A platform of church discipline gathered out of the Word of God: and agreed upon by the elders: and messengers of the churches assembled in the Synod at Cambridge in New England : To be presented at the churches and Generall Court for their consideration and acceptance, in the Lord. : The eight moneth [sic] anno 1649 : [Seven lines from Psalms]

A PLATFORM OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE GATHERED OUT OF THE WORD OF GOD: AND AGREED UPON BY THE ELDERS: AND MESSENGERS OF THE CHURCHES ASSEMBLED IN THE SYNOD AT CAMBRIDGE IN NEW ENGLAND To be presented to the Churches and Generall Court for their consideration and acceptance, in the Lord.

The Eight Moneth Anno 1649

Psal: 84 1.

How amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord of Hosts?

Psal: 26.8.

Lord I have loved the habitation of thy house & the place where thine honour dwelleth.

Psal: 27.4.

One thing have I desired of the Lord that will I seek after, • hat I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the d • yes of my life to behold the Beauty of the Lord & to inquire in his Temple.

Printed by S G at Cambridge in New England and are to be sold at Cambridge and Boston Anno Dom: 1649.

THE PREFACE

THE setting forth of the Publick Confession of the Faith of Churches hath a double end, & 〈◊〉 to pup • ck ed • fication▪ first the 〈◊〉 of the fa • th 〈…〉 it se • f: secondly the holding forth of Vnity & Harmony, 〈…〉 , & w •• h other Churches. Our Churches 〈◊〉 , as (by the grace of Chr • st) wee bel •• ve & profess the same Doctr • ne of the trueth of the Gospell, which generally is received in all the reformed Churches of Ch • ist in Europe: so especially, wee desire not to vary from the doctrine of faith, & truth held forth by the churches of our native country. For though it be not one native country, that can breed vs all of one mind; nor ought wee for to have the glorious faith of our Lord Jesus w • th respect of persons: yet as Paul who was himself a Jew, professed to hold forth the doctrine of justification by faith, & of the resurection of the dead, according as he knew his godly countrymen did, who were Iewes by nature (Gal. 2.15. Acts 26.6, 7.) s •• wee, who are by nature, Engl • sh men, doe desire to hold forth the same doctrine of religion (especially in fundamentalls) which wee see & know to be held by the churches of England, according to the truth of the Gospell

The more wee d • scern, (that which wee doe, & have cause to doe with incessant mou • ning & trembl • ng) the unkind, & unbrotherly, & unchr • stian contentions of our godly brethren, & countrymen, in matters of church-government: the more ernestly doe wee desire to see them joyned together in one common faith, & our selves with them. For this end, having perused the publick confession of faith, agreed upon by the Reverend assembly of Divines at Westminster, & finding the summ & substance therof (in matters of doctrine) to express not their own judgements only, but ours also: and being likewise called upon by our godly Magistrates, to draw up a publick confession of that faith, which is constantly taught, & genera • y professed amon • st us, wee thoug •• good to present unto them, & with them to our churches, & with them to all the •• urches of Christ abroad, our professed & hea •• y assent & attestation to the whole confession of faith (for substance of doctrine) which the Reverend assembly presen • ed to the Rel • gious & Honourable Parlimēt of England: Excepting only some sections in the 25 30 & 31. Chapters of their conf • ssion, which conc •• n poin • s of controversie in church-disciplin • ▪ Touching which we • refere our selves to the draught of church-discpline in the ensueing treatise.

The truth of what we here declare, may appear by the unanimous vote of the Synod of the Elders & messengers of our churches assembled at Cambridg, the last of the sixth month, 1648. wh • ch joyntly passed in these words; This Synod having perused, & considered (with much gladness of heart, & thankfullness to God) the cōfession of faith published of late by the Reverend Assembly in England, doe judge it to be very holy, orthodox, & judicious in all matters of faith: & doe therfore freely & fully consent therunto, for the substance therof. Only in those things which have respect to church government & discipline, wee refer our selves to the platform of church-discipline, agreed upon by this present assēbly: & doe therfore think it meet, that this confession of faith, should be cōmended to the churces of Christ amongst us, & to the Honoured Court, as worthy of their due consideration & acceptance. Howbeit, wee may not conceal, that the doctrine of vo • ation expressed in Chap 10. S 1. & summarily repeated, Chap 13. & 1. passed not without some debate. Yet considering, • hat the term of vocation, & others by which it is described, are capable of a large, or more strict sense, & use, and that it is not intended to bind apprehensions precisely in point of order or method▪ there hath been a generall condescendency therunto.

Now by this our professed consent & free concurrence w • th them in all the doctrinalls of religion, wee hope, it may appear to the wo • ld, that as wee are a remnant of the people of the same nation with them: so wee are professors of the same common faith, & fellow-heyres of the same common salvation. Yea moreover, as this our profession of the same faith with them, will exempt us (even in their judgmēts) from suspicion of heresy: so (wee trust) it may exempt us in the like sort from suspicion of schism: that though wee are forced to dissent from them in matters of church-discipline: Yet our dissent is not taken up out of arrogancy of spirit in our selves (whom they see willingly condescend to learn of them:) neither is it carryed with uncharitab • e censoriousness towards them (both which are the proper, & essentiall charracters of schism) but in meekness of w • sdom, as wee walk along with them, & follow them, as they follow Christ: so where wee conceiv • a different apprehention of the mind of Christ (as it falleth out in some few points touching church-order) wee still reserve due reverence to them (whom wee judge to be, through Chr • st, the glorious lights of both nations:) & only crave leave (as in spirit wee are bound) to follow the Lamb withersoever he goeth, & (after the Apostles example) as wee beleive, so wee speak • .

And if the example of such poor outcasts as our selves, might prevaile if not with all (for that were too great a blessing to hope for) yet w • th some or other of our brethren in England, so farr as they are come to mind & speake the same thing with such as dissent from them, wee hope in Christ, it would not onely moderate the harsh judg • ng and condemning of one another in such differences of judgment, as may be found in the choysest saints: but also preven • (by the mercy of Christ) the perill of the distraction & destruction of all the churches in both k • ngdoms. Otherwise▪ if brethren shall goe on to bite & devoure one another, the Apostle feared (as wee als • , with sadness of heart do.) it will tend to the consum • ng of them, & us all: which the Lord prevent.

Wee are not ignorant, that (besides these aspersions of Heresy & Schism) other exceptions also are taken at our way of church government: but (as wee conceive) upon as little g • ound.

As 1 That by admitt • ng none into the fellowsh • p of our Church, but saints by calling, wee Rob many parish-churches of their best members, to make up one of our congregations: which is not only, to gather churches out of churches (a thing unheard of in Scripture:) but also to weaken the hearts & hands of the best Ministers in the parishes, by dispoyling them of their best hearers.

2 That wee provide no course for the gayning, & calling in, of ignorant, & erronious▪ & scandalous persōs, whom wee refuse to receive into our churches, & so exclude from the wholsom remedy of church-discipline.

3 That in our way, wee sow seeds of division & hindrance of edificatiō in every family: whilst admitting into our churches only voluntaries, the husbād will be of one church, the wife of another: the parents of one church, the children of another the ma • ster of one church, the servants of another. And so the parents & maisters being of different churches from their children & servants, they cannot take a just account of their profiting by what they heare, yea by this meanes the husbands, parents & maisters, shall be chargable to the maintenāce of many other churches, & church-officers, besides their own: which will prove a charge & burden unsupportable.

But for Answer, as to the first: For gathering churches out of churches, wee cannot say, that it is a thing unheard of in Scripture. The first christian church was gathered out of the Jewish church, & out of many Synagogues in that church, & consisted partly of • he Inhabitants of Ierasalem, partly of the Galileans: who though they kept some communion in some parts of publick worship wi • h the Temple: yet neither did they frequent the Sacrifices, nor repair to the Sanedrim for the determining of their church-causes: but kept entire & constant communion with the Apostles church in all the ordinances of the gospell. And for the first ch • istian church of the Gentiles at Antoch, it appeareth to have been gathered & constituted partly of the d • spersed brethren of the church at Ierusalem (wherof some were men of Cyprus, and Cyrene) & partly of the beleiving Gentiles. Acts. 11.20, 21.

If it be said the first christ • an church at Ierusalem, & that at Antioch were gathered not out of any christian church, but out of the Jewish Temple and Synagogues, which were shortly after to be abolished: & their gathering to Antioch, was upon occasion of dispersion in time of persecution.

Wee desire, it may be considered, 1 That the members of the Jewish Church were more strongly and straitly tyed by express holy covenant, to keep fellowsh • p with the Iewish church, till it was abolished, then any members of christian parish-churches are w • nt to be tyed to keep fellowship with their par • sh-churches. The Episcopall Canons, which bind them to attend on their parish church, it is likely they are now abolished with the Episcopacy. The common Law of the Land is satisfyed (as wee concive) if they attend upon the worship of God in any other church though not w • thin their own parish. But no such like covenant of God, nor any other religious tye lyeth upon them to attend the worship of God in their own par • sh church, as did lye upon the Iewes to attend upon the worship of God in their Temple and Synagogues.

2 Though the Iew • sh Temple Church at Ierusalem was to be abolished, yet that doeth not make the desertion of it by the members, to be lawfull, till it was abol • shed. Future abolition is no warrant for present desertiō: unless it be lawfull in some case wh • lest the chu • ch is yet in present standing to desert it; to witt, either for avoyding of present polutions, or for hope of greater edification, and so for better satisfaction to conscience in either, future events (or foresight of them) is not disolve present relations. Else wives, children, servants, might desert their husbands, parents, masters, when they be mortally sick.

3 What the members of the Iewish church did, in joyning to the church at Antioch, in time of persecution, it may well be concived, the members of any christian church may do the lik • , for satisfaction of conscience. Peace of conscience is more desirable, then the peace of the outward man: and freedome from scruples of consciēce is more comfortable to a sincere heart, then freedome from persecution.

If it be said, these members of the Christian Church at Ierusalem, that joyned to the church at Antioch, removed their habitations together with their relations: which if the brethren of the congregationall way would doe, it wo • ld much abate the grievance of their departure from their presbyteriall churches.

Wee verily could w • sh them so to doe, as well approving the like removall of habitations, in case of changing church-relations (provided, that it may be done wi • hout too much detriment to their outward estates) and wee for our partes, have done the same. But to put a necessi • y of removall of habitation in such a case, it is to foment and cherish a corrupt principle of making civil cohabitation, if not a formall cause, yet at least a proper adjunct of church-relation; which the truth of the Gospel doeth not acknowledg. Now to foment an errour to the prejudice of the trueth of the Gospell▪ is not to walke w • th a right foot according to the truth of the Gospel, as Paul judgeth, Galat. 2.14.

4 Wee do not think it meet, or safe, for a member of a presbyteriall Church 〈◊〉 to desert his relation to his Church, betake himself to the fellowship of a ••• gregationall Church, though he may d • scern some defect in the estate, or govern ••• t of his owne.

• or 1. Faithfullness of brotherly love in Church-relation, requireth, that 〈◊〉 members of the Church should first convince their brethren of their sinfull 〈◊〉 , & duely wait for their reformation, before they depart from them. For 〈◊〉 must take such a course for the healing of a private brother, in a way of •• otherly love, with much meekness, & patience: how more more ought wee 〈◊〉 to walk with like tendrness, towards a whole church.

