to be members of a visible Church of Christ was before declared and that is that which the Lord Jesus hath made the indispensible condition of entring into his Kingdom namely of being born again John 3.33 This worke being secret hidden and invisible the Church cannot judge of directly and in its own form or nature but in the means effects and consequents of it which are to be testified unto it concerning them who are to be admitted unto its fellowship and communion it is required therefore of them First that they be of a conversation free from blame in the world for whereas one end of the gathering of Churches is to hold forth and express the holiness of the doctrine of Christ and the power of his grace in turning Men from all ungodliness unto sobriety righteousness and honesty it is required of them that are admitted into them that they answer this end And this the principle of grace which is communicated unto them that believe will effect and produce For although it doth not follow that every one who hath attained an unblameable honesty in this World is inwardly quickened with a true principle of saving grace yet it doth that they who are indowed with that principle will be so unblameable And although they may on other accounts be evil spoken of yet their good conversation in Christ will justify it self Secondly competent knowledge in the mysteries of the Gospel is another means whereby the great qualification inquired after is testified unto the Church For as without this no priviledge of the Gospel can be profitably made use of nor any duty of it be rightly performed so saving light is of the essence of conversion and doth inseparably accompany it 2 Cor. 4.6 God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Where this is wanting it is impossible for any person to evidence that he is delivered from that blindness darkness and ignorance which all men are under the power of in the state of nature Such a measure then of light and knowledge as whereby men are enabled to apprehend aright of the person and offices of Christ of the nature of his mediation the benefits thereof and the obedience that he requires at the hands of his Disciples is expected in them who desire to be admitted into the fellowship of the Church Thirdly hereunto is to be added soundness in the faith For the unity of faith is the foundation of Love and all the duties thereof which in an especiall manner are to be performed towards the Church called therefore the house-hold of faith There is among the members of the Church one faith Ephes. 4.5 The common faith the faith once delivered unto the saints Jude 3. Which is the sound doctrine 1 Tim. 1.10 Which those that will not endure must be turned from 2 Tim. 4.3 the faithful word that is to be held fast Tit. 1.9 1 Tim. 1.19 And which we are to be sound in Tit. 1.13 Contained in a form of sound words as to the profession of it 2 Tim. 1.13 And this soundness in the unity of the faith as it should be improved unto oneness of mind and oneness of accord in all the things of God Phil. 2.2 Though it may admit of some different apprehensions in some things wherein some may have more clear and distinct discoveries of the mind and will of God than others which hinders not but that all may walk according to the same rule Phil. 3.15 16. So it is principally to be regarded in the fundamentall truths of the Gospel in and by the faith whereof the Church holdeth on the head Jesus Christ Coloss. 2.19 And in the fundamentall principles of Gospel worship the joynt celebration whereof is the next end of the gathering the Church for without a consent of mind and accord herein no duty can be performed unto edification nor the peace of the Church be preserved and these principles are those which we have explained Fourthly it is required that these things be testified by them unto the Church with the acknowledgement of the worke of Gods grace towards them and their resolution through the power of the same grace to cleave unto the Lord Christ with full purpose of heart and to live in all holy obedience unto him They come to the Church as Disciples of Christ professing that they have learnt the truth as it is in Jesus which what it infers the Apostle teacheth at large Ephes. 4.20 21 22 23 24. See also Acts 11.23 Acts 8.21 22 23. And this by themselves to be testified unto the Church First that they may be received in love without dissimulation as real partakers in the same faith hope and salvation with themselves as living members of the mystical body of Christ. Secondly That on all ensuing occasions they may be minded of their own profession and engagements to stir them up thereby unto faithfulness stedfastness and perseverance Hereupon are the Elders of the Church to judge by the rule of truth in Love and meekness concerning their condition and meetness to be laid as living stones in the house of God so as that they may 1. Reject false hypocritical pretenders if in or by any means their hypocrisie be discovered unto them Acts 8.20 23. Titus 1.10 Jer. 15.19 2. That they may direct and encourage in the way such as appear to be sincere instructing them principally in the nature of the way whereinto they are engaging the duties dangers and benefits of it Acts 18.26 Act. 14.22 1 Cor. 3.22 23. 