stated Meetings of the first Councils are every Moneth and what if it should be on the â—…irst Third day of the week in every month through the year The stated meeting of the Provincial Councils are once every quarter and what if two of them be the first Third day after the Sun touches the middle point of the summer and winter Solstices And the other two the first Third day after the Sun is in the Vernal and Autumnal Equinâ—…ial With this consideration that if the Sun touch any of these points upon the Third day of the week then that is the day of meeting if on any other day then the Third day after The stated meeting of the National Council is once a Year and best in the Spring and what if it be the last Third day of the First Moneth called March XIV The Law of the Constitution doth call all these Councils to meet at the stated times without any other order or appointment XV. It is very requisite that some eminent man preach a publick Lecture on the day of the meeting of every Council â—…o draw many Saints together and to raise a strong breath of Prayer and to put the greater Solemnity upon so holy a work XVI Occasional Meetings may be multiplied either by intricacy of Cases Variety of Opinions Troublesomeness of Persons Danger of Churches Gross Scandals that cannot proceed to Censure because of some obstruction without the help of Counsel Such Occasional Meetings if foreseen may be appointed by the Council before they rise if not foreseen then they must be called by the Moderator then in being and the Notary by Letters under either of their hands where distance of place requireth it XVII The place of Meeting for these Councils and especially of the first Councils is not to be limited or tyed to any one place because there be sundry Considerations about the place whereof one may be prevalent at one time and another time another Sometimes the age and unfitness for Travel of some eminently useful person sometimes the common conveniency for all Sometimes it may edifie to meet in that Church where the chief Trouble may at the present be ard yet this not alwayes so because the troubles of Antioch were heard and setled at Ierusalem where the best and ablest Counsel was to be had with the least trouble and inconveniency unto any CHAP. V. The generall Work of all Ecclesiasticall Councils THese Ecclesiastical Councils are to do for all the Churches in an ordinary way what the Apostles were to do in an extraordinary way The care of all the Churches doth lye upon them which appeareth both in the Manner of their Constitution and End of their Meeting Yea they are to do for all the World what lyeth in them as the Apostles were to do Matth 28. Go and teach all Nations c. I. Hence first if there be any Heathen people that yet know not Christ it is a work well-becoming any of these Orders of Councils and all of them in their harmony to seek out and send forth sit Labourers to such a work and service of Christ to carry the Gospel and preach Jesus Christ unto them to gather and plant Churches amongst them And it is the duty of particular Churches unto whose Society such Instruments chosen by the Councils do belong by Fasting and Prayer and Imposition of hands to send them forth unto that Work as the Church of Antioch did unto Barnâ—…bas and Saul when they were extraordinarily called and sent forth unto such a Work as we are now speaking of Acts 13. 2 3. And this will be one holy way of improvement of Church-treasuries raised by voluntary Contributions to spread and propagate the Gospel to all the World II. If there be any among the professing Nations that sie in darkness and in the region of the shadow of death and see no light and too many such dark Corners there be in the Land of Zebulon and Naphthali Mat. 4 15 16. who have none to bring the glad Tidings of Light and Life unto them at least none that do it It well becometh the vigilance of these Councils to provide and send â—…it Instruments unto them by whose Labours the Light through grace may arise and shine among them And it is the duty of the Churches to send forth such persons with their prayers and blessing as abovesaid III. If there be any Sister-Church that hath no Breasts which by death or other means oft falleth out where Churches are numerous it is a special and proper care of the Ecclesiastical Councils to take a prudent pious and speedy course for their supply It being a matter that hath a great tendency to the well-being not onely of that Church but of the Councils also into whose Communion â—…ll Elders are received And unto this point of their care and duty it doth belong sometimes to remove Lights from one Candlestick to another where the gifts and labours of some special Instruments may be most fruitful to the glory of God and the publick good of Religion and all the Churches But this is to be done with all wisdome tenderness and evidence of Scripture-light that it is the Will of God and for his Glory so to be that so the Church concerned may yield it as an act of obedience to Christ for whose sake they should be willing to pluck out their right eyes and give them unto Christ in obedience as unto the Apostles so unto Counâ—…ils their ordinary Successors IV. As the care of all the Churches dyeth on the Ecclesiastical Councils so especially the care of those Churches which are in Combination together and whose Communion they do act and towards whom their first trust and care is to be exercised for their well-being on earth and for the furtherance of their eternal being in the Kingdome of heaven and in all for the glory of Christ and in particular to take care that there be general directions for Publick Worship and all other Ecclesiastical Administrations and Conversation and for Catecâ—…ism and Platform both of Doctrine and Discipline V. If any Errour or Heresie arise or be by any evil Instruments openly or secretly buzzed and infused or any way â—…ented and diffused to â—…azard the infecting and poisoning any of the people It is a special care of these Councils to take up the matter to clear up the light of the case by the Word of God and in due order to settle the Cause and suppress the Errour by counselling the Church to whom the person belongeth to a due exercise of Discipline if need be VI. If any Controversie or doubtful Disputation arise in any of the Churches about any point of Religion either in Faith or Order because all difference of Opinion is apt to breed aliemtion of affection and give entrance to Satan and grief to the Spirit of Love and Peace It concerneth the Councils with all care and prudence in due order to settle and siâ—…nce such a Controversie
