of many other Churches in the primitive times were enriched with all knowledge and in all utterance 1 Cor. 1.5 and the same persons which had the gift of prophesie in the Church of Corinth had also the gift of tongues which put upon the Apostle a necessity to take them off from their frequent speaking with tongues by preferring prophesie before it 1 Cor. 14. from ver 2. to 24. so that though all they might prophesie having extraordinary gifts for it yet the like liberty is not allowed to them that want the like gifts In the Church of Israel none besides the Priests and the Levites did ordinarily prophesie either in the Temple or in the Synagogues unlesse they were either furnished with extraordinary gifts of Prophessie as the Prophets of Israel or were set apart and train'd up to prepare for such a calling as the sons of the Prophets When Amos was forbidden by the high Priest of Bethel to prophesie at Bethel Amos doth not alledge nor plead the liberty of an Israelite to prophesie in the holy Assemblies but alledgeth only his extraordinary calling Amos 7.14,15 It appears also that the sons of the Prophets that is that men set apart and train'd up to prepare for that calling were allowed the like liberty 2. But neither the sons of the Prophets nor the Prophets themselves were wont to offer sacrifices in Israel except Samuel and Elias by special direction nor did the extraordinary Prophets in Corinth take upon them to administer the Sacraments Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 20. line 16. Object 2. But if the Prophets in the Church of Corinth had been ended with extraordinary gifts of Prophesie they had not been subject to the judgment of the Prophets which these are directed to be 1 Cor. 14.22 Answ It follows not for the people of God were to examine all Prophesies by the Law and Testimony Mr. Cotton and not to receive them but according to that rule Isa 8.20 Yea and Paul himself referred all his doctrine to the Law and the Prophets Acts 26.22 And the Bareans are commended for examining Pauls doctrine according to the Scripture Idem pag. 21. line 14. Quest 7. But though every private Christian may not yet may not the Magistrate either inferiour or supreme preach and administer the Sacraments hath not he a power Paramount Answ As it is unlawful for Church-Officers to meddle with the Sword of the Magistrate Platforme of Discipline from N. E. so it is unlawful for the Magistrate to meddle with the work proper to Church-Officers the acts of Moses and David who were not only Princes but Prophets were extraordinary therefore not imitable Against such usurpation the Lord witnessed by smiting Uzziah with leprosie for presuming to offer incense Platforme of Discipline from New Engl. chap. 17. sect 5. Imberare that is to rule and praedicare that is to preach are not compatible that is cannot agree to one and the same person hath been a ruled case admitting no contradiction in an ordinary way Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 1. page 13. line 25. Quest 8. You we even now mentioning Ordination are then these Officers which Christ hath appointed in his Church to be ordained to their Office Answ Church-Officers are not only to be chosen by the Church Platforme of Discipline but also to be ordained by imposition of hands and prayer with which at the Ordination of Elders fasting also is to be joyned Platforme of Discipline from New England chap. 9. sect 4. Quest 9. But is not Election alone enough without Ordination Answ No for as Dr. Ames saith Election gives jus ad rem Ordination gives jus in re Mr. Hooker Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipilne part 2. page 40. line penult Quest 10. Is then the right of Ordination immutable Answ That which is a fundamental point of Religion Mr. Hooker that hath divine institution and so becomes immutable unlesse Christ himself repeal it Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 1. page 7. line 21. But Ordination is a fundamental point of Religion Heb. 6. Laying on of hands being by a Metonymie of the adjunct put for Ordination Mr. Hooker part 1. pag. 7. l. 21. Quest 11. To whom then doth the power of ordaining Officers in the Church of Christ belong Answ 1. Ordination is an act of rule Mr. Cotton and pertains to the Presbyters Mr. Cotton way pag. 49. l. 4. 2. When the Churches are rightly constituted and compleated with all the orders and officers of Christ the right of Ordination belongs to the teaching Elders the act appertains to the Presbytery constituted of teaching and ruling Elders Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. pag. 76. l. 1. Quest 12. But what if there be no Elders in the Church who shall ordain the Officers then Answ In such Churches where there are no Elders and the Church so desire Platforme of Discipline we see not why imposition of hands may not be performed by the Elders of other Churches Platforme of Disc from N. E. chap. 9. sect 5. Quest 13. Are the Word and Sacraments to be dispensed by the Ministers thereof only in publick or in private also Answ They must be dispensed publickly in the presence Mr. Hooker and with the concurrence of the Church solemnly assembled It is not in the power of the Church to confine preaching to corners for wisdome cryeth openly in the strâ—ets Prov. 8.2 3. And of old the Church of the Jewes erected Synagogues in every City besides the Temple at Hierusalem for the hearing and preaching of the Word And the Apostle as he compares the Supper of the Lord to their ordinary supper so he opposeth manifestly the Church or Congregation to the private house and declareth that the Lords Supper should be celebrated in the Congregation as the banquet should be kept in their private house Yea the scope and nature of the Ordinance calls for such an administration for since the Sacraments are badges to shew our separation from all other profane societies and to signifie our communion one with another visibly in the profession and confession of the faith as our spiritual union and communion with Christ our head myistcally therefore the administration of them should be such as should suit the nature of the Ordinances and serve the end of it And therefore it is that in times of persecution when the Church dares not nor is meet she should shew her self to the enemy yet not then is the Word nor Sacraments privately preached nor administred neither yet ought to be for though they be done in the house of a private man yet because they are and ought to be administred in the presence of the Congregation there is neither private preaching nor private celebrating of the Sacrament Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 3. pag. 28. line 15 c. Quest 14. To whom are the Pastors and Teachers of the Church to dispense the Sacraments Answ A person hath his first
not yet convinced though perhaps himself be nor admonished from these or like reasons to withdraw from publike communion in word or seals or censures is unlawful and sinful Platform of discipline cap. 13. sect 5. Quest 6. But what if there be many wicked and scandalous persons and the Church tolerate them in it ought not the godly to withdraw and depart from such a Church Answ 1. To separate from a Church for want of some Ordinances or to separate from the true worship of God Platforme of Discipline because of the sin of some worshippers is unlawful Mr. Hookers Survey of discipline Preface A. 3. 2. The suffering of profane and scandalous livers to continue in the Church and partake in the Sacrament is doubtless a great sin yet the godly are not presently to separate from it nor to â—bstain from communion with such a Church in the participation of the Sacrament Platforme of discipline chap. 14. sect 8 9. 3. The hypocrisie of sundry members of the Church and toleration of some open scandal doth not presently take away the nature of the Church nor is separation presently to be made from it Mr. Cotton of holiness of Church members pag. 2. line 8. 4. Christ and his Apostles in their times and the Prophets and other godly in theirs did lawfully partake of the Lords commanded Ordinances in the Jewish Church and never taught nor practised separation from the same though unworthy ones were permitted to be therein Platform of discipline chap. 14. sect 8. And the Apostles kept communion with the Jews as a Church notwithstanding their want of faith in Christ Mr. Cotton of Infant Bapt. pag. 56. line 28. And the faithful in the Church of Corinth wherein were many unworthy persons and practises are never commanded to absent themselves from the Sacrament because of the same therefore the godly in like causes are not presently to separate Platform of discipline chap. 14. sect 8. Quest 7. But if I can go to a Church that is more pure and where things are better ordered and more according to the minde of Christ why may I not leave communion with one Church and go to another As suppose I think the Congregational Churches purer then the Presbyterian may I not leave the Presbyterian and joyn to the Congregational Answ We do not judge it safe or meet for any member of a Presbyterian Church Platforme of Discipline forthwith to desert his relation to his Church and betake himself to the fellowship of a congregational Church though he may discern some defect in the estate and government of his own 1. For first Faithfulness of brotherly love in Church relation requires that the members of the Church should first convince their brethren of their sinful defects and duely wait for their reformation before they depart from them for if we must take such a course for the healing of a private brother by way of brotherly love with much meekness and patience how much more ought we to walk with like tenderness towards the whole Church 2. Secondly By the hasty departure of sound members from a defective Church reformation is not promoted but many times retarded and corruption increased whereas on the contrary when sincere members breathing after purity of reformation abide together they may by the blessing of God upon their faithful endeavors prevail much with their elders and neighbors towards a reformation it may be so much that their Elders in their own Church shall receive none to the seals but visible Saints and in the Classes shall put forth no authoritative act touching the members of other Churches but consultative onely nor touching their own but with the consent silent consent at least of their own Church which two things if they can obtain with any holy humble meek faithful endeavors we conceive they might by the grace of Christ find liberty of conscience to continue their relation to their own Presbyterian Churches without scruple Platform of discipline preface pag. 5. line I. Object But we scruple not onely these but many other things As first Your Ministers many of them had their Ordination from the Bishops and they theirs from Rome and so your Ministery is Antichristian and those that are not ordained by Bishops are Ordained by a Classis or Presbytery which is a power forreign and extrinsecal to the Church whose Ministers they are Answ First For the Ministers that were ordained by Bishops take it thus Mr. Cotton The power whereby the Ministers in England do administer the Word and Sacraments is either spiritual and