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
Peace That this his undertaking might be the more successeful he produceth and improveth the judgement of those Divines onely whose parts and piety have rendred them eminent who also have published to the world their apprehensions in this Controversie viz. Mr. Cotton Mr. Hooker Mr. Norton Mr. Shepherd together with the Platform of Church-Government in N. Engl. which was attested by all the Elders convened in a National Assembly there and because the names of Mr. Cotton and Mr. Hooker are superlatively famous in the Churches of Christ therefore their judgement is most frequently insisted upon During their abode in old England they were of one mind heart and way with the good old Non conformists who were real Presbyterians so far as the Brethren of their most intimate acquaintance did conceive and it is strongly believed that they would not have left their native Country for conscience sake in case they might have been freed from the unsupportable yoak of Episcopal subscription and conformity whereof this may be a probable evidence that very few if any Non-conformists of special note who stayed in England ever turned Independents As for the most if not all of our English Independents they did at once step over the heads of Non-conformists from conformity unto Independency or as reverend Mr. Ball was wont with dislike to express it they did at one jump leap out of the Surplice and Church Assemblies also Our brethren of the Savoy Assembly are too lavish in nominating some worthy men as favorites of their cause for no other reason yet appearing but because they were known Non-conformists Dr. Reynolds by appearing at the Hampton-court conference discovered himself a friend unto Non-conformity but he was ever opposite to them who made a Schism in or from the Church of England Dr. Chadderton also a known Non-conformist did dislike separation from the Church of England Dr. Whittaker and Mr. Perkins also were of his judgement And it would be no hard task to undertake the nomination of many Non-conformists who publikely in print have witnessed their hearty dislike of all wayes of separation from the Congregations in England notwithstanding the sinful mixtures in them vid. Mr. Cartwright Mr. Travers Mr. Hildersam Master Dorrel Master Bradshaw Master * Vide Mr. Balls answer to Mr. Cans book intituled Necessity of Separation from Non-conformists grounâ—s Ball and Mr. Rathband Mr. Hildersam did much grieve when he understood that the Brethren in New England did depart from the Presbyterian Government and he said This mischief had been prevented if my counsel at Mr. Higginsons going over had been taken which was that brethren driven thither by Episcopal persecution should agree upon the Church Government before they depart from hence And it is well known that many Presbyterian non-conformists did by a letter sent unto New England bewaile their departing in practice as they heard from the way of Church government which they owned here As heretofore Mr. Parker Mr. Knew-stubs Mr. Udall Mr. Sherwood Mr. Fen Mr. Egerton Mr. Balmford Mr. Baines Mr. Foord and the many scores suspended in Q. Eliz. and K. James's reign so of later times Mr. Dod Mr. Cleaver Mr. Wight Mr. Bourne Mr. Pierson as also Mr. Hinde Mr. Nicolds Mr. Langley whom Bishop Morton mentioneth in his Defence of Ceremonies as Non-conformists Were Presbyterians and utterly against even Semi-separation Unto these might be added Mr. John Paget Mr. Pot Ministers of the Reformed English Church at Amsterdam and Mr. Hering with Mr. Thomas Paget their Successors The godly Ministers of Scotland are generally Non-conformists but the world knoweth that they are Antagonists to Independency And is it not probable that if Mr. Cotton and Mr. Hooker had stayed in their Native Countrey they would not have been at such a distance from Church-fellowship with their Presbyterian Brethren as old England Independents are For doubtless their conscientious tendernesse would have wrought them to practices answerable unto their judgement held forth in this book These two Worthies all their life long were studious and laborious in the Work of the Ministry they were Patterns of Humility Meeknesse Love self-denial and all pious practices in their Families Relations and whole Conversation By them Gods Ordinances publickly Administred were highly prized constantly frequented and the Sabbath strictly observed as holy to the Lord. They neither covetously nor vain-gloriously sought great things in the world by ingrossing places of Honor command and profit for themselvs The life of faith and the power of godlinesse shined most gloriously in them all their dayes and how few in old England who boast of these Worthies as their Predecessors in wayes of Independency do merit such a character of commendation let them determin who are best acquainted with their conversation in their several stations and capacities And when this book hath been seriously perused let the Judicious Reader give sentence whether in their Church-administrations they be not so unlike unto them that they must either disclaim their Patronage or change their present practices It is a high commendation given of learned Mr. Calvine that in his Institutions Commentaries and other works he doth sibi constare always agree with himself whereas many others especially such who are