spirit and follow corrupt nature that studies more to please it selfe and men then to please the Lord. This giues way to all idolatry whatsoever Apoc. 21 the fearful haue their portion with idolaters It is to giue away the Lords right and makes men they cannot with any zeale or loue preach or practice the main truthes of God Our Saviour Christ refused to be subject to the Pharisies washings a ceremony out of Gods worship not corrupted so by idolaters but in other kinds commanded and appointed by God 10 A thing indifferent having holinesse put in it ceaseth to be indifferent and becomes simply evil and abominable for then it is will-worship as the brazen serpent 2 God onely must sanctifie things Relatiuely for an holy use Io. 2 Mark 11. 11 That is not a thing indifferent which the holy Scriptures hath commanded or forbidden in generall or speciall in any infallible example or by consequence For every man is bound to the will of God simply being made known That men are bound to examples it may appear 1 Because the Holy Ghost records them for our learning and practice Rom. 15 Christs example is brought to proue we must not please our seâ—â— es so that divine examples binde when they are not against a divine Rule 2 It is the manner of Scripture to propound divers duties onely in examples because they moue much 3 Infallible examples were guided immediately by the holy Ghost and therefore are sure rules for us to follow even in circumstances And see Math. 21 how our Saviour Christ proues by consequence the resurrection against the Sadduces 12 Circumstances of holy actions are commanded by the Lord in the generall as time to meet to hear the word and receiue Sacraments the Table to set bread and wine upon but in the particular the Church may appoint what is fittest for order and edification from the generall rules and examples of holy Scriptures ever knowing we are bound to follow the Traditions and Ordinances of Christ and his Apostles as they they haue delivered them unto us 1 Corinth 11.12 13 This word onely is to be understood in every commandement yea in every part of Gods worship so as no other god may be adored saue Iâ—hovah nor after any other manner then he commands Mat. 4.10 with Deut. 6.10 For to fear the Lord and keep his commandemants is the whole duty of man 2 Men going beyond the bounds appointed by the Lord sin against him 3 Men are expresly tyed to the Law and Testimony Isa 8. 4 Men are in darknesse and know not which way they walk except the light of the word guide them 2 Pet. 1. 14 Every particular Congregation assembled lawfully in the name of Christ that is after his own institution with the Officers given and appointed hath full liberty of her â—elfe to execute Discipl ne being independant to any other Ecclesiasticall power on earth whatsoever Math. 18 Having reproved the offender by 2 or 3 then tell the Church or Congregation after which is no higher power Whatsoever they binde on earth is bound in heaven Paul reproved the Corinthians that they had not excommunicated the incestuous person Buâ—erus ibi totum Christi Regnum there is Christs whole Kingdom neither may any take away that which Christ hath given for upon his shoulders is the government and he hath all authority and will haue it thus dispensed wherfore if Naboth would not sell the inheritance of his fathers much lesse may wee sell the inheritance of Christ Nor did Christ subject one Congregation to another for that step to the Popedome came in long after And all Pastors being equall by Gods institution are forbidden to exercise authority one over an other or expect any such title as may import it or affect preeminence like Diotrophes 15 Commanding or following humane Traditions for carnall policy or good intent brings an utter ruin and insensible judgement upon any Kingdom Hos 5 witnesse Ieroboam in the Kingdom of Israel Gideon for making the Ephod Then men 1 grow strangers from Gods own worship 2 To think Religion is but a devise of man 3 They put down the servants of the Lord 4 They despise and resist the Lords word brought by his servants 16 Of all men Ministers are bound to abhorre the least reliques of idolatry and can be least forced to the use therof Lev. 21.5 For first they draw neerest unto the Lord who is a consuming fire and will be sanctified in them that come neer him 2 Ministers must leade the people in this as in other duties 3 The most zealous servants of God haue been ever very forward against all superstitious monuments 4 Magistrates and people haue a speciall charge Lev. 21.5 to sanctifie the Priest which was then the Lords Minister 17 The Church hath not all her light at once nor by one instrument Christ comes to his people as the Sun riseth first the day dawnes then darknesse is quite expelled and at last the Sunne is in his strength For 1 the servants of God at first doe set themselues against the great and maine corruptions of the time as Luther and the former servants of God did against the foundations of Babell 2 The Lords manner is to proceed from lesser to greater as may evidently be seen in the six daies work in the creation of the world 3 All men receiue the spirit but by measure and for a speciall work 4 That the Church might be carefull to bring forth many children to God and fervently and ardently to pray for the conversion of the Iewes at whose coming home wonderfull light shall appear to the whole world 18 A whole visible Church when it abounds with men of excellent graces for Magistrates and Ministers may yet omit duties commanded by the Lord and doe many things without warrant from the Scriptures So in all the daies of the Iudges and good Kings they on itted keeping of the feast of Boothes as it appeares They sacrificed in the high places in Iehosaphats time So the first and purest times after Christ began shortly in many ceremonies to bee too superstitious For 1 much ignorance is in us all and Gods Spirit is promised to lâ—ade us no further then wee doe take heed to the Word 2 In things absolutely necessary 3 The Church is too carelesse in some things and we all are too prone to rest before wee haue done our whole work 19 Consent of Writers Orthodoxall is had though not mentioned where Scripture is plain for any point This appeares 1 because the Church is led by the same Spirit the Scriptures were penned and inspired by 2 God hath in all times and ages some witnesses to stand for him and his truth 3 Gods children haue the same minde and walk in one way This consent is either in the grounds and common principles though they doe not come to the particulars because these things were not then controverted Or in will and heart as if such truthes