proper essential to their calling or adventitious or accidental The former they have received from Christ by a twofold act of his First He hath furnished many of them with ministerial gifts Secondly He hath enclined the hearts of his people to choose them and call them as in many Parishes in the City and in sundry Market-Towns and elsewhere or at least to accept them and submit to them being commended to them by the Patron The latter power which is adventitious and accidental that which they receive from the Patron who presents them to the Bishop and from the Bishop who ordains and licenseth them to Minister to Christ and to his people This power though it hath been established by the Law of the Land yet it is both adventitious and accidental for the Ministers power is compleat without it and it is also usurped For neither had the law lawful power from Christ to give such power to the Patron and Bishop neither had the Bishop or Patron lawful power to receive it neither could the people then choose their Minister without the leave of their Patron nor induct him into the Church without the ordination or leave of the Bishop Thus when Pyrates have invaded a ship no man in it neither Officer nor Passenger can come by his own goods but by leave of the Pyrate who upon their submission will give them their keyes of their own vessels and chests this power to come to their own goods received from the Pyrate it is not that which gives them true and proper right to enter upon the possession and use of their own goods for that right they had by a former just title which Pyrates cannot disannull Mr. Cotton but it is onely adventitious and accidenttal I need not apply it to the case in hand the application is obvious Mr. Cotton of Infant Bapt. pag. 181. line 25. And as for those Ministers that are ordained by Classes or Presbyteries as you call them I answer first Ordination is a work of rule and pertains to Presbyters Mr. Cotton way of the Churches pag. 49. line 4. And secondly In such Churches where there are no Elders and the Church so desires we see not why imposition of hands may not be performed by the Elders of other Churches Platform of Discipline from N.E. chap. 9. sect 5. Quest 8. May then we who are members of gathered or constituted
the Presbyterian way for Mâ— Cotton saith the power which the Brethren have it is but a power of liberty but the power of Authority is in the Elders See cap. 5. answ to quest 14 15 16. 1. If you say The brethren In the Presbyterian way have not so much liberty as in the congregational For first they have not the liberty of exercising their gifts in prophecying Answ Master Cotton and Master Hooker both have told us how farre they are from allowing this liberty which some presume to take to themselves See before cap. 4. answer 〈◊〉 question 6. 2. If you say They in the Presbytery have not that liberty of consenting or dissenting in the admission of members as the congregational have but the examination is taken in private by the Elders Answ So it is frequently in the Congregational Churches and for some persons constantly as we have seen above cap. 14. ans to quest 14 15. 3. If you say The brethren in the Presbyterian way have not the same liberty and power in censures that they have in the congregational Answ Yea the same for the brethren in the Congregational way have not power to receive complaints in the first place to hear and examine witnesses but these things are transacted before and among the Elders Secondly The Elders they make reports of matters to the Church of brethren and withall declare what they judge to be the mind of Christ concerning the censuring or not censuring of the person Thirdly The people they upon this relation judge of the whole but with a judgement of discretion not with a judgement of Authority Fourthly They thus judging bind the offender by consent not Authority Fifthly This consent is an act of obedience not of power all these we have seen clearly asserted cap. 5. in answ to quest 14 15 16 17 18. Now all this the brethren may and do enjoy and exercise in the Presbyterian way If you say Brethren in the Presbyterian way cannot excommunicate without their Officers Answ No more may they in the Congregational way as appeared cap. 3. answ to quest 20. If you say The Brethren of the Presbyterian way have not power to choose their own officers as they have in the Congregational Answ According to the Presbyterian principles they have and the practice is so in France Netherlands Geneva Scotland and if it be otherwise in England it is because the laws of the land do yet invest the Patron with a power of nominating and presenting a Minister but the brethren have their vote in choosing the other officers Elders and Deacons and the Presbyterian affirms and they grant they ought to have it in the choosing of their teaching Elders much more besides there are many instances of Presbyterian Congregations in London and elsewhere in England that do chuse their own Officers If you say The brethren of the Presbyterian way cannot depose their Ministers or other officers without the consent of a Classis or Synod Answer No more may the brethren of the congregational way regularly according to their own principles and assertions See cap. 6. quest 1.13 14. If you say These Presbyterian Churches have Ordinances that are not of Christs institution As 1. They examine those whom they admit to the Sacrament although they own them for members Answ Yet they nowhere say that this is an Ordinance of Christ but a prudential practice which the brethren of the Congregational way own and practice as well as they See cap. 4. answ to quest 14 15. 2. If you say The Presbyterian Churches have suspensions of persons not excommunicated as an Ordinance of Christ. Answ They own and use it no otherwise than the brethren of the Congregational way do as appears cap. 3. answer to quest 22 23. If you say They have Classes and Synods as an Ordinance of Christ I answer The Congregational Churches own them for such and ascribe more than a consultative power to them See cap. 6. per totum If you except against the ordination of their Ministers See cap. 7. quest 7. answ to the objection If you say Their-Churches are true Churches but not pure you have purer Churches and purer ordinances I answer These are indeed the devices whereby people are drawn away from them to you but I beseech you tell us particularly what Ordinances have you purer then your brethren Is the Word more purely preached amongst you than amongst them came the Gospel forth from you or came it unto you onely are there purer prayers and purer Sacraments amongst you than amongst them do not they call upon the true Jehovah in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as you do abhorring and renouncing all other objects and means of worship do not they Baptize with water in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost as you do do not they break the same bread and drink the same cup according to Christs institution in memorial of his death as you do Where then or what are these purer Ordinances which you have more than your brethren And for the purity of your Churches I am loth to answer as our Reformed Divines answered the like cavil of the Anabaptists and Brownists by Recrimination Yet I think I may say Are there not with you even with you also sinners against the Lord but I will refer you for answer to your own friends cap. 1. per totum and cap. 7. quest 6 7. And now brethren I beseech you consider the grounds upon which you have made and do yet continue this sad division and if you have no other than these as I think you have not let all the world judge whether they be not destroyed and overthrown by your own concessions And let me be permitted to speak to you once again in the words of Iotham Hearken to me that God may hearken to you you have been studying the purity of Churches to the utmost apex of it and it may be beyond there may be a purity supra statutum as well as a devotion But O that you would study the peace of Churches and that not onely these of your own Idea and Platform but of all the Churches of Christ I have heard some much complain of rigid Presbyterians Do not you derive that title of rigid to your selves The brethren of the Presbyterian way have sufficiently declared their readinesse to peace in their several models of association published by several Countries to which these collections out of the Authors of the Congregational way come so neer that if you refuse to come in and unite especially at such a time as this when we have seen already such ill fruits of our divisions and have cause to fear yet worse the rigidnesse will lie at your door Seeing your Brethren and you agree in faith and worship why should you live like Jews and Samaritans like Protestants and Papist like Lutherans and Calvinists Know you not it will be bitternesse in the end Why seeing your selves are convinced and have declared That Members of reforming Churches ought not to refuse communion one with another so far as may consist with their principles respectively And communion with Presbyterians may consist with your principles at least it doth with the principles of these from whom you professe to have received the principles of your way Why should ye yet abhorre their communion if you do judge whether your own mouths and hands have not condemned you Hearken therefore to me that God may hearken unto you or if you will not hearken unto me yet heark to Irenaeus lib. 4. adv haeres cap. 4. Probatio vera minime contradictioni obnoxia quae etiam ab adversaries ipsis symbola testificationis profert i. e. That 's a true proof and not to be contradicted that brings forth the Testimonies even of the adversaries Hearken to Basil homil in Chr. Nativ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i.e. The witnesses of adversaries are most worthy of credit Hearken to Chrysostome homil 82 â—n Iohan. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This is an unrefragable demonstration of Truth if a man call adversaries to witness what he speaks Hearken to Cyprian de Uni Eccles Quomodo possunt duo aut tres in nomine Christi colligi quos constat a Christo ab ejus Evangelio separari non enim nos ab illis sed illi a nobis recesserunt Et cum haereses schismata postmodumnatae sunt dum conventicula sibi diversa constituunt veritatis caput atque originem reliquerunt i. e. How can two or three be gathered together in the name of Christ when t is manifest they are separated from Christ and from his Gospel for we have not departed from them but they from us c. Hearken to Aust Epistola ad orthod Con. Donat. Quicunque de Christo scripturis sanctis consentiunt unitati Ecclesiae non communicant non sunt in Ecclesia Libr. 3. Cont. Donat. Non habet dei charitatem qui Ecclesiae non diligit unitatem i.e. They that agree concerning Christ and the Scriptures and do not communicate in the unity of the Church are not in the Church He hath not the love of God who doth not love the Churches unity Hearken to Paul l Cor. 1.10 Now I beseech you Brethren by the name of our Lord Iesus Christ that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you but that ye be perfectly joyned together in the same minde and in the same judgement Phil. 2.1 2 3 4. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ if any comfort of love if any fellowship of the spirit if any bowels and mercies Fulfill ye my joy that ye be like minded having the same love being of one accord of one minde Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory but in lowllness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves Look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others Gal. 5.15 But if ye bite and devour one another take heed ye be not consumed one of another Errata Page 9. line 3. read on p. 22. l. 13. r. endued p. 29. l. 24. r. Governors p. 43. l. 35. r. this p. 46. l. 36. r. or p. 47. l. 32. r. consotiation p. 54. l. 1. r. be FINIS