3. To propose them their conditions their desires their resolutions unto the Church after their own expressions of them to be considered of in love and meekness Acts 9.26 27. Whereupon those that are approved do give up themselves unto the Lord to walk in the observation of all his commands and ordinances and to the Church for the Lords sake 2 Cor. 8.5 abiding in the fellowship thereof whereunto they are admitted Acts 2.41 42. Quest. 51. Wherein doth the especial form of a particular Church whereby it becomes such and is distinguished as such from all others consist Answ. In the special consent and agréement of all the members of it to walk together in the observation of the same Ordinances numerically hence its constitution and distinction from other Churches doth procéed Exod. 19.5 8. Chap. 24.3 7. Deut. 26.17 2 Cor. 8.5 Acts 14.23 Acts 20.28 Heb. 13.17 Explication It hath been before declared what especial agreement or covenant there ought to be among all the members of the same Church to walk together in a due subjection unto and observance of all the institutions of the Lord Christ. And this is that which gives it its special form and distinction from all other Churches In the general nature of a Church all Churches do agree and equally partake There is the same law of the constitution
of them all they have all the same rule of obedience all the same Head the same end all carry it on by the observation of the same Ordinances in kind Now besides these things which belong unto the nature of a Church in general and wherein they all equally participate they must also have each one its proper difference that which doth distinguish it from all other Churches and this gives it its speciall form as such Now this cannot consist in any thing that is accidental occasional or extrinsical unto it such as is cohabitation which yet the Church may have respect unto for conveniency and farthering of its edification nor in any civil or political disposal of its members into civil societies for civil ends which is extrinsecal to all its concernments as a Church nor doth it consist in the relation of the Church to its present Officers which may be removed or taken away without the dissolution of the form or being of the Church but it consisteth as was said in the agreement or covenant before mentioned For First This is that which constitutes 〈◊〉 a distinct body different from others for thereby and no otherwise do they coalesce into a society according to the law of their constitution and appointment Secondly this gives them their especial relation unto their own Elders Rulers or Guides who watch over them as so associated by their own consent according unto the command of Christ. And Thirdly From hence they have their mutual especial relation unto one another which is the ground of the especial exercise of all Church duties whatsoever Quest. 52. Wherein consists the duty of any Church of Christ towards other Churches Answ. 1 In walking circumspectly so as to give them no offence 2 In prayer for their peace and prosperity 3 In communicating supplyes to their wants according to ability 4 In receiving with love and readiness the members of them into fellowship in the celebration of the Ordinances of the Gospel as occasion shall be 5 In desiring and making use of their counsel and advice in such cases of doubt and difficulty as may arise among them 6 In joyning with them to express their communion in the same doctrine of faith 1 1 Cor. 10.32 2 Psalm 122.6 Ephes. 6.18 1 Tim. 2.1 3 2 Cor. 8.4 6. Acts 11.29 30. Rom. 15.26 27. 4 Rom. 16.1 2.3 Ep. Joh. 8 9. 5 Acts 15.2 6 1 Tim. 3.15 Explication Churches being gathered and setled according to the mind of Christ ought to preserve a mutual holy communion among themselves and to exercise it in the discharge of those duties whereby their mutuall good and edification may be promoted For whereas they are all united under one Head the Lord Christ Ephes. 1.22 23. in the same faith and order Ephes. 4.5 And do walk by the same rule they stand in such a relation one to another as is the ground of the communion spoken of Now the principal wayes whereby they exercise this communion are the acts and duties enumerated in the answer unto this Question as First Carefull walking so as to give no offence unto one another which although it be a moral duty in reference unto all yet therein especial regard is to be had unto other Churches of Christ that they be not in any thing grieved or tempted 1 Cor. 10.32 Give none offence neither to the Jews nor to the Gentiles nor to the Church of God Secondly In constant prayer for the peace welfare edification and prosperity one of another Rom. 1.9 Colos. 