HAving hitherto treated of some mayne grounds of the Magistrates authority the pillar of arbitrary government It remaines to come to the controversie concerning the persons by whom the Church is to be governed In handling whereof I desire the Christian Reader well to weigh the grounds against the form so much extolled now a dayes I know there are three special things that make men otherwise not evill-minded quâ—te rejâ—â—t our cause whâ—ch hee that wâ—ll jâ—dge â—â—ght of must lay aside else he shall bâ—â— blâ—ndâ—d so as he cannot dâ—scern the truth 1 The first is long and ancient custom in the Church of Christ wh ch to many is a law standâ—ng in great force For thâ—s first poâ—nt know there is no prescription against the King mâ—ch lesse against the King or heaven and even the best Churches haue had bad customes wâ—tnesse the Patrâ—aâ—kes Polligamy in doâ—ng evill and the omission of the feast of Boothes which was not kept from Ieshua till Iosiah Therfore thou must not so look what this or that man that were before thee haue done as what Christ the ancient of dares hath commanded thee to doe And the longer by any forged evidence his right hath been kept from him the more sâ—ould every one striue in his place to set him in possesâ—â—on again 2 A gâ—eat Obstacle is the allowance of the Magistrate of this government therfore sâ—ch as stand aga nst this form seem to derogate from Pr ncâ—s authority For thâ—t then though I know t dangerous to meddle w th â—uch persons yet the controversie being twâ—xt God and man who feares not the Lord more then all men Therefore this must firmly be held ever That the best Princes are subject to command appoint things unlawfull and hurtfull to the people Thus did David in numbring of the people thus Salomâ—n 2 The Magistrate is overborn with shews of reason as though this were the most profitable form So the sinne lies heavy upon them that perswade him 3 They that are the Defendants farre more incroach upon the Magistrates right then we doe As God willingâ—â— all be shewed in the things that follow hereafter 4 Reade in Hos 5 the great sin of the Isâ—aâ—lites for following the command of the Prince in subjecting themselues to the Trad tions then in force For Magistrates as they haue all authority from the God of heaven so ought they and all others to obey absolutely so far as may stand with his good pleasure Men must not like flattering Athiests imagine that Princes commands eâ—ther justifie evill or abolish the nature of that whâ—ch is good A third let is old Adam yet raignâ—ng in men which is the greatest enemy to the Kingdom of Christ and in this â—gnorance in many makes them stand for the present government dreaming that we would haue a strange confusion in the Church of Chrâ—st not conceiving what order was established in the Apostles time and that this order now in place keeps out the order which the Lord himselfe hath established Therefore reade first I beseech you brethren and then judge righteous judgment we would haue Christ raigne over all and each keep in that compasse he hath appointed doing their severall offices without intermedling with strange businesses which weaken and unfit them for the Churches service A second argument of corrupt nature is carnall desire of liberty which is the strongest adversary to beat down and vanquish For men haue ever resolved to break the bonds of Christ and not to haue him raign over them This makes many to rage and blaspheme the contrary form to these times because they are like untamed heyfers that cannot bear the yoke of Christ This should rather perswade against this present form of government since men naturally are enemies to God and cannot brook the Ordinances rightly to be administred and sâ—condly that to suffer men to haue their own will is a thing most dangerous to them as to the Israelites in choosing their King or obtaining Quailes Oh consider thou man that art called a Christian how thy disobedient life causeth the way of God to be evill spoken of and so thou layest stumbling blocks before Papists and Turkes and bringest fearfull woes upon thy selfe This comes in part for want of strict discipline and therefore be content to deny thy selfe and fall not upon Christ And ô yee that sit in the throne of God make way that Christ this King of glory may come in and set up his throne amongst us outwardly Many objections against this truth are brought especially the antiquity of Diocesan Bishops which haue been even since the Apostles times the seven Angels Rev. 2.3 they say were Diocesan Bishops and Histories mention the being and continuance of them in the Church To this it is and may be truely answered That there are divers kinds of Bishops 1 Apostolicall which onely are parishionall these were Pastors Teachers and Elders 2 Such as were Pastors onely though over many Churches such were the Bishops of the Primitiue times 3 Diocesan Bishops which came in afterwards and so they rose till they came to the Popedom That Diocesan Bishops were in the Apostles times it wants all shew of reason as is proved sufficiently before For that out of Rev. 2. 3 I referre the Reader to the discourse betwixt Mr. Downam and the Answerer of hâ—s Sermon Onely consider that cannot possibly be meant of Diocesan Bishops For Acts 20 Paul left none such but there all Elders are Bishops 2 All Ministers are Angels therfore it cannot be meant of Diocesan Bishops 3 It is against all hâ—istorie both Divine and Ecclesiasticall to bring in any such consoc ation of Churches witnesse the Centuries 4 The Lord if there had been divers Congregations in those places would haue spoken as Paul doth Gal. 1 To the Churches of Galatia to the Angell of the Church of Ephesus c. 1 It may be demanded how these could creep into the Church and men never espy them Answ Those first times were very troublesome which cunning and deceitfull men make their advantage for they fish in troublâ—d waters best of all 2 In Cities there was but one Congregâ—tâ—on when the churches were first planted and so but one Pastor which was called Bâ—shop onely which when the Church increased more congregations were established yet continued his carefull oversight which was then his Bishoprick not so much for desire of preeminence as either of ignorance of his duty in this kinde or provident care and respect such had of their brethren 3 Men gaue reason and caâ—nall policy too great rule both in ceremonies and discipline and the Church then labouring with contentâ—ons thought that the appointing of one over the rest would bee a meanes to still all and keep them in order 4 Men being chosen at first as arbitrators rather then Iudges for the excellency of their graces and deserts to the Church then for any authority of their places Others following in the same
as the pearle As for them that respect the Word as they respect an other history or never busie themselues about either knowledge faith or pâ—actâ—se From these Truth the heavenly Manna shall be taken away and chaffy Traditions which w ll damn their soulâ—s shal be sent them Thou therfore must loue the truth rather then thy cred te be content to change thy minde when the light comes buy it at any rate 8 That thou be resolute to walke in the truth Ioh. 7.17 though it cost thee all thou hast For he that hates not father mother house lands and all for Christs sake cannot be his disciple men must cast up their accounts afore what the truth will cost and resolue to giue the full price even to hate their life for Christ All must deny themselues therfore take up their crosses and follow Christ Math. 6. All that eâ—de to know and reason onely all fearfull ones that dare not follow the light darknes shall cover them they shall be l ke Pauls companions Act. 9 that heard a sound but saw not Christ neither heard what the Lord said unto him 9 That men hate the whoore of Babell throughly all her abominations Apo. 14.4 it is â—hewed who she is how dangerous a thing it is to communicate with her Apoc. 14.9.10 else how shall they come out from her Such therefore as th nk it no way so dangerous to communicate with Antichrist and are of such quiet disposition that they can well enough brook Popery shall be like the scorners that seek wisedom but shall not finde it for men must hate all vain inventiventions that will haue the truth dwell with them 10 Such as judge not of Religion and