• gain 2 By the hasty departure of sound members from a defective church▪ ••• ormation is not promoted, but many times retarded, & corruption increased. • heras on the contrary, while sincere members breathing after purity of refor • ation abide together, they may (by the blessing of God upon their faithfull •• deavours) prevaile much with their Elders, & neighbours towards a reforma ••• n; it may be, so much, as that their Elders in their own church shall receive 〈◊〉 to the Seales, but visible saints: and in the Classis shall put forth no •• thoritive act (but consultative only) touching the members of other churches: 〈◊〉 touching their own▪ but with the consent (silēt consent at least) of their own •• urch: which two things, if they can obteyn with any humble, meek, holy▪ ••• thfull endeavours, wee cōceiv, they might (by the grace of Christ) find liber •• of conscience to continue their relation with their own presbyteriall church▪ •• thout scruple.

5 But to add a word further, touching the gathering of Churches out of • hurches, what if there were no express example of such a thing extant in the Scrip •• res? that which wee are wont to answer the Antipaedobaptists, may suffice hear: it is 〈◊〉 , • f any evidence therof may be gathered from just cōsequenc of Scripture light▪ 〈…〉 his judgmē • conce • ning this case, passeth (for ought wee know) without ••• cep • iō, which he gave 〈…〉 4 booke of cōsc • ē • e in Ans to • Qu: 〈◊〉 • 4. Num 16. If any (saith he) wronged with unjust vexation, or providing for his own edi •• catiō or in testimony against sin̄ depart from a church where some evills are •• llerated, & joyn himself to another more pure, yet without cōdemning of 〈◊〉 church he leaveth, he is not therfore to be held as a schismatick, or as guilty 〈◊〉 any other sinn. Where the Tripartite d • sjunction, which the jud • cious 〈◊〉 putteth, declareth the lawfullness of the departure of a Church-member from 〈◊〉 church, when either through wearyness of unjust vexation, or in way of provision for 〈◊〉 own edification, or in testimony against sinn, he joyneth himself to another congrega •• on mo • e reformed. Any one of these, he judgeth a 〈◊〉 & l • wfull cause of depa • ture▪ Though all of them do not concurr together. Neither will such a practise dispoyle the best Ministers of the parishes of their best hea • ers.

For 1 Somtimes the Min • sters themselves are will • ng to joyn with their better sort of hearers, in this way of reformation: & then they & their hearers cont • nue stil their Church relation together, yea & confirm it mo • e st • i • tly & strongly, by an express renewed covenant, though the Ministers may still cont • nue their wonted preaching to the whole parrish.

2 If the M • nisters do d • slike the way of those, whom they otherwise count their best members, & so refuse to joyn with them therin; yet if those members can procure some other Ministers to joyn with them in their own way, & st • ll cont • nue their dwell • ng together in the same town, they may easily order the times of the publick assembly, as to attend constantly upon the minist • y of their former Church: & either after or before the publick assembly of the parish take an opportunity to gather together for the admin • stratiō of Sacramēts; & Censures, & other church ordinances amongst themselves. The fi • st Apostolick church assembled to hear the word with the Jewish church in the open courts of the Temple: but afterwards gathered together for breaking of bread, & other acts of church-order, from house to house.

3 Suppose, Presbyteriall churches should cōmunicate some of their best gifted members towards the erecting & gathering of another church: it would not forthwith be their detriment, but may be their enlargment. It is the most noble & perfect work of a l • ving creature (both in nature & grace) to propagate, & multiply his kind: & it is the honour of the fa • thfull spouse of Christ, to set forward the work of Christ as well abroad as at home. The church in Cant. the 8.8. to help forward her little sister-church▪ was w • lling to part with her choyse-materialls, even beames of Cedar, & such pretious living stones, as weer fit to build a Silver pallace. In the same book, the church is compared sometime to a garden, sometime to an orchard, Cant 4.12, 13. No man planteth a garden, or orchard, but seeketh to get the choysest herbes, & plants of his neighbours, & they freely impart them: nor doe they accoūt it a spoyle to their gardens, & orchards, but rather a glory. Nevertheless wee go not so farr: we neither seek▪ nor ask the choyse-members of the parishes but accept them being offered.

If it be sa •• , they are not offered by the M • nisters, nor by the parish churches (who have most right in them) but only by themselves.

It may justly be demaunded▪ what right, or what powr have either the ministers, or parish church over them? Not by solemn church covenant: for that, though it be the firmest engagement, is not owned, but rejected. If it be, by Theit joyning with the parish, in the calling & election of a minister to such a congregation at his first comming, there is indeed just weight in such an ingagement: nor doe wee judge it safe for such to remove from such a minister, unless it be upon such grounds, as may justly give him due satisfactiō. But if the uniō of such members to a parish Church, & to the ministery therof, be only by cohabitation within the precincts of the parish, that union, as it was founded upō humane law: so by humane law it may easily be released. Or otherwise, if a man remove his habitation, he removeth also the bond of his relation, & the ground of offence.

4 It need not to be feared, that all best hearers of the best ministers, no nor the most of them, will depart from them upon point of church-governmēt. Those who have found the presence & powr of the spirit of Christ breathing in their ministers, either to their conversion, or edification, will be slow to change such a ministery of faith, & holyness, for the liberty of church-order. Upon which ground, & sundry other such like, their be doubtless sundry godly & judicious hearers in many parishes in England that doe & will prefer their relation to their ministers (though in a presbyteriall way) above the Congreg • tionall confoederation.

5 But if all, or the most part of the best hearers of the best ministers of parishes, should depart from them, as preferring in their judgments, the congregationall way: yet, in case the congregationall way should prove to be of Christ, it will never greiv the holy hearts of godly ministers, that their hearers should follow after Christ: yea many of themselves (upon due deliberation) will be reaedy to go along with them. It never greived, nor troubled John Baptist that his best disc • ples, departed from him to follow after Christ. Joh. 3. But in case the cong • egationall way should prove to be, not the institution of Christ (as wee take it) but the invētion of men: then doubtless, the presbyteriall form (if it be of God) will swallow up the other as Moses rod devoured the rods of the Aegyptians. Nor will this put a necessity upon both the opposite partyes, to sh • ft for themselves, & to seek to supplant one another: but only, it will call upon them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to seek & to follow the trueth in love, to attend in faithfullness each ūto his own flock, & to administer to them all the holy th • ngs of God, & their port • ō of food in due season: & as for others, quietly to forbear them, & yet to instruct them with meekness that are contrary handed: leaving it to Christ (in the use of all good meanes) to reveal his own trueth in his own time: & mean while endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Phi • ip. 3.15, 16. Ephesians. 4 3.

To the 2 Exception, That wee take no course for the gayning & healing & calling in of ignorant & erronious, & scandalous persōs, whom wee refuse to receive into our churches & so exclude them from the rēmidy of church-disc • plie

Wee conceive the receiving of them into our churches would rather loose & corrupt our Church • s, then gain & heale them. A little leaven layed in a lump of dough, will sooner leaven the whole lump, then the whole lump w • ll sweeten it. Wee therefore find it safer, to square rough & unhewen ston • s, befo • e the • e layed 〈◊〉 the bu • lding, • ather then to hammer & 〈…〉 , when they lye 〈…〉 .

And accord • ngly, two meanes 〈…〉 scandalous. 1 The publick min • stery of the 〈…〉 are invited by counsel, & required by wholsome lawes • o atten • . And • he 〈…〉 is the powr of God to salvation, to the calling & 〈…〉 2 〈…〉 conf •• ren • e, & conviction by the Elders, & 〈…〉 church whom they 〈◊〉 more respectively hearken unto, when they see no h • p • of enjoying church f • llowsh • p, or participation in the Sacraments for themselves, or their 〈◊〉 , till they approve their judgments to be sound & or • hodox, & th • i • lives subdued to some hope of a godly conversation. What can Classical discipline, or ex • ōmun • cati • n it selfe do more in this case.

The 3 Exception wrappeth up in it a th • ee fold domestical inconvenience: & each of them meet to be eschewed. 1 Disunion in families between each relat • on: 2 D • sappo • ntmēt of edificat • ō, for want of opportunity in the governours of familyes to take accoūt of things heard by their children & servants.

3 Disbursments of chargeable maintenance to the several churches, wherto the several persons of their familyes are joyned.

All which inconven • ences either do not fall out in cong • egationall-churches; or are easily redressed. For none are orderly admitted into congregational-churches, bu • such as are well approved by good testimony, to be duly observant of family-relations. Or if any otherwise disposed should creep in they are either orde • ly healed, or duly removed in a way of Ch •• st. Nor are they admitted, unless they can g • ve some good account of their profiting by ordinances, before the Elders & brethren of the church: & much more to their pa • ē • s, & masters. Godly Tutors in the university can t • ke an account of their pupills: & godly housholders in the C • tty can take account of their children & servants, how they profit by the wo • d they have heard in several churches: & that to the greater edification of the whole family, by the variety of such administrations. Bees may bring the more hony, & wax into the hive, when they are not limited to one garden of flowers, but may fly abroad to many.

Nor is any charge expected from w • ves, children, or servants to the maintenance of congregationall churches, further then they be fu • n • shed w • th personall estates, or earn • ngs, which may enable them to contribute of su • h things as they have, & not of Such as they have not. God accepteth not Robbery for a sacrifice. And though a godly his sholder may 〈◊〉 take himselfe bound in conscience, to contribute it any such Church, wherto his wife, or children, or servants are stand in relation: yet that 〈◊〉 not aggravate the 〈◊〉 of his charge, 〈◊〉 more then if they were received members of the same Church wherto himself is related.

But why 〈◊〉 wee 〈…〉 to plead exemptions from exceptions? the Lord help all his 〈…〉 (whe • her presbyterian, or congregational) to judge & shame our selves 〈◊〉 the Lord for 〈◊〉 our former complyances to greater 〈◊〉 in Church-government, then are to be found either in the congregational, or presbyteriall way. And then surely, either the Lord will cleare up his own 〈◊〉 to us, 〈◊〉 so •• ame, & 〈…〉 to our mind, & 〈◊〉 way, (Ezek. 43.10, 11.) or else wee shall learn to beare one 〈◊〉 burdens in a spirit of meekness. It will then 〈…〉 us, so to 〈…〉 discipline of Christ, as to detest the d • sciples of Christ: so to contend for the 〈…〉 of Christ, as to crucifie the living members of Christ 〈◊〉 to divide our selves about Church communion, as through breaches to open a wide gap for a 〈◊〉 of Antichristian & prophane malignity to swall • w up both Church & C • vil state.