1.9 Ephes. 6.18 And this because of the special concernment of the name and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ in their welfare Thirdly In communicating of supplyes for their relief according unto their ability in case of the outward wants straits dangers or necessities of any of them Acts 11.29 30. Rom. 15.26 27. 2 Cor. 8.1 2 3 4 6 14. Fourthly The receiving of the members of other Churches to communion in the celebration of Church Ordinances is another way whereby this communion of Churches is exercised Rom. 16.1 2.3 Ep. Joh. 8.9 For whereas the personal right of such persons unto the Ordinances of the Church and their orderly walking in the observation of the commands of Christ are known by the testimony of the Church whereof they are members they may without farther enquiry or satisfaction given be looked on pro tempore as members of the Church wherein they desire fellowship and participation of the Ordinances of Christ. Fifthly In desiring or making use of the counsel and advice of one another in such cases of doubt and difficulty whether doctrinal or practical as may arise in any of them Act. 15.2 6. And from hence it follows that in case any Church either by errour in doctrine or precipitation or mistake in other administrations do give offence unto other Churches those other Churches may require an account from them admonish them of their faults and withhold communion from them in case they persist in the errour of their way and that because in their difficulties and before their miscarriages they were bound to have desired the advice counsel and assistance of those other Churches which being neglected by them the other are to recover the end of it unto their utmost ability Gal. 2.6.11 And hence also it follows that those that are rightly and justly censured in any Church ought to be rejected by all Churches whatever both because of their mutuall communion and because it is and ought to be presumed untill the contrary be made to appear that in case there had been any difficulty or doubt in the proceedure of the Church they would have taken the advice of those Churches with whom they were obliged to consult Lastly Whereas the Churches have all of them one common faith and are all obliged to hold forth and declare it to all men as they have opportunity 1 Tim. 3.15 to testifie this their mutual communion their interest in the same faith and hope for the more open declaration and proposition of the truths of the Gospel which they profess and for the vindication both of the truth and themselves from false charges and imputations they may and if God give opportunity ought to joyn together in declaring and testifying their joynt consent and fellowship in the same doctrine of faith expressed in a form of sound words Quest. 53. What are the ends of all this dispensation and order of things in the Church Answ. The glory of God the honour of Iesus Christ the Mediator the fartherance of the Gospel the edification and consolation of Believers here with their eternal salvation hereafter Rev. 4.9 10 11. Chap. 5.12 13. 1 Cor. 3 22.23 Ephes. 4.11 12 13. Finis
unto the end of the World This promised presence respects only the observance of his commands Some men are apt to look on this authority of Christ as that which hath the least influence into what they do If in any of his institutions they find any thing that is suited or agreeable unto the light of nature as Ecclesiastical societies government of the Church and the like they say are they suppose and contend that that is the ground on which they are to be attended unto and so are to be regulated accordingly The interposition of his authority they will allow only in the Sacraments which have no light in reason or nature so desirous are some to have as little to do with Christ as they can even in the things that concern the worship of God But it would be somewhat strange that if what the Lord Christ hath appointed in his Church to be observed in particular in an especial manner for especial ends of his own hath in the general nature of it an agreement with what in like cases the light of nature seems to direct unto that therefore his authority is not to be considered as the sole immediate reason of our performance of it But it is evident First That our Lord Jesus Christ being the King and Head of his Church the Lord over the house of God nothing is to be done therein but with respect unto his authority Matth. 17.5 This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased hear ye him Ephes. 