be iâ—…plored for our Churches or for the Nation or for forreign Churches and Nations such motions and designes of spreading and propagating religion as are in hand c. These are to be presented to all the Churches as matter of Prayer both ordinary and extraordinary 12. When these Members of the National Council return unto the Provincial Councils whose delegates they immediately are they are to report unto them the state and affaires of all the Churches in the Nation and in forreign Nations also And they are to report them to all the first Councils and they unto all the Churches as matters of praiâ—…e and prayer to God and of incouragement to obedience unto government And that this communication of Ecclesiastical affaires may be the more readily expedited 1. All the first Councils or some one of every Council may meet that day seven night after the Provincial Councils meeting to hear the affaires of all the Province And some of the Provincial Council may be there to declare the affaires of all the Churches in the Province 2. So likewise the Provincial Councils or some of every Provincial Council may meet that day seven-night after the Session of the National Council to hear the affaires of the whole Nation and some of the National Council may be there to give information of all things â—…ing to be communicâ—…ted But experience will put men upon the best wâ—…y of Order in these things The pâ—…rticular duties of the Oecumeniâ—…al Council I pass in silence I leave them to their consideration whose happy 〈◊〉 it shall be to see those glâ—…rious times when such Councils shall be called Notwithstanding these publick Orders of Councils it is lawful for any person or parties or Church to take any private â—…unsel that he or they will or câ—…n obtain according to God 〈◊〉 they â—…ay have occâ—…sion CHAP. VII Concerning the way to bring every Christian Parishional Congregation to be an explicite Reforming Congregational Church I. EVery Parishional Congregation who solemnly renouncing all their sins and evils both personal and â—…cclesiastical shall willingly by what wayes means or motives soever thereunto induced submit themselves and their children to the Government of Christ in Gospel-Order and particularly to be guided in the common concernments of Religion by the holy advice of the forenamed Orders of Councils and do by their pious and prudent counsel and concurrence orderly elect all Officers both Elders and Deacons among themselves and promise for themselves and their households to walk in the Christian exercise of all Gods Ordinances according to Rule in the Faith and Order of the Gospel That Parish or so many of them as shall herein concurre is to be owned a particular Reforming Congregational Church and is to be received into the Communion of the Churches in this Order of Government They delivering this act of theirs in writing unto that first Council with whom they associate there to be recorded II. It may by the good blessing of God greatly promote Relâ—…gion and the Reformation of particular Churches if such of the godly Gentry of the Land who are not in Civil Authority would please to do that honour to Christ to subject themselves to his service in accepting of the Offices of Ruling Elders and Deacons in the â—…urches of Jesus Christ. It would much strengthen the hands of Church-government and be no small honour to themselves and they will hereby render themselves great in the Kingdome of Heaven III. By the Ordinance oâ—… 〈◊〉 prudentlâ—… exercised both publickly in the Church and in private houses all tâ—… Church are to be trained up unto a competency of knowledge in Jesus Christ. IV. Special â—…are is to be had in the training up of Youth in the good knowledge of God made manifest to the Church by their publick account answer or confession thereof aâ—…d unto an explicite acknowledgement of Christ with subâ—… and engagement of themselves unto the Câ—…urch wherein they give up themselves and their children unto God to be ruled by Religion in the Faith and Order of the Gospel Which done their Children are to be baptized V. Upon the due evidence of some hopeful reall work and change of heart by Faith and Repentance duely manifested to the Church whereby the persons concerned may be in Charity conceived able to examine themselves â—…o discern the Lords body in the Sacrament and spiritually to judge of a spiritual cause such ought by the Church to be received unto Communion in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and such Males unto Voting in the Church because ordinarily such as are able to discern Christ in the Sacrament are also able spiritually to discern of a spiritual cause and thereby capable to Vote in such cases wherein the Fraternity is called to Voting in the Church CHAP. VIII Touching the Maintenance of these Councils I. THough it be meet that all their necessary Charges be born for them for who goeth on a warfare at his own charge yet it is in no wise meet that any Profits or Revenues should be annexed unto any of the Councils from the lowest unto the highest Worldly Profit Power and Splendor are beneath the spirit and aim of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Onely the Notaries Place being a service of much â—…bour pains and diligence it is meâ—…t that some consideration be had for some convenient recompence for their labour II. If any godly minded Christian out of a love unto and zeal for the honour of the Kingdome of Jesus Christ should desire to give and annex Maintenance unto any of these forenamed Councils more then conveniently to bear their Charges as Noble Constantine did for the worldly splendor of the Bishops it ought not to be permitted but religiously opposed for it will certainly prove an Inlet of great Corruption Ambition Avarice and Strife unworthy and unfit persons will endeavour to Brâ—…be themselves into Places more for the Wages then for the Work III. The honour of the Service and the glory of Christ that is upon the Messengers of the Churches