which is worship devised by man and arbitrary or free is abhorred by the Lord. The second commandement forbids making to our selues the least sign fying ceremony Numb 15.39 Col. 2 noth ng pleaseth God but what comes from heaven for outward service pleaseth no further then it is done in obedience to God and is an expressing of inward worship Therefore this wil-worship being done not in obedience to God but to our own and others will Isa 24.13 it is not accepted of God To this all agree for it was the Pharisies sinne that they took up of themselues many washings not commanded of God nor forbidden by him but indifferent in themselues 2 The Lord hath given a perfect Platform and absolute Rule how hee will be worshipped in the time of the new Testament For Christ that hath ever taught the Church and directed Moses and David much more comming in his own person hath fully manifested the will of his Father Else he should be lesse faithfull then the servant in him are hid all the treasures of wisedom and knowledge so as in him we are compleat and need not further to seek nor borrow any light from the greatest Angells in heaven for matters concerning God or his worship Therfore they are accursed Gal. 1 that preach any other doctrine besides that the Apostles haue preached and left unto us 2 Tim. 3 The Scripture makes the man of God perfect and absolute to every good work and it is a light unto our feet and to our pathes so as not a foot is set towards heaven but where and how it should be placed is evidently shewed The Scripture is so large that it meets with all doubts else the Lord should not be so provident as man who meet in their lawes with all they can conceiue Now the Lord foresees all doubts Further the Scripture g ues direction how to use things indifferent 1 Tim. 4 in our common use therfore much more in a religious This for the substance is held by all our sound Divines against the Papists 3 The Lord is very strict for observing every thing commanded in his service without any addition or detraction in the least things Deut. 4.2 Moses must doe all according to the pattern shewed in the mount The Lord punished Aarons sonnes for offering strange fire Vzzah for offering to stay the Ark hee forbids to be called Baali Hes 2. The Lord is a jealous God 2 Com. and his authority is weakned when men presume to doe any thing in his worship and serv ce God will be the same in punishing that he is in forbidding Math. 5 the least jo e or title shall not passe but all must see fulfilled 4 The least sin may not be committed to injoy all the Ordinances of God Rom. 3. For 1 The Lord may take men away in the act of doing evill afore they come to any good 2 It is is a great dishonour to God to doe any sinne to a good end as though the Lord could not provide for thy soule without sinning against him and sâ—rving Satan first 3 It opens a gap to all superstitâ—on upon a good meaning and a gap to injustâ—ce in mens dealings 4 The least sinne done especâ—ally wittâ—ngly and willingly brings judgement upon the doer 5 God in such times when without sinning against him wee cannot enjoy them calls us for the while to humiliation or removing his glory from that place calls otherwhere to ab de Matth. 15 Men Men may not deny duety to these parents in rele ving them to offer unto God it makes the commandement of God of none effect which for to doe for any man whatsoever is a most hoâ—r bâ—e sinne 5 A little leaven leavens the whole lumpe 1 Cor. 5 men dote ever upon their own dev sâ—s and hav ng oâ—c◠〈◊〉 the bounds God hath set them run fuâ—tâ—er further Besides the Lord so knâ—tâ—a hâ—s worship and oâ—dinances togethâ—r that â—orruption of one coâ—rupts the â—est and without curing and restoring in time expells all Gods institutions and leaues men nothing but their own stuffe For men withholding the truth in injustice are forsaken of God and become fooles because they worship not God as God that is as he reveales himselfe in his workes and word Leaven is a Gangreen 2 Tim. 3. 6 The offence of the weak in the abuse of things indifferent much more superstitious which none in earth can command this may bring damnation unto thy brother Therfore that is most uncharitable and none can command against charity The Magâ—strate is keeper of this Law and ought not to see it broken This is a sin against Christ Woe be to him that offends the least of these little ones Math. 18. In this the Scripture is so large 1 Cor. 10 Rom. 14 because men are witty having no sense nor tendernesse of conscience in themselues nor true loue towards the sincere servants of God and therfore no care of their growth in grace and prosperity of their soules onely puft up with knowledge and a forme of Religion that they haue devised I say they are so cunning to offend their weak brethren for which Christ dyed under colourable pretences Math. 12.23 ad 8. Divine order it selfe giues way to charity towards mens bodies much more a humane to mens soules All power is to edification not destruct on 7 All men are bound to protest and stand out against all superstitious will-worship especially that of the Church of Rome so as they may leaue the pure truth to posterity now in this light of the Gospell 2 Cor. 6 Apoc 14.4 Saints are redeemed and bought from among men and virgins which are not defiled with women that is w th whorish and idolatrous service Else how doe wee answer the great mercy and goodnesse of the Lord if we deny not all ungodlâ—nesse Tit. 2. 2 They are guilty of former superst tions if they cast not away all idols 2 Command 3 They wrong their posterity making them e ther to drink troubled waters or suffer persecution for standing against that wh ch they yeelded unto 4 This is a part of that victory which Christ hath gotten for all his over the world that will lay claime unto it 8 To doe a th ng doubtingly by the example of others may bring damnat on to the party so sinn ng Rom. 14.23 Men may sinne aga nst the r conscience and so stumble and fall 2 Men may be given over in other things to the like to follow men And this holds in following any one though never so learned For not many nor prudent haue the truth revealed unto them in every age there being some misteries in Religion which learning or study cannot attain to without a speciall assistance and working of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 2. 9 It is a great sinne to obserue pleasing Traditions because they are commanded by men and haue a shew of wisedom Col. 2 Esa 29. It argues men are led onely by an humane