What shal • wee say more? 〈◊〉 difference about Church-order becom • the inlett of all the 〈…〉 k • ngdom? ha •• the Lord indeed left us to such hardness of heart, that Church- 〈◊〉 sh • ll becom a sna • e to Zion, (as somtimes Moses was to Aegypt, Exod. 10.7.) • hat wee cannot leave consisting & contending about it, 〈◊〉 the k • ngdom be d • stroyed? and not the Lord Jesus, when he dedicated his suffe • ings for his 〈…〉 his also unto his Father, make it his ca •• est & 〈…〉 for us in this world, that wee all might be one in him? John. 17 20, 21, 22, 23. And is it possible, that he (whom the Father heard alwayes, John. 11.42. should not have this last most solemn prayer heard, & graunted? or, 〈◊〉 it be g •• unted for all the sa • nts elsewhere, & not for the saints in England; so that amongst them disunion shall grow even about Church-union, & communion? If it be possible, for a little faith (so much as a grain of mustardseed) to remove a mountaine: is it not possible, for so much strength of faith, as is to be found in all the godly in the kingdom, to remove those Images of jealousie, & to cast those stumbling-blockes out of the way, which may hinder the free passage of brotherly love amongst brethren? It is true indeed, the National covenant doth justly engage both partyes, faithfully to endeavour the 〈◊〉 extirpation of the Antichristiā Hierarchy, & much more of all Blasphemyes, Heresies, & damnable errours. Certainly, if congregational discipline be Independent from the inventions of men, is it not much more Independ • nt from the delusions of Satan? what fellowship hath Christ with B • lial? light with darkness? trueth with errour? The faithfull Iewes needed not the help of the Samaritans, to Readify the Temple of God: yea they rejected their help when it was offered, Ezra 4. the 1, 2, 3. And if the congregationall way be a way of trueth (as wee believe) & if the brethren that walk in it be zealous of the trueth, & hate every false way (as by the rule of their holy discipline they are instructed, 2 John. 10, 11.) then verily, there is no branch in the Nationall covenant, that engageth the covenanters to abhore either Congregationall Churches, or their way: which being duely administred, doe no less effectually extirpate the Antichristian Hierarchy, & all Blasphemies, Heresyes, & pernicious errours, then the other way of discipline doeth, which is more generally & publickly received & ratifyed.

But the Lord Jesus commune with all our hearts in secret: & he who is the King of his Church, let him be pleased to excercise his Kingly powr in our spirites, that so his kingdome may come into our Churches in Purity & Peace. Amen Amen

CHAPTER I. Of the form of Church-Government; and that it is one, immutable, and prescribed in the Word of God.

1 Ecclesiasticall Polity or Church Government, or discipline is nothing els,Ezek 43.11 Col. 2, 5 1 Tim 3 15 but that Forme & order that is to be observed in the Church of Christ vpon earth, both for the Constitution of it, & all the Administrations that therein are to bee performed.

2 Church-Government is Considered in a double respect either 〈…〉 of the parts of Government themselves, or necessary Circumstan ••• hereof. The parts of Government are prescribed in the word,Hebr 3, 5, 6 because the Lord Iesus Christ the King and Law-giver of his Church, is no less faithfull in the house of God then was Moses,Exod 25 40 who from the Lord delivered a form & pattern of Government to the Children of Israel in the old Testament:2 Tim 3 16 And the holy Scriptures are now also soe perfect, as they are able to make the man of God perfect & thoroughly furnished vnto euery good work; & therefore doubtless to the well ordering of the house of God.

3 The partes of Church-Government are all of them exactly described in the word of God being parts or means of Instituted worship according to the second Commandement:1 Tim 3 15 1 Chron 15 13. Ex 20 • 1 Tim 6 13 • 16. Heb 1 • 17 18. 1 Cor 15 24. & therefore to continue one & the same, vnto the apearing of our Lord Iesus Christ as a kingdom that cannot be shaken, untill hee shall deliver it up unto God, euen the Father. Soe that it is not left in the power of men, officers,Deut 12 32. Ezek 43 • . 2 Kings 11.31 32 33 Churches, or any state in the world to add, or diminish, or alter any thing in the least measure therein.

4 The necessary circumstances, as time & place &c belonging unto order and decency,1 King 12 • :28.29. are not soe left unto men as that under pretence of thou,Is • i •• 13. Col 2 22 23 Acts 15 28 they may 〈…〉 own Inventions upon the Churches: Being Circumscribed in the word with many Generall limitations; when they are dete • mined in respect of the matter to be ne • ther worship it self,M • tt 15 9 1 Cor 11 23 • 8 34. nor Circumstances seperable from worship: in respect of their end, they must be done vnto edification: in respect of the manner,1 Cor 14 26 1 Cor 14 40 1 Cor 11 14 1 Cor 11 16 1 Cor 14 12 19. Acts 15 2 • . decently, and in order, according to the nature of the things them selves, & Civill, & Church Custom▪ doth not euen nature it selfe teach you? yea they, are in some sort determined particularly, namely that they be done in such a manner, as all Circumstances considered, is most expedient for edification: so, as if there bee no errour of man concerning their determination, the determining of them is to be accounted as if it were divine.

CHAP. II. 〈…〉 of a particular visi • le Chu • ch.

Eph 1 • 2 23 & 5 25 26 30. Heb 12 23.THe Catholick Church, is the whole company of those that are elected, redeemed, & in time effectually called from the state of sin & death vnto a state of Grace, & 〈…〉 Iesus Christ.

2 This church is either Triumphant, or Militant. Triumphant,Rom 8 17. 2 Tim 2 12 C 4 8. Eph 6 12 13. the number of them who are Gloryfied in heaven: Militant, the number of them who are conflicting with their enemies vpon earth.

3 This Militant Church is to bee considered as Invisible, & Visible Invisible,2 Tim • 19. Rev 217. 1 Cor. 6 17 Eph 3 1 • . Rom 1. • ▪ 1 Thes • 8. Isay 2▪ 2 • . 2 Tim 6.12. in respect of their relation wherin they stand to Christ, as a body unto the head, being united unto him, by the spirit of God, & faith in their hearts: Visible, in respect of the profession of their faith, in their persons, & in particuler Churches: & so there may be acknowledged an universall visible Church.

4 The members of the Militant visible Church, considered either as not yet in church-order,Acts 19 1. Colos 2.5. Matt 18.17. 1 Cor 5 1 • or as walking according to the church-order of the Gospel. In order, & so besides the spiritual union, & communion, common to all bel • evers, they injoy more over an union & communion ecclesiasticall-Politicall: so wee deny an universall visible church.

5 The state of the members of the Militant visible church 〈◊〉 in order, was either before the law, Oeconomical,Gen. 18.19 〈…〉 Exod: 19 6. that is 〈…〉 the comming of Christ, only congregational. (The 〈◊〉 Independent, wee approve not:) Therfore neither national, provincial, nor classical.1 Cor: 14.13 1 Cor: 14.36 1 Cor. 1 2. 1 Cor: 12 27. Exo: 19 5 6 Deut: 29:1. & • to 15 Acts. 2.42. 1 Cor 14 26.

6 A Congregational-church▪ is by the institution of Christ a part of the Militant-visible-church, consisting of a company of Saints by calling, united into one body▪ by a holy covenant, for the publick worship of God, & the mutuall edification one of another, in the Fellowship of the Lord Iesus.

CHAP. III. Of the matter of the visible Church Both in aspect of Quality and Quantity.

THe matter of a visible church are 〈◊〉 by c • lling.1 〈◊〉 : 1 • Ephe 1 1.

2. By Saints, wee understand,

1 Such,Hebr: 6.1. 1 Cor. 1 5. Rom. 15 14. Isai: 50 • 6-17. Act • 37. Matt: 3 6. Rom. 6 17. 1 Cor. 1 2. Phillip. 1 1. Collos 1 2. as haue not only attained the knowledge of the principle of Religion, & are free from gros & open scandals, but also do together with the profession of their faith & Repentance, walk in blameles obedience to the word, so as that in charitable discretion they may be accounted Saints by calling, (though perhaps some or more of them be unsound, & hypocrites inwardly:) because the members of such particular churches are commonly by the holy ghost called Saints & faithfull brethren in Christ,Ephes. 1 1. 1 Cor 52 • 3 Rev. • •• 15 & 20. Ezek. 44.7 & 9. & chap. 23 38 • 9. Num • 9 & 20. Hagg. 2 13 14. 1 Cor. 11 1 • 2 • 〈…〉 & 14. 〈◊〉 2 21 1 〈◊〉 5 1 • Ier. 14 〈◊〉 . 5 4. 2 Cor. 12 21. Re • 2 •• 5. • . •• •• . and sundry churches haue been reproued for receiving, & suffering such persons to c • ntinu in fellowship amongst them, as have been offensive & scandalous: the name of God also by this means is Blasphemed: & the holy things of God defiled & Prophaned, the hearts of godly grieved: & the wicked themselves hardned: & holpen forward to damnation▪ the example of such doeth endanger the sanctity of others. A litle Leaven Leaveneth the whole lump.

2 The children of such, who are also holy.

3 The members of churches though orderly constituted, may in time degenerate, & grow corrupt & scandalous, which though they ought not to be tolerated in the church, yet their continuance therein, through the defect of the execution of d • scipline & Just censures, doth not immediately d • ssol • the being of the church, as appeares in the church of Israell, & the churches of Galatia, & 〈◊〉 Pergamus, & Thyati •• .

4 The matter of the Church in respect of its quantity 〈…〉 be of greater number when may ordinarily meet together 〈◊〉 in one place:1 Cor • 4 2 • Matt 28 37 not ordinarily fewer, then may conveniently carry on Church-work. Hence when the holy Scripture maketh mention of the Saints combined into a church-estate, in a Town or Citty, where was but one Congregation,Rom 16 1 1 Thes 1 1 Rev 2 • c 3 7 it usually calleth those Saints [the church] in the singular number, at the church of the Thessalonians the church of Smyrnae, Philadelphia, & the like: But when it speaketh of the Saints in a Nation, or Province, wherin there were sundry Congregations, It frequently & usually calleth them by the name of churches in the plurall number,1 C • r 16 1 19 Gal 1.2 2 Cor 8 1. 2 Thes 2, 14 as the [churches] of Asia, Galatia, Macedonia, & the like: which is further confirmed by what is written of sundry of those churches in particular, how they were Assembled & met together the whole church in one place, as the church at Jerusalem, the church at Antioch, Acts 2 46 c 5 12. c 6 2. Acts 14, 2 • c 15 38. 1 Cor 5.4. c 14.23. Rom 16.1 the church at Corinth, & Ceuchrea, though it were more neer to Corinth, it being the port thereof, & answerable to a Village, yet being a distinct Congregation from Corinth, it had a church of its owne as well as Corinth had.

5 Nor can it with reason be thought but that every church appointed & ordained by Christ, had a ministrie ordained & appointed for the same: & yet plain it is, that there were no ordinary officers appointed by Christ for any other, then Congregational churches: Elders being appointed to feed, not all flocks, but that particular flock of God over which the holy Ghost had made them overseers,Acts 20 28. & that flock they must attend, even the whole flock: & one Congregation being as much as any ordinary Elders can attend, therfore there is no greater Church then a Congregation, which may ordinarily meet in one place.

CHAP: IV. Of the Form of A Visible Church & of Church Covenant.

SAints by Calling, must have a Visible-Political-Union amongst themselves, • Cor •• 2 • . 1 Tim 3 15. or else they are not yet a particular church: as those similitudes hold forth which the Scripture makes use of, 〈◊〉 shew the nature of particular Churches: As a Body ▪ A building, or House, Hands, Eyes, Feet, Ephe 2 22 1 Cor 1.15 16 27. & other members must be united, or else, remaining seperate are not a body. 〈◊〉 ▪ Timber, though squared, hewen & pollished, are not an house untill they are compacted & united: so Saints or believers in judgment of charity, are not a church, unless Orderly knit together.

2 Particular churches cannot be distinguished one from another but by their formes. Ephesus is not Smyrna, & Pergamus Thyatira, but each one a distinct society of it self,Rev • having officers of their owne, which had not the charge of others: Vertues of their own, for which others are not praysed: Corruptions of their owne, for which others are not blamed.