much versed in Polemical debates do often cross shins with themselves through inconsiderateness or forgetfulness This is not spoken to cast reproach upon any good man but to give an Item unto all wisely to weigh what they Puhlish and what they Practice The Peace-makers are blessed but those that sowe discord amongst brethren are an abomination to the Lord. Mâ—â— 5.9 Prov. 6.19 The wisdom which is from above is first pure then peaceable gentle easie to be intreated Therefore follow peace and holinesse Lâ—â— 3.17 Love the truth and peace Consider what is said Heb. 12.14 â—ath 8.19 and what may be suggested in this ensuing Treatise and the Lord give a right understanding in all things An Advertisement to the READER LEt the Reader take notice that these words in the second line of the fourth page Nations holy by Covenant therefore Churches and these words in the fifteenth line of the same page and according to this sense may we not say Saint Saul Saint Demas Saint Judas and that a Church made up of such as these is a Church of Saints Both these sentences should have been put in the margent being not the words of the Reverend Author there cited but Observations which the Collector conceived he might justly make upon his words IRENICVM OR AN ESSAY Towards a Brotherly PEACE and UNION CHAP. I. Of the matter of a Church under the New Testament and who are fit to be Church-members Question I. WHat is the matter of a Church now in the New Testament Answ The Church of the Old Testament consisted of no other matter than of such as professed the faith of the God of Israel and of their seed and the Church of the New Testament consisteth of the like Mr.
faith Mr. Cotton of Infant Baptisme page 57. line 31. 2. God may approve a man to be admitted into the Covenant whose person he approves not Mr. Cotton Infant Bapt. page 66. line 39. 3. For it is one thing for the Word of God to approve men to be in Covenant another thing to approve them in the Covenant God he did never approve Saul nor Jehu in their Kingdome yet he approved both should be admitted to their Kingdome Mr. Cotton of Infant Bapt. page 68. line 19. Object But is it not said John 4. that God seeketh such to worship him as worship him in Spirit and truth therefore none but such may be admitted to the Ordinances of God And is it not said Acts 2.47 the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved or saved men as some translate it therefore none but such as are in the state of grace and salvation should be added to the Church Answ It is said God seeketh such to worship him as worship him in Spirit and in truth but it is not said God findeth such in every Church Mr. Cotton of Infant Baptisme page 103. line 35. Much lesse none but such 2. It is said Acts 2. The Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved but it is not said he added none other Were not Ananias and Sapphyra added to the Church and Simon Magus also who yet for ought appears were none of them saved Mr. Cotton of Infant Bapt. page 67. line 35. Object But as none invisibly before God are by him approved at all to have right to any priviledges of grace but only as he looketh upon them in his Sonne No more are there any before man visibly to be approved of so as to have right to the same but as they appear to be in Christ by some effect of faith declaring the same Answ If you mean by grace saving grace it is true none have right to any priviledge of saving grace Mr. Cotton but as God looks at them in his Son either by faith or by election unto faith if you mean by grace the outward dispensation of the covenant of grace and of the seal thereof it is true none have right to any priviledge of the covenant or the seal of it but as they are in Christ either by faith or by election unto faith or by the fellowship with the Church whereof Christ is the head in which respect all the members of the Church and their seed are in Christ as branches in the vine or olive and may be cut off for want of faith to make them fruitful in him Mr. Cotton of infant bapt p. 55. l. 28 c. 2. But when you say none have right to the covenant or the external priviledges thereof but as they appear to be in Christ by some effect of faith declaring the same that you cannot make good from Scripture-light Mr. Cotton of infant bapt p. 56. l. 1 c. Hitherto of Church matter and Church-members Now out of this that hath been spoken I draw these plain positions with some inferences 1. The Church of the old Testament and new do not differ one from another in the qualification of their matter and members See the answer to the first question Therefore the Church of the old Testament consisted of visible Saints as well as the Church of the new 2. Sole want of grace doth not make a man uncapable of Church-membership unless ignorance and scandal do accompany it See the answer to the second and third question Therefore no man may be denyed membership because it doth not appear to the Church in the best judgement of charity and discretion thar he hath true saving grace 3. The members of the visible Church are Saints in respect of outward calling not inward inherent grace See answer to the four th question 4. The holiness from which the members of the visible Church are denominated Saints is not by imputation or regeneration but by separation to God and his worship See answ to quest 5. According to which Saul and Judas and Demas