the worship of God either by the pleasing of our senses liking of our own heart or judgment of carnall reason Numb 15.39 for these are not admitted to judge of the Lord nor his wayes nothing but the Lord and that which is from him can or may judg of the Lord. As for such as seek for carnall delight rather then true edification and judge by themselues what the Lord requires and approues no marvell if they like a strangers face better then of their own husband For nature goes a whoring after mens devises and is ever fond of it own inventions Math. 15 like the Iewes that would offer up their children to Moloch but robbed the Lord of his tithes 11 Such are willing to be instructed of very babes becomming little children like eloquent Apollos that was content to be catechised by Aquilla and Priscilla men must learn the truth especially where it is practised and many Truths from them that are weaker and farre more ignorant happily â—n other things then thy selfe humâ—â—ity and wisedom dwell together Paul though he had seen Christ â—n the way he must goe to Ananias to learne further what hee should doe Act. 9. Such therfore as despise learning of any saue the great Rabbins and ancient Fathers and will not be beholding to any â—eane persâ—â—age for most difâ—â—cuit truths are like the proud Corâ—â—thians 1 Cor. 12 doubtlesse such shall goe astray with the Pharisies Ioh. 9. 12 Such as by the spirit of God in themselues understand the Scriptures in some measure and try the spirits both writings and speeches not depending upon any 1 Ioh. 4 1 Thess 5. For every man is a lyar and may erâ—e and the Church must be built upon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles upon the Rock Chr st Wherfore such as ground onely on mens opinions or the Traditions of the Elders are mens Disciples and God may justly deny them the knowledge of saving Truths Let all men take heed of this Popish evill of an implicite faith for it is naturall to all men it giues way to all superstition it is grosse negligence not to respect what seed is sown in thy soule And to end all remember these two things 1 That men depending on others shall ever be uncertain for men doe change and vary 2 In all times some points of Religion very needfull to be known are mysteries to the learned world hid from the wise and prudent Math. 11. 13 Receiue each truth for conscience nothing for singularity or novelty to content the state present or to please men for such are hypocrites that Christ is an offence unto For though in some things corruption be resireyned and the branches cut off for a time yet hereby corruption is dangerously nourished and more deeply lodged in the heart which will break out at last with much violence to the great discredit of the profession witnesse Iudas Saul and them that goe out of the Church in all times such hang upon the Church but are dead members neither let any thinke we desire such schollers and followers nor let the world imagine they haue gotten a great prey when they haue perverted a learned scholler For he is but as a withered branch that Christ hath cut off fit enough and for nothing else fit but to build up the Kingdom of Satan Nor let Gods servants be discouraged as though they were quite overcome when they loose a seeing Champion for his spirit that was good he leaues behind him in the Church an other shall inherit it and injoy his Talent even he that had most afore and is found most faithfull See thou be not content with a form of Religion denying the power thereof such a one as comest neere the Lord with thy lips and honourest him with thy mouth but thy heart is farre from him Such the world is full of in all ages which makes men ready to entertain will-worship and any devise of man if therefore thou seek not to proceed by sound judgment in Gods service doing nothing but what thou hast warrant for from the Word or coldly worship God without any zeale or chearfulnesse or without true reverence of his great Majesty and faith in Christ Never expect the Lord should manifest his will unto thee in these Truths following SECTION II. THus Christian Reader thou seest what to repent of in former times and what haue been the mayn lets and impediments of thine â—ucrease in knowledge using the meanes wherfore when thou distâ—â—tâ—â—t and scornest happily at the grounds following see thy consc ence accuse thee not in some want of preparation which doing I doubt not but we shall be of the same judgement or at least haue the same heart and mutuall loue according together For pride and prophanenesse and men-pleasing cheifly sunders the affection when thou readest set thy seâ—fe as in the presence of God to learn from him and doe not wi fully shut thine eyes against any light that shines from heaven Now that with more facility wee may passe to the severall doubts controverted I will propound through the grace of God some generall grounds from whence light may be fetched to determine all oâ— the most of thâ—se or the like questions 1 The first ground that all will-worship
served but mens amb tious thoughts never furthered the Kingdom of Christ Now this office is meerely devised by man For they deny them to be Elders mentioned in the Scriptures and how far different they be any man may see that compares them together Churchwardens haue no stroke in the discâ—pline or excommunication Elders were to tend mens soules and procure their good by admonition reproofe c. Churchwardens are to tend the church walls and see that there be a fair surplus provâ—ded and such Trumpery Elders sprung from Christ and mâ—ght look for a bâ—essing and protection in their calling These are from Rome and cannot expect any such blessing or protection from God in their course Elders were not annuall as these are 5 These officers uphold an unlawfull Hierarchy and Government they receiue their oaths wh ch is their enstalment from them wheras the church and congregatâ—on ought to choose and ordain them 2 They present all to them again giving them the power to punish and censure 3 They must obey every edict and precept that comes from them or the rurall deanes poore ignorant sotts more unlawfull officers then themselues This argument is firm against them since they that maintain Christs enemies are justly to be reproved and accursed if they doe not repent 6 Churchwardens as the government stands now are bound to most unlawfull conditions to present the true Min ster for not using superstitious ritâ—s to keep other Minâ—sters from preaching there except they haue licence to present men for not joyning with a dumb Minister and in a word to see that their Canons be execâ—ted to the full and herein they are instâ—uments of sin and mâ—anes of troubling the s â—vants of God which brings woe upon men This cannot be denyed The serpent was accursed for bâ—ing but the instrument of sinne 7 This is a great stumbling block to the Separation making them thâ—nk all our Church is and stands subject to Antâ—christian government For these depend of the Bishop aâ—d Deanes and haue a kâ—nde of Regency in the Church Wherfore considering these things brethren who haue been through ignorance or want of consideration hitherto m slead hearken and leaue off hence forth Your witnessing of the truth of Châ—ists Government without all doubt will bring more true rest and peace to your soules then you can finde comfort in your outward peace which you may reap by conforming to mens wills and pleasures Consider how you undertake the profession of Chrâ—st with a full puâ—pose to â—eau all to enjoy him Let me intâ—â—at you for your own good that you will throughly and seriously consider of these things in your own hearts and cover not your selues with some fig leaues that you or others may find for you What a daunt ng will it to be the opposits when the peoplâ— stand against their courses And goe they cannot that want legges or feet which you are to them Think what every age hath given for Christ and his pure worship and shall wee giue nothing So metimes reformation and discipline beginnes with the servants who for shame driue others from their unlawfull courses Howsoever keep your selues that no unclean thâ—ng touch you and that you kâ—ep nothing unclean to defile others withall SECTION X. HAving shewed in the former Treatise what Officers are unlawfull springing up with Antichrist and therfore in all reason