3 This Form is the Visible Covenant, Agreement,Exod • 9 • ver 8. Deu 29 12 13. Zach • 1 14. cap • 1 • or consent wherby they give up themselves unto the Lord, to the observing of the ordinances of Christ together in the same society, which is usually called the Church-Covenant; For wee see not otherwise how members can have Church-power one over another mutually.

The comparing of each particular church unto a Citty, Ephe 2. • 9 2 Cor • 1 • & unto a Spouse, seemeth to conclude not only a Form, but that that Form, is by way of Covenant.

The Covenant, Gen 17. • . Deu 29 1 • 13. Ephe • .12 29. as it was that which made the Family of Abraham and children of Israel to be a church and people unto God, so is it that wh • ch now makes the severall societyes of Gentil-believers to be churches in these dayes.

4 This Voluntary Agreement, Confine or Covenant (for all these are here taken for the same): Although the more express & plain it is, the more fully it puts us in mind of our mutuall duty, & stirreth us up to it, & leaveth lesse room for the questioning of the Truth of the Ch •• ch-estate or a Company of pro • essors, & the truth of membership of particular persons: yet wee conceive, the substance of it is kept, where there is 〈◊〉 real Agreement & consent, of a company of faithful persons to meet constantly together in one Congregation, for the publick worship of God, & their mutuall edification: which real agreement & consent they doe express by their constant practise in comming together for the publick worship of God, & by their religious subjection unto the ordinances of God there:Exod 19 5 to 8 & 24 3 17. Iosh 24 18 to 24 Ps • l • 0 5. Neh 9 38 c 10 1. Gen 17. Deu 29. the rather, if wee doe consider how Scripture covenants have been entred into, not only expressly by word of mouth, but by sacrifice; by hand writing, & seal; & also somtimes by silent consent, without any writing, or expression of words at all.

5 This forme then being by mutuall covenant, it followeth, it is not faith in the heart, nor the profession of that faith, nor cohabitation, nor Baptisme; 1 Not faith in the heart? becaus that is invisible. 2 not a bare profession; because that declareth them no more to be members of one church then of another: 3 not Cohabitation; A • hiests or Infidels may dwell together with beleivers: 4 not Baptism; because 〈◊〉 presupposseth a church estate, as circumcision in the old Testament, which gave no being unto the church, the church being before it, & in the wildernes without it▪ seals presuppose a covenant already in being, one person is a compleat subiect of Baptism: but one person is uncapable of being a church.

Act 2 47. & 9 26. Matt 3 13 14 15. & 2 • 19 20. Psal 133. • 2 3 & 87 7 Matt 18 • 0. • Iohn 1 3.6 All believers ought, as God giveth them opportunity there unto, to endeavour to joyn themselves unto a particular church & that in respect of the honour of Jesus Christ, in his example, & Institution, by the professed acknowledgment of, & subiection unto the order & ordinances of the Gospel: as also in respect of their good of communion founded upon their visible union, & containd in the promises of Christs special presence in the church: whence they have fellowship with him, & in him one with an other: also for the keeping of them in the way of Gods commandments,Psal 119 last • Pet 2.25 Eph 4 16 Ioh 22 24.25. Matt 1 • • 16 17. & recovering of them in case of wand • ing, (which all Christs sheep are subiect to in this life), being unable to returne of themselves; together with the benefit of their mutual edification, and of their posterity, that they may not be cut of from the priviledges of the covenant▪ otherwis, if a believer offends, he remaines destitute of the remedy provided in that behalf, & should all believers neglect this duty of joyning to all particular congregations: it might follow thereupon, that Christ should have no visible political churches upon earth,

CHAP V. Of the first subject of church-powr or, to whom church powr doth first belong.M • tt 28 1 • Rev 3 7. Isai 9 6. John 20 21 23. 1 Cor 1 • 32. Titus 1 5. 1 Cor 5 12.

THe first subject of church powr, is eyther Supream, or Subordinat, & M • nisterial ▪ the Supream (by way of gift from the father) is the Lord Iesus Christ▪ the Ministerial ▪ is either extraordinary▪ as the Apostles, Prophets, & Evangilists: o • Ordinary; as every particular Congregational church.

2 Ordinary church powr, is either the power of office, that is such as is proper to the eldership: or, power of priviledge, such as be longs unto the brotherhood▪ the latter, is in the brethren formally, & immediately from Christ, that is, 〈◊〉 12 4 8. Acts 1 23 • 6 3 4 C 14 23. 1 Cor 12 29 30. so as it may according to order be acted or excercised immediately by themselves: the former, is not in them formally or immediately, & therfore cannot be acted or excercised immediately by them, but is said to be in them, in that they design the persons unto office, who only are to act, or to excercise this power.

CHAP. VI. Of the Officers of the Church, & especially of Pastors & Teachers.

A Church being a company of people combined together by covenant for the worship of God, it appeareth therby, that there may be the essence & being of a church without any officers, seeing there is both the form and matter of a church, which is implyed,Acts 1. when it is said, the Apostles ordained elders in every church,

2 Nevertheless, though officers be not absolutely necessary,Rom. • 0 • . Ier 3 15 1 Cor 12 2 • Ephe 4 11 Psal 6 • 18 Eph 4. • 11 to the simple being of churches, when they be called: yet ordinarily to their calling they are, and to their well being: and therfore the Lord 〈…〉 tender compassion hath appointed, and ordained officers which 〈◊〉 would not have done, if they had not been usefull & needfull for the church; yea, being ascended into heaven,Eph 4 12 13 he received gifts for men, and gave gifts to men, whereof officers for the church are Justly accounted no small parts,1 Cor 12 23 Eph • 11 G • 1 Act 8 6 26 19. Cor • 8 Rom • 1 78. they being to continue to the end of the world, and for the perfect • ng of all the Saints.

3 These officers were either extraordinary, or ordinary, extraordinary as Apostles, Prophets▪ Evangilists ▪ ordinary as Elders & Deacons.

The Apostles, Prophets, & Evangelists, as they were called extraordinarily by Christ, so their office ended with them selves whence it is,1 Cor 4 9 • that Paul directing Timothy how to carry along Church-Administrations, Giveth no direction about the choice or course of Apostle • , 1 Tim 3 1.2 〈…〉 Prophets, or Evangelists, but only of Elders, & Deacons ▪ & when Paul was to take his last leave of the church of Ephesus, he committed the care of feeding the church to no other, but unto the Elders of that church. The like charge doth Pete • commit to the Elders.

1 Tim 3 2 Phi • 1 1. Acts 20 17 28. 1 Tim 5 17.4 Of Elders (who are also in Scripture called Bishops) Some attend chiefly to the ministry of the word, As the P • stors & Teachers Others, attend especially unto Rule, who are therfore called Ruling Elders.

Eph 4 11. Rom 12 7 8. 1 Cor • 2 85 The office of Pastor & Teacher, appears to be distinct. The Pastors special work is, to attend to exhortation: & therein to Administer a word of Wisdom the Teacher is to attend to Doctrine, & therein to Administer a word of Knowledg: & either of them to administer the Seales of that Covenant, unto the dispensation wherof the are alike called:2 Tim 4 1 2 Tit 2 9 as also to execute the Censures, being but a kind of application of the word, the preaching of which, together with the application therof they are alike charged withall.

6 And for as much as both Pastors & Teachers are given by Christ for the perfecting of the Saints,Eph 4 11 12 Cap 1 22 23 & edifying of his body, which Saints, & body of Christ is his church; Therfore wee account Pastors & Teachers to be both of them church-officers; & not the Pastor for the church: & the Teacher only for the Schools, Though this wee gladly acknowledg, that Schooles are both lawfull, profitable, & necessary for the trayning up of such in good Litrature, • Sam • 0 12 v 19 20 2 king 2 3 v 15. or learning, as may afterwards be called forth unto office of Pastor or Teacher in the church.

CHAP VII. Of Ruling Elders & Deacons.

Rom 12 7 9. 1 Tim 5 17. 1 Cor 12 28.THe Ruling Elders office is distinct from the office of Pastor & Teacher. The Ruling Elders are not so called to exclude the Pastors & Teachers from Ruling, because Ruling & Governing is common to these with the other;Heb 13 17 1 Tim 5 17 wheras attending to teach and preach the word is peculiar unto the former.

1 Tim 5, • 7.2 The Ruling Elders work is to joyn with the Pastor & Teacher in those acts of spiritual Rule

which are distinct from the ministry of the word & Sacraments committed to them▪ of which sort, these be, as followeth.2 Chro. 23 19. Rev 21 12. 1 Tim 4 14. Mat 1 • 17. 2 Cor 2 7, 8 Act 2.6 I to open & sou •• the dores of Gods house, by the Admission of members approved by the church: by Ordination of officers chosen by the church: & by excommunication of notorious & obstinate offenders renounced by the church: & by restoring of poenitents, forgivē by the church. II To call the church together when there is occasion, & seasonably to dismiss them agayn. III To prepare matters in private,Acts • 1.28 22, 23. that in publick they may be carried an end with less trouble, & more speedy dispatch. IV To moderate the carriage of all matters in the church assembled▪ as, to propound matters to the church,Acts 6.2.3 c 13. v 15 2 Cor 8.10 Heb 1 • .7, 7 2 Thes 2.10 11.12 to Order the season of speech & silence; & to pronounce sentence according to the minde of Christ, with the consent of the church. V To be Guides & leaders to the church, in all matters what-soever, pertaining to church administrations & actions. VI To see that none in the church live inordinately out of rank & place; without a calling, or Idlely in their calling. VII To prevent & heal such offences in life,Acts 20.28 v 32. 1 Thes 5.12 Jam. 5.14 Acts 20.20 or in doctrin; as might corrupt the church. IIX To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition. IX And as they shall be sent for, to visit, & to pray over their sick brethren. X & at other times as opportunity shall serve therunto.

3 The office of a Deacon is Instituted in the church by the Lord Jesus▪ somtime they are called Helps. Act 6.3. v 6 P • il 1.1 1 Tim • .8 1 Cor 12.28 1 Tim 3. • , 9.

The Scripture telleth us, how they should be qualified: Grave, not double tongue • , not given to much wine, not give • to filthy lucre ▪ they must first be proved & then use the office of a Deacon, being found Blameless.

The office and work of the Deacons is to receive the offrings of the church, gifts given to the church,Acts 4.36, c 6.2.3 c 6.2 & to keep the treasury of the church: & therewith to serve the Tables which the church is to provide for: as the Lords Tab • e, the table of the ministers, Rom 1 • .8 & of such as are in necessitie, to whom they are to distribute in simplicity.

4 The office therefore being limited unto the care of the temporall good things of the church,1 Cor 7.17 it extends not unto the attendance upon, & administration of the spirituall things thereof, as the word, and Sacraments, or the like.

5 The ordinance of the Apostle, & practice of the church,1 Cor 16.1.2.3 commends the Lords day as a fit time for the contributions of the Saints.

1 Co • 1 • .28 Eph 4.3.11 Acts 20.2 • 6 The Instituting of all these officers in the Church, is the work of God himselfe; of the Lord Jesus Christ; of the holy Ghost▪ & therefore such officers as he hath not appointed, are altogether unlawfull either to be placed in the church, or to be retained therin; & are to be looked at as humane creatures, meer Inventions & appointments of man, to the great dishonour of Christ Jesus, the Lord of his house, the King of his church, whether Popes, Patriarkes▪ Cardinals, Arch-bishop • , Lord bishops, Arch-deacons, Officials, Commissaries ▪ & the like. These & the rest of that Hierarchy & Re • inue, 〈1 paragraph〉 not being plants of the Lords planting, shall all be certeinly be rooted out, & cast forth.

