as one Flock appeareth Acts 20 17 25 28 30 36 37. 3. That these many Congregations were one Church and that they were under one Presbyterial Government appeareth Rev. 2. the first six verses joyned with Acts 20. 17 18. Of Synodical Assemblies THe Scripture doth hold out another sort of Assemblies for the Government of the Church beside Classical and Congregational all which we call Synodical Acts 15. Pastors and Teachers and other Church Governors as also other fit persons when it shall be deemed expedient are Members of those Assemblies which we call Synodical where they have a lawful Calling thereunto Synodical Assemblies may lawfully be of several sorts as Provincial National and Oecumenical It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that there be a subordination of Congregational Classical Provincial and National Assemblies for the Government of the Church Of Ordination of Ministers UNder the head of Ordination of Ministers is to be considered either the Doctrine of Ordination or the Power of it Touching the Doctrine of Ordination NO man ought to take upon him the Office of a Minister of the Word without a lawful Calling John 3. 27. Rom. 10. 14 15 Jer. 14 14. Heb. 5 4. Ordination is always to be continued in the Church Titus 1. 5. 1 Tim. 5. 21 22. Ordination is the solemn setting apart of a person to some publike Church office Numb 8. 10 11 14 19 22. Acts 6 3 5 6. Every Minister of the Word is to be ordained by imposition of hands and Prayer with Fasting by those Preaching Presbyters to whom it doth belong 1 Tim. 5. 22. Acts 14. 23. Acts 13. 3. It is agreeable to the Word of God and very expedient that such as are to be ordained Ministers be designed to some particular Church or other Ministerial charge Acts 14 23. T it 1 5. Acts 20 17 and 28. He that is to be ordained Minister must be duly qualified both for life and Ministerial abilities according to the rules of the Apostle 1 Tim. 3 2 3 4 5 6 and Tit. 1 6 7 8 9. He is to be examined and approved by those by whom he is to be ordained 1 Tim. 3 7 10 and Chap 5 22. No man is to be ordained a Minister for a particular Congregation if they of that Congregation can shew just cause of exception against him 1 Tim. 3 2. Tit. 1 7. Touching the Power of Ordination ORdination is the act of a Presbytery 1 Tim. 4 14. The power of ordering the whole work of Ordination is in the whole Presbytery which when it is over more Congregations then one whether those Congregations be fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is indifferent as to the point of Ordination 1 Tim. 4 14. It is very requisite that no single Congregation that can conveniently associate do assume to it self all and sole power in Ordination 1. Because there is no example in Scripture that any single Congregation which might conveniently associate did assume to it self all and sole power in Ordination neither is there any rule which may warrant such a practise 2. Because there is in Scripture example of an Ordination in a Presbytery over divers Congregations as in the Church of Jerusalem where were many Congregations thâ—se many Congregations were under one Presbytery and this Presbytery did ordain The Preaching Presbyters orderly associated either in Cities or neighbouring Villages are those to whom the imposition of Hands doth appertain for those Congregations within their bounds respectively Some other particulars concerning Church Government do yet remain unfinished which shall be with all convenient speed prepared and presented to this honorable House TO THE Right Honorable THE Lords and Commons Assembled in PARLIAMENT The humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines now sitting at Westminster Concerning The Doctrinal part of Ordination of MINISTERS NO man ought to take upon him the office of a Minister of the Word without a lawful calling John 3 27 Rom. 10 14 15. Jer. 14 14. Heb 5 4. Ordination is always to be continued in the Church Titus 1 5 1 Tim. 5 21 22. Ordination is the solemn setting apart of a person to some publick Church Office Numb 8 10 11 14 19 22. Acts 6 3 5 6. Every Minister of the Word is to be ordained by imposition of hands and Prayer with Fasting by these Preaching Presbyters to whom it doth belong 1 Tim. 5 22. Acts 14 23. 13 3. The power of ordering the whole work of Ordination is in the whole Presbytery which when it is over more Congregations then one whether those Congregations be fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is indifferent as to the point of Ordination 1 Tim. 4 14. It is agreeable to the Word of God and very expedient that such as are to be ordained Ministers be designed to some particular Church or other Ministerial charge Acts 14 23. Tit. 1 5. Acts 20 17 28. He that is to be ordained Minister must be duly qualified both for life and Ministerial abilities according to the rules of the Apostle 1 Tim. 3. 