to die with him Now lest any should conceiu we herein would put all oâ—t of order It will be expedâ—ent to shew such offices as Chrâ—â—s t hath left â—n his Church for the good of mens bodiâ—s which are a cording unto theâ—r necessities to be disâ—â—â—buted â—nto E ther men want outward meanes for wh ch Dâ—acons are appointed or are weak and sickly or tâ—avelling strangers and need attendance for thaâ— end the Lord hath appointed Widdows 1 For Dâ—acons Act. 6 we haue the institution divâ—nely expressed the Apostles though carefull to still all complaints yet having greater care of mens soules would not be hindrâ—d in the Ministery of the Word knowâ—ng and affirming that the preaching of the Gospell is the highest work of the Ministery Where men may obserue that conscâ—onable and wâ—se Minâ—stâ—â—s that seek to doe the r duty to the Lords lâ—king w ll not adâ—oyn other offices to the Mâ—nâ—stery of the Word For men receiue grace but for th s or that Calling and one will hinder an other be men never so provident But by the way lest any should think Constables or Churchwardens or the like sufficâ—ent enough for this businesse as the Apostles weâ—e most carefull of their own Call ng so doe they teach an excellent course for the provision of the poore to choose men of good report full of the Holy Ghost and of wiâ—edom which they might set over this businesse Thiâ— being very gratefull and acceptable to the whole Assembly they set seven before the Apostles who by imposition of hands and pâ—ayer ordained them and admitted them into this office which greatry and wonderfully furthereth the Gospell as it is the nature and property of all Gods ordinances that comming together they may further one another the coÌ„mon good which men receiu by theÌ„ whence we haue the necessity of this ordinance of God lest the Ministâ—r should be hindred in his calling 2 The institution by the coÌ„mon coâ—sent of the Apostles which now bâ—nds all in the new Test they being the foundation of the church of the Gentils 3 Election by the church and ordination by the Apostles and 4 the benefit arâ—sing hence This place is so plain that me thinks an ingenuous heart that loues the truth wayes of Chrâ—st reverenceth the minâ—stry of the Apostles shold not cavâ—lâ— but yeeld willingly hereunto For what the Apostles taught the people to doe Christ had coÌ„manded afore Mat. 28.21 For they in their Ministeâ—y could not erre Onely one excâ—ption may be made That if this were so nâ—â—dfull an Ordinance then why did they not teach â—t the châ—rch afore The Answer is plain 1 Because the Lord would haue men to see the want of this ordinance of God that so they mâ—ght discern the necessity of it and not think they were burthened with more Officers then need requires 2 H thâ—â—to the church was but newly gatheâ—ed and as soon as â—t came to be incâ—easâ—d so soon tâ—ey appointâ—d this Office A second gâ—ound is that 1 Tim. 3.8 where the Apostle sets down as of Ministers so of Deacons what men they ought to be honest c. Thâ—s belongs to us as well as the former of Ministâ—rs 2 The Apostle directly affirmes that Tâ—mothy according to his direct on should carry himseâ—se in the house of God which is the Church of the living God and the pillar and ground of truth v. 15 which glorious titles why are they added but to shew that no man should dare to come and exâ—cute any office in the house of God saue such as were called and fitted therunto 2
That the Minâ—sters that would preserue the church pure must carefully tend to the choise of such officers as are found both for doctrine and manners 3 That no man should dare to alter any order or remoue or hâ—nder any office God hath appointed who in speciall manner is Lord of this Congregation and Assembly From whence the rest of the world are to learn that truth they haue in matters of Religion And it is memorable that Timothy needeth direction how to govern the Church being so excellent an instrument Doth not this sufficiently proue that â—o man can govern the church though he were an Evangelist except he haue direction even in that speciality from the Lord himselfe by meanes of them that were immediately taught by him Therfore let no man dare to goe against this institution of the Apostle except he can shew better warrant or higher authority to exempt him from these canons then Paul had to binde to obedience A third Ground in which we will be shorter is that Rom. 12 hee that distributeth in simplicity that is trustily without respect of persons This therefore being one of the offices not duties and callings there the Apostle shews both that they ought to be in the church and how to execute their places that they should know their callings and be content with the same studying to doe service in the same which is the best meanes for unity and to prevent the manifold distractions which intermedling each with others place and office brings A fourth ground is 1 Cor. 12.28 where these officers are called helps Fifthly The planting of them in every church as appears Phil. 1.1 Sixthly the continuance of them long in their own nature which is to distribute teaching onely when the Lord fits them in a speciall manner for the same Grounds of these are besides such as are mentioned before 1 The Lord takes care both for soules and bodies of men and therfore institutes such offices peculiarly serving for that purpose Because there is no such office and calling it is impossible things should be so well ordered provided for 2 Because the hearts of Gods children may be the more free from feare and with more dilligence follow their own callings having men of such graces to provide for the poore 3 That the Church may be the more inriched with heavenly and spiritual blessings for she receiues grace and gifts for the discharge of each calling 4 That men may be more willingly stirred ud to help the poor and needy considering that the Lord hath appointed a speciall office for that purpose 5 That there should be no complaints but that all the poore might be comforted against their poverty and wants The second kind of Offices â—s the Widow called Diaconesses of which much needs not to be spoken Onely consider 1 Tim. 5 where the Apostles shews what sort of widdows he would haue chosen both for religion conversation and yeares where it may appear these were not chosen onely to receiue but to doe some good The Apostle reprehends idlenesse wherfore he doth not appoint them only to receiu but to doe some service 2 Why should he require such an age except they were to attend strangers in performance of which duty he would not haue the least suspition of uncleannesse to fall out as much as may be This is firm for other widdowes wanting meanes must be provided for by the Church as well as these 2 This Office is set down Rom. 12 Shee that sheweth mercy with cheerfulnesse their office theefore was to be the instruments of the church in shewing mercy to them that were sick or travellers 3 Rom. 16 Phebe was servant and Minister of the Church of Cenchrea now women could not exercise any publique office in the congregation The grounds and reasons of this are besides the same with the former 1 Wisedom to imploy such as being to receiue maintainance from the church are fit for nothing but th s and fittest for th s. 2 That none may lack any thing for their good and preservation 3 That men may be the rather incouraged to goe about the Churches businesses having such to attend them This kinde of discipline though it seem strange and novellous because it hath been so long omitted through the corruption of men in times of Popery yet plain reason shewes it every way most fitting and profitable For 1 This expresseth most liuelâ—ly the caâ—e and watchfull eie of Gods speciall providence towards every member and part of the church 2 This imposeth on the Pastors sufficiency of gifts holy carriage necessary residence diligence in preaching which are the very life of the Church SECTION XI HItherto gentle Reader through the assistance of Gods spirit searching the Scriptures I haue endeavoured so to giue Caesar the things that are Caesars that the Lord may retain his right and be absolute King amongst us which is the glory and safety of a nation and people When thus Moses Ioshua and the succeeding Iudges governed Israel it was well with the land Religion and prosperity going hand in hand