And at other times as opportunity shall serve thereunto Platforme of Discipline from New England chap. 7. sect 2. Mr. Cotton of the way Mr. Cotton pag. 36. line 20. Idem of the Keys pag. 20 c. Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. page 16. 11. And by the same parity of reason if any want comfort sinking under discouragements and sadnesse of spirit or through ignorance are not able to understand the things delivered they may call for the help of the Elder in private that they may be informed and comforted by him And hence it follows 12. That he hath power to enquire into the condition and take account of the special state of such of the members for else how should he be able to administer seasonable and sutable support Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 2. pag. 17. line 33. And that these especially the last mentioned are works belonging to the Ruling Elder the nature of the thing would easily perswade a mans reason to yield thereunto for how unequal and unreasonable would it seem to a man acquainted with the weight and work of the Ministery that when the Pastor or Teacher should be attending upon reading and searching the sense and minde of God in his Word and the mysteries of God therein who is sufficient for these things that they should be then taken off their studies and forced to attend upon mens special weaknesses and wants in private when they should prepare for the publick dispensations so that the one must of necessity be neglected or they distracted in both Whereas this appointment of our Saviour provides for both without prejudice or disadvantage to either Mr. Hookers Survey part 2. page 18. line 24. Quest 24. You have shewn fully what is the work of the Ruling Elders but I pray tell me what is that power they are cloathed with in thâ—se acts of theirs Answ 1. Negatively it is not 1. Any Lordly pompous power Mr. Shepherds 2. It is not any Antichristian unlimited power Nor. 3. Is it and Magisterial power Mr. Shepherds wholesome caveat for a time of liberty pag. 97.98 99. But positively 1. They have power given them of ruling and governing from Christ by the people hence they are called Rulers and have a strict charge and command from the Lord to rule Idem page 99. Hence those cast off the Lords government over then who will have no Rulers nor Governours in the Church but leave all to themselves and their liberty and so by this means they are not only single members or officers but Pastor Teacher and Elder and all This generation of men sons of Korah are risen up in these later times especially among Anabaptists and rigid Separatists whose condemnation sleeps not Satan carrying them to extreams and pride lifting them up above themselves above men above Officers above Ordinances above God Idem page 100. line 4. 2. This power which the Ruling-Elder hath is more than any one member hath which is not an Officer It would be a most simple ridiculous thing if there should be Election Ordination many prayers much tryal of men to rule and guide and govern separation from the rest and yet to have no more power than any other private member therefore saith the Apostle submit to them that are over you 1 Thess 5.12 Obey them that rule over you Heb. 13.17 Master Shepherds wholsome caveat c. page 100. line 28. Hence those that do acknowledge Gevernours in the Church for names sake but they are such as have no more power than a private brother They are to watch say they so are private members to admonish so is every private member c. these allow the name but deny the thing Idem page 101. line 8. Hence also when men shall cry for liberty to speak an Elder forbids it what may not the Church have liberty yes true but you are not the Church An Elder reproves they will reprove again what shall not the Church have liberty An Elder gives reasons strong and unanswerable for something to be done a young fellow steps up and saith without ground or shew of it that is your light and mine is otherwise what may not the Church have liberty yes but you are not the Church This is very sad and hath been a root of greatest scandal that ever Gods wayes had Idem page 102. line 9 c. 3. In the execution of their office according to Christ they are over the whole Church Heb. 13. Obey them that rule you he speaks to the whole Church Mr. Shepherds wholesome caveat pag. 102. line 26. Their power rightly executed is the power of Christ Hence refuse it you refuse to be subject to him if men will not be ruled by ordinances but will rule ordinances they go about to rule Christ Ibid. pag. 104. line 28. 4. They have power to oversee when they see cause Act. 20.28 and to enquire into the state of the flock to know their spiritual condition Mr. Shepherd pag. 105. line 20. Hence men cast off the government of Christ when they will not have their spiritual condition searched into the Elders foot is now too great for his shoe I am to give an account to God so are they also of theirs Now thou canst not give it if thou enquirest not how thy condition stands neither can they with comfort unless thou tellest them how it stands with thee Ibid. pag. 106. l. 3. The Ministers charge is to cast the seed the Elders duty is to enquire after the fruit in the husbandry of Christ but you can quarrel and snap at the Elders when they come to enquire of your condition and why do you enquire you take too much upon you Ibid. 5. They have power to guide counsel and warn the Church at least in all weighty affairs which may concern them and their common good Heb. 13.17 Malac. 2.7 Mr. Shepherd pag. 106. Hence for men in matters of great and weighty affairs which concern the good of the whole Church nay all Churches never to enquire at Abel is a casting off the Lord as in election of Officers in the Church or Magistrates in the Commonwealth Hence to receive any opinion different from all the Elders in the Church and never so much as speak much less come to a sad debate about it is to cast off this yoak Hence to propose a doubtful question to the Church which may trouble or bring an offenders sin to the Church without councel of the Elders hence when men will not take warning from the Elders of evil to come it is a casting off the Lords yoke Ibid. pag. 107. 6. They have power of publike reproof of any member of the Church in case of plain open and publike offences others without leave cannot nor ought not Reproofs are part of the power peculiar to the Governors in any society where Governors are present and at hand In a family no wise man will suffer brawles among children and servants
Covenant with God and conclude and determine upon a course that may tend to the healing and salvation of them all this was frequent in the Old Testament in the time of Asa Hezekiah and Josiah these and the like examples were not peculiar to the Israelites as one intire National Church these examples hold forth no superiority in one Church or Court over another but all of them in an equal manner give advice in common and therefore such examples are fit precedents for Churches of equal power within themselves to assemble together and take order with one accord for the Reformation of them all Mr. Cotton of the Keyes pag. 24 l. 22. Quest 13. But what is the work that properly belongs to Synods Answ It belongs unto Synods and Councels to debate and determine controversies of faith and cases of conscience Platforin of Discipline to clear from the Word holy directions for the holy worship of God and good government of the Church to bear witnesse against male-administration and corruption of doctrine and manners in any particular Church and to give direction for the Reformation thereof Platforme of Discipline from N. E. chap. 16. sect 14. In any part of the Churches way Mr. Cotton which is more hard to hit right upon as in Elections Ordinations and censures of eminent persons in office it is a safe and holy faithful office of the vigilancy of the community of Churches to be present with them and helpful to them in the Lord and at all times when a particular Church shall wander out of the way whither out of the way of truth or peace the community of the Churches may by no means be excused from reforming them again into their right way according to the authority which the Lord hath given them for the publick edification of all the several Churches within their Covenant Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 58. line 36. Quest 14. What is then that power or authority which Synods and Combinations of Churches have in these cases is it only declarative and directive or consultative Answ We dare not say that their power reacheth no further than giving counsel Mr. Cotton for such as their ends be for which according to God they do assemble such is the power given them of God as may attain those ends As they meet to minister light and peace to such Churches as through want of light and peace lye in error or doubt at least and variance so they have power by the grace of Christ not only to give light and counsel in matter of truth and practice but also to command and injoyn the things to be believed and done The expresse words of the Synodal Letter imply no lesse It seemeth good to the Holy Ghost and us to lay upon you no other burden this burden therefore to observe these necessary things which they speak of they had power to impose it is an act of the binding power of the Keyes to binde burdens and this binding ariseth not only materially from the weight of the matters imposed which are necessary necessitare praecepti from the Word but also formally from the authority of the Synod which being the Ordinance of Christ binds the more for the Synods sake As a truth of the Gospel taught by a Minister of the Gospel it bindeth to faith and obedience not only because it is Gospel but also because it is taught by a Minister for his Callings fake and surely also a Synod sometimes meeteth to convince and admonish and offending Church or Presbytery they have power if they cannot heal the offenders to determine to withdraw communion from them and further seeing they meet likewise sometimes for general Reformation they have power to decree and publish such Ordinances as may conduce according to God to such Reformation examples whereof we have Nehem. 10.32 39. 2 Chron. 