2 3 4 5 6. Tit. 1. 5 6 7 8 9. He is to be examined and approved of by those by whom he is to be ordained 1 Tim. 3 7 10. 5 22. No man is to be ordained a Minister for a particular Congregation if they of that Congregation can shew just cause of exception against him 1 Tim. 3 2. T it 1 7. Preaching Presbyters orderly associated either in Cities or Neighbouring Villages are those to whom the imposition of hands doth appertain for these Congregations within their bounds respectively 1 Tim. 4. 14. In extraordinary cases something extraordinary may be done until a setled order may be had yet keeping as near as possible may be to the Rule 2 Chron. 29. 34 35 36. 2 Chron. 30. 2 3 4 5. There is at this time as we humbly conceive an extraordinary occasion for a way of Ordination for the present supply of Ministers The Directory for Ordination of Ministers IT being manifest by the Word of God that no man ought to take upon him the Office of a Minister of the Gospel until he be lawfully called and ordained thereunto And that the work of Ordination is to be performed with all due care wisdom gravity and solemnity we humbly tender these Directions as requisite to be observed First He that is to be ordained being either nominated by the people or otherwise commended to the Presbytery for any place must addres himself to the Presbytery and bring with him a Testimonial of his taking the Covenant of the three Kingdoms of his diligence and proficiency in his Studies What degrees he hath taken in the University and what hath been the time of his abode there and withal of his age which is to be twenty four years but especially of his life and conversation Which being considered by the Presbytery they are to proceed to enquire touching the Grace
a father able and ready to help us u Ro. 8 15 Luk 11 13 and that we should pray with and for others w Act 12 5 1 Tim. 2. 1. 2 Q. What do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first Petition which is Hallowed be thy name x Mat 6 9 we pray that God would enable us and others to glorifie him in all that whereby he maketh himself known y Psal 67 2 3 and that he would dispose all things to his own glory z Psa 83 throughout Q. What do we pray for in the second Petition A. In the second Petition which is Thy Kingdom come a Mat 6. 10 we pray that Satans Kingdom may be destroyed b Psa 68 1 18 and that the Kingdom of Grace may be advanced c Rev 12 10 11 our selves and others brought into it and kept in it d 2 Thess 3 1. Rom 10 1 Ioh. 17 9 20 and that the Kingdom of Glory may be hastened e Rev 22 20 Q. What do we pray for in the third Petition A. In the third Petition which is Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven f Mat. 6 10 we pray that God by his grace would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his will in all things g Psa 67 throughout Ps 119 36 mat 26 39 2 Sam. 15 25. Iob 1 21 as the Angels do in heaven h Psa 103. 20 21 Q. What do we pray for in the fourth Petition A In the fourth Petition which is Give us this day our dayly bread i Mat. 6. 11 we pray that of Gods free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enjoy his blessing with them k Prov. 30 8 9 Gen. 28 20. 1 Tim 4. 4 5 Q. What do we pray for in the fifth Petition A. In the fisth Petition which is And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debters l Mat. 6. 12 we pray that God for Christs sake would freely pardon all our sins m Psa 51. 1 2 7 9 Dan. 9. 17 18 19 which we are the rather encouraged to ask because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others n Luk. 11. 4 Mat 18. 15 Q. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil o Mat. 6. 13 we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin p Mat 26 41 or support and deliver us when we are tempted q 2 Cor 12. 1 8 Q. What doth the Conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory for ever Amen r Mat. 6. 13 teacheth us to take our encouragement in prayer from God onely Å¿ Dan. 9. 4 7 8 9 16 17 18 19. and in our Prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom power and glory to him t 1 Chro. 29. 10 11 12 13 and in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen u 1 Cor. 14 16. Rev. 22. 