joyntly together Thus in Davids time Hezakiahs time and others But when any stâ—pt into the Lords throne and served the Lord after a new fashion borrowing from foolish heathens that were aliens from Israel peace and plenty straight vanished and the Lord sent strangers into whose hands he sold his people Wherfore since this teacheth the right way to strengthen Kingdoms and establish Princes in their throne Mourn thou that seekest the peace of Israel that this doctrine should finde such small acceptance and hard entertainment and wonder at the shamelesse impudency of them that dare avouch themselues friends to Christ and the Magistrate too and yet clean put out Christ that themselues may raign and cause the Magistrate to sin against Christ and so to procure Gods anger upon himself These are Achans that trouble Israel by taking to themselues the accursed thing which the Lord hath consecrated causing dissention where else there would be a happy unity But lest I seem too censorious and of spleen to wound any Let us now further proceed from the former grounds to demonstratâ— the unchangeablenesse of Discipline that ordinance which the Lord hath left to govern his church by In treating wherof we doe nothing against the authority of the Magistrate but onely contend for the faith which is given us by the Prophets and Apostles That it may appear therfore how farre wide they are that imagine the government of the Church a bitâ—ary and what wrong they doe to the Lord what wrong to Princes to inwrap them in ther sinnes and to fight against the Lord with his own authority what wrong to his Church in thrusting such a government as being not approved by the Lord cannot be blessed of him for the good of his people let us consider Matth. 18.15.16 where the Lord shews the end of discipline the recovering and bringing home againe of that which was soft the order
greater care must be had of all that we doe not suffer his policies to prevail 3. Men should not speak with strange tongues in publick without interpretation 4 No publique duty is to be performed which doth not edifie 5 Prayer and thanks-giving are to be conceived by one alone 6 Private persons are to giue assent and testifie the same by voice in the end by this word Amen every one in his own person not one called Clark for others 7 Good things not done in a good manner cease to be good 8 The whole Church ought to meet together to perform publique worship 9 Vnbeleevers may be suffred and admitted to hear 10 Such things as may discredit Gods Ordinances and worship to simple persons and men of different religion being not commanded by the Lord ought to bee avoyded as kneeling in the Sacrament c. 11 True preaching must be such as makes ignorant and wicked men acknowledge Gods presence with his Ordinances 2 Such as layes open the very secrets of mens hearts 12 They whom the word soundly works on will worship God reverence his Ministers It is not ceremonies that maks Ministers known but the Word preached soundly 13 Every man ought so to imploy his gifts as the church may haue most benefit by him 14 Two or three Prophets at the most are to speak at one publique ordinary meeting 15 Prophets must discern for the people that no false doctrine be broached by any 16 Prophets ought to speake one by one 17 The church hath need of all mens gifts 18 Since the end of the Ministery is to gaine knowledge and comfort to all men all must labour in the word for these ends 19 Men must so order things as all may exercise their gifts for the publique good 20 Every mans doctrine and preaching may and should be tryed and discerned by the Prophets 21 The disorder and dissension which is in the church springs not from the Lord. 22 The order appointed by the Lord keeps peace 23 No woman ought to speak in the publique congregation 24 All holy actions must be done with a seemly decency which is in fitting and reverent manner sutable to the action we goe about So as the benefit of the exercise may redound to others 24 All holy things must be done in order so as one holy action be not confounded and drowned by another but each part of divine worship and every person is to haue his proper place Meanes for Decency and Order 1 The nature and use of each gift and duty must be known 2 Men must carry themselues not so as they please themselues and win credit but as they may profit best the church and keep peace with others 3 Obserue in the like case what Gods servants haue done afore that are mentioned in Scriptures This place binds because it is the commandement of the Lord. 2 All the reasons are generall Tit. 1.5 Titus must doe all things in Crete according as Paul had commanded him nothing was left to his own a bitrament now Titus was an Evangelist and had greater power and authority then any ordinary Pastor therfore the church may not aâ—ter the government left by the Apostles For out of these words these positions arise naturally 1 That Paul taught a form and manner of ordering churches 2 Titus was bound to this and to none other 3 Deacons and Elders and the least things are described by the Apostles and left us in their writings as afterwards shall appear God willing These things binde us as Moses writings bound the people of the Iewes for they were sent to us to make us Christs disciples and plant churches therfore discipline is no wayes arbitrary 4 The Apostles are injoyned to teach the churches to obserue all things which Christ had commanded Whence it is plain that men must be taught the will of God for the way and meanes of salvation 2 they must be dedicated to the Lord by Baptism 3 they must be taught to keep all things besides which Christ hath commanded Sacrament of the Lords Supper c. and Discipline 4 Christ is present where these things are to blesse them to the churches good 5 they ought to continue to the end of the world 6 the church ought not to be burthened with things not commanded by Christ This place bindes firmly 1 because Christ Mat. 18 gaue such commandement 2 the Apostles taught these things to the churches therfore they were commanded by Christ before Ephes 4 Christ hath given gifts unto men both callings and abilities which are sufficient onely profitable to his church These gifts are for restoring of the Saints and work of the Ministery therfore contain discipline under them which both restoreth the Saints and is a work of the Ministry therfore the churches government is not arbitrary From hence note 1 It is Christs priviledg to appoint Ministers and the degrees therof 2 That he appoints both extraordinary and ordinary 3 Hee appoints sufficient for his church 4 The same that teach men by the Word are to execute discipline over them Hitherto by the Scriptures hath this truth been proved Now evident reason grounded on holy Scripture proues the same Reas 1 Christ by Moses taught how the church should be governed in the time of the old Testament both for the officers Priests high Priests and Levits therfore it cannot be but that he comming in his own person that was the Day-star Sun of righteousnesse from whence all the other borrowed their light must needs teach his church how it should be ordered and governed for the light foretold extended to all things concerning the churches good 2 The Church is the house of God and therfore to be governed according to his own will which he hath manifested for that end and it is not to be supposed since the Lord requires us to set our houses in order he amongst men is counted a carelesse unthrift that leaus his servants to doe what they lâ—st that he will himself neglect to giue order how both steward and children and servants should be dealt withall And if it be presumption for meaner persons to dare to intrude and govern noble mens houses according to their own will what is this to rush into the house of God and sway all all things there by affection or carnall reason without direction from God 3 No human wisedom is sufficient or able to govern the church of Christ wherin so many diseases are to bee healed and businesses to be dispatched for the good of men soules and preserving the people of God and upholding the Kingdom of Christ Who is sufficient when hee hath all things to his hand for doctrine both matter and manner Then much lesse is he able to govern when neâ—ther the peâ—sons nor manner is expressed And if the worth est servants of God were not able not durst order any thing but what they learned from the Lord who are they that conceâ—t their own wâ—sedom