these are iâ—…separable from the Work and are as much as flesh and blood we being in the flesh and state militant will be able to weather and keep from running â—…ground upon But Revenue and Profit are separable from the Work â—…d must be religiously and earnestly kept off It being a Worâ—… that will surely corrupt â— this blessed Work and glorious Service of Iesur Christ. IV. A small Revenue will maintain the government of Churches by Councils even in a great Nation in comparison of the vast revenues which the Antichristian Hierarchy havâ—… faâ—…ed and inriched themselves withall which also hath advantaged them to arrogate unto themselves and 〈◊〉 civil Authority And by these carnal 〈◊〉 unto the Church Religion hath been corrupted most men have been damned and â—…ew saved Therefore the Church ought now in our reformation and resâ—…rection to despise the World and not to suffer great revenues to be annexed unto this part of the kingdome of Christ especially V. The religious meetings of Councils must be 〈◊〉 of all meetings of all men throughout the Nation for they are many shining Lights met together and all men will mark what they do and one Inch of exâ—…ss in them who aâ—…e the Center will be an Ell in the people Hence they must strive to be patterns to all men 1. In Gravity not full of Miâ—…th Laughter and Jesting â—… In Sobriety no excess in drinking wine and strong drink 3. In Moderation of diet Ornaments or any Pomp. 4. In Seduâ—…ity and Diligence it is the Lords work and Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord negtigently 5. In all Holiness of Discourse and Behaviour 6. In Patience and Meekneâ—… of Spirit in all matters 7. In Care for the publick Cause of Christ and welfare of 〈◊〉 the Churches the chief care of all which doth firstly and chiefly ly upon the Moderators VI. Great care is to be had of the first Councils that there may be some grave and exemplar Eâ—…ers in every one of them because according to ouâ—… custom there may be sundry that are young raw and weak and need to be trained up unto the gravity prudence and holiness of the affaires of Christ his Ecclesiastical kingdome Care is also to be had that Grave Sober and Prudenâ—… Ruling Elders may be sent such as may be an awe unto grâ—…en and young Schollars where need may be Care is also to be had that they stay no longer then necessary business and just imployment holdeth them that there may be no temptations like company-keeping in vanity and smoaking away their precious time VII Their entertainment may be 8 d. Ordinary at â—…oon and 6 d. at night provided they be necessitaâ—…ed to tarâ—…y â—…ll night otherwise their charges are but their dinner and horse meaâ—… For the defrâ—…ying of which charge the Deacons of that Church where they meet may be authorized so to order the matteâ—… with the Deacons of all the Churches in that combination as that the charge shall be by them defrayed and not put to the accompt of any of the Elders And by the same hands some recompence may be given to the Notaries for their labour and service For the supply of which charge the voluntary Contributions of every Church will be such a treasury as will never know want so long as Religion and love to Christ remain and rule among them VIII The Provincial Councils will be more choice and grave assemblies and their treatment must be with more respect and reverence but their expences with the like moderation and sobriety It is to be supposed that these dwell more remote are fuller of work and must tarry longer If the State entertain these and allow them 10 li. a Session for their four stated Sessions in a year and 5 li. for the Notaries it will not be a great charge And if the National Council have 100 li. per annum for their Attendance and Notaries One thousand pound per annum will suffice for a great Nation where they may be in twenty Ecclesiastical Provinces And this charge will be less then the the revenues of some one Bishoprick The design of Antichrist was to pamper the flesh the design of Christ is to mortiâ—…ie it and to honour Grace FINIS ⸫ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Communion of Churches OR The Divine Management of Gospel-Churches by the Ordinance of COUNCILS Constituted in Order according to the SCRIPTURES AS ALSO The Way of bringing all Christian Parishes to be particular Reforming Congregationall Churches Humbly Proposed As a Way which hath so much Light from the Scriptures of Truth as that it may lawfully be Submitted unto by all and may by the blessing of the Lord be a Means of Uniting those two Holy and Eminent PARTIES The Presbyterians and the Congregationals AS ALSO To Prepare for the hoped-for Resurrection of the Churches and to Propose a way to bring all Christian Nations unto an Unity of the Faith and Order of the Gospel Written by Iohn Eliot Teacher of Roxbury in N. E. Psal. 1. â—…0 That ye may try the things that are excellent 1 John 4 1. Try the Spirits Cambridge Printed by Marmaduke Iohnson 1665. PREFACE ALthough a few Copies of this small Script are Printed yet it is not published onely committed privately to some Godly and Able hands to be Viewed Corrected Amended or Rejected as it shall be found to hold wright in the Sanctuary Ballance or not And it is the humble Request of the Author That whatever Objections Rectification or Emendatiâ—…ns may occurreâ—… they may be conveyed unto him who desireth nothing may be accepted in the Churches but what is according to the Will and Minde of God and tendeth to Holiness Peace and Promotion of the holy Kingdome of Iesus Christ. The procuring of half so many Copies Written and Corrected would be more difficult and chargeable then the Printing of these few I beg the Prayers as well as the Pains of the precioâ—…s Servants of the Lord that I may never have the least singer in doing any thing that may be derogatory to the Holiness and Honour of Iesus Christ and his Churches And to this I subscribe my self One of the least of the Labourers in our Lords Vineyard JOHN ELIOT Communion of Churches OR The divine Management of Gospel-Churches BY THE Ordinance of Councils CHAP. I. Prolegomena or Things premised I. THere be two holy Publick Societies famous in the Gospel 1. A Church of Believers 2. A Council of Churches A Church of Believers is a company of visible Sainte combined together with one heart to hold Communion in all the instituted Gospel-worship Ordinances and Discipline which Christ hath sitted for and given unto a particular Church Such a Company are frequently called A Church See a few places Acts 2. 