seats of more ambitious spirits though inferiour in gifts did challenge superiorâ—ty by a kinde of succession 5 The dignity of the Cities and liberallity of the first Emperours did much help forward this businesse not intending any hurt For the mystery of iniquity did worke cunningly and invisibly Having removed out of thy minde what blinds many an eie now a little consider what grounds the Scripture affoords against this form of government And first that Luk. 22.24.25.26 whâ—re the Disciples contending who should be greatest our Saviour remoues this conceâ—t by shewing them plainly they stroue for that their condition was not capable of For the kâ—ngs of the Gentiles and their officers haue both tâ—mporall authority and great Titles fitting their estate But you shall haue neither such authority one over another nor such titles but he that is greatest in gifts and respect let him arrogate no more over his brethren then if he were the least This place is plain not onely against ambition but superiority in degrees authority and titles 1 Because it is made a property incommunicable of Princes and Civill Magistrates to haue such authority 2 Because Christs Kingdom must not be like the kingdoms of earthly Princes but like Christ conversing amongst his schollers In the 27 vers hee shewes directly though we were masters yet we should be amongst them that are under us as if we were servants The first part therefore shewes their foolishnesse in desiring that which could not be given them which was indeed ambition The other reproues their desire of commanding and Lording over their fellows 2 The second Argument against Lord ruling Diocesan Bishops is from Acts 20.28 where the Apostle shewes the office and nature of an Apostolicall Bishop which is a person set over a flock by the Holy Ghost to feed that Congregation of Christ with others Heere by feeding according to the usuall manner of Scripture Discipline is meant too as may be gathered from Ezech. 34 and Ioh. 20. In which places feeding extends to all Ministeriall duties whereby the good and salvat on of the flock may be procured This place proues 1 that there should not be one alone but many which haue the care of the same flock 2 That they are all bound to tend the flock exercising discipline to the same for the Apostle speaks to all 3 Though there be difference in respect of the dispensation of their Ministery yet they are alike in respect of the generallity and extent of their charge secondly in that all are to concurre and haue their severall gifts and diligence imployed both in doctrine and discipline 1 This place upon this ground quite overthrows Diocesan ruling Bishops because they are alone 2 They haue no pa t cular flock and so by consequence are no Ministers 3 They challenge sole jurisdiction to themselues and their officers debarring all others from medling 3 A third place of Scripture 1 Pet. 5.1.2.3 Elders are to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 overseeing the state of the flock over which they are If therefore the Elder and Bishop bee all one and that the Lord hath put no dâ—fference bâ—twixt them then there ought not to be one alone which either is to arrogate the name or nature of Bishop This place is strengthened from the place fore-alledged Act. 20 where the Elders are first called Presbyteri afterwards Episcopi This is plain in Tit. 1.5 compared with the 7 vers where Elder and Bâ—sâ—op are all one Where God hath appointed many to one common businesse man may not restrain it to one This is to adde to one and diminâ—â—h from others both which bring câ—â—ses upon the doers 4 Phillip 1 There were divers Bishops in one Citâ—e therefore in those times one alone had not any such Diocesan Bishoprick as ours claym All that were exercised in any Ministeriall function or imployed for government are saluted by the name of Bishops Therefore it is plain one alone was not Bishop nor one more then another By which may bee shewed plainly that the Angell Revel 2 signifies the whole body of the Ministery For Metaphoricall places must be expounded by plaine places So Psal 34.8 79.2 and in many other places 5 Ephes 4.11 1 Tim. 3.1 where the Apostie describes the Ministers and Officers of Christ he hath not mentioned any such one which should haue the superiority and jurisdiction which proues firmly there ought to bee none such for no work no office Now the holy Ghost hath not assigned any such work to any 2 The Holy Ghost describeth most exactly the office of the high Priest and his garments apart from the ordinary Priests So hee would now if there had been any such order in them 3 1 Tim. 3 Hâ—e describes the oâ—lice of Deacons and Widdows and would hee not these 4 The Apostle salutes in his Epistles all Orders Phil. 1.1 and there is no mention of a Diocesan Bishop 6 Argum. Discipline is in the hands of the Ministers and Elders whole Church Math. 18. Therfore not in one mans hands This place is firme for the Church is made the highest to which the last appeale is and that which rents and severs corrupt members from the body This therfore cannot be one man For Ecclesia ever signifies a company and number comming together All these places are firm and mainfâ—â—â— plainly the unlawfulnesse of any Diocesan Bishop Now follow some reasons proving the same truth that there ought not to be Diocesan Bishops Reas 1. Christ measureth out gifts to all according to the place and office they sustaine and are to discharge But no man hath gifts sufficient now to dischage this great and weighty calling to execute discipline over a whole Province That this is plain appears in that the Apostles themselues appointed in every Congregation Discipline to be executed and did not arrogate authority over the Churches but gaue charge that each Congregation should execute discipline it selfe 2 It as hard if not more difficult to execute discipline as to feed all a Diocesse or Province by teaching But who dare arrogate so much to himselfe 3 Who is there now a daies that hath an hundred times more sufficiency then an able Minister which hee must haue by proportion having so many charges under 2 It is not lawfull for man to devise a calling and office which excludes any Ordinance and Calling appointed by the Lord for that never comes from heaven But Diocesan Bishops exclude Elders that are appointed by the Lord as may appear 1 Tim. 5.17 and â—haâ— more fully hereafter God willing be shewed 3 If Diocesan Bishops were from God they should haue place in the Church according to the quality of the work wherin they are exerc sed and for which they are cheifly instituted But they haue no place according to the work of Discipline vvhich is infeâ—â—our to the Mâ—nistery of the word as serving onely to make it effectuall whereas they hold a place aboue the most painfull Ministers of