is rather in the Word and Ordinances of God then in their persons so as without the Word and Ordinances the persons are of no force The power is in the Word not in the Minister in Excommunication not in the person that administers it 2 The authority of the Church though it may be usurped yet it cannot rightly be translated unto other officers then Christ hath committed it to 3 The Churches authority is but ministeriall all she doth or can doe is as a servant to Christ her husband whose properly the keyes are Rev. 1. 4 All authority is to the edification and profit of the Church none hath authority to hurt it or lay stūbling blocks before any 5 All her authority in the use of every thing is limited by the Word which is her charter and lease Hence it may appear what authority she hath and what she hath not What she hath I describe in these Propositions following 1 The Church may reade interpret and publish the Scriptures of God 2 The Church by the Scriptures may binde and loose both in the Ministry of the Word Mat. 16 and Discipline Math. 18 over all that are of the congregation 3 The church hath authority to use aright all the creatures and Ordinances of God all things be hers 1 Cor. 3. 4 The church hath authority from the generals of the Word and the light of Nature to appoint things for the decent and orderly administration of the holy things of God 1 Cor. 11 14. 5 The church hath authority to decree for the avoiding of offence the forbearing or using of any thing indifferent for this is but the commandement of God which the church manifesteth 6 The church hath authority over the members to dispose of them for the good of other places 1 Churches haue no authority to teach any new doctrine but are bound to the Law and Testimony Isa 8 Deut. 4. 2 The Church hath no authority to teach by any way but onely by the Word and those rites which Christ hath left by which he speaks Math. 15 the Pharisies are reproved because they invented washing of hands to teach purity by 3 The church hath no authority to appoint any new Sacraments Math. 28 1 Cor. 11. 4 The church hath no authority to joyn any thing she ordaines to the holy things as parts of Gods worship absolutely necessary or as means to explicate any thing that seems more obscure in the service of God The first is plain Esay 33 formerly proved the second is as plain since Gods own worship is his face secondly men that haue and exercise the gifts of the Spirit shall sufficiently clear all and manifest it to the understanding and conscience 5 The church hath no authority to institute a new Discipline this is plainly proved in an other place 6 The church hath no authority to institute ceremonies or rites 1 Which are not decent and fitting the nature and quality of that present ordinance of God 2 Orderly as first that each thing be done in his due place publique things publiquely private things privately secondly things more execellent and necessary to be respected in the first place 3 That things be done by publique persons that be publique 4 For Edification to build up in the graces of God loathing of Antichrist wherto the church is bound in a speciall manner in these last times of the world 7 The Church hath no authority coactiue but perswasiue Act. 15 1 Pet. 5. 8 The churches authority and commanding of a thing doth not make it simply good nor simply binds but onely ad 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if there be no scandall nor contempt it is no sin to break the same 1 The nature of things cannot be changed by any humane laws 2 Paul after the Decrees Acts 15 taught that it was not simply unlawfull to eat any meat 9 One company of men assembled haue no authority to impose things upon many churches 1 Because none now hath Apostolicall authority 2 Each congregation is a body independant of any Ecclesiasticall power 10 The Church is bound by the law of loue from using such things as are offensiue being otherwise in her power and liberty 1 Cor. 8. Whether they may be a Church that stand subject to Antichrists Government Answ 1 If they dissent in judgment and dislike in affection 2 If they hunger after all meanes to haue true Discipline Mat. 5. 3 If they professe and witnesse as they are called against this false government 4 If men exercise a holy Discipline amongst themselues in admonishing and exhorting one an other 5 If they perforce and by compulsion yeeld to suffer such as usurp Ecclesiasticall government under pretence of his Majesties laws These things in truth where they are argue and proue men to be members of the true catholike church 1 A promise of life is made to such Math. 10 Math. 5. 2 Others sin in usurping over them defiles not them 3 It is a kinde of discipline to the true church suffering for discipline God blessing it to his people 4 The church of God in times of Popery wanted this outward form 5 This outward form is necessary to the wel-being of a reformed church not to the being simply of Christians for subjection of the whole man to the laws of God properly make a Christian Yet lest men should imagine they are well enough that lack this and secondly lest some should think we plead for Baal Therfore obserue that the people and congregations that want this outward government are in great misery in the outward man and are wonderfully blemished 1 He that breaketh the least of Gods commandements and teach men so shall be called the least that is none in the Kingdom of God Mat. 5. 2 The government of Christ rightly administred is a meanes to keep out Satan from raigning it walles in the Church the want of it makes the people exposed to every danger and looseth many a soule 3 One Ordinance of God wanting and another strange devise of man brought in the roome therof brings other Ordinances of God out of request and in time expells them 4 Men though they want discipline yet they are bound to perform such duties the more in private one towards an other SECTION XIII IT is the duty of all the servants of God to keep themselues unspotted of the world especially in the service of God which Satan chiefly seek to corrupt as being the image and face of God Wherefore having shewed before what men are to avoid now it remains to shew whom And herein first of Reading Ministers the bane of many soules and in speaing of them to shew 1 their unlawfulnes 2 Their nullity 3 That they are not to be joyned withall nor maintained in that calling Arguments to proue their unlawfulnesse 1 In the time of the old Testament Priests and Levits were to teach the people to discern betwixt the clean and unclean c. therfore in the time of the new
Lord to anger That you sâ—ould dare to send such a lâ—me and bl nde mâ—ssâ—nger to the Lord of Frosts and such sacrâ—fices withall comming from the drowned in ignorance and superstâ—tâ—on and that you should put the Lords name upon such a Mâ—nister which is not sâ—â—t nor allowed by him Doe you nâ—t depriue your seluâ—s of those excellent and pâ—ecâ—ous treasures in the Gospell of Christ because you want a man to preach them Epâ—es 3 Doe you not hereby â—ndanger and loose your soules which liue in ignorance 2 Thess 2. Doe you know the anger of the Lord will be upon you for this Hos 6. Would you chuse for the bodies sake such a Physitian as hath no skill at all nor any good report to haue cured any under his hand Or such a Counsellour as could not advise but reade you a statute or book-case at all adventures Would you trust your sheep with an Idoll-shepheard that cannot tend them And will ye make so small account of your soules thus to passe them over O return and seek the Lord ye haue hitherto sitten in ignorance and in the shadow of death you never knew what the Gospell meant nor what a God the Lord is witnesse the base and wicked conceiving of him and carriage towards him in publique and private Wherfore let this moue you to provide you a man of understanding that may be able to fâ—ed you Turn you therfore from all your evill waâ—es that yee may be brought to Sion the place where the Lord will be found and seen of all his people Let none be so hardy as to maintain these in their Callings SECTION XIIII THe next sort of Minâ—sters wherof some doubt whether they may hear them or no are such as conforme to these ceremonies now controverted Which howsoever it come in them from an utter hatred of Popish devises and an heart carefull to keep themselues unspotted of the world yet without all questâ—on they erre Concerning thâ—s therfore that morâ— clearly the truth may be boulted out we will propound some grounds to stay upon 1 The Ordinances of God remain pure and holy though men be corrupt that administer them and so are like the Lord. 2 Private men are bound to try the doctrine of Mâ—nâ—sters and look to that rather then be examinâ—ng of their entrance into that Calling they are in this all the Scriptures run upon 3 God doth good to his Church by the gifts he hath given to wicked men for his people For they are fâ—om the Holy Ghost given to restore the Saints and for the work of the Ministry These things considered it may appear upon sufficient grounds that men may lawfully hear 1 Such as are conscionable in their Ministery though they erre in judgement for the Ceremonies and be ordained according to the manner of the times For first these haue the substance of a lawfull calling electâ—on and approbation from the people 2 Dissention in lesser matters hath never hindred either Communion nor estâ—emâ—ng one of another twixt the servants of God Phil. 3. 