may be denominated Saints See answ to quest 6. Therefore all assemblies of people thus set apart to the worship of God are Churches of Saints and one Church may not say unto another stand apart from me for I am holyer then thou 5. The covenant of grace separates men and women from other people sets them apart to the Lord and his holy worship gives them right to holy priviledges denominates them holy or Saints See the answer to the fifth question Therefore the covenant of grace and not any other constitutes the Church and gives Church membership 6. Neither faith nor consent to the covenant is necessary to the bringing of men outwardly into covenant See the answer to quest 7 8. Therefore an explicite consent is not required to the constituting of a Church 7. The covenant of grace is applied to men not onely because they have faith and are converted but that they may have faith and be converted See answer to question 7. and 9. Therefore by a like reason men are to be admitted members of the Church not onely because they have faith and are converted but that they may have faith and be converted for the Church and the covenant are commensurate 8. Though Christ be a living head yet he counts it no dishonor to him to admit of dead members in his Church which is his mystical body as knowing how to glorifie himself in or by dead members See answer to quest 10. And though Christ be spiritual yet he doth not despise to take into covenant with himself those that are but natural See the answer to the 11. quest Therefore they arrogate to themselves to be wiser and holyer then Christ himself who despise and depart from Church assemblies and communion because of the mixture of those which are not spiritual and have nor the life of grace 9. Christ though he be married to the Church is not presently married to every member of the Church See answer to question 11. 10. Profession of faith in order to admission unto Church-membership is onely required of those that from Judaism and Paganism are converted unto Christ and not from such as being born in the Church are admitted in their infancy for their baptism seals to them their initiation into Church-membership See answer to question 12. Therefore it is an injury done to any that have been baptized in their infancy to deny them admission into the Church unlesse they make a profession of their faith and that before the whole Church 11. It is not the grace of faith but the doctrine of faith the profession whereof is required in Church-members See answer to question 13. Therefore it is irregular to put people upon the relation of the time and manner of their conversion 12. It were an inextricable perplexity to suspend the essence and validity of Churches and Church administrations upon the hidden sincerity of
Churches Church Officers or members See answer to question 13. Therefore they make desperate snares for their consciences and the consciences of others that say none may be Officers or members of a Church but such as are really converted ones 13. God approved Saul and Jehu to be admitted to their kingdom though he did not approve their persons or way of administring their kingdom See the answer to question 15. So by a parity of reason we may conclude that God approves some men to be admitted officers or members of the Church whose persons and wayes he doth not approve 14. It cannot be made good by Scripture-light that none have right to the covenant and external priviledges thereof but as they appear to be in Christ by some effect of faith declaring the same See answer to the last question Therefore to reject any for want of evidence of faith is not warrantable by the word CHAP. II. Of the Form and constitutions of a Church Question 1. WHether had the Church of England ever a true constitution Answ To say that the Church of England never had any true constitution Mr. Cotton is a rash and a false speech rash for can you say it or do you know it because you were then born or because the number of your dayes is great as God questioneth with Job in another case Iob 38.21 Or have you found such a matter by reading of ancient records and stories If you dare credit them as doubtless they are more worthy of credit that lived near those times and had the view of antient records then some of your later books who speak either out of partiality to Rome as the Jesuites or out of prejudice against the state of the Church of England some rigid Separatists do But those antient records will tell you that England received the faith of Christ by Ioseph of Arimathea and Simon Zelotes and others of those primitive Apostolick Saints who doubtless planted Churches not after the pattern of Antichrist but after the manner of the Apostles Mr. Cotton of infant Baptism pag. 186. line 3. Therefore to say the Church of England never had a true constitution is not onely rash but falsâ— for the Churches of England were rightly gathered and planted at the first Mr. Cottons way of the Church pag. 111. line 26. Quest 2. But have nâ—t the Churches of England been wofully corrupted since by Antichristian usurpations and innovations Answ 1. Yes yet that did not cast them into a worse estate than the ten tribes in Israel under Ieroboam and his successors especially under Ahab and Iâ—sabel Mr. Cotton and the time succeeding them when yet God owned them for his Church and their circumcision was not a nullity Mr. Cotton of Infant Bapt. pag. 187. line 9. 