not haue omitted if they had judged this form best and fitting For they set down both by precept and example what respect and regard is due to other Churches much more would they haue set down what respect men owe to their Diocesan And particularizing the duties of servants to their Masters and people to their Ministers Did they not adde some precepts how Minister and People should obey their Ordinary This argument holds firmly especially considering the Apostle Iohn survived all the other Apostles who saw the state of the Congregations and wrote the prophecie of the future estate of the Church what it should suffer Without question if there had been any such innovation he would haue mentioned it 2 Our Saviour Christ Mat. 18 from the reproofe of one or two referres it to the Congregation not to a Diocesan Bishop and ratifies in heaven what they doe in his name heâ—re on earth If they could produce any such promise and direction for their Diocesan Bishops we would with all willingnesse subject unto them for we stand out for Christ not for our selues 3 The Apostles wrote unto the Churches as Parishionall not Diocesan Gal. 1.2 to the Churches of Galatia 1 Pet. 5.2 which argues that â—n these dayes they were free and entire not having such dependance of an other by bond and duty 4 Every Congregation had power to exercise all discipline to elect their own officers and to depose as occasion and necessity required 1 Cor. 5 Rom. 16 Cenchrea had her Deacon and was a Church Ioh. epist 3 Acts 14. 5 The Apostle Iohn reproved Diotrephes that affected superiority 3 epist and that he cast out such as the Church would haue received or reteâ—ned 6 There is no such title given to any in all the Scriptures as argue they had any soveraignty or rule over other Congregations Now titles are Symbola rerum notes and evidences of things signified by them and the Scripture giues each other for the purpose and office fitting titles 7 It was in use in the times of the primitiue Church as both the Acts of the Apostles and the Ecclesiasticall history witnesse that one Church should help an other in all duties both in soule and body without exercising authority one over another so did Ierusalem Antioch and Samaria When they doubted in like manner of any question if private answer could not satisfie publique Synods were appointed Act. 15 other consociation then this the Church knew none till at least three or foure hundred years after Christ neither can an Author of credit be brought to the contrary as witnesse Centuriae Magdeburgenses Now as this Diocesan Church hath no ground in Scriptures nor in antiquity till things began to decline so neither can it haue any being in true reason as may appear by these Reasons Reas 1. Because whole Christ is where his Word is preached and Sacraments administred There is his whole Kingdom This is Bucers Argument to proue Discipline in every Congregation and not to haue them depend one upon an other in every Congregation there is the Word and Sacraments 2 It is most fit in all sense that the Ministers which teach should also exercise Discipline as those which haue most exact knowledg of the persons amongst whom they liue Secondly as they that are to giue account for the people And thirdly that preach to them and therfore are to govern theÌ„ outwardly which is lesse then to preach Fourthly as they that are hereby to maintain there respect and place by the sword which the Lord hath given them 3 This conceit raysed up by the Pope and partly holds him up till this day For if there may be Diocesan Churches why not universall Both sprâ—ng and are grounded upon the same sandy foundation of carnall policy and from time to time still nourished by Ambition Why doe men then take the one being alike and leaue the other 4 This excludes that holy communion which every Congregation might haue one with an other as it was in the Primitiue times when they sent to the neighbour Churches who were not slack either to send Ministers or letters wherby they might be informed and receiue satisfaction in all doubts wheras now many Churches are bound to one mans pleasure and arbitrament whom by his definitiue sentence determining matters though never so unrighteously men are bound to obey as their ordinary without further adoe 5 The Lord was wont howsoever the Apostles and Prophets were ceased yet to raise up men of excellent gifts and graces who like the Iudges amongst the Israelites with their light after a sort directed the whole Church not by any authority but as the Modern Divines Calvin Beza Bucer P. Martyr and the rest by manifesting the good will of the Lord. Now men by bringing in this devise of theirs haue stopt the course of Gods blessing as much as in them lies 6 This hath brought the people to exceeding trouble bondage and costs it brings in a rabble of Appaâ—ators that sell sin and procure pardons for others which doings officers with the Proctors and the rest what blemish are they to our Protestant reformed Churches To conclude all with that place before mentioned Acts 20 Ministers are to take heed to all their Flock which these cannot doe Secondly they must be set over the flock by the Holy Ghost Now what hee doth hee doth by the Word which is flat against these therfore there is no Diocesan Church Thirdly neither can whole Diocesses and Provinces come together to hear their Shepheards and Pastors which were fit wheras thus in all their life many neither see nor know him that pretends to be over them as their Bishop 7 Is not this a tying of the Church to places and persons to binde men to Bishops seas like that sea of Rome Wherfore Brethren yee that haue been deceived think not scorn to learn from one inferiour farre in gifts in these things But hearken to the Lord that it may goe well with you You see you haue no evidence for these places but prescription and possession which though with men they may seem good yet with the Lord they are nothing he respects not custom nor long continuance of time but the right and that which was from the beginning Wherfore look as the men that had marryed them wiues of the heathens at Nehemiaes command put them away so since you haue undertaken a strange charge such as the Lord forbids dare not to continue not He that will forsake father and mother house and lands for Christs names sake shall receiue an hundred fold even in this life besides assurance of heaven A great reward is in this promise of God and should be valued by you more worth then all the present honours and possessions you are endowed by man with all Wherefore consider what an offer the Lord makes to buy your places of you wheras he might throw you out as usurpers at a deare rate he offers an 100 fold If men