3 These are sent of God though not by this way they are not unlike to Iacob whose the blessing was though he should not haue sought â—t by lying 4 Their sin in admission is their own personall sin and cannot hurt others not partaking with it 5 Men may and ought to receiue their sendâ—ng not from men but from the Lord of the Harvâ—st Object It seemes to approue theiâ— sinne since men pertake with them in their Ministery which they haue gotten unlawfully Is it not to communicate in stollen goods Answ No for they ought to be admitted and the Ministery is theâ—rs and the Congregations choosing them onely it is their errour to come in by a wrong way Now to stâ—al is to take from men that which doth not belong unto them which cannot be applyed to them A second sort of Ministers are bad and corrupt in doctrine and manners these preaching many truths from God may be heard For 1 They sit in Moses chair Matth. 23.2 Moses chair is the doctrine of Moses otherwisâ— they should haue sit in Aarons chair if he had spoken of the Calling 2 Otherwise we should not yeeld absolute obedience to the doctrine taught except it were Moses doctrine 3 The main cause why the people should hear these is manifâ—sted by our Saviour but this is not so much succession in Calling as succession in Doctrine 1 These Pharisies had corrupted their Callâ—ng 2 They perverted the Law with their Glosses 3 Were ignorant of the righteousnesse of faith 4 Hipocrites in life and bitter enemies to the Kingdom of Christ 5 They preached the Word without authority coldly as did not stir affections 2 Arguâ— Doctrine and gifts are the Churches who may take their own from a very theife Yet these Cautions must be observed 1 That we be able in some measure to discern and try the spirits 2 That wâ— be compelled by necessity 3 That we bâ— careful to get what pâ—ivate and pubâ—â—que help possibly we can 4 That we hunger after other powerfull meanes and as soon as the Lord offers any we remoue and follow the light 5 Refuse private conversing with them 6 Contend for the truth in any paâ—t oppuâ—ned by them Object May not Popish Iesuits or the like then be heard Answ Thâ—se are the professed servants of the beast not of Châ—â—st for they haue quite changed the Ministery into a Priâ—sâ—hood 2 We are quite separated from this false Church by the commandement of the Lord and the Magistâ—ate and all Chuâ—ches assenting to the same 3 Thâ—se doe plainly seek to seduce us and withdâ—aw us from the worâ—hâ—p of the true God all which cannot be found â—n these of our own Church from which wee haue â—o such warrant to seperate nor doe seeke to draw us quâ—te from Christ in fa th Yet thus far let me speak to you of the Ministry thus corrupted that are negligent and doe not sorwaâ—n the peopâ—e of God of danger You that look to your own wayes and make your belly your God You that preach as they Ier. 5 that other Lords may â—ule over the flock of Chr st Considâ—r what you are Are you not men of God Should not you be holy that draw neer to the Lord Should you trouble the waters with your Tâ—aditions that none can drink almost w th a good conscâ—ence Should you make the sacrifices of God abhorred by your dâ—ssolâ—tenesse Should you smite with your tongues your fellow sâ—rvants whose Minâ—stery and conversation you know is better then your own Should you use the flock of Chrâ—st as you doe never visiting of them many of you If woe be to them that joyn house to house what shall become of you that joyn Congregation to Congregation and to these prebenships Dâ—anries c. Should you be terrible to the humbled and afflicted soules Surely the Lord will judge for his people Hear you that force men to things against their
the Lord. Secondly where the Gospell is soundly preached and men yeeld obedâ—ence to the known tâ—uth therto we may safâ—ly joyn For these are the â—eep of Christ Ioh. 10. Object The Gospell is not faithfully preached many truths are concealed Answ The main and fundamentfull truths which giue life to a Christian are purely and wholly taught as the doctrine of faâ—th and â—epentance 2 Other circumstantiall truths are taught too 1 generally to the undâ—â—standâ—ng of the wâ—se 2 in practisâ— in that men doe abstain from all things they judgâ— to be sinne 3 They suffer that is saâ—d upon them for refusall hereunto 4 Some haue taught thâ—se tâ—uths controvâ—â—t d by writing and private Râ—solutâ—on Suppose â—t bee a want amongst us as I confesse men haue been too wary for the most part in this kinde yet notwithstanding consider each want doth not bring a nullity of the Ministery 3 Reason Men must not separate till the Lord separate for Gods people must follow thâ— Loâ—d not goe before him and they must not be holyer then hee who is of purest eyes Now the Lord is not s parated till hee giue men over and send no moâ—e Prophets to turn them to hâ—m for till then though men haue forsaken thâ— Lord yet he forsakes not them 4 All Christians are bound to follow the Lamb whersoever he goes and joyn with him against the sinns of the times therfore mâ—n should not separate so and leaue Christ but each to help and stand for Reformation incouraging the servants of the Lord that are sent out to protest against corruptions 5 No instance can be given that ever the servants of God haue severed or were commanded to seperate further then from the corruptions of the time to haue no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darknesse to touch no unclean thing 6 Men mourning for sin not acting nor joyning in consent in any known evill are not guilty of others sins therfore Lot was not guilty of Sodoms sin seeing they vexed his righteous soule 2 Pet. 2.7 Eze. 9 in the Churches of England men may doe thus 7 This kinde of separation obscures the good providence of God towards the land which giues some liberty in his service but with some paines cost and other crosses which usually accompany the pure worship of God This is no small sin to bereaue the Lord of the glory of so great mercy in spiritual blessings as he hath shewed towards our land Secondly this passeth rash judgment upon many reverend Preachers and godly people Thirdly men hereby despise and so loose the bâ—nefit of the prayers of the Saints which is the greatest benâ—fit in the woâ—ld next to tâ—e minâ—steâ—y of the Woâ—d Fourthly men so separate as they joyn to no reformed Church that holds and practâ—seth the same holy Ordinances of God which they desire and walk in the same way of obediâ—nce with them 8 Wheras they might giue testimony to the truth in suffering for the Ordinances of God now they suffer for separation from the Word preached 9 The power of the Gospell doth as much appâ—ar in any of the Professors being in our Chuâ—ch as it doth when they are separated whâ—ch should not if they onely had tâ—e Oâ—dâ—nances of God 10 Gods children may eat their own meat though dogs and swâ—ne be admitted through the negâ—â—gence of thâ—m that should exerc se Discipâ—â—nâ— Wherfore bâ—â—thren follow after truth bâ—tâ—n loue that you may haue the more inward peâ—câ— and doe the more good Oppose errour bâ—t not any truth fight against tâ—e