4.15 Speaking the truth in love grow up into him in all things which is the head even Christ from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplyeth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love Eph. 2.20 21. Ye are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord in whom you also are built together for an habitation of God through the spirit Secondly And that therefore the suitableness of any thing to right reason or the light of nature is no ground for a Church observation of it unless it be also appointed and commanded in especial by Jesus Christ. Thirdly That being so appointed and commanded it becomes an especial institution of his and as such is to be observed so that in all things that are done or to be done with respect unto the worship of God in the Church the authority of Christ is alwayes principally to be considered and every thing to be observed as commanded by him without which consideration it hath no place in the Worship of God Quest. 19. What is an instituted Church of the Gospel Answ. A society of Persons called out of the World or their natural worldly state by the administration of the Word and Spirit unto the obedience of the Faith or the knowledge and Worship of God in Christ â—oyned together in an holy band or by special agreement for the exercise of the communion of Saints in the due observation of all the Ordinances of the Gospel Rom 1.5 6. 1 Cor. 1.2 1 Cor. 14.15 Heb. 3 1. James 1.18 Rev. 1.20 1 Peter 2.5 Ephes. 2.21.22 23. 2 Cor. 6.16 17 18. Explication The Church whose nature is here inquired after is not the Catholick Church of elect Believers of all ages and seasons from the beginning of the World unto the end thereof nor of any one age nor the universality of professors of the Gospel but a particular Church wherein by the appointment of Christ all the Ordinances of the Worship of God are to be observed and attended unto according to his Will For although it be required of them of whom a particular Church is constituted that they be true Believers seeing that unless a man be born again he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God and so on that account they be members of the Church Catholick as also that they make visible profession of faith and obedience unto Jesus Christ yet moreover it is the will command and appointment of Christ that they should be joyned together in particular societies or Churches for the due observation of the Ordinances of the Gospel which can alone be done in such Assemblies For as the members of the Catholick Church are not known unto one another meerly on the account of that faith and union with Christ which makes them so whence the whole society of them is as such invisible to the World and themselves visible only on the account of their profession and therefore cannot meerly as such observe the Ordinances of the Gospel which observation is their profession so the visible Professors that are in the World in any age cannot at any time assemble together which from the nature of the thing it self and the institution of Christ is indispensably necessary for the celebration of sundry parts of that worship which he requires in his Church and therefore particular Churches are themselves an Ordinance of the New Testament as the National Church of the Jews was of old For when God of old erected his Worship and enjoyned the solemn observation of it he also appointed a Church as his institution for the due celebration of it That was the people of Israel solemnly taken into a Church relation with him by covenant wherein they took upon themselves to observe all the laws and ordinances and institutions of his worship Exod. 20.19 Speak thou with us and we will hear Exod. 24.3 And Moses came and told the People all the words of the Lord and all the judgements and all the people answered with one voice and said all the words which the Lord hath said we will do Deut. 5.27 All that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee we will hear it and do it And God accordingly appointed them Ordinances to be observed by the whole congregation of them together at the same time in the same place Exod. 23.17 Three times in the year all thy Males shall appear before the Lord thy God Deut. 16.16 Three times in a year all thy Males shall appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose Neither would God allow any stranger any one not of the Church so instituted by him to celebrate any part of his instituted worship untill he was solemnly admitted into that Church as a member thereof Exod. 12.47 48. All the congregation of Israel shall keep it and when a stranger shall sojourn with thee and will keep the Passover to the Lord let all his Males be circumcised and then let him come near and keep it and he shall be as one that is born in the Land for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof To the same end and purpose when the knowledge of God was to be diffused all the World over by the preaching of the Gospel