the guiding and governing of the Church They are called Elders in respect of their age and office which was to govern with the Ministers and perform all private duties for the good of the congregation as necessity required as to pray wâ—th the sick to admonish reprou and joyn with the Minister in excommunication to ordain officers for the congregation and to provide by all good means for the outward good of the Church That these ought to beâ—n eveâ—y Congregation we hold firmly agaâ—â—st the maintainers of this strange and uncouth discipline And it may appear first out of Math. 18 where Christs institutes what is needfull for the Church whereof this is one secondly the Church doth what it doth not confusedly but by the ministry of some thirdly the promise is made â—n binding and roosing to two or three which imposts that though the right of the keyes bee in the whole Church yet the Ministery therof is in some few selected and chosen out for that purpose Our Saviour alludes to the custome of the Iewish Synagogues wherein there were Eldâ—rs But howsoever this place may seem too weak at first sight to build the erection of this office upon yet the practise of the Apostles withall compared and the directions they haue left to the Church in this case will put all out of doubt to him that wrangles not for himselfe and to please men To goe along therfore in the Scripture and first the Acts of the Apostles which conta ns a type and map of the primâ—tiue times and purest Chuâ—ches that ever were in the world mentâ—on these Acts 15.4 22 whâ—ch place cannot be understood but of such â—uâ—ing Elders of the people as were amongst the â—ewes not of teaching Elders For the Apostles were as the Ministeâ—s and did perform all Ministeriall duties having none their Curats under thâ—m as Bishops had afterward For Evangelist were to accompany the Apostles in planting Churches neither â—s there any mention of any such here 2 They are dâ—stinguished here both from the Church called the brethren and Apostles Neither can this title be understood of Pastors because the Apostles were wont to appoint them onely when Churches were gathered and they were to leaue them as may appear Acts 14.23 Tit. 1.5 3 These here mentioned are as assistants to the Apostles governing and ordering the Churches businesse as both here and Acts 21 where they are present with the Apostles and in none other office nor use imployed but onely this Lastly Paul and Barnabas and some others came up to Ierusalem to the Apostles and Elders which had caâ—e of the Discipline and Religion with them The third place is Rom. 12.8 he that rules in or with dilligence where first the Apostle distinguisheth this ruling both from the ministery of the Word and from distributing and shewing mercy Hence therfore there must be some to rule in the church 2 Men are charged according to their callings and measure of gifts received to exercise themselues for the churches good who sees not plainly that the Regiment of the church is not in one Lord Bishops hand since Bishops are not in each congregation where they rule 2 That this ought to be where the Ministry of the Word is 3 This diligence cannot be meant of a three yeares visitation nor yearly Synods wherein presentments are Rece ved what bold and impudent face once dare think so wickedly of the Apostles but of that continuall care and oversight which they should shew towards the sheep of Christ which ever need some spirituall medâ—cine and Phisick for their soules 4 A fourth place is 1 Cor. 12.28 where the Apostle reckons up the severall gifts and offices which God himselfe hath set and appointed in his church Apostles are chiefe then Prophets and Governments There the Apostle distinguisheth Governments from the Ministry of the word 2 Being appointed by the Lord none can remoue them but he againe 3 The Lord giues extraordinary meanes for soule and body in extraordinary times when a church is to be planted because there want ordinary means 2 to procure the more authority and respect to the church then and ever he giues sufficient 4 The Lord hath sâ—t government in the church which the Magistrate cannot alter 5 The church is a perfect body that hath members sufficient to uphold and mâ—nâ—ster to all its own necessities neither is this to be neglected that the holy Ghost both here and Rom. 12 sets Government after Deaconship as though hee saw how some would arise and conjoyn things severed by the Lord which to preveÌ„t he shews these are not to be so conjoyned as though the Minister should haue all the government in his own hands but some speciall persons are to be assiâ—nâ—d whâ—ch may govern the Minister themselues 5 1 Tim. 4.14 with imposition of hands of the Presbytery which is to be understood of the Colledge of Presbyters contayning these amongst others For these had a speciall hand in electing and ordaining all church-officers 2 these joyned in making decrees for the government of the church Act. 15 therfore much more in executing of them 3 Timothy was called ordinarily at first not to be an Evangelist as appears Acts 16 Paul called him to that after the Churches had witnessed of him 4 The Apostle Paul Acts 20 speaks to them amongst others that they â—â—ould tend the Church and they hav ng government in their hands were to suffer no wolues to come in But because men of a contentious spirit whose greatest hopes depend upon the contrary discipline will haâ—dly yeeld tâ—ll plain force driue them nay force of the word will not till the sword of the Magistrate compells therfore the next place is 1 Tim. 5.17 in deluding of which place many sweat much in vaine for the Apostâ—e being to giue direction to Timothy how to carry himselfe in the Church of God shews h m his duty towards every condition as widdows in the beginning of th s chapter next Elders and such as rule well are worthy of double honour especially such as labour in the word and doctrine which first words implyes necessarily that there were then in the Church Elders that did govern the Churches which did not labour in the word and doctrine 2 Such ought to be had in speciall account that doe rule well 3 Such as labour in the word and doctâ—ine ought more to be respected then they that onely governe 4 That all Mâ—nâ—sters are to haue a specâ—all hand in the governing of the Churches commuted to them I will not much insist upon this place more for I know some adversaries need not so much convâ—ct on as to haue their hâ—aâ—ts perswaded Pray thou that readest that the Lord would perswade them to dwell in the tâ—nts of Shem and be content to suffer here with their brethren that thâ—y may â—aâ—gn with Christ hereafter Many adversaries will not set themselues to learn the tâ—â—th but being drunk with selfe-concert thâ—nk nothing good