world but sâ—â—rr not agaiâ—st the châ—â—dâ—en of God Make not the Church weak by your râ—nting from it nor giue occasion to the adversaries to speak evill of those truths you hold and ordinances of God which you seek SECTION XVIII BEcause it is so often in the mouths of men that these things controverted are things indifferent therfore it will not bee amisse to set down some speciall rules for discerning and using things indifferent A thing indifferent properly is a mean twixt good and evill and in it selfe neither good nor evill 1 It is a mean seated twixt the extreams having not the nature of either extrem So that a thing commanded or forbidden by the Lord is not indifferent 2 Twixt good and evill therfore that which is a mean in respect of some other sin is not indifferent as fornication is lesse â—vill then adultery yet evill and not indifferent the like may be said of degrees of goodnesse 3 In it selfe that is in its own nature for in the particulars every action is good or evill So that the goodnesse or evill of a thing indifferent is not from it selfe but from the user if he be pure or impure from the circumstances from the manner of doing it So that an action of the same kinde may be evill in one in another commendabâ—e The laws of man cannot make the thâ—ngs that are indifferent simpâ—y good or evill â—oâ— tâ—en they should change the very nature of things which men cannot What things are indifferent THe things that are indifferent are such as are left unto mans free cho se for the exercâ—se of wisedom faâ—th sobriety loue and the lâ—ke graces of God in hâ—m Where by the way we may obserue why some things are left indifferent 1 Because in their own nature they are neither good nor evâ—â—l and therfore not to be commanded or foâ—bâ—dden 2 Because the Loâ—d would haue aâ—l his gracâ—s and the powers of mens soules to be the more exercâ—sed for the hardest thâ—ngs in Religion are often about things inâ—â—fferent 3 There sâ—ould be infinite rules given then for these cases are innumerable and so the knowledg of things absolutely needfull should be hindred The particular kinds of things indifferent are 1 Meats and drinks it is true there is nothing of it selfe unclean 2 Garments are things indifferent 3 Recreations 4 The time of publique assembling together upon the Sabboth 5 And lastly whatsoever a man may doe wâ—thout impiety towards God or wrong to man In the use of things indifferent first every man must learn the right use from the Word 1 Tim. 4 for our own reason is very blâ—nd hereâ—n and custom exceeding corrupt and this must the rather be remembâ—â—d Because 2 Man must giue account to Christ for his using things indifferent 3 Every man must be fully perswaded in hâ—s own conscience that the thing hee doth is lawfull n it selfe this perswasion is a certain knowledg in his own heart and conscience from the light of the Word and the spâ—rit of God shining in him This excluds doubting 1 that is sin So is 2 depending upon others or following others example 3 When men are perswaded but by shews of reason or of men not by sound grounds out of the Scripture 4 Each man must be very wise in using this liberty 1 Men must discern what is expedient and may further to edifie others 2 Men must discern times and circumstances 5 Men must
with teares And yet these men are had in request and honoured and thought favourers of the State and friends to the Kingdom and Church Oh England who hath bewitched thee that thou shouldst not know the things that belong unto thy peace Oh that thou wouldest know and receiu instruction and correction from God himselfe What mean so many judgments in our land if the Lord be not angry And discipline being neglected amongst us doe you not feel the strokes of God avowing the truth and calling of those Ministers that haue pronounced threats against the land Is not the hand of the Lord heavier and the burthen hee makes you bear greater then the burthen which he would haue you take up Obj. To alter were a disgrace for the Church Ans 1 It is more disgrace not to alter 2 Mens Credit must giue way to Gods glory and the Churches good 3 It causeth wonderfull rents in the Church which are a greater disgrace then this would be 4 The Lord will certainly reform if men doe not 5 Men at first did not intend this should be a perpetuall rule to posterity but onely for the present it seemed the best way to draw on the people to our religion Obj. 2. This doctrine brings confusion and so much adoe Ans Zeal in reforming seems tumultuous as our Saviour Christ when he overthrew the tables of the money changers 2 It seems much adoe because men are loth to part with their own conceits else things were soon ended and ordred 3 It is no small matter to bring the Church from the darknesse of Popery to that measure of reformation which is required Quest Why haue men joyned with these hitherto Ans 1 Want of consideration of these particulars 2 Many no doubt haue sejoyned and severed from them at least in affection 3 Men must doe as they are farther enlightened and guided by the spirit of God who from step to step leads his people Iewish Ceremonies might better be tollerated then ours 1 These were once commanded by the Lord ours never 2 Those were not commanded as necessary but onely some things to be done or forborn for offence sake 3 Those the Apostles knew would perish of themselues Ierusalem being destroyed But these being joyned to the worship of God as things decent will not fall with Rome 4 There was a time for the death burial of those Ceremonies which was to be effected by the ministry of the Apostles informing the Churches of the right use and abolition of these Ceremonies till which time some Ceremonies were indifferent in right use SECTION XX. HAving shewed the unlawfulnesse of these Ceremonies in the next place we are to perswade for the removall of them Therfore the second Commandeement should be fully known and acknowledged and so the Lord shall haue great glory Now the substance of this commandement is to bar the dore against all false worship and human inventions wherin the Lord forbids man to make to himselfe of his own head all religious Ceremonies This commandement being as all others are a common head to which all the very least things in that kind are to be referred And the Lords backing this with such forcible reasons should moue all honest and good hearts It is the Lord that forbids who dare countermand or bid the contrary 1 It is thy God by covenant that thou hast given thy name unto 2 It is thine husband if authority will not perswade yet let loue rule thee 3 The Lord is a jealous God and cannot indure any part of divine worship to be given to mans devises that they should be counted his Name the Lord sees this to bee the beginning of declining 4 The Lord visites the sinnes of parents that haue instituted and followed these devises of man in his worship upon the children that so reverence their forefathers and antiquity that they will tread in their steps and retain the same Ceremonies 5 All this devising of Ceremonies and appointing of them is hatred against the Lord. 6 Pure worship of God argues men doe truely loue him and haue care to keep his Commandements 7 This brings blessings upon us and many generations even thousands that worship the Lord according to his will Hearken ô yee men brethren and fathers unto the Lord our God and cease to provoke him to wrath it is too long wee haue lived in the breach of this commandement troubling them that haue desire to walk sincerely with the Lord. A second Ground is because then Christ shall be known to be the onely King of his Church and men shall not dare to propound any thing as doctrine nor urge the servants of God to any practise but what the word commands Now under the name of the Church and Christian Magistrate How is the Kingdom of Christ weakened by some Then shall that Ezech. 