47 11. 26. 14. 23 27. 1 Cor. 11. 18 20 22 c. A Council is a Society of particular Churches in Communion by their Representatives for their well-being and well-ordering all things among them by mutual Counsel in Truth Peace and Holiness Our Pattern is that Great Council Acts 15. which consisted of two Churches in an ordinary way expresly agreed to give and take counsel and it is leâ—… as a Standard and Pattern â—…ow the great Ordinance of Counsel is to be used and managed for the well-being of Churches to the worlds end II. The Constitution of both these Buildings or Societies are eminent and observable in the Gospel The first of these viz. A Church of Believers is first instituted by Christ himself and afterward put in practice by the Apostles Matth. 16. 18. Thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build my Church The Rock confessed is CHRIST Christ Confessëd is the Foundation of the Visible Church Peter confessing is an hewn stone squared to the foundation a Believer made Ecclesiastically visible sitted for Church-building and fellowship A company of such Confessors or a company of these confessing Believers 1. Have power to joyn together into a Gospel Church-state as they did Acts 1. 13 14. Continued with one accord so Acts 2. 46. 2. They have power to call Officers by whom they become an Organick Body and sitted to administer and enjoy all instituted Worship Acts 1. 15 23. Peter stood up in the midst of the Disciples And they appointed two Acts 6. 3. Brethren look you out men Acts 14. 23. By bolding up bands made Elders 3. By the Ministry of these Officers the Church doth actually enjoy such Ordinances as are instituted by Christ for their Edisication Both Directive in Word Sacraments Prayer Singing of Psalms and Collections Acts 2. 42. They continuâ—…ct stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and sellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Col. 3. 16. Teaching one another in Psalms and Hymns c. â—…1 Cor. 16. 1 2. Every first day lay by it self c. for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the Neuter Gender as well as Masculine and is so to be read because they had two distinct Collections â—…t that time The Collection for Ierusalem was by it self a publick not a private Collection Corrective 1 Cor. â—…5 425. When gathered together deliver to Saâ—… III The administration of and participation in all these Ordiâ—…ances while we are in this flesh and state militant are in full of variety of difficulties and temptations especially where Churches are numerous that the work cannot long be carried on a while it sometimes may viz. while the Churches are under the eye of an adversary and when there be Elders eminent in Piety Humility and Ability without stated help The help which the Lord hath instituted is Counsel When Antiech had trouble in some points of Doctrine the Remedy which the holy Ghost applied was Counsel given them by a formall Council Acts 15. When Corinth wanted help in a point of Discipline the Apostle doth help by ministring Counsel unto them 1 Cor. 5. 3 4 5. and he counselleth the Church to Excommunicate the man the sinner Excommunication is a sharp Rod made up of seven most severe and terrible Twigs or a strong Purgation compounded of seven violent Ingredients viz. 1. He is cut off from visible Communion with Christ in the Church 2. He is cut off from familiar Communion with the Saints in Worship 3. He is cast out of the usual walk of the Spirit 4. He is cast out of the House of God as unsavoury Salt or a loathsome thing that doth offend 5. He is thrust out of the Paradise of God from eating the Tree of Life viz. Christ in the Sacrament of the Supper where the Spirit sitteth as in his Sealing-office 6. He is cut off from familiar Civil Communion with the Saints he may not be invited to eat with them 7. He is delivered to Satan and that by the Sentence of Christ through the hand of his Spouse the Church and all this to be inflicted upon a Brother Ah! who trembles not to minister such a Pill to lay on such a Rod And therefore it had need to be managed and administred with all care fear and clearness And all this sheweth and much more might be produced to shew what need there is of Counsel which after thirty or forty years experience in the way of Congregational Churches in fulness of
Order of Councils and somewhat higher then we can yet well descry but Faith in the Promise can see all the world in the Gospel Order of Iesus Christ. And now the Lord Jesus is triumphing in his Militant Glory upon earth with his Twenty four Elders about him in Ecclesiastical visible Order And now the whole Militant Body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working of the measure of every part from Christ maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love Ephes. 4. 16. VII Furthermore consider that though I have proposed but Three Orders of Councils within the Nation yet in populous Nations there may be a 〈◊〉 of Provinces into chief Provinces and sub-Provinces If a Nation be divided into at least Twelve Ecclesiastical Provinces and every one of these divided into at least Twelve Sub-provinces and every one of these into at least Twelve Precincts of first Councils then they will have Four Orders of Councils within the Nation And three such Ascents will combine all the world into the holy Breastplate of our great High-Priest the Lord Jesus in an Oecumenical Council or three Ascents in one Nation and four such Ascents in the Combination of all the World doth in liâ—…e manner make up the holy Breastplate of Christ Which Council may meet in Ierusalem if the Lord will and if that be so literal a meaning of sundry Texts that way looking And when that Council shall agree of Universal dayes of Fasting or Feasting before the Lord upon iust occasion Oh! what glorious dayes will those be when all the World shall appear together before the Lord in such acts of Worship VIII And as an eminent Preparatory to these glorious dayes when Christ shall be King over all the earth when there shall be one Lord and his Name one Zech. 14. 