wine but what they draw then selues But the Lord reveales himselfe to the humble There was never doctrine so vile but preferment and riches made â—t finde favorâ—tes Thâ—s the practâ—ce of the Church and test mony of the ancient witnesseth Ciprian Ambrose Tertullian c. By all whâ—ch may be understood Hebr. 13.17 Where obedience to their leaders is injoyned now these were Elders preaching and lay which had the government then of the Church therfore Christians are bound to subject to these 2 That of Iam. 5.14 send for the Elders of the Church may well be understood of this order of Elders being to perform many private duties specially â—f the Ministers should either be publiquely imployed or necessarily hindred 3 That Rev. 4.4 lâ—ving creatures having six wings full of eyes whâ—ch vision is of the â—â—â—bâ—e Church and fitly expounded For by wings are the helps meant which are spoken of 1 Cor. 12.28 and eyes that are within are the Elders which are as eyes for the people to see by and informing the Minister of their estate they fit him the better to speak unto the people which place so expounded is far more forcible to perâ—wade for this discipline then Apoc. 2 so expounded for Lordbishops for that exposition agrees not with the Scripture it wants all proofe of holy Wrâ—t to uphold â—t It agrees not with the practise of the Apostles who in Ephesus and Philippi set many that had the name and nature of Bishops as is plain both in Acts 20.28 and Phil 1.1 This agrees not with the word Angell who in this place signifies all that labour in word and dâ—scipline beâ—ng sent of God to the churches as the context proues in all the churches And as this poâ—nt hath testimony of Scriptures and of the Ancient so may it appear in all sound reason to be most fit for the church of Christ 1 To omit that this was in use amongst the Iewes in time of the old Testament and no way ceremoniall nor judâ—ciall but morall which the light of nature taught the Gentils after a sort in their civil government who with their Consuls had their Senate 2 Because the Apostles would not haue Ministers hindred in their study but to take heed to reading and med tatâ—on that they may by searching the Scriptures be made wâ—se to salvation and perfectly be furnished to every good work Therfore it is fitting there should be men of wisedom gravity and respect chosen to oversee the people and obserue their manners and doe lesse businesses in admonition and correctien 3 This best benefits the simplicity of the Gospell and of the Church now in the time of the new Testament where all outward pompe ceaseth which was used before in the Leviticall Priesthood to figure oâ—t Christs heavenly and wonderfull graces 4 To haue Churches so combined and consociated under one high Priest is meerly Iewish which was to signifie all ought to be subject to Christ the great high Priest who is come and alike in all if there be equall gifts All congregations are equall none having power one over an other and therfore each is to haue its Governours 5 Every congregation being a true church and so a perfect body should and must haue power to preseru it selfe by expelling and removing the dissolute and electing nâ—w officers 6 God hath given gifts unto men for this end which being so imployed bring great good and benefit to men further the Ministery keep all in good order and prevent dangers in the bâ—g nning 7 The Question being betwixt Lordbishops and these the expulsion of them is the introduction of these 8 There is no such danger in this government of corrupt on as where one man hath al in his hands he may corrupt a whole Dâ—ocesse nay Kingdom but thâ—se though evill corrupt but their own congregations 2 Here men are prone to be over-carried with antiquity the place being so eminent and the power so great but experience testifieth that where this government is used there is a more speciall blessing of God more purity and beauty in the face of these Churches wicked men are sooner found and more terrified But of this more hereafter Here one Question may be propounded that is why is not the duty of these set down in the Scriptures nor their names Answ A description of the Bishop and Presbyter is a discription of these Elders that are Bishops 1 Overseers of the flocks for these places contain rather a descript on of their sufficiency and morall part and holy conversation which ought to be in these though in a more excellent measure in the Pastors and Teachers then of the applying of them to these ministeriall duties which are proper to the Pastors This is plaine to all that considerately peruse the Texts And this answer is grounded on that 1 Tim. 5.17 where the Apostle intimats the work is an excellent work of them that rule well else why are they to haue double honour 2 Cals them by the same name that Pastors are stiled by as in the former places of Scripture If it be said their duty is not assigned the Answer is plain their office is to rule by the sword of the Spirit Word and churches censures reproofe and excommunication The rule and lawes are the word the manner is to be according to the practise of these duties in Scriptures being admonition reproof and excoÌ„munication of each wherof we haue severall and manifold examples Object 2. This brings men into base subjection which â—s not fit nor that men of state should be subject to such mean officers Answ 1 No Officer that Christ hath appointed ought to be accounted mean or bâ—se 2 It is not a subjection unto men but to the ordinance of Christ 3 Men are no more subject to these Elders then they are to be to the Ministry of the Word 4 It is nothing impairing the state or dignâ—ty of any one whatsoever for they are not to meddle w th these things but as Phisitians Surgeons seek the curing of diseases in the soules Ob. 3. If â—t be said now men are petty Popes there being none to over rule them The answer is plain here are many to rule Pastor Teacher Elder 1 These are bound strictly to the rule of the Word 2 Besides the Church may say to Archippus Take heed c. Col. 4.17 3 Other neighbour churches may ought to admonish them which if it take no place they are altogether to declare their judgment touching such a Congregation 4 The civill Magistrate is and ought to punish every congregation the leaders especially into sin and errour according to the quality and degree of their offence if they doe not conform to the right manner of worshipping God SECTION IX FRom this whâ—ch hath been shewed both against Diocesan Bishops and in just fying the wisâ—dom of God in lay Elders as they are called each may see what we are to judge of the Officers now in use amongst