20 21 PROPOSITIONS Concerning Church-Government AND ORDINATION OF MINISTERS LONDON Printed for Robert Bostock and are to be sold at his shop at the Kings-head in Pauls Church-yard 1648. TO THE Right Honorable THE Lords Commons Assembled in PARLIAMENT The humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines now sitting by Ordinance of Parliament at Westminster Concerning Church-Government The Preface JEsus Christ upon whose shoulders Isa 9. 6 7 the Government is whose name is called Wonderful Counsellor the Mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of Peace of the encrease of whose Government and Peace there shal be no end who sits upon the throne of David and upon his Kingdom to order it and to establish it with Judgment Mat. 28. 18 19 20 Eph. 1. 20 21 22 23 compared with Eph. 4 8 11. Psa 68. 18 and Justice from henceforth even for ever having all power given unto him in Heaven and in Earth by the Father who raised him from the dead and set him on his own Right Hand far above all Principalities and Power and Might and Dominion and every Name that is named not only in this World but also in that which is to come and put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his Body the fulness of him that filleth all in all He being ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things received gifts for his Church and gave offices necessary for the edification of his Church and perfecting of his Saints Of the Church THere is one General Church visible held forth in the New Testament 1 Cor. 12. 12 13 28. together with the rest of the Chapter The Ministry Oracles and Ordinances of the new Testament are given by Jesus Christ to the General Church visible for the gathering and perfecting of it in this life until his second coming 1 Cor. 12 28. Ephes 4. 4 5. compared with vers 10 11 12 13 15 16. of the same Chapter Particular visible Churches Members of the General Church are also held forth in the New Testament Gal. 1. 21 22. Rev. 1. 4. 20. and Rev. 2. 1. Particular Churches in the Primitive times were made up of visible Saints viz. Of such as being of age professed faith in Christ and obdience unto Christ according to the Rule of Faith and Life taught by Christ and his Apostles And of their Children Acts 2. 38 41. Acts 2 vers last compared with Acts 5. 14. 1 Cor. 1. 2. compared with the 2 Corinth 9. 13. Acts 2. 39. 1 Cor. 7. 14. Rom. 11. 16. and so forward Mark 10. 14. compared with Matth. 19. ver 13 14. Luke 18. vers 15 16. Of the Officers of the Church THe Officers which Christ hath appointed for the edification of his Church and the perfecting of the Saints are Some extraordinary as Apostles Evangelists and Prophets which are ceased Others ordinary and perpetual as Pastors Teachers and other Church-Governors and Deacons Pastors THe Pastor is an ordinary and perpetual Officer in the Church Jer. 3. 15 16 17. Prophecying of the time of the Gospel 1 Pet. 5. 2 3 4. Eph. 4. 11 12 13. First It belongs to his office To pray for and with his flock as the mouth of the people unto God Acts 6. 2 3 4. 20. 36 Where Preaching and Prayer are joyned as several parts of the same Office Jam. 5. 14 15. The Office of the Elder that is the Pastor is to pray for the sick even in private to which a blessing is especially promised much more therefore ought he to perform this in the publick execution of his Office as a part thereof 1 Cor. vers 15 16. To read the Scripture
THE CONFESSION OF FAITH AND CATECHISMS Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster TOGETHER With their Humble ADVICE Concerning Church Government And Ordination of Ministers LONDON Printed for Robert Bostock at the Sign of the Kings Head in Pauls Church-yard THE Confession of Faith Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster To be a part of the Uniformity in Religion between the Churches of Christ in the three Kingdoms CHAP. I. Of the holy Scripture ALthough the light of Nature and the works of Creation and Providence do so farre manifest the Goodnesse Wisdom and Power of God as to leave men unexcusable a Rom. 2 14. 15. Rom. 1. 19 20. Psal 19. 1 2 3. Rom. 1. 32. with chap. 2 1. yet are they sufficient to give that knowledge of God and of his Will which is necessary unto salvation b 1 Cor. 1 21. 1 Cor. 2 13 14. Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times and in divers manners to reveal himself and to declare that his Will unto his Church c Heb. 1. 1 and afterwards for the better preserving and propagating of the Truth and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh and the malice of Satan and of the world to commit the same wholly unto writing d Pro. 22 19. 20 21 Luke 1. 3. 