9. And when the Lord shal accomplish that Prophesie Eâ—…e 34. 23 24. And I will set up one Shepherd over them and he shall feed them even my servant David he shall feed them and he shall be their Shepherd and I the Lord will be their God and my servant David a Prince among them 〈◊〉 Lord have 〈◊〉 it When Christ shall rule all the World both in Civil and Ecclesiastical affairs by the Word of his mouth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the hand of Saints even holy and religious Kings Princes and chief Rulers Oh that the Lord would pâ—… it into the heart of some of his Religious and Learned Servants to take such pains about the holy Hebrew Language as to fit it for this Universal glorious use Considering that above all Languages spoken by the lip of man by reasoâ—…â—…f iâ—… Trigraâ—…macall Foundation and other regular Consâ—…erations for the multiplications of all sorts of words it is most capable to be enlarged and fitted to express all things and actionâ—… all motions and notions that our Humanâ—… Intellect is capable of to speak no higher of iâ—… in this â—…ortall life Considering also that it is the Invention of God himself and it is the purest Language on earth not as yet defiled with the scurriloâ—… froth and some of carnal Wits in writings Considering also what is promised to be in thâ—…se dayes that way looking Zeph. â—… â—… I will turn to the people a pure Language And when Egypt is converted it is expressed by this that they shall speak the Language of Canaâ—… Isa. 19. 18 When all the World do obeisance to Christ disjunction then all Languages shall see my glory Isa. 66. 18. but when they do it conjunctim in what Language better then in it in which God first spake unto man How shall all flesh see the glory of the Lord together Isa. â—…0 5. unless there be an Universal Language And what one fitter then that which it pleased our Lord Jesus to make use of when he spake from heaven unto Paulâ—…o â—…o his first Converâ—…ion Actsâ—…6 â—…6 13 â—… I saw a light from heaven and heard a voice speaking unto me and saying in the Hebrew Tongue Saul Saul c. CHAP. IV. The Order of Electing all thâ—…se Councils with Consideration of the Time of their duration and of the Times and Place of Meeting I. THe Election of the First Council is severally performed in euery particular Church combined in 〈◊〉 Society wherein there seldome is any variety of choice and therefore no difficulty in the action So that it may be performed either by Lifting up of Hands or by a Silent Vote when their Silence is the sign of their Concurrence Iâ—… there be two Teaching Elders the Church may send them â—…oth if they see good as Antioch sent Paul and 〈◊〉 who were two Teaching Elders of that Church Acts 13. â—… And according to the number of Teaching Elders whom they send the like number of Ruling Elders or 〈◊〉 Brethren they are to send and astociate with them II. This act of the Churches Election must be diligently religiouâ—…y and solâ—…nly attended and performed aâ—… being 〈◊〉 and esseâ—…tially requisite both for the Constitution of all Councils and for the Obligation of all Churches unto obedience This act of the Church hath reference not onely to the Constitution of the first Council but also of all the rest For 〈◊〉 Churches are the Efficient Causes of Councilâ—… none are to be chosen 〈◊〉 a Prouincial National or Oecumenical Synod but such as were first chosen by some particular 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a first 〈◊〉 and â—…o 〈◊〉 on the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to order Hence 〈◊〉 it must be carefully and expressedly put into thâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Churches Election That 〈◊〉 are chosen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on the Ordinance of 〈◊〉 in all the Orders of it both in Provincial National and Oecuâ—…e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 even unto thâ—… highest point for though all that are thâ—…s elected and sent by the Churches are not to be elected and sent to Provincial National and Oecumenical Councils yet some of them are to be sent and all of them are to elect and send And therefore when the Church doth elect and send them to this first Council they are by this act of the Church impowered to carry on the Ordinance of Counsel through all the Orders thereof evâ—…n to the top branch either by electing others or being â—…ected themselves unto those services of Christ and of the â—…ches III. The Time of this Election is to be upon the Sabbath immediately preceding the stated time of the first Councils Monethly Meeting and then are they to be sent forth with the Prayers and Blessing of the Church IV. The Provincial Council doth consist of the choycest Instruments in all the first Councils by whom they are chosen and sent with their Prayers and Blessing Every first Council electing the most holy learned and able Elders both Teaching and Ruling thaâ—… they have who are most fit to promote and attain the endâ—… they are sent for viz. so carry on the Ordinance of Counsel in a Provincial
VII If any Strife or Division arise among any either personâ—… or parties or Churches or Towns or Magistrates because all strife is of Satan and dangerous and the higher the worse Therefore it ought to be the care of all the Councils speedily to reconcile in an Ecclesiastical way as to their spirits and affections all such strife with all care refusing to inâ—…erpose oâ—… meddle with the Civil cause if any be leaving that to be decided in Civil Order according to the Ordinance of God VIII If there arise any difficulty in any of the Churches about Election of Officers Administration of Censures Admission of Members Education of Youth or in such like cases and when do all these vigorously proceed without difficulty It is the duty and care of these Councils by the evidence of the light of the Word of God so to advise and counsel these Churches as that they may proceed to act in due unity good order and in the power and peace of the Gospel IX Because the pious and prudent management of the publick stock of Prayers and Praâ—…es is a point that greatly doth concern the Church Militant and because all the great Motions in the world are steered and manâ—…ged by Divine Providence according to the Prayers of the Churches and of the