7 The Lord hath appointed ancient widdows, (where they may be had) to minister in the church,1 Tim 5.9, 10. in giving attendance to the sick, & to give succour unto them, & others, in the like necessities.

CHAP: IIX. Of the Electon of Church-Office • s.

NO man may take the honour of a Church-Officer unto himself, but he that was called of God,Act. 5.4 as was Aaro • .

2 Calling unto office, is either Immediate, by Christ himself: such was the call of the Apostles,Galat 1.1 Acts 14.23 cap 6.3 & Prophets: this manner of calling ended with them, as hath been said: or Medi ••• , by the church.

3 It is meet, that before any be orda • ned or chosen officers, they should first be Tryed & proved;1 Tim 5.22 c • p 7 10 Acts 16.2 cap 6.3 because hands are not suddenly to be laid upon any, & both Elders & Deacons must be of honest & good report.

4 The things in respect of which they are to be Tryed, are those gifts & virtues which the Scripture requireth in men, that are to be elected into such places. viz, that Elders must be blameless, sober, apt to teach, & endued with such other qualifications as are layd downe, 1 Tim: 3 & 2. Tit: 1, 6 to 9. Deacons to be fitted, as is directed, Acts. 6, 3. 1 Tim: 3 8, to 11.

Act 14.23 c 1.23. c 6 3.4.5.5 Officers are to be called by such Churches, whereunto they are to min • ster▪ of such moment is the preservation of this power, that the churches excerc • sed it in the presence of the Apostles.

Gal • .136 A Church being free cannot become subject to any, but by a free election;

Yet when such a people do chuse any to be over them in the Lord, then do they becom subject,Hebr. 13.17 & most willingly submit to their ministry in the Lord, whom they have so chosen.

7 And if the church have powr to chuse their officers & ministers, then in case of manifest unworthyness,Rom. 16.17 & delinquency they have powr also to depose them. For to open, & shut: to chuse & refuse; to constitute in office, & remove from office: are acts belonging unto the same powr.

8 Wee judge it much conducing to the wel-being, & communion of churches, that where it may conveniently be done,Cant. 8.8, 9 neighbour-churches 〈…〉 withall, & their help made use of in the triall of church-officers, in order to their choyce.

9 The choyce of such Church-officers belongeth not to the civil-magistrates, as such, or diocesan-bishops, or patrones: for of these or any such like, the Scripture is wholly silent, as having any power therin.

CHAP: IX. Of Ordination, & Imposition of hands.

CHurch-officers are not only to be chosen by the Church,Acts. 13. • cap 14.23 1 Tim. 5.22 but also to be ordeyned by Imposition of hand, & prayer▪ with which at the ordination of Elders, fasting also is to be joyned.

2 This ordination wee account nothing else,Num. 8.10 Act. 6.5.6 cap 13.2, 3 but the solemn putting of a man into his place & office in the Church wher-unto he had right before by election, being like the installing of a magistrat in the common wealth.

Ordination therefore is not to go before, but to follow election ▪ Acts. 6.5.6 cap 14.23 the essence & substance of the outward calling of an ordinary officer in the Church, doth not consist in his ordination, but in his voluntary & free election by the Church, & in his accepting of that election▪ wher-upon is founded the relation between Pastor & flock, between such a minister, & such a people.

Ordination doth not constitute an officer, nor give him the essentials of his office. The Apostles were elders, without Imposition of hands by men: Paul & Barnabas were officers, before that Imposition of hands. Acts. 13.3. The posterity of Levi were Pre • sts, & Levits, before hands were laid on them by the Children of Israel.

1 Tim 4. • 4 Acts 23.3 1 Tim 5.223 I • such Churches where there are Elders, Imposition of hands in ordination is to be performed by those Elders.

4 In such Churches where there are no Elders, Imposition of hands may be performed by some of the Brethren orderly chosen by the church therunto▪ 〈◊〉 • 10 For if the people may elect officers which is the greater, & wherin the substance of the Office consists, they may much more▪ occasion & need so requiring) impose hands in ordination, which is the less, & but the accomplishment of the other.

5 Nevertheless in such Churches where there are no Elders, & the Church so desire, wee see not why Imposition of 〈◊〉 may not be performed by the E • ders of other Churches. Ordinary officers laid hands upon the officers of many Churches: The presbytery at Ep •• sus layd hands up in 〈◊〉 an Evangelist. The presbytery at Antioch laid hands upon Paul & B • rnabas. 1 Ti • 4. • 4 Acts. 13. •

1 Pe • . 5.2 Acts 20.2 • 6 Church Officers, are officers to one church, even that particular, over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers▪ Insomuch as Elders are cōmanded to feed, not all flocks, out that flock which is cōmited to their faith & trust, & dependeth upon them. Nor can cōstant residence at one cōgregation, be necessary for a minister, no no • yet lawfull, if he be not a minister to one cōgregation only, but to the church universall: because he may not attend one part only of the church,Acts 20.28 wherto he is a minister▪ but he is called to attend unto all the flock.

7. Hee that is clearly loosed from his office-relation unto that church wherof he was a minister, can̄ot be looked at as an officer, no • perform any act of Off • ce in any other church vnless he be again orderly called unto Office: which when it shall be, wee know nothing to hinder▪ but Imposition of hand also in his 〈◊〉 ought to be used towards him again. For so Paul the Apostle received 〈◊〉 of hands twice at least, from Ananias. Acts▪ 9.17. & Acts. 13.3.

CHAP X. Of the pow •• of the Chur • h, & its Presbytery.

〈◊〉 2.6 Eph 1.21, 22 Is • y 9.6 Mat • 28.18Supream & Lordly power over all the Churches upon earth, doth only belong unto Jesus Christ, who is King of the church, & the head therof. He hath the Governmēt upon his shoulders, & hath al powr given to him, both in he • ven & earth.

2 A Cōpany of professed believers Ecclesastically Confoederat, as they are a church before they have officers, & without them; so even in that estate,Acts 1.2 • c: 14.13 c: 6.3, 4 M • t: 1 • .1 • 1 Cor, • .4. • subordinate 〈◊〉 & powe • under Christ deligated to them by him, doth belong to them, in such a man̄er as is before expressed. • . 5 • 2. & as flowing from the very nature & Essēce of a church: It being naturall to all bodyes, & so unto a church body, to be furnished with sufficient powr, for its own preservatiō & subsistāce.

3 This Government of the church, is a mixt Goverment (& so hath been acknowledged long before the term of Indepēdency was heard of:) In respect of 〈◊〉 , the head & King of the church, & the Soveraigne power residing in • im, & exercised by him,Rev • 3.7 1 Cor 5.12 it is a Mona • chy: In respect of the body, or Bro • herhoo • of the church, & powr from Christ graunted unto them, it resembles a Democracy, 1 Tim 5.1 • In respect of the 〈◊〉 & powr comited to them, it is an Aristocracy.

4 The Soveraigne powr wh • ch is peculiar unto Christ, is exercised. I In calling the church out of the world unto holy fellowship with himselfe II In instituting the ordināces of his worship,Gal 1.4. Rev 5.8, 9 Matt 28.20 Eph 4.8.1 • Jam 4.12 Is • y 33.22 1 Tim 3.1 • . 2 Cor 1 • .4▪ 5 Is • y 32.2 Luk • 2.51▪ & appointing his ministers & officers for the dispensing of them. III In giving lawes for the ordering of all our wayes, & the wayes of his house. IV In giving powr & life to all his Institutions, & to his people by them. V In protectīg & delivering his church against & from all the enemies of their peace.

5 The power graunted by Christ unto the body of the church & Brotherho •• , is a prerogative or priviledge which the church doth exercise: I In Ch •• sing their own • fficers, whether Elders, or Deacons. II In 〈◊〉 of their own members & therfore, there is great reason they should have power to Remove any fr • m their fellowship again.Acts 6.5. • c 14.23 c 9.26 Hence in ca • e of offence any one brother hath powr to convince & Admonish an offending brother: & in case of not hearing him, to take one or two more to •• tt on the Admonitiō,Matt 18.1 • ▪ 16, 17 & in case of not hearing them, to proceed to tell the church: & as his offence •• y requ • re the whole church hath powr to proceed to the publick Censu •• of him▪ whether by 〈◊〉 , or Excomun • cation:Tit 3. • 0 C • ll 4. •• 〈◊〉 18. •• 2 Cor 2.7, 8 & upon his repentance to restore him▪ againe unto his former cōmunion.

6 In case 〈◊〉 Elder offend incorrigibly the matter s • requiring, as the church had powr to call him to office, so they have powr according to order (the counsell of other churches where it may be had,Collo 4.1 • Rom 16.17 directing therto to remove him frō his Office: & beīg now but a mēber, in case he add cōtumacy to his sin,

the Church that had powr to receive him into their fellowship, hath also the same powr to cast him out,Matt. 13.17 that they have concerning any other member.

1 Tim. 5.17 Hebr. 13.17 • Thes. 5.127 Church-government, or Rule, is placed by Christ in the officers of the church, who are therefore called R • l • ers, wh • le th • y rule with God: yet in case of mal-administration, they are subject to the power of the church, according as hath been sa • d before, the H • ly Ghost frequently,Rom. 12.8 1 Tim. 5.17 1 Cor. 12.28 29. Hebr. 13 7.17. yea alwayes, where it mentioneth Church-Rule, & church-government, ascribeth it to Elders: wheras the work & duty of the people is expressed in the phrase of obeying their Elders; & submiting themselves unto them in the Lord: so as it is manifest, that an organick or compleat church is a body politick, consisting of some that are Governors, & some that are governed, in the Lord.

8 The powr which Christ hath committed to the Elders is to feed & rule the church of God,Acts. 20.28 cap 6.2 Num. 16.12 Ezek. 46.10 Acts. 13.15 & accordingly to call the church together upon any weighty occasion, when the members so called, without just cause, may not refuse to come: nor when they are come, depart before they are dismissed: nor speak in the church, before they have leave from the elders:Hosh▪ 4.4. nor continue so doing, when they require silence, nor may they oppose nor contradict the judgment or sentence of the Elders, without sufficient & weighty cause becaus such practices are manifestly contrary unto order, & government, & in-lets of disturbance, & tend to confusion.

Rev. 2.2 1 Tim. 5.19 Acts. 21.18 22, 23 1 Cor. 5.4▪ 59 It belongs also unto the Elders to examine any officers, or members, before they be received of the church: to receive the accusations brought to the Church, & to prepare them for the churches hearing. In handling of offences & other matters before the Church they have powr to declare & publish the Counsell & will of God touching the same,Num. 6.23, to 26. & to pronounce sentence with consent of the Church: Lastly they have powr, when they dismiss the people, to bless them in the name of the Lord.

10 This powr of Government in the Elders, doth not any wise prejudice the powr of priviledg in the brotherhood; as neither the powr of priviledg in the brethren, doth prejudice the power of government in the Elders;Acts. 14.15 ve. 23. c 6.2 1 Cor. 5.4 • Cor. 2.6▪ 7 but they may sweetly agree together, as wee may see in the example of the Apostles furnished with the greatest church-powr, who took in the concurrence & consent of the brethren in church-administrations.

Also that Scripture, 2 Cor 2.9. & chap 10:6. doe declare, that what the churches were to act & doe in these matters, they were to doe in a way of obedience,Hebr. 13.17 & that not only to the direction of the Apostles, but also of their ordinary Elders.