4 Rom. 15. 4 Mat. 4. 4 7 10. Isai 8 19 â—0 which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary e 2 Tim. 3 15. 2 Pet. 1 19. those former wayes of Gods revealing his Will unto his people being now ceased f Heb. 1. â— 2. II. Vnder the name of Holy Scripture or the Word of God written are now contained all the Books of the Old and New Testament which are these Of the Old Testament GEnesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers DeuteronomiE Joshua Judges Ruth I. Samuel II. Samuel I. Kings II. Kings I. Chronicles II. Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Iob Psalmes Proverbs Ecclesiastes The Song of Songs Isaiah Ieremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Ioel Amos Obadiah Ionah Micah Nahum Habbakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi Of the New Testament The Gospel according to MAtthew Mark Luke Iohn The Acts of the Apostles Pauls Epistles to the Romanes Corinthians Corinthians I. Corinthians II. Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians I. Thessalonians II. To Timothy I. To Timothy II. To Titus To Philemon The Epistle to the Hebrews The Epistle of Iames The first and second Epistles of Peter The first second and third Epist of Iohn The Epistle of Iude The Revelat. of Iohn All which are given by inspiration of God to be the Rule of faith and life g Luk. 16. 29. 31. Eph. 2. 20. Rev 22. 18 19. 2 Tim. 3. 16. III. The Books commonly called Apocrypha not being of Divine inspiration are no part of the Cannon of the Scripture and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God nor to be any otherwise approved or made use of than other humane Writings h Luk. 24. 27 44. Rom. 3. 2. â— Pet 1. 21. IV. The authority of the Holy Scripture for which it ought to be beleeved and obeyed dependeth not upon the Testimonie of any man or Church but wholly upon God who is Truth it self the Author thereof and therefore it is to be receive d because it is the Word of God i 2 Pet. 1. 19 21. 2 Tim. 3. 16 1 Iohn 5. 9 1 Thes 2. 13 V. Wee may be moved and induced by the Testimonie of the Church to an high and reverend esteem of the holy Scripture k 1 Tim. 3. 15. And the heavenlinesse of the Matter the efficacie of the Doctrine the majesty of the Stile the consent of all the Parts the Scope of the whole which is to give all glory to God the full discovery it makes of the onely way of mans salvation the many other incomparable Excellencies and the intire perfection thereof are Arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence it self to be the Word of God yet notwithstanding our full perswasion and assurance of the infallible truth and Divine authority thereof is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witnesse by and with the Word in our hearts l 1 Iohn 2. 20 27. Iohn 16. 13 14. 1 Cor. 2. 10 11. 12. Isa 59. 21. VI. The whole Councell of GOD concerning all things necessary for his own Glory mans salvation Faith and Life is either expressely set down in Scripture or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture unto whâ—ch nothing at any time is to be added whether by new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of men m 2 Tim. 3 15. 16 17. Gal 1. 8. 9. 2 Thes 3. 2. Neverthelesse we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word n Ioh. 6. 4â— 1 Cor. 2 9 10 12. and that there are some circumstances concerning the Worship of God and Government of the Church common to humane actions and Societies which are to be ordered by the light of Nature and Christian Prudence according to the generall Rules of the Word which are alwayes to be observed o 1 Cor. 11. 13 14. 1 Cor. 14 26. 40. VII All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves nor alike clear unto all p 2 Pet. 3. 16. yet those things which are necessary to be known believed observed for salvation are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other that not only the Learned but the unlearned in a due use of the ordinary meanes may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them q Psal 119 105. 130. VIII The Old Testament in Hebrew which was the Native Language of the people of God of old and the New Testament in Greek which at the time of writing of it was most generally known to the Nations being immediatly inspired by God and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all Ages are therefore Authenticall r Mat. 5. 18 so as in all Controversies of Religion the Church is finally to appeal unto them Å¿ Isa 8. 20 Act. 15. 15 Iohn 5. 39 46. But because these Originall Tongues are not known to all the people of God who have right unto and interest in the Scriptures and are commanded in the fear of GOD to read and search them t Iohn 5. 39. therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar Language of every Nation unto which they come u 1 Cor. 14 6 9 11 12 24 27 28. that the Word of GOD dwelling plentifully in all they may worship him in an acceptable manner w Col. 3. 16 and through patience and comfort of the Scriptures may have hope x Rom. 15. 4 IX The infallible Rule of Interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture it self and therefore when there is a Question