15.12 13. Mr. Cotton of the Keys page 25. line 10. Quest 15. How farre then are particular Churches bound to submit themselves to the directions or decrees of Synods Answ Particular Churches are so far subject to the Consociation of Churches Mr. Hooker that they are bound in case of doubt and difficulty to crave their counsel and if it be according to God to follow it or if the particular Churches erre from the rule and continue obstinately therein the Consociation have authority to renounce the right hand of fellowship Mr. Hookers Survey part 2. page 80. line 10. The Synods directions and determinations so far as consonant to the Word of God are to be received with reverence and submission not only for their agreement therewith but secondarily for the power whereby they are made as being an Ordinance of God appointed thereunto in his Word Platforme of Discipline from New England chap. 16. sect 5. Particular Churches are bound to acquiesce in the lawful decrees of Synods received by the major part of the Churches and approved by the Christian Magistrate Mr. Nortons answ to Apollonius page 118. line 3. And this 1. Under the danger of incurring the guilt of disturbing the order of the Church 2. Under the penalty of non-communion by the rest of the Churches 3. Under the penalty of civil punishment to be inflicted by the Magistrate as the matter shall require Mr. Norton ib. l. 9 c. Quest 16. But hath the Synod authority to determine or conclude any thing that shall binde the Churches but according to the instruction which they have received before from the Churches Answ We do not so apprehend it for what need Churches send to a Synod for light and direction in ways of truth and peace if they be resolved before hand how far they will go but if the Elders be gathered in the Name of Christ in a Synod and proceed according to rule the Word of Christ they may consider and conclude sundry points expedient for the estate of their Churches which the Churches were either ignorant or doubtful of before Mr. Cotton of the Keys pag. 26. line 33. Quest 17. But what if the Synod conclude and determine against the truth and the Church stand for the truth Answ 1. It is not readily to be granted though neither is it simply to be denyed that in Reformed times Mr. Norton the opinion of a particular Church should be more sound than the opinion of a Synod 2. As it is in civil things there is an absolute truth and there is a judicial truth and the sentence of the supreme civil Judge suppose the Parliament is true quoad homines though it be not absolutely true so it is in Ecclesiastical things the Synod being the supreme and highest Judge of the question the sentence of the Synod though it be not absolutely true yet it is Ecclesiastically true Scil. in foro exteriore 3. Although the truth after some new decrees of a new Synod repealing the act of the former may remain with the Church 4. If the error be not fundamental publick order is to
given in wisdom and compassion to his Church quest 1 2. 3. Therefore how those Churches can be said to come neerest the rule and walk closest to the rule who either have no officers at all as the Church of H. and the Church of N. or else content themselves with one officer a Pastor having neither Teacher Ruler nor Deacon as most of the gathered Churches in England is this to walk according to rule is not this either to slight the compassion of Christ in giving these officers or to contradict the wisdom of Christ and proclaim those offices needless and useless which Christ judged needful and useful and therefore appointed in his Church 5. Ordination is a fundamental in Church discipline and gives the officer right in his office jus in re See quest 9 10. Therefore ordination is more than election which onely gives jus ad rem And quaere how many Ministers of our gathered Churches can have a full right and authority to administer all ordinances having onely election of the people which gives but jus ad rem and not ordination which give jus in re 6. Ordination is an act of rule and pertaines to the Presbytersy or Presbytery Que. 11. Therefore not to the fraternity or body of the people 7. The Word and Sacraments are to be dispensed in publike Quest 1â— Therefore why do many of the Church-way so frequently baptize children in private 8. The Saâ—raments are badges to shew our separation from all profane Societies and to signifie our communion one with another in the profession and confession of the faith as our spiritual union and communion with Christ our head mystically See quâ—st 13. answ Therefore the Sacraments are notes of the true Church as the Protestant writers have alwayes maintained against the Papists 9. A person hath his first right to the Sacrament because he hath an interest in the covenant of the Gospel of which it is a seal Quest 14. Therefore the Church covenant as they call it gives not a man his first right to the Sacrament for that is not the covenant of the Gospel nor is the Sacrament a seal of that 10. For the receiving of the Sacrament in a right order of Christ it is sufficient that the party be a member of a visible Congregation not this or that particular Quest 14. Therefore whether the Congregation be constituted after this or that form by express covenant or not whether it be an Independent Congregation or a Classical Congregation it is all one if a man be a member of a visible Congregation he comes in a right order of Christ 11. It is requisite that those who were baptized and received their member-ship in their infancy should come to their tryal and examination before they be admitted to the Supper and this examination may be made by the Elders yea in some cases it is necessary it should be so and for all women it is most warrantable and most without exception Therefore such examination in Presbyterian Churches is not sinful and unlawful nor deserves so much ignominy and scorn as some have cast upon it 12. The Sacraments are seals not onely of our communion with Christ and with the members of our own Church but with all the Churches of the Saints See quest 16. Therefore they who will partake with none but the members of their own Church or a Church of the like constitution nor suffer their members to partake in none but their own Churches are guilty of the greatest breach of Christian love that can be unsainting and unchurching all the Churches that Christ hath upon the earth but themselves and with a kinde of Papal pride judging and as much as in them is excommunicating all other Churches contrary to their own principles that say No one Church hath power over another 13. The wickedness of a Minister does no wayes make void the acts of his Ministry nor give the people a dispensation to contemn it See quest 18. 14. The ruling Elders office is so clearly and fully grounded in Scripture as none can controvert it but he whose spirit and apprehension is prepossest and forestalled with prejudice Quest 21.22 15. The power and work of the ruling Elder is very great and his office very needful in the Church Quest 23 24. Therefore they that will have none of these ruling Elders over them but leave all to themselves and their liberty and by this means are not onely single members or officers but Pastors and Teachers and Elders and all This generation of men cast off the Lords government are sons of Korah whose condemnation sleeps not c. Quest 24. answ 1. Quaere whether some others be not guilty of this as well as Anabaptists Familists c. 16. If the ruling Elder be confined within his compass the wings of the Pope and Bishop will be clipt and their power exceedingly impeached Quest 25. Therefore there is neither truth or modesty in them that say the Presbyterian Government which is managed by ruling Elders as well as the Congregational is as tyrannical as Prelacy and as Antichristian as Popery 17. It is the divels subtilty to disgrace divide pull down the ruling Elder Quest 23. Let them therefore consider whose work they do and what reward without repentance they are like to have who drive such a design 18. Deacons are officers instituted by Christ and needful to be continued in the Church Quest 26. 19. The maintenance of Ministers is an act of justice not mercy debt not almes Quest 28. 20. Officers and Ordinances are bestowed upon the visible Church not for their sake but for the sake of the elect that are among them whose good next under his own glory Christ principally intended Quest 29. Therefore the visible Church is not first in Christs intention Therefore the visible Church especially the Church of a particular Congregation as such hath no reason to boast her self in her priviledges as the Spouse and Lacy and Queen of Christ seeing these and all other priviledges are given her not for her own sake but for the sake of the elect CHAP. V. Of Church Government and Censures Question 1. WHo are the seat or subject of Church Rule or Government Answ Church government or Rule is placed by Christ in the officers of the Church Platform of discipline who therefore are called Rulers the holy Ghost frequently yea alwayes when he mentioneth Church Rule and Church Government ascribeth it to Elders whereas the worke and duty of people is expressed in the phrase of obeying their Elders and submitting themselves to them in the Lord. Platform of discipline from New England Chap. 10. Sect. 7. Quest 2. How is Church government to be considered Answ Church government is to be attended either in regard of the essentials or circumstantials of it Mr. Hooker part 1. page 3. line 18. Quest 3. What are the essentials of Church government Answ The essentials required to the compleating of Church government are partly
in the persons that dispense partly in the Ordinances that are dispensed Ibid. p. line 20. Quest 4. What is essential in the persons that dispense the Ordinances Answ In the persons that dispense the kinds of officers appointed to that work the nature bounds and limits of their offices all these are essentials Mr. Hooker ibid. line 22. Quest 5. What are the Ordinances that these are to disperse Answ The Ordinances that these are to dispense are Preaching Prayer Seals Church censures c. These all are to be found in the Word an fetched from the Word and now under the Gospel they are and ought to be the same in all places amongst all people at all times in all succeeding generations untill the coming of Christ Ibid. line 25. Quest 6. May there then be no alteration in these things which you call essentials Answ It is not left in the power of persons Officers Churches nor all the States in the world to add or diminish or alter any thing in the least measure But as God did appoint all in the old Testament and those Institutions did endure there ever as Scripture speaks untill the coming of Christ when the same power which appointed changed them So in the new Testament where are to expect no alteration Christ the Law-giver he onely appoints none but he can and he hath made known his will that he will not change them Mr. Hookers Survey part 1. p. 5. l. 32. Quest 7. What are the circumstantials of government Answ The circumstantials of discipline as time place the carrying on of these dispensation in civil decencies suitable to the quality of the things and conditions of the time as peace and persecution the general rules of these are in the Word delivered but the particular application admits varieties mutabilities and alterations according as necessities or conveniencies shall appear by emergent occasions Mr. Hookers Survey part 1 page 6. line 3. Quest 8. You have spoken already of most