us I will speak of two as being both the cheif and containing under them all the rest The first is the Chancellour under whom there are Archdeacons Officâ—als and all that rout springing up with the beast about which I need not spend so long time in confuting of their office considering the former grounds against this Diocesan Discipline Before I come to handle the arguments against them consider well these grounds 1 The name of a Church doth belong to every congregation not properly to the clergy as they are now called so the holy Ghost speaks in the Scripture 2 That such callings are Antichristian which sprung up w th Ant christ and served â—â—m a long time onely and uphold such a government as his is though they maintaine not such doctrine So though Cardinalls should professe the Gospell yet their office is Antichristian because of the former ground which is plain for Antichrist is not a person but a succession of men opposing Christ in his Ordinances and Offices as well as otherwise 3 Some good use that a calling may haue and some benefit that it brings is no sufficient ground to warrant it in the church of God 1 Because there is nothing but at least is well intended and carryes a shew of good when it is brought into the church 2 It may be that keeps out some other calling that would bring farre more profit and benefit to the church 3 It may be it hath some inseparable evill annexed or coupled with it Now upon these grounds sufficient and weighty reasons may be founded from the Scriptures to proue the unlawfulnes of this office which is for one in a Diocess to haue authority for keeping courts to proue wills to right men for disorders and scandalous sinnes especially breach of their traditions and to censure men with their kinde of penance and excommunication Arg. 1. Every man in the Scriptures thaâ— hath office in the church must be able to justifie it by the Word So Iohn Baptist Mat. 3 Ioh. 1. So the Apostles themselues Act. 2 out of Ioel 2 Gal. 1.1 In the old Testament the very porters of the house of God and singers were ordered by the Spirit of God in David and in the new Testament Deacons and Widdows are mentioned but these men haue no pattent from the Lord there is no place once to mention their name nor the like in all the Scriptures therfore their place and calling is not from God 2 Discipline belongs to every particular congregation without which though men may be a church desiring it after they are convinced of it yet they lye open to miserable dangers of their spirituall enemies and cannot be so compacted and knit together as a congregation and church of Christ ought to be This is plain in those churches Revel 2 3 that are each both commended or dispraysed for their exercising of discipline 2 Christ hath given the keies to every particular congregation that hath the Ministery of Word and power to use them Mat. 18. Therfore these mens office is sacriledg for it steals the holy things of God from each congregation wherby their soules are miserably impoveâ—â—â—ed 3 It is a thing most absurd inconvenient and burdensom that the Pastor in each congregation should haue authority from Chrâ—st to absolue and remit in the Ministery of the Word and retain and binde and having part cular knowledge in his own congregation of the manners of men according to which hee propounds the doctrine of the Gospell releasing some and adjudging others yet that this man must stand to the arbitrament of a stâ—anger that never happily saw any in his congregation who shall be absolved who retained by whom for the most part hee is enjoyned not to admit such as wholly clean to the Lord and suffered and forced to admit such as he in his Ministery hath condemned and the world seeth to be filthy swine This argument is grounded upon the sentence and maxime of our Saviour Christ What God hath conjoyned let no man sever He hath joyned the ministry of the Word and the exercise of Discipline together therfore no man should sever them 4 These came in with Antichrist and are part of that Hierarchy When that Prelats had gotten that spirituall sword into their hands and backed with Princes authority had established themselues and made their kingdom like the Princes of the world as in other things so in this they must for their state haue their Chancellours and Officialls c. This is plain in Historie and the Argument is firm against them because all mans inventions Antichrists especially are abon inable unprofitable and exceeding hurtfull to the church of God and contrary to Christs own Ordinances 5 These chancellors men cannot bring into the church being meerly secular as they are termed and civill and therfore no such power belongs to them to cast out and excommunicate especially since they never proceed by the rules of the Word but by their own will and canons Thâ—s is his Majâ—stâ—es argument in the conference against their practise which is one speciall part of their office This is grounded upon th s that no man hath any authority but hee that is elected and assigned by the Church to that governmâ—nt he exerciseth in the same But these are not elected nor approved by the church 2 To bring in and cast out belong to one and the same calling 3 It is rebâ—llion against God for to innovate any thing in the government of the church established by God thâ—s was Corah and hâ—s complices sin that not content with the office of the Levits they would come neerer the Lord then the Lord called them by taking that upon them which he committed not unto them Therfore reproof â—ame great punishment shall be their best reward 6 As Christ is the onely Kâ—ng of his Church so it is his instituting of any Calling that makes it a member of hâ—m and the church and that union and dependance which a Calling hath w th Christ puts life into it makes it effectuall for the good of the church Now this call ng hath no unâ—on with Christ being not a member instituted by him of his body the Church therfore it is not nor can be profitable This is pla n in sense for the member that is not united to the head and heart can receiue neither life nor sense from them And 2 as men cannot make any one member of his body nor couple any to the principall member the originall of life and motion much lesse can they adde to Christs body they may as men doe put to a wodden leg or a glaifie eie when they cut off the strong and proportioned members that would haue carryed the body surely quickly and easily 7 Their call ng is maintained by the censures of the church turning them into pecuniary mulcts which ought not to be these things not being saleable This causeth so great corruption and sin to be so
