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
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
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