of the essentials of Church government namely Officers and Ordinances of worship but what say you of Church censures are they necessary Answ The censures of the Church are appointed by Christ for the preventing removing and healing of offences in the Church for the reclaiming and gaining of offending brethren for the deterring others from the like offences for purging out the leaven which may infect the whole lump for vindicating the honor of Christ and of his Church and the holy profession of his Gospel and for preventing the wrath of God which may justly fall upon the Church if they should suffer his Covenant and the seals thereof to be prophaned by notorious and obstinate offenders Platform of discipline from New England chap. 14. sect 1. Quest 9. How many censures are there in the Church Answ Three the first admonition the second suspension the third excommunication Quest 10. What is admonition Answ Admonition is of two sorts the first more private when the offended brother admonisheth the offender of his offence according to the rule of Christ between him and the offender alone The second lesse private and yet not publike when he takes one or two with him Platform of discipline chap. 14. sect 2. Mr. Cottons way pag. 89. Quest 11. But what if the offending party be not gained by either of these admonitions Answ The offended brother tells the Church of it to wit in Gods way Mr. Cotton of the way pag. 90. line 12. Quest 12. What do you mean by telling the Church in Gods way Answ The offended brother is by the mouth of the Elders to tell it the Church Platform of discipline from N. E. chap. sect 2. That is he telleth the Elders who are the mouth of the Church that by them it may be presented before the Church Mr. Cottons way pag. 90. line 13. The matter must first be brought to the Elders and by them debated and delivered to the Church Mr. Hookers Survey part 3. p. 36 l. 2. Quest 13. But why must the mattor be first brought to the Elders and debated by them Answ 1. For that they are guides and leaders of the Church Heb. 13.17 the watchmen and overseers of it and therefore they must know the causes and controversies to the full in all circumstances difficulties windings and turnings thereof that they may be able to lead the Congregation in the way of peace and truth which they cannot do unlesse they know the way themselves Mr. Hookers Survey part 3. pag. 36. line 3. 2. To them it appertains to judge whether the things be of weight and worth and so need and require the presence and assistance of the body to expresse their judgement against them and the party guilty of them or no for if they be petty businesses and altogether unfit and unworthy to trouble the Congregation withall it is in their power to prevent such causeless and needless disturbance and therefore to suppresse any further proceeding therein Mr. Hooker part 3. pag. 36. line 10. Object But by this means if the Elders be corrupt in judgement or partial in affections they may silence the weightest cause that can be and so prejudice the innocency of those they are not friendly to and hinder the reformation of those whom in a corrupt and partial way they sinfully favour Answ Therefore as it is in their power to suppresse such petty occasions as are not worthy the times pains and disturbances that must be spent upon them So yet to prevent injustice and partiality in such cases the party who takes himself wronged may complain of the Elders in that behalf and if the Congregation see apparently that they have dealt unjustly and partially it is in their power to rectifie but if the complaints prove unjust and unreasonable be it at the peril of him that complains for he is to be censured sharply and severely as out of pride and perversenesse refusing to listen to the seasonable advice and counsel of those who were set over him by the Lord as also because he had needlesly disturbed the peace of the Congregation as much as in him lies Hookers Survey of discipline part 3. pag. 6. line 26. Thirdly the preparation is to be made by the Elders because if the body of the people be numerous they will be unable with any comely conveniency to weigh all the circumstances and difficulties which will certainly and necessarily occur in such agitation nor can in reason bestow their times and pains upon them as the intricacy and perplexity of the work will sometimes require Ibid. Quest 14. But what is the work or power of the Members then in order unto censures Answ As the Brethren have a power of order and the priviledge to expostulate with their Brethren in case of private scandal according to the rule Matth. 18.15 16. So in case of publick scandal the whole Church of Brethren have power and priviledge to joyne with the Elders in enquiring hearing judging of publick scandals so as to
binde notorious offenders and impenitents under censure and to forgive the repentant Mr. Cotton of the Keys page 13. But yet this enquiring and hearing is not to be understood as if the complaint were immediately and pro primâ instantiâ to be brought to the Church or Fraternity No but it is first to be brought to the Eldership prepared and ripened by them and by them related to the Church for the Elders before that have not onely examined the offender and his offence and the proofs thereof privately but do also publickly revise the heads of all the material passages thereof before the Church and do withall declare the counsel and will of God therein that they may rightly discern and approve what censure the Lord requireth to be administred in such a case Mr Cotton of the Keys page 14. line 36. Quest 15. But yet after the Elders have thus examined the case and declared their judgement concerning it the Church have yet a power to judge have they not Answ Yes but not as an act of rule and authority for there is a judgment of discretion by way of priviledge as well as of authority by way of sentence that of discretion is common to all the Brethren as well as that of authority belongs to the Presbytery of the Church In England the Jury by their verdict as well as the Judge by his sentence do both of them judge the same Malefactor yet in the Jury their verdict is but an act of Popular liberty in the Judge it is an act of his judicial authority Mr. Cotton of the Keys page 14. line 11. Quest 16. What is the difference then between the judgment which the Brethren passe in the censure of Excommunication and that which the Elders passe Answ Great is the difference For though the Jury have given up their judgment and verdict yet the Malefactor is not thereupon legally condemned and much lesse executed but upon the sentence of the Judge In like sort here though the Brethren of the Church do with one accord give up their vote and judgment for the censure of an offender yet he is not thereby censured till upon the sentence of the Presbytery Mr. Cotton Keyes page 14. line 20. Quest 17. Have then the Brethren no power of authority but only of priviledge and liberty Is not binding and loosing an act of authority and power to binde and loose given to the Church of Christ Answ The whole Church may be said to binde and loose in that the Brethren consent and concur with the Elders both before the censure discerning it to be just and equal and declaring this by lifting up their hands or by silence and after the censure in rejecting the offender censured from their wonted communion Idem line 4. Quest 18. Whither is this consent of the Brethren unto the judgement and sentence of the Elders concerning the Excommunication of a Member an act of authority or of obedience Answ The people give consent in obedience to the will and rule of Christ Hence is that speech of the Apostle we have in readinesse to revenge all disobedience when your OBEDIENCE is fullfilled 2 Cor. 10.6 The Apostles revenge of disobedience by way of reproof in preaching doth not follow the peoples obedience but proceedeth whether the people obey it or no it was therefore their revenge of disobedience by way of censure in Discipline which they had in readinesse when the obedience of the Church is fulfilled in discerning and approving the equity of the censure which the Apostles and Elders have declared to them from the Word Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 15. line 6. And if the people cannot convince the Elder of his errour or mistake in the sentence they are bound to joyne their judgment with his in the compleating of the sentence without impertinent questions needlesse scruples wilfull and disorderly gain-sayings Mr. Hookers Survey P. 3. page 42. line 7. Quest 19. But what if the case prove doubtful and there arise a difference between the Elders and the Brethren Answ If the case be doubtful and the difference grows wide and great it is then seasonable to crave the counsel and help of neighbouring Churches Mr. Hookers Survey part 3. page 40. line 15. Quest 20. May not the Brethren proceed to the sentence of Excommunication without the Elders Answ Excommunication is one of the highest acts of rule in the Church and therefore cannot be performed but by some Rulers Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 16. line 6. Object But the twenty foure Elders who represent the private Members of the Church as the foure living creatures do the foure Officers had all of them Crowns upon their heads and sate upon Thrones which are signes of Regal Authority Answ The Crowns and Thrones argue them to be Kings no more than their white garments argue them to be Priests verse 4. but neither Priests nor Kings by office but by liberty to performs like spiritual duties by grace which others do by office and grace both Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 16. line 19. Quest 21. What are the things or cases for which the censure of Excommunication is to be inflicted Answ It must not be for petty and small aberrations but for such evils as the mind and conscience of a man inlightned by the Church of God would condemn in himself or any upon the first serious consideration was his understanding left to the liberty of reason to act thereby and not crack-brained and perverted with prejudice and selfishnesse Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 3. page 34. line 30. Quest 22. But tell us somewhat more particularly and expressely what is the matter of Excommunication Answ Such evils as are either heinous or abominable as fornication murder adultery incest treason or if not so grosse yet carry the face of evil in their fore-head upon the first serious and well-grounded consideration of reason and have been pertinaciously and obstinately persisted in after all means improved for their conviction and reformation Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 3. page 34. line 37. Quest 23. You did a little above Quest 8 mention suspension as a censure distinct from Excommunication in what cases is that practised or used in the Church of Christ Answ In two Cases First thus Members born in the Church and having received their Membership in their infancy being grown to years of discretion must come to tryal and examination and manifest their faith and repentance by an open profession thereof before they be received to the Lords Supper or otherwise not to be admitted thereunto Platform of Discipline from New Eng. chap. 12. sect 7. see before chap. 3. Quest 5. though thy suspension be not strictly a censure being rather actus charitatis than potestatis and as they call it suspensio per modum cautelae Secondly thus while the offending brother lyeth under the censure of admonition he stands in the judgment of the whole Church as a convinced publick offender