11 From the premisses, namely, that the ordinary powr of Government belonging only to the elders, powr of priviledg remaineth with the brotherhood, (as powr of judgment in matters of censure, & powr of liberty, in matters of liberty:) It followeth, that in an organick Church, & right administration; all church acts, proceed after the manner of a mixt administration, so as no church act can be consummated, or perfected without the consent of both.

CHAP: XI. Of the maintenance of Church Officers.

THe Apostle concludes, that necessary & sufficient maintenance is due unto the ministers of the word:1 Cor. 9. •• 15. Matt. 9.3 • . c 10.10 1 Tim. 5.18 from the law of nature & nations, from the law of Moses, the equity thereof, as also the rule of common reason▪ moreover the scripture doth not only call Elders labourers, & workmen, but also speaking of them doth say,Gala. 6.6. that the labourer is worthy of his hi • e: & requires that he which is taught in the word, should communicate to him, in all good things;1 Cor. 9.9 vers. 14. 1 Tim. 5.1 • & mentions it as an ordinance of the Lord, that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel; & forbideth the muzling of the mouth of the ox, that treadeth out the corn.

2 The Scriptures alledged requiring this maintenance as a bounden duty, & due de •• , & not as a matter of almes, & free gift therefore people are not at liberty to doe or not to doe, what & when they pleas in this matter, no more then in any other commanded duty, & ordinance of the Lord: but ought of duty, to minister of their carnall things to them,Rom 15. •• ▪ 1 Cor. 9.11▪ that labour amongst them in the word & doctrine, as well as they ought to pay any other work men their wages, or to discharge & satisfie their other debts, or to submit themselves to observe any other ordinance of the Lord.

3 The Apostle,Gala. 6.6 Gal: 6, 6. injoyning that he which is taught communicate to him that teacheth in all good things: doth not leave it arbitrary, what or how much a man shall give, or in what proportion▪

but even the later, as well as the former, is prescribed & appointed by the Lord.1 Cor. 16.2

4 Not only members of Churches, but all that are taught • n in the word, are to contribute unto him that teacheth, in all good things.Galat. 6.6 In case that Congregations are defective in their contributions,Act. 6.3.4 the Deacons are to call upon them to doe their duty: if their call sufficeth not, the church by her powr is to require it of their members, & where church-powr through the corruption of men, doth not, or can̄ot attaine the end, the Magistrate is to see ministry be duely provided for,Neh. 13.11 as appeares from the commended example of Nehemiah. The Magistrates are nursing fathers▪ & nursing mothers, & stand charged with the custody of both Tables;Isay. 49.23 because it is better to prevent a scandal, that it may not come & easier also, then to remove it when it is given,2 Cor. 8.13 14 Its most suitable to Rule, that by the churches care, each man should know his proportion according to rule, what he should doe, before he doe it, that so his iudgment & heart may be satisfied in what he doeth, & just offence prevented in what is done.

CHAP: XII. Of Admission of members into the Church.

2 Chron. 23.19. Mat. • 3.25. & 22.12THe doors of the Churches of Christ upon earth, doe not by Gods appointment stand so wide open, that all sorts of people good or bad, may freely enter therein at their pleasure; but such as are admitted therto, as members ought to be examined & tryed first; whether they be fit & meet to be received into church-society, or not. The Evnuch of Aethiopia,Acts. 8.37 before his admission was examined by Philip,Rev. 2.2 whether he did beleive on Jesus Christ with all his heart the Angel of the church at Ephesus is commended, for trying such as said they were Apostles & were not.Acts 9.26 There is like reason for trying of them that profess themselves to be beleivers.

The officers are charged with the keeping of the doors of the Church,Rev. 21.12 2 Chr 23.19 & therfore are in a special man̄er to make tryall of the fitnes of such who enter. Twelve Angels are set at the gates of the Temple, lest such as were Ceremonially unclean should enter therinto.

Act 2.3 • to 4 • . c 8.3 • 2 The things which are requisite to be found in all church members, are, Repentance from sin, & faith in Jesus Christ. And therfore these are the things wherof men are to be examined, at their admission into the church & which then they must profess & hold forth in such sort, as may satisfie • ati • nall charity that the things are there • ndeed. Iohn Baptist admitted men to Baptism,Matt 3.6. confessing & b • w • yling their sinns: & of other it is said, that they came,Acts • 9. • ▪ & confessed, & shewed the • r deed • .

3 The weakest measure of faith is to be accepted in those that desire to be admitted into the church: becaus weak christians if sincere ▪ have the su • stance of that faith,Rom • 4.1 repentance & holiness which is required in church members: & such have most need of the ordinances for their confirmation & growth in grace The Lord Jesus would not quench the smoaking flax, nor breake the bruised reed,M • tt 12.20. Is • y 40.1 • . but gather the tender lambes in his arms, & carry them gently in his bosome. Such ch • rity & tenderness is to be used, as the weakest christian if sincere, may not be excluded, nor discouraged▪ severity of examination is to be avoyded.

4 In case any through excessive fear, or other infirmity, be vnable to make their personal relation of the • r spirituall estate in publ • ck, it is sufficient that the Elders having received private satisfaction, make relatio • therof in publ • ck before the church, they testifying their assents therunto; this being the way that tendeth most to edification. But wheras persons are of better abil • tyes, there it is most exp • dient, that they make their • elat •• n, 〈◊〉 66. •• & confessions personally with their own mouth, as David professeth of himselfe.

5 A personall & publ • ck confession, & declaring of Gods manner of work • ng upon the soul, is both lawfull, expedient, & usefull, in sundry respects, & upon sundry grounds. Those three th • usands. Acts 2.37.41 Before they were admitted by the Apostles, did manifest that they were pricked • n the • r hearts at Peters sermon, together with earne • desire to be del • vered from their sinn • , which now wounded their consciences, & their ready receiving of the word of promise and exhortation. Wee are to be ready to render a reason of the hope that is in us, to every one that asketh u • :1 Pet 3.1 • therfore wee must be able and ready upon any occasion to do this & shew our 〈…〉 , because these are the reason of a well grou • ded hope▪ He • r 11.1 〈◊〉 1. •• . I have not hidden thy righteousness from the g • e • t congregation. Psal. 40.10.

6 This profession of faith & repentance, as it must be made by such at their admission, that were never in Church-society before: so nothing hindreth, but the same way also be performed by such as have formerly been members of some other church, & the church to which they now joyn themselves as members, may lawfully require the same. Those three thousand. Acts. 2. which made their confession, were mēbers of the church of the Jewes before, so were they that were baptised by John.Matt. 3.5.6 Gallat. 2▪ 4 • Tim. 5.24 Churches may err in their admission: & persons regularly admitted, may fall into offence. Otherwise, if Churches might obtrude their members, or if church-members might obtrude themselves upon other churches, without due tryall, the matter so requiring, both the liberty of churches would hereby be infringed, in that they might not examine those, concer̄ing whose fitness for communion, they were unsatisfied: & besides the infringing of their liberty, 〈1 paragraph〉 the churches themselves would ūavoidably be corrupted, & the ordinances defiled, whilst they might not refuse, but must receive the unworthy: which is contrary unto the Scripture, teaching that all churches are sisters, & therfore equall.

7 The like tryall is to be required from such members of the church, as were born in the same, or received their membership, & were baptized in their infancy, or minority, by vertue of the covenāt of their parents, when being grown up unto yeares of discretion they shall desire to be made partakers of the Lords supper: unto which, because holy things must not be given unto the unworthy,Matt. 7.6 • Cor. 11.27 therfore it is requisit, that these as well as others, should come to their tryall & examīation, & manifest their faith & repentance by an open profession therof, before they are received to the Lords supper, & otherwise not to be be admitted there unto.

Yet these Church-members that were so born, or received in their childhood, before they are capable of being made partakers of full cōmunion, have many priviledges which others▪ not church-mēbers▪ have not: they are in covenant with God; have the seale therof upon them, viz. Baptisme; & so if not regenerated, yet are in a more hopefull way of attayning regenerating grace, & all the spiritual blessings both of the covenāt & seal; they are also under Church-watch & consequently subject, to the reprehensions, admonitions, & censures therof, for their healing and amendment, as need shall require.

CHAP: XIII. Of Church-members their removall from one Church to another, & of letters of recōmendation, & dismission.

CHurch-members may not remove or depart from the Church, & so one from another as they please,Hebr. •• • nor without just & weighty cause but ought to live & dwell together: for as much as they are cōmanded, not to forsake the assembling of themselves together. Such departure ▪ tends to the dissolution & ruine of the body: as the pull • ng of stones, & peeces of timber from the building, & of members from the naturall body, tend to the destruction of the whole.

2 It is therfore the duty of Church-members, in such times & places when counsell may be had, to consult with the Church wherof they are members, about their removall, Prov. •• •• that accordingly they having their approbation, may be incouraged or otherwise desist. They who are joyned with consent, should not depart without consent, except forced therunto.

3 If a members departure be manifestly unsafe, and sinfull, the church may not consent the • unto: for • n so doing,Rom 14.23. 1 Tim 5.22. Acts 2 • .14. they should not act in fa • th: & should pertake with him in his sinn. If the case be doubtfull & the person not to be perswaded, it seemeth best to leave the matter unto God, & not forcibly to detayn him.

4 Just reasōs for a mēbers removall of himselfe from the church are, I If a man cānot cont • nue without partakīg in sin • . Ephe. 5.1 • Acts 9.25. & ver 29.30 chap 8.1 II In case of personall persecutio • , so Paul departed from the disciples at Damascus. Also, in case of generall persecution, when all are scattered. III In case of real & not only pretended, w • nt of competent subsistence, a door being opened for better supply in another place,Nehe • 3. •• together with the meanes of spirituall edification. In these, or like cases, a member may lawfully remove, & the church cannot lawfully detayne him.

5 To seperate from a Church, eyther out of contemp • of their holy fellowship,2 〈◊〉 4. •• or out of coveteousness ▪ or for greater inlargements with just greife to the church; or out of schisme, or w • nt of 〈◊〉 ; & out of a spirit of contention in respect of some unkindness,Rom 16. •• Jude. 1 • . or some ev • ll only conceived▪

or indeed, in the Chu • ch which might & should be tolerated & healed with a spirit of meekness,E • h 4.2.3 Coll 3.1: 〈◊〉 6.1. • & of which ev • ll the church is not yet cō vinced, (though perhaps himselfe bee) nor admonished: for these or like reasons to withdraw from publick cōmunion, in word, or seales, or censures, is unlawfull & sinfull.

6 Such members as have orderly removed their habitation ought to joyn themselves unto the church in order,Isay 56.8 Acts 9.26 where they doe inhabit if it may bee▪ otherwise, they can neyther perform the dutyes, nor receive the priviledges of members; such an example tolerated in some, is apt to corrupt others; which if many should follow, would threaten the dissolution & confusion of churches,1▪ Cor. • 4.33 contrary to the Scripture.

Acts. 18.277 Order requires, that a member thus removing, have letters testimonial; & of dismission from the church wherof he yet is, unto the church wherunto he desireth to be joyned, lest the church sh • uld be deluded; that the church may receive him in faith; & not be corrupted, by receiving deceivers, & false brethren. Untill the person dismissed be received into another church, he ceaseth not by his letters of dismission to be a member of the church wherof he was. The church can̄ot make a member no member but by excōmunication.