acquaint themselves with the outward condition of those that appear to be poor and needy in the Church whether by the addresses of such poor ones who are bound to make known their wants occasions and necessities unto them or by the information of others or their own observation Secondly to acquaint the Elders and the Church as occasion requireth with the necessities of the poor under their care that those who are able may be stirred up by the Elders to a free supply and contribution Thirdly To dispose what they are entrusted with faithfully cheerfully tenderly with partiality or preferring one before another for any outward respect whatever Fourthly To keep and give an account unto the Church when called for of what they have received and how they have disposed of it that so they may be known to have well discharged their Office that is with care wisdom and tenderness whereby they procure to themselves a good degree with boldness in the faith and the Church is encouraged to entrust them farther with this sacrifice of their almes which is so acceptable unto God Quest. 24. Wherein consists the general duty of the whole Church and every member thereof in their proper station and condition Answ. In performing doing and kéeping inviolate all the commands and institutions of Iesus Christ walking unblameably and fruitfully in the World holding forth the Word of truth and glorifying the Lord Christ in and by the profession of his name and kéeping his testimony unto the end Matth. 28.20 Acts 2.42 Phil 2.15 16. Chap. 4.8 9. 1 Thes. 3.8 1 Pet. 4.10 11 12 13 14. 1 Tim. 3.15 Heb. 10.23 Explication Besides the general duties of Christianity incumbent on all Believers or Disciples of Christ as such there are sundry especial duties required of them as gathered into Church societies upon the account of an especial trust committed unto them in that state and condition For First the Church being appointed as the seat and subject of all the institutions of Christ and ordinances of Gospel worship it is its duty that is of the whole body and every member in his proper place to use all care watchfulness and diligence that all the commands of Christ be kept inviolate and all his institutions observed according to his mind and will Thus those added to the Church Acts 2.42 Together with the whole Church continued stedfastly which argues care circumspection and diligence in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and breaking of bread and prayers Which principal duties are enumerated to express their respect towards all This is their standing fast in the Lord which was a matter of such joy to the Apostle when he found it in the Thessalonians 1 Ephe. 3.8 For now we live if ye stand fast in the Lord. That order and stedfastness which he rejoyced over in the Colossians Chap. 2.5 For though I am absent in the flesh yet am I with you in the spirit joying and boholding your order and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. And where this duty is despised men contenting themselves with what is done by others there is a great neglect of that faithfulness in obedience which the Church owes unto Jesus Christ. Secondly the Glory of the Lord Christ and the doctrine of the Gospel to be manifested in and by the power of an holy exemplary conversation is committed unto the Church and all the members of it This is one end wherefore the Lord Christ calls them out of the World separates them to be a peculiar people unto himself brings them forth unto a visible profession and puts his name upon them namely that in their walking and conversation he may shew forth the holiness of his doctrine and power of his spirit grace and example to effect in them all holiness godlyness righteousness and honesty in the World Hence are they earnestly exhorted unto these things Phil. 4.8.9 Brethren whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue if their be any praise think on these things and that to this end that the doctrine of the Gospel may be adorned and Christ glorified in all things Tit. 2.10 And those who fail herein are said to be Enemies of the cross of Christ Phil. 3.18 As hindring the progress of the doctrine thereof by representing it undesirable in their conversation This also therefore even the dutie of universal holiness with an especial regard unto the honour of Christ and the Gospel which they are called and designed to testifie and express in the World is incumbent on the Church and every member of it namely as the Apostle speaks that they be blameless and harmless the sons of God without rebukes in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom they are to shine as lights in the World Phil. 2.15 Thirdly the care of declaring and manifesting the truth is also committed unto them Christ hath made the Church to be the pillar and ground of truth 1 Tim. 3.15 where the truth of the Gospel is so firmly seated founded fixed established and then lifted up in the wayes of Christs appointment to be seen discerned and known by others And as this is done principally in the preaching of the Gospel by the Elders of the Church and in their contending for the truth once delivered unto the saints Jude 3. So it is also the duty of the whole Church to hold forth the word of life Phill. 