and therefore till he be reconciled to the Church by the penitent and publick acknowledgement of his sin before them he doth abstain from the Lords Table according to the direction of our Saviour who would not have an offender present himself nor his guift before the Altar while the guilt of the offence of his brother lay upon him Mat. 5.23 24. Or as the Priests in the Law did forbear to eat of the holy things whilest they lay in uncleannesse Lev. 22. 3 4. Or as one Who lying in his uncleannesse did rather pollute the holy Ordinance of God by partaking of it than receive any holinesse from it Mr. Cottons way of the Churches page 91. line 26. Object But this seems to be but a voluntary act of the offending party this is not a Church censure Answ If the Church discern the offending brother to be willing to hear but not yet fully convinced of his offence as in case of Herefie they are to dispense to him a publick Admonition with declaring the offender to be under the publick offence of the Church who doth thereby withhold or suspend him from the holy fellowship of the Lords Supper till his offence be removed by penitent confession Platforme of Discipline from N. E. cap. 14. sect 2. and this is truly and properly sâ—spensio per modum censurae Hitherto of Church Government and Censures Now out of these particulars draw we these positions with inferences thereupon 1. Church-government or rule is placed by Christ in the officers of the Church who therefore are called Rulers See answ to quest 1. Therefore the fraternity are not the seat or subject of Rule or power 2. The essentials of Church-government are unalterable See answer to quest 1. Therefore they who believe ruling Elders to be essentials of government and yet constitute none in their Churches live in a neglect of duty contrary to their judgment and perswasion 3. Church Censures are Christs appointments See answ to quest 7. and cannot be dispensed at least some of them without Rulers See answ to q. 19. Therefore Churches that have no Rulers do not nor cannot observe all the Ordinances and appoinments of Jesus Christ 4. Petty matters and small aberrations are not to be censured by excomunication but such evils as are either heinous and abominable or at least are such as the minde and conscience of a man inlightned by the truth of God would condemn in any upon the first serious consideration See answer to quest 20 21. 5. Offences are not immediately and at the first dash to be brought to the Church or community but first to the Elders to be considered debated ripened by them received as serious and weighty or rejected as slight and frivolous See answer to quest 11. And therefore that Tell the Church which is the next immediate step after the first and second brethren and private admonition it is not Tell the fraternity or community but Tell the Elders 6. The power which the brethren have in censures it is not a power of rule and authority but a power of liberty and the judgement they passe it is not a judgement of authority but a judgement of discretion they are but as the Jury the Eldership is as the Judge See answer to quest 14 15 16. 7. The Church binds and looses only by consenting to the judgement and sentence of the Elders which consent of theirs is an act of obedience and they are bound to yeeld to it unless they can manifest that the judgement of the Eldership is corrupt and erroneous See answer to quest 18. 8. In doubtful cases and in matters of difference it is seasonable to crave the help and counsel of neighboring Churches See answer to quest 19. 9. There are two sorts of Church-Members some compleat who are admitted to all Ordinances some incompleate who having received their Membership in their infancy are suspended from the Lords Table and other Church-priviledges till they have passed a tryal and have received approbation of their fitness for those enjoyments An offending brother lying under publike admonition is suspended from the Lords Table before he be excommunicated therefore suspension is a censure distinct from Admonition and Excommunication CHAP. VI. Of Combination or Consotiation of Churches into Classes or Synods Question 1. WHether is it lawful for particular Congregations consisting of Elders and brethren and walking with a right foot in the truth and peace of the Gospel to joyn together in consotiation on combination of Churches Answ Though the Church of a particular Congregation consisting of Elders and Brethren Mr. Cotton c. be the first subject of all Church power needfull to be exercised within it self and consequently be independent from any other Church or Synods in the use of it yet it is lawful yea it is an useful safe and wholesome and holy Ordinance of Christ and in some cases necessary for such particular Churches to joyn together in holy covenant or communion and consotiation so I think it was intended by the Author though the printed copy say consolation amongst themselves to administer all their Church affairs which are of weighty and difficult and common concernment not without common consultation and consent of other Churches about them Mr. Hookers Survey of discipline preface A. 3. Mr. Cotton of the Keys pag. 54. line 27. Quest 2. Why do some say this consotiation of Churches is useful Answ The consotiation of Churches is not onely lawful but useful serving not alone to search out the truth but to settle the hearts of all that are sincerely minded in a right apprehension of the same Mr. Hooker Mr. Hooker Survey of discipline part 4. pag. 1. line 2. When many and those select and eminent lay the best of their abilities together improve their parts and prayers disquisitions consultations determinations to promote the knowledge and practice of the things of Christ the establishment of the Churches in the unity of the faith and their eternal peace Mr. Hooker Survey of discipline part 4. pag. 2. line 2. Quest 3. Why do you say it is safe Answ It is safe for in the multitude of Councellers there is safety as in civil so in Church affairs Prov. 11.14 Mr. Cottons Keys pag. 55. line 4. Mr. Cotton The light of nature and right reason forceth men out of their own necessities and experiences to confess this that in multitude of Counsellers there is safety Et plus vident oculi quam oculus c. The issue of the Councel evidenceth as much Act. 16.4 5. They delivered the decrees c. and the Churches were established in faith Mr. Hookers Survey of discipline part 4. pag. 2. line 9. Quest 4. But if the Church be of a good and strong constitution and walk with a right foot in the truth and peace of the gospel what need of such consotiation Answ Though this or that particular Church may be of a good and strong constitution and walk with a
right foot in the truth and peace of the Gospel Mr. Cotton yet all Churches are not in a like athletick plight and they that are not so will be loth to call in or look out for help as much or more then others though they have more need then others yea and the best Churches may soon degenerate and stand in as much need of help as others and for want of it may sink and fall into a deep Apostacy which other Churches might have prevented if they had discerned it at first Mr. Cotton Keyes pag. 55. line 7. Quest 5. Why do you say this combination and consotiation of Churches is wholesome Answ It is wholesome as tending to maintain brotherly love and soundness of doctrine in Churches Mr. Cotton and to prevent many offences which may grow up in this or that particular Church when it transacts all such things in it self without con-Mr Cotton of the Keyes p. 55. line 17. Quest 6. But how do you prove it an Ordinance of Christ Answ It is an holy Ordinance of Christ as having just warrant from a like precedent the Apostles were as much independent one from another Mr. Cotton and stood in as little need of help one from another as Churches do And yet Paul went up to Jerusalem to confer with Peter Jamâ—s and John lest he should in vain run in the course of his Ministery Gal. 2.2 And though in conference the chief Apostles added nothing to Paul ver 6. yet when they perceived the Gospel of uncircumcision was committed to Paul and Barnabas as that of the circumcision was to Peter James and John they gave unto one another the right hand of fellowship Now then it will follow by just proportion that if the Apostl s who were independent each of them one of another had need to consult and confer together to procure a freer passage to their calling and to their doctrine than surely Churches and Elders of Churches though independent one of another had need to communicate te their courses and proceedings in such cases one with another to procure the freer passage to the same And if the Apostles giving the right hand of fellowship one to another did mutually strengthen their hands in the work of the Ministery then the Elders of Churches giving the right hand of fellowship one to another in their ordination or upon any fit occasion cannot but much strengthen the hearts and hands of one another in the Lords work Mr. Cotton of the Keys page 55. line 22. Quest 7. Is there any thing which may be added if not for confirmation yet for illustration of the point Answ Yes by comparing the dimension of the new Jerusalem which is the perfect platforme of a pure Church as it shall be constituted in the Jewish Church State at their last conversion Mr. Cotton The dimensions of this Church as they are described by Ezekiel chap. 48.30 are twelve furlongs that is about three miles in length and as many in breadth But the dimension of the same Church Rev. 21.16 is said to be twelve thousand furlongs Now how can those two dimensions stand together that are so far discrepant one from another as twelve and twelve thousand the fittest and fairest reconciliation seems plainly to be this that Ezekiel speaketh of the dimension of any ordinary Jewish Church of one particular Congregation but John speaketh of the dimension of many particular Jewish Churches combining together in some cases even to the communion of a thousand Churches Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 56. line 7. Object But Theologia Symbolica non est argumentativa Arguments from Parables and mystical resemblances are not valid Answ If there were no argumentative power in Parables Mr. Cotton why did the Lord Jesus delight so much in that kinde of teaching and why did John and Daniel and Ezekiel deliver a great part of their Prophesies in Parables if we must take them for Riddles and not for Documents or Arguments surely if they serve not for Arguments they serve not for Documents Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 56. line 36. Quest 8. But is this Combination of Churches necessary as well as lawful Answ The Consociation of Churches is not only lawful Mr. Hooker but in some cases necessary Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline preface a. 3. Nemo inquit