8 If a member be called to remove only for a time, where a Church is,Rom 16.1, 2 • Cor. 3.1 letters of Recommendation are requisite, & sufficient for cōmunion with that church, in the ordinances, & in their watch: as Phoebe, a servāt of the church at Cenchrea, had letters writtē for her to the church of Rome, that shee might be received, as becōmeth saints.

9 Such letters of Recommendation & dismission were written for Apollos: For Marcus to the Colosiās; for Phoebe to the Romāes; for sūdry others to other churches.Acts. 18.27 Coll 4.10. Rom. 16.1 & the Apostle telleth us, that some persons, not sufficiently known otherwise, have special need of such letters, though he for his part had no need therof. The use of them is to be a benefit, • Cor. 3.1. & help to the party, for whom they are writtē; & for the furthering of his receiving amongst the Saints in the place wherto be goeth; & the due satisfaction of them in their receiving of him.

CHAP: XIV. Of excommunication & other Censures.

〈1 paragraph〉 THe Censures of the church, are appointed by Christ, for the preventing, removing,

& healing of offences in the Church:Iude. 29. D • ut. 13.11 1 Cor. 5.6 Rom. 2.24 for the reclayming & gayning of offending brethren: for the deterring of others from the like offēces: for purging out the leaven which may infect the whole lump: for vindicating the honour of Christ, & of his church, & the holy profession of the gospel: & for preventing of the wrath of God,Rev. 2.14.15, 16, & 20 that may justly fall upon the church, if they should suffer his covenant, & the seales therof, to be prophaned by notorious & obstinate offenders.

2 If an offence be private (one brother offending another) the offender is to goe,Mat. 5.23.24 Luk. 17.3, • & acknowledg his repentāce for it unto his offended brother, who is then to forgive him, but if the offender neglect or refuse to doe it, the brother offēded is to goe, & cōvince & admonish him of it, between themselves privatly:Matt. • 8.1 • if therupon the offender bee brought to repent of his offēce, the admonisher hath won his brother, but if the offender heare not his brother, the brother offended is to take with him one or two more,V 16 that in the mouth of two or three witneses, every word may be established, (whether the word of admonition if the offender receive it, or the word of complaint, if he refuse it:) for if he refuse it,V 1 • the offēded brother is by the mouth of the Elders to tell the church, & if he heare the church, & declare the same by penitēt confession, he is recovered & gayned; & if the church discern him to be willing to hear, yet not fully cōvinced of his offence,Tit. 3.10▪ as in case of heresy; They are to dispēce to him a publick admonition; which declaring the offēder to ly under the publick offence of the church, doth therby with-hold or suspend him from the holy fellowship of the Lords supper, till his offence be removed by penitent cōfession.M • tt. 18.1 • If he still continue obstinate they are to cast him out by excōmunication.

3 But if the offēce be more publick at first, & of a more heinous & criminall nature, to wit, such as are condēned by the light of nature;1 Cor 5.4 • ▪ 5. & v 11. then the church without such graduall proceeding, is to cast out the offender from their holy cōmunion, for the further mortifying of his sinn & the healing of his soule, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

4 In dealing with an offēder, great care is to be takē, that wee be neither overstrict or rigorous, nor too indulgent or remiss: our proceeding herein ought to be with a spirit of meekness,Galat 6 1. considering our selves left wee also be tēpted; & that the best of us have need of much forgivness from the Lord. Yet the winīg & healīg of the offēders soul,M • t 18.24▪ 25 〈…〉 6.14 being the end of th • se ēdeavours, wee must not daub with ūtempered morter, nor heal the wounds of our brethren s • eightly, on some have compassiō others save with fear.

Matt 1 • .1 • . 2 Cor. • .11. • The. 3.6.145 While the offender remayns excōmunicate, the Church is to refrayn from all member-like communion with him in spiritu • ll things, & also from all familiar cōmuniō with him in civil th • ng, farthe • then the necessity of natural, or domest • cal, or civil relatiōs doe require: & are therfore to forbear to eat & drīke with him, that he may be ashamd.

6 Excōmunication being a spirituall punishment, it doth not prejudice the excōmunicate in, nor deprive him of h • s civil rights, & therfore toucheth not princes, or other magistrates, in point of their civ • l dignity or authority And,1 Cor 14▪ 24 25. the excōmunicate being but as a publ • can & a heathen▪ heathens being lawfully permitted to come to hear the word in church assemblyes; wee acknowledg therfore the like liberty of hearing the word, • Thes 3.14 may be permitted to persons excommunicate, that is permitted unto heathen. And because wee are not without hope of his recovery, wee are not to account him as an enemy but to admonish him as a brother.

7 If the Lord sanctifie the censure to the offender, so as by the grace of Chr • st, he doth testifie h • s repentance, with humbl • cōfession of his sinn, • Cor 2.7, • & judging of himselfe, giv • ng glory unto God; the Church is then to forgive him, & to comfort him, & to 〈…〉 him to the wonted brotherly communion, which formerly he injoyed with them.

8 The suffring of prophane or scandalous livers to continue in fellowship, & partake in the sacrament, is doubtless a great sinn in those that have power in their hand, 〈◊〉 • .14, 15. ver. 20 to red • ess it; & doe it not. Nevertheless, inasmuch as Christ & his Apostles in their times, & the Prophets & other godly in theirs,Mat 23.3. 〈◊〉 3. • did lawfully partake of the Lords commanded ordinances in the Jewish church, & neyther taught not practised seperation from the same, though unworthy ones were permitted therin; & inasmuch as the faithfull in the church of Corinth, wherin were many unworthy persons, & practises, are never commanded to absent themselves from the Sacramēts, • Cor. • chap 15.12 because of the same: therfore the godly in like cases, are not presently to seperate.

9 As seperation from such a Church wherin prophāe & scandalous livers are tolerated, is not presently necessary: so for the members therof, otherwise worthy, hereupon to absta • n from communicating with such a church, in the participation of the Sacraments, i • unlawfull For as it were unreasonable for an in̄ocent person to be punished, • Chron. • 0 • 8. 〈◊〉 •• .25. for the faults of other, wherin he hath no hand, & wherunto he gave no consent: for • s it more unreasonable, that a godly man should 〈…〉 , & punish himselfe in not cōming for his portion in the 〈◊〉 of the seales, as he ought, because others are suffered to come, that ought not: especially, considering that himselfe doth neyther consent to their sinn, nor to their approching to the ordinance in their sinn, nor to the neglect of others who should put them away, & doe not: 〈1 paragraph〉 but on the contrary doth heartily mourn for these things, modestly & seasonably stirr up others to doe their duty. If the Church cannot be reformed, they may use their liberty, as is specified, chap: 13. sect: 4. But this all the godly are bound unto, even every one to do his indeavour, according to his powr & place, that the unworthy may be duely proceeded against, by the Church 〈◊〉 whom this matter doth appertain • .

CHAP: XV. Of the cōmunion of Churches one with another.

ALthough Churches be distinct, & therfore may not be confoūded one with another: & equall,Rev 1.4 • ▪ Cant. 8. • . Rom 1 • .16. 1 Co • 16.1 • Acts 15, 2 • Rev • . • & therfore have not dominion one over another: yet all the churches ought to preserve Church-communion one with another, because they are all united unto Christ, not only as • mysticall, but as a politicall head; whence is derived a communion suitable therunto.

2 The communion of Churches is exercised sundry wayes.

I By way of mutuall care in taking thought for one anothers wellfare..Cant 8.8▪

II By way of Consultation one with another, when wee have occasion to require the judgment & counsell of other churches, touching any person, or cause wherwith they may be better acquainted then our selves. As the church of Antioch consulted with the Apostles, & Elders of the church at Ierusalem, about the question of circumcision of the gentiles,Acts 1 • . • & about the false teachers that broached that doctrine. In which case, when any Church wanteth light or peace amongst themselves,Acts 15.6. it is a way of communion of churches (according to the word) to meet together by their Elders & other messengers in a synod, to consider & argue the points in doubt, or difference,ver: 22.23▪ & haveing found out the way of truth & peace, to commend the same by their letters & messengers to the churches, whom the same may concern.

But if a Church 〈…〉 with d • vision amongst 〈…〉 , or ly under any open 〈…〉 , & yet ref • se to consult 〈…〉 , for healing or re • oving of the same; • t is • matter of just off •• ce both to the Lord Jesu • , & to other ch • rches, as bewraying too much want of mercy & faithfulness, not to seek to bind up the breach • , & wounds of the church & brethren;Ezek 34.4. & therfore the state • f such a church calleth aloud upon other churches, to excert • se a f • ller act of brotherly communion, to witt, by way of admonition.

III A third way then of cōmunion of churches is by way of admonition, to w • tt, in case any publick offēce be found in a church, which they either discern not, or are slow in proceeding to use the 〈◊〉 for the remov • ng & healing of. •• ll 2.11 to 14. Paul had no authority over Peter, yet when he saw Peter not walking with a right foot, he publickly rebuked him before the church: though churches have no more authority one over another, then one Apostle had over another; yet as one Apostle might admonish another, so may one church admonish another, & yet without usurpation. In which 〈◊〉 , if the church that lyeth under offence do not harken to the church which doth admonish he • ,Math 18▪ 15▪ 16.17. by proportion the church is to aquaīt other neighbour-churches with that offēce, which the offending church st • ll lyeth under, together with their neglect of the brotherly admonition given unto them; wherupon those other churches are to joyn in seconding the admonitiō formerly givē: and if still the offēding church con •• nue in obstinacy & impenitency, they may forbear communion with them; & are to proceed to make use of the help of a Synod, or counsell of neighbour-churches walkīg orderly (if a • reater can̄ot conveniētly • e had) for their conv • ction. If they hear not the Synod, the Synod having d • clared them to be obstinate, particular churches, approving & accept • ng of the judgmēt of the Synod, are to declare the sentence of non-cōmunion respectively concerning them: & therupon out of a rel • gious care to keep their own communion pure, they may justly w • thdraw themselves from participation with them at the Lords table, & from such other acts of holy cōmunion, as the communion of churches doth otherwise allow & require. Nevertheless, if any members of such a church as lyeth under publick offence; doe not consent to the offence of the church, but doe in due sort beare witness against it, they are st • ll to be received to wonted c • mmunion: 〈◊〉 18.25 for it is not equall, that the innocent should suffer with the offensi • e.

Yea furthermore; if such innocent members after due wayting in the use of all good meanes for the healing of the offence of their own church, shall at last (with the allowāce of the counsel of ne • ghbour-churches) withdraw from the fellowsh • p of their own chu • ch & offer themselves to the fellowsh • p of another; wee judge it lawfull for the other church to receive them being otherwise fitt) as if they had been orderly dismissed to them from their own church.

IV A fourth way of communion of churches, is by way of participation: the members of one church occasionally comming unto another, wee willingly admitt t • em to p • rtake with us at the Lords table, it being the seale of our communion not only with Christ, nor only with the members of our own church, but also with all the churches of the saints: in which regard,1 Cor • 2. •• wee refuse not to baptize their children presented to us, if either their own minister be absent, or such a fruite of holy fellowship be desired with us. In like case s • ch churches as are furn • shed with more ministers then one, doe willingly afford one of their own ministers to supply the place of an absent or sick minister of another church for a needfull season.

V A fifth way of Church-communion is,Rom 16. • by way of recomendation when a member of one church hath occasion to reside in another church; if but for a season, wee cōmend him to their watchfull ffellowsh • p by letters o • recommendation: but if he be called to settle his abode there, wee commit him according to his desire,Acts •• .27 to the ffell • wship of their covenant, by letters of dismission.