2.16 by ministring of the gift that every man hath received 1 Peter 4.10 In the way of Christs appointment In these and the like instances doth our Lord Jesus require of his Church that they express in the World their subjection unto him and his authority and that they abide therein unto the end against all opposition whatever The sinful neglect of Churches in the discharge of their duty herein was one great means of that Apostacy from the rule of the Gospel which they generally of old fell into When the members of them began to think that they had no advantage by their state and condition but only the outward participation of some Ordinance of worship and no duty incumbent on them but only to attend and follow the motions and actings of their Guides the whole societies quickly became corrupt and fit to be disposed of according to the carnal interest of those that had by their neglect and sin gotten dominion over them And at all times as the people were negligent in their duty the Leaders of them were apt to usurp undue authority When the one sort will not do that which they ought the other are ready to take upon them what they ought not It is a circumspect performance of duty on all hands alone that will keep all sorts of persons in the Church within those bounds and limits and up to those rights and priviledges which Christ hath allotted and granted unto them
case there be not the success aimed at obtained in these several degrees of private admonition it is then the will of our Lord Jesus Christ that the matter be reported unto the Church that the offender may be publickly admonished thereby and brought to repentance wherein is to be observed First That the persons who have endeavoured in vain to reclaim their offending Brother by private admonition are to acquaint the Elders of the Church with the case and crime as also what they have done according to rule for the rectifying of it who upon that information are obliged to communicate the knowledge of the whole matter to the Church This is to be done by the Elders as to whom the preservation of order in the Church and the rule of its proceeding do belong as we have shewed before Secondly The report made to the Church by the Elders is to be 1. Of the crime guilt or offence 2. Of the Testimony given unto the truth of it 3. Of the means used to bring the offender to acknowledgement and repentance 4. Of his deportment under the private previous admonitions either as to his rejecting of them or as to any satisfaction tendred all in order love meekness and tenderness Thirdly Things being proposed unto the Church and the offender heard upon the whole of the offence and former proceeding the whole Church or multitude of the Brethren are with the Elders to consider the nature of the offence with the condition and temptations of the offenders with such a spirit of meekness as our Lord Jesus Christ in his own person set them an example of in his dealing with sinners and which is required in them as his Disciples Gal. 6.1 2. 2 Cor. 2.8 Fourthly The Elders and Brethren are to judge of the offence and the carriage of the offender according to rule and if the offence be evident and persisted in then Fifthly The offender is to be publickly admonished by the Elders with the consent and concurrence of the Church 1 Thes. 5.14 1 Tim. 5.20 Matth. 18.16 17. And this admonition consists of Five parts 1. A declaration of the crime or offence as it is evidenced unto the Church 2. A conviction of the evil of it from the rule or rules transgressed against 3. A declaration of the authority and duty of the Church in such cases 4. A rebuke of the offender in the name of Christ answering the nature and circumstances of the offence 5. An Exhortation unto humiliation and repentance and acknowledgement Eleventhly In case the offender despise this admonition of the Church and come not upon it unto repentance it is the will and appointment of our Lord Jesus Christ that he be cut off from all the priviledges of the Church and cast out from the society thereof or be excommunicated wherein consists the last act of the discipline of the Church for the correction of offenders and herein may be considered First The nature of it that it is an authoritative act and so principally belongs unto the Elders of the Church who therein exert the power that they have received from the Lord Christ by and with the consent of the Church according to his appointment Matth. 16.19 John 20.23 Matth. 18.18 1 Cor. 5.4 Titus 3.10 1 Tim. 1.20 2 Cor. 2.6 And both these the Authority of the Eldership and the consent of the Brethren are necessary to the validity of the sentence and that according to the appointment of Christ and the practice of the first Churches Secondly The effect of it which is the cutting off or casting out of the person offending from the communion of the Church in the priviledges of the Gospel as consequently from that of all the visible Churches of Christ in the earth by virtue of their communion one with another whereby he is left unto the visible kingdom of Satan in the World Matth. 