Parkerus quod sciam Ecclesiae alicujus reformatae alumnus ante Hugonem Grotium negavit Synodos esse necessarias quibus nos 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 libenter profitemur Norton adversus Apollonium pag. 112. Mr. Parker saith that no man that was a Disciple of the reformed Churches did ever deny the necessity of Synods before Hugo Grotius and we do unanimously confesse the necessity of them Mr. Norton against Apollonius page 112. line 17. Quest 9. How many sorts and degrees of Consociation of Churches are there Answ This Consociation is of several sorts and degrees some lesser some greater as Classes Synods Mr. Hooker and these Provincial National and Oecumenical thus farre we agree Mr. Hookers Survey of Discipline part 4. page 2. line 15. and 25. Quest 10. What is a Synod Answ Synods we acknowledge being rightly ordered as an Ordinance of Christ Mr. Cottons Keyes page 23. line 21. And though not absolutely necessary to the being Platform of Discipline yet many times necessary to the well-being of Churches Platforme of Discipline from N. E. chap. 16. sect 1. Quest 11. How is a Synod to be composed and of what Members ought it to consist Answ Because it is difficult if not impossible for many Churches to come altogether in one place Platform of Discipline in all their Members universally therefore they may assemble by their delegates or messengers as the Church of Antioch went not all to Jerusalem but some select men for that purpose because none are or should be more fit to know the state of the Churches nor to advise of wayes for the good thereof than Elders therefore it is fit that in the choice of the messengers for such Assemblies they have special respect unto such yet in as much as not only Paul and Barnabas but certain others also were sent to Jerusalem from Antioch Acts 15. and when they were come to Jerusalem not only the Apostles and Elders but other Brethren also do assemble and meet about the matter therefore Synods are to consist both of Elders and other Church-members endued with gifts and sent by the Churches not excluding the presence of any Brethren in the Churches Platforme of Discipline chap. 16. sect 6. Quest 12. Whether may there be called and kâ—pt a National Synod or no Answ It may so fall out that the State of all the Churches in the Country may be corrupted Mr. Cotton and beginning to discern their corruption may desire the concourse and counsel of one another for a speedy and safe and general reformation and then so meeting all conferring together may renew their
be preferred before obedience to an affirmative precept that is not fundamental though therefore a hoof of truth is to be preferred before the liberties and lives of the ten thousands of Israel yet when the whole community is more endangered by the want of publick order than by the present not observing of some affirmative command not fundamental we ought to have more regard to publick order than to the present obedience of such a command 5. Therefore the particular Church in this case may and ought to submit it self to such order but yet without sin Mr. Nortons answ to Apollonius pag. 118.119 Quest 18. But how can that been done Answ 1. The truth is not to be dissembled Mr. Norton but the Church is modestly and peaceably to bear witnesse to the truth 2. Effor is never to be approved though for awhile in regard of the iniquity of the time it is to be tolerated 3. Wisely and patiently we must wait in our stations in the due use of means till God in his own proper season shall reveal the truth Mr. Norton against Apollonius page 119. line 30. Quest 19. Have all the Members of a Synod equal power Answ A Synod consisting Mr. Cotton as we have heard it doth of Elders and Brethren their power is not the same but distinct the power which the Brethren have it is a power of liberty the power which the Elders have it is a power of authority The Brethren have first liberty to dispute their doubts modestly and Christianly among the Elders so in that Synod at Jerusalem Acts 15.7 12. Secondly they had liberty to joyne with the Apostles and Elders in determining the same as the common sense of them all Thirdly they had liberty to joyn with the Apostles and Elders in choosing and sending Messengers and in writing Synodal letters in the name of all for the publishing of the sentence of the Synod Acts 13. ver 22 23. to 29. But the authority of the decrees lay chiefly if not only in the Apostles and Elders as appears Acts 16.4 So then it will be most safe to preserve to the Church of Brethren their due liberty and to the Church of the Elders their due authority Mr. Cotton of the Keyes page 26. line 1. Quest 20. Whether may a person or persons wronged by particular Churches appeal to a Synod or no for redress Answ There is a right of appeals in weighty causes from an inferior to a superior sentence Mr. Norton And seeing that in Ecclesiastical causes and among Ecclesiastical persons many differences do arise who can deny but that this right of appeals must be granted there Appeals are of divine and natural right and necessary in all societies because of the ignorance and unrighteousnesse of many who are Judges Mr. Nortons answer to Apoll. 3. pag. 112. line antepenult page 114. Hitherto of the Combination or Consociation of Churches and of Synods and their power Now from these particulars that have been delivered let us draw some positions with their inferences First it is lawful for particular Churches to joyne together in a holy Covenant and communion amongst themselves to administer all Church Affairs of weight and difficulty and common concernment not without common consultation and consent about them See answer to quest 1. Hence it follows 1. That if an expresse consent and Covenant be the formalis ratio and constitutive of a Church then these particular Churches thus joyned together make up one Church not representativè impropriè but truly and properly having the true formale of a Church and that which dat essentiam 2. If they have thus covenanted together to transact things by common consent then every Church of the Consociation hath the same power in all matters that the fraternity of a particular Church hath to wit of consenting or of dissenting 3. If they Covenant to administer all their affairs not without common consent then quere whether every particular Church hath not a negative voice which is more then the Presbyterians contend for 4. If they Covenant to administer all matters of weight and common concernment NOT without common consent then the excommunication of any person being a matter of weight as doubtlesse the delivering up of a soul to Satan is and also a matter of common concernment he that is cast out of one Church being cast out of all will it not from the concession follow that no particular Church can excommunicate a Member without the consent of the associated Churches 2. This Consociation of Churches is safe useful and wholesome and in some case necessary See answ to quest 2.3 5 8. they therefore who refuse to associate with other Churches when it is offered let these consider whether they do not forsake their own mercies 3. Even the strongest and best Churches have need of Association first that they may help the weak for all Churches are not in a like athletick plight and secondly for themselves for the best may soon degenerate and for want of Association may sink and fall into deep Apostasie See answ to quest 4. therefore 1. These Associations ought not to be elective for then the strong and athletick Churches may combine together and exclude the weaker and lesse athletick saying we have no need of you which would frustrate the end of combination and therefore the best way is for Churches that are in vicinity to combine together 2. If the strongest Church may need Consociation to prevent degeneration and Apostasie then the best way is to have these Consociations fixed and stated not occasional only pro re nata Sero med cina paratur Quum mala per long as invaluere moras 4. Combination of Churches is an holy Ordinance of Christ See answ to quest 6. Therefore let them consider how they will answer it to Jesus Christ who not only live without this Ordinance but despise it and speak evil of it and yet have covenanted to walk in all the Ordinances of Christ and would be thought so to do 5. Combination of Churches is no more destructive to the power of particular Churches than the Consociation of the Apostles was to their Apostolical power See answer to quest 6. 6. As the Apostles giving the right hand of fellowship one to another strengthened their hands in the work of the Ministery so the Elders of Churches giving the right hand of fellowship one to another upon any fit occasion cannot but strengthen the heart and hands of one another in the Lords work See answ to quest 7. Therefore for the Elders of Congregational Churches to refuse to associate with their brethren of another judgment and to refuse to give them the right hand of fellowship what doth it declare but this that either they do not think we in our Ministery work the work of the Lord or else that they are resolved to weaken our hands and hinder our work as much as they can because though we do Gods work
yet we do not do it in their ways 7. A Combination of Churches or a Classical Church is a pure Gospel Church according to the most perfect platform it is the new jerusalem that came down from heaven Rev. 21.16 See answ to quest 7. therefore they are much mistaken that say it is an Antichristian platform 8. Classes and Synods Provincial and National are lawful and warrantable See answ to quest 9. therefore they exceedingly prevaricate who go about to render them either ridiculous as some or odious as others 9. A Synod is an Ordinance of Christ necessary though not to the being yet to the well-being of Churches See answ to quest 10. therefore it is as necessary as the rest of discipline which is necessary only for the well-being of Churches not to their being And secondly therefore it is no more improper to have Combinations or Synods fixed and stated than it is to have other meetings for Discipline so fixed 10. Delegation to be a member of a Synod is a lawful Gospel-employment See answ to quest 11. 11. All the Churches of a Nation may meet together to consult and to renew their Covenant for Reformation if the Covenant constitute the Church quere whither they be not now a National Church See answ to quest 12. 12. The practice of the Church in Hezekiahs dayes and in Josiahs dayes is a president for National Synods and Councils See answ to quest 12. 13. Synods are useful and have power in cases of difficulty and in such cases particular Churches are bound to make use of them See answ to quest 13. and 15. and in case of male-administration and in such cases the Consociated Churches are bound to take cognizance of it redresse it See answ to quest 13. 14. Synods have power and authority from Christ not only to direct and give counsel and declare the minde of Christ but also to command and injoyne See answ to quest 19. 