VI A sixt way of Church-communion, is in case of Need, to minister relief • & succour one unto another:Acts 11.22 either of able members to furnish them with officers▪ or of outward support to the necessityes of poorer churches;vers 29. Rom 13.26.27 as did the churches of the Gentiles contribute liberally to the poor saints at Ierusalem.

3 When a compāy of beleivers purpose to gather into church fellowship, it is requisite for their safer proceeding, & the maintaining of the communion of churches, that they signifie their intent unto the neighbour-churches, 〈…〉 proportion. walking according unto the order of the Gospel, & desire their presence, & help, & right hand of fellowship which they ought readily to give unto them, when their is no just cause of excepting against their proceedings.

4 Besides these severall wayes of communion, there is also a way of propagation of churches; when a church shall grow too •• m • rous, it is a way, & fitt season, to propagate one Church out of an other,Is • y 40.20. Deut 8.8, 9. by sending forth such of their mēbers as are willing to remove, & to procure some officers to them, as may enter with them unto church-estate amongst themselves: as Bees, when the hive is too full, issue forth by swarmes, & are gathered into other hives, soe the Churches of Christ may doe the same upon like necessity; & therin hold forth to thē the right hand of fellowship, both in their gathering into a church; & in the ordination of their officers.

CHAP: XVI. Of Synods.

SYnods orderly assembled, & rightly proceeding according to the pattern, Acts. 15. wee acknowledg as the ordinance of Christ:Acts 15.2. •• .15. & though not absolutely necessary to the being, yet many times, through the iniquity of men, & perversness of times necessary to the wel-being of churches, for the establishment of truth, & peace therin.

2 Synods being spirituall & ecclesiasticall assemblyes, are therfore made up of spirituall & ecclesiasticall causes. The next efficient cause of them under Christ, is the powr of the churches, sending forth their Elders, other messengers; who being mett together in the name of Christ,Acts • 5·2, 3 are the matter of the Synod: & they in argueing,ver • 6. debating & determining matters of religion according to the word,vers 7. to 23 & publishing the same to the churches whom it concerneth, doe put forth the proper & formall acts of a Synod; to the convictiō of errours & heresye,vers 31. Act • 104.15 & the establishment of truth & peace in the Churches, which is the end of a Synod.

3 Magistrates, have powr to call a Synod, by calling to the Churches to send forth their Elders & other messengers, to counsel & assist them in mattters of religion:2 Chron 29.4.5. to 11. but yett the constituting of a Synod, is a church act, & may be transacted by the churches, even when civil magistrates may be enemyes to churches & to church-assemblyes.Acts 1 •

4 It belongeth unto Synods & counsels, to debate & determine controversies of faith,Acts 15.1.2 6. • 1 Ch • o 1 • .13. & cases of consciēce; to cleare from the word holy directions for the holy worship of God, & good government of the church▪ to beare witness against •• d-ad •• nistration & Corruption in doctrine or man̄ers in any particular Church,2 Chron • 9.6.7. Acts 15.24 vers 2 • ▪29 & to give directions for the reformation therof: Not to exercise Church-censures in way of discipline, nor any other act of church-authority or jurisdiction: which that presidentiall Synod did forbeare.

5 The Synods directions & determinations, so farr as consonant to the word of God, are to be received with reverence & submission; not only for their agreement therwith (which is the principall ground therof, & without wh • ch they bind not at all:) • ut also secondarily, for the powr wherby they are made,Acts. 15. as being an ordinance of God appointed therunto in his word.

6 Because it is difficult, if not impossible, for many churches to com altogether in one place, in all their 〈◊〉 universally: therfore they may assemble by their delegates or messenger • , as the church of Antioch went not all to Ierusalem,Acts 15. • but so 〈…〉 men for that purpose. B • cause none are o • should be more 〈◊〉 to know the state of the churches, nor to advise of wayes for the good thereof then Elders; therfore it is fitt that in the choice of the messengers for such assembl • es, they have special respect ūto such. Yet in a • much as not only Paul & Barnabas,Acts 15.2 vers 22▪ 23▪ but certayn others also were sent to Ierusalem fro • Antioch. Acts. 15▪ & when they were come to Ierusalem, not only the Apostles & Elders, but other brethren also di • assemble, & meet about the matter; therfore Synods are to consist both of Elders, & other church-members, endued with gifts, & sent by the churches, not excluding the presence of any brethren in the churches.

CHAP: XVII Of the Civil Magistrates powr in matters E • c • esiastic • l.

IT is lawf • ll, profitable, & necessary for christians to gather themselves into Church estate, & therin to exercise all the ord • nā • es of chr • st according unto the word,Act 2.41.47 cap 4. • ▪ 2, 3 although the consent of Magistrate co • ld not be had therunto; because the Apostles & christ • ans in their time did frequently thus practise, when the Magistrates be • ng all of them Jewish or pagan, & mostly persecuting enemies, would g • ve no countenance or consent to such matters.

2 Church-government stands in no opposition to civil govenment of cōmon-welths, • ohn 18▪ •• nor any intrencheth upon the authority of Civil Magistrates in their jurisdictions;John 1 • .36 Acts • 5.8. nor any whit weakneth their hands in governing; but rather strengthneth them, & furthereth the people in yielding more hearty & conscionable obedience ūto them, whatsoever so • e • ll affected persons to the wayes of Christ have suggested, to alienate the affections of Kings & Princes from the ordinances of Christ; as if the kingdome of Christ in his church could not rise & stand, without the falling & weakning of their government, which is also of Christ: wheras the contrary is most true, that they may both stand together & flourish the one being helpfull unto the other, 〈◊〉 4 • .23. in their distinct & due administrations.

3 The powr & authority of Magistrates is not for the restraī ing of churches, or any other good workes, but for helping in & furthering therof;Rom 13.4. 1 Tim 2.2. & therfore the consent & countenance of Magistrates when it may be had, is not to be sleighted, or lightly esteemed; but on the contrary; it is part of that honour due to christ • an Magistrates to desire & crave their consent & approbation therin: which being obtayned, the churches may then proceed in their way with much more encouragement, & comfort.

4 It is not in the powr of Magistrates to compell their subjects to become church-members, & to partake at the Lords table: for the priests are reproved,Ezek 44.7, 9 that brought ūworthy ones into the sāctuarie: then, as it was unlawfull for the preists, so it is as unlawfull to be done by civil Magistrates.1 Cor 5.11 Those whom the church is to cast out if they were in, the Magistrate ought not thrust into the church, nor to hold them therin.

5 As it is unlawfull for church-officers to meddle with the sword of the Magistrate, so is it ūlawfull for the Magistrate to meddle with the work proper to church officers▪ Matth • 0.25.26. the Acts of Moses & David, who were not only Prīces, but Prophets, were extraord • nary; therfore not imitable.2 Chron 26 16.17. Against such usurpation the Lord witnessed, by smiting Uzziah with leprosie, for presuming to offer incense

6 It is the duty of the Magistrate, to take care of matters of religion, & to improve his civil authority for the observing of the duties commanded in the first,Psal▪ 82.2. as well as for observing of the duties commanded in the second table They are called Gods. The end of the Magistrates office, is not only the quiet & peaceable life of the subject,1 Tim 2. • ▪ 2 in matters of righteousness & honesty, but also in matter▪ of godliness, yea of all godliness. Moses, Joshua, David, Solom • ̄ ▪ Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah,1 Kings 15.14. c 22.4 • 2 King 12.3 c 14.4. c 15.35. 1 Kings 20.42. Job 29.25. c 3 • .26.28. Ne 1 • Jonah 3.7. Ezra 7. 〈◊〉 3. •• . are much commended by the Holy Ghost, for the putting forth 〈◊〉 authority in matters of religion: on the contrary, such Kings as have been fayling this way, are frequently taxed & reproved by the Lord. & not only the Kings of Judah, but also Job, Nehemiah, the king of Niniveh, Darius, Artaxerxes, Nebucadnezar, whom none looked at as types of Christ, (thouh were it soe, there were no place for any just objection▪) are cōmēded in the book of God, for exercising their authority this way.

7 The object of the powr of the Magistrate, are not things meerly inward, & so not subject to his cognisance & view, as unbeleife hardness of heart, erronious opinions not vented; but only such things as are acted by the outward man; neither is their powr to be exercised, in commanding such acts of the outward 〈◊〉 , & punnishīg the neglect therof, as are but meer invētions, & devices of men;1 Kings 2 • ▪ 2 • . vers 4 • . but about such acts, as are commanded & forbidden in the word; yea such as the word doth clearly determine, though not alwayes clearly to the judgment of the Magistrate or others, yet clearly in it selfe. In these he of right ought to putt forth his authority, though oft-times actually he doth it not.Deut 13. 1 Kings 2 • .28. vers 42. Dan 3.29. Zach 13. •• Neh 13.2 • ▪ 1 Tim 2.2. Rom 〈…〉

8 Idolatry, Blasphemy, Heresy, venting corrupt & pernicious opinions, that destroy the foundation, open contempt of the word preached, prophanation of the Lords day, d • sturbing the peaceable administration & exercise of the worship & holy things of God, & the like, are to be restrayned, & punished by civil authority.

9 If any church one or more shall grow schismaticall, rending it self from the communion of other churches, or shall walke incorrigibly or obstinately in any corrupt way of their own, contrary to the rule of the word; in such case, the Magistrate is to put forth his coercive powr, as the matter shall require.Joshua •• ▪ The tribes on this side Jordan intended to make warr against the other tribes, for building the altar of witness, whom they suspected to have turned away therin from following of the Lord.

FINIS

A TABLE OF THE CONTENTS OF THE CHAPTERS IN THIS, 〈…〉 . CHAP I Of the Form of Church-government in generall, & that it is one, 〈◊〉 , & prescribed in the word of God. Pag 1 CHAP II Of the nature of the Catholick Church in general • , & in special of a particular visible Church. Pag 2 CHAP III Of the matter of the visible Church, both in respect of quality, & quantity. Pag 3 CHAP IV Of the Form of a visible Church, & of Church-Covenant. Pag 4 CHAP V Of the first subject of Church-powr, or to whom Church-powr doth first belong. Pag • CHAP VI Of the Officers of the Church, & specially of Pastors & Teachers. Pag 7 CHAP VII Of Ruling Elders, & Deacons. Pag 8 CHAP IIX Of Election of Church-Officers. Pag 10 CHAP IX Of Ordination, & Imposition of hands. Pag 11 CHAP X Of the powr of the Church, & its pres • itery. Pag 12 CHAP XI Of the maintenance of Church Officers. Pag 15 CHAP XII Of the Admission of members into the Church. Pag 16 CHAP XIII Of Church-members their removall from one Church to another, & of letters of Recommendation & dismission. Pag 19 CHAP XIV Of Excommunication, & other Church-Censures. Pag 20 CHAP XV Of the Communion of Churches one with another. Pag 23 CHAP XVI Of Synods. Pag 27 CHAP XVII Of the civil Magistrates powr in matters ecclesiastical. Pag 28

Errata The faults escaped in some of the bookes thus amended

Note that the first figures stands for page the next for line pag 8 19▪ r they. 10 11. r not, be. 13.26. r admission. p. 16.28. r Philip. 17.5. r Acts. 19.18.18.28 r not bee adm▪ 19. r one. r to. 21.21. r convinced▪ 25.35. r there▪