present to the Faith of Believers in that Ordinance as the Elements themselves are to their outward senses o 1 Cor 10 16 VIII Although ignorant and wicked men receive the outward Elements in this Sacrament yet they receive not the Thing signified thereby but by their unworthy comming thereunto are guilty of the Body Blood of the Lord to their own damnation Wherefore all ignorant and ungodly persons as they are unfit to enjoy communion with him so are they unworthy of the Lords Table and cannot without great sin against Christ while they remain such partake of these Holy Mysteries p 1 Cor. 11 27 28 29 2 Cor. 14 6 15. 16 or be admitted thereunto q 1 Cor. 5. 6 7 13 2 Thess 3 6 14 15 Mat. 7. 6 CHAP. XXX Of Church Censures THe Lord Iesus as King and Head of his Church hath therein appointed a Government in the hand of Church Officers distinct from the Civill Magistrate a Isa 9. 6 7 1 Tim. 5. 17 1 Thess 5. 12 Acts 20. 17 28. Heb. 13 7. 17 24 1 Cor. 12. 28 Mat. 28. 18 19 20. II. To these Officers the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are committed by vertue whereof they have power respectively to retain and remit sins to shut that Kingdom against the impenitent both by the Word and Censures and to open it unto penitent sinners by the Ministery of the Gospel and by Absolution from Censures as occasion shall require b Mat. 16. 19 Mat. 18. 17 18. Iohn 20 20 21 22 23 2 Cor. 2. 6 7 8. III. Church Censures are necessary for the reclaiming and gaining of offending Brethren for deterring of others from the like offences for purging out of that Leaven which might in fect the whole Lump for vindicating the honour of Christ and the holy Profession of the Gospel and for preventing the wrath of God which might justly fall upon the Church if they should suffer his Covenant and the Seals thereof to be prophaned by notorious and obstinatâ— offenders c 1 Cor. 5. Chapter 1 Tim. 5. 20 Mat. 7. 6 1 Tim. 1. 20 1 Cor. 11. 27 to the end with Iude ver 23. IV. For the better attaining of these ends the Officers of the Church are to proceed by Admonition suspension from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper for a season and by Excommunication from the Church according to the nature of the crime and demerit of the person d 1 Thes 5 12. 2 Thes 3. 6 14 15 1 Cor. 5. 4 5 13. Mat. 18 17. Tit. 3. 10 CHAP. XXXI Of Synods and Councels FOr the better Government and further edification of the Church theâ—e ought to be such Assemblies as are commonly called Synods or Councels a Act. 15. 2 4. 6. II. As Magistrates may lawfully call a Synod of Ministers and other fit Persons to consult and advise with about matters of Religion b Isa 49. 23 1 Tim 2. 1 2 2 Chron. 19 8 9 10. 11 2 Chron. 29 30. Chapters Mat. 24 5. Prov. 11. 14 So if Magistrates be open Enemies to the Church the Ministers of Christ of themselves by vertue of their Office or they with other fit persons upon delegation from their Churches may meet together in such Assemblies c Acts 15. 2 4 22 23 25 III. It belongeth to Synods and Councels ministerially to determine Controversies of Faith cases of Conscience to set down Rules Directions for better Ordâ—ring of the publick Worship of God and Government of his Church to receive complaints in cases of Male administration and authoritatively to Determine the same which Decrees and Determinations if consonant to the Word of God are to be received with reverence and submission not only for their agreement with the Word but also for the Power whereby they are made as being an Ordinance of God appointed thereunto in his Word d Acts 15. 15 19 24 27 28 29. 30 31 Acts 16. 4 Mat. 18. 17 18 19 20. IV. All Synods or Counsels since the Apostles times whether generall or particular may erre and many have erred Therefore they are not to bee made the rule of Faith or practice but to be used as an help in both e Eph 2. 22 Acts 17. 11 1 Cor. 2. 5 2 Cor. 1. 