2. For the Church now in being most of their members had their admission into the Church sealed in Baptism For many children are born in the Church to whom the pastor is by office a Pastor and whose conversion he is bound to attend and intend Mr. Cotton of holinesse of Church-members pag. 51. line 21. And their baptism seals to them their initiation into Church-membership Ibi. pag. 96. line 31. Quest 3. But they who are now Church-members were baptized upon the account of the baptism of their forefathers and they that is their forefathers were bap ized under Antichrist and so their baptism was a stone lying in Antichrists foundation and how can this give right of admission into the Church of Christ Answ The baptism of believers and of their seed is no more a stone lying in Antichrists foundation then is the doctrine of the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost Mr. Cotton three persons in one God into which we and our children are baptized That and other Gospel-ordinances they were in Rome but as the vessels of the temple were in Babylon reserved for the use of the Church after their return Mr. Cotton of Infant baptism pag. 163. line 28. Quest 4. But to the true and right constitution of a Church entring into covenant is necessary is it not Answ 1 That was done in King Edward and Queen Elizabeths days Mr. Cotton and whereas they say our Church is but a Parliament constitution that doth not weaken but establish our Church Mr. Cotton on the 1 Epist of Iohn 2 chap. 19 vers page 157. line 43 44 amp c. 2. The substance of the Church constituting covenant is keâ—t where there is a real agreement and consent of a company of faithful persons to meet constantly together in one Congregation for the publike worship of God and their mutual edification which agreement and consent they do express by their constant practice of coming together for the publike worship of God and Religious subjection to the Ordinances of God Their Platform of Church discipline agreed upon by the Elders and messengers of the Churches in New England chap. 4. sect 4. 3. The people in the Parishes of England where there is a Minister put upon them by the Patron or Bishop they constantly hold them to the fellowship of the people of such a place attend all the Ordinances there used and the dispensation of the Minister so imposed upon them submit thereunto perform all services that may give countenance and encouragement to his person in the work of his Ministry By such actions and a fixed attendance upon all such services they declare that consent and covenant by their practice which others do hold forth by publike profession Mr. Hooker Survey of discipline part 1. pag. 47. line 36. Quest 5. What then is the work that is now to do in the Churches of England Answ The work which is now to do in the Churches of England is not to make Churches where there were none Mr. Cotton but to reduce them to their first primitive institution Mr. Cotton way of the Churches pag. 151. line ult Hitherto of the constitution and form of a Church Now out of this I shall also draw some few plain positions with some inferences 1. To say that the Church of England never had a true constitution is a rash and false speech See chapter 2. answer to the first question 2. The Antichristian usurpations and innovations that have overgrown the Church of England have not nullified the first constitution of it See chapter 2. answer to question 2. 3. The baptism administred and received in the Church of England is no more Antichristian then the doctrine of the Trinity See chapter 2. answer to question the third Therefore they are condemned who refuse to be present in our assemblies when baptisme is administred 4. Not onely baptisme but other Gospel-Ordinances were reserved in Rome for the use of the Church in after times as the vessels of the temple in Babylon See chap. 2. answer to quest 3. Thence quere why not ordination reserved there for the Churches use as well as baptism and yet no more Antichristian then baptism 5. The
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
but saith he Tell me 1 Tim. 5.20 Now this is sad when a man cannot bear reproof of others nor bear reproofs of Elders but turns again and will be judge in his own case though never so gross a sign of an extream froward high spirit Mr. Shepherd pag. 108. 7. They are to feed in power as the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies every one in their places Hence when men despise their food and they are poor things they speak and they can see no matter in them and that after study prayers and tears and so cast it by that is to cast off the Lord when men grow glutted and full that they eat not a bit these things call for chains Mr. Shepherd pag. 109. Quest 25. But why are you thus large in setting out the work and power of the ruling elder Answ 1. Because the Apostle in many of his Epistles lays a special charge upon the people to have a care of the Officers Mr. Shepherd and obey them Heb. 13.7 17. It is twice repeated first least officers be sadded in their work that is heavy Secondly least it be unprofitable for you you think to get this and that good by it but it will be nothing in the conclusion 2. Because we lye under the slander of many and that godly as if Elders in Churches were but onely ciphers 3. Because people