18.17 1 Cor. 5.2 5 13. 1 Tim. 1.20 Titus 3.10 Gal. 5.12 Thirdly The ends of it which are 1. The gaining of the party offending by bringing him to repentance humiliation and acknowledgement of his offence 2 Cor. 2.6 7. 2 Cor. 13.10 2. The warning of others not to do so presumptuously 3. The preserving of the Church in its purity and order 1 Cor. 5.6 7. all to the glory of Jesus Christ. Fourthly The causes of it or the grounds and reasons on which the Church may proceed unto sentence against any offending persons Now these are no other but such as they judge according to the Gospel that the Lord Christ will proceed upon in his finall judgement at the last day For the Church judgeth in the name and authority of Christ and are to exclude none from its communion but those whom they find by the rule that he himself excludes from his Kingdom and so that which they bind on earth is bound by him in Heaven Matth. 18.18 And their sentence herein is to be declared as the declaration of the sentence which the Head of the Church and Judge of all will pronounce at the last day only with this difference that it is also made known that this sentence of theirs is not final or decretory but in order to the prevention of that which will be so unless the evil be repented of Now although the particular evils sins or offences that may render a person obnoxious unto this censure and sentence are not to be enumerated by reason of the variety of circumstances which change the nature of actions yet they may in general be referred unto these heads First Moral evils contrary to the light of nature and express commands or prohibitions of the moral law direct rules of the Gospel or of evil report in the world amongst men walking according to the rule and light of reason And in cases of this nature the Church may proceed unto the sentence whereof we speak without previous admonition in case the matter of fact be notorious publickly and unquestionably known to be true and no general rule which is not to be impeached by particular instances lye against their proceedure 1 Cor. 5.3 4. 2 Tim. 3.2 3 4 5. Secondly Offences against that mutual love which is the bond of perfection in the Church if pertinaciously persisted in Matth. 18.16 17. Thirdly false doctrines against the fundamentals in faith or worship especially if maintained with contention to the trouble and disturbance of the peace of the Church Gal. 5.12 Titus 3.9 10 11. 1 Tim. 6.3 4 5. Revel 2.14 15. Fourthly Blasphemy or evil speaking of the wayes and worship of God in the Church especially if joyned with an intention to hinder the prosperity of the Church or to expose it to persecution 1 Tim. 1.20 Fifthly Desertion or total causeless relinquishment of the society and communion of the Church for such are self-condemned having broken and renounced the covenant of God that they made at their entrance into the Church Heb. 10.25 26 27 28 29. Sixthly The time or season of the putting forth
the authority of Christ in the Church for this censure is to be considered and that is ordinarily after the admonition before described and that with due waiting to be regulated by a consideration of times persons temptations and other circumstances For 1. The Church in proceeding to this sentence is to express the patience and long suffering of Christ towards offenders and not to put it forth without conviction of a present resolved impenitency 2. The event and effect of the preceding Ordinance of admonition is to be expected which though not at present evident yet like the word it self in the preaching of it may be blessed to a good issue after many dayes Sixthly The person offending thus cut off or cast out from the present actual communion of the Church is still to be looked on and accounted as a Brother because of the nature of the Ordinance which is intended for his amendment and recovery 2 Thes. 3.15 Count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a Brother unless he manifest his finall impenitency by blasphemy and persecution 1 Tim. 1.20 Whom I have delivered unto Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme Seventhly The Church is therefore still to perform the duties of love and care towards such persons 1. In praying for them that they may be converted from the errour of their way James 5.19 20. 