24 V. Synods and Counsels are to handle or conclude nothing but that which is Ecclesiasticall and are not to intermeddle with civill affaires which concern the Common-wealth unlesse by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary or by way of Advice for satisfaction of conscience if they be thereunto required by the civill Magistrate f Luke 12 13 14. Iohn 18. 36 CHAP. XXXII Of the state of men after death and of the Resurrection of the dead THe Bodies of men after death return to dust and see corruption a Gen. 3. 19 Acts 13. 36 but their soules which neither die nor sleep having an immortall subsistence immediatly return to GOD who gave them b Luk. 23 43 Eccles 22. 7 the soules of the Righteous being then made perfect in holinesse are received into the highest Heavens where they behold the face of God in light glory waiting for the full Redemption of their Bodies c Heb. 12. 23 2 Cor 5 1 6 8. Phil. 1. 23 with Acts 3 21. Eph. 4. 10. And the souls of the wicked are cast into Hell where they remain in torments utter darknesse reserved to the Iudgement of the great Day d Luk. 16. 23 24. Acts 1 25 Iude v. 6 7 1 Pet. 3. 19 Beside these two places for souls separated from their bodies the Scripture acknowledgeth none II. At the last Day such as are found alive shal not die but be changed e 1 Thes 4. 17 1 Cor. 15. 51 52. and all the dead shall be raised up with the self same bodies none other although with different qualities which shall be united again to their souls for ever f Iob 19. 26 27. 1 Cor. 15 42 43 44 III. The bodies of the unjust shall by the power of Christ be raised to dishonour the bodies of the just by his spirit unto honour and be made conformable to his own glorious Body g Acts 24 1â— Ioh. 5. 28 29 1 Cor. 15. 42 Phil. 3. 21 CHAP. XXXIII Of the last Judgement GOD hath appointed a Day wherein he will judge the World in righteousnesse by Iesus Christ a Acts 17. 31 to whom all power and judgement is given of the Father b Ioh 5. 22 27. In which day not only the Apostate Angels shall be judged c 1 Cor. 6. 3 Iude vers 6 2 Pet. 2. 4. but likewise all persons that have lived upon earth shall appear before the tribunall of Christ to give an account of their thoughts words and deeds and to receive according to what they have done in the Body whether good or evill d 2 Cor. 5 10 Eccl. 12. 14 Rom. 2. 16 Rom 14. 10
read although there follow no immediate explication of what is read the Word expounded and applyed Catechising the Sacraments administred Collection made for the poor dismissing the people with a blessing Of Church Government and the several sorts of Assemblies for the same CHrist hath instituted a Government and Governors Ecclesiastical in the Church to that purpose the Apostles did immediately receive the keys from the hand of Jesus Christ and did use and exercise them in all the Churches of the world upon all occasions And Christ hath since continually furnished some in his Church with gifts of Government and with commission to execute the same when called thereunto It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that the Church be governed by several sorts of Assemblies which are Congregational Classical and Synodical Of the power in Common of all these Assemblies IT is lawful and agreeable to the word of God that the several Assemblies before mentioned have power to convent and call before them any person within their several bounds whom the Ecclesiastical business which is before them doth concern proved by Math. Chap. 18. They have power to hear and determine such causes and differences as do orderly come before them It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that all the said Assemblies have some power to dispence Church-censures Of Congregational Assemblies that is The meeting of the ruling Officers of a particular Congregation for the Government thereof THe ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power authoritatively to call before them any member of the Congregation as they shall see just occasion To enquire into the knowledg and spiritual estate of the several members of the Congregation To admonish and rebuke Which three branches are proved by Heb. 13. 17. 1 Thess 5. 12 13. Ezek. 34. 4. Authoritative suspension from the Lords Table of a person not yet cast out of the Church is agreeable to the Scripture First Because the Ordinance it self must not be prophaned Secondly Because we are charged to withdraw from these that walk disorderly Thirdly Because of the great sin and danger both to him that comes unworthily and also to the whole Church Mat. 7. 6. 2 Thess 3. 6 14 15. 1 Cor. 11. 27. to the end of the chap. compared with Jude vers 23. 1 Tim. 5. 