labourer because his wastcoat is not white 6 Our Saviour did not restrain him that cast out devils though he followed not him and why doe you hinder such as cast down the strong holds of Saâ—an because they doe not follow you Surely a good servant prefers his Masters work and credit more then his own pomp 7 They are specially called that are virgins not defiled with women Rom. 14 these follow the Lamb whither hee goes even these that are redeemed from amongst men now counted factious How dare any presume to think them unfit whom he holds in his right hand Are you grown so proud that you will fight with the Lamb and wart against heaven 8 There is no example of the like practise in Scripture or Writers saue amongst Papists but many of the contrary some put to death some restrained from their Ministery because they went to idolatry 9 It was his Majesties pleasure they should be convinced first and then censured which how it hath been performed all the world is witnesse of which sees what offers of disputation haue been made what ample and learned books come forth which yet could never be answered 10 These men are greatest enemies to Papists the danger of our State which daily increase and spring up as the lights in any place are removed It is against all policy therfore to stop these which if their Ministery were profitable for nothing else yet they may be kept as stones to weigh the ballance even 11 Doe but indifferently consider them and us severally their Religion is it not lip-labour and meer formality like theirs Esa 29.13 May not naturall men goe as far as they require 2 They doe not teach soundly the doctrine of repentance giving warning of judgements or of the particular sins which bring the same which good Watch-men should doe 3 They take away preaching out of the land both by extolling reading and preaching so as the people can gather nothing by it And under colour of long prayers prâ—sâ—e men by their Canons more strictly to their divince service then to the Word preached 4 They cannot endure men should examine doubt and search into things they would perswade the people these things belongs not to Tradesmen but to Schollers and Ministers of a contrary mind was our Saviour 5 They punish more severely the breach of a Tradition of their own appointing then the breach of Gods commandement Is not this Pharisaicall hypocrifie 6 They are glad to use Papists Arguments against us and ours against them as it hath been proved in experience that they haue held their grounds 7 They set up vile profane and ignorant Ministers over Congregations is not this to let in Wolues far contrary was Pauls practise and counsell Act. 20. 8 Ambition covetousnesse and pride where dwelleth it but amongst them Is not their Kingdom of this world Such was not Paul nor our Saviour Christ 9 These men build upon human Ceremonies holding this position no Ceremony no Bishop a â—it prop for their Calling to rest upon 10 They justifie many things because the Church cannot be perfect as though the least corruption should be born withall in the Spouse of Christ that is known and pointed at 11 They grow in nothing saue in carnall wisedom and cunning to defend their own traditions 12 Things openly evill in their own judgment are not redâ—essed amongst them as unpreaching Ministers Non residents Pluralists taking Gods name in vain and notorious profanenesse 13 They hate and forbid the very substance of Religion in practise as Christian Meetings and the like 14 Mâ—n that are under their Ministerie how naked poor and miserable are they I beseech you that mind the good of your soules be not overcarried with an externall pomp and how of learning but examine and thy all things 2 Consider all men are lyers that no man ought to be credited further then they haue sound testimony of the Scripture which is the rule and ground of faith and the light of the Church 3 That all men are bound to try the spirits whether they be of God or no. 4 That men must not be your Doctors and Masters but you must try all things and hold that which is good 5 Hath not every man the spirit by measure though therfore they are learned that oppose yet in many things they may be ignorant 6 That the Highest Callings haue been corrupted and counterfeited as Prophets Apostles high Priests who therfore grounds upon men builds not upon Christ and the Scriptures are onely judge of all opinions and practises to this the Apostles subjected themselues and our Saviour The contrary is the gap to all errour and superstition witnesse the Popish Church who giving all to the Clergy and suffering themselues to be led by these into what monstrous and fundamentall errours are they fallen Christ is the onely Prophet of his Church Every man must speak that which he hath received from Christ and the ground of a mans judgment that would not be carried about with every blast of new doctrine must be infallible Vouchsafe on the other hand to consider the way so much spoken against 1 It holdeth the doctrine of the Scriptures according to the practise of our Saviour and the purest times of the Church and nothing else Act. 20. 2 This cleaus to the whole truth of God and to every part of it Math. 5.19 3 This way most opposeth the whore of Babilon and overthrows her grounds is most zealous against all her inventions these are the virgins Rev. 14. 4 These are taught of God so as they doe not depend upon man but discern the voice of Christ Ioh. 10. 5 The Majesty graue simplicity and power of Gods Ordinances doth most appear in the wise free holy bold fervent and constant use of the same changing men hereby into the image of God 6 This prayeth according to occasions and feeling of our inward wants by the motion of Gods spirit Rom. 8. 7 Men in this way seek the glory of God in the spreading of his truth and the good of mens soules Ioh. 7 not speaking evill of the most forward nor by the shew of learning seeking to raise themselues 8 In this way men take up their crosses and follow Christ Math 16 they suffer much hardship for the Gospell wheras the other ready for every winde avoide the Crosse 9 In this way is the true communion of the Saints both for communicating of the graces of the spirit and of outward blessings Act. 2. 10 Naturall men most hate it and the more wicked any is the more evill they speak of it and of them that teach and practise it Rom. 8. 11 This crucifieth the flesh onely wheras others use their liberty as an occasion of the flesh this therfore is a straight way 12 This brings peace to the soules of men both while they doe these things and suffer for them 13 Men falling from this way spirituall judgments haue followed them sensibly they haue