34.24 bee fulfilled I will be their God and my servant David shall be Prince amongst them A third ground is the beauty of Gods face and the glory of the Gospell should more appear and shine forth which now is clouded heerby many waies For 1 men wrest the Scriptures for the defence of these 2 the whole counsell of God cannot be freely preached 3 that divine order in each Congregation is dissolved which should shew who are sheep and who are goats 4 the Lord is brought in favouring the wicked and making sad the hearts of his own servants for men of tender consciences are accused and traduced as turbulent spirits Men should then bend themselues to teach the main grounds of Religion which now are unknown and how dear should this be to us Englishmen especially by whose means our land hath been so highly honoured and wonderfully lifted up aboue others 4 Christian meetings and holy communion of Saints the nourisher of grace wherin men might be benefitting and edifying one another should be suffred Wheras men now meeting for holy ends are troubled as making Conventicles dangerous to the State What were it for our Magistrates to haue the prayers of so many good hearts for their safety Then should that be fulfilled Zachar. 8.20.21 c. 5 The Gospell should be freely preached there would then be nothing to hinder either admittance or continuance in the Ministery This liberty of the Gospell procures continuance of our liberty and tho restrayning of this makes the Lord depart and brings bondage captivity and the sword upon the Nation Then should the people that sit in ignorance and the shadow of death see a great light so many should not perish for want of vision 6 Magistrates should be out of danger of those threats Hos 5 for passing their bounds and Esa 29 none should make Israel sin and wound their consciences with these lesser things at first and then afterwards fall into extremity and height of wickednesse 7 Ministers should haue more gifts and more authority for the setting up these restrain the spirit of God and such urging of these without ground from
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
had been propounded to Iohn Hus and Ierom of Prage as are now they would haue heard and approved the voice of Christ or in the like of that kinde as in all ages Gods servants haue to fight against and doe evercome some speciall enemies and corruptions that trouble the Church So Wickliffe in his time against some errours of the Romish Synagogue Luther against more Calvin and Beza against more 20 Reason inlightned and guided by the spirit of God and subject to the Word is the voice of God This is part of the image of God even that wisedom which God renewes by his Spirit Mat. 12.13 This holds so as these cautions be observed 1 The Scriptures must be the ground upon which reason is built The Scriptures are the premisses reason drawes the conclusion from thence 2 The like reasoning appeares in the Scripture 3 That mans reason be never used against any part of Scriptures nor experience for either Scriptures or experience to the contrary overthrows all the shewes of reason 4 So as men by reason presume not to understand the deep things of God that is the mysteries of Religion which the Scriptures reveales not Col. 2.5 Reason must submit to the Word and beleeue the truth therof though wee cannot conceiu the manner how it should be Ioh. 3.6 Reason especially in divine things and the worship of God serues onely as a watchman to discern what the will of God is which is our wisedom Deut. 4. So then part of our faith must be built upon reason thus informed It is a thing no lesse dangerous then odious to meddle with Princes authority not that they themselues cannot endure any higher power though naturally all men would be as Gods but chiefly because inchanting flatterers seek to bewitch Princes and themselues being voide of all conscience of duty towards God full of hatred towards his children and divellish blinde zeale for superstition and selfe loue towards themselues and would perswade Princes as Iesabel did Ahab that because they are Kings they may doe what they please and usurp not mens onely but Gods right too and sit in his Chair Such were they that came to Ioash 2 Chron. 24. Such were Davids enemies And these men to the intent they may bring about their divelish and malicious intendments pretend to be the onely true hearted subjects in the Kingdom and that men of another disposition though farre more faithfull to God and his Magistrates yet dissenting severing from their errours and not bowing down to them are factious and trouble the peace of the Kingdom So did Haman report of the Iewes Esth 3. And that their accusation may not seem frivolous they bring some complaints for the breach of lawes devised by themselues as snares to take the righteous in no way tending to the safety or honour of the Prince or the publique good of the Church or Common-wealth Though these men abound in every age and by their policies raâ—se themselues to high placâ—s their kingdom being of this world and the Lord disposing and appointing them as scourges for his own people yet because it is the Churches duty to teach all the truth and seek the good of mens soules and of Princes especially by whose meanes so much good is injoyed and that this is true loue to shew the way of life though it be by sharp reproofes therefore for Princes good â—f so be the wise and gracious God so appoint that these things may be vâ—iwed of them and for the peoples good that they may know how to cary themselues towards Authority I haue indevoured from the rule of justice that appoints every man his standing and office and bounds them with strait charge that none shall passe the lists prescribed to man fest this point which I acknowledge is farre fitter for the more judicious to haue handled The name of Kings and Princes is sacred they are stiled Gods by the Lord himselfe and children of the most High next to himselfe to be honoured of all men Wherefore from the Scriptures these things following are evident concerning them 1 That this high calling is an Ordinance of God immutably to continue for the good of man till Christ restore the Kingdom to his Father for it is morall and of necessity never abrogated by God This all firmly hold against Anabaptists Secondly for their authority that they are highest and supreme in both kinds civill and ecclesiasticall this is plain â—n David Salomon Iosiah who were chiefe the high Priest being under them the Prophets in like manner This is not doubted of therefore no stay is to be made in it The onely question and thing is 1 That Princes haue authority in things Ecclesiasticall to see the service of God done in due and beseeming manner so did David so did Iosiah This authority is in ordering fit circumstances in performing holy duties as times of meeting and of humbling themselues by fasting c. Princes are bound to this for the carelesse serving of God brings judgement upon the people 1 Cor. 11.2 The more care they haue for the Lord to be reverenced the more carefull will he be of their honour Psal 2. 2 Princes haue authority to examine and try all canons and constitutions of men to see that nothing bee thrust into the Church by deceivers This authority is in binding Ministers to the true word of God both for matter and manner in preaching prayer administring Sacraments and execution of discipline Thus they are straightly bound to keep the charge of the Lord 2 Chron. 13. The Magistrate is the keeper of both Tables this is the treasure of his Kingdom that which makes him victorious against enemies the happinesse of his own soule and his subjects the glory of God and the good of posterity 3 Princes haue authority to bring all things both Callings and Ordinances to tho first inst tution abrogating all former customes and pract ses which dissent from the Law of God and disanull such statutes as make them to be in force and credite So did Iosiah reform Salomons errours and all the idolatry set up before This reacheth to the overthrow of all Antichristian rites that are brought into the house of God This he is bound unto in the second commandement So did Moses break in peaces the golden Calfe and the good Kings took away the Groues and high places their ancestors had set up Magistrates must not suffer whorish bravery to be provoking the eyes of Gods glory Thus did our Saviour Christ 4 Prâ—nces haue authority to remoue things of a good use at first when they be corrupted and abused and of no use So did Ezekiah the brazen serpent This reacheth to all things not actually abused but in danger to be abused such were Idoll Temples that the good Emperour overthrew So may the Magistates remoue Witnesses out of Baptism now bâ—ing unprofitable This rule they are bound unto both by the second and third commandement by that care they owe to