22. And there was power and authority under the Old Testament to keep unclean persons from holy things Levit. 13. 5. Numb 9. 7. 2 Chron. 23. 19. The like power and authority by way of Analogy continues under the New Testament The Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power authoritatively to suspend from the Lords Table a person not yet cast out of the Church First Because those who have authority to judg of and admit such as are fit to receive the Sacrament have authority to keep back such as shall be found unworthy Secondly Because it is an Ecclesiastical business of ordinary practise belonging to that Congregation When Congregations are divided and fixed they need all mutual help one from another both in regard of their intrinsecal weaknesses and mutual dependence As also in regard of enemies from without Of Classical Assemblies THe Scripture doth hold out a Presbytery in a Church both in the first Epistle to Timothy Chap. 4. vers 14. and in Acts 15. verses 2 4 6. A Presbytery consisteth of Ministers of the Word and such other publique Officers as are agreeable to and warranted by the Word of God to be Church Governors to joyn with the Ministers in the Government of the Church as appeareth Rom. 12. 7 8. 1 Cor. 12. 28. The Scripture doth hold forth that many particular Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Government This Proposition is proved by instances First Of the Church of Jerusalem which consisteth of more Congregations then one and all these Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government This appeareth thus First The Church of Jerusalem consisteth of more Congregations then one as is manifest first By the multitude of Beleevers mentioned in divers Both before the dispersion of the Beleevers there by means of the persecution mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles Chap. 8. in the beginning thereof witness Chap. 1. verse 11. and 2. v. 41 46 47. and 4. 4. and 5 14. and Chap. 6. of the same book of the Acts verses 1 7. And also after the dispersion Acts 9. 31. Chap. 12. â—4 and Chap. 21. ver 20. of the same book Secondly By the many Apostles and other Preachers in the Church of Jerusalem And if there were but one Congregation there then each Apostle preached but seldom which will not consist with Chap. 6. verse 2. of the same book of the Acts of the Apostles Thirdly The diversity of languages amongst the Beleevers mentioned both in the second and sixth Chapters of the Acts doth argue more Congregations then one in that Church Secondly All those Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government because First They were one Church Acts 8. 1. and Chapter 2. 47. compared with Chap. 5. 11 and 12. 5. and 15. 4. of the same book Secondly The Elders of the Church are mentioned Acts 11. 30. and 15. 4 6 22. and 21. 17 18. of the same book Thirdly The Apostles did the ordinary Acts of Presbyters as Presbyters in that Kirk which proveth a Presbyterial Church before the dispersion Acts 6. Fourthly The several Congregations in Jerusalem being one Church the Elders of that Church are mentioned as meeting together for acts of Government Acts 11. 30. and 15. 4 6 22. and 21. 17 18. and so forward which proves that those several Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government And whether these Congregations were fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is all one as to the truth of the Proposition Nor doth there appear any material difference betwixt the several Congregations in Ierusalem and the many Congregations now in the ordinary condition of the Church as to the point of fixedness required of Officers or Members Thirdly Therefore the Scripture doth hold forth that many Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Government Secondly By the instance of the Church of Ephesus for 1 That they were more Congregations then one in the Church of Ephesus appears by Acts 20 31. where is mention of Pauls continuance at Ephesus in Preaching for the space of three years and Acts 19 18 19 20. where the special effect of the Word is mentioned and verse 10 and 17 of the same Chapter where is a distinction of Iews and Greeks and 1 Cor. 16. 8 9. where a reason of Pauls stay at Ephesus until Pentecost and verse 19 where is mention of a particular Church in the house of Aquila and Priscilla then at Ephesus as appears Acts 18. 19 24 26. all which laid together doth prove that the multitudes of Beleevers did make more Congregations then one in the Church of Ephesus 2. That there were many Elders over these many Congregations