〉 Galat. 6. 〈◊〉 Matt 1â—… 34 â—…5 〈◊〉 1 〈◊〉 Eâ—…ek 13. 1â—… Jer. 〈◊〉 14 Matt 18. 17. 〈◊〉 Coâ—… 5. 11 2 The 3. 6. 14 1 Cor 14 24 25. 2 Thes. 3. 14 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Cor 2. 7 8 â—…ev 〈◊〉 14 â—…5 ver. 20 Mat 23. 3. Acts 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cor. 6 chap 15. 1â—… 2 Chron. 30 18. Gen 18. 2â—… â—…t Ezek 9 〈◊〉 Rev 1. 4 Câ—…nt 8. 8. Rom 16. 16. 1 Cor 16. 〈◊〉 Acts 15. 2â—… Rev 2. 〈◊〉 Câ—…nt 8. 8. Actâ—… 15. 〈◊〉 Acts 15. 6. ver 22. 〈◊〉 Ezek 34. 4. Gâ—…ll 2. 〈◊〉 â—…o 14. Math 18. 15. 16. 17. by â—…portion Gen 18. 25. 1 Cor 1â—… 13 Rom 16. 1. Acts 18. 27 Acts 11. 22 vers 20. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 13. 26. 27. 〈◊〉 2. 1. 2. 9. by proportion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…0 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 8 9. Acts 15. 2. 1â—… 1â—… Acts 15 2 3 â—…cts 6. â—…cts 7. to 23 vers 31. Acts 164. 15 〈◊〉 Chron â—…9 4. 5. to 11. Acts 15. Acts 15. 1 2 6. 〈◊〉 1 Clâ—… 1â—… 1â—… 〈◊〉 Châ—… 9. 〈◊〉 7. Act. 15. 24 vers 〈◊〉 29 Acts. 15. Acts 1â—… Acts 15 〈◊〉 vers 22 23. Act 2. â—…1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 John 1â—… â—…6 Acts 25. 8. Isâ—…y 49. 23. Rom 13. 4. 〈◊〉 Tim 2. 2. â—…ek 44. 7. 9 〈◊〉 Cor 5. 11 Matth 20. 25 26. 〈◊〉 Câ—… 26 16. 17. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1â—… 1 Kings 15. 14. c 22. 43 〈◊〉 King 12. 3 c 14. 4. c 15. 35. 1 Kings â—…0 42. Job 29. 25. c 31. 26. 2â—… Ne â—…3 Jon 〈◊〉 3. 7. Ezrâ—… 7. Dâ—…n 3. 2â—… 1 Kings 20. 2â—… vers 42. Deut 13. 1 Kings 2â—… 2â—… vers 42. Dâ—… 〈◊〉 29. Zâ—…ch 13. 3. Neh 13. 21. 1 Tim 2. 2. Roâ—… 13. 4. Joâ—… 22.