1 John 5.16 If any man see his Brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death 2. In withdrawing from them even as to ordinary converse for their conviction of their state and condition 1 Cor. 5.11 2 Thes. 3.14 With such a one no not to eat 3. In admonishing of him 2 Cor. 3.15 admonish him as a Brother which may be done 1 Occasionally by any Member of the Church 2 On set purpose by the consent and appointment of the whole Church which admonition is to contain 1. A prâ—ssing of his sin from the rule on the Conscience of the offender 2. A declaration of the nature of the censure and punishment which he lyeth under 3. A manifestation of the danger of his impenitency in his being either hardened by the deceitfulness of sin or exposed unto new temptations of Sathan Eighthly In case the Lord Jesus be pleased to give a blessed effect unto this ordinance in the repentance of the person cut of and cast out off the Church he is First To be forgiven both by those who in an especial manner were offended at him and by him and by the whole Church Matth. 18.18 2 Cor. 2.7 Secondly To be comforted under his sorrow 2 Cor. 2.7 And that by 1 The application of the promises of the Gospel unto his Conscience 2 A declaration of the readiness of the Church to receive him again into their love and communion Fourthly Restored 1 By a confirmation or testification of the love of the Church unto him 2 Cor. 2.8 2 A readmission unto the exercise and enjoyment of his former priviledges in the fellowship of the Church all with a spirit of meekness Gal. 6.1 Quest. 47. The preservation of the Church in purity order and holiness being provided for by what way is it to be continued and increased Answ. The way appointed thereunto is by adding such as being effectually called unto the obedience of faith shall voluntarily offer themselves unto the society and fellowship thereof Acts 2.41 2 Cor. 8.5 Explication The means appointed by our Lord Jesus Christ for the continuance and increase of the Church are either preparitory unto it or instrumentally efficient of it The principal means subservient or preparitory unto the continuance and increase of the Church is the preaching of the Word to the conviction illumination and conversion of sinners whereby they may be made meet to become living stones in this spiritual building and members of the mystical body of Christ. And this is done either ordinarily in the Assemblies of the Church towards such as come in unto them and attend to the Word dispensed according to the appointment of Christ amongst them 1 Cor. 14.24 25. If there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned he is convinced of all he he is judged of all and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest and so falling down on his face he will worship God or occasionally amongst the Men of the World Acts 8.4 Secondly the instrumentally efficient cause is that which is expressed in the answer namely the adding in due order unto it such as being effectually called unto the obedience of the faith and profession of the Gospel do voluntarily out of conviction of their duty and resolution to walke in subjection to all the ordinances and commands of Christ offer themselves to the society and fellowship thereof whereby they may be laid in this spiritual building as the stones were in the Temple of old which were hewed and fitted elsewhere Qu. 48 What is required of them who desire to joyn themselves unto the Church An. 1 That they be free from blame and offence in the World 2 That they be instructed in the saving truths and mysteries of the Gospel 3 Sound in the faith 4 That the Lord having called them unto faith repentance and newness of life by Iesus Christ they give up themselves to be saved by him and to obey him in all things and therefore 5 Are willing and ready through his grace to walke in subjection to all his commands and in the observation of all his lawes and institutions notwithstanding any difficulties oppositions or persecutions which they meet withall 1 1 Phil. 10. Chap. 2.15 1 Cor. 10.32 1 Thess. 2.11 12. Tit. 2.10 2 John 6.15 Acts 26.18 1 Pet. 2.9 2 Cor. 4.3 4 6. 3 1 Tim. 1.19 20. 2 Tim. 4.3 4. Tiâ— 1.13 Jude 3. 4 Ephe. 4.20 21 22 23 24. 5 2 Cor. 8.5 Qu. 49. What is the duty of the Elders of the Church towards persons desiring to be admitted unto the fellowship of the Church An. 1 To discern and judge by the rule of truth applied in love betwéen sincere professors and hypocritical pretenders 2 To instruct direct comfort and encourage in the way such as they judge to love the Lord Iesus in sincerity 3 to propose and recommend them unto the whole Church with prayers and supplications to God for them 4 To admit them being approved into the order and fellowship of the Gospel in the Church Acts 8.20 23. Tit. 1.10 Rev. 2.2 Jer. 15.19 Acts. 18.26 1 Thess. 2.7 8 11. Acts. 9.29 27. Rom. 14.1 Qu. 50 What is the duty of the whole Church in reference unto such persons An. To consider them in love and meekness according as their condition is known reported or testified unto them to approve of and rejoice in the grace of God in them and to receive them in love without dissimulaton 1 Cor. 13. Explication What in general is required unto the fitting of any persons