begin to run into extreams Elders taking all to themselves and people all to themselves 4. Because if here be not attendance you will quickly see the miserable ruine and fall of Churches more sad than the burning of Solomons temple It is observed of Jeroboam that when he stretched out his hand against the Lords Prophet it was withered but not when he sacrificed for the Lord will not bear here they may be despised and you may think your selves Kings without them 1 Cor. 4.8 and men will say so they may rule as they will but you will do as you list but the Lord will be provoked for this Mr. Shepherd his wholesome caveat for a time of liberty pag. 109 110. Quest 26. But seeing there is such plain ground in Scripture for the office of the ruling Elder and seeing it is so useful and necessary in the Church what is the reason there is so much gainsaying and opposing this office Answ 1. Mr. Hooker It is no wonder to see the contention grow so hot touching a ruling Elder because if he be confined within his compass the wings of the Pope and Prelate will be exceedingly clipped arid their power empeached Mr. Hookers Survey of discipline part 2 pag. 12. line 8. 2. All Satans subtilty lies here Disgrace the Elder saith one divide them saith another pull them down saith a third that there may be no King in Israel no nor in Sion that we may do what is right in our own eyes Mr. Shepherds wholesome caveat pag. 110. line 19. Quest 27. What say you of the other Officers called Deacons Answ Mr. Cotton All men do acknowledge them both to be instituted by Christ in the Scriptures Act. 6. 1 Tim. 3. and continued in the Church throughout all ages Mr. Cotton of the way pag. 38. line 7. Mr. Hookers Survey part 2. 32. Platform of discipline chap. 7. sect 3 4 c. Quest 28. VVhat is the Deacons office Answ His Office is to attend tables i. e. to lay out the treasury and revenue of the Church as may be behoveful 1. For to provide elements for the Lords table when that should be attended 2. For the table of the poor for all their wants that they may be supplied whether of their own bodie or strangers Mr. Cotton of the way pag. 38. line 26.3 For the table of the Minister whatever provision the Church shall put into their hands to be administred to them according to that debt which the Church owes them in way of wages Mr. Hookers Survey part 2. pag. 38. line 3. Quest 29. Is then the Ministers maintenance and the Poors to come all out of one stock or common treasury Answ Mr. Hooker 1. No for first all are not bound to pay it to the treasury of the poor but all are bound to pay to the maintenance of the Minister Gal. 6.6 2. People are bound to make their teachers partakers of all their good things not so the poor 3. This coupling of the poor and Ministers in one common treasury confounds the works of Justice and Mercy Mr. Hookers Survey of discipline part 2. pag. 30. line 23. Quest 30. VVhat was the chief aim of our Saviour in setting these officers in his Church Answ The chief aim of our Saviour under the glory of his name was to provide for the especial good of his elect yet because those his elect were mingled here with the wicked in the world nay many an elect child proceeds of a reprobate parent and because it is impossible for the eye of man to search into heart secrets and inward sincerity which is covered there but must judge of men and dispense Ordinances unto men according to the limits and laws of rational charity therefore it is that our Saviour hath bestowed these Offices as a royall gift upon the visible Church over whom he is a head Political by outward guidance and government as well as a head mystical by his special and spiritual conveyance of his grace Mr. Hookers Survey of discipline part 2. pag. 2. line 29. Hitherto of Church Officers c. now to draw some positions out of these particulars with inferences thereupon 1. Officers are ordinarily necessary to the calling of a Church and to the well-being of it when called Chap. 5. quest 1. answ Therefore the way of gathering or calling Churches as it is used here in England is preposterous where the Church calls and constitutes it self first and then afterwards constitutes an Officer or Officers 2. None can warrantably do any act that belongs to an office without a call to that office and if he do it is void and of none effect Yea it is a sacrilegious usurpation an Anabaptistical frenzy for private Christians to take upon them ordinarily to preach the Gospel publikely c. Chap. 5. quest 4 5. Therefore let the brethren of the Church-way consider their practice of sending out their private brethren and members to preach ordinarily in the Country Parishes how warrantable it is and if every act of an office done without a Call to the office be void and null whether such publike preaching of private Christians be not a taking Gods name in vain a mocking of God and the souls of his people and sacriledge instead of sacrifice 3. That famous text 1 Cor. 14.31 gives no countenance at all to preaching of private men and such as are not in office to quest 5. Obj. 1. 4. Christ hath appointed in his Church not one but many Officers Pastors Teachers Rulers and Deacons and none of these superfluous but all useful and needful all
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
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
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