15. Synods have some part of the binding power of the Keyes See answ to quest 14. Quere why not all as well as some and where Christ hath made the Partition 16. The decrees and injunctions of Synods so far as they are agreeable to the Word of God binde not only materially because they are agreeable to the Word but formally because they are the decrees of a Synod which is the Ordinance of Christ See answ to quest 14. and 15. 17. In the determination of the major part of a Synod approved by the Christian Magistrate particular Churches are bound to acquiesce upon pain 1. Of being guilty of disturbing the order and peace of the Church 2. Of non-communion 3. Of punishment by the Magistrate See answ to quest 15. if so then first the Magistrate may use compulsion and coercion in matter of Religion Secondly the vote of the major part of the late Assembly at Westminster had more obliging power than some body would own and some body is guilty of something 18. The decrees of Synods though erroneous yet if not fundamentally erring are not to be rejected or scorned but received and submitted to rather than peace and order disturbed See answ to quest 17. If I understand this aright our brethren say as much as can be desired if not more O that any thing near this had been practised 19. It is not easily to be granted that Synods erre and particular persons and Churches that are contrary-minded have the truth See answ to quest 7. 20. Appeals are warrantable by the Law of God and the Law of nature and necessary in all Societies because of the ignorance or iniquity of them that are Judges See answ to quest 20. therefore great is either their ignorance or their iniquity who deny the members of their society this just and necessary liberty of appeals CHAP. VII Of Communion with and Separation from the true Church Question 1. WHether there is an universal visible Church Platform of Discipline Answ There may be acknowledged an universal visisible Church Platform of discipline chap. 2. sect 3. Quest 2. What relation or respect do particular visible Churches bear to the universal visible Church Answ A Congregational Church by the institution of Christ is a part of the militant visible Church Platform of Discipline Platform of Discipline sect 6. This Catholick Mystical Church is the Materia prima out of which Political Churches by their combination are formed Defence of the 9. positions pag. 104. The Catholick Church is in some respects the first Church and particular Churches ortae Ibid. pag. 78. Quest 3. Is every particular person bound to be of some particular congregation Answ Every faithful person is bound by vertue of positive precept to joyn himself to some such single congregation Mr. Owen having the markes and notes by which a true Church may be known and discerned Dr. Owen in his Eshcol Preface A 3. It is the part of all Christians who look for salvation by Christ Jesus to joyn themselves to one or other particular Church of Christ Mr. Cotton of the way c. pag. 2. line 10. Quest 4. But is a man bound to joyn himself to the Church of that place where his dwelling is Answ Members ought to joyn themselves to the Church where they do inhabit if it may be Platform of Discipline otherwise they can neither perform the duties nor receive the priviledges of members such an example tolerated in some is apt to corrupt others which if they should follow would threaten the confusion and dissolution of Churches contrary to Scripture Platform of discipline chap. 13. sect 6. 2. All believers of one place are bound to joyn together in one congregation unless through their being too numerous they are by common consent distinguished into more which order cannot be disturbed without the guilt of schisme Dr. Owens Eshcol Prefao A. 3. Quest 5. But is a man bound after he hath once joyned himself to a Church to continue a member of this Church all his dayes Answ 1. Church-members may not remove and depart from the Church Platform Discipline and so one from another as they please but ought to dwell together Platform of discipline chap. 13. sect 1. 2. Peoples joyning with a Parish at the calling and electing of a Minister at his first coming hath such just weight in it and is such an engagement as we do not judge it safe for such to remove from such a Minister unless it be upon such grounds as may give him due satisfaction Platform of discipline Preface pag. 7. 3. To separate from a Church either out of contempt of their holy fellowship or out of covetuousness or for greater enlargements with just grief to the Church or out of Schisme or want of love or out of a spirit of contention in respect of some unkindness or some evil onely conceived or indeed in the Church which might and should be tolerated and healed with a spirit of meekness and of which the Church is
unkindness or some evil onely conceived or which might be tolerated and healed c. is sinful and unlawful See chap. 4. quest 5. answ 2. Therefore O that those who have rent themselves from us to gather themselves into distinct Churches would be wiâ—ling to behold the face of what they have done in and judge it by this friendly glass and repent of what they have done unlawfully and sinfully 6. Neither the hypocrisie of some members nor the toleration of open scandals nor want of some Ordinances is a sufficient ground for men to separate from the Church Therefore our brethren can alledge no sufficient ground for their separation on from the Churches whereof they were sometimes members 7. Faithfulness of brotherly love in Church relation requires that the members of the Church should first convince their brethren of their sinful defects and duely wait for their reformation before they depart from them For secondly By the hasty departure of sound members from a defective Church reformation is not promoted but many times retarded Chap. 4. answ to quest 7. Therefore let those who have separated themselves the Ministery and assemblies they did sometimes attend upon lay their hands upon their hearts and seriously as before the Lord consider whether they have thus endevored and waited for a reformation in the Congregation where their fixed abode is or whether they have not by their hasty departure or by other indirect means hindred the work of reformation as much as in them lies the Lord lay it not to their charge If for this they be not condemned by their own consciences I am sure they are by their friends and brethren 8. The Ordination of Ministers in England by the Bishops is adventitious and accidental to their calling See chap. 4. quest 7. answer to Object 4. Therefore their ordination by the Bishops doth not make their calling null and void nor is it necessary that they should renounce that call and put themselves upon a new call unless withall they change their station 9. The difference between Independents and Presbyterians is not so great but that it might be healed and there might a be an union if some distempers and carnal corrupt respects did not prevail above principles of judgement and love to peace and truth See chap. 4. answ to quest 8. 10 No just ground of separation from a Church unless you find in it blasphemy idolatry or persecution See chap. 4. quest 9. answ 3. Therefore none of these crimes being proved against the Churches of England they have done unjustly who have separated from them The Conclusion ANd now Brethren If I could with Jotham get up into some Mount Gerizim where I might be heard and not seen or at least where I might be extra jactum lapidum I would speak plainly to you and not as he in parables And I would numbly and as in the sight and fear of God desire you to give not me but the Christian world some conscientious and satisfactory reason of your departing and yet continuing so departed from the Churches into which you were baptized wherein you were converted which reverend Mr. Cotton is not ashamed to own saying We cannot we dare not deny to bless the wombe that bare us and the paps that gave us sucke Mr. Cotton lett print A. 1641. pag. 3. line 27. the most of you that are converted and whereof many of you were sometimes Minister yet now you have not onely made a Negative secession from them but a positive and have drawn and culled out of those Congregations whom yet you confess to be true Churches as many of the choicest members as you could and gathered them as you speak into Churches not onely distinct from but opposite to the Rest of the Churches and Congregations of the Nation I say opposite for verily if you lived among Papists or Jews you could scarce shew a greater opposition or abhorrence of their assemblies and worship than you do of these Some of you may be will hear some of their Ministers sometimes preach though others of you will not vouchsafe that so some of you have heard a Rabbi in a Jewish Synagogue you know this is no act of Church communion you know you hear them Equivocally not as Ministers of Christ but as gifted brethren But who of you will break bread in their Assemblies though the principal leaders of your way have given it under their hand see Pap. of accommodat first to the Parliament and since to the world that they could do it who of you will vouchsafe your presence at the administration of Baptism in their Churches let it be the infant of never so holy parents but make as much hast out of their Assemblies as John the Evangelist did out of the Bath when he heard Cerinthus was in it What is this but to lay all these Churches and all the Members of them at least under the sentence of non communion And for this practice I could never yet hear any thing alledged but what is here fully answered and refelled out of your own Authors 1. If you say Their Churches are no true Churches See cap 3. per totum 2. If you say these Churches they have not the matter of a true Church which is visible Saints Answ This hath been answered already First for the matter Master Cotton hath told you Chap. 1. quest 1. That the Churches of the New Testament consist of no other matter than the Churches of the old consisted of and what visible Saints they were the books of the Kings and Chronicles Isaiah Ieremiah and the rest of the Prophets tell you That unregeneracy unless it be accompanied with such fruits as are openly scandalous doth not keep any from Church fellowship Answ to quest 3. cap. 1. that federal holiness or holiness by separation admits to the ordinances cap. 1. quest 4. And that persons who received their membership in their infancy proving notoriously scandalous ought not to be continued in Church-membership yet if they be that separation must not presently be made is the judgement both of Master Hooker and the rest of the Elders of New England See this chap. 7. answ to quest 6. 3. If you say These Presbyterian Churches have not the right form and constitution that is expresse consent and covenant Answ Why this hath been answered for Master Hooker and Master Cotton and the rest of the Elders agree that the Congregations of England have that which doth as truely constitute them Churches as if they were constituted by covenant as appears cap. 2. answer to question 4. See more cap. 3. 4. If you say In these Presbyterian Churches the Officers Lord it over the inheritance of the Lord and rob and spoile the brethren of the power which Christ hath purchased for them and bequeathed to them Answ It is clear by what hath been spoken already that the brethren in the Congregational way have no more nor other power than what the brethren in