Saints Hence it is a great service of Christ and of the Churches for all the Councils to order and present matter of Prayers and Thanksgiving and also to order and guide the times and seasons of publick Fastings and Thanksgivings The management of the great Wheel of publick Prayers as to the presenting of matter and ordering of seasons lyeth within the care and guidance of the Councils by whose pious prudence all the Churches will be led on in an united Spirit of Prayer both for matter and seasons but abandoning the Anâ—…ichristian stinted Forms and Tiâ—…es X. If Colonies or New Towns are to be erected in Wildernesses or any unhabited places in the world and people appear ready in their mindes to undertake such a Design It is a singular point of wisdom and love to manage such a design religiously so as that God may go with them and dwell in the midst of them And therefore it is necessary that they have the Ministry of Gods Word and some other godly persons with them who â—…ay carry on Church-work among them And this care belongeth to the Councils to order guide and provide for them XI When Parishional Congregations are to be called up unto Reformation and when Officers are to be Ordained among them where none were before and when by addition of Churches unto the Communion Councils are to be multiplied These and such like are blessed Births and very well-pleasing to Christ and Oâ—… how well it becometh these Ecclesiastical Councils to Midwife forth such Births as these XII When a whole Church or the major part thereof do remove their dwellingâ—… and transplant themselves into some other plâ—…ce great care is to be had that Christ may go with them that go and that Christ may tarry and not depart from them that tarry The care of the holy and â—…oving management of such a design doth much concern and well become the holy care of the Ecclesiastical Councils CHAP. VI. Concerning the particular works of all the Orders of Councils and first of the First Order WHen a Council of the First Order is met at the stated time and in the Place agreed on and have compleated themselves by chusing Moderator and Notáries and have commended their work their Churches and all the Government Civil and Ecclesiastical c. unto God in Prayer then I. The Moderator with the Co-attestation of his Associate Ruling Elder doth first declare the present state of the Church where they do minister and who have sent them to act Communion of Councils with the sister-Churches here represented in this Council The present state of the Church he doth declare in these five Points in answering to these five Questions 1. Whether they walk together in Truth and Love truthing it in love Eph. 4. 15. 2. Whether Peace ruleth in their hearts and braves it among them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Col. 3. 15. 3. Whether they walk in holiness of Life Evangelically unblameable Luk. 1. 6. 4. Whether the Lambs of the Flock be diligently â—…ed and trained up for Christ in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Joh. 21. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 My little Lambs The care of the Lambs is one third part of the charge over the Flock of God 5. Whether the Lords-day be reverently religiously and strictly observed by all Rev. 1. 10. Isai. 58. 13. The Affirmative of these Questions in Gospel Measure and Endeavour though not without infirmities declared by him and co-attested by his Associate Ruling Elder is to be accepted with all thankfulness unto God for the present good estate in Christ of that Church and the Notary is to record the same to the praise of Christ Jesus II. The Moderator is to call upon all the Elderâ—… in order to declare with the co-attestation of their Associate â—…uling Elders the state of all the Churches touching the same five Questions All whose Reports are distinctly to be recorded as the present good estate in Christ of all those Churches to stand as a monument of Gods mercy to future ages and to be presented upon record unto the Provincial and National Councils III. If all the Churches walk in an Evangelical measure of Truth Peace and Holiness and have no cause that laboureth among them for want of Helpâ—…d â—…d Counsel then the Moderator is to declare to â—…e praise of God that the work of this present Session as touching their own Churches is finished IV. But if there be any difference or strife or any difficulâ—… case in any of the Churches there opened by the Elders The matter is first to be put and resolved into a Question or Questions according as the state of the case doth require and those Questions recorded as matter for the Council to give advice in unto that Church from whence they came Also it must be provided that the party or parties concerned in the case or cases be present both at the â—…ating of the Questions and discussion thereof and at the Application thereof unto the particular case and that he or they have competent liberty to Discuss Argue Answer or whaâ—… ever is requisite to finde out and clear up the truth The Answer to the Questions and the Application thereof so far as may stand with due reverence to the Church and glory of Christ are to be recorded V. If there be any case which the Elders see cause not to produce themselves or do refuse thâ—… any Brothâ—…r concerned may yea though it reflect upon the Elders themselves Or in case of Male-administration or if any already censured appeal for further Light and Conviction or if any deserving Ceâ—…sure do appeal from the Church for cleâ—…er conviction and the Church seeth
cause to defer proceeding unto Censure as sometimes it may be upon his appeal Or whatsoever the case or trouble be only all such proposals by any of the â—…ernity must be with due reverence humility and in the fear of God VI. If any other person or persons whatever have any Question or Case in matters of Religion to propose unto the Council they in the next place may have liberty in a reverent and orderly manner to propose the same and it is to be Considered and Answered Also any other matter concerning the publick good of the Churches and promotion of Religion may be discussed and ordered as Fastings Feastings â—…ropagation of the Gospel and the like VII If business so multiply that one day sufficeth not to fiâ—…ish the work the Council have liberty to appoint other times so ofâ—… aâ—… they need within the moneth and if they finish not in that moneth it must be left on record how the case standeth and so to be presented to the Council that shall be chosen for the next moneth which ordinarily in this order will be the same persons or at least most of them VIII If any Case prove too hard for them to resolve or if they be conâ—…iderably divided in judgement then the Case is to be transmitted to the next Provincial Council and â—…ecorded so to be with the Reasons of transmitting the saâ—… IX If they agree in Counsel about any case or point of Religion in Faith or Order and if any person or persons or Church concerned therein do not accept of their counsel and judgement he or they have liberty to appeal to the next Provincial Council provided that if the Council advise the Church to proceed to Ceâ—…re they are to follow that counsel notwithstanding his appeal and not to 〈◊〉 sin to ly upon their brother for if it were in the appealaâ—… power to stop the clear process of a Gospel-medicine to his soul in gross scandals some would never come under the Soul-medicine of Christ Jesus or not so soon as were meet but he may appeal higher for all actions of the Churches and Councils are â—…ble to a Review until it come unto the highest And his Appeal with the Reasons and manner thereof are to be recorded X. Every first Council in the Sessions immediately foregoing the quarterly time of the Provincial Councils meeting must chuse from among themselves at least one Teaching Elder and one Ruling Elder to be sent unto the Provincial Synod as Members of the same there to represent the first Councils who chose and sent them and all the Churches with them combined and to carry on the Ordinance of Counsel among them according to due Order XI Unto these thus chosen for the Provincial Council are to be delivered in writing first a Note of the present state of all the Churches combined with them Secondly a Note of such Cases as are transmiâ—…ed to the Provincial Council if any such be And thirdly a Note of such Appeals as are made unto them if any such be all these being first read are then delivered unto them And thus they are sent with their Prayers and Blessing XII When all these Elders do return to their own Churches they â—…re so far as in prudence is meet to relate the particular state of all the Churches the acts of the Council the persons chosâ—…n for the Provincial Council the cases transmitted and Appeales or so much as may give them a general view of the publick state of the Churches and Affaires of Christ as matter of continual Prayers Praises and Obedience in all the Churches The Particular works of the Provincial Council the second Order of Councils THe Provincial Council being met at the stated time and in the place agreed on Moderators and Notaries chosen the work blessed as in the Council of the first Order then 1. The Moderator with the co-attestation of his Associate Ruling Elâ—…er declareth the present state of the first Council that sent them as also the present state of all the Churches combined in that Council which he delivereth in writing and may be now read in this Council Then he delivereth in writing such Cases as are transmitted to them and such Appeales as are made unto them if any such be these being also read in the Council are kept in order by the Notaries 2. The Notaries are to record the present state of that Council and the general good estate of all the Churches referring unto the Records thereof now presented 3. The Moderator is to call upon all the Elders in order with their Associates delegated from all the first Councils who are all to do as the Moderator did declaring the state of the Councils and of the Churches delivering their Writings to the Notaries which are all read and recorded 4. The Notaries are to produce when called for all the Papers which present any Business or Work unto the Council either by Transmission or by Appeals which are orderly to be discussed Care being taken that all persons concerned be present and have free and competent liberty to argue answer object dispute or what else may be requisite for finding out of the Truth 5. If there be no Cases transmitted nor Appeals from any first Councils then the business of the Lord touching all their Churches is with glory and praise to Christ so soon finished as mentioned 6. If any person or persons whatsoever have any Questions or Cases concerning Religion Ecclesiastical affairs of Christ now they have liberty in due reverence and order to propose the same to be discussed and answered And if work multiply the Council may either tarry together or multiply their Sessions so oft as they see cause in their Quarter And what Cases they have unfinished they are to leave them upon Record for the next Council 7. If there be any case too difficult for them or that they be considerably divided in judgement in then that Case is to transmitted to the National Council The Notary is to Record it with the Reasons thereof 8. If any counsel or judgement agreed on by this Council be not accepted or acquiesced in by the party or parties concerned he or they may Appeal unto the National Council for further light and the Notaries are to record it and the Reasons thereof Provided that if this Council advise the Church to proceed to Censure they may so do if they see cause notwithstanding his Appeal 9. Those Provincial Councils which do immediately forego the stated time of the National Councils meeting are each of them to chuse at least one Teaching and one Ruling Elder according to the manner aforesaid who are to be Representatives of these Provincial Councils and of all the first Councils and Churches with them combined in the National Council who are chosen to carry on the Ordinance of Counsel in that Order 10. The Notaries are publickly in the presence of every Council to deliver in writing unto them who are chosen for the
National Council 1. The present state of all the first Councils and of all the Churches combined with them 2. All the Causes that are transmitted by them unto the National Council 3. The Appeals if any such be All these being first read are delivered to them and so they are sent with their prayers and blessing 11. If these Councils foresee any future Sessions this quarter they may now agree upon the same if any Fasts or Feasts are to be kept by all their Churches they may now agree upon it and propose the Causes thereof 12. When these Elders do next meet in their first Councils they must prudently and faithfully report the good state of all the rest of the first Councils in the Province and of all the Churches combined with them and all other weighty affairs fitting to be communicated that so they may relate them to their Churches that these things may be mutter of joy praise thanksgiving prayer and obedience in all the Churches The particular Works of the National and highest Ecclesiastical Council within the Nation THe National Council being met at the stated time and place agreed on compleated and blessed then 1. The Moderator with the co attestation of the Ruling Elder his Associate is to declare unto them the present good estate of that Provincial Council which sent them as also the state of all the first Councils and particular Churches with them combined Also he declareth such casesâ—…s â—…s are transmitted by them unto this Council and such Appeals as are made unto them as part of the presentâ—… business of this Council All these things to be delivered in writing distinctly unto the Notaries who reade them all and then record the present good estate of that Province and all the Councils and Churches therein combined as also the matters that are from them dilated unto the present Council 2. The Moderator calleth all the rest of the Provincial Representatives in order who are to make the like declaration â—…s the Moderator hath done with the co-attestation of their Associate Ruling Elders All their Papers are to be delivered to the Notaries who are to reade and then record them distinctly with the present Ecclesiastical state of all the Provinces in the Nation whose Representatives do there appear make declaration thereof before the National Council 3. The Notaries are orderly to propose all the matters presented by the Provincial Councils when the Moderator requireth the same Care being had that the persons concerned be present and have free and competent liberty to argue answer object in due reverent and modest manner and to do what may be necessary for the finding out of the truth 4. If there be no Cases transmitted to them nor Appeals the affairs of all the Churches in the Nation are presently issued with glory and praise to the Lord Iesus the King of Peace 5. If any other person or persons within the Nation or of any other Nation have any Cases or Questions about Religion they may now have liberty of proposing the same to receive an answer 6. If any Cases of difficulty be such as that they cannot obtain an issue and resolution satisfactory then the Case must be recorded and stay untill by further consideration and discussion God shall please to reveal further light therein because there is no Higher Council to appeal unto for light within the Nation And in such casés so the Apostles did walk and teach the Churches to walk Phil 3. 15 16. Let us therefore as many as be perfect be thus minded and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded God shall reveal even this unto you Nevertheless whereunto we have already attained let us walk by the same rule let us minde the same things But if the matter be of due weight and worth then either by Transmission or Appeal it may ascend unto an Occumenical Council 7. If any person or persons whose opinion or practice receiveth a judgement with counsel and advice in reference to the person or persons concerned and he or they rest not therein as to Peace and Order then if he or they be they many or few be not already under Church Censure the Church to which they belong are to proceed according to the determination of this Council in the case unto their Censure as the Church of Corinth did upon the advice of Paul 1 Cor. 5. 4 5. for the healing of their soules and bringing of them unto repentance and good order Which being effected the end of all this acting both in Conviction and Correction is attended And thus within the compass of one year the whole Order of Ecclesiastical Discipline hath its course and that in a most difficult case 8. But yet if he or they rest not such are high disturbers and must be suppressed by civil Power And in civil Order he that doth not submit unto and rest in as to peace and order the sentence of the Supreme Power is guilty of a Capital Offence and ought to be put to death by the Law of God Deut. 17. 10 11 12 13. and the reason is because Order is better then any of our lives It is a greater good to preserve Order then to preserve the lives of the wilfull and obstinate violaters thereof And the loss of Order and Peace in Ecclesiastical Government in the way of the Churches is of greater consequence then the loss of their lives Zec. 13. 3 6. 9. All things that are to be commended or committed to Civil Authority either from the Churches or in behalf of the Churches and Religion are to be resolved and acted by the National Council Where great care is to be had to keep a clear distinction betwixt Civil and Ecclesiastical Power and not to meddle or in the least intrude or intrench upon Civil Authority The usurpation of Antichrist upon the Civil Authority must ever keep the Ecclesiastical Councils in a vigilant fear of that aspiring pride a worm too apt to breed and grow in the breasts of learned and eminently gifted men if there be not a vigilant spirit of mortification and humble subjection unto Order 10 It will be necessary that an appointed Committee of this National Council be alwayes some or other of them resident near unto the Supream Civil Authority that they may speedily have notice of all occurrences that may have respect unto or concern the Ecclesiastical affaires of the Churches and may receive Commands from Authority about Fastings or Feastings according to the well or ill being of the affaires of the Nation or the Churches either at home or abroad and may call together the whole Council if there be any cause that it should be so c. 11. Such publick Fasts and Feasts as concern all the Churches in the Nation to solemnize which are not first commanded by civil Authority why may they not be appointed and